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

This year’s International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Dallas, TX is set to draw folks from all over the pool, spa, and outdoor living industries. It’s a time of the year that almost feels like old home week for the industry and a chance not only to network with old friends and colleagues, but to enhance ones education on a variety of different subjects.

Whether you are excited to learn about the latest products and technology, or are looking to learn from veteran industry experts; this year’s International Pool Spa Patio Expo guarantees to have something for everyone.

‘The Show Will Go On’ – Event Organizers

Even with Covid-19, event organizers are optimistic that this year’s expo will be a live event. Some attendees expressed some concern that this year’s show would be changed to a virtual event; a repeat of last year’s scramble to still hold an event under quarantine. The PHTA recently announced that the World Aquatic Health Conference has been switched to a virtual event in light of ongoing health & safety concerns.

Dallas Expo Will Be A Live Event

“Informa is open for business – Texas is open and the show will go on. We’re not going virtual.” said Ray Giovine, Group Director for Informa Markets during a recent a webinar hosted by Watershape University.

Informa has already held several events this year including the International Roofing Expo which was held at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas earlier this summer. The city of Las Vegas required that attendees wear protective masks, but Giovine said that he does not anticipate the mandate to be the same at this years International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Dallas. The current guidelines in Texas recommend wearing masks indoors but do not require them for attendees who are fully vaccinated.

An Emphasis on Safety

Enhanced cleanliness will be something event organizers focus on this year. Hand sanitizer will be made available throughout the venue as well as increased air circulation inside the exhibition hall.

Why Attend The International Pool Spa Patio Expo?

• Education including sessions offered by the pool industries most respected thought leaders and experts.
• Exhibits of the latest and most exciting new pool, spa, and outdoor living products to hit the market.
• Networking is one of the biggest reasons that attendees come to the Expo. It’s a great opportunity to engage with peers and colleagues as well as make new connections.

If it pertains to the pools, spas, or outdoor living, you’ll find it at this years expo. Below is a sample of products you’ll find:

Exhibition Dates

• Tuesday, Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Key Note Speakers:

The PSP/Deck Expo will open with two key note speakers in the aquatics industry: Wallace J. Nichols, author of Blue Mind, and Rowdy Gaines, a former competitive swimmer, U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame member, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Welcome Party

Event attendees should definitely stop by the Welcome Party. Complimentary drinks and refreshments will be available. It’s a fun event and you’ll have the opportunity to network with friends and colleagues. Trolleys will be available to take folks back and forth from the Omni Hotel (the host hotel of the event). 

Welcome Party
Tuesday, November 16
Gilley’s Dallas 
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

PHTA WAVE Network Young Professionals Reception

Mingle and network with other young professionals in the pool, spa, and outdoor living industries.

Admission is free for PHTA and NADRA members and non-members, but registration is essential due to limited space. Admission includes networking in a relaxed environment, early access to the Welcome Party, and a selection of appetizers and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Transportation will be provided from the Omni Dallas, the host hotel. That event will be heldTuesday, November 16 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (immediately before the Welcome Party).

Grill & Chill Exhibition

This exhibition will feature vendors specific to deck building, outdoor kitchens, grills, and patio furniture. Vendors will be grilling and serving lunch each day of the event during normal expo hours: 

• Tuesday, November 16: 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 17: 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 18: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

BBQ Bash

Event attendees are invited to attend a barbecue hosted by Vendors on Wednesday, November 17, from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge

Reid Schindler, one of the industry’s rising award-winning designers, and Mike Farley, an award-winning pool designer with over 30 years of experience, are joining together with the PSP/Deck Expo to identify the industry’s top designers in this year’s Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge.

A team of judges will select five finalists (one of whom will be a student) to attend this year’s event. On-site demonstrations of all finalists’ presentations, as well as Mike and Reid’s solutions, will take place during the Expo.

Deck Expo

The Deck Expo has relocated to a new location in conjunction with PSP Expo. Together, the two events expand the assortment of outdoor items and technologies. This year, PSP/Deck Expo will provide education focusing on decks not only during the pre-conference workshops, but also throughout the main conference.

GENESIS® Winemaker Dinner

Genesis will be hosting their 21st annual winemaker dinner and annual family reunion at the Tower Club on the 48th floor of the Santander Tower in the heart of the downtown Dallas business district. Tickets are $195 and registration is required. That event is being held November 17, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

Pool Prize Party

With plenty of fun, excitement, and giveaways, the Pool Prize Party caps off the final day of the expo and is a great way to end your time at the event. That’s happening Thursday, November 18 at 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm on the show floor.

Tailgate Party

Watershape University will also be hosting a fun tailgate party and WU students, International Watershape Institute members, faculty, and corporate partners are invited to attend. That’s on November 15 at 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The International Pool Spa Patio Expo – A Great Opportunity To Expand Your Education

One of the biggest draws for attendees are the various courses and workshops that can be taken at the expo. The opportunity to learn from industry veterans and leading experts presents a unique chance to get an education from the masters. The programs presented at this years expo offer world class educational courses from some of the brightest minds in the pool & spa industry.

Pre-Show Education is available from Saturday, November 13, through Monday, November 15, and includes a variety of options. You can continue your study after completing a Pre-Show Education course! Each course in the Pre-Show Education series includes a Super Pass or an Expo Pass.

• PHTA Education
• GENESIS Education
• Watershape University Education
• NADRA Education
• Speciality Education & Certification

2021 Conference Sessions – International Pool Spa Patio Expo Day by Day

Here is a day by day breakout of what will be going on at the 2021 International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Dallas, TX.

