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WINTER 2010 | 5

features10 APSP Annual Report

Education and training industry professionals and protecting and enhancing the environment in which the industry thrives is APSP’s reason for being. Take a look back at what we accomplished in the last fi scal year.

12 Why Standards Matter, Why You Should CareThe pool and spa industry cares about quality and safety. Read how setting standards has gotten that message across to the public, and how everyone – from consumers to customers – has benefi tted. BY MARY LOU JAY

16 Code Changes Take Persistence and Know-HowNorth Carolina’s Building Code was amended to adopt ANSI/APSP-7. See how one woman – Wendy Purser –made things happen in her state. BY MARY LOU JAY

18 ‘Expert’ Tips on Surviving the RecessionSage advice or business school jargon? PK Data reads between the lines. BY BIL KENNEDY

20 What is MyAPSP.org?Members felt a need for a greater sense of community within the association. APSP’s answer – MyAPSP.org, an association networking site that facilitates communication and cooperation throughout the industry. BY JENNIFER WALTERS

22 The Dawn of a New DayCareer Institute aligns Service Certifi cations to Best Practices.

departments07 Board of Directors/Code of Ethics

09 Chairman’s MessageBY CHARLIE SCHOBEL

27 APSP SafetyBY HELEN BLOCH

28 APSP News & Resources

31 New Members

33 Advertiser Index

12 22

WINTER 2010

AQAPSP QUARTERLY

Cover: iStock| Adrian Hillman

437151_Bio.indd 1 7/17/09 11:31:40 AM

To: Pool & Spa Builders, Retailers, Service Professionals,

Manufacturers and Distributors From: Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show Re: Challenging Times Call for Immediate Actions-------------------------------------The Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show has the answers.

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Don’t miss our Monday All-Day Business Program: Your Greatest Tool for Business

Success: Making The Numbers Work for You to learn from our expert business panel

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New and changing laws and codes have you scratching your head.We are here to help in every aspect of our show!We provide training seminars for every SVRS system on the market, VGB Act and building

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from over 400 of the industry’s top manufacturers and distributors andleave knowing that you have what it takes to make the sale.

Attendees: For more information and to register go to www.nespapool.org

Exhibitors:Exhibitor Space Applications now being accepted. Download the necessary forms on our website.

Exhibits: January 26 - 28, 2010Conference: January 25 - 28, 2010

454520_Northeast.indd 1 11/17/09 8:18:31 PM

WINTER 2010 | 7

APSP board of directors

Offi cersChairman of the BoardCharlie SchobelChemtura

Chairman-ElectKathleen CarlsonAqua Quip

Secretary/TreasurerJoe AmatoAmato Industries Inc.

Past ChairmanTerry Brown, CBPBuddy’s Pool Service

Region DirectorsRegion 1 NESPASteve Gorlin, CSP/CBPSteven J. Gorlin & Company

Region 2Doug WinklerSwimkare

Region 3Joe JonesTexas Blue Lake Pools Inc.

Southwest RegionJeff Mitchell, CBPDynasty Pools

Region 5Todd GruenewaldMunie Leisure Center

Region 6Chris FerrissSplash Pool Services

Region 7Dan Johnson, CBPSwim Inc.

Region 9Chris CallananNorth Shore Pool & Spa

Region 10Richard PettyPetty Pools

Northwest RegionVance GilletteGillette Consulting, Inc./Under contract to Zodiac

NonvotingBill Weber, Pres & CEOAssociation of Pool & Spa Professionals

Division Council Directors

Builders CouncilJoe Vassallo, CBPParagon Pools

Retailers CouncilKelly ReedContemporary Watercrafters

Distributors CouncilDominick LatinoPOOLCorp

Service CouncilBob Baron, CSP/CBPBaron Pool Service

Manufacturers CouncilKirk SullivanSan Juan Products

Hot Tub CouncilChris RobinsonLucite International

Manufacturers Agents CouncilJami PittmanStellar Sales

Directors at Large

Jerry PasleyJacuzzi Hot Tubs & Sundance Spas

Mark LavenLatham International

All members of The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals agree to be dedicated to and to comply with the following ethical principles and policies:• To contribute to the health, safety and

welfare of the public in the design, manufacture, installation, maintenance and operation of swimming pools, spas and hot tubs by complying with all applicable laws, ordinances or regulations and refraining from engaging in fraudulent or deceptive acts or practices.

• To hold all necessary federal, state and local licenses, registrations and permits.

• To respect and not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others and to refrain from using the property of others without their prior, written consent.

• To advertise products, services and prices truthfully and consistently with all federal, state and local advertising practices requirements.

• To establish prices in a manner that does not involve collusion with a competitor and to clearly communicate such prices to potential customers or clients prior to providing such products or services.

• To provide written sales agreements when such are requested by customers or required by law.

• To comply with the terms of all agreements, oral or written, regarding the provision of products or services.

• To respond to any consumer complaints made to any governmental authority, Better Business Bureau or equivalent nongovernmental authority.

• To exclude from company ownership or senior management any person or entity who or which, within the past three (3) years, has been convicted of or pleaded no contest (or its equivalent) to any felony or other crime involving business or fi nancial practices.

• To use the APSP name, logo and other intellectual property only when and as permitted by APSP, and to cease all such use upon suspension from or termination of membership in APSP.

• To fi le a complaint with APSP regarding a potential violation of this Code of Ethics only when in possession of credible evidence of such potential violation.

• To cooperate fully with any APSP investigation of a potential violation of this Code of Ethics.

Association of Pool & Spa Professionals code of ethics

454520_Northeast.indd 1 11/17/09 8:18:31 PM

8 | AQ APSP QUARTERLY

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WINTER 2010 | 9

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP)2111 Eisenhower AvenueAlexandria, Virginia 22314-4695703.838.0083 • Fax 703.549.0493Email: [email protected]: APSP.org

APSP OFFICERS (2010)

APSP Chairman of the BoardCharlie Schobel

APSP Chairman-ElectKathleen Carlson

APSP Secretary-TreasurerJoe Amato

APSP Past Chairman Terry Brown, CBP

AQ EDITORIAL STAFF

APSP President and Chief Executive OfficerBill Weber

APSP Director of CommunicationsKirstin Pires

AQ ContributorsHelen BlochCarvin DiGiovanniMichael ReedNina SchwartzLauren Stack

Published by Naylor, LLC5950 Northwest 1st PlaceGainesville, Florida 32607800.369.6220, 352.332.1252 Fax 352.331.3525www.naylor.com

Publisher John KilchensteinEditor Leslee MastersProject Manager Kim DaviesPublication Director SaraCatherine SedberryAdvertising Sales Laura Barnes, Amanda Blanchard, Stephen Gladney, Nicki NeSmith, John O’Neil, Paul WoodsMarketing Erin SevitzLayout & Design Irene PohoreçkaAdvertising Art Julius Muljadi

AQ (APSP Quarterly) is published four times a year for The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. Copyright ©2009 by The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. All rights reserved and all commercial use of the contents prohibited except if expressly authorized in writing by the association. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent offi cial positions or policies of APSP.

PUBLISHED DECEMBER 2009/APS-Q0409/8051

WE ALL KNOW that these are challenging times for nearly every industry. Now, more than ever, membership in your trade association is vitally important to not only the association, but to members of the industry. More than ever, the industry needs to stand together to protect the business we love and to help each other grow stronger. And that sums up the purpose of APSP in a nutshell.

Membership is the core of any organization, and I am pleased to be starting my chair-manship as APSP launches its new Membership Ambassador Program. The MAP seeks to engage current members and encourage ongoing recruitment of new members to the asso-ciation by focusing on networking and professional and personal relationships.

Membership ambassadors can be individuals, companies or organizations. They enroll online at www.APSP.org to receive their personal MAP I.D. numbers and then begin recruit-ing new or lapsed members. Ambassadors are paid a cash incentive for each new member they sign up and also receive special recognition in APSP publications, on the APSP Web site and at APSP events.

This program can be a welcome bonus to individuals, but companies and organizations can challenge each other or create internal competitions to recognize those who recruit the most members. And in the end, we all win by supporting the association that supports the industry, growing the APSP ranks and introducing friends and colleagues to the benefi ts of APSP membership.

So please join me in an industry-wide effort to increase the membership of APSP. Standing together, we’re better able to withstand the challenges ahead.

Charlie SchobelAPSP Chairman of the Board

chairman’s message

The Power of Connection

AQAPSP QUARTERLY

Volume 3, No. 1 • WINTER 2010

… we all win by supporting the

association that supports the

industry, growing the APSP ranks and

introducing friends and colleagues to

the benefi ts of APSP membership.

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Government Relations, Advocacy and Standards The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has accredited APSP to

facilitate the development of the nation’s pool and spa standards. APSP works to advance and protect the industry regardless of the economic climate. Thanks to our member volunteers serving on the Technical Committee, who generously give of their expertise and time, APSP has continued to refi ne its existing standards and move forward with new ones as market conditions change, such as in the area of energy effi ciency. We continue to build strong alliances in this area, which will fur-ther consolidate our position as the voice of the pool, spa and hot tub industry.

APSP forged relationships with NSF International and the International Code Council (ICC) that will yield benefi ts for the industry for many years to come. Our agreement with NSF International provides for research and testing services to support the requirements in the APSP standards – and general research for the recreational-water industry – focused on prevention of injuries and recreational water illnesses. APSP and ICC agreed to work together to develop the nation’s fi rst all-encompassing comprehensive swimming pool and spa code that will coordi-nate with other international codes, meet the requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and upgrade pool and spa safety. It’s expected to be ICC approved no later than 2012.

ICC affi rmed its confi dence in APSP standards when it reaffi rmed incorpo-ration of ANSI/APSP-7 (standard for suction-entrapment avoidance) in both the International Residential Code for residential pools and the International Building Code for public pools.

The ANSI standards referenced by the VGB Act on drain covers and SVRS devices are currently maintained by ASME, but going forward APSP and IAPMO will publish these standards as APSP/IAPMO -16 on drain covers and -17 on SVRS. Energy effi ciency standards for hot tubs and for pools (ANSI/APSP-14 and -15, respectively) are being developed through the ANSI consensus process.

