PHTA announced a strong close of the 2022 program year for its water safety initiative, Step Into Swim. Led by Rowdy Gaines, Olympic Gold Medalist and Vice President of Partnerships & Development at PHTA, Step Into Swim continues to raise awareness for drowning prevention and the lifesaving skill of learning how to swim. The program raised $750,000 in 2022 thanks to donors who believe in its mission to create more swimmers.

PHTA kicked off its 40th year as a standards developer by announcing the review and revision of ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs and ANSI/APSP/ICC-1 American National Standard for Public Swimming Pools and calling for subject matter expert (SME) participation in the Standard Writing Committees (SWCs). The APSP-1 Standard would be redesignated as the PHTA/ICC-1 Standard for Public Pool and Spa Design, Construction and Installation.

If you're in the service and maintenance sector and workforce development is top of mind for your business in 2023, take advantage of the PHTA Registered Pool Maintenance and Service Technician Apprenticeship Program! By combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, apprentices receive a skills-based education that prepares them for good-paying jobs – and helps you recruit, build, and retain a highly skilled workforce.

If you've been meaning to register for the PHTA Leadership Certificate Program Powered by Cornell University, you now have more time! The first cohort now begins February 1 with a virtual, on-demand session, followed by the first live virtual session with your Cornell University professor on February 15. See the full schedule, coursework, and professor bios on our website. Limited seats remain, so save your seat soon!

Sabeena Hickman, PHTA President & CEO, and Robert Rankin of Heritage will be leading this month's CPSA webinar on workforce development. This webinar will cover the benefits of working in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry and how to attract younger workers to these jobs and careers. It will also cover PHTA's workforce development initiatives kicking off in 2023, as well as an update on the PHTA apprenticeship programs. Join us next Wednesday, January 18 at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET).

We're getting ready for Atlantic City! We're excited to offer three PHTA short courses and three GENESIS® short courses during the Pool & Spa Show, January 23-25. PHTA courses include: ANSI/PHTA Standards Guiding You to Better Water Chemistry; Understanding Your Contract: How to Protect Your Company in a Changing Environment; and ANSI/PHTA/ICC-10: Reduce the Risk of Mold & Structural Design in Elevated Pools. GENESIS® will be teaching D111: Small Space Design & Construction; B331: Job Costing for Profit Versus Existence; and C352: Splash Pad Development & Design.

Plus, be sure to visit PHTA and GENESIS® at Booth 2355 on the Show Floor!

Ready to move your way up the PHTA Certified Pool Builder and Design Professional Pathway? Become an Advanced CBP with E211: Fluid Hydraulics for Pools & Spas or take another step towards becoming an Expert CBP with D211: Elements of Design, both being offered live and in-person at the Southwest Pool & Spa Show in February!

Construction, engineering, and design—GENESIS® is bringing our classes to you at Everything Under the Sun Expo! Whether you’re reaching for that next-level certification designation, or just thirsty for some continuing ed, we’ve got top-notch instructors delivering the very best this industry has to offer. See the full GENESIS® lineup on the Everything Under the Sun website. Space is limited, grab your spot today!

Whether you focus on building concrete pools or installing vinyl liner/fiberglass pools, we have a GENESIS® course for you! Join us this March 1-3 in New Jersey, where NESPA will be hosting us for both C201: Concrete Pools and C260: Vinyl Liner/Fiberglass Pools. Register today and earn your CBP certification, required for licensure in several states!

PHTA is always growing! In December, 63 companies and individuals from around the U.S. and Canada joined PHTA. Meet our newest members and reach out to them to say hello!

PHTA members save up to 25% off Budget base rates, plus get other great offers like dollars off, a complimentary upgrade, or a free weekend day. Plus, with a complimentary membership in Budget Fastbreak, enjoy the fastest, easiest rental experience! To make a reservation, visit Budget.com/PHTA or call 1 (800) 527-0700 and use the code D423520.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Mentor Match program reflects our commitment to you and your professional development. This unique online networking and career development tool helps you find, connect, and share experiences with others. Your mentor or mentee can be in the same city or on the other side of the world. Apply today to become a mentor or mentee!

The FTC is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would prohibit employers from using noncompete clauses. The FTC’s proposed rule would make it illegal for an employer to enter into a noncompete with a worker; maintain a noncompete with a worker; or represent to a worker that the worker is subject to a noncompete. The proposed rule would apply to independent contractors and anyone who works for an existing employer. The rule would also require employers to rescind existing noncompete contracts. Interested parties can file comments on the proposed rule here. The public comment period is open through March 10.

Get the latest news on our advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, and find out ways you can get involved. Plus, get legislative alerts when there's an upcoming event or action item in your area.

Pool & Spa Marketing
Training staff to make suggestions and upsell spa accessories to customers can drastically improve a business’s profits, but the training must be thorough to ensure staff competence.

Forbes
For a small business, taxes can eat into limited profits, so owners should work with their accountant to maximize deductions.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Despite predictions of gridlock in the 118th Congress due to the split legislature, legislators should focus on the workforce shortage, subpar K-12 education, and skilling a competitive workforce if the American economy is to keep track with other developed nations.

Over the last few months, BASECRETE has been in negotiations with Litokol to form an alliance that will make their pool product line the strongest in the industry by adding Litokol grout, advesive, and other key products to the BASECRETE product line. As of January, 1st, 2023, distributors and vendors can now buy Litokol direct from BASECRETE with fast shipping and great pricing.  

AQUA Magazine
After a frenzy of pandemic-fueled purchases, pool and spa retailers should expect growth to slow in 2023 as inflation and other economic factors stifle consumer purchases.

Pool Pro Magazine
When dealing with a pool’s finish, professionals should keep an eye out for common problems like discoloration, pigmentation problems, poor consolidation, and more.