The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance has created a COVID-19 how-to guide to help industry professionals lobby that they are an essential service. See the organization's advice below:
1. LEVERAGE WHAT THE CDC IS SAYING
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs.
Proper operation, maintenance and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as mitigate the growth of pathogens and mosquito breeding grounds.
The World Health Organization states that controlling water quality is necessary to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
2. DISTRIBUTE THIS LETTER TO ELECTED OFFICIALS
PHTA created a letter to elected officials on why the industry are essential. The organization took guidance from a memorandum circulated to state and local officials by the Department of Homeland Security CISA Agency on what are considered essential services.
This memo included multiple provisions that are applicable to the pool and hot tub industry.
KEY PROVISIONS
PUBLIC WORKS: “Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences.”
PUBLIC HEALTH: “Manufacturers....warehouse operators and distributors of...cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting or sterilization supplies...”
WATER AND WASTERWATER: “Chemical disinfectant suppliers for...personnel protection.”
CRITICAL MANUFACTURING: “Workers necessary for the manufacturing of materials and products needed for...chemical manufacturing...”
CHEMICAL:
“Workers supporting the chemical supply chains...including workers at chemical manufacturing plants...workers at distribution facilities...”
“Workers who support the production and transportation of chlorine...and prevents the contamination...of water.”
Find the letter to download and share with your lawmakers here as well as a step-by-step guide on how to advocate to your elected officials.
3. TALKING POINTS ON WHY WE ARE ESSENTIAL
The PHTA has also created talking points that you can use to inform your lawmakers about the value of our industry. Leverage the PUBLIC HEALTH and SAFETY aspects of the work that the industry does.
You can also use this to distribute to your team and customers. PHTA encourages you to put your logo on here and make it your own.
4. UPDATES FROM STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
With changes occurring all across the nation, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance know it’s hard to keep up with what is going on…which is where PHTA can help.
State and Local Level
2020 State Government Overview Report - COVID-19
as of March 20, 2020
Click Here to View State Executive Orders
Source: The Council of State Governments
5. LEVERAGE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
State and local officials and agency staff are inundated by calls and emails from their constituents, and many offices are finding it impossible to respond to all of them during this time.
If you have a relationship with anyone in government — either elected officials or agency staff — PHTA urges you to leverage those relationships and ask for direction and assistance.
Further, if you are in a state where PHTA or other pool and hot tub industry groups have direct lobbying representation, the organization urges you to work through them.
To provide guidance and help as your company navigates COVID-19, make sure to visit PHTA's Coronavirus webpage here.