ANSI approved the new ANSI/APSP -11 standard on water quality require-ments for public pools and spas and it is now available through the APSP store. ANSI approved a new ASME 2009 spa supplement to the ASME A112.19.8

standard (referenced in the VGB Act) to improve the hair test for drain covers for portable spas/hot tubs. The hot tub-friendly addendum will save manufacturers from costly (and unnecessary) retooling and re-engi-neering while remaining compliant with the VGB Act. The addendum was written by an APSP portable hot tub task force with supportive testing conducted by NSF.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act has provided the catalyst for much of our work. APSP was quick to assess the challenges of interpreting and applying the law and developed an entrapment identity checklist as well as a fi eld-verifi cation test kit that can help builders and code and health offi cials verify that the VGB drain cover and sump combi-nation installed actually performs in compliance with the act. In addition to developing these tools for members, we have worked with the CPSC to provide technical know-how and evidence from the fi eld to assist the agency in implementing the act in an effi cient and sensible way. Member volunteers have led the way in many cases, working to get codes enacted locally.

A new grassroots government relations plan is under way, led by our new government relations associate, Jennifer Hatfi eld. The new structure will allow us to disseminate information and training down to the local level and receive information collected at that level in return. APSP will have a much-improved readiness capability and be prepared and able to act when regulatory or advocacy issues arise.

Taken as a whole, our work in standards, government relations and advocacy makes us more capable than ever to protect and advocate for our members.

Professional Development For 2009, the professional development initiatives of the APSP

Career Institute focused on three priorities: a complete overhaul of the Service Certifi cation program, the accreditation of high-quality industry

APSP Annual Report

HE 2008-2009 FISCAL year was challenging for everyone, and the pool, spa and hot

tub industry did not escape the conditions that affected the entire economy. Everyone fromfrom

manufacturers to end-users tightened their belts and the APSP was no exception. Economic

challenges notwithstanding, the association continued to strengthen its offerings to members

and we remained aggressive in standards, industry representation, professional development and

communication. Like our members, we are positioning to emerge from the economic downturn stronger

and smarter and with an enhanced position as the voice of the industry for best practices, responsible

regulation and safety promotion.

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WINTER 2010 | 11

education programs and the development of online education programs.

The new Fourth Edition of the APSP Service Tech Manual includes several features, including an improved layout and educational tools. The Service Certifi cation Program now aligns itself with the best practices of our members by certifying entry-level Maintenance Specialists and more-experienced Certifi ed Service Technicians. These certifi cation classes will continue to be offered by chapters and regions with a standardized curricu-lum and highly qualifi ed volunteer instructors. Updated exam procedures will help ensure that APSP meets the highest standards set for certifying organiza-tions, while important new marketing materials – including new certifi cation logos and marketing messages that can be used by members to win more busi-ness – are now located on the APSP website.

In 2009, APSP released the APSP Retail Sales Associate Certifi cate Program, a comprehensive training experience designed specifi cally for retail employees in entry-level, seasonal and fi rst-line supervisory positions. This unique pro-gram covers the essentials of pool, spa and hot tub systems and helps to create a customer-service attitude. The self-directed learning program engages learners of any age or experience level. An optional Facilitator’s Guide allows store man-agers to create an engaging, semi-custom program for employees.

Recognizing and accrediting education programs is an important role for APSP. Many organizations work together to elevate the professionalism of the industry. Members seeking quality programs can look to APSP to recommend the best education programs and instructors. Education providers that carry the APSP Accredited logo are subject to an annual evaluation process that looks at all aspects of program design, delivery and marketing.

APSP is constantly exploring new ways to deliver content online. The asso-ciation currently has a regular schedule of webinars, certifi cate programs and Quick Tips Clinics available online 24/7. These programs are designed to be fl exible and grow as the industry evolves.

The strength of the CI model is partnering committed volunteers like those who serve on the Service Council, the Builder’s Council and the CI Board of Regents under a unifi ed vision for industry education and development. APSP will continue to refi ne the outstanding professional development offerings at Expo along with the development of new programs, including the much-antic-ipated Certifi ed Hot Tub Technician program and an exciting new curriculum for the Certifi ed Building Professional program.

For ongoing updates on these projects see the Career Institute website at www.apsp.org/CareerInstituteOverview.aspx.

Safety InitiativesSafety is perhaps the most important message that APSP can bring to con-

sumers. Co-sponsored by APSP, National Parks and Recreation Association and World Waterpark Association, National Water Safety Month was celebrated in May 2009. New participants will join the effort in 2010, including the American Red Cross, IPSSA and the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Plans for 2010 also include the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson in early June.

APSP recently published a new comprehensive safety brochure, “Be Safety Aware.” It shows consumers in an appealing and professional for-mat how to be safe and enjoy industry products. Carvin DiGiovanni, senior director, technical & standards was recognized with the National Drowning Prevention Association’s Community Service award for his longstanding efforts to promote safety.

APSP Uses of FundsFY 2008-2009

APSP Sources of FundsFY 2008-2009

The VGB Act has provided opportunities for APSP to support the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In particular, APSP was able to coordinate a coalition of eight organizations including the American Red Cross, International Swimming Hall of Fame, National Swimming Pool Foundation, National Recreation and Park Association, NSF International, YMCA of the USA and World Waterpark Association to come together in support of a proposal with a national PR fi rm to participate in the CPSC’s national public awareness campaign required by the legislation.

Marketing and MembershipMembership numbers have refl ected economic realities this year; still,

our numbers remain relatively stable. New dues policies were implemented this year to encourage membership. They include fl at dues for category 2 and 3 members, anniversary dues billing, monthly and quarterly dues payment plans and a new allied supplier category. The new database being implemented will accelerate and enhance membership promotion and tracking.

A number of incentives were launched to encourage membership in APSP. Highlights included targeted direct-mail campaigns, telemarketing, kits and fl yers and a “Membership Ambassador Program” that provides cash rewards for successful membership recruiting.

Services and benefi ts to members include business generation with the online member locators, and bottom-line savings on business products and services ranging from liability insurance to overnight shipping and credit card processing to reduced utility costs. Members also receive discounted pricing on a wide variety of industry products and publications, includ-ing the ANSI/APSP standards and consumer safety-awareness materials. Numerous new and improved marketing materials and brochures have been created, including APSP’s fi rst Products and Services Catalog, which is available online or in print.

Outreach APSP seeks to use its preferred position as industry spokesperson to

provide relevant information to consumers. Through a national fi rm, APSP placed editorial features for distribution throughout the summer months. The stories were picked up by many newspapers and Web sites, exposing millions of readers to APSP messages.

“Water . . . the essential element of a great backyard,” a consumer DVD, was produced and distributed to homeowners showing testimonials, tips and the benefi ts of pools, spas and other water elements in the backyard. The International Awards of Excellence program yielded 145 winning projects selected from around the world. Plans are under way to revamp the program to make it more relevant and gain wider consumer attention. The new consumer section on APSP.org will include a member locator, and eventually a prospect generator, so consumers looking for pool and spa information can be paired with APSP members in their areas. > 25


Why Standards Matter,Why You Should CareA

Creating Standards by Consensus If standards come directly from an industry orga-

nization, without any outside input, consumers and regulators are more likely to see them as self-serving. So APSP and its predecessor organization, NSPI, have worked since 1983 through ANSI (the American National Standards Institute) to develop standards of quality and safety for the industry’s services and prod-ucts. ANSI provides the structure by which accred-ited standards developers like APSP can write, debate and gain widespread acceptance for its standards.

The process is complex. When the industry needs a new standard, APSP brings together subject experts to draft one, then sends the draft out for comment to a voting body that includes a balanced mix of indus-try representatives, safety experts, outside testing labs, academia, government regulators and public health offi cials. APSP also publishes the draft so any inter-ested person or organization can comment and vote on it.

N INDUSTRY THAT establishes credible, carefully developed

standards for its products and services sends a powerful

message to the public: “We care about quality and safety.”

The standards developed by the pool and spa industry have

benefitted consumers and regulators as well as those involved in

the business.

BY MARY LOU JAY

APSP staff members Jennifer Hatfi eld, second from left, and Carvin DiGiovanni, right, represented APSP at ICC hearings in November.

WINTER 2010 | 13

Educational Standards

For pool and spa standards to be eff ective, the mem-

bers of the industry have to be knowledgeable about

them. That’s where APSP’s Career Institute programs

come in.

“Standards are written in code language, and that is

not always user friendly for our members,” says Michael

Reed, APSP’s Career Institute director. “Our education

programs put subject-matter experts, people who know

the topics intimately, in front of members and the indus-

try to make sure that we’re communicating and teaching

those standards.”

APSP has also established an industry standard for

pool professionals through its certifi cation programs.

Service technicians, service professionals and pool build-

ers who earn the certifi cations raise the quality bar for

those who work in the business.

“Earning a professional designation defi nes a person

as someone who is committed to our industry and com-

mitted to ongoing training and lifelong learning,” says

Reed. “Our certifi cations are a challenging process, and

earning one separates a person out from others in the

industry who may be doing a great job, but who have

not taken the steps to distinguish themselves as true

professionals.

“I think that standards and certifi cations demonstrate

to the public a commitment to safety,” he adds. “They

demonstrate that we are a group of professionals, that

our industry is not a subset of the landscape industry or

the construction industry, but a unique industry unto

itself, with very specifi c requirements. It requires a certain

amount of expertise to be a professional in our industry.”

The Florida Spa and Pool Association delegation inspects the pool at the Florida governor’s residence.

APSP must respond to every comment it receives, and share any objec-tions that can’t be reconciled with the entire voting body. Two-thirds of the voting group must approve a standard for it to be adopted.

“Having an ANSI stamp on our standards makes them very attractive to government offi cials since they know it has gone through this open consen-sus process,” says Carvin DiGiovanni, APSP technical director.

“Government offi cials are not experts in pool safety and the nuances of electrical and pumps and suction. So if they have a standard that they can reference, that they can use, and it’s based on science, consensus and achieving goals, it makes their lives easier,” adds Steve Barnes, safety and compliance manager at Pentair Water Pool and Spa and chair of APSP’s technical committee. “ANSI is mission-critical; we’re trying to move all pool standards into that domain.”

Encouraging ConsistencyStandards help bring consistency to the pool and spa industry, espe-

cially as they become incorporated into building codes and other regula-tions. After the adoption of ANSI/APSP-7 2006 on suction entrapment avoidance, for example, the International Code Council adopted the stan-dard into the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC). Since many states and local jurisdictions base their own building codes on the IRC and the IBC, the ANSI/APSP standard should soon become widespread industry practice.

