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HFS Financial
PHTA UPDATES
  
Peak season is coming swiftly, and your new hires need to learn quickly in order to be effective. Sometimes, newbies can feel like they were thrown into the deep end, instead of learning step one: how to float.

To help you onboard staff fast with the 101’s of the industry, PHTA has just launched our NEW Pool and Hot Tub Industry Introduction course! New employees from all levels and areas of the business will learn basic pool and hot tub components, definitions, safety, novice-level water chemistry, how the industry works, and other ground-level information to help them paddle into their new positions. They will also be introduced to the PHTA Certification pathways and the further learning they can find on their own.

The course is online, on-demand, and ready to be conveniently integrated into your onboarding program. Helping your new employees grow helps you and your business succeed. 
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has decided to aggressively enforce the Right to Repair provisions of the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. These provisions are intended to prevent manufacturers from unreasonably restricting customer options regarding warranty covered repairs. The recent FTC policy statement has identified eight examples of manufacturer/dealer conduct what has the potential for "restricting competition for repair services" "without reasonable justification." If you have questions, please contact PHTA Legal Counsel Steve Getzoff.
  
There are countless reasons why you should submit your best work to the PHTA Awards of Excellence, but here are the top few!
– Build credibility with potential clients
– Enjoy year-round publicity through features from PHTA and AQUA Magazine
– Earn industry recognition
– Gain international prestige at the PSP/Deck Expo Awards Reception in November
– Market your business as "award-winning"!

The deadline is July 10, but don't delay. And remember, all PHTA member companies receive one free entry this year!
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
  
No matter where you fit in the industry, the Department of Energy has a critical regulation hanging in the balance for 2023 that could affect the hot tub or spa business. In this month's AQUA Magazine, check out PHTA's Industry Insights article featuring Justin Wiley, PHTA Vice President of Government Relations, Standards, and Codes; Nathan Coelho, Vice President of Engineering at Master Spas;  Michael Michaud, Executive Director of the Hydraulics Institute; and Tracine Marroquin, Vice President of Marketing at the Jacuzzi Group.
EDUCATION AND EVENTS
  
Congratulations to all those who took the next step in furthering their careers and earned new certifications in February and March of this year!
– 1 CMS
– 2 CST
– 1 CHTT
– 23 CPI
– 4,735 CPO
– 39 CBP
– 3 Advanced CBP
  
"Pool contractors often ask me, ‘How can I make my pools look better?’" says GENESIS® instructor Kirk Bianchi, owner of Bianchi Design. Many are surprised by his answer: "Stop focusing on the pool. Design everything else first, especially the backdrop, and then the pool will feel like it belongs." Kirk's course, D265: Master Designer Methods: Kirk Bianchi, Crafting the Outdoor Space as a Living Art Form begins this Monday, April 17. Read this article from Kirk about his design theory and what you'll learn from the course, and then get yourself registered for this virtual evening course!
  
Are you familiar with the world's most famous water features? Can you effectively answer questions from your clients about them? D280: History of Pools and Water Features will guide you through the world's most renowned swimming pools and water features from ancient, historical, to today's contemporary installations. We'll identify the who's who of today's most influential water feature designers and why this knowledge is necessary to relate to your clientele. D280 is being offered virtually on the evenings of May 16, 18, 23, 25 and is a required course to become a Master CBP. Register today!
As of April 1, new homes in L.A. County will not be plumbed for natural gas. How will people heat their spas and pools? What is the future of gas-operated pool products in L.A. County and the state of California? Watch the recording of the California Pool & Spa Association's (CPSA) latest webinar to find out! Led by Jason Davidson, PHTA Director of Government Relations, and John Norwood, Norwood & Associates.

 

 
MEMBERSHIP
  
Diplomatic and low-cost ($22 or less per account) collection solutions! Receivables are a critical part of any business. American Profit Recovery (APR) provides PHTA members with the best, most cost-efficient solutions to receivable issues with a discount of 10% for PHTA members. APR does this without alienating customers, and offers the perfect solution to help reduce internal costs and increase cash flow. PHTA members maintain control of the entire outsourced collections process through APRweb, the fully secured, browser-based program. For further information, please contact Matt Moskowitz at (800) 711-0023 or visit americanprofit.net

 

  
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 will soon be forming the next Standard Writing Committee to revise the current ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. This standard is the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Standard referenced in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA). If you're interested in being part of the process, applications are due next Monday, April 17!
ADVOCACY
The EPA's latest WaterSense Current newsletter features a link to the Jump into Pool Water Efficiency guide that includes important water conservation information from PHTA. From the EPA:

"Did you know that evaporation is one of the leading causes of water loss in residential pools? Before making a splash in your backyard pool this summer, make sure it is adequately covered so you can avoid wasting water and money. Installing a solid pool cover can reduce evaporation by more than 90 percent and, in the case of heated pools, save between 50 and 70 percent of pool heating costs."
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
  

Meet the Pentair IntelliFlo3® Variable Speed and Flow Pool Pump, the only pump with patented sensorless flow technology to automatically adjust water flow to a pool’s conditions. Plus, with options for connectivity for both the homeowner and the pool pro, the pool can be monitored and controlled anytime, anywhere. IntelliFlo3 combines true set-it-and-forget-it patented flow technology paired with the smart connectivity of the Pentair Pro and Home app also features:
– Easy installation, control, and remote monitoring.
– Lay in bonding-lug tray for easy wire attachment on retrofits.
– Monitoring and operation using WiFi or Bluetooth® wireless technology. 
– Seamless software updates for feature enhancements.
– Optional built-in automation can control up to two relay devices.

Jump in now and access product resources at the all-in-one Pentair IntelliFlo3®​ VSF Pool Pump HUB.

allBusiness
Inbound marketing involves producing content that solves a customer’s problem, and in so doing, a small business gains the trust – and future business – of that consumer.
Spa Retailer
There is a perception that warranty work keeps retailers in the red, but by providing quality customer service, they can up-sale customers on new products and establish a sense of trust that keeps the customer coming back.
Pool & Spa Marketing
The greatest threat to businesses in the internet age are cyber-attacks, which can decimate a business’ finances when the company doesn’t have cyber insurance.
INDUSTRY NEWS
  
D&D Technologies®, the inventor and manufacturer of the MagnaLatch® Pool Safety Gate Latch and the world leader in high-performance gate hardware, has partnered with the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) to establish the Check Your Pool Gate Month campaign during National Water Safety Month beginning the first day of May. The initiative was created to remind pool owners of the vital need to ensure pool fences, gates, latches, and hinges are secure, adjusted correctly, and incorporate multiple layers of protection to help secure the pool area from unauthorized entry. Every pool owner should be confident they have a safe swimming zone.
Pool Magazine
After pushback from the California pool industry, including the CPSA Board of Directors, the state legislature has pushed a controversial bill allowing local governments to impose a tax on trichlor tablets to 2024.

UPCOMING EVENTS
17
Apr 2023
 
April 17, 19, 24, 26
6-10 p.m. ET
Virtual
26
Apr 2023
 
April 26
4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET
1
May 2023
 
May 1-4
6-10 p.m. ET
Virtual
8
May 2023
 
May 8-11
6-10 p.m. ET
Virtual
16
May 2023
 
May 16, 18, 23, 25
6-9:30 p.m. ET
Virtual