ICC Recognizes APSP Standard
At its September meeting, the International Code Council voted overwhelmingly to incorporate the ANSI/APSP-7 standard into the body of the 2009 International Building Code and in Appendix G of the 2009 International Residential Code. The standard replaces language for pool and spa entrapment avoidance that was adopted by IBC and IRC committees in February. This marks the first time an APSP standard will be adopted into the body of the IBC.
"Adoption into the ICC codes will greatly facilitate implementation of the ANSI/APSP-7 standard nationwide," said Carvin DiGiovanni, APSP senior technical director, "The IBC code has been adopted by all 50 states and 46 states have adopted the IRC. This victory is a major step for pool and spa safety - and reinforces APSP's safety core value proposition."
APSP President & CEO Bill Weber said, "The ICC's decisive action underscores the power of the industry when we speak with one voice, as we did here with the APSP proposals to the ICC. It affirms the integrity of the ANSI consensus process in approving the ANSI/APSP-7 standard. Most of all, it affirms solutions that will truly protect the public from future risk of suction entrapment. It is one of the most significant pool and spa safety advances ever."
The ICC, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most American cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the ICC.
The APSP plans to contact agencies in each state to make them aware of ANSI/APSP-7 and to start developing training programs on the standard for officials and industry professionals.
Jacuzzi Turns Up Licensing Effort
Global Icons announced via press release a licensing partnership with Jacuzzi Brands Corp. Using Jacuzzi's name recognition Global Icons says it will assist in expanding the brand's reach through licensing.
The Jacuzzi brand is known the world over said Michelle Cervantez, Jacuzzi Brands chief marketing officer. "With its tremendous goodwill and brand equity, we are looking to further expand the reach of the brand in ways that remain true to our core fundamentals."
Global Icons says it will diversify the brand's portfolio through the introduction of new categories, including outdoors and patio, bath and spa accessories, home textiles and health and beauty.
Jacuzzi Brands Corp. is the parent company of Jacuzzi Hot Tubs and Sundance Spas. Brand-licensing agency Global Icons specializes in developing and extending corporate brands and trademarks.
MAAX Spas Sold To Brookfield Asset Management
MAAX Spas, Chandler, Ariz., announced that it was acquired by Brookfield Asset Management on Sept. 18.
Terry Rake, vice president and general manager of MAAX Spas, said the company is "stronger than ever, debt-free and prepared to invest in the future growth of the company."
Brookfield is a global asset manager focused on property, power and other infrastructure assets with approximately $95 billion of assets under management. The company has offices in Toronto, New York, London and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In an unrelated matter, MAAX Spas also announced that it did not renew its licensing agreement with the Coleman Company and discontinued using the Coleman Spas brand Oct. 13. According to a press release, the Jarden Company Licensing Group, owner of the Coleman brand, took the Coleman Spas license to a bid process and eventually granted it to Living Water Products (formerly Tatum Manufacturing) of Clearwater, Fla.
MAAX Spas will re-launch its former Coleman Spas models - with improvements and redesigned features - as MAAX Spas at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas this month. "We are working with dealers to replace a lot of the merchandising materials," said Katie Fahn, MAAX Spas marketing coordinator. "We own all the technology, structure, features, etc, that have gone into the spas and will continue to produce essentially the same product, it will just have our own MAAX Spas branding."
Diving Board Safety Effort Adds Member
The Diving Board Safety Network, Canby, Ore., announced that Carecraft has joined its network.
Created in 2007 as a Web-based resource center dedicated to diving board safety, the DBSN includes partners from pool, spa and life-safety industries dedicated to promoting the safe use and installation of diving boards. The DBSN seeks to present a fresh and informed perspective on diving board safety through relevant studies and statistics, diving-safety articles, safe-diving protocols and installation standards. Content on the site is continuously updated to provide the most current information. Visit www.divingboardsafety.net for more information.
2008 CBP Of The Year Chosen
The APSP named John Romano the 2008 Certified Building Professional of the Year. The award is given to an APSP-member CBP "whose accomplishments have made a significant contribution to the profession."
Romano started All American Pools and Spas, Norwalk, Conn., in 1977 and expanded the business by adding service, supplies and retail, as well as new and custom pool construction for both residential and commercial.
Romano served on local, regional and national boards and councils - including the APSP Builders Council. He served as chairman of the APSP board of directors in 2003 and remains on the board with over 13 years of service.
He was one of the original authors of the then-NSPI Builders Reference Manual published in 1998 and has been a contributing author for the second and third editions. He has worked with industry associates to develop the certification programs for the CBP and CSP, among many other accomplishments.
