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

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 held Tuesday, 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

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.

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

Saturday, November 13	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	C201: GENESIS Construction School: Concrete Pools (Day 1 of 3)	GENESIS
Saturday, November 13	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	E211: Fluid Hydraulics for Pools & Spas (Day 1 of 2)	GENESIS
Saturday, November 13	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	PHTA Certified Hot Tub Technician (CHTT) Course (Day 1 of 2)	PHTA
Saturday, November 13	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	PHTA Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) Course (Day 1 of 3)	PHTA
Saturday, November 13	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	PHTA Certified Service Technician (CST) Course (Day 1 of 3)	PHTA
Saturday, November 13	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Watershape CON 4111: Advanced Watershape Construction (Day 1 of 3)	Watershape University
Saturday, November 13	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Watershape ENG 4311: Advanced Fluid Engineering (Day 1 of 2)	Watershape University

November 14, 2021

Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 3:00 PM	ICC | PHTA Presents the 2018 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code	PHTA
Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	C201: GENESIS CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL: Concrete Pools (Day 2 of 3)	GENESIS
Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	D180: Drawing for Professsionals (Day 1 of 2)	GENESIS
Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	D231: Color Theory and It’s Application (Day 1 of 2)	GENESIS
Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	D271: Architectural Styles (Day 1 of 2)	GENESIS
Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	E211: Fluid Hydraulics for Pools & Spas (Day 2 of 2)	GENESIS
Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	PHTA Certified Hot Tub Technician (CHTT) Course (Day 2 of 2)	PHTA
Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	PHTA Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) Course (Day 2 of 3)	PHTA
Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	PHTA Certified Service Technician (CST) Course (Day 2 of 3)	PHTA
Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Pool & Spa Operator ® (CPO®) Certification Course (Day 1 of 2)	PHTA
Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Watershape CON 4111: Advanced Watershape Construction (Day 2 of 3)	Watershape University
Sunday, November 14	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Watershape ENG 4311: Advanced Fluid Engineering (Day 2 of 2)	Watershape University

November 15, 2021

Monday, November 15	8:00 AM – 12:00 PM	NADRA’s Deck Evaluation/Inspection Certification	Deck
Monday, November 15	8:00 AM – 3:00 PM	ICC | PHTA Presents the 2021 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code	PHTA
Monday, November 15	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	C201: GENESIS CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL: Concrete Pools (Day 3 of 3)	GENESIS
Monday, November 15	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	D180: Drawing for Professionals (Day 2 of 2)	GENESIS
Monday, November 15	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	D231: Color Theory and It’s Application (Day 2 of 2)	GENESIS
Monday, November 15	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	D271: Architectural Styles (Day 2 of 2)	GENESIS
Monday, November 15	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	PHTA Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) Course (Day 3 of 3)	PHTA
Monday, November 15	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	PHTA Certified Service Technician (CST) Course (Day 3 of 3)	PHTA
Monday, November 15	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Pool & Spa Operator ® (CPO®) Certification Course (Day 2 of 2)	PHTA
Monday, November 15	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Watershape CON 4111: Advanced Watershape Construction (Day 3 of 3)	Watershape University
Monday, November 15	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Watershape DGN2211: Essential Principles of Design Workshop	Watershape University
Monday, November 15	1:00 PM – 4:00 PM	Master Deck Professional Certification – CODE	Deck
Monday, November 15	6:00 PM – 8:00 PM	PHTA 2021 International Awards of Excellence