“If people don’t follow the standard, or put something in a code that’s different, that’s contradicting a standard, and it hurts us,” adds Jennifer Hatfi eld, director of government and public affairs for the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) and government affairs associate with APSP.


“The standard has also been very helpful in shaping the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which is in all respects consistent with the ANSI / APSP-7 entrapment avoidance standard,” says Steven Getzoff, out-side national counsel for APSP. “Although the standard is not referenced by name in the statute, the content and credibility of that standard had a major effect on the statute being written the way it was, and in us being able to persuade Congress that the all-encompassing approach that the standard takes in preventing all forms of entrapment was the way to go.”

Following standard industry practices can help a pool builder or manu-facturer facing legal action as well. “In the event of a lawsuit, if a product does not comply with a voluntary industry standard, it will look very bad for a builder or a manufacturer who created the condition. The fact that a product fails to meet an industry standard does not, as a matter of law, require a fi nding of negligence or a product defect, but it’s compelling evi-dence and will certainly be used by the plaintiff’s attorney against them,” says Getzoff. “Nobody wants to be in front of a judge or a jury trying to explain why they weren’t aware of or following an industry standard.

“If a company did comply and follow the standard, that also is consid-ered signifi cant evidence that they were not negligent,” he adds.

Raising the BarPeriodic reviews of standards encourage the pool and spa industry

to incorporate improvements in technology and construction methods into them.

“Every industry grows and changes,” says Hatfi eld. Just as new cars have become safer and new homes in Florida more hurricane-resistant, pools today are safer than they were years ago. “These improvements are based on what we’ve learned, so as we learn more, the industry stan-dards will continue to change.

“For example, we’re developing energy effi ciency standards now, which we never had before,” Hatfi eld continues. “We have learned to develop more energy effi cient pump motors; we have learned that big-ger piping is more effi cient than smaller piping. The fact that we are developing and redeveloping standards should provide consumers with the confi dence that the pool industry is continuing to move forward.”

Continually raising the minimum standard encourages innovation by companies that want to set themselves apart. “When the minimum level of a pump is pretty noisy, a company doesn’t have to do that much to make a quieter one to compete. But when the minimum is pretty

®

443013_Poolspa.indd 1 8/27/09 10:45:12 PM

WINTER 2010 | 15

quiet, and the company wants to maintain its position, it will have to do something more innovative. If it is a quality manufacturer, and now everyone has to sell that quality, the company will have to fi nd a new angle. Innovation is the surest way to do that,” adds Barnes.

Consumer AdvantagePool and spa companies that build to and beyond industry standards

have a powerful marketing tool, because consumers today are seeking them out. “With the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and the prevalence of energy-effi ciency requirements — especially in states like California, where they’re dealing with brownouts — I believe homeowners are now aware of safety standards and of energy-effi ciency standards. Five years ago I would have said the exact opposite,” says Barnes.

In the long run it is the pool buyers who benefi t from the establish-ment of standards and from the ensuing improvements in the quality and safety of their pools and spas.

“Standards offer protection for the pool buyer, a minimum level of quality and construction and safety — and in the future, energy effi ciency — so that people get what they pay for,” says Barnes. Manufacturers

of everything from clothes to electronics look for cheaper ways to do things, because people often make their buying decisions on cost. “Without standards, the equipment and product quality can become diminished.

“Consumers want the least-expensive pool they can buy, so sometimes builders and manufacturers will use the least-expensive options to get the work. So pumps that used to last 10 years will now last maybe two. Things can spiral down to where the quality is terrible,” he continues.

“Setting minimum standards — for example, with California Title 20, which specifi es that pumps be high effi ciency — can exclude the cheap stuff. The standard raises the level to a minimum effi ciency, and it adds just $3 to $15 dollars to the cost of the pump. But because every-one has to use this better-quality pump motor, it lasts longer, it’s more energy effi cient,” Barnes adds.

That levels the playing fi eld and gives the consumer a better point from which to start. “We want people to be happy with their pools and spas, and we want [pools] to perform as intended,” Barnes says. “My personal belief is that standards are the best way to get there for our industry and for our customers.” AQ

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Code Changes Take

Persistence and

Know-How BY MARY LOU JAY

ENDY PURSER, CBP, never started out to change North

Carolina’s building code. As owner of Hampstead Pool

and Patio she had plenty to keep her busy. But when state

officials began talking to her about the conflicts between the

state code and the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act,

she knew she had an opportunity to make a real difference for pool

builders in her state.

Purser was president of APSP’s North Carolina Chapter and a member of APSP’s advisory board when state inspectors shut one of her jobs down because they said she was using the wrong pipe. (She wasn’t). She read up on the applicable codes and, sample pipe in hand, set out for Raleigh, the state capital, to appeal. (She won.)

So Purser had some idea of how to proceed when other pool builders in the state called her in the summer of 2008 about problems they were having with state code inspectors. North Carolina had adopted a new residential building code in 2006, and as part of that revision, required pool builders to put a suction vacuum release system (SVRS) on a skimmer line. Like many other states, North Carolina had adopted the International Residential Code (IRC), but unlike other states, it had left out the section that exempted skimmer lines.

“I knew I had to get skimmers exempt, because it was the single main drains that needed the SVRS,” Purser says. It took her some time to determine that the right contact was in the Office of the Fire Marshall in the State Insurance Department. “I grabbed a skimmer, put it in my truck and made an appointment in Raleigh,” she says.

Purser had researched the subject extensively and was well-prepared when she went into the meeting, providing documentation to show how other states were addressing the issue. Ultimately, she was successful in getting the skimmers exempt.

ENDY PURSER,

Carolina’s buildi

and Patio she had p

officials began talking t

state code and the Virginia

she knew she had an opport

builders in her state.W

WINTER 2010 | 17

Getting a Standard Into Code Around this time, Congress passed the Virginia

Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB), and state officials turned to Purser for information about it. “I knew I had an opportunity, so I called Ray Cronise, (a member of ASPS’s technical com-mittee), put him on the speaker phone and had him answer all their questions,” Purser says.

APSP, meanwhile, was trying to persuade the International Code Council to amend its 2009 codes to include the ANSI/APSP-7 entrapment standard, which has language consistent with the VGB.

Purser asked the state officials how to get the ANSI/APSP-7 language into the North Carolina code. With their help, she filled out the necessary forms and presented her request in person to the North Carolina Code Council, which recommends changes to the state legislature. She later met with an ad hoc committee formed to study the request. “I gave them a brief overview of why this would help the people of North Carolina, and was prepared to answer any questions,” she says. The ad hoc committee agreed with the change and the North Carolina Code Council voted to accept it and send it to the legislature, which approved it. The entire process took almost a year.

Through her experience, Purser learned that she needed to be more familiar with the building codes. She also changed her view of code officials. “So many times we’re angry when we’re going before code officials, but they’re just doing their jobs,” she says. The Buildings Officials Association of Florida even asked Purser to speak at four of their regional meetings.

Purser also found that her work on the building code gave her an entrée into the health department and an opportunity to lobby for changes to their codes as well. With the help of the APSP, she explained the new standard to health department officials. As a result, the North Carolina health codes will be changing next spring to become more consistent with the state’s building code.

Pool builders in other states who want to suggest amendments to their building codes first need to fully understand their current codes, then have the necessary technical information to justify and explain the changes they want to make, Purser advises. “To have officials take you seriously, you must represent a group of people,” she adds. Purser had both the APSP and the building officials on her side.

She believes the result was worth the work. “I think it’s going to be easier not only for the pool builders, but also for the code officials.”

Know the SystemIn Florida, Jennifer Hatfield, director of government and public

affairs for the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) and gov-ernment affairs associate with APSP, helped get the ANSI/APSP-7

standard incorporated into the state’s building code. She worked through the Florida Building Commission, which reviews codes every three years.

“The first key is understanding the system in place in your particular state and knowing the time-tables for code revisions and the procedures for implementing revisions of the code,” she advises.

Assisted by Steve Barnes, chair of APSP’s tech-nical committee, and Lorraine Ross, an APSP con-sultant, Hatfield presented information about the standard to the commission and its technical advi-sory committee (TAC).

“We put together a booklet with information on ANSI/APSP-7 and talked individually with every member of the TAC to make sure we answered all their questions,” she says.

FSPA also contacted the Building Officials Association of Florida and presented to its code development committee. “We explained what we’ve learned about the five different types of suction entrap-ment and how certain devices don’t protect against all of them — that the cover is key,” Hatfield continues. The building officials eventually supported their position.

“Ultimately, a good relationship is helpful to both pool builders and the building officials,” Hatfield adds. FSPA has continued to strengthen that relationship and now offers a course in ANSI/APSP- 7 for building officials.

All of this groundwork paid off when the Florida Building Commission’s TAC voted overwhelmingly in favor of the code change. The commission accepted their recommendation, and since there is no requirement for legislative approval in Florida, the standard was incorporated into the building code.

Hatfield says pool builders in other states can learn from the North Carolina and Florida experiences, even if their building codes are set up differently. If their codes are passed on a local level, for example, the pool builders will have to work with several different localities to get changes implemented. Since many states also have separate health department codes that affect pools, builders may have to be prepared to work through two different avenues to effect changes in both resi-dential and public pool requirements.

The strategy remains the same, however. “You need to understand the system in place, understand the players and build relationships,” says Hatfield. “You need to work with officials and educate them. You can’t strong-arm them; you want them to make decisions based on science and rationale. The ANSI stamp of approval is also very impor-tant, since most people in the building standards industry regard that as a vigorous process.”

Purser says that pool builders need to take the lead in making sure their states’ codes are consistent with current standards. “As an industry, we have some responsibility for people’s lives, and we need to take it seriously.” AQ


‘Expert’ Tips Sage Advice or Business School Jargon?

ATELY, IT’S NEARLY impossible to open newspapers or magazines or watch the local or national

news without repeated exposure to tips on weathering the current economic recession. Although

trade publications and newsletters are more likely to hone in on industry-specific pointers, one

suggestion that appears on almost everyone’s “top 10” list is: “Familiarize yourself with the

wisdom of experts and then follow their recommendations.”

