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The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance's awards programs recognize prominent achievements and outstanding performers in the pool, spa and hot tub industry, defining the state of the art and promoting the industry to potential customers. If you have experience any difficulties downloading the nomination forms below, please use Internet Explorer.
Fellows Program – Submission Deadline Extended to August 3, 2020
The rank of PHTA Fellow is an honor bestowed on prominent individuals who have made distinguished contributions that raise professionalism in the aquatic community through teaching, research and/or exemplary service to others. Nomination Form
CBP Lifetime Achievement Award – Submission Deadline Extended to August 3, 2020
The CBP Lifetime Achievement Award is a peer nominated award given annually to one CBP who has advanced the pool building profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. Nomination Form
CSP Certified Pool & Spa Service Professional of the Year – Submission Deadline Extended to August 3, 2020
The CSP of the Year Award is a peer nominated award given annual to one CSP who has advanced the service profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. Nomination Form
Retailer of the Year - Submission Deadline Extended to August 3, 2020
The Retailer of the Year Award is a peer nominated award give annual to one Retailer who has advanced the retail profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. Nomination Form
Young Professionals of the Year - Submission Deadline Extended to August 3, 2020
The Young Professionals of the Year Award recognizes forward-thinking leaders under the age of 40 who will be the voice and next generation of pool, spa and hot tub professionals. Nomination Form
Chapter of the Year – Submission Deadline Extended to August 3, 2020
The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes one outstanding chapter that has set a stellar example for the organization, advancing and enhancing the profession through strong leadership, community outreach and providing their members with the highest quality of programs, activities and services. Nomination Form
Questions? Please email awards@phta.org.
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International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo Has Safety Protocols in Place
The PSP Expo/DeckExpo may appear a bit different, as organizers will be implementing a set of standards to employ the highest standards of safety, hygiene, cleanliness, and quality. These measures are in addition to advice from government and local authorities and the seven-point safety plan from the Mandalay Bay.
For a health and safety-minded event, the following standards will be in place:
- Enhanced cleaning: Public, high-traffic areas of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center will undertake enhanced, deep cleaning before, during, and after PSP Expo/DeckExpo. This includes continuous sanitization throughout the course of an event, with a focus on high-touch areas such as door handles, restrooms, and food and beverage areas.
- Non-contact registration: We'll have a system that facilitates non-contact registration and badge pick-up for participants.
- Limited physical contact: We are requesting that participants avoid physical contact, such as handshakes and embraces, promoting alternative ways to greet business partners. The exchange of printed materials, such as business cards and sales brochures, is discouraged, with digital alternatives recommended. Exhibitors can use their Media Package to upload videos, PDFs, and more to their listing.
- First aid: All event participants will have access to a qualified EMT and a separate quarantine area.
- Adapted conference rooms & sessions: We're revising seating arrangements and set-up in conference and meeting rooms, to enable greater space between seats. We're also working on solutions to avoid the sharing of equipment, like computers and microphones.
Registration will be live for attendees in mid-July, with exhibitor registration to follow a few weeks after. In the instance the event is canceled as a result of COVID-19, attendees and exhibitors alike can be assured the following flexibilities:
- Exhibitors will choose to be refunded or have their payment applied to the 2021 event in Dallas.
- All conference and expo registrants will be fully refunded.
- If hotel accommodations are booked through the show's official vendor, OnPeak, participants will receive a full refund.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to Megan Magaña, Senior Marketing Manager for PSP Expo/DeckExpo.
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New Industry Fact Sheet Now Available
Members of the RWQC have been busy creating and revising various Fact Sheets that are published on a monthly basis in AQUA magazine. Our latest - Metals and Metal Staining is now available. View the full library of RWQC Fact Sheets here. For more information, email standards@phta.org.
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Fiberlite Umbrellas provide stress-free shade. These customizable umbrellas will never warp, rot or rust – even directly in the pool – thanks to a patented, all-fiberglass frame design, solid ribs, marine-grade fabric and an industry-best, five-year warranty. Cabanas, pavilions and pool accessories also available. 100% Made in the USA.
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COVID-19 Reopening Updates
Iowa: Governor Kim Reynolds issued a new proclamation extends the public health mitigation measures that are currently in place, including the requirement to maintain social distancing in bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and similar venues. The proclamation also extends many of the regulatory relief measures previously implemented. Moreover, the measure allows many types of businesses, including swimming pools, to reopen as long as they comply with social distancing and hygienic guidelines.
