California Pool & Spa Association (CPSA) Chair Scott Cohen recently wrote an article for AQUA Magazine highlighting some of the pool design features that can help prevent evaporation and other potential water waste.

The Pool Owners/Non-Owners Attitudes & Perceptions Consumer Study covers important topics that pool professionals need to know. This study identifies key attributes that drive pool considerations, purchasing motivations, and financing preferences; uncovers barriers to pool purchases; and profiles the optimal consumer targets and key messages to increase pool and spa consideration. Pre-order your copy today!

Mark Trapani, PHTA-10 Standard Writing Committee Chair, explains the purpose and importance of the new ANSI/PHTA/ICC-10 2021 American National Standard for Elevated Pools, Spas and Other Aquatic Venues Integrated into a Building or Structure. This new standard focuses on several areas, the most significant of which is the need for a secondary containment system in order to prevent water infiltration into the structure below

The summer pool season is winding down, which means our education calendar is filling up! The next opportunity to take a GENESIS® course is September 15-17, in New Brunswick, NJ. PHTA and GENESIS® are teaming up with the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) to host C260: GENESIS® CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL: Vinyl Liner/Fiberglass Pools. Day one will cover 8 hours of required hydraulics for both vinyl liner and fiberglass pool installations. Days two and three will cover the fundamentals of installation, structural components, automatic pool covers, and additional water features for both vinyl liner and fiberglass pools. C260 is a required course to become a Certified Builder Professional (CBP). Register today!

Terry Brannon, P.E., is leading September's virtual Advanced Builder Workshop! Brannon, who serves as the GENESIS® Engineering Faculty Advisor and has more than 40 years of aquatics engineering experience, will teach you what you need to know to bring your pool building skills to the next level. The workshop includes two GENESIS® courses: E245: Standards, Codes and Ordinances: A Builder's Guide to Proper Implementation and C410: Advanced Pool Construction. You can take one course or the other, or both! Class starts September 19.

If you're in the builder or service sector, let PHTA support your continuing education and certification goals with the $5,000 Greg Garrett Scholarship Award. This new scholarship, developed by the PHTA Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQC) in memory of industry leader Greg Garrett, will recognize a PHTA member who shows extraordinary desire in furthering their career through education. Fill out an application today! Applications are due September 16.

Attending PSP/Deck Expo this November? PHTA and GENESIS® will be there too — with a full lineup of education and events. See a schedule-at-a-glance for all PHTA and GENESIS® activities, find information on the PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception and WAVE Young Professionals Reception, get introduced to the new PHTA Breakfast of Champions, and learn more about our member programs and resources. Download the PHTA Guide to PSP/Expo, which will be updated regularly until the show starts November 12!

We are pleased to announce that this year's keynote speaker is Rudy Stankowitz! Rudy is an author, host of the Talking Pools podcast, and CPO Instructor, to name just a few of his many professional and personal pursuits. In his session, Rudy will explore the unique challenges that pool professionals face and how your "you-ness" is a benefit to your business.

Ted Hebert, founder and president of Teddy Bear Pools & Spas in Chicopee, MA, has been working in the industry for 56 years. He recalled the early days of AQUA International in Las Vegas — an event for which he eventually became a seminar presenter — and expressed enthusiasm for what’s next.

GENESIS® education is coming to Equip Exposition in Louisville, October 18-21! Learn from instructors Skip Phillips, Jason Brownlee, and Paul John Boulifard on how to best incorporate pools into your overall landscape design. Watch this video to learn more!

Aqualine is PHTA members' go-to source for questions and information regarding group medical benefits, general liability, auto, property, and workers compensation. They represent multiple insurance carriers nationwide that offer a variety of insurance solutions. In addition to insurance offerings, Aqualine offers 401(k) programs where companies can outsource the fiduciary liabilities of running the plan to them. They work with clients to develop specific processes and plans to keep them in compliance and help reduce their tax liability. For more information, visit aqualineinsurance.com or contact Brandon Riggs at briggs@aqualineinsurance.com or (949) 421-3522.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Mentor Match program reflects our commitment to you and your professional development. This unique online networking and career development tool helps you find, connect and share experiences with others. Your mentor or mentee can be in the same city or on the other side of the world. Apply today to become a mentor or mentee!

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a pre-publication Federal Register notice determining that portable electric spas qualify as a covered product under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. A victory for IHTA/PHTA, this notice paves the way for the DOE to begin working on test procedures and rules governing energy efficiency for portable electric spas. Through our coalition, IHTA/PHTA will continue advocating for the inclusion of ANSI/APSP/ICC-14 American National Standard for Portable Electric Spa Energy Efficiency in future DOE energy efficiency rules. The final determination will go into effect 60 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register.

Sign up for the PHTA Government Relations Newsletter! Get the latest news on our advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, and find out ways you can get involved. Plus, get legislative alerts when there's an upcoming event or action item in your area.

Spa Retailer
When making purchases, consumers are more interested than ever in how a brand addresses social and environmental issues. 

Inc.
The latest round of relief from the U.S. Treasury is on its way to small businesses as recession concerns continue to climb across the nation. The Treasury has announced plans to roll out its third round of funds from the reauthorized State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to Colorado, Montana, New York, and Oregon.

Forbes
The Inflation Reduction Act will help small businesses and working Americans by investing in deficit reduction to fight inflation, increasing manufacturing, lowering drug prices, and leveling the playing field. Learn more about the IRA and what it means for small business and working families. 

Starting September 1, 2022, PHTA Strategic Partner Fluidra will begin to move the CMP-branded Pool Products inventory from the Newnan, GA to their Memphis, TN distribution center. Fluidra plans to complete the move of all Pool Products by December 31, 2022. Fulfillment of CMP Spa Products will not change.

PoolPro
When a customer sees the final plaster work of a pool job, it better look pretty enough to them. Otherwise, the pool builder will hear about it. That’s why pool pros say picking subcontractors carefully — especially plaster pros — is essential. 

Aquatics International
Commercial and public pool operators must ensure that all steps are taken to minimize the risk for illness and injury associated with treated recreational water. Pool chemical injuries are preventable. 

Pool and Spa News
Discover expert tips from these retail veterans that will keep customers returning to your pool store again and again. 

Pool Magazine
Experts say that a lifeguard shortage could affect a third of nationwide public pools. The ongoing staffing shortages are causing many swimming pools around the nation to shorten operation hours and in some cases close earlier this swim season, according to the American Lifeguard Association.