Come Together in Charlotte

October is upon us — and as the leaves begin to turn and mark the season’s change once again, we’re finally ready to open the doors to a new fall tradition of our own.

Building AQUA Live has been quite the journey. After months of preparation, we are excited to welcome you to beautiful Charlotte, N.C. — right in the heart of one of the pool industry’s fastest-growing markets. It’s a long-awaited opportunity for professionals from all over to connect face to face, in an environment specifically tailored toward the pool and spa industry.

Our top-notch education lineup stretches across the week — pre-conference starts on Monday, Oct. 3 with additional educational seminars across Oct. 5-7 — featuring a range of courses by GENESIS, PHTA, the National Plasterers Council and other top industry organizations, as well as individual instructors selected for excellence in pool and spa education. 

AQUA always brings the party, and that part will kick off on Oct. 6 with a Happy Hour on the show floor followed by the Welcome Party at the iconic NASCAR Hall of Fame, sponsored by Lyon Financial. Sprinkled in between are special opportunities to connect and learn in the one-of-a-kind AQUA Backyard — and of course, a keynote by Olympic swimming legend Rowdy Gaines.

This inaugural event marks the beginning of a new fall classic that we’ll look forward to for years to come. See you in Charlotte!

Registration info here! 

Can't-Miss Show Highlights

Photo courtesy charlottesgotalot.com / Kyo H Nam / nascarhall.com

Nascar Hall of Fame Welcome Reception

Thursday, Oct. 6, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Get ready for a night to remember in one of Charlotte’s top-rated venues, sponsored by Lyon Financial. Designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is full of artifacts and hands-on exhibits — attendees can explore it all, with the added bonus of music, food and drinks.

AQUA Backyard

Schedule below

This one-of-a-kind space captures the heart of AQUA. We’ve created a relaxing spot for industry pros to come together and share ideas, swap stories and even learn something new. Stop by for cocktails and camaraderie.

Keynote Presentation

Thursday, Oct. 6, 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Olympic swimmer Rowdy Gaines will share his inspirational story and the lessons he learned along the way, from taking risks and staying dedicated to using teamwork in an individual’s life. Pool and spa professionals will be touched by Gaines’ hard-earned wisdom, delivered with a signature dose of humor.

AQUA Bingo

Oct. 5-7

Pick up your AQUA bingo card at registration and play throughout the show. Each card includes a number of fun tasks to complete, from taking in a session at the AQUA Backyard to small acts of kindness to visiting manufacturers on the show floor. Prizes will be handed out on Friday and include restaurant gift cards, Charlotte-themed prize packs, 2023 registration packages, and more.

Walk the Expo Floor

Oct. 6-7

The aisles of AQUA Live will be lined with the industry’s top manufacturers and distributors — and it’s free to walk the expo floor. Take a stroll to discover new products, meet new faces and make new connections. Expo hours are Thursday, Oct. 6 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Class Schedule

Monday, Oct. 3

8:00 a.m.

Genesis Construction School: Concrete Pools (Day 1) | Greg Andrews, Ken Milbery, Terry Brannon, P.E., Travis Bozick, Randy Dukes, Skip Phillips

Tuesday, Oct. 4

8:00 a.m.

Fluid Hydraulics for Pools & Spas (Day 1) | Terry Brannon, P.E.

Genesis Construction School: Concrete Pools (Day 2) | Greg Andrews, Ken Milbery, Terry Brannon, P.E., Travis Bozick, Randy Dukes, Skip Phillips

NPC Start-Up Technician Certification | Kent Westfall    

Wednesday, Oct. 5

8:00 a.m.

Genesis Construction School: Concrete Pools (Day 3) | Greg Andrews, Ken Milbery, Terry Brannon, P.E., Travis Bozick, Randy Dukes, Skip Phillips

Fluid Hydraulics for Pools & Spas (Day 2) | Terry Brannon, P.E.    

1:00 p.m.

Pool Surfaces - Problem & Solutions | Randy Dukes

Strong Company Culture Reaps Strong Profits | Bill Kent, PhD

Waterproofing | Greg Andrews, Ken Milbery   

2:45 p.m.