November 16, 2021

Tuesday, November 16	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM	B306: Elements of Litigation	Business
Tuesday, November 16	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM	Best Practices for an Optimized Service Department	Service
Tuesday, November 16	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM	C125: Fiberglass Construction	Builder
Tuesday, November 16	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM	D109: Design Fees – Charging for Design	Business
Tuesday, November 16	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM	Deck Design for Hot Tubs	Deck
Tuesday, November 16	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM	E151: Do’s and Don’ts of Engineering	Builder
Tuesday, November 16	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM	Saltwater Pool Troubleshooting: Beyond the Equipment	Service
Tuesday, November 16	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM	Selling During & After A Pandemic: Coming Out Stronger	Business
Tuesday, November 16	8:00 AM – 4:00 PM	ASA Curso de educación para el lanzador de concreto (shotcrete) Presentado por la American Shotcrete Association (ASA)	Additional Education
Tuesday, November 16	8:00 AM – 4:00 PM	ASA Shotcrete Nozzleman Education Course (English)	Additional Education
Tuesday, November 16	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	NPC’s Start-Up Technician Certification Course	Additional Education
Tuesday, November 16	9:00 AM – 10:20 AM	It’s a Water-full Life	Special Events
Tuesday, November 16	10:45 AM – 11:30 AM	Picture-Perfect Baluster Layout	Deck Workshops
Tuesday, November 16	10:45 AM – 11:30 AM	Picture-Perfect Baluster Layout	Deck Workshops
Tuesday, November 16	11:00 AM – 12:00 PM	D235: The Impact of Color on Your Brand	GENESIS Solution Center
Tuesday, November 16	11:00 AM – 12:00 PM	PHTA Apprenticeship Program For the Service Industry. Powered for You!	School of Business
Tuesday, November 16	11:00 AM – 12:30 PM	Jandy Variable Speed Pumps Installation, Programming and the New Dedicated Purpose Pool Pump Regulations with Hands-on Instruction	Fluidra Pro Academy
Tuesday, November 16	11:15 AM – 12:15 PM	Exposing Dangerous Drains – Renovation of a Commercial Pool	Commercial
Tuesday, November 16	11:30 AM – 12:15 PM	Leak-proof Deck Ledger Flashing	Deck Workshops
Tuesday, November 16	11:45 AM – 12:30 PM	The 3 Critical Aspects of a Tried and True Ad Plan to Grow Your Retail Business	Spa Retail Academy
Tuesday, November 16	12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	Advanced Oxidation Process	School of Business
Tuesday, November 16	12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	C352: Splash Pad Construction	Commercial
Tuesday, November 16	12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	D325: Mind Reading Your Clients	GENESIS Solution Center
Tuesday, November 16	12:45 PM – 1:45 PM	TBD	PHTA
Tuesday, November 16	1:00 PM – 1:45 PM	Deck Ledger Attachment: Codes and Installation Practices	Deck Workshops
Tuesday, November 16	1:00 PM – 2:30 PM	Next Level Connection Tips and Trick for Web Based Automation for the Pool & Spa Industry	Fluidra Pro Academy
Tuesday, November 16	1:45 PM – 2:30 PM	Challenging Deck Ledger Installations – and Solutions	Deck Workshops
Tuesday, November 16	1:45 PM – 2:30 PM	From Search to Sold – 100% Digitally	Spa Retail Academy
Tuesday, November 16	2:00 PM – 3:00 PM	BUSINESS 2231: Create a Culture of Accountability	School of Business
Tuesday, November 16	2:00 PM – 3:00 PM	D215: Intro to Pool Photography	GENESIS Solution Center
Tuesday, November 16	2:00 PM – 3:00 PM	E312: Understanding Water Current	Commercial
Tuesday, November 16	3:00 PM – 4:30 PM	Introduction to ION Pool Care Software	Fluidra Pro Academy
Tuesday, November 16	3:15 PM – 4:00 PM	Deck Lateral Load Reinforcement	Deck Workshops
Tuesday, November 16	3:30 PM – 4:30 PM	C310: Interview with a Master	GENESIS Solution Center
Tuesday, November 16	3:30 PM – 4:30 PM	Enhancing Your Digital Footprint	School of Business
Tuesday, November 16	4:00 PM – 4:45 PM	Sizing Wood Deck Joists and Critical Installation Details	Deck Workshops
Tuesday, November 16	5:00 PM – 6:00 PM	PHTA WAVE Network Young Professionals Reception	Special Events
Tuesday, November 16	6:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Welcome Party	Special Events

