Step Into Swim is pleased to announce strategic partnerships with key program supporters Master Pools Guild (MPG), Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) Foundation, and Periodic Products, Inc. The partners committed a total of $95,000, which will help Step Into Swim gift grants to learn-to-swim providers across the country and fund swim lessons for nearly 2,000 children while driving down the drowning rate.

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The PHTA Apprenticeship Program is the only nationwide program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor for the pool, spa, and hot tub industry. It allows the pool profession to be more competitive with other industries that are also struggling for entry-level talent. This program is free for PHTA members and combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction and skills-based education. More than 30 companies are currently enrolled, with apprentices active in their journey and education process! If you're looking to hire before the busy summer season, enroll your company in the PHTA Apprenticeship Program now!

We are excited to announce that, for the first time, the World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC) is co-locating with PSP/Deck Expo! Join us November 13-15, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV and network with a broader audience, visit the trade show floor, and experience the high-quality education you've come to know at WAHC.

Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines, PHTA Vice President of Partnerships & Development, will be delivering the keynote address at the Carecraft Annual Meeting next week in Marco Island, FL. If you're attending, be sure to stop by the Step Into Swim tabletop to meet Rowdy and learn more about how you can provide the life-saving gift of swim lessons to children in underserved communities.

There are still a few seats remaining for the two GENESIS® pre-conference courses happening next week at Everything Under the Sun in Orlando. During E245: Standards, Codes, and Ordinances; A Builder's Guide to Proper Implementation, you will examine what these documents require of all parties affected by them and conclude with providing background and intent on the provisions within these documents. C410: Advanced Pool Construction covers advanced soil mechanics, difficult site solutions, and advanced concrete science. Register today and earn CILB credits needed for your license!

Bryan Brugger and Steve Gutai from Fluidra are leading the next free CPSA webinar on February 22. This month's webinar will cover energy efficiency in your pool designs, including flow, pipe sizing, pumps, and hydraulics. This topic is relevant to all PHTA members, not just those in California! Save your virtual seat today.

PHTA and NESPA are co-hosting both C201: GENESIS® CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL: Concrete Pools and C260: GENESIS® CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL: Vinyl Liner/Fiberglass Pools at the NESPA headquarters in Hamilton, NJ, March 1-3. C201 and C260 are the only courses in the industry that satisfy the requirement for the Certified Builder Professional (CBP) designation. CBP is the only certification recognized for licensure! Register today and get certified before the busy season.

The PHTA Midwest Chapter Spring Training & Expo is taking place March 6-10 in Downers Grove, IL. PHTA and GENESIS® will be there teaching the CMS, CHTT, CST, and CPO certification courses, as well as C260: GENESIS® CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL: Vinyl Liner/Fiberglass Pools, which is a required course to earn your CBP.

If you're planning to attend the Master Pools Guild meeting in Birmingham, AL, come in early and take C201: GENESIS® CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL: Concrete Pools on March 20-22. This course moves each student through all phases of concrete pool construction in great detail, unlike anything else offered in the industry. This is our most popular GENESIS® course, so register today before it sells out!

Join PHTA and the California Pool & Spa Association (CPSA) on March 22 at Skylinks Long Beach for the CPSA Golf Tournament. Space is limited! Join us the day before the Western Pool & Spa Show begins. Treat your staff and invite your customers for a fun day of golf and fun! Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Your customers text. So should your business. Connect with website traffic, get more reviews, collect payments, and more by sending a quick message. Podium can help you grow your business. Check them out at www.podium.com or contact them at (833) 276-3486.

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.

Nominations for CPSA members to serve of the 2023-25 CPSA Board of Directors is open. For more information regarding serving on the board, please contact Susan Kregar at skregar@phta.org or call (602) 619-2129. To submit your nomination, fill out the application form and be sure to check the 'Chapter/CPSA Board of Directors' box under the Interest section. The deadline has been extended to February 28!

The San Diego Chapter is hosting a meeting tomorrow, February 16 at Elijah's Restaurant from 6-9pm PT. RSVPs are required.

See the full schedule for the San Diego Chapter's 2023 training series. Get up to date with the manufacturers of the products you use most. Every attendee receives 2 free cases of chlorine from Alpha Water. Lunch is provided! Only 25 seats per training.

Even though we build pools, that doesn't mean we can't help build houses! Support Habitat for Humanity Tucson's Pool Industry Build on Saturday, February 25 from 7:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. in Tucson. Invite your colleagues! Water and snacks will be provided. Construction experience not required.

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!

PHTA has issued a call for participation on the Standards Consensus Committee (SCC), PHTA's official consensus voting body. The SCC is responsible for reviewing and voting on all pool, spa, and hot tub standards to be approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Applications are due this Friday, February 17. Submit your application today!

Calling all stakeholders interested in PHTA-16 Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFAs) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs! We're looking for subject matter experts to participate on the PHTA-16 Standard Writing Committee. This standard establishes materials, testing, certification, and marking requirements for new or replacement fully submerged drain covers for use in any body of recreational water. This standard is the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Standard referenced in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA).

Join PHTA in Washington, DC on March 29-30 for the PHTA Day on the Hill. PHTA will schedule all Congressional meetings on your behalf, provide you with background and leave-behind materials for each meeting, and prep you in advance with material previews and a pre-event webinar. The Day on the Hill is designed to provide each attendee with a valuable experience; from those who have never been to the Hill, to the veterans who've traveled every hallway. PHTA will tailor meetings to each person to make sure your voice is used effectively. Register today!

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.

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