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Visit the New Step Into Swim Site
 Step Into Swim is an initiative of PHTA that launched in 2012 with a simple mission to save lives through swim lessons. We recently redesigned the Step Into Swim website to have a more modern look and feel, improved usability, easier navigation, and updated content. Step Into Swim's goal is to create 1 million more swimmers by reaching out to more communities and engaging with people of all ages and ethnicities.
"We at PHTA are so excited about our water safety initiative Step Into Swim and the redesigned website," says Rowdy Gaines, PHTA Vice President of Partnerships & Development. "It is meant to help people understand that swimming is something we can all enjoy together—but we must also respect the potential risks involved, especially with small children. We plan to make a difference in your community too, so feel free to get involved."
Visit the Step Into Swim website to learn more and help us reach our goal.
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.EDUCATION & EVENTS
Save the Date: GENESIS® Symposium
 The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is proud to host the GENESIS® Symposium, a new virtual conference for pool builders. The GENESIS® Symposium runs from March 16–18 and will include a combination of pre-recorded and live sessions.
This three-day immersive event is bringing together the best of GENESIS® faculty to present information encompassing all of the necessary disciplines for building a structurally sound water vessel. Concurrent programs will be presented in the areas of construction, design, business, and engineering.
Offering over 25 hours of education with corresponding CEUs, the GENESIS® Symposium offers a perfect opportunity for pool builders to earn credits while meeting industry experts and others in the industry.
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Share Your Knowledge at PHTA Events
PHTA is calling for presenters for all education and events in 2021, virtual and (hopefully) in-person! We are now accepting applications for webinars, sessions, classes, panels—we want all of your ideas! Our success is due in large part to the dedication of an incredibly talented group of instructors and industry professionals who are willing to share their experience and knowledge with attendees. If you're reading this, you have something to share—and we want to hear it!
If you are interested in presenting at the World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC) this October, the deadline for applications is March 1.
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The public may be at risk of Legionnaires disease (and other diseases) from exposure to the water in hot tubs or whirlpool spas. Our comprehensive test provides everything that you need to know, to determine if your spa disinfection system is providing a safe environment.
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New: PHTA Webinar Series
PHTA is launching a monthly webinar series this year. The webinars for February, March, April, and May are now open for registration.
The Value of Ancillary Chemicals in Pool Maintenance
February 17
1pm ET
Are you looking for ways to maximize your water quality and chemical efficiencies? Then join us for this PHTA webinar as Alicia Stephens guides you through the addition of chemicals beyond just sanitizers and oxidizers.
Register
Basic Water Chemistry for Service Professionals
March 17
1pm ET
Terry Arko will provide a basic introduction to pool water chemistry. This course is especially beneficial for those new to the industry or those focused on residential service.
Register
E265: Standards, Codes, and Ordinances; A Builder's Guide to Proper Implementation
April 7, 14, 21, 28
2pm ET
This four-part "school" will differentiate between codes, standards, and ordinances. Examine what these documents require of all parties affected by them and conclude with providing background and intent on the provisions within these documents.
Register
Prevention of Recreational Water Illness
May 19
1pm ET
Examine pathogens responsible for disease outbreaks and how to combat them. Review the advantages and disadvantages of different disinfectants along with the recommendations in the ANSI/APSI – 11 standard.
Register
If you missed the January webinar on the COVID-19 Relief Package, you can find a recording here.
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Webinar: Convenience Wins
PHTA affinity partner Podium is hosting a FREE webinar, "Convenience Wins: How to save time and make your customers happier," on February 3 at 4pm ET.
It is really difficult to do business during a global pandemic. With government restrictions and social distancing in effect, working with customers requires massive amounts of coordination. So how can businesses keep employees on jobs and sales coming in without tying down phone lines or seeing customers in person? This webinar will cover the top three ways to save time and money: Consolidating communication, delegating work, and collecting payments.
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.PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Strategic Partner Spotlight: Fluidra
Fluidra Expands Industry-leading Product Offering with Acquisition of Built Right
Fluidra, a global leader in pool and wellness equipment, has completed the acquisition of all of the substantial assets of Built Right, a trusted Florida-based manufacturer of heat pumps.
Built Right specializes in manufacturing and servicing high-performance heat pumps from its Punta Gorda, Florida, headquarters. Known for its attention to detail and high-touch customer service, Built Right is a well-respected manufacturer within Florida, the largest heat pump territory within the United States.
Bruce Brooks, CEO of Fluidra, said: "The purchase of Built Right will allow us to further expand our product portfolio and increase our presence in the fast-growing North American heat pump category and represents an important step forward in our strategic plan for the area."
The addition of Built Right heat pumps to the Fluidra portfolio further strengthens the company's position as a leader in pool and spa heating solutions. Built Right will continue to operate out of its Punta Gorda, Florida, headquarters.
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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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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.
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Pebble Tec Announces Annual World's Greatest Pools Contest — All Entries Due February 28
 Pebble Technology International is pleased to announce that they are accepting pool project submissions for their annual "World's Greatest Pools" Awards Program. Every year, Pebble Technology celebrates excellence in pool design and craftsmanship, featuring the industry-panel-selected photo winners on the glossy pages of a 200-page book. They then send two FREE COPIES to each winning builder, to help them showcase their work to prospective customers.
All photo submissions must be received by February 28, 2021 — and must meet ALL requirements to qualify for judging by the professional industry panel, including the use of Pebble Technology finishes. Your photos and company name may also appear in future social media, websites, and feature industry articles. Simply submit each project by filling out this form.
