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PHTA UPDATES
  
The PHTA Day on the Hill is back—March 29-30 in Washington, DC! Every day, members of Congress work on legislation that impacts our industry. The PHTA Day on the Hill educates you on how to effectively advocate for the pool, spa, and hot tub industry; brings you face-to face with policymakers; and gives you an opportunity to discuss issues important to you. The experience also allows you to build relationships with Congressional offices and convey our industry’s story and the impact we have on the national economy.
  

GENESIS® is pleased to announce Greg Andrews as its new Tile Faculty Advisor. Andrews is Co-Founder of National Tile and Stone Authority, Inc. and has been working in the tile industry for over four decades. For the last 20 years, Andrews’ work has been focused almost exclusively on pool tile installation. He joined the GENESIS® team as an instructor more than 10 years ago and has taught a wide variety of courses, from pool tile and coping to waterproofing methods. He is a key instructor for C201: GENESIS® CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL: Concrete Pools, one of the most popular courses offered.

  
Do you live or work in Texas? If so, please take a few moments to complete our brief, 10-question survey about the Texas Pool & Spa Coalition (TPSC). PHTA is conducting this survey to better understand how we can service the industry, our Texas members, and Texas pool companies in general. We appreciate your participation! The deadline to submit your answers is February 28.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
 
This is your LAST CHANCE to register for the PHTA Leadership Certificate Program Powered by Cornell University! Join an online cohort of fellow PHTA members and learn the skills you need to elevate your career and your organization. Whether you're a first-time manager or part of the C-suite, you will learn things like: setting appropriate employee performance goals, determining current workforce needs, developing a hiring plan, and negotiation skills. Classes begin next Wednesday, February 1.
 
EDUCATION AND EVENTS
The next PHTA Instructor Assessment School is happening virtually this March and April! The Instructor Assessment School is designed to verify students’ ability to educate and to provide mentorship to the candidates who wish to become PHTA Instructors. The school will prepare students to teach PHTA products and programs. Applications are due January 31, so don't delay!
  
Kate Wiseman, MLA, will introduce you to the fundamentals of good design during D211: Elements of Design, taking place at the Southwest Pool & Spa Show February 8-9. During this course, you will learn how to lay out the different improvements in your projects by breaking down the fundamentals into two categories: the Elements of Design and the Principles of Design. You will develop a better understanding of spatial organization and spatial relationships and use these concepts to design beautiful spaces that connect with the surrounding environment. D211 is a required course to become an Expert CBP. There's still time to register!
  
Take your pool building skills to the next level when you attend Everything Under the Sun in Orlando February 24-25! GENESIS® is teaching both E245: Standards, Codes, and Ordinances; A Builder's Guide to Proper Implementation and C410: Advanced Pool Construction. These important courses will set you apart from the competition and raise your professionalism in the eyes of your clients. We're just a month away—register today!
  
C201: GENESIS® CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL: Concrete Pools always sells out early! If you've missed your chance for a seat the last few times, we have more C201 offerings coming up! Choose from March 1-3 in New Jersey, March 20-22 in Alabama, or May 1-4 virtually. Topics covered include site analysis, introductory fluid engineering, geotechnical and structural engineering, shotcrete, waterproofing, tile, interior finishes, coping, and concrete decking. Take the course and find out for yourself why it's our most popular!
  
To meet the educational demands of an increasing market, GENESIS® now offers a 24-hour vinyl liner / fiberglass pool construction course. We have two upcoming offerings of C260: GENESIS® CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL: Vinyl Liner/Fiberglass Pools. Choose from March 1-3 in New Jersey or March 8-10 in Illinois. You'll gain a better understanding of the installation process, bearing capacity, the physics of water, and so much more. Plus, C260 fulfills the requirement to earn your Certified Builder Professional designation!

 

 
MEMBERSHIP
  
Dell Technologies offers PHTA members a wide range of reliable business class technology solutions—from cutting-edge Laptops, Desktops, and All-in-One systems to powerful Servers, award-winning Monitors, and an extensive line-up of Dell branded accessories. Through this partnership, PHTA members have access to a number of valuable benefits:
– Exclusive Member Savings: Stackable 5%-10% coupon
– Access to a dedicated Small Business Advisor
– Dedicated PHTA landing page
– Access to Dell Financial Services.

