In recognition of National Water Safety Month in May, PHTA and Step Into Swim reveal results of our national survey about swimming safety concerns and share tips for keeping kids safer in the water. With drowning as the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4, these efforts underscore the importance of swimming education, instilling confidence in young swimmers, and empowering parents to foster safe practices in the water.

PHTA is excited to announce its newest Strategic Partner, Raypak. For 75 years, Raypak has been the world’s leading manufacturer of copper finned heating appliances. Raypak’s unique partnership with Rheem has resulted in both companies expanding into new areas of technology and creating industry-changing innovations. Raypak and Rheem supply 400 percent more heat pumps than the rest of the U.S. pool market. Raypak’s design goals are and have always been high quality, reliability, and energy efficiency. Adhering to these basics is the reason the reputation of the company is held in such high regard by pool professionals, design-build consultants, distributors, dealers, and homeowners.

PHTA is pleased to announce that Pentair is continuing to support National Water Safety Month as the 2022 Program Sponsor. As Program Sponsor, Pentair will play a key role in raising awareness of water safety and highlighting the importance of public education regarding safer practices for children and adults in and around water.

We're now accepting applications for PHTA volunteers! PHTA benefits greatly from dedicated volunteers who lend their expertise in creating the PHTA products and services that govern our industry. Working through our councils and committees, our volunteers help shape our consumer outreach efforts and our future in regulatory and code creation/compliance. The application deadline is June 15. Volunteer terms begin November 2022.

We know our pool builder members have gone above and beyond in the last year, keeping up with increased demand and disrupted supplies. We're looking for the 2022 Builder of the Year! Who is the best pool builder you know? Complete and return the Nomination Form by June 15.

PHTA is looking for committed individuals to guide the organization through today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. We are seeking nominees for the PHTA Board of Directors. Whether you’re nominating yourself or a colleague, having a strong board that represents the different segments of our industry is key to our long-term success and advancing the industry. Download the Nominee Packet to learn more about the role our board plays, and fill out the Nomination Form by June 1.

GENESIS® D231: Color Theory and Its Application starts Monday, May 9! Color is one of our basic means of communication and it influences our emotions, so it must be understood and controlled. This course, taught by Feras Irikat, introduces the basic dynamics of color, its principles, fundamentals, its psychology, and how to apply the science to project design. Registration is open for just a few more days—save your virtual seat now!

PHTA seeks to improve public health by creating a safer aquatic environment and attracting more people to aquatic exercise through education and research. The PHTA Scholarship Program was founded to honor public swimming pool or spa operators who have pursued further education to better protect public health. Scholarships are awarded for the fall semester of each year. The complete application must be received by July 8.

The PHTA Fellowship Program exists to encourage and support graduate students and post-doctoral fellows who focus research in two areas associated with water-treated aquatic venues (e.g., swimming pools, spas/hot tubs, therapy pools, water parks, etc.). Applicants must be enrolled full-time and pursuing an advanced academic degree or be a post-doctoral researcher at an academic institution. In order to be considered for the fall 2022 semester, the complete application must be received no later than July 8.

Did you know that every five seconds, a homeowner turns to Angi Leads looking for a pro? We’re excited to help maximize your online presence and offer a 25% discount on Angi Leads for your first 30 days to get you started. Franchisees considering joining Angi Leads have a dedicated sales team to answer questions about the program. Call (855) 607-0127, email phtaleads@angi.com, or visit pro.homeadvisor.com/r/phta.

PHTA is looking for seasoned industry professionals who want to give back to the industry by sharing their knowledge, experiences, and advice with another PHTA member through our unique, members-only mentoring program. Your level of commitment is in your hands – you can select your start and end dates, identify how many mentees you’d like to accept, and approve or decline requests from prospective mentees. View our Mentor Toolkit to learn more.

PHTA is always growing! In April, 58 companies and individuals from around the country and the world joined PHTA. Meet our newest members and reach out to them to say hello!

PHTA has issued a call for participation on the PHTA-16 Standard Writing Committee (SWC) to develop a revision of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs that is the Drain Cover Standard referenced in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA).

All stakeholders, including drain cover manufacturers, certifying bodies, pool designers, public health and building code officials, local municipalities, pool and spa operators, and service companies, are invited to apply for the PHTA-16 Standard Writing Committee. 

As pool disinfection technology evolves, and pool maintenance for complex systems becomes more and more challenging, pool owners and pool professionals continue to seek solutions for chlorine-resistant pathogens as well as the reduction of chemical use. This edition of Tech Notes, published in AQUA Magazine, examines Advanced Oxidation Process systems, also known as AOP systems, and their use in modern pool maintenance.

AQUA
Long-term projects, such as pool construction, face a cost-escalation challenge brought about by skyrocketing material and labor costs.

AQUA
Just as many employers are getting workers' and related costs under control, the COVID pandemic is introducing new hazards to the regulatory terrain. While claims are increasing for mental distress and pandemic-related accidents, state regulatory agencies are expanding coverage to a presumption of the workplace origination of infections, medical marijuana use, and other novel areas.

Inc.
You may need to step up your benefits education so that employees understand and value them.

Forbes
Sixty-one percent of small business owners said that social missions are very important to them and their businesses. Companies can take a variety of actions that both support a social mission and match their business interests and priorities.

Bob Kulstad came to AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc. four years ago with education and experience in industrial engineering, financial engineering, information systems, supply chain management and much more. He quickly became an integral and respected member of the leadership team at the manufacturing facility in St. Petersburg, Florida. His impact and dedication has earned him this promotion to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for all of Team Horner Group. 

If you know a young professional in the swimming pool industry who deserves some recognition, please submit their information to PoolPro's 30 Under 40, brought to you by Jandy, PHTA, and the WAVE Network.

PoolPro
Earth Day was April 22. Here are examples of pool companies doing their part to help conserve our most precious commodity.