In The News: March 24, 2011

APSP Scores Win for Portable Spa Industry

The APSP announces that its submitted Technical Interim Amendment (TIA) has been approved by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), thereby eliminating an unnecessary economic burden on manufacturers and consumers of portable electric spas.

The TIA provides clarification to the NFPA's 2008 National Electrical Code that self-contained spas are exempt from the bonding grid requirements similar to what is required of pools. Specifically, the proposed TIA sought to modify Section 640.42(b) to create two exceptions such that certain listed self-contained on or above-grade outdoor spas would be exempt from the requirements for equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces.

"This code had national implications for all manufacturers of hot tubs, and could have cost the portable spa industry hundreds of thousands of unnecessary dollars," said Carvin DiGiovanni, senior director, Technical and Standards at APSP. "This is a huge win for portable electric spa manufacturers and the consumers that enjoy them."

APSP is a member of the NEC Code Committee, along with others, to ensure that safety requirements are met without imposing unnecessary and burdensome requirements for the pool and spa industry. APSP member technical assistance, especially by Watkins Manufacturing, was instrumental in preparing this amendment, according to the association.

"The safe and enjoyable use of spas and pools is a priority for members of APSP. As long as portable electric spas are in compliance to UL 1563 and designed and installed in accordance with ANSI 6, the manufacturer and spa owner can be assured that the spa meets the highest level of safety protection," DiGiovanni added.

IPSSA Announces New Leadership Positions

The Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA) installed its 2011-2012 Board of Regional Directors (BORD) at its annual Leadership Weekend in Newport Beach, Calif., in February.

The new board members are:David Durkin, Region 1 (Northern California)Charles Dudley, Region 2 (Central California)Elias Duran, Region 3 (North Los Angeles County)Adam Morley, Region 4 (South Los Angeles County)Bob Luedtke, Region 5 (Orange County)Nathan Smith, Region 6 (Inland Empire)Chuck Gough, Region 7 (San Diego County)Kurt Schuster, Region 8 (Arizona and Nevada)Phil Sharp, Region 9 (Texas)Dick Nichols, Region 10 (Northern California)Todd Starner, Region 11 (Florida and Georgia)

In addition, the board elected Bob Luedtke to serve as president for the coming year. Elias Duran will be the vice president, Dick Nichols the chief financial officer and Charles Dudley secretary.

IPSSA is the world's largest association for the pool and spa service industry, with 3,700 members in 95 chapters throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida and Georgia.

For more information, including a list of new committee chairs, visit www.ipssa.com.

Hayward Names New VP

Hayward Pool Products announced that Jim Weaks has been named senior vice president of sales and marketing. In this newly created position, Weaks will have leadership responsibilities for the pool division's domestic sales and marketing efforts.

Weaks joins Hayward with more than 30 years of executive management experience in commercial equipment and consumer durable goods serving the foodservice industry. "Jim's experience in multi-channel distribution, including direct-to-dealer and two-step distribution as well as his strategic planning and product development experience, will be invaluable to Hayward," said. Hayward Industries COO Larry Silber.

Not All Solar Heating Is The Same

Ted Bavin is president of All Valley Solar, a solar heating contractor that does business all over pool-crazy Southern California. He's seen a lot of changes in his 35 years working with pool builders and remodelers, as edges have vanished, shapes have shifted and things like real rock and fire features have found homes in and around the backyard pool.

One thing that hasn't changed in that time is the simple science behind turning the sun's energy into warm pool water.

Read the rest of The Warmth Of The Sun.