November 17, 2021

Wednesday, November 17	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	10 Steps to Be an Outstanding Pool and Outdoor Living Designer	Builder
Wednesday, November 17	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	Building Your Own Online Store	Retail
Wednesday, November 17	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	Compatibility of Hydraulic Components	Service
Wednesday, November 17	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	How to Produce Videos for Websites, Social Media, Drip Marketing and Beyond!	Business
Wednesday, November 17	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	Larger Pools Equal A Larger Potential For Leaks	Service
Wednesday, November 17	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	Use AUTOMATION To SELL More and SATISFY More, Without More Manpower!	Business
Wednesday, November 17	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	What Women Want From Your Business
Wednesday, November 17	7:30 AM – 10:30 AM	D345: The Art of Landscape / Architectural Lighting and How to Paint a Lighting Portrait	Builder
Wednesday, November 17	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	7 Crucial Marketing Secrets Every Pool Builder Should Know	Business
Wednesday, November 17	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	Basic Water Chemistry & Testing 101	Service
Wednesday, November 17	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	D131: Identifying New Business & Design Trends	Business
Wednesday, November 17	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	Hiring, Managing, and Leading People In Pool Service	Service
Wednesday, November 17	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	How to Prepare for Existing Federal Pool Pump Regulations	Service
Wednesday, November 17	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	Outdoor Living – The Design Process	Builder
Wednesday, November 17	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	Wood and Water: Deck Considerations at Swimming Pools	Deck
Wednesday, November 17	11:00 AM – 12:00 PM	How Adding Fiberglass Pools to Your Offering adds Profits to your Projects	School of Business
Wednesday, November 17	11:00 AM – 12:30 PM	D415: Designer Dialogues: How I Deal with Client Changes : Power Panel	GENESIS Solution Center
Wednesday, November 17	11:00 AM – 12:30 PM	Introduction to ProEdge Build Software	Fluidra Pro Academy
Wednesday, November 17	11:30 AM – 12:30 PM	Deck Guardrail Post to Frame Connections	Deck Workshops
Wednesday, November 17	11:45 AM – 12:30 PM	TBD	Spa Retail Academy
Wednesday, November 17	12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	How to Get More and Better Leads Online	School of Business
Wednesday, November 17	12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	Stay Current in Pools: The Activities of the Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQC) – A PHTA Resource	Commercial
Wednesday, November 17	1:00 PM – 1:45 PM	Deck Ledger Attachment: Codes and Installation Practices	Deck Workshops
Wednesday, November 17	1:00 PM – 2:00 PM	C310: Interview with a Master	GENESIS Solution Center
Wednesday, November 17	1:00 PM – 2:30 PM	Introduction to Fluidra Pro App	Fluidra Pro Academy
Wednesday, November 17	1:45 PM – 2:30 PM	Challenging Deck Ledger Installations – and Solutions	Deck Workshops
Wednesday, November 17	1:45 PM – 2:30 PM	TBD	Spa Retail Academy
Wednesday, November 17	1:45 PM – 2:45 PM	Million Dollar Pool Challenge Session	PSP/Deck Expo Stage
Wednesday, November 17	2:00 PM – 3:00 PM	In-Floor Cleaning Systems	School of Business
Wednesday, November 17	2:30 PM – 3:30 PM	Small Group Discussion	GENESIS Solution Center
Wednesday, November 17	3:00 PM – 4:00 PM	Building Your Brand to become the Deck star in your Community	Deck , PSP/Deck Expo Stage
Wednesday, November 17	3:00 PM – 4:30 PM	Jandy Variable Speed Pumps Installation, Programming and the New Dedicated Purpose Pool Pump Regulations with Hands-on Instruction	Fluidra Pro Academy
Wednesday, November 17	3:15 PM – 4:00 PM	Leak-Proof Ledger Flashing	Deck Workshops
Wednesday, November 17	3:15 PM – 4:00 PM	TBD	Spa Retail Academy
Wednesday, November 17	3:15 PM – 4:00 PM	TBD	Spa Retail Academy
Wednesday, November 17	3:30 PM – 4:30 PM	BUSINESS 2342: Managing High Lead Volume	School of Business
Wednesday, November 17	3:45 PM – 4:45 PM	Small Group Discussion	GENESIS Solution Center
Wednesday, November 17	4:00 PM – 4:45 PM	Sizing and Designing Wood Deck Beams	Deck Workshops
Wednesday, November 17	5:00 PM – 6:30 PM	BBQ Bash	Special Events
Wednesday, November 17	7:00 PM – 10:00 PM	21st Annual GENESIS Family Reunion and Winemaker Dinner	GENESIS

November 18, 2021

Thursday, November 18	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	5 Keys to a Lasting Positive Sales Attitude	Business
Thursday, November 18	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	B331: Job Costing for Profit Versus Existence	Business
Thursday, November 18	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	C225: Quality Shotcrete Placement for Pool Contractors	Builder
Thursday, November 18	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	D111: Small Space Design	Builder
Thursday, November 18	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	Electricity, Bonding and Controls for Service Professionals	Service
Thursday, November 18	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	How Google Has Changed Since Covid and What To Expect for 2021 Online	Business
Thursday, November 18	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	How to Find, Recruit, Attract, Hire, Motivate and Retain Great Talent	Business
Thursday, November 18	7:30 AM – 9:00 AM	Successfully Integrating Pools & Water Features into the Landscape	Outdoor Living
Thursday, November 18	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	Finding Leaks – Turn Headaches into Profits	Service
Thursday, November 18	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	Hidden Design – The Importance of Designing Things You Can’t See	Builder
Thursday, November 18	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	Making Time Count (Time Management for People Who Don’t Think They Need Time Management)	Business
Thursday, November 18	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	Pro-Active Systems & Strategies To Achieve Construction Project & Field Production Results	Business
Thursday, November 18	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	Should I use Borates in Pools?	Service
Thursday, November 18	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	Swimming Pool Structural Failures: How to Avoid Them and How to Fix Them	Builder
Thursday, November 18	9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	Take your Retail Game to the Next Level- Top 10 Retail Pitfalls to Avoid	Retail
Thursday, November 18	10:45 AM – 11:30 AM	Deck Lateral Load Reinforcement	Deck Workshops
Thursday, November 18	11:00 AM – 12:00 PM	SERVICE 2311: Automating a Service Dept.	School of Business
Thursday, November 18	11:00 AM – 12:00 PM	Small Group Discussion	GENESIS Solution Center
Thursday, November 18	11:00 AM – 12:30 PM	Next Level Connection Tips and Trick for Web Based Automation for the Pool & Spa Industry	Fluidra Pro Academy
Thursday, November 18	11:30 AM – 12:15 PM	Deck Guardrail Post to Frame Connections	Deck Workshops
Thursday, November 18	11:30 AM – 12:30 PM	The “Ins and Outs” of Chlorine Delivery Systems	Commercial
Thursday, November 18	12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	How to Create & Execute a Growth Plan	School of Business
Thursday, November 18	12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	Small Group Discussion	GENESIS Solution Center
Thursday, November 18	1:00 PM – 1:45 PM	Sizing and Designing Wood Deck Beams	Deck Workshops
Thursday, November 18	1:30 PM – 2:00 PM	Pool Prize Party	Special Events
Thursday, November 18	1:45 PM – 2:30 PM	Sizing Wood Deck Joists and Critical Installation Details	Deck Workshops