7 Crucial Marketing Secrets Every Pool Builder Should Know | Brett Lloyd Abbott    

Adding Value While Reducing Stress: Maximizing the Impact of a Pool Care Program | Alicia L. Stephens    

Preparing your Pool Service Business for Sale | Gary Clayton

4:00 p.m.

Selling in the Post-Covid World | Steve Hasenmueller

The Truth About Black Algae | Rudy Stankowitz    

Thursday, Oct. 6

7:30 a.m.

The Beauty of the Edge - The Definitive, Internationally Acclaimed Vanishing Edge & Water-In-Transit Design (Part 1) | Skip Phillips, Brian Van Bower

Introduction to Pool Hydraulics and Plumbing | Terry Brannon, P.E.    

8:00 a.m.

An In-Depth Look at Spa Care: It’s Not Just a Little Pool | Alicia L. Stephens

Successful Social Media Strategy for Pool & Spa Retailers | Julie Richard, Cristina Nikolov, M.A.

Use AUTOMATION to SELL More and SATISFY More, WITHOUT More Manpower! | Brett Lloyd Abbott    

9:15 a.m.

Advertising Effectiveness and the Impact of Video in the Digital Landscape | Timothy Corken

Creating an Online Store and How to Market it Effectively | Andy Tournas

VGBA Field Application & Inspections | Steve Barnes    

Be a Coach, Not a Boss | Bill Kent, PhD

The Beauty of the Edge - The Definitive, Internationally Acclaimed Vanishing Edge & WaterIn-Transit Design (Part 2) | Skip Phillips, Brian Van Bower

Trends in Outdoor Design | Kate Wiseman, MLA    

10:45 a.m.

Keynote Speaker | Rowdy Gaines    

2:00 p.m.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Construction Defects | Paolo Benedetti

Using Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to Grow Sales and Profitability in Your Retail Store | Alicia L. Stephens

Ways to Stretch Chlorine | David Gilbreath

Consumer Attitudes & Perceptions of Pool Ownership | Patricia Stofanak, Sabeena Hickman

Examining PHTA Codes | Terry Brannon, P.E.

An Overview of ANSI/PHTA/ICC-10: How It’s Designed to Reduce the Risk of Mold and Structural Damage Due to Water Infiltration from Elevated Pools | Mark Trapani

Cost Savings Measures for Business Insurance | David Griffiths    

4:00 p.m.

Expo Happy Hour | Expo Hall    

7:00 p.m.

Welcome Reception | NASCAR Hall of Fame    

Friday, Oct. 7

8:00 a.m.

Job Costing for Profit Versus Existence | Brian Van Bower

Today’s Top Social Media Platforms for Business | Patricia Stofanak, Jessica Howard    

8:30 a.m.

Profitable Pool Inspections | Rick English

RWIs and Chemical Injuries: What’s Not In Your Standard Training Material (Part 1) | Jennifer Huang, Roy D. Vore, PhD

Your Worst Plumbing Nightmares and Expert Solutions | Rick Howard    

9:45 a.m.

Moving Pool Floors and Walkable Pool Covers | Paolo Benedetti

RWIs and Chemical Injuries: What’s Not In Your Standard Training Material (Part 2) | Jennifer Huang, Roy D. Vore, PhD

What I’ve Learned in 45 Years in the Pool Business: The Learning Never Stops! Excelling in Customer Service and Quality | Steve D. Hood

Sell More, Sell More Often | Lew Akins

Residential Review of the 2021 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code | Ken Gregory    

1:00 p.m.

The Design and Construction of Outdoor Kitchens and Fire Features | Paolo Benedetti

The Pool Brothers | Charles Wise, Lew Akins

Elements of Litigation | Skip Phillips, Steve Getzof    

RWQC: Let’s Clear the Air: Air Quality for Indoor Swimming Venues | Ken Gregory, Jody O’Grady, John Weber

Your Worst Plumbing Nightmares and Expert Solutions | Rick Howard