The Pool & Spa Apprenticeship and Training Committee is excited to announce another newly appointed Director to the Pool & Spa Apprenticeship and Training Committee (PSATC) – Ken Howard.

Ken started his career in San Diego in the electrical industry when he was sixteen years old. After four years in the electrical industry, there was an opportunity to start his own business in the landscape industry. It was here that he was first introduced to swimming pool construction. Over the next twenty years, Ken designed and built, in North San Diego County, as a full-service outdoor design, project management and construction company.

This design-build experience included new swimming pool & spa construction, renovations, remodeling, demolition, pool equipment repair & replacement, pool & spa chemical automation upgrades, and electrical work. Additionally, concrete work, including driveways, patios, pool decks, and ICF (Insulating Concrete Forms) swimming pool design and construction, were later added to the scope of provided services.

Ken has obtained five CA Contracting License classifications, as well as obtaining a CBP (Certified Building Professional) and PPSO (professional Pool & Spa Operator) designations from the APSP/PHTA. Since 2018 there has been a focus on peer education regarding the proper installation of chemical automation and chemical automation controllers for residential pool/spa combos.

Ken is the current owner of Ultimate-Pool.com full service-swimming pool service and repair business in North County, San Diego, and the President of Ultimate Pool Tools

We’re deep into pool trade show season now and one of the biggest shows of the year is always The Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City. Many consider this to be one of the premier events for the industry and it’s widely attended by pool professionals throughout the country.

The Pool & Spa Show is powered by NESPA (Northeast Spa & Pool Association) and features some of the latest and most innovative products, educational courses, and exhibits. Not only is the event a fantastic opportunity to network with peers, but it’s a great chance to make connections with industry leaders, distributors, and educators from around the industry.

Let Pool Magazine Be Your Guide To The Pool & Spa Show

This year’s event promises something for everyone. Already the buzz has begun to circulate on social media that the 2023 Pool & Spa Show may be bigger than ever.

Why Attend The Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City?

There are numerous reasons why The Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City consistently remains a top draw for pool pros. Three of the main reasons are the exhibitors who will be displaying the latest products and services, the networking opportunities, and of course the educational courses.

NEW PRODUCTS

One of the primary reasons pool industry professionals choose to attend The Pool & Spa Show is that the event provides the chance to see the newest products and equipment that will certainly be making a splash in 2023.

This year’s exhibition hall will bring out some of the largest manufacturers and distributors in the pool and spa industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the newest innovative equipment, accessories, and services long before they make their way into retail stores. Connecting at the show is a great way to find out pricing and ask representatives any product-related questions.

NETWORKING

Whether you’re attending or plan to exhibit at the The Pool & Spa Show, the networking opportunities presented at the event are one of the primary reasons this particular trade show remains an important hub for the industry. Since its inception, The Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City has been a gravitating point where the entire industry reconnects. Consequently, many industry professionals say it’s one of the most important shows of the year for networking with peers and making new connections.

EDUCATION

Finally, one of the biggest reasons pool pros choose to attend the show in Atlantic City is education. The Pool & Spa Show provides the perfect opportunity to expand one’s knowledge and take courses from PHTA, GENESIS, and Watershape University. The educational courses offered at this event represent some of the best programs available in the industry.

Show Resources

• Schedule
• Show Hours
• Exhibitors

Schedule

Sunday, January 22, 8:00 AM

• GENESIS C201: Construction School Concrete Pools (CBP) – 3 Days (Day 1)
• GENESIS: D265 Master Designer Methods: Kirk Bianchi, Crafting the Outdoor Space as a Living Art Form – 2 Days (Day 1)
• PHTA | Certified Hot Tub Technician 3 Days (Day 1)
• PHTA | Certified Maintenance Specialist 3 Days (Day 1)
• PHTA | Certified Service Technician 3 Days (Day 1)
• Watershape University | E4311 Advanced Fluid Engineering Workshop – 2 Days (Day 1)

Sunday, January 22, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• PHTA | Certified Pool Operator 2 Days (Day 1)