Tennessee: Governor Bill Lee issued an executive order to allow deadlines for building code and building plan inspections to be extended in response to the effects of COVID-19. Specifically, the provisions governing building plans review or building code requirements under the purview of the Department of Commerce and Insurance are suspended to the extent necessary to give the Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance discretion to reasonably extend the deadline for compliance with such provisions as necessary to respond to the effects of COVID-19.
Arizona: Governor Doug Ducey issued an executive order putting the reopening of the state on pause until July 27. Effective Monday, June 29, the following establishments must pause operations until July 27: (i) Bars with a series 6 or 7 liquor license from the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (these entities may provide take-out and curbside service); (ii) Indoor gyms and fitness clubs or centers; (iii) Indoor movie theaters; (iv) Water parks; and (v) tubing operators. Effective June 29, even if appropriate physical distancing is possible, organized events of more than 50 people are prohibited. The Executive Order enables local governing jurisdictions, such as the city, town or county, to approve events on the condition of meeting certain safety precautions, such as physical distancing.
New Jersey: "Indoor public and private swimming pools across the state are now allowed to reopen with restrictions after months of being closed because of the coronavirus pandemic," Gov. Phil Murphy announced Thursday afternoon.
Please visit PHTA's website for reopening resources and guidance.
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COVID-19 Liability Issues Impacting the Industry
Massachusetts: On June 25, HD 5163 filed for possible consideration in the House. The bill grants essential businesses immunity from suit and civil liability stemming from any exposure to COVID-19 on the premises of the business, or as a result of the operations of the business. Immunity is conditioned on the business operating in good faith and in compliance with required COVID-19 precautions, and voids immunity in case of fraud, deceptive acts or practices, negligence, or in the event of discrimination. This measure clarifies that claims may still be brought under workers' compensation statutes and regulations, or any healthcare or employment agreements. This measure provides for this act to be in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 state of emergency.
New Jersey: On June 29, Senate Bill 2628 was introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill establishes general immunity for businesses and their officers, employees, and agents, against civil actions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic or related viral strain in subsequent years. Immunity is conditioned upon good faith compliance with or exceeding all applicable public and personal health and safety measures to prevent or mitigate a person's exposure to COVID-19. Immunity would apply to incidents of exposure that occur because a person is required to be on a business’ property or entered or remained on the property by express or implied invitation or permission, or the exposure occurred at some other place in the course of conducting business, activities and operations, or providing services. However, nothing in the measure would be deemed to grant immunity for an entity's or person's willful, wanton, or grossly negligent act of commission or omission. If passed, the bill would take effect immediately, and apply retroactively to March 9, the date the Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency was declared by the Governor's Executive Order 103 of 2020 concerning the Coronavirus pandemic.
Mississippi: On July 6, 3409 was sent to Governor Tate Reeves for approval. As amended, the bill shields for-profit entities, among others, from civil liability for injuries or death resulting from or related to actual or alleged exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19 in the course of or through the performance or provision of its functions or services. The bill is retroactive and protects entities from liability both before and after public health guidance became available. During the time after public health guidance was promulgated by the state, entities are required to have made a good faith effort to follow public health guidance to enjoy immunity. Specifically, an owner, lessee, occupant or any other person in control of a premises, who attempts, in good faith, to follow applicable public health guidance and directly or indirectly invites or permits any person onto a premises shall be immune from suit for civil damages for any injuries or death resulting from or related to actual or alleged exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19. The bill further provides exceptions for malice or willful, intentional misconduct and establishes a two-year statute of limitations from the day the cause of action accrues.
North Carolina: On July 2, Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 118 into law. The new law provides immunity to businesses from civil suits arising from any act or omission alleged to have resulted in the contraction of COVID-19. Every business must provide, with respect to any premises owned or under possession, custody, or control, reasonable notice of actions taken for the purpose of reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to individuals present on the premises. Though, businesses retain immunity against claims based on the failure of businesses to provide reasonable notice of actions taken for the purpose of reducing the risk of transmission. Please note that businesses may be held liable for any act or omission that amounts to gross negligence, willful or wanton conduct, or intentional wrongdoing.
