The Growing Popularity of “Staycations”
In times of economic uncertainty and soaring gas prices, many Americans are opting to stay at home this summer and take a “Staycation,” an increasingly popular term used to describe a vacation in or near one's home. Gibbs & Soell, APSP’s PR agency, has written an article on “Turning Your Backyard into a Fuel-Free Vacation” which has been posted on the ARA Content website. By using ARA, reporters, editors and publishers have the ability to go on this website to obtain the free article to include in their publication. With vacations historically being a top draw for consumers’ discretionary dollars, this has presented APSP with a great opportunity to get the message out about the benefits of buying a pool or hot tub.

To view the entire article, please click here:

A Community of Many, the Importance of One
It’s an exciting, challenging, wonderful time to be a member of the pool, spa and hot tub industry. Innovations, changing markets, and legislative initiatives are creating a business environment where your connection to the APSP community is more important than ever. Membership renewal invoices for 2008-2009 were mailed in late April and the response has been tremendous, over half of all members have already answered the call to action! APSP is made up of individuals like you who are committed to making a difference in the industry. Don’t lose your connection. If you need a copy of your invoice please email memberservices@apsp.orgor call 703.838.0083 x 301. If you’d like to renew your membership online, visit www.APSP.org, or simply click here.

Mark Your Calendar for the November 17 Advanced Service Program
If you own or manage a pool/spa service company, this is a must-see educational event! The 4th annual APSP Advanced Service Program is being presented by the APSP Service Council on Monday, November 17, 2008, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Mark your calendar now, because this exciting and informative one-day event is being held immediately before the November 18-20 International Pool | Spa | Patio | Expo. Attendees can earn six APSP technical credit hours! For information about attending the Advanced Service Program, visit the www.poolspapatio.comwebsite. Read details of the Educational Topics. Click herefor sponsorship opportunities.

APSP Endorses Proposed Title 20 Amendments for Retrofitting Pool Pump Motors, Portable Spas
APSP has endorsed amendments to Title 20, California’s Appliance Efficiency Regulations, after working directly with the original authors, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and the Davis Energy Group. At a May 15 hearing, the California Energy Resources and Development Commission (CEC) reviewed the proposal to clarify current language, which was intended to upgrade pool filtration pumps and motors when they need replacing. The amendment applies to replacement motors installed on the pool filter pump. Two-speed or variable-speed replacement motors are needed only when the replacement motor is 1 horsepower or greater. Steve Barnes, Chair of APSP’s Technical Committee and APSP’s Pump Standard Committee, testified at the hearing along with other industry members and stakeholders. The CEC will hold more hearings on this proposed change, with an opportunity for further comments. If the CEC adopts the retrofit requirement, it is expected to go into effect January 1, 2010.

Click herefor CEC Staff Report of May 15 Hearing
Click herefor CEC Title 20 Draft Amendments
Click herefor a transcript of the May 15 Hearing
MORE.

Awards of Excellence Deadline Quickly Approaching
The deadline to submit your entries for the International Awards of Excellence is only five weeks away. Each year, APSP recognizes its members for outstanding pool, hot tub and water feature installations in more than 30 categories. This year we have added new commercial categoriesto the competition. The entry deadline is July 18. Enter onlinetoday. For more information click hereor visit www.InternationalAwardsofExcellence.com.

NSPF Awards $800,000 in Research Grants
The board of directors of the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) recently voted unanimously to allocate $812,500 in research grants for the year 2008-2009. The new budget matches the amount budgeted the previous year, and represents an impressive 134% increase since year 2004. This budget includes the first $200,000 installment of a $1 million grant to Washington State University to help establish the National Aquatics and Sports Medicine Institute (NASMI).

Arch Chemicals Donates to China Earthquake Relief
Arch Chemicals is making a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross, International Services section for help with the Chinese earthquake relief effort. This donation is being made on behalf of all Arch employees. Arch’s facilities in Suzhou and Shanghai were not affected by the earthquake itself, but our employees remain very concerned about friends, relatives and fellow countrymen in the affected areas. The Red Cross is providing an array of emergency supplies and aid, including tents, blankets, food, medical supplies and water.

Calling All Hot Tub Retailers: APSP Seeks Your Experience with Installing Portable Hot Tubs in Indoor Commercial Settings
APSP recently got an inquiry from a Northern California hot tub dealer, who was set to install portable spas in suites in a Napa Valley Hotel. The county health department said the installation was against code--which requires that spas must be either inground, or meet the fill and drain code. Feedback from various hot tub industry leaders basically confirms that the same is true in many areas of the country. If you have personal knowledge of how your jurisdiction regulates portable spa and hot tub installation in hotel guest rooms, please contact Lauren Stack.