Sunday, January 22, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• OSHA 10-hour General Industry Training (additional 2 hrs Pool Industry Focus) (Watershape University) 2 Days (Day 1)

Monday, January 23, 8:00 AM

• Comprehensive Water Chemistry for Residential Pools
• GENESIS C201: Construction School Concrete Pools (CBP) – 3 Day (Day 2)
• GENESIS: D265 Master Designer Methods: Kirk Bianchi, Crafting the Outdoor Space as a Living Art Form – 2 Days (Day 2)
• National Plasterers Council (NPC) Pool Start Up Certification
• OSHA 10-hour General Industry Training (additional 2 hrs Pool Industry focus) (Watershape University) 2 Days (Day 2)
• PHTA | Certified Hot Tub Technician 3 Days (Day 2)
• PHTA | Certified Maintenance Specialist (Day 2)
• PHTA | Certified Service Technician (Day 2)
• Watershape University | E4311 Advanced Fluid Engineering Workshop- 2 Days (Day2)

Monday, January 23, 8:30 AM

• A Pro’s Guide to Above-Ground Pool Assembly & Liner Installation
• Pool Inspections and the Real Estate Market: New Opportunities

Monday, January 23, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• PHTA | Certified Pool Operator (Day 2)

Monday, January 23, 9:00 AM

• PHTA/ICC Present the 2021 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code
• Women in the Industry Leadership Development: Staying Afloat Together

Monday, January 23, 9:00 AM

• Training for New Trainers: How to Develop, Design, & Deliver Your In-house Education
• What’s Next? Creating Certainty in an Uncertain World

Monday, January 23, 12:30 PM

• From Rookie to All-Star; The Fundamentals of Pool Service
• Pool Opening Essentials

Monday, January 23, 1:30 PM

• A Dive Into Digital Marketing
• ANSI/PHTA Standards Guiding You to Better Water Chemistry (RWQAC/PHTA)
• Don’t Kill Your Golden Goose – Protect & Perpetuate Your Business
• Hydraulics & Circulation System Basics
• Spanish – Pentair Automation Systems (including IntelliCenters & EasyTouch)

Monday, January 23, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• PHTA Wave Event: Young Pool & Hot Tub Professionals Thriving in an Unknown Future – SOLD OUT!

Tuesday, January 24, 8:00 AM

• PHTA | Certified Maintenance Specialists (Day 3)
• PHTA Certified Hot Tub Technician (Day 3)

Tuesday, January 24, 8:00 AM

• GENESIS C201: Construction School Concrete Pools (CBP) – 3 Days (Day 3)
• PHTA | Certified Service Technician (Day 3)

Tuesday, January 24, 8:30 AM

• Are You a Positive Energizer? Make the Connection between Positivity and Profit and Watch Your Business Soar!
• Delivering Service That Makes the Competition Weep
• Gas Fired Heaters: Everything You Need to Know

Tuesday, January 24, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

• From Rookie to All-Star: The Fundamentals of Pool Service (ENCORE)

Tuesday, January 24, 9:00 AM

• Be Ready for Anything: The Proactive Way to Open Pools in the Spring
• Detailed Overview of Employee Handbook & Importance of Job Description
• Developing Leaders from Within
• Fluidra Supplemental Sanitizing with AOP Systems
• GPS Marketing: Setting Your ‘In-Store Stage’ to Drive Your Sales
• Leak Detection Basics
• Marketing Renovation Sales (Watershape University)
• Recreational Water Balance
• Salt Chlorine Generators for the Beginner
• Small Space Design & Construction (GENESIS D111)
• Spanish – Basic Hydraulics & Circulation Systems
• Spanish – Profiling Outstanding Projects, Start to Finish (Watershape University)
• Upselling the Benefits of Solar Energy Heating for Pools

Tuesday, January 24, 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM

• HVAC & Indoor Pools (Watershape University)

Tuesday, January 24, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Tile & Coping: Glass Tile Installation & Waterproofing Hands-On Workshop

Tuesday, January 24, 1:00 PM

• Confronting 2023’s Critical Issues: Strategies & Tactics for Getting Work, Retaining Employees and Keeping Profits
• Pool Water Chemistry Basics for Service Techs