Iowa: Governor Kim Reynolds has signed Senate File 2338. The measure mandates that a person may not bring or maintain civil action alleging exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19 unless the civil action relates to a minimum medical condition, involves an act that was intended to cause harm, or involves an act that constitutes actual malice. The measure mandates that a person shall not be held liable for civil damages for any injuries sustained from exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19 if the act or omission alleged to violate a duty of care was in substantial compliance or was consistent with any federal or state statute, regulation, order, or public health guidance related to COVID-19 that was applicable to the person or activity at issue at the time of the exposure.
Georgia: On June 29, Senate Bill 359 was sent to Governor Brian Kemp for approval. As amended, the bill provides immunity to businesses for claims arising from COVID-19 liability with exceptions for gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, reckless infliction of harm, or intentional infliction of harm. Moreover, the bill creates a rebuttable presumption for businesses that may be utilized against claims arising from the transmission, infection, exposure, or potential exposure of COVID-19 on businesses' premises. The bill creates an assumption of risk defense if one of two conditions are met: Any receipt or proof of purchase for entry, including but not limited to an electronic or paper ticket or wristband, issued to a claimant by the individual or entity for entry or attendance, includes a statement in at least ten-point Arial font placed apart from any other text, stating the following warning: 'Any person entering the premises waives all civil liability against this premises owner and operator for any injuries caused by the inherent risk associated with contracting COVID-19 at public gatherings, except for gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, reckless infliction of harm, or intentional infliction of harm, by the individual or entity of the premises.' or an individual or entity of the premises has posted at a point of entry, if present, to the premises, a sign in at least one-inch Arial font placed apart from any other text, a written warning stating the following: 'Under Georgia law, there is no liability for an injury or death of an individual entering these premises if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of contracting COVID-19. You are assuming this risk by entering these premises.' The act applies only to causes of action accruing until July 14, 2021 and does not apply to any causes of action accruing thereafter.
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Non-COVID-19 Items Impacting the Industry
Ohio: On June 19, Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 65 into law. The new law allows certified swimming classes to take place at a private residential swimming pool without requiring the pool's operator to obtain a public swimming pool license. "Certified swimming class" is defined as an infant swimming resource (ISR) class; an American Red Cross swimming class, swimming lesson, or learn-to-swim class; and any other swimming class certified by a nationally accredited organization that operates in all fifty states.
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Waterco’s award winning MultiCyclone is a brilliant revolutionary filtration device that works on the basis of centrifugal water filtration. It captures 80% of the dirt load before it ever reaches the media filter and is designed with no moving parts and no filter media to clean or replace.
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NEPTUNE Variable Speed Pool Pump Motors are direct replacement motors designed to reduce energy usage by 80%. You no longer need to replace the entire pump to gain energy savings. The TEFC finned aluminum design extends life by protecting components from moisture/debris. These integrated motors/drives are compliant with Title 20 regulations and DOE rules.
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Regulatory Updates
North Carolina: On July 6, the North Carolina Electrical Ad Hoc Committee voted to remove the single wire from the 2020 NEC and remove the new 680.4, which addresses inspections. The Ad Hoc Committee is not the final vote on the matter, the motion must also be approved by the Building Code Council, which is scheduled to meet next week, July 13-14 to discuss whether to amend the single wire out of the 2017 NEC that is currently in effect in North Carolina. PHTA is closely monitoring this issue.
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What's Happening Locally
Montgomery, Alabama: On July 7, City Council will discuss an ordinance adopting the Technical Codes of the City of Montgomery, (with deletions and amendments) i.e., International Building Code 2018, International Fuel Gas Code 2018, International Mechanical Code 2018, International Plumbing Code 2018, International Property Maintenance Code 2018, International Residential Code 2018, International Energy Conservation Code 2018, International Existing Building Code 2018, and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2018.
Kittitas County, Washington: On June 18, Kittitas County submitted a variance application to enter Phase 3 of the Washington State Phased Approach to COVID-19. On June 17, Kittitas County became eligible to apply for the next phase after successfully maintaining Phase 2. In order to move to Phase 3, the KCPHD/IMT must complete the application, ensure the county is meeting the state required metrics, and have approval from the Kittitas County Board of Health (BOH) and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Both the BOH and BOCC have voted in approval of the Phase 3 variance application.
Tybee Island, Georgia: On July 9, the City Council will discuss two pieces of communications concerning a draft moratorium on short-term rentals in the City, as well as a moratorium on pools.
All legislative, regulatory and local items PHTA is monitoring or actively engaged in can be found here. Contact PHTA Senior Manager of Government Relations, Grason Wiggins.
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