While hundreds of books on business are published every year, newer is not necessarily better. Any time top executives are polled as to the books they have found most useful or infl uential, certain standards, some of which have been around for half a century, show up alongside newer works that seem destined to become classics — if sales fi gures are a reliable mea-sure. An excellent summary can be found in “The 100 Best Business Books of

All Time: What They Say, Why They Matter, and How They Can Help You,” by Jack Covert and Todd Sattersten, 2009.

In an effort to fi nd out whether “expert” advice holds sway within the swimming pool and hot tub industry, P.K. Data recently spoke to 300 builders, retailers and service professionals about their attitudes toward a variety of frequently touted suggestions for running a successful business. In addition to scalar ratings, respondents were also able to offer qualitative responses, many of which provided informative and interesting feedback.

ResultsAll participants provided feedback on 11 sales-development resources.

First we asked respondents whether they used each tactic and then asked them to rate those they were currently using as to their value on a scale of one to fi ve, with fi ve indicating that a resource has proven to be very valuable in helping to build sales. Here the discrepancies between use and value were interesting. Although old standbys, the Yellow Pages and news-paper advertising are by far the most widely used business builders (by 89 percent and 95 percent of the respondents, respectively). Their perceived value is actually overshadowed by customer referral, direct mail and tele-phone sales; each of which is used by fewer respondents.

Next we asked participants to evaluate a series of tips from noted busi-ness consultants for surviving a recession on a scale of one to fi ve, with fi ve indicating that the idea is very worthwhile and one deeming the idea totally without merit. Among builders, the concept rated as highest in value (4.2) was:

Negotiate with newspapers, radio stations and cable TV companies in your

local market. Many of your competitors have foolishly slashed their advertising

budgets and media companies are hungry for your dollars.

Builders gave the lowest rating (2.7) to the following suggestion, judg-ing it to be an “unrealistic...impractical” idea from “someone who never ran a company”:

Although implementing a hiring freeze is a typical knee-jerk reaction to a

recession, companies with staying power fi nd a way to hire one or more superstars

who have been laid off by short-sighted competitors.

The big winner among retailers, receiving a 4.2 was:Keep records — manually or through inventory control — of what your cus-

tomers are buying as it will shift during a recession. This knowledge is the most

reliable indicator of what products to market and promote.

Comments from respondents about tracking customer purchases included: “We do that. It’s a lot of work, but what a stroke of accountabil-ity!” and “We have a system like that in place. We tie it to promotions and track what works.”

Potential Sales Development Resources

ATELY, IT’S

news withou

trade public

su

wL

WINTER 2010 | 19

on Surviving the Recession BY B IL KENNEDY

Deemed “Another one of those sounds-good-on-paper ideas that only works if you have the clout of a Walmart” by a number of retailers, which earned it a 3.0 rating was:

Reach out to vendors, partners, distributors — in fact, everyone in your supply

chain – and make an effort to negotiate better deals. Consider entertaining bids

from new suppliers to secure better pricing.

Service professionals were nearly unanimous in their high ranking (4.5) of a tip that encouraged customer referrals, although many commented that they would offer a larger incentive such as a month of free service to a referring customer:

Send your customers referral cards to be passed on to a friend or neighbor who

will be entitled to 15 percent off any purchase. As an incentive for the referral,

your customer will receive a $15 gift card toward any item.

The loser by a landslide in the service arena with its 1.8 ranking was:A recession is actually an excellent time to launch new services in order to

capture new markets. You will most likely fi nd that you catch your competition

completely by surprise.

Many respondents felt this was simply unrealistic, especially for small businesses “more worried about staying in business than launching new services.”

We asked all respondents to comment on two tips relating to fi nances that were applicable to builders, retailers and service professionals.

While both suggestions rated approximately in the mid-range on our scale of one to fi ve, many participants were emphatic as to the impractical nature of both tips for small businesses. Among their responses were the following comments.

Regarding protecting your personal credit:“I’m sure the president of General Motors doesn’t have his business tied to his

personal life, but around here that’s not real practical.”

“I have second mortgages on everything I own to cover cash fl ow.”

Relating to asking for help with cash fl ow problems:“As a supplier to other fi rms, I can tell you that I appreciate the idea.

Unfortunately, nobody likes picking up the phone and asking for help. We’d all

rather be 45 days late and hide behind our bookkeeper.”

“You have to do that. It’s not just good business. You have to remember that

you will need these same people in the future, so you can’t just go around blowing

people off.”

Financial Tips for Surviving a Recession

Speaking of Business Advice…Coming Soon: A New Service from APSPAPSP’s Comprehensive New Industry-Statistics Subscription

A compendium of important up-to-the-minute industry data, APSP’s

new Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Market Yearbook tells what you need

to know about:

• Inground and aboveground pool and hot tub sales

• Retail market valuation

• Historical sales data plus characteristics of the existing base

16 million pool and hot tub households

• A review of the aftermarket for pool products and accessories

• State and regional pool and hot tub market breakouts

• Hot tub and pool owner profi les and shopping preferences

• Regulatory review

• Dozens of informative maps, charts and tables

… plus results of our upcoming nationwide survey of non-owners

that reveals new insights into consumer shopping habits, including the

top selling points to attract buyers and create new demand for pools and

hot tubs.

As a subscriber, you will receive the Yearbook plus quarterly market

updates to ensure that you always have the timely, actionable informa-

tion you need for business planning, product development and competi-

tive assessment.

The APSP Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Market Yearbook is avail-

able exclusively to APSP members. For more information, visit

www.APSP.org.

Sales ProjectionsWe asked all of the participants how the recession was impacting this

year’s sales compared to last year. Just over two-thirds reported that they expect sales to decrease this year. Of this group, 34.7 percent predicted a drop of 10 percent to 24 percent, while 12.7 percent anticipated a dip in sales of 25 percent to 49 percent. Only 5.7 percent expected an increase in sales, with most of these optimists (3 percent) expecting a 10 percent to 24 percent increase. Based on these projections, this is as good a time as any to read what the experts are suggesting, consider their suggestions and then take a chance on deploying those that seem practical.

Bil Kennedy is president of P.K. Data, an Atlanta-based market research firm specializing in trade and consumer surveys, competiti ve assessments, industry reviews and merger and acquisition advice. P.K. Data has served clients in the swimming pool and hot tub industry since 1992. AQ


Most of us have heard about social networking sites and tools like MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Youtube, Flickr and blogs. Each of these virtual communities provides a valuable service to its members, whether it’s video storage on Youtube, instant status updates on Twitter or a platform for online resumes and job connections on LinkedIn.

Like these social networking sites, MyAPSP.org provides value as an interactive online community for its members. MyAPSP.org members have access to as much or as little interaction through social media tools as they desire. Members can share articles or discussions on their per-sonal blogs, upload pictures of their latest projects, join state and council groups, join topic or segment-related groups or simply log on to browse the site’s content and receive the latest APSP, government relations and industry news.

N A LARGE scale, social networking is one aspect of the larger category of social

media. As John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing puts it, social media is the use of

technology combined with social interaction to create or co-create value. Social

media includes blogs, RSS (Really Simple Syndication), social search, social networks,

bookmarking and any other social technology developing on the horizon. A social

network, like MyAPSP.org, is a Web site that incorporates social media tools to enable an

online community of people to interact with each other and other organizations on the Internet.

What is MyAPSP.org?For that matter, what is social networking?

Why Did APSP Create MyAPSP?APSP created MyAPSP in response to members’ expressed need for

a greater sense of community within the association. Through an APSP survey, members indicated a desire for more communication and more opportunities to become involved when location and time constraints interfered with their educational and chapter activities.

In February of 2008, CEO Bill Weber met with director of meetings and events, Pam Vinje, to discuss APSP’s role in social media and how an interactive online community for the association would not only gain new members, but also provide valuable solutions to the needs expressed in member feedback.

As Vinje coined it, MyAPSP.org is “the power of community at your fi ngertips.”

BY JENNIFER WALTERS

te

me

bookm

network,

online commO

WINTER 2010 | 21

“People join an association to engage in community, improve their skills, network with colleagues and keep current on the latest topics and trends,” she says. “Through MyAPSP.org, members will easily be able to do all those things, plus share knowledge and discuss common interests without ever stepping foot outside their homes or offi ces.”

MyAPSP.org made the move from concept to computer screen as an offi cial Web site with its launch in March 2009. “New members join the network every day,” Vinje says. “Right now MyAPSP.org has 830 members and we’re always adding content, including our new weekly e-newsletter.”

The e-newsletter sent to MyAPSP.org members will provide links to the latest association and industry news, standards, technical and govern-ment-relations resources, member spotlights, events, blogs and videos, polls, surveys and discussions. It will serve as a weekly guide to and digest of APSP’s social network.

Why Would I Want to Use it?All MyAPSP.org members can customize their experiences with the

site based on their interests and their desired levels of communication with other members. There’s something for everyone.

APSP members with a MyAPSP.org account (free to all) can join their state group, chapter group or open industry groups to discuss industry and APSP issues as they happen, or just to ask questions and benefi t from the knowledge of their peers. Council and committee members can meet on MyAPSP.org’s closed groups and boardrooms to discuss committee busi-ness and review minutes in an organized discussion platform. Chapter, regional and national events are also posted on the site and award recipi-ents and outstanding members are featured in the recognition portal.

Some other fun and functional features of the social-networking site include member blogs, photo galleries, video galleries and personal pages with comment walls. Members can choose to post blogs on any topic of their liking, upload their favorite photos or promote their latest achieve-ments in text, pictures and video through their profi le pages. Like other

popular social networks, members can also choose to “friend” members they trust to send and receive private, direct messages and post com-ments and links on each other’s profi le page, or “wall.” This way, privacy of information and interaction is granted to only those a member chooses to “friend.”

What Resources Can I Find There?Some of the site’s most valuable features are its update and resource

centers. To receive the latest regulatory, association/staff, standards writ-ing group and volunteer council updates, MyAPSP members can enter and join the APSP Update Centers.

For government relations updates, small business tools, standards and technical updates, chapter resources and member resources, members can enter and join the appropriate resource center. Each resource center is designed to function as an interactive, online library with expert blogs, articles, discussions, videos, daily news and the virtual presence of peers.

For those already active on sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, you’ll fi nd links to APSP’s profi le on the main page of MyAPSP, and can follow our tweets and status updates even when you’re logged on at the other sites.