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.

Over the years, automatic pool coves have increasingly become popular among most homeowners. These safety features protect pools from dirt and help pool owners save energy. At present, there is an increased demand for automatic covers, especially among spa owners. Indisputably, spa owners are also looking to protect their investments. Automatic spa covers are therefore becoming popular in the pool industry. The best thing about these features is that they are user-friendly; you can operate them with the simple touch of a button. Ultimately, homeowners don’t mind spending on these features.

The increased demand for automatic spa covers

Several states make it compulsory for all pool owners to have safety covers. Consequently, almost every pool owner is familiar with automatic pool covers. Once spa owners see how this feature works well, they’ll always want to purchase one for their spa. Allan Horwood of Pool Patrol in British Columbia concurs, and he states, “Before, using safety covers in spas was quite odd. However, it is now common to protect your spa using a cover.”

“There has been a steady rise in demand for automatic pool and spa covers in the United States.”

VP of sales for Automatic Pool Covers, Mike Shadoan

Nonetheless, Shadoan says that automatic pool and spa covers are costly. But people are always willing to buy products that offer value for money. There’s, therefore, a golden opportunity for pool professionals who wish to sell these safety features.

Is selling automatic spa covers a good idea?

A good percentage of pool owners love automatic spa covers because they are simple to use. I mean, no one wants to struggle to remove the automatic pool/spa cover after a grueling day. With auto covers, you can open and close the pool using a remote.

A unique opportunity for pool contractors

Last year, the industry experienced a surge in demand for pool services. Homeowners were looking for ways to upgrade their backyards. Consequently, they installed swimming pools, among other outdoor features. Automatic pool and spa covers were therefore in high demand. Pool contractors who sell these safety features are often privileged. When they go onsite to provide installation services, they will most likely sell other pool products and water features. For example, high-end customers may request an additional water feature like a spa. And this helps pool contractors to increase their revenue. Ultimately, there are so many golden opportunities that come with selling automatic pool covers.

Installing automatic spa covers

Is there a difference between automatic pool covers and automatic spa covers? Well, yes. The major difference between these features is space and aesthetics. Automatic spa covers are more versatile since they are smaller. Thus, they tend to provide more aesthetics. Pool contractors can install auto covers on spas that are above the deck or flush with the deck.

Suppose the spa is above the ground; you’ll have to raise it by approximately 20 inches above the deck. It would help if you also placed the cover box above the deck. Nevertheless, note that the installation process is different for existing spas. In such instances, there’s usually limited space to work with. Consequently, there might be insufficient space to install the housing for the cover mechanism.

Dealing with such projects requires you to be innovative. You may decide to flush mount the safety cover on the paver. Doing this helps you create a nice, clean look. You can also add a storage space along the edge of the spa; here, you can store your cleaning equipment, among other products. Subsequently, you end up making the most out of your space.

Balancing between functionality and aesthetics

You have to find the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality when installing an automatic spa cover. Most clients prefer using concrete lids on their pool covers so that they can walk around the cover. Also, concrete lids are more popular because they provide more aesthetics. Meeting the customer’s requirements will require you to use a heavy-duty bracket. This way, it can handle the weight of the concrete lid. Even so, always tell your clients to minimize their movement on the cover. At times, the stone can move, and this can lead to serious accidents.

Shadoan says, “Pool contractors should explain how these features work. They should inform their clients that lifting the stone from time to time is important. Also, let them know that walking, standing, or sitting on the lid can lead to serious accidents.”

Are automatic spa covers worth the purchase?

Currently, there is a broad spectrum of automatic spa cover designs. Therefore, every spa owner can find something that caters to their needs. Needless to say, automatic spa covers are not for everyone. They are ideal for pool owners who want to match their pool cover and spa cover more often than not. Ultimately, automatic spa covers offer excellent functionality and aesthetics.