November 13, 2021

November 14, 2021

November 15, 2021

November 16, 2021

November 17, 2021

November 18, 2021

Show Floor Education:

• Hayward School of Business
• Fluidra Pro Academy
• Bullfrog Spas Spa Retailer Academy
• Think Wood Deck Workshop
• Genesis Solution Center
• Aquatics International PSP / Deck Expo Stage

That’s just a sneak preview of what you can expect at this year’s International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Dallas. Pool Magazine will also be attending and you can find us at Booth 1624 in the Genesis Pavillion, we can’t wait to see you there.

The global covid-19 pandemic brought about many changes in the pool industry. Currently, there is shortage of many essential parts and supplies for swimming pools. More aspiring pool owners are getting disappointed by the day. Manufacturers have enormous backlogs of pending orders. But why has their been such dramatic and sudden slow-downs of inground pool construction during the height of the season? One of leading causes among fiberglass builders this season has been slow delivery of shells which has a direct correlation to ongoing resin shortages.

Understanding the fiberglass resin shortage at an in-depth level

As mentioned earlier, there has been a delay in pool construction due to a shortage of fiberglass resin material. As a result, the prices of liquid vinyl ester resin and fiberglass have significantly gone up. Subsequently, many fiberglass manufacturers are turning down shell orders amid the high demand for fiberglass pools nationwide and a lack of raw materials to facilitate orders.

Pool Magazine received word from numerous builders that they had been notified by Latham that shell deliveries would be delayed up to 8 weeks because of ongoing shortages. We reached out to America’s largest manufacturer of fiberglass inground pools to see how they are handling the ongoing resin shortage.

“Latham’s manufacturing facilities remain open and operational.”said Crist Leigh Wunsch, spokesperson for Latham, “Homeowner interest in our products is stronger than ever, and our teams are working hard to meet the increased demand. We are facing intermittent raw material shortages, along with the rest of our industry, which has resulted in some temporary manufacturing inefficiencies at our facilities.”

“We have been leveraging our strong relationships with our suppliers to navigate this issue,” continued Wunsch, “and we have looking at alternative resin sources to continue to diversify our supply chain. Despite this, Latham continues to deliver solid growth. The strong underlying secular trends of our industry remain intact, and we feel well positioned to continue to meet growing consumer demand for pools.”

Manufacturers Everywhere Are Feeling The Pinch

Kent Wooldridge, president of the United Marine Manufacturers Association, says, “Indisputably, it is extremely painful to turn down orders from loyal clients. Telling pool owners that they have to halt their businesses just because you cannot supply them with the required raw materials is hard. Even worse, you cannot refer them to another person who can offer them the appropriate raw materials. In addition, those who have these materials sell them at crazy prices.”

“The majority of suppliers are overburdened by the fiberglass shortage. The winter storms that damaged the chemical plants producing resin were therefore a big disaster.”

president of board manufacturer Aipa Surf Co, DUKE AIPA

Have raised import tariffs made the shortage situation worse?

Usually, the United States is responsible for producing only a tiny fraction of fiberglass cloth. The country mainly relies on affordable fiberglass supplies from China. However, since Trump’s administration, there have been obstacles preventing the smooth import process. In particular, since 2018, a 25% import tariff was placed on fiberglass cloth and resin. This discouraged most manufacturers from importing fiberglass. On the flip side, Chinese manufacturers raised their export prices.

In 2020, the coronavirus outbreak made the supply chain worse due to travel restrictions. The lockdown also forced Chinese chemical plants to shut down. At the same time, there was increased demand for pool construction services since most homeowners were looking for ways to upgrade their backyards.

The effect of natural calamities on fiberglass resin shortage

This year, the winter storm in Texas disoriented a broad spectrum of activities in the pool industry. The freezing weather conditions forced the chemical manufacturing plants in Houston to shut down. Moreover, the storm forced Hexion Inc and Olin Corp., the biggest epoxy producers, to stop operating.

Manufacturers report that once they finally get a truckload of resin, it doesn’t stick around very long. It’s already earmarked for a back-order. In fact, in most instances, all the resin coming in has already been pre-sold. This has been the situation for the past few months.

Are manufacturers affected?

Kirk Sullivan, a Florida pool builder, had to refund 250 orders due to the fiberglass resin shortage. Sullivan says that he received very few supplies this year during the summer. Therefore, his company has been unable to continue taking new pool construction orders. Fortunately, all his staff members are still at work, hoping for things to get better.

Regional manager, Todd Prestage, says, “Before, it used to take approximately six weeks to get a Surf Hardware International Board. Now, it takes six months.”

Several fiberglass manufacturers have tried solving this issue by importing a more significant percentage of raw materials from Asian countries that don’t incorporate high import tariffs. But they still find themselves raising their prices due to all the labor and shipping costs involved. Consumers, on the flip side, have no other choice but to pay more.

The bottom line

Other than taking longer to reach consumers, prices for resin have skyrocketed. Consequently, very few pool companies are finding it easy to adjust. One Latham Grand Dealer we spoke to said, “The resin shortage is making it more difficult for smaller companies like ours to get shells and obviously it’s been costing us all sales. The big guys are fortunate since they have guaranteed delivery based on their order flow”

One thing is for absolute certain, as the summer begins to wind down, this industry certainly has it’s work cut out toward improving the supply chain issues that have hindered so many this pool season.