U.S. House Subcommittee Approves Pool and Spa Safety Bill with APSP Support
H.R. 1721, the House bill now named the “Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act,” was unanimously approved by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection on Tuesday, July 31. Like the bill approved by the Senate Commerce Committee on July 19, the House bill addresses suction entrapment prevention and pool barrier requirements in a state grant program to be administered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The House bill, modified at the urging of APSP to conform to the Senate bill with regard to suction entrapment avoidance, now moves to the full House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which is expected to take up the bill in September. MORE.
APSP Credited for Supporting ‘Layers of Protection’ Safety Approach
A recent article in the Ithaca Journal delivers a very positive message about APSP and its northeast affiliate, NESPA, as authorities on water safety. The article discusses the importance of pool safety to prevent drowning, a leading cause of death for children under age 5. APSP is credited as an organization in favor of layers of protection such as fencing, pool alarms, safety covers, door exit and fence gate alarms, self-closing and self-latching devices for doors, and an outside telephone to complement mandatory adult supervision.
APSP Technical Committee Approves Development of Energy Efficiency Standards
At its meeting June 8-9, the APSP Technical Committee approved the development of two new ANSI/APSP committees to write an energy efficiency standard for portable, self-contained spas and hot tubs relating to the spa requirements of California’s Title 20 and a comprehensive energy efficiency standard for pools, spas, and other non-self-contained aquatic vessels. Members of the APSP spa advisory group that have been working with PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric) and the Davis Energy Group on the California Energy Commission (CEC) Title 20 Code for Spas in California have joined the writing committee. MORE.
Sign up Now to Attend the Advanced Pool Builder Program—or Sponsor it!
The APSP Builders Council, presenting its popular fourth annual Advanced Pool Builder Program at the 2007 International Pool & Spa Expo in Orlando, is offering a great two-day lineup of exciting, high-level seminars for builders Monday-Tuesday, November 26-27! Sign up to attend at www.PoolandSpaExpo.com—or, if you're exhibiting at the Expo, take advantage of sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship options and a contract form are available. For more information, contact Tracy Beaulieu at tbeaulieu@hanleywood.com or 972.536.6366. Click here for the seminar schedule. MORE.
APSP Members Working Closely with Local Building Inspectors
Networking with your local building inspectors is a good way to get to know them on a first-name basis and find out more about proposed regulations, new codes, educational programs, and other developments affecting the pool, spa, and hot tub industry. APSP members have found it very profitable to build close relationships with local officials. MORE.
Only One Week Left—
Enter the APSP International Awards of Excellence Competition Today!
Are your products among the world’s most beautiful pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features? Enter the 2007 APSP International Awards of Excellence competition to give your company the recognition it deserves. Click here for more information and to enter.
The competition is open to pool, spa, and hot tub builders, installers, designers, retailers, and service companies. You must have received payment for the installation submitted, and you must be an APSP member current with your dues. If you are not yet a member, click here.
To avoid late fees, entry form(s) and payment must be received by APSP by midnight ET, Friday, August 3, 2007. Any entries received after this date are subject to a late fee of $25.00 per entry. No entries will be accepted after midnight ET, August 10, 2007.
Join Other Industry Leaders—Learn and Share Your Ideas!
The APSP Volunteer Leadership Forum (formerly called the APSP Networking Workshop) will be held at the Crowne Plaza Old Town Hotel, Alexandria VA, on October 25-27, 2007. If you’re currently involved in boards, councils, or committees at the national, regional, or chapter level—or you’re interested in becoming involved—this meeting is for you! Subject areas to be presented and discussed are APSP programs, membership, ethics, chapters, and a special focus on government relations. MORE.
Serve Your Industry—Join a Council!
APSP Councils have the responsibility of representing the interests of the members of their business segment and offering marketing, technical, and management support to the national staff. Councils have representation on the APSP Board of Directors and make recommendations on how best to advance the business, image, and welfare of APSP members collectively. Council meetings are normally held at least annually and up to several times a year. Want to learn more?
IC Lite:
Now That’s a Hot Car!
You can contribute to IC. Click here to find out how, or send an email to ic@APSP.org. You may also fax 703.549.0493.