PHTA members should have received an email from Pkdata with a link to a survey for our biannual economic impact study. Look for the subject line “PHTA Economic Impact of Pool and Hot Tub Industry Survey.” The pool, spa, and hot tub industry has experienced an historic year of growth. This report will help us continue to advocate for the importance of our industry. Thank you in advance for your participation!

If you have not yet received an email, please check your spam or junk folders.

PHTA will be sending an email to members on April 15, asking you to participate in a quarterly pulse study. These pulse studies take a real-time temperature of the pool and hot tub business based on member information. This helps us understand what is happening in our industry and identify if the industry's growth is shifting. We appreciate your participation!

The PHTA Government Relations team continues to press on, monitoring state and local legislation as well as rulemaking nationwide. With 48 state legislatures meeting this week, the GR team is currently advocating in 20 states around the country, lobbying for legislation and rulemaking that benefits PHTA and its members. Priority issues surround the adoption of the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC), Portable Electric Spa Energy Efficiency via adoption of the APSP-14 Standard, Licensing/Certification/Training, Pool & Hot Tub Safety and Education, Prop 65 in California, as well as other areas. The following are a few highlights:

• International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) Legislation: The adoption of the ISPSC nationwide is a top priority by PHTA. The adoption of the ISPSC nationwide creates a uniform standard, works in conjunction with other international codes currently adopted, and is the most comprehensive standard for swimming pools and spas. In Texas, HB 2205 passed out of the House Urban Affairs Committee and was sent over to the House Committee on Calendars. HB 2205 would allow the Department of Health to adopt the ISPSC by reference through the rulemaking process. PHTA and TPSC are actively lobbying for the committee to send the bill to the full House of Representatives for a vote.

• Licensing/Certification/Training: Ensuring that swimming pools and spas are constructed in accordance with the ISPSC by licensed professionals, that instructors are trained and properly certified, and access to online training is a key initiative by PHTA. In Montana, SB 152, which would allow the Department of Public Health and Human Services to adopt rules relating to the licensing of operators of public swimming pools and bathing places, was signed into law by Governor Gianforte. SB 152 will go into effect on October 1, 2021.

• Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Safety and Education: PHTA is an education-driven organization that seeks to provide and establish the most comprehensive and highest standards in the pool and spa industry. In California, a hearing was held for AB 441 which would require wave basins to meet the ASTM International standard and operate in accordance with water safety programs that include specialized water safety personnel, training, procedures, and equipment. PHTA is actively engaged with the bill sponsor and stakeholders to craft amendments.

*Code Update: The 2021 International Code Council Committee Action Hearings began Sunday, April 11 and PHTA had proposals for the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) Committee on the very first day. PHTA’s proposal incorporating language from the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC) on hot tub safety covers into the IPMC was approved unanimously. PHTA will have several proposals for updates to the ISPSC with that hearing starting on April 29. Public comments on all proposals will be submitted after the Committee Action Hearings, with Public Comment Hearings scheduled for September 2021 in Pittsburgh.

Questions or input on any legislative, regulatory, or local matters should be directed to Jason Davidson at jdavidson@phta.org.

For a full, comprehensive report on PHTA Government Relations activites nationwide, click here.