Consumer Product Safety Commission Issues Interpretations for Public Pool Requirements under Federal Pool-Spa Safety Act
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released its staff interpretation on public pools under the federal Pool and Spa Safety Act, Section 1404. The interpretations are very consistent with the ANSI/APSP-7 2006 Suction Entrapment Avoidance standard. Now that the staff interpretation of Section 1404 has been released, the CPSC will invite public comment on Section 1406 of the Act, which addresses the requirements for the voluntary state grant program for residential pools and spas. The APSP will monitor and comment accordingly. For additional information and assistance about the CPSC staff interpretation of Section 1404, Public Pools, contact the CPSC at info@cpsc.gov or 301.504.7908. View the CPSC Interpretation. MORE.
Joel Caesar, Former NESPA Executive Director, Was 70
Joel William Caesar, former Executive Director of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), an APSP Affiliate, died June 21, 2008 after a long illness at the age of 70. Visit www.NESPApool.orgto view the complete obituary.
APSP Featured in Local and National Media
APSP is featured in many swimming pool and hot tub articles across the country this summer. Local and national publications have been turning to the APSP to provide insight, tips and images to support their upcoming stories. APSP assisted Texas-based Living Magazine, and Southwest Florida’s Home & Design with recent articles, drawing attention to the association in two of the top markets for inground swimming pools. Also, the July 2008 Wall Street Journal publication Smart Money featured an article entitled “Installing a Pool Without Getting Soaked,” quoting APSP President Bill Weber and longtime active member Tommy Johnson (Johnson Pools & Spas, Huntsville, Alabama).
To view the articles, click the links below:
Living Magazine
Home & Design
Wall Street Journal Smart Money
APSP and FSPA Redefine Relationship in New Cooperative Agreement
Volunteer leaders from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) and the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) have made a strategic decision to redefine the relationship between the two organizations. The two groups have verbally agreed to a new cooperative agreement to replace the existing affiliation agreement that will expire June 30, 2008. The new agreement, still to be approved by the boards of directors of each organization, will allow each to focus on important strategic initiatives, yet provide a framework for collaboration on areas of common interest, particularly legislative and regulatory matters affecting the industry. Under the new arrangement, membership in FSPA is totally independent of membership in APSP.
Crackdown on Hiring Illegal Immigrants in Arizona, H2B Update
As reported by The New York Times, a June 11 raid on two Phoenix area waterparks resulted in the arrest of nine workers suspected of being illegal immigrants. According to the article, this might become the first case to test Arizona's employer-sanction law, which became effective January 1. The law carries penalties that would suspend or revoke the business licenses of employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. The raid followed a four-month investigation. The waterparks have not been closed, but authorities seized personnel records, which reportedly will be used to investigate whether the employers violated the law. See the online story. MORE.
Drought Worsens in Georgia
Federal officials warned Thursday that three key reservoirs along the river system shared by Georgia, Alabama and Florida are expected to drop in the next few weeks, a dose of bad news for the drought-stricken Southeast. Georgia APSP members fear a possible reinstatement of pool and spa water-saving measures--repealed by Governor Perdue in February--that would impact not only their businesses, but the safety of existing pools and spas.
Click HEREto view the article “Atlanta: 3 Southern Reservoirs Predicted to Fall” in the Times Free Press.
Click HEREto view the article “Sun Drains .2 Inch of Water Daily from Lanier” in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Click HEREto view the pamphlet “Metro Atlanta Water Issues” developed by the Atlanta Regional Commission.
APSP Member A&A Manufacturing Announces Covers Certified to Pool & Spa Safety Act Requirements
APSP member A&A Manufacturing, Phoenix, AZ, has announced the approval of several suction outlet (channel drain) covers in compliance with the ASME A112.19.8.2007 standard, Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, as required by the federal Pool and Spa Safety Act. NSF International conducted the testing and certification. The suction outlet fittings are also certified to the NSF Standard 50. The A&A compliant drain covers are all 8" x 32" Unblockable Channel Drain units available for concrete and vinyl pools. For more information: www.unblockabledrain.com. MORE.
Awards of ExcellenceDeadline July 18
The deadline to submit your entries for the International Awards of Excellence is less than a month away! Each year APSP recognizes its members for outstanding pool, hot tub and water feature installations in more than 30 categories. This year the competition features new commercial categories. The entry deadline is July 18. To enter, visit www.InternationalAwardsofExcellence.com.
Look for AQ Magazine in Your Mailbox
APSP Quarterly (AQ) magazine was launched just half a year ago. A printed copy of the third issue of AQ—Summer 2008, featuring the theme of Protection—has been mailed to APSP members. Look for it in your mailbox soon.
Click HEREto view the e-magazine. MORE
There will be no Industry Currents on July 2 due to the July 4 holiday, but will return July 9. The IC Staff wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!
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.