APSP, NAM Collaborate To Conserve
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has joined the National Association of Manufacturers' Energy Efficiency Task Force. The invitation to join followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by NAM and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), intended to foster energy efficiency practices among U.S. manufacturers and to encourage the development of more-efficient products.
As a member of the task force, APSP will introduce pools and hot tubs into the national agenda for energy efficiency. "The need to step up energy conservation efforts is real and it is important to have a catalyst for improvement among manufacturers in all industries," said Carvin DiGiovanni, senior director, technical and standards at APSP. "APSP is dedicated to this issue. Joining the task force is the next phase in our efforts to encourage wise use of resources."
APSP will contribute the results of the work done on California's Title 20 and Title 24 energy efficiency regulations and development work done for the new APSP/ANSI standards for energy efficiency. APSP will initially address the energy efficiency of pool and spa pumps and motors, electric portable hot tubs, and piping and circulation of swimming pools and in-ground spas. APSP is also a member of NAM's Council of Manufacturing.
Pebble Technology Helps Save The Earth
Pool-finish supplier Pebble Technology has signed a corporate sponsorship agreement with the Save the Earth Foundation. Pebble Technology's sponsorship will assist Save the Earth to support projects designed to find environmental solutions that insure a healthier future for the planet. Pebble Technology's initial donation is being used for a NOAA project in Monterey Bay, Calif.
Pebble Technology's pebble pool finishes are made from materials including pebbles and seashells that come from riverbeds and beaches around the world.
The primary mission of the Save the Earth Foundation centers on raising environmental consciousness and funding environmental research at colleges and universities.
Online Codes
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials recently launched the IAPMO California Codes Portal, an interactive and annotatable system that allows contractors, design professionals and code officials online access to the 2007 California Plumbing and Mechanical Codes.
IAPMO, working with Citation Technologies, has essentially taken the California Plumbing Code and California Mechanical Code, based on the corresponding Uniform Codes, and uploaded them to the Internet along with an array of tools to enhance and expand the user's capabilities.
"All of the codes, standards and regulations - and the most advanced tools created to access them - are now only a click away," said Terry Leppellere, IAPMO director of member services. Additionally, information is automatically updated whenever changes to any standard or regulation occur across industry categories, so users will always have the most-current, pertinent information available.
For more information visit www.iapmoproducts.com.
Consumer Finance From Blue Haven
Blue Haven Pools & Spas has partnered with FirstAgain, an online consumer lender focusing exclusively on individuals with excellent credit, to provide financing for custom, in-ground pools and spas.
FirstAgain will offer their AnythingLoan, an unsecured loan with favorable interest rates to "superprime" borrowers. The loan product is paperless, allowing customers to sign loan documents online. The AnythingLoan provides $10,000 to $100,000 for any purpose. In addition to financing swimming pools, borrowers have used the AnythingLoan for home expansions, kitchen and bath remodels and landscaping projects. Interest rates for home improvement loans are fixed as low as 6.99 percent and do not require liens against borrowers' homes.
Founded in 1954, Blue Haven Pools & Spas has 75 offices serving markets in 29 states. San Diego-based FirstAgain operates nationwide and has financial commitments from Merrill Lynch and Arsenal Capital Partners. For more information, visit www.firstagain.com.