Tuesday, January 24, 1:30 PM

• Artistry of Vanishing Edge Design & Details (Watershape University)
• Bonding & Grounding
• Creating The Delivery of Exceptional Business Experiences
• CYA Smart: A Movement Toward Better, Healthier Water
• Everything You Didn’t Realize You Wanted to Know about Algae
• Hayward Supplemental Sanitizing with AOP Systems
• Independent Contractor or Employee: Classifying Your Workers
• Proper Techniques for Prepping a Pool Shell for Plastering
• Pumps/Motors & DOE Compliancy
• Safety Cover Measuring
• Scale Your Company without Additional Labor: Proven Tactics That Work
• So You want to Be a Master Salesperson
• Spanish – How (& Why) Standardizing Pool Chemistry Should Be a Top Priority in the Pool Service Business
• Spanish – In-depth Pool Heating Overview
• Stains on Your Finishes & Solutions So You Get Paid
• Understanding Your Contract: How to Protect Your Company in a Changing Environment (PHTA)

Tuesday, January 24, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

• Heaters Hands On Workshop – SOLD OUT!

Wednesday, January 25, 8:30 AM

• Electricity for the Pool & Spa Service Professional
• Introduction to HR Fundamentals
• Spanish – Advanced Hydraulics for Builders/Service Techs
• Team Up for Success: How a Culture Can Cure your Staff Needs

Wednesday, January 25, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

• Pool Opening Essentials (ENCORE)

Wednesday, January 25, 9:00 AM

• Advanced Water Chemistry: Keeping Your Pool Water Safe
• ANSI/PHTA/ICC-10: Reduce the Risk of Mold & Structural Design in Elevated Pools (PHTA)
• Changes to NEC 680
• Comprehensive Swimming Pool Inspections with Leak Detection
• Don’t Believe Everything You Think
• Energy-Efficient Pool Heating: Solar, Heat Pumps & Hybrid Systems
• In-Depth Pool Heating Overview
• Job Costing for Profit Versus Existence (GENESIS B331)
• Pentair Automated & Alternative Sanitization
• Spanish – Pumps/Motors & DOE Compliancy
• Specialized Solutions for Smarter, More Efficient Pool Care
• Splash Pad Development & Design (PHTA)
• The Power of Effective Communications
• The Upshift Manifesto – Thriving in the Post Pandemic Marketplace
• Trading in Today’s World & How it Affects Short Term & Long term Planning
• Vinylology 101: The More You Know the More You Sell
• Water Balance from a Cause & Effect Perspective

Wednesday, January 25, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• PHTA Certification Exam Day

Wednesday, January 25, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Tile & Coping: Glass Tile Installation & Waterproofing Hands-On Workshop

Wednesday, January 25, 1:00 PM

• In-Ground Pool Vinyl Liners: Getting the Perfect Fit Every Time
• Video Tips & Tricks: How to Create Stellar Videos for Every Stage of the Buyer’s Journey

Wednesday, January 25, 1:30 PM

• Advanced Pool Electrical Safety for Builders & Service Technicians
• ClearComfort AOP Systems: Are They for Me?
• Electronic (Spa) Control Packs: From Then to Now
• Employment & Best Practices to Avoid Lawsuits & Business Risk
• How (and Why) Standardizing Pool Chemistry Should be a Top Priority in a Pool Service Business
• How to Successfully Use TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest to Grow Your Business
• Hydraulics for Pool Service Professionals (Intermediate)
• Maintaining the Water in Salt-Chlorine Generator Pools – The Case for Borates
• Managing Expectations: What Your Homeowner Needs to Know About Vinyl Liner Warranties
• Optimize Staff & Inventory in Your Service Department
• Pool Chlorine Mysteries: Where is All My Chlorine Going?
• Saltwater Pool Troubleshooting: Beyond the Equipment
• Spanish – Fluidra Supplemental Sanitizing with AOP Systems
• Structured Sales Process (Watershape University)

Wednesday, January 25, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

• Heaters Hands On Workshop – SOLD OUT!

