This message was sent to ##Email##. To advertise in this publication please click here
 
 
 
 
Aug. 19, 2020
 
 
 
 
3-Time Gold Medalist Dana Vollmer to Speak at World Aquatic Health Conference
What if you could identify the goals and motivations that fuel you to do your best work in a way that's both energizing and sustainable? That's what you'll learn from Dana Vollmer, one of the most gold-medaled female U.S. Olympians in history.

Join us at this year's virtual World Aquatic Health Conference and learn how to think, improve, and perform like a world-class Olympic athlete…as well as participate in 35 educational sessions focusing on water quality, risk mitigation, codes and standards, and facility management.

SEE THE EDUCATION

REGISTER TODAY
 
 
 
 
EDUCATION
 
 
Webinar for Manufacturers: 'How to Maximize Your Profits Using Manufacturers' Agents'
Join us on August 21 at 11:00 a.m. ET to learn how you can maximize your company's profits. In this webinar, presented by the Manufacturer's Agents Council, you will learn what an agent is, the benefits for outsourcing your field sales, and the value and agent can bring to you and your customers.

REGISTER TODAY.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
 
 
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Umbrellas Made for the Pool

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.
LEARN MORE
 
 
PHTA Welcomes New GENESIS Sponsor
GENESIS is pleased to announce its newest Gold Sponsor, Latham Pool Products. Latham is the largest manufacturer of fabricated pools in the world, with more than six decades of experience at the center of the backyard lifestyle.

Latham is an established provider with a proven history of quality and customer satisfaction. With extensive information on their product lines, visit their website to learn more about their fiberglass pools, vinyl-liner pools, safety covers, and auto covers.
 
 
MEMBERSHIP
 
 
Get Connected with Home Advisor & Angie's List
PHTA partners Home Advisor & Angie's List are bringing you the following exclusive deals:

Looking for advertising opportunities? Check out this Angie's List offer.

Looking to capture more leads? Check out the latest offer to PHTA members from Home Advisor.

Questions? Contact memberservices@phta.org.
 
 
STANDARDS
 
 
User-Consumers Needed to Serve on PHTA's Voting Consensus Body
PHTA is seeking non-members and members to serve on the PHTA Standard Consensus Committee (SCC) in the newly established User-Consumer interest category. The User-Consumer interest category is defined as any individual/entity that uses swimming pools, spas, swim spas and hot tubs or components.

This includes but is not limited to homeowners, owners or operators of, or service professionals engaged with swimming pools, spas, swim spas, or hot tubs, or members of consumer and public safety advocate organizations. As part of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) development process, PHTA abides by ANSI Essential Requirements: Due process requirements for American National Standards. PHTA SCC members agree to abide by PHTA's Antitrust Policy, PHTA's Procedures for American National Standards and PHTA's Volunteer Code of Conduct. Anyone interested in applying for the position, may submit a completed application form for consideration to standards@PHTA.org.
 
 
 
 
ADVOCACY
 
 
COVID-19 Reopening Updates
Washington, D.C.: The Department of Parks and Recreation outdoor pools will not open this summer due to coronavirus (COVID-19). DPR operates 21 outdoor pools throughout the District, which have been closed since a public health emergency was issued on March 16, 2020. Each pool will now undergo the winterization process, which includes draining and covering. All spray parks and all indoor aquatic centers will remain closed until further notice.

Pennsylvania: This measure provides criteria and a process for counties in the Green phase of the Governor's Process to Reopen Pennsylvania to move to the Green plus phase. The criteria for a county in the Green phase of the Governor's Process to Reopen Pennsylvania to move to the Green plus phase is: (A) The county has not experienced a significant increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases for 14 consecutive days; (B) The governing body of the county determines it is in the best interest of the county to move to the Green plus phase; (C) The governing body of the county determines that there is sufficient healthcare capacity to address anticipated COVID-19 cases; (D) The governing body of the county determines that there is sufficient testing capacity to monitor public health and adjust orders and restrictions as necessary. Counties that meet the criteria may move to the Green plus phase upon adoption of a resolution by the governing body of the county that provides for such a designation. Such counties may develop and implement a plan for businesses subject to the Governor's Business Closure Order to reopen. The plan must require that businesses implement and follow applicable guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Massachusetts: Governor Charlie Baker (D) issued this updated order relating to gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic on August 7, 2020. The order: Reduces the limit on outdoor gatherings from 100 to 50 people (indoor gatherings limit will remain at 25 people); applies these limits to all types of gatherings, on both public and private property; and requires face coverings where more than 10 people from different households will be mixing.

New Hampshire: This order sets civil penalties for violating emergency orders or regulations under the State of Emergency due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This order states that a violation of any Emergency Order or regulation under the State of Emergency due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a misdemeanor and subject to injunctive action brought by the State seeking compliance. This order states that any business, organization, entity, property owner, facility owner, organizer, or individual that recklessly violates any Emergency Order, rule, or regulation issued under the COVID-19 State of Emergency will be subject to civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation or day that a violation continues.