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.STANDARDS AND CODES
Define Industry Terms, Serve on the PHTA Glossary Committee
PHTA is seeking participants to serve as voting members on the PHTA Glossary Committee. The committee, led by Jeff McGalliard of JMK Associates Inc., is responsible for reviewing and approving all terms and definitions used in PHTA's published standards. The committee will also consider terms and proposed definitions that are new to the industry or not currently defined within PHTA's existing American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved standards. Get involved and make a difference in the industry by applying to serve on the Glossary Committee today! For more information, please contact Director of Standards Susan Hilaski at shilaski@phta.org or standards@phta.org.
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The proven alternative filter media — over 20 years of success with tens of thousands of installations throughout the world.
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Spa Electrics are the leading manufacturer of premium underwater LED lights. Introducing our award winning Atom Series, available for concrete, fiberglass and vinyl pools.The Atom features innovative solutions for installation and servicing. Powerful in performance, the ATOM Series can be used to illuminate even the largest pools with ease.
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Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQC) Membership Updates & Activities
Jody O'Grady of Taylor Technologies is the new Chair of the Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQC) and held the first six-hour meeting of the year on January 20, 2021. Kevin Cox of NSF International is serving as the Chair of the AQUA Magazine Subcommittee. Terry Snow of TLS Pool Service is serving as the Chair of the Awards Subcommittee to address the Greg Garrett Award and the Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant. The RWQC Fact Sheet on Ultraviolet (UV) Light Pool Systems is available on the PHTA website. It was used to create the TECH NOTES article, "Ultraviolet (UV) Pool Systems: What they are and what they do," in the February 2021 digital edition of AQUA Magazine. Should you have any questions regarding the RWQC AQUA Magazine, Awards, Glossary, Education, or Presentation Subcommittees, please contact Manager of Standards Genevieve Lynn at glynn@phta.org or standards@phta.org.
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Ever Want to Know What's Ahead in Industry Standards?
Participating in PHTA's American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards development process is a great way for your company to stay on top of industry trends, scientific research, and specifications that may be enforceable through State or Federal law. Currently, there are draft standards for Public Pool and Spa Design, Construction and Installation, Public Pool and Spa Operations and Maintenance, Aboveground/Onground Residential Swimming Pools, and Residential Inground Swimming Pools. Working drafts of these standards are only available to members who are serving on the specific Standard Writing Committee (SWC). If you want to know what language is being proposed in the early stages of these or other standards, consider serving on a SWC. Visit the Participate in the Process page on the PHTA website to find out which SWC is of most interest to you. You determine how involved you wish to be in the standards development process and will greatly benefit from whatever level of participation you choose. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the PHTA Standards Department at standards@phta.org.
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.ADVOCACY
Legislative Updates
Arkansas: This measure creates "Alex's Law" to improve the safety of residential swimming pools and prevent child drownings by requiring owners to construct safety barriers around pools. PHTA, along with the International Code Council (ICC), have engaged with the bill sponsor and regulatory agencies on this legislation. Concerns exist from regulatory agencies that the bill as written would be difficult to enforce and industry is looking to align with barrier provisions found in the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC). Currently, we are working on a compromise that would amend the proposed legislation to require distribution of pool safety pamphlets to Arkansan residents building pools or spas, and create a workgroup for the purpose of looking at the best way to address pool safety, including adopting the ISPSC. The workgroup would require the Department of Health, PHTA, the ICC, and other stakeholders to collaborate and agree upon what will ultimately be future legislation. PHTA members in Arkansas are encouraged to participate with this effort by contacting PHTA. Status: Introduced.
Maryland: PHTA sponsored HB 109, which will adopt the ISPSC state-wide. The bill hearing was held on January 26 in the House Environment and Transportation Committee. Jason Davidson, Director of Government Relations for PHTA, provided oral testimony in support on behalf of PHTA before the committee. The hearing for SB 254 (ISPSC Adoption) will be heard in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on February 3. Davidson will be providing oral testimony in support on behalf of PHTA. Please contact us if you would like to engage with us on this issue. Watch the recorded hearing. Status: Hearing held on 1/26/2021.
Massachusetts: This climate policy measure added definitions and product requirements to the Massachusetts Appliance Efficiency Standards Act from another piece of legislation, which included adopting the latest APSP 14 portable spa energy efficiency standard. The Governor vetoed this legislation (S. 2995) at the end of the 2020 legislative session, stating that he did not have sufficient time to review the omnibus measure and return it with amendments and suggestions by the adjournment of the legislative session on January 5, 2021. It has now been re-filed. Although it includes the energy efficiency standards requirements from another bill, which PHTA supports on behalf of our hot tub segment, it also puts in place policies that would make it more difficult to use natural or propane gas, which could negatively affect our members who manufacturer or install pool, spa, or other features that use gas heating. PHTA is determining how best to address this, such as ensuring the appliance efficiency legislation will also continue as a separate piece of legislation. Status: Introduced.
New Hampshire: A hearing was held on January 26 for HB 166 before the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. This measure requires pools on foreclosed properties to be covered or have a net. Pools, spas, or other water feature structures of more than 20 square feet on a foreclosed property have a cover or net approved by the American Society for Testing Materials. Status: Hearing held on 1/26/2021.
Pennsylvania: There are plans to reintroduce legislation on Legionella (SB 1285, 2020) for the 2021 session, an Act providing for Legionnaires' disease prevention and reporting and imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health. The above link provides the text for SB 1285, 2020. Status: Legislation has yet to be filed.
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Regulatory Updates
California: California Proposition 65 (Regulation ID CA62818), which would limit use of the short-form version of the safe harbor warning, was published in the California Register. Comments are due 3/8/2021. After comments are due, staff will review the rule and any comments received.
Questions or input on any legislative, regulatory, or local matters should be directed to Jason Davidson, PHTA Director of Government Relations, at jdavidson@phta.org.
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PHTA UPCOMING EVENTS
.THANK YOU TO OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS
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