How Do I Use It?To sign up, all you need is a working e-mail address and Internet access

to the site, www.MyAPSP.org. Once on the site, click the “Sign Up” link and simply fi ll in the required information. The site will ask you to upload a picture for your profi le, but you can do this at another time if you do not have a photo saved on your computer.

You can view a helpful slideshow tutorial about how to sign up at: http://www.slideshare.net/myapsp/how-to-sign-up-on-myapsporg. If you have any questions, need help signing up or would like further assis-tance navigating the site and customizing your page, feel free to contact Jennifer Walters, online community manager at [email protected] or (281) 944-9888. AQ


The Dawn of a New DayCareer Institute Aligns Service Certifi cations to Best Practices

It’s 3:00 a.m. and you’re staring at the ceiling

and wondering, “How am I going to get everything

done today? I’ve got pool openings, sales calls, routes

to manage, inventory to order, customer complaints

to respond to . . . and oh, yeah, I’ve got that new guy

starting today. I’ve got to get him up to speed quickly so

he can get out into the fi eld and become productive. When am I going to fi t

training into my day today?” As your feet reluctantly hit the fl oor, a headache

begins to throb as you stumble to the coffee pot to self-medicate.

Sound all too familiar? Looking for solutions? You’re not alone — and APSP is listening. The Service Education and Certifi cation pro-gram is getting a facelift that will help more people get involved and take a giant step forward in meeting the evolving training needs of the industry.

“We thoroughly evaluated our service segment training program and talked to members about their business challenges,” explains Kathleen Carlson, APSP chairman-elect and a volunteer for the APSP Career Institute. “One of the things we learned is that in the past there were just too many barriers preventing employers from getting their people involved in industry education — so we needed to make some substan-tial changes without losing the positive history and traditions of our programs.”

Tech I Certifi ed Maintenance SpecialistBased on feedback of members, the upgrades to the Service Certifi cation

program have been dramatic. The historic Tech I program has under-gone a complete renovation and become a leaner, more-focused program, running just 2 1/2 days. “Since many people enter our professional ranks through the maintenance route, it made perfect sense to align our entry-level program to help our members train and recognize their employees,” said Michael Reed, APSP’s Director of Professional Development. APSP will now identify those individuals who have been fully trained on pool systems, equipment, water quality and cleaning and maintenance respon-sibilities as Certifi ed Maintenance Specialists.

This approach allows APSP to recognize both seasonal employees and those individuals who have some time in their maintenance roles. There are no prerequisites to attend the training, and to earn the credential stu-dents must pass a standardized, multiple-choice exam. Individuals who have already earned a Tech I designation may keep it until it expires, or they can transfer their status to the new Certifi ed Maintenance Specialist program.

Now it’s 6:15 a.m. and you’re matching the day’s service tickets with the best-

qualifi ed technicians. “I could handle more calls and service more customers if I

just had service techs who could think on their feet! How can I help them to fi gure

things out quickly and get it right the fi rst time?”

> 24

WINTER 2010 | 23

APSP has taken the industry’s best reference guide and made it even

better! Experts from every corner of the pool industry have worked

together to produce the most comprehensive reference manual for pool-

service professionals. If you provide maintenance, repair services or reno-

vate pools, you need this new edition to make your job easier and your

business more profi table.

New, clearer formatting — fi nd the information you need

quickly and effi ciently

Clear educational objectives help train new employees and

ease studying

Metric equivalents make the manual valuable for worldwide

use

New health and safety information explains how safety best

practices can separate you from the competition.

Current information on helping your customers be compliant

with the VGB Act

Improved and updated information on electricity and the

2008 NEC

A thorough review of the latest in new pool technologies

helps to keep you in the know

Improved Service Tech Manual Available

Presenting the Service Tech Manual Package, 4th EditionThis one-of-a-kind reference will advance your pool and spa ser-

vice and maintenance knowledge. The package includes the new

APSP Service Technician’s Manual as well as a CD containing the APSP

Loss-Control Manual; ANSI/APSP standards, Workmanship Guidelines,

Glossary of Terms and Consumer Safety brochures. To order, visit

the store at www.apsp.org or call Member Services at 703-838-0083,

ext. 301.

Retail Sales Associate Certifi cate ProgramYou’ve hired them . . . now what? You need to get your employees up to

speed so they can be productive and make sales! But how do you do this

without taking time out of your busy day or aff ecting your customers?

The new Retail Sales Associate training system — developed with the

help of the APSP Retailers Council — is the quick and eff ective way to give

your new hires the information they need to understand your business

and your customers.

• The Technical Module teaches your employees the fundamen-

tals of pool and spa care and equipment.

• In no time, they will be working competently alongside of your

experienced employees.

• The Customer Service Module shows them how to professionally

represent your company and take care of customers the way you

would — whether on the phone or in person.

• The optional online Certifi cate Assessment means your employ-

ees can feel proud of their achievements — and you’ll be confi -

dent that they learned what they need to know to give your retail

operation a real competitive advantage.

* Training system includes one Retail Sales Associate Manual, Customer

Service Workbook, Technical Workbook and Raving Fans.


Tech II Certifi ed Service TechnicianAPSP’s historic Tech II program has seen some

signifi cant enhancements as well. First, candidates can enter the training when they feel that they are

ready, rather than waiting to pass a profi ciency exam or completing an earlier stage of training. “Because of

the advanced nature of the training, we strongly recommend that the students have 1-2 years of repair experience,” explained Reed. Instead of just an advanced survey course, the new course will emphasize troubleshooting and problem solving. “There will be a lot of discussion in this course, and students will learn from one another, as well as from the instructors,” Reed said. Candidates who complete the training and pass a comprehensive exam will earn the new Certifi ed Service Technician cre-dential. A current Tech II who wants the new certifi cation can get it simply by making the request of the APSP Career Institute staff.

Midway through the day and you’re handling a billing problem with a cus-

tomer, rescheduling calls after one of your crew went home sick and there’s a call

on hold from a service tech with a motor repair question. “I’m juggling busi-

ness, personnel and technical problems every day. It’s a challenge, but I wouldn’t

mind getting a little recognition for my ability to manage all these components of

the job.”

You’re a Pro – Here’s Your Chance to Prove it

Earning your CSP Certifi ed Service Professional designation from the industry’s trade

association demonstrates a commitment to your-self and to your profession. You’ll be taken more seri-

ously by your industry peers, potential employers and customers. Reed explains, “The CSP is the pinnacle of achievement for the service segment and we’re taking steps to make preparing for the exam

more convenient by offering exam prep courses. Additionally, we’re step-ping up how we promote the value of the certifi cation to consumers. This is a designation any service provider should aspire to earn.”

Achieving the CSP designation puts a service provider into a quickly growing group of industry professionals who have met the requirements of the program. Building an engaged community of these professionals is one of the goals of MyAPSP.org, the APSP’s social networking site where CSPs can meet, discuss, raise questions, get advice and share their own expertise with others. Fostering this collegiality is one of the goals of the APSP Career Institute, and enjoying this opportunity is an ongoing ben-efi t of earning the certifi cation.

Why These Changes MatterFrom new legislative requirements to equipment sophistication, our

industry is rapidly changing and becoming more complex. Lifelong learn-ing and involvement in your industry is the only way to stay ahead of your competition. By becoming certifi ed, you join a network of like-minded professionals who keep abreast of the latest trends in technology and share industry best practices.

“We are delighted that we can market the fact that we have certifi ed professionals on our team. It gives us a competitive advantage because we are able to communicate technical competence and additional peace of mind to customers. We explain to customers that when you’re certifi ed you agree to abide by a strict code of ethics and a higher commitment to customer care. The added confi dence wins business!” says Jack Manilla, CBP, Portofi no Pools, and a volunteer with APSP’s Career Institute.

It’s the end of another long day. Your people are tired, you are tired. But what

a feeling to think that with training and development you can build a stronger,

more professional team. Your customers will notice the more professional way your

business is managed, and your people will be more effective and effi cient. The end

result is that highly productive people means a highly productive business. AQ

Mid-America Pool & Spa Show – St. Charles, IL, January 21-22, 2010

Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show – Atlantic City, NJ, January 25-26,

2010

Southwest Pool & Spa Show – San Antonio, TX, February 11-12,

2010

Region 2 Tech School – Ocean City, MD, February 18-19, 2010

Orlando Pool & Spa Show – Orlando, FL, February 18-19, 2010

Region 9 Tech School – Boston, MA – CSP only, March 11-12, 2010

Tech Schools

Region 2 – Ocean City, MD, February 15-19, 2010

Penn-Jersey Chapter – West Chester, PA, March 1-4, 2010

Region 9 – Boston, MA, March 8-12, 2

Check www.apsp.org/careerinstituteeducation for additional dates,

locations and registration links.

CBP and CSP Prep Courses and Exams (prep course on day one, exam on day two)

WINTER 2010 | 25

As noted above, APSP strengthened and promoted alliances with organi-zations that touch the consumer in important ways. Relationships with NSF International and the International Code Council will expand APSP’s reach going forward.

OrganizationThe APSP Components Task Force prompted a realignment of the associa-

tion to meet the challenges of today’s environment. Roles and responsibilities, as well as organizational structure, were updated and clarifi ed.

In order to provide better service to its membership, APSP made several organizational changes. While regional councils remain to address the unique needs of the different parts of the country, regional management has been con-solidated and oversees a team of support personnel who are available to chapters and at the grassroots level. These support staff are charged with the responsibil-ity of making personal contact with members throughout the year and fulfi lling chapter requests for help with such things as marketing, event planning and the new technology and social networking tools.

So that segment councils may more easily collaborate on projects and avoid duplication of efforts, staff responsibility for the segment councils has also been consolidated. This allows for a more effi cient process and “cross-pollination” between and among councils.

Technology Recognizing that APSP’s database and Web site have not kept up with the

times, APSP is upgrading our capabilities and reducing costs at the same time. A new, fully integrated database, Web site, e-commerce and marketing system was chosen and implementation began in the spring of 2009.

This new system – in addition to costing signifi cantly less to operate and maintain – will have greater functionality for both members and staff. The new APSP store will be easy to use; content will be frequently updated, directories and fi nders will be linked to a robust database so there will be no lag in records updates.

