Preview of the 2009 Western Pool and Spa Show

People may be buying fewer of our industry's products than they did a couple of years ago, but people with existing pools and spas still need service. That's why organizers of the 31st Annual Western Pool & Spa Show, March 12-14 in Long Beach, Calif., don't expect much of a drop-off from last year's record attendance of more than 10,000.

The show, which began in 1975 as a daylong affair with only a handful of classes and no exhibitors, has grown steadily without straying from its original purpose of educating and training the industry's vast service sector.

This year's education track, which includes more than 10,000 instructional hours, is expected to draw over 1,000 service pros. Those attendees will attend classes on a wide variety of topics, from basic pool chemistry and acid washing techniques to the latest information of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and working with variable-speed pumps. See page 71 for the full seminar lineup.

In addition to the classes, attendees have access to the show floor and the 180 or more exhibitors that show officials are expecting. You'll also find Western Region sales rep Stan Chambers at the AQUA booth. Stop by and say hi.