Thursday, January 26, 8:30 AM

• Advanced Measuring Techniques for All Pools
• Interior Cementitious Finishes: Setting Realistic Expectations
• Proper Inground Spa Jet Design in a Variable Speed World
• Recognizing (and Profiting from!) Residential Pool Fails
• Spanish – Be Ready for Anything: the Proactive Way to Open Pools in the Spring
• System Level Hydraulic Design for Pools & Spas
• The 2023 “Everything Google” Playbook for Builders, Service Companies and Retailers
• The Who, What, and Why Around Today’s Acquisition Surge
• What’s THAT on the Pool Surface

Back to Show Resources

Show Hours

Sunday, January 22

Education Conference 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Certification Courses Begin

Monday, January 23

Registration Opens 8:00 AM

Education Conference 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Welcome Party 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Tuesday, January 24

Registration Opens 7:45 am

Education Conference 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Exhibit Hall 10:00 am- 5:00 pm

Wednesday, January 25

Registration Opens 8:00 am

Education Conference 8:30 am – 4:15 am

Exhibit Hall 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday, January 26

Registration Opens 8:00 am

Education Conference 8:30 am – 10:00 am

Exhibit Hall 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Back to Show Resources

Exhibitors

For those looking to get their products and services in front of pool and spa professionals, The Pool & Spa Show presents unique possibilities to reach a mass audience (56% of attendees are decision makers).

The exhibitor’s hall still has some availability left, but the majority of booths are already spoken for. Those planning to exhibit at this year’s event had better get a move on before spaces are all booked up.

Back to Show Resources

Stop By Our Booth & Connect With Pool Magazine

Since this is one of the year’s major pool trade show events, Pool Magazine will certainly be in attendance and will be exhibiting. You can find us at booth 3304 and pick up a copy of our latest issue. We can’t wait to see you there!

Featured Photo Credit: NESPA

Registration is now open; early bird pricing runs through September 14

The 2022 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™, co-located with Deck Expo (PSP/Deck Expo) opened online registration for attendees. The event, put on by Informa Markets, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA®), is November 15-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Participants may register online at www.poolspapatio.com; early bird pricing runs through September 14.

The event brings together builders, service techs, retailers, and distributors. Thousands of members from the pool, spa, patio, decking, and outdoor living community attend PSP/Deck Expo to engage with the latest products and services and to network. In addition to exhibits and showcases lining the Expo Hall, attendees are encouraged to learn from industry experts’ conference sessions and demonstrations.

“There is always so much to talk and learn about, and PSP/Deck Expo is the perfect place to catch up on what will be happening in 2023 and beyond,” said Ray Giovine, Vice President at Informa Markets. “Attendees can dive deeper into the pool, spa, and outdoor living industry at PSP/Deck Expo than anywhere else and deck out with more new products and solutions to take their businesses forward.”

Attendees who purchase a Super Pass will have access to more than 55 conference sessions, more than 20 show floor educational sessions, the Expo Hall, the Keynote, the BBQ Bash, and the Welcome Party. Attendees who purchase an Expo Hall Pass will have access to the Expo Hall, more than 20 show floor educational sessions, the BBQ Bash, and the Keynote. In addition, all attendees can participate in various special events and training classes for an additional fee.

“Last year’s return to an in-person event was an immense success, and we are even more excited to participate again this year,” said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. “We are creating an amazing space for the highest level of education, networking, and exhibiting that attendee have come to expect from PSP/Deck Expo.”

PSP/Deck Expo’s home in 2022, the Las Vegas Convention Center, was awarded the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR™ facility accreditation, considered the gold standard for safe facilities, and was the first facility in Nevada to receive this designation. In particular, the event will be in the building’s West Hall, where the concession stands and food court restaurants have locally sourced, vegan/vegetarian, and organic options. PSP/Deck Expo also supports this initiative by providing these options at all catered functions throughout the week.