To access these benefits, visit https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/lp/phta or call (800) 757-8442 to speak with a Small Business Advisor. For any additional questions around your Dell benefits, email PHTA’s Account Executive at Sidney_Duckworth@Dell.com.

 

  
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!
STANDARDS AND CODES

PHTA and CPSA encourage our members to participate in the 2025 California Energy Code cycle. PHTA attended introductory webinars in October 2022 and will continue to participate in this process but need the expertise of our members on energy-related issues. Updates to the California Energy Code serve as the basis for changes in other state building codes, federal law, and industry standards including the ASHRAE family of standards and the International Energy Construction Code.

Members can register to review suggested proposals on Solar Pool and Spa Heating, Heat Pump Pool Heating and Variable Speed Exception, and Pool Covers/Pool Insulation for New Construction during a call on Wednesday, February 1 at 11:30am Eastern here.

We are actively looking for members to join the Standard Writing Committees (SWCs) for the PHTA-1 Standard for Public Pool and Spa Design, Construction and Installation and PHTA-16 Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFAs) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. Fill out an application by January 27 to be considered!
Dell Inc.
ADVOCACY
The 118th Congress began on Tuesday, January 3 but was not sworn in until January 6 when Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20) became the 55th Speaker of the House. With the change in party leadership, the committee leadership in the House introduced new leaders for important committees pertinent to our issues.
This month, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) adopted standards regulating portable electric spas (PES) and replacement dedicated-purpose pool pump motors. The final rules take effect June 26, 2023. Both rules closely align New York with California's Title 20 appliance efficiency standards. More information about the adopted standards, test procedures, and product certification and verification can be found on the NYSERDA standards webpage.
Last year, the Department of Energy (DOE) tentatively determined that portable electric spas (PES) qualify as a covered product under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), marking a victory for PHTA/IHTA and paving the way for DOE to begin a lengthy rulemaking process establishing national standards. This month, PHTA/IHTA's portable spa coalition continued its work and submitted comments in response to a DOE Notice of Data Availability (NODA) and request for comment. This step in the DOE rulemaking process historically precedes a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) proposing efficiency standards. PHTA/IHTA continue to strongly advocate for DOE standards and testing procedures to mirror APSP-14. For more information, reach out to Justin Wiley. To view recent and ongoing rulemakings and notices, check out the DOE's webpage for portable electric spas.
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.
FOR YOUR BUSINESS
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Congress’ end-of-year omnibus bill has three provisions that help small businesses, including a crack down on retail theft, boosting access to employee retirement benefits, and simplifying the mergers and acquisitions process.
Inc.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans submitted over 5 million new small-business applications in 2022.
INDUSTRY NEWS
PoolPro Magazine
Plaster experts, including GENESIS® faculty advisor Shaun Goldberg, explain that when plastering a large commercial pool, workers must be strategic and prepared.
Aquatics International
Above-the-waterline components like perimeter grating need to be regularly maintained to ensure the public’s safety.
Service Industry News
Service professionals are in a special position to be able to remind homeowners about water safety through some simple recommendations.

UPCOMING EVENTS
24
Jan 2023
 
January 24-26
Atlantic City, NJ
1
Feb 2023
 
February 1 - May 4
Virtual / On-Demand
8
Feb 2023
 
February 8-11
Houston, TX
24
Feb 2023
 
February 24-25
Orlando, FL
1
Mar 2023
 
March 1-3
Hamilton, NJ
Co-hosted with NESPA
1
Mar 2023
 
March 1-3
Hamilton, NJ
Co-hosted with NESPA
8
Mar 2023
 
March 8-10
Downers Grove, IL
Co-hosted with PHTA Midwest Chapter
22
Mar 2023
 
March 22
10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. PT
Long Beach, CA
23
Mar 2023
 
March 23-25
Long Beach, CA
29
Mar 2023
 
March 29-30
Washington, DC
1
May 2023
 
May 1-4
6-10 p.m. ET
Virtual