APSP Submits Comments to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Federal Pool & Spa Safety Act
APSP Asks CPSC for Extension to June ’09 for Requirement to Retrofit with Compliant Covers
APSP on March 28 submitted comments to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on the CPSC Staff Interpretation of the Pool & Spa Safety Act, Section 1404. The CPSC is the federal agency charged with administering and enforcing the Pool & Spa Safety Act. APSP encouraged CPSC to reference ANSI/APSP-7, the American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins (ANSI/APSP-7) and requested a meeting with CPSC staff to discuss the APSP comments on Section 1404. Among the concerns APSP expressed in its letter was the December 19, 2008, effective date for the federal mandates for ASME-compliant safety covers to be installed on all public pools and spas. APSP asked CPSC to adopt a grace period until June 18, 2009, for this requirement. MORE.
APSP Comments to CPSC
Comparison of Federal Act, ANSI/APSP-7, and IBC and IRC

First Annual APSP Pool & Spa Safety Week
APSP, in the forefront when the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act was passed by the United States Congress this past December, is introducing its first annual Pool & Spa Safety Week, May 31- June 6, 2008. APSP members are encouraged to participate with consumer events and safety displays. Check upcoming Industry Currents to learn about free resources for members, including press release templates and artwork for posters and ads, plus a low-cost package filled with consumer safety brochures and items. Safety is priority No. 1! Join with us in getting that message out to consumers during APSP Pool & Spa Safety Week. More next week!

Merchants Complain of High Card Fees; APSP Responds
In the wake of recent changes in the stock market, an IPO by Visa, and possible federal legislation (Business Wire) analysts have suggested that retailers and other merchants may generally expect to see higher bankcard fees (Times Union). Analysts from US News and World Report are predicting that rates could increase as much as 5% over the next two years. APSP has created a bankcard program to help you maximize your profits, instead of the banks maximizing theirs. Members participating in the program are saving upwards of $2,500 a year in processing fees. Participation is free, and the changeover is quick and efficient. The APSP bankcard program guarantees you the lowest processing rates in the industry. Please call 866-992-2737 to speak to an APSP representative, and get your free analysis, and recommendations on how to best make your pool and spa business more profitable.

Hot Tub Industry Growth Initiative Moving Forward
On March 26, 2008, fifty members of the industry gathered in Alexandria, VA, to hear the results of detailed, quantitative research on the hot tub consumer, and to select an advertising agency with whom to partner on a multi-faceted industry initiative. Contributors to the hot tub industry growth initiative were given a copy of the final research report and voted on the agency from among three finalists—Carton Donofrio Partners, Blattner Brunner, and The Richards Group, the latter of whom was ultimately selected. To learn more about the meeting’s results and the initiative itself, please click on the following links.
Press release
Questions and Answers

Builders Council Meeting Focuses on Educational Plans for 2008
The APSP Builders Council held its first meeting of the year March 26 at APSP headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Reports were given on the success of the APSP Advanced Pool Builder Program, the CBP Recognition Dinner, and the CBP of the Year Award. In addition, a progress report was given on development of the next edition of the Builders Manual. The Builders Council also discussed plans for the 15th annual Live Workshops, educational demonstrations to be given November 18-20 at the Expo in Las Vegas. MORE.

APSP to Assist with Better Homes & Gardens Book
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has been called upon to assist in an upcoming pool and spa book on behalf of Better Homes & Gardens. Many members of the APSP have been asked to submit photos for this book, for everything from construction of pools to pool and spa lighting. Furthermore, the Builders Council has come together and assigned a task force to serve as industry experts for fact checking illustrations that are prepared for the book. This is a wonderful opportunity for APSP members to be recognized in a highly regarded consumer publication. The book is due to be published in February 2009.

Florida Bills Would Implement the Federal Pool & Spa Safety Act
The Florida Swimming Pool Association (FPSA) is actively tracking state entrapment-avoidance legislation that would implement the new federal Pool and Spa Safety Act. State Senator Nan H. Rich from south Florida introduced the Senate bill, SB 1580, and State Representative Susan Bucher, also from south Florida, introduced the House bill, HB 963. The Senate bill is working its way through the committee process. There has been no action to date on the companion House bill. The new federal law establishes mandatory federal requirements for suction entrapment avoidance and establishes a voluntary grant program for states that meet the requirements of the act. MORE.

Look for AQ Magazine in Your Mailbox
APSP Quarterly (AQ), our new magazine, was launched at the EXPO. The second issue of AQ—dated “Spring 2008” and featuring the “Imagination” theme—should be arriving in your mailbox soon if it hasn't already! To read an online version, click here.

Want to advertise in AQ? Click here for the media kit, or contact Jason White at 770.810.6970 or Jawhite@naylor.com.
Interested in contributing an article to AQ? Click here for the guidelines.

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.