Communication/Community/Industry PromotionA variety of new communication channels are being developed to keep ahead

of the constant changes in how people communicate in the digital world. A new communications director was hired to oversee this effort. The new Web site with its powerful database will allow us to be more interactive with our different audiences, creating messages and content tailored to specifi c needs. MyAPSP.org, our association networking Web site, harnesses the power of social media for the association.

APSP is building tools to provide a means for industry members to con-nect and communicate with one another and with content experts to enhance their APSP membership experience, business competencies and overall success. Best practices in association management points to the importance of social networking and online or virtual communities. APSP researched and chose the Ning platform for the association-networking site devoted to all things APSP. The Ning platform is used by literally millions of groups and organizations to provide a low-cost interactive way to engage its audiences. Members and non-members alike can hold discussions, get news, facilitate meetings and stay in the know at this Web site. MyAPSP.org will be instrumental in the grassroots effort in Government Relations. A range of other media tools like Twitter, Facebook, LinkdIn and video sites also help deliver the APSP message.

The consumer sections of the Web site will be similarly updated in FY2009-10 with an emphasis on interactivity, useful content and up-to-date news. Accurate databases will allow consumers to easily identify and contact APSP members in their regions.

APSP SmartBrief will be replaced by an in-house e-publication highlight-ing news of members and the industry. MyAPSP Newsletter now brings weekly news of the activity and discussions happening there.

We are launching a new video production capability to continue to expand the association’s networking and messaging opportunities. The video depart-ment will allow us to produce webinars, video updates from staff, education presentations and video blogs increasing membership’s access to education, information and training.

The end result will be a variety of enhanced ways to carry the APSP mes-sage to our multiple audiences. Regardless of the preferred mode of communi-cation, every stakeholder will be able to engage and stay informed.

Hot Tub Initiatives In early July 2009, the Hot Tub Council voted to put the Hot Tub Industry

Growth Initiative (HTIGI) on hold until the economy improves and wide-spread industry support exists to restart the effort. Although sales of hot tubs are in steep decline from a year ago, the “rate of decline” improved between the third and second quarters of 2009, giving rise to believe that a bottom has been reached, or soon will be.

The industry remains hopeful that when the consumers’ interest and ability to buy returns, industry leaders will again consider what they can do to collec-tively reach those consumers who would like a hot tub, but haven’t yet put it at the top of their shopping list. Until then, there is association work being done on behalf of the hot tub industry in the creation of a new energy-effi ciency standard, the development of reliable and broad-based industry statistics, pro-moting safety, advancing professionalism (through a new hot tub technician training course) and reaching the consumer through public relations efforts and APSP.org.

Research APSP is developing a new industry statistics package in partnership with

PK Data, which will be offered as a subscription to members only. The year-book and quarterly briefi ng subscription will provide the market data that large companies, manufacturers and distributors need to plan for success. The mar-ketplace report will be targeted to retailers, builders and service companies. Both subscriptions will provide intelligence on consumer trends, market size and sales patterns.

Financial Management and ControlRevenue remains a primary focus of the APSP, combined with strong cost

control. Staff reductions and restructuring have been a key component of cost control and improved effi ciency. We’ve maintained strong reserves despite the economy and are moving forward with an updated investment policy. We were pleased to emerge from a particularly rigorous audit by new auditors with another totally clean audit report.

Looking to the Future We’ve addressed the challenges of the sour economy head-on and look

forward to a fi scal year 2009-2010 that sees the industry emerge from the downturn smarter, more effi cient and well equipped for the future. APSP will continue its mission to promote consumer safety and enhance the business success of members with a vision to be an essential partner to all businesses and professionals involved in and associated with the pool, spa and hot tub industry.

With so many projects ready to yield results, we encourage all to keep up-to-date on APSP activities by participating in MyAPSP.org and visiting APSP.org on a regular basis. AQ

11 >

Best of ShowTechnical/Engineering Achievement • Ozzie Kraft Ent. • Las Vegas, NV

Residential Concrete Pools, Vanishing Edge600- sf • GOLD • Johnson Custom Pools • Austin, TX600- sf • GOLD • Neptune Pools • Sugar Hill, GA600- sf • SILVER • Shehan Pools • Florence, KY600- sf • BRONZE • Swimming Pools by Jack Anthony • Center Moriches, NY600- sf • MERIT • California Pools • San Diego, CA601+ sf • GOLD • Alderete Pools • San Clemente, CA601+ sf • GOLD • Brewer’s Pool and Landscaping Co. • Memphis, TN601+ sf • GOLD • Cipriano Custom Swimming Pools & Landscaping • Ramsey, NJ601+ sf • GOLD • Dal Pino Quality Pools • Auburn, CA601+ sf • SILVER • Memphis Pool Supply • Memphis, TN601+ sf • SILVER • Shehan Pools • Florence, KY601+ sf • BRONZE • Haven Pools • Huntington, NY601+ sf • BRONZE • Island Pools & Spas • Edgartown, MA601+ sf • MERIT • Da Vida Pools, LLC • Austin, TX

Residential Concrete Pools, Freeform600- sf • GOLD • Premier Pools & Spas • Rancho Cordova, CA600- sf • SILVER • Alderete Pools • San Clemente, CA600- sf • SILVER • California Pools & Spas of Arizona • Mesa, AZ600- sf • BRONZE • California Pools • Santa Clarita, CA600- sf • MERIT • California Pools • Corona, CA601+ sf • GOLD • Red Rock Pools & Spas • Mesa, AZ601+ sf • GOLD • Rock & Water Concepts • Phoenix, AZ601+ sf • GOLD • Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas • Deerfi eld Beach, FL601+ sf • SILVER • Dynamic Environments • Boerne, TX601+ sf • BRONZE • AquaTerra Outdoor Environments • Frisco, TX601+ sf • BRONZE • Chattahoochee Pools • Duluth, GA601+ sf • BRONZE • Wise Pool Company, LLC • Conroe, TX601+ sf • MERIT • B&B Pool and Spa Center • Chestnut Ridge, NY601+ sf • MERIT • Marquise Pools • Conroe, TX

Residential Concrete Pools, Traditional600- sf • GOLD • Alderete Pools • San Clemente, CA600- sf • GOLD • Premier Pools & Spas • Rancho Cordova, CA600- sf • SILVER • Texas Pools • The Woodlands, TX601+ sf • GOLD • Chattahoochee Pools • Duluth, GA601+ sf • GOLD • Neptune Pools • Sugar Hill, GA601+ sf • GOLD • Stephen J. Miller Enterprises • Mahwah, NJ601+ sf • SILVER • Wise Pool Company, LLC • Conroe, TX

Residential Concrete Pools, Geometric600- sf • GOLD • Jackson Pools • Estero, FL600- sf • SILVER • Cody Pools • Austin, TX600- sf • BRONZE • Crites Custom Pools • Hutto, TX601+ sf • GOLD • Burton Pools and Spas • Fort Smith, AR601+ sf • GOLD • Marquise Pools • Conroe, TX601+ sf • SILVER • Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas • Deerfi eld Beach, FL601+ sf • MERIT • All American Custom Pools and Spas • Norwalk, CT

Residential Concrete Pools, Natural SettingGOLD • Aquatech Pools by CHI • Meridian, IDSILVER • Caviness Landscape Design • Edmond, OKSILVER • Ozzie Kraft Ent. • Las Vegas, NV

Residential Concrete Pools, Natural MaterialsGOLD • Ocean Quest Pools by Lew Akins • Belton, TXSILVER • Da Vida Pools, LLC • Austin, TXSILVER • Hamlin Pools • Pharr, TXBRONZE • Cipriano Custom Swimming Pools & Landscaping • Ramsey, NJ

Residential Vinyl-Lined Pools Freeform • GOLD • Burton Pools and Spas • Fort Smith, AR

Freeform • GOLD • True Blue Swimming Pools • Dix Hills, NYFreeform • SILVER • Concord Pools and Spas • Latham, NYFreeform • SILVER • Swimming Pools By Jack Anthony • Center Moriches, NYFreeform • BRONZE • Swimming Pools By Jack Anthony • Center Moriches, NYTraditional • GOLD • Goodall Pools & Spas • Camp Hill, PATraditional • SILVER • Rising Sun Pools and Spas • Raleigh, NCGeometric • GOLD • Rising Sun Pools and Spas • Raleigh, NC

Commercial Pools Recreation/Leisure • GOLD • Red Rock Pools & Spas • Mesa, AZRecreation/Leisure • SILVER • Claffey Pools • Southlake, TXMultiple Uses • SILVER • Lothorian Pools • Phoenix, MDWater Park • GOLD • Patterson Pools • Columbus, OH

Other Pool Categories Residential Fiberglass • GOLD • Swim World Pools • Gallatin, TNResidential Fiberglass • SILVER • Oceanic Pools & Spas • South Surrey, WAResidential Fiberglass • BRONZE • Stuart Bauer Pools & Spas • Louisville, KYResidential Fiberglass • BRONZE • Swim World Pools • Gallatin, TNResidential + Automatic Cover • GOLD • Covertech • Southampton, NYResidential + Automatic Cover • GOLD • Travis Pool Covers • Round Rock, TXResidential + Automatic Cover • SILVER • Covertech • Southampton, NYResidential + Automatic Cover • SILVER • Worthy Pools & Spas • St. Simons Island, GAResidential + Automatic Cover • MERIT • Chattahoochee Pools • Duluth, GAResidential Interior • GOLD • Aquascape • Petaluma, CAResidential Interior • SILVER • Downes Swimming Pool Co. • Arlington Heights, ILResidential Interior • SILVER • G&G Custom Pools • Haskell, NJRenovation • GOLD • Eden Swimming Pools & Landscaping • McAllen, TXRenovation • GOLD • Swan Pools • Lake Forest, CARenovation • SILVER • Lucas Lagoons Inc. • Sarasota, FLRenovation • BRONZE • Gregory Gray Pool • San Diego, CATechnical/Engineering • GOLD, BEST OF SHOW • Ozzie Kraft Ent. Inc. • Las Vegas, NVTechnical/Engineering • SILVER • Da Vida Pools, LLC • Austin, TXTechnical/Engineering • SILVER • Natural Refl ections Luxury Pools & Spas • Glendale, AZClassic Residential • GOLD • Aquascape • Petaluma, CA

