Barrett KilmerBarrett Kilmer, has been on the editorial staff of AQUA magazine since 2000. He has a B.A. in English from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and currently lives in Madison, Wisc.BuilderAnswers To VGB FAQsIn an attempt to clear confusion resulting from the CPSC’s vote to redefine the term “blockable drain” in September, APSP has released the following memo with answers to some frequently asked questions.October 27, 2011SpasL.A. Spas' Robert Durrua Talks Tubs Talks About The Hot Tub IndustryRobert Durrua started in the backyard business in late 1984, working as a sales manager for a family owned pool and spa business in New Jersey. "I sold hot tubs and aboveground pools, and in the evening ran the inground pool appointments," he recalls. "I had two part-time schoolteachers working for me on the weekends that sold for me, so I was a 20-something kid that was managing people twice my age. That was a learning experience for me!"October 26, 2011RetailWatkins Sells Millionth Hot TubWatkins Manufacturing, a Masco company, recently manufactured its millionth hot tub, a milestone it claims to be the first to reach. The company used the occasion to recognize its employees’ “significant and ongoing commitment to excellence” with celebrations at its manufacturing plants in California and Mexico. The company is also making a donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which is honoring four Californian first responders at its national commemoration later this month.October 24, 2011HomeVegas Odds Are In Your FavorAs the pool and spa industry gets set to close the books on another fiscal year, invested parties from across the United States and beyond will again convene in Las Vegas ...October 20, 2011BuilderUnderfunded SPEC Makes Plea For SurvivalJohn Norwood, president of the California Spa and Pool Industry Education Council (SPEC), says the organization’s fundraising goals have fallen short in recent years and threaten the survival of the industry watchdog.October 6, 2011HomeAqua Spas & Pools' Cindi Blechschmidt Talks About The Hot Tub IndustryCindi Blechschmidt is the owner of Aqua Spas & Pools, in Gig Harbor, Wash. She and her late father bought the business in 1991, bringing expertise from the aerospace and banking and stock brokerage industries. We reached her recently and asked about the company's early days, and about how it's been faring more recently.September 27, 2011PoolsReminder: VGB Vote TomorrowThe Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28, to reevaluate its current position that a pool with an unblockable drain cover does not require an additional level of protection. The CPSC will vote on and possibly revoke this interpretation.Since the Pool & Spa Safety Act (P&SSA) was enacted, there have been no U.S. entrapment fatalities and no serious injuries to justify implementing a costly new requirement.The unintended consequences of revoking this rule may increase the risk of drowning, thus conflicting with the intent of the law.This change will create confusion in the market with no net benefit.Lack of Scientific Support to Implement There have been no U.S. entrapment fatalities or serious injuries since the Pool & Spa Safety Act was enacted to justify implementing a costly new requirement. As a result, there is no scientific evidence to justify adding another level of protection when compliant unblockable drain covers have been used.Unintended Consequences May Increase Drowning Risk The unintended consequences of this change may increase the risk of drowning, thus conflicting with the intent of the P&SSA. The nation has suffered the most severe economic recession since the Great Depression. Though justified, the Pool & Spa Safety Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act have placed an additional burden on aquatic facilities during a financially vulnerable time. In addition, the CPSC issued a recall prior to the 2011 swim season that resulted in new resource challenges for facilities to comply with the P&SSA.Confusion with No Net Benefit The CPSC has funded several millions of dollars with contractors to create and disseminate educational materials to consumers, industry, and health officials. Changing the interpretation after all training contracts have ended will create confusion. Additional confusion may occur since there have been no serious injuries or deaths, suggesting that the proposed rule change would be ill-justified.September 23, 2011HomeUpdate: VGB Vote Postponed One WeekThe CPSC meeting and vote on the interpretation of an unblockable drain scheduled for Sept. 21 has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, Sept. 28. Carvin DiGiovanni, Senior Director, Technical & Standards for APSP said he did not know why the comission changed the date.September 21, 2011RetailExplaining Chlorine Demand To Customers Requires Simple ApproachJohn Puetz, director of technology for Advantis Technologies, understands how difficult it is for dealers to convey complex information about pool chemical maintenance to ...September 20, 2011RetailHow To Green Up Your Retail StoreThe term "greentailing" may conjure up images of solar-powered stores selling hempen handbags or composting bins, but according to industry experts, any retailer can ...September 14, 2011Previous PagePage 13 of 28Next PageTop StoriesBuilder2025 Awards of Excellence: Silver WinnersThe 2025 Awards of Excellence Silver winners are here! 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