“As we get back to doing what we do in the pool and spa industry, intending to use the last few years as a springboard into the future, I can’t think of anything more important than connecting with key partners, searching the expo floor for new opportunities, and taking advantage of the focused education the show provides,” said Jake Ricks, Director of Marketing at Bullfrog Spas, which is exhibiting at PSP/Deck Expo.

During the three-day event, attendees will connect with their peers while experiencing a full range of educational sessions and activities. PSP/Deck Expo 2022 will also feature:

• Keynote – Kick-off PSP/Deck Expo with inspiration from leaders at top manufacturing companies with a CEO Panel on opening morning. This is a phenomenal opportunity to hear about current trends and expectations for the future of our industry.
• Welcome Party – The Welcome Party is a networking event on the first evening of the show. Happening on Tuesday, November 15, attendees and vendors can mingle with colleagues, and enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment with a spectacular view from the third floor outdoor terrace at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
• Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge – Based on a fictitious scenario, designers create an ultimate outdoor oasis with a million-dollar budget. For the first time, designers can win a top prize of $10,000 thanks to Lead Sponsor, Riverflow Pumps by Current Systems.
• NEW! Breakfast of Champions Powered by PHTA – A new relationship- and idea-building event that connects industry subject matter experts with a group of peers for a deep dive into solutions around a specific topic.
• Grill + Chill Area – This year’s expo will feature outdoor exhibits in a prominent location just outside the main doors, with vendors specific to deck building, outdoor kitchens and grills, and patio furniture. Vendors are even invited to grill or serve a treat of their choice!
• BBQ Bash – We’ll fire up the grill, and attendees can kick up their feet and enjoy a chill area while networking with industry professionals. Once the Expo Hall closes on Wednesday, the BBQ Bash starts outdoors, in the Grill + Chill Area. Attendees can enjoy refreshments and devour the goodies being roasted, grilled, poached, and more.
• Various Special Events from Event Partners – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the official Show Sponsor; GENESIS®, the official Show Endorser; and the North American Deck & Railing Association (NADRA), the official Show Sponsor of Deck Expo, will be holding special events during the week. Everything from a Young Professionals’ reception to an annual member meeting will take place.
• Various Special Events from Exhibitors – Returning in 2022 are The Pool Nation Awards™ which recognize companies, products, and individuals in various categories in the pool industry and are chosen by leading Pool Pros in the industry.
  
  

“PSP/Deck Expo is the premier outdoor living event of the year,” said Michael Beaudry, Executive Vice President of NADRA, the sponsor of Deck Expo. “Industry manufacturers, suppliers, architects, engineers, builders, contractors, and remodelers will be presenting the most innovative outdoor living products and services,” he said. “And not to mention – the parties! It’s Vegas and this industry knows how to have fun.”

Those wishing to attend are encouraged to register by September 14 to take advantage of early bird pricing that offers up to 20% savings. PHTA and NADRA members can receive additional discounts on passes. For a complete listing of packages and pricing, and to register, visit https://www.poolspapatio.com/en/attend/pricing-packages.html.

The show is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2022. PSP/Deck Expo was originally founded in 1957 as an event focused on pools and spas. It grew over time, including a co-location with Deck Expo in 2020. Today, PSP/Deck Expo actively collaborates across the entire pool, spa, backyard, and decking industries to provide participants with the most comprehensive array of networking, education, and technology available.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is the official Show Sponsor, GENESIS® is the official Show Endorser, Pool and Spa News (PSN) is the official Show Publication, and the North American Decking and Railing Association (NADRA) is the Deck Expo Show Sponsor.

For more information, visit PoolSpaPatio.com.

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About the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™, co-located with Deck Expo

The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™, co-located with Deck Expo is where all segments of the industry (pool, spa, patio, decking, and outdoor living) gather to stay well-informed of the trends, market directions, and technology. The event offers industry professionals a large selection of educational sessions, an expo hall, and various networking opportunities. The event partners with The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) as the official Show Sponsor, GENESIS® as the official Show Endorser, Pool and Spa News (PSN) as the official Show Publication, and the North American Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) as the official Show Sponsor of Deck Expo. The event is owned and produced by Informa Markets. www.poolspapatio.com

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience, and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services, and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology, and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com