Hot Tubs, Spas and Water Features Hot Tub Shell • GOLD • Lothorian Pools • Phoenix, MDHot Tub Shell • SILVER • B&B Pool and Spa Center • Chestnut Ridge, NYConcrete Spa • GOLD • L&M Pool and Spas • Derby, KSConcrete Spa • SILVER • Swimming Pools By Jack Anthony • Center Moriches, NYSpa with Swimming Pool • GOLD • Ocean Quest Pools by Lew Akins • Belton, TXSpa with Swimming Pool • SILVER • Shehan Pools • Florence, KYSwim Spa • BRONZE • California Pools • San Diego, CAResidential Water Feature • GOLD • Tumber & Associates • Orangeville, OntarioResidential Water Feature • SILVER • AquaVisions Pool and Spa • Destin, FLResidential Water Feature • SILVER • Deck and Patio Company • Huntington Station, NYResidential Water Feature • SILVER • Red Rock Pools & Spas • Mesa, AZCommercial Water Feature • GOLD • Advantage Pools • Laguna Niguel, CACommercial Water Feature • MERIT • Lucas Lagoons Inc. • Sarasota, FL

International Categories Freeform • GOLD • Hydrosistemas Guatemala • Guatemala Freeform • SILVER • Hydrosistemas Guatemala • Guatemala Traditional • GOLD • Diffazur Piscines • Saint-Laurent-du-Var, FranceGeometric • GOLD • Hydrosistemas Guatemala • GuatemalaGeometric • GOLD • InStyle Concrete Pools • Perth, AustraliaGeometric • BRONZE • Diffazur Piscines • Saint-Laurent-du-Var, FranceNatural • GOLD • Placid Pools • Queensland, AustraliaNatural • SILVER • Placid Pools • Queensland, AustraliaResidential Fiberglass • SILVER • Aqua Technics • Perth, Australia Residential Interior • GOLD • Diffazur Piscines • Saint-Laurent-du-Var, FranceCommercial Pool • GOLD • Placid Pools • Queensland, AustraliaCommercial Pool • SILVER • Aqua Technics • Perth, Western Australia

Congratulations to the winners!

International Awards of Excellence

The spring issue of AQ will include a full feature on the Awards of Excellence winners. To view them now, go to www.MyAPSP.org or www.APSP.org.

InternationalAwards_EdAd.indd 1 11/6/09 6:09:06 PM

WINTER 2010 | 27

You Asked for it . . . You Got it!

BY HELEN BLOCH

APSP MANAGER

OF CONSUMER

SAFE T Y

IN RESPONSE TO the survey we sent out to APSP members last June, 30 percent of respon-dents said they found out about National Water Safety Month too late to participate and 24 per-cent said they were unaware it was happening.

So here it is… your offi cial early notice so you are aware of the event and can start planning now. National Water Safety Month is May, 2010!

Each year we’ve grown the effort to get impor-tant safety messages to consumers so they can thoroughly enjoy their pool, spa or hot tub with-out fear of unintentional injury. There’s no bet-ter way to get a total-body workout than through swimming. Being able to swim and to relax in a pool, spa or hot tub in your own backyard is the ultimate in enjoyment. As manufacturers, retailers or service professionals, we have a responsibility to be sure our products are used safely — and we do this all year ’round. In May, we have a special opportunity to bring even more attention to the safe use and enjoyment of our products.

Make sure you take part!In 2010, three prestigious new partners –

the American Red Cross, the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association — will join APSP, the National Recreation & Park Association and the World Waterpark Association to promote National Water Safety Month. With the com-bined efforts of these partners, along with their members, we have an opportunity to reach mil-lions with our important safety messages.

Start planning now!According to our survey, members found the

resources at www.APSP.org to be very valuable in their planning efforts. They also said that the reminder e-mail notices, with links to resources, were especially helpful. For 2010, we’ll be add-ing to these resources and expanding our joint partner website, www.watersafetymonth.org.

Additionally, I’ll be posting a list of activity ideas on www.MyAPSP.org using the feedback we received from members who participated last year.

The theme of this issue of AQ is “standards” and why they’re important. You may be wonder-ing what that has to do with National Water Safety Month. There are a number of parallels between the importance of standards and the safety mes-sages we convey to the public during National Water Safety Month. During May, many parts of the country are gearing up to return to pools, spas and hot tubs, both residential and commercial. It gives us a perfect opportunity to educate consum-ers on the important messages that are included in our standards — one of the most important things we do.

Obviously, consumers aren’t going to read the technical information you use in your business. However, APSP has many brochures, including the newest, “Be Safety Aware,” that includes all the pertinent safety messages in our standards in language the consumer can understand. “Be Safety Aware” also educates consumers on the reasons they would want a pool, spa or hot tub in their backyard and, most importantly, why they should use an APSP professional for all their pool, spa and hot tub needs. Why? Because APSP members follow a code of ethics that includes making sure they are up-to-date on all the lat-est information, especially what’s included in the ANSI/APSP standards.

So, don’t miss the opportunity to join the thousands of members from APSP and our partner organizations to participate in National Water Safety Month in May. And be sure to order the new “Be Safety Aware” booklet to distribute to dealers at your retail store, to new pool, spa or hot tub owners and on your service route.

For information on ordering safety materi-als, go to www.APSP.org and visit the online store. AQ

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APSP news & resources

Lew Akins is CBP of the YearThe Association of Pool and Spa

Professionals (APSP) has chosen Lew Akins as the 2009 CBP of the Year. The award is the APSP Builders Council’s lifetime achieve-ment award, presented to a Certified Building Professional and APSP member whose accom-plishments have made a significant contribu-tion to the profession.

Dedicated to the pool and spa industry since 1979, Akins is the owner and founder of Ocean Quest Pools by Lew Akins. Akins is widely known as an international speaker, sales trainer, consultant, Certified Building Professional and expert witness. He has won more than 184 national and regional APSP and NSPI (APSP’s predecessor organization) awards, and has been named one of the “Top 50 Pool Builders in the U.S.” by Pool and Spa

News on six separate occasions. In 2000, Akins was also inducted into the NSPI Region III Hall of Fame.

For the past 24 years, Akins has been a reg-ular speaker and educator at APSP regional and international conventions, training pool builders on advanced subjects including hydraulic design for swimming pools, design-ing and building negative-edge pools and the proper construction of waterfalls. He is widely considered one of the pioneers of vanishing-edge pool construction.

Within the APSP Builders Council, Akins is known as a superior instructor and an asset to the pool and spa industry. Nominators cited his contributions to the builder’s man-ual, extraordinary teaching skills and the “attention to detail and passion he brings” to his work. They expressed their gratitude, naming Akins’ efforts “above the call of duty of membership.”

Hot Tub-Friendly ASME AddendumUnanimously Approved

The ASME/ANSI 19.8 standard drafting committee voted unanimously to approve an addendum that will allow suction fittings used in self-contained hot tubs to be tested in pairs with regard to hair entrapment. As a result, these dual-outlet fittings will obtain a higher flow rating and be permitted in hot tubs with higher water velocity, thus avoid-ing costly redesign and retooling for many hot tub models.

The addendum was proposed by an APSP task force after manufacturers discovered late last year that the smaller fittings typi-cally used in hot tubs were receiving far lower flow ratings under the new ASME19.8 cover standard cited in the Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Act. Those lower ratings would have forced many hot tub manufacturers to reduce water flow or install additional outlets.

“Realizing that the manufactured portable-spa segment has specialized design consid-erations, and that in the development of the ASME A112.19.8 Suction Fittings Standard not all of these factors were apparent, in December of 2008, a special spa task force chaired by Ray Mirzaei, vice president, QA & Technical Services, Waterway Plastics, was created to address these requirements,” said Leif Zars, chairman, ASME A112.19.8.

Dual-outlet testing was conducted with the assistance of NSF personnel and facilities and the addendum was developed and submit-ted for approval. “With the finalization and acceptance of this addenda to this standard, the manufactured portable-spa industry now has approved guidelines to ensure a greater degree of safety in their products,” said Zars.

ANSI/APSP-11 Water QualityStandard Released

The first comprehensive, data-driven and knowledge-based national standard for pool and spa water quality and chemistry is now available. ANSI/APSP-11 Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas was devel-oped in response to the need expressed by public health officials for a national standard for water quality in public pools and spas.

Because public health codes for recre-ational water are written locally — typically by city, county or state officials — the water chemistry values in the codes have varied widely, depending on the knowledge base of the local officials and local conditions. ANSI/APSP-11 consolidates the water-chemistry parameters previously found in the appendi-ces of other standards and provides scientific explanation for the efficacy of the standard. Because appendices are not subject to the same scrutiny and review process as the body of a standard, APSP considered it necessary to take these appendices and form them into a full standard.

In drafting the standard, APSP’s Recreational Water Quality committee ques-tioned many standard practices in the industry and sought to provide scientific justification for the water-chemistry values in the body of the standard. For many of these parameters, the section in the body of the standard will consist of a single sentence (i.e. The pH shall be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8.), but the appendix will provide citations and explana-tions for the given parameters. For example, for pH, a discussion is provided explaining the effect of pH on chlorine efficacy, scale, corrosion and eye irritation. Whenever pos-sible, peer-reviewed references are given to provide substantiation for the values.

Like all the APSP standards, ANSI/APSP-11 is an ANSI-approved American National consensus standard, representing the best practices compiled and debated by experts in the industry until a consensusagreement is reached. Contact Membership Services at 703.838.0083 x 301 or [email protected] to purchase a copy of the standard.

WINTER 2010 | 29

APSP and NSF AnnounceResearch & Testing Agreement

The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) and NSF International announced they have signed an agreement to together pursue research and testing to advance health and safety in the recreational water industry.

Under the terms of the agreement, NSF will provide research and testing services for the development and maintenance of APSP standards and general research for the recre-ational water industry focused on prevention of injuries and recreational water illnesses.

“This agreement will enable APSP to ensure that the test methods in APSP stan-dards for pools, spas and components are robust, accurate and repeatable. This comes at a very important time when APSP is assuming

ownership of product safety standards for suction fittings and safety vacuum release sys-tems,” said Carvin DiGiovanni, APSP senior director, technical and standards.

“NSF International has been testing and certifying pool and spa equipment since 1963,” said Bob Ferguson, vice president of Water Systems. “During that time we have devel-oped standards for products ranging from UV systems to water test kits. We are proud and committed to work with APSP for the ben-efit of the recreational water industry and the advancement of public health and safety.”

NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps protect the public by certifying products and writ-ing standards for food, water and consumer goods (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and

safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education. AQ

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WINTER 2010 | 31

NEW members

AAA Pool Supply, Inc., Warner Robins, GA

Ace Pool Service, Longview, TX

Alpha-Omega Plumbing, Honolulu, HI

Aqua-Docs, Stevens, PA

A-Quality Pool Service, Inc., North Richland Hills, TX

Aquasafe Pool Management, Laurel, MD

Aquascapes, Tomball, TX

Artistic Pools & Spas, Pelzer, SC

ASP Pool & Spa Company, Macon, GA

At Home Oasis, Rio Rancho, NM

Atlantic Financial, Inc., Chesapeake, VA

Austin Water Designs, Austin, TX

Barefoot Pool Services, Atlanta, GA

Bill’s Pool & Lawn Service, Lovington, NM

Birchmore Pool & Spa, Athens, GA

Build Ex, Inc., Chapel Hill, NC

C & J Contracting Inc/Pacifi c Pool & Spa, Kailua, HI

Capital City Pools, Pataskala, OH

Capital Pools, Austin, TX

Caribbean Pool & Patio Supplies, San Juan, PR

Cen-Tex Oasis Pools, Round Rock, TX

Champlain Plastics, dba Olympic by Champlain, Rouses Point, NY

City of Missouri City, Missouri City, TX

C. Kelly, Inc., Murray, KY

Clarity Pool Service, Pleasant Hill, CA

Classic Pool & Spa, Omaha, NE

Clear Water Pool Service, Redding, CA

Columbus Pool Service Inc., dba Leisure Litestyles, Columbus, GA

Conner Construction Corp Aqua Pools, Cornelius, NC

Construction Science, Westminster, SC

Crystal Clean Pools, Newbury Park, CA

Custom Design Pools, Friendswood, TX

Dell Pools LLC, Milford, CT

DPSolutions, Longmont, CO

Emerald Spas, Kentwood, MI

Empire Pools, Inc., Rosemont, PA

Fantasy Pools, Inc., Festus, MO

Flamingo Pools, McAllen, TX

Fluid Enterprises LLC, Solana Beach, CA

Fluid Pool Designs, San Clemente, CA

Foxxx Pools of Spartanburg, Spartanburg, SC

Frontier Design and Decorating, Houston, TX

G & B Tile and Plaster, Lewisville, TX

Green Planter’s Garden Center, Hayes, VA

Guardian Aquatics, Springfi eld, VA

Heck of a Pool Service LLC, Barnegat, NJ

Hines Pool & Spa Inc., Austin, TX

Holiday Pools and Spas, Collingswood, NJ

Hunter Pool Shop, Indianapolis, IN

JJRT Enterprises, Inc, Craryville, NY

Johnson Pools & Spas, Lufkin, TX

Keith Zars Pools, Inc., San Antonio, TX

Kirk’s Pool Company, Highland, CA

Laguna Pools and Spas, Farmington, NM

Lee Joseph Incorporated DBA Swim Pool & Spa Consultants, Reno, NV

Leisure Depot, LLC, North Charleston, SC

Leisure Living Pools, Inc., Frisco, TX

Leisure Pools of Naples, Inc., Naples, FL

Liverpool Pool and Spa, Baldwinsville, NY

Lucero Pool Plaster, Wheeling, IL

Luke Pool Service, Inc., Tucker, GA

Mayer Pool Service, Sachse, TX

McKee’s Inc., Abilene, KS

Medallion Pool Co Inc., Asheville, NC

Montgomery College, Takoma Park, MD

Mother Earth Pool & Spas, Texarkana, TX

New Wave Pools, Inc., Round Rock, TX

Northland Pool Management Company, Kansas City, MO

Northwest Pools, Conroe, TX

Pacifi c Spas and Pools, Steamboat, CO

Paradise Aquatics, Suffolk, VA

Paramount Pool & Spa Systems, Inc. North Bergen, NJ

Plaza Pool and Spa, Farmington, MO

Polynesian Pools, Virginia Beach, VA

Pool 1, San Diego, CA

Pool Pro of Greenville, Greenville, NC

Pool World, Inc., Burlington, VT

Quality Pool & Spa Co., Poway, CA

Rainey Pool Company, Inc., League City, TX

Rayner Covering Systems, Inc., South Elgin, IL

Rendeiro’s Pools Service, Shelter Island, NY

Rickard Fence and Pool, Gastonia, NC

Ron Clapp, Boynton Beach, FL

Santastic, Plano, TX

Serenity Pool Management, LLC, New Market, MD

Sound Pools & Spas LLC, Killingworth, CT

South County Pool/Spa Service, Charlestown, RI

Splash Pool Service Inc., Woodstock, GA

Spring Pools, The Woodlands, TX

Stables Custom Pools, Midlothian, TX

Summerhill Pools, Dallas, TX

Superior Pool Service, Inc., Jensen Beach, FL

Swimming Pool Quotes, Inc., University City, MO

Texas Sun Pools & Spas, Spring, TX

Trasolini Pools Ltd, Vancouver, BC

True Blue Pools Pool Maintenance & Repairs, Trinidad,

US Pool Tile Co, LLC, Norcross, GA

Vignette Constructio, Austin, TX

Waterdogs Pools & Spa, Kill Devil Hills, NC

Westchester County Department of Health, New Rochelle, NY

Zeevaert Pool and Pond dba Zeevaert Enterprises Inc., San Antonio, TX

We welcome these companies that have recently joined APSP

VGB_EdAd.indd 1 11/6/09 5:58:30 PM

32 | AQ APSP QUARTERLY32 | AQ APSP QUARTERLY

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WINTER 2010 | 33

ADVERTISER index

AUTOMATIC CLEANERS

Maytronics US, Inc. ................................................3

CHEMICALS

Advantis Technologies ....................................29, 34

CHLORINE GENERATOR SALT SYSTEMS

Aquasalt, LLC ............................ Outside Back Cover

CORROSION CONTROL

Pool Tool, Inc. ......................................................33

DRAINS - COVERS

Waterway Plastics ..................................................8

EVENTS/TRADE SHOWS

Northeast Spa and Pool Association .......................6

FILTERS

Unicel ..................................................................33Waterway Plastics ..................................................8

FILTERS - EQUIPMENT


FITTINGS


FLOATS & TOYS

FloatStorage.com .................................................29

FLOTATION DEVICES


MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATION SERVICES

Florida Swimming Pool Association ...................... 15

POOL CHEMICALS

BioLab, Inc................................4, Inside Back Cover

POOL CLEANING EQUIPMENT

Aqua Products Inc. ....................... Inside Front Cover

POOL COVERS

Pool Cover Specialists National, Inc. .....................32

POOL ENCLOSURES

CCSI International, Inc./ Garden Prairie Pool Enclosures ...........................27

POOL EQUIPMENT


POOL SALT


PUMPS

Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc .....................................32

PUMPS/FILTERS


SAFETY COVER REELS

PoolSpool ............................................................ 14

SAFETY COVERS

Pool Cover Specialists National, Inc. .....................32

SANITIZERS


SKIMMERS


SPA PARTS


STORAGE


VALVES/FITTINGS


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439621_Pool.indd 1 8/21/09 8:12:43 AM

www.unicelfilters.com

Pool filter replacement cartridges may all look the same, but they are not the same. None perform with Unicel’s precision.

Unicel maintains its leadership position by offering the most finely crafted products, the fastest turn-around time,

and the most responsive customer service in the business.

Always has. Always will.

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ADVERTISER Websites

Advantis Technologies .............................................................................. www.GLBPoolSpa.com .................................................................................................. 34

Advantis Technologies .............................................................................. www.LeisureTimeSpa.com ............................................................................................. 29

Aqua Products Inc. ................................................................................... www.AquaProducts.com .........................................................................Inside Front Cover

Aquasalt, LLC .......................................................................................... www.aquasalt.com ...............................................................................Outside Back Cover

BioLab, Inc............................................................................................... www.valuethatfi ts.com ....................................................................... 4, Inside Back Cover

CCSI International, Inc./Garden Prairie Pool Enclosures ............................ www.ccsiusa.com .......................................................................................................... 27

FloatStorage.com ..................................................................................... www.fl oatstorage.com ................................................................................................... 29

Florida Swimming Pool Association .......................................................... www.orlandopoolshow.com ............................................................................................15

Maytronics US, Inc. .................................................................................. www.maytronicsus.com ................................................................................................... 3

Northeast Spa and Pool Association ......................................................... www.nespapool.org ......................................................................................................... 6

Pool Cover Specialists National, Inc. ......................................................... www.poolcovers.com ..................................................................................................... 32

Pool Tool, Inc. .......................................................................................... www.pooltoolco.com ..................................................................................................... 33

PoolSpool ................................................................................................ www.poolspool.com ........................................................................................................14

Unicel ...................................................................................................... www.unicelfi lters.com ................................................................................................... 33

Waterway Plastics .................................................................................... www.waterwayplastics.com ............................................................................................. 8

Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc ......................................................................... www.jandy.com ............................................................................................................. 32

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© 2007 GLB Pool & Spa. All rights reserved.

1. Confirm the stain is metallic in nature.

2. Use GLB Stain Magnet System as directed.

3. Rebalance the water and begin swimming!

(800) 445-2059 • Fax (800) 482-5295 • GLBPoolSpa.com

It’s as easy as that! For complete details on the GLB No Stains. Guaranteed. program, visit GLBPoolSpa.com.

Here’s how it works:

Metallic stains can be some

of the hardest, most time-con-

suming stains to remove from pool

surfaces, but the GLBStain Magnet System

makes it easy.

In fact, the Stain Magnet System is so effective that

if it does not remove your metallic stain, we’ll give you

your money back!

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You can combine any package sizes or product brands to meet target and we pay the cost to get it to you.

Here’s several more reasons why it’s easy to work directly with the manufacturer of the OMNI® family of brands:

24 – 72 hour delivery

Free freight minimums as low as $500*

Marketing support and programssuch as Coop and Rewards points

BioLab’s support and expertise

* Free freight minimums based upon product and state ® OMNI, Simplicity, Spa Essentials and ProGuard are registered trademarks of BioLab, Inc.

call 888-603-3169or visit valuethatfits.com

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