Update on Spa Energy Efficiency Research
APSP wishes to thank the manufacturerswho supported the research on spa energy efficiency that is underway at the National Pool Industry Research Center (NPIRC) at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. All companies that pledged their support have faithfully followed through with their commitment.  In addition to these companies, many other firms contributed time, product and materials to make the testing possible. 

As of July 25, thirteen of the twenty-seven donated spas had been tested, with seven successfully passing the stringent requirements while six failed.  The APSP/CEC spa advisory group, under direction of APSP’s Carvin DiGiovanni, discussed the preliminary test results with Pacific Gas & Electric.  PG&E and the APSP/CEC spa advisory group are now discussing potential clarifications to the CA Title 20 Regulations. Look for more information on this important study in future Industry Currents. 

Home Foreclosures Contribute to Increase in West Nile Virus in California
West Nile Virus is on the rise in California and home foreclosures are the primary contributing cause according to an article by The Economist in its August 11 online issue. Between April and June there were 63,000 home foreclosures in the state. California has even passed a bill fining banks and mortgage companies that seize properties and then allow pools to fester. MORE

APSP Standards Highlighted in ANSI News
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in July published an article on its online news portal about National Recreation and Parks Month and mentioned APSP and the ANSI/APSP standards including a direct link to APSP’s home page. The article cited the ANSI/NSPI-1 2003 standard for public swimming pools, which covers conventional public pools, pools for competition, and wading pools. The article “Celebrate the Summer! July is National Recreation and Parks Month” appeared in the “News and Information/Latest Headlines” section of ANSI’s website (ANSI.org). ANSI accredits national standards developing organizations, including APSP, and oversees the creation of national consensus standards.

For More information:
http://www.ansi.org/news_publications/news_story.aspx?menuid=7&articleid=1899

EPA Final Guidelines re “Shock Oxidizer” Products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued via an amendment to its June 2007 guidance documents its final label guidelines for non-registered swimming pool and spa shock oxidizers. Based on the EPA’s previous determination that the word “shock” is a pesticide claim, the guidelines state that pool and spa oxidizers that make no biocidal claims and are not registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) must use the terms “shock oxidizer” or “oxidizing shock” to qualify the function and purpose of the product. All products must be in compliance with the final EPA guidance as of January 1, 2009. MORE

News from the World Aquatic Health Conference:
The latest evidence on why getting in the water is so good for our industry growth.
On October 16th, at the World Aquatic Health Conference, Dr. Bruce Becker will report on his second year findings from his study, funded by the National Swimming Pool Foundation and 11 hot tub industry organizations, that looks at the health benefits of hot-water immersion. Dr. Jack Raglin will present his learnings on the psychological benefits of soaking in hot water.  A keynote address from Dr. Stephen Blair, whose research was partially funded by APSP through NSPF, will reveal notable scientific findings on how swimming delivers the fountain of youth. This is your opportunity to hear research results that can help you grow your businesses!  Click Here for the Health Benefit Symposia schedule. MORE

Last Call for APSP Hot Tub Eagle and INSPIRE Awards Nominations!
APSP Hot Tub Eagle and INSPIRE Awards – Deadline August 31!
The Hot Tub Council Chair, Todd Whitney of Aristech Acrylics, LLC, is seeking your nominations for the upcoming Eagle and INSPIRE hot tub industry awards. The deadline for submissions is August 31. These awards, honoring the best in the hot tub industry, will be presented at the Board of Directors luncheon during EXPO week in November 2008. MORE

Industry Currents Will Take Two Weeks Off
Industry Currents will not appear for the weeks of August 27 and September 3. We’ll be back on September 10. Wishing you and yours a happy and safe Labor Day! The IC Team