View the latest reopening resources and guidance.
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email
 
 
 
 
Update on COVID-19 Liability Bills
New Jersey: This measure provides immunity for landlords and landowners for injury or death related to coronavirus disease. This measure provides certain immunities for landlords and landowners. Under this measure, these persons and entities would not be liable for civil damages for injury or death alleged to have been sustained as a result of an act or omission by the landlord or landowner during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The immunity granted under this measure would not apply to acts or omissions constituting a crime, actual fraud, actual malice, gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct. Status: Introduced; Referred to Assembly Housing Committee

Tennessee: This measure enacts the Tennessee COVID-19 Recovery Act and makes other additions to present law concerning limiting liability for any person relating to loss, damage, injury, or death from coronavirus. This measure states an individual or legal entity will not be liable for loss, damage, injury, or death that arises from COVID-19 unless the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the person proximately caused the injury by an act or omission constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct. Status: Passed Senate, eligible for consideration in the House.

California: This measure allows for workers' compensation coverage for essential workers exposed to COVID-19. This measure is applicable to all employers who offer workers' compensation to employees. This measure would add Section 3213.5 to the Labor Code to redefine "injury," for employees who are employed in an occupation or industry deemed essential in Executive Order N-33-20, or who are subsequently deemed essential, to include COVID-19 that develops or manifests itself during a period of employment of those persons in the essential occupation or industry. This measure would apply to injuries or illnesses occurring on or after March 1, 2020, would create a conclusive presumption, as specified, that the injury arose out of and in the course of the employment, and would extend that presumption following termination of service for a period of 90 days, commencing with the last date actually worked. Status: Passed Assembly, hearing held in the Senate.

California: This measure would require employers to provide notifications to employees about potential COVID-19 exposure. Specifically this measure would require a public or private employer to provide specified notifications to its employees, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and the State Department of Public Health, relating to the exposure of its employees to COVID-19 that the employer knew of or should have reasonably have known of, as specified. The measure would define “exposure to COVID-19.” The bill would make it a misdemeanor if an employer violates the notification requirements of these provisions. Because a violation of these provisions would be a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. Status: Passed Assembly, hearing held in the Senate.

View updates on additional liability bills.
 
 
Federal Update
Barring a breakthrough on COVID relief negotiations, Congress is not due to return to Washington for session until the week of September 14. The House is scheduled to remain in session - with a remote voting option still in place - for only three weeks before returning to their districts on October 2. After the 2020 election, lawmakers will return to Washington to a lame duck session to finish out the year.

The Democratic majority in the House will remain or be strengthened. Of the roughly 64 seats considered to be "in play" in the House, more than half - 36 - are currently held by Republicans. Of those held by Republicans, about a dozen are either a toss-up or trending toward the Democratic candidate. The Republican majority in the Senate is in play. Republicans currently hold 53 seats in the Senate, so a net loss of just four seats would cost them the majority (or three if Democrats win the Presidency - the VP would break a 50-50 tie). Of the "top ten" most vulnerable Senators up for reelection, eight are Republicans.

Three issues that may further complicate matters on Election Day:
  • President Trump's actions - including related to mail-in voting - are creating confusion and distrust of the election process from his supporters. This confusion could cause voters to stay home because of distrust in the process and may keep others home because they just don't want any part of politics anymore.
  • As of August 10, there are more than five million confirmed COVID cases in the United States, and more than 160,000 COVID-related deaths and it is very unlikely a vaccine will be approved and widely available before the November election. Some virus "hot spots" are also potential swing states, but voters may not feel safe going to the polls.
  • Social unrest, including the Black Lives Matter movement, remains significant. Trump Administration officials continue strong criticism of Black Lives Matter, even as demonstrations and protest events continue. While some major cities continue to see unrest, these movements have had a galvanizing effect on younger, more progressive voters in particular.
 
 
Non-COVID-19 Items Impacting the Industry
Rhode Island: This measure increases the civil penalty to which the employer is liable with regards to misclassification of employees (determining whether an individual is an employee or an independent contractor) for a first offense to an amount not less than $3,000 and not greater than $4,000 (instead of $1,500-$3,000). (pg. 97).

California: This measure states that a wave basin will be operated in accordance with a water safety program that includes specialized water safety personnel, training, procedures, and equipment. All components of the water safety program shall be in compliance with the most current life safety guidelines appropriate for surfing-related activities from the American Red Cross or other applicable certifying entity. A person proposing to construct a wave basin shall file a copy of the plans therefor, prior to construction, with the local health officer having jurisdiction for approval. A person operating or maintaining a wave basin shall do so in a sanitary, healthful, and safe manner. A wave basin shall be under the supervision of a wave basin operator. The wave basin operator shall maintain written wave basin operating procedures at the wave basin site for use by the wave basin operator and for inspection by the enforcing agent. The wave basin operator shall maintain manufacturers’ instructions for the operation and maintenance for all mechanical and electrical equipment and water treatment systems at the wave basin site for use by the wave basin operator and for inspection by the enforcing agent.
 
 
Regulatory Updates
Washington, D.C.: The Board is discussing the 2022 DC Construction Codes, which will adopt the 2021 International Code Council codes and replace the 2015 International Code Council codes that were adopted in the 2017 DC Construction Codes. In the meantime, the Board will consider amendments to the 2017 Codes until the code cycle followed in this entry is completed. The Board plans to adopt the 2022 DC Construction Codes in 2023.

The 2022 DC Construction Codes will consist of adoptions of the following, each with district-specific amendments: the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 International Fire Code, 2019 Energy Standard for Buildings, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).

Texas: The Texas proposed pool and spa rules were published in the Texas Register on July 24 for formal comment. The comment period ends on 8/24/2020. PHTA is working with the Texas Pool & Spa Coalition (TPSC) to review the rules and urges its PHTA Chapters and members to provide input.

Should you have questions regarding the proposed rules, please contact Grason Wiggins.
 
 
PRODUCT SHOWCASES
 
 
Waterco's 1st Stage Centrifugal Filtration
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.
LEARN MORE
Advocate for the customer!
Protector for the vendor in the pool and hot-tub industry! RBS Planet, Inc. will market your products and product lines through our established network. We would welcome the opportunity to show you how RBS Planet, Inc. can benefit your company by becoming part of your sales force.
LEARN MORE
 
 
Local Updates
Cape Coral, FL: On August 17, the City Council introduced an ordinance repealing and replacing Article 5, Development Standards, Chapter 2, Accessory Structures, Section 5.2.15, Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs, of the City of Cape Coral Land Development Code; providing regulations for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs, including, but not limited to, locations, screening, handrails and grabrails.

Fernley, NV: On August 19, City Council will consider Bill #288 modifying building code ordinance adopting the 2018 Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical Code, 2018 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code, and delete standard 2017 Accessibility ANSI A117.1.

Greenville, CO: On September 14, the City Council will consider an ordinance repealing and reenacting Articles 2 through 10 of Chapter 18 of the Greenwood Village Municipal Code to adopt by reference the International Building Code, 2018 Edition; the International Residential Code, 2018 Edition; the International Plumbing Code, 2018 Edition; the International Mechanical Code, 2018 Edition; the International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 Edition; the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition; the International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 Edition; the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2018 Edition; the National Electric Code, 2017 Edition and adding a New Article 11 to Chapter 18 of the Greenwood Municipal Code adopting the ANSI (Accessibility) Code, 2017 Edition.

Lincoln Park, NJ: On August 20, City Council will discuss an ordinance regarding swimming pools.

Aspen, CO: On August 11, the City Council introduced an Ordinance amending Chapter 25.28, Water Shortages of the City of Aspen.

Questions or input on any legislative, regulatory, or local matters should be directed to PHTA Senior Manager of Government Relations, Grason Wiggins
 
 
PRODUCT SHOWCASES
 
 
The Clear Solution for Swimming Pools
The proven alternative filter media — over 20 years of success with tens of thousands of installations throughout the world.

See What Others Say.
LEARN MORE
Reach Your Prospects Every Week
Thousands of industry professionals subscribe to association news briefs, which allows your company to push messaging directly to their inboxes and take advantage of the association's brand affinity.

Connect with Highly Defined Buyers and Maximize Your Brand Exposure
LEARN MORE
 
 
FOR YOUR BUSINESS
 
 
Leadership Lesson in Three Words
Inc.

7 Red Flags That Your Mindset is Creating Business Problems
Entrepreneur

"Don't Take it Personally" is Terrible Work Advice
Harvard Business Review
 
 
PHTA UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
AUG. 19
PHTA's Michigan Chapter Charity Golf Outing
MORE INFO
OCT. 15-16
Virtual World Aquatic Health Conference
MORE INFO
NOV. 11-13
Virtual 2020 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo
MORE INFO
 
 
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
 
 
PLATINUM PARTNERS


GOLD PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNER
NATIONAL WATER SAFETY MONTH PARTNER

AFFILIATES
 
 
PHTA News
 
Connect with PHTA
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email
Dennis Hall, Director of Publishing, 469-420-2656 | Download media kit
Suzanne Mason, Content Editor, 202-684-7177 | Contribute news

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
2111 Eisenhower Ave. | Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703-838-0083
4775 Granby Circle | Colorado Springs, CO 80919 | 719-540-9119
Contact Us | www.phta.org

Click here to unsubscribe.

Learn how to add us to your safe sender list so our emails get to your inbox.
ASSN PNG LOGO
ADVERTISE
SUBSCRIBE
PAST ISSUES
Published by MultiView
Powered by Multibriefs
7701 Las Colinas Ridge, Ste. 800, Irving, TX, 75063