education and events

International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo

 

Dive In & Deck Out!

The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™, co-located with Deck Expo (PSP/Deck Expo) is where all segments of the industry (pool, spa, patio, decking, and outdoor living) gather to stay well-informed of the trends, market directions, and technology. The event offers industry professionals a large selection of educational sessions, an expo hall, and various networking opportunities.

The 2024 event will be November 9-14 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, TX.

Registration is now open! Click below to register today:

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PSP/Deck Expo is the only comprehensive, far-reaching, and industry-connected event.

Dive In to the experience, and Deck Out with the best networking, education, and technology to propel your business forward. PSP/Deck Expois dedicated to the success of your business. Interact with industry leaders, ask questions to top manufacturers, and learn about how to thrive in today's pool, spa, and outdoor living industry.

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Hotel Accommodations

By booking through onPeak, the only official hotel vendor for PSP/Deck Expo, you will be able to make reservations in our block, all while receiving the best possible rates and access to exclusive discounts and perks.

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Schedule at a Glance

Looking for a guide to all things PHTA at PSP/Deck Expo? See below for a full list of available PHTA and GENESIS® education and special events during the conference.

Education

PHTA and GENESIS® will be offering the following education sessions. Click on the course title for full course information.

Pre-Conference Sessions:

Mon, November 11
9am - 4pm
6 Hours, 0.6 IACET CEUs, 6 PHTA CEUs
$599 PHTA Member | $999 Non-member

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This session will review the significant changes from the 2021 to the 2024 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC). This session is designed to help builders and inspectors learn and review significant changes made to the 2024 ISPSC recently released. The course is a must-attend for all industry-related professionals such as builders, architects, engineers, building inspectors, building officials, contractors, plans examiner, plumbing inspectors, and pool and spa installers.

Learning Objectives:

  • Review the changes/updates made from the 2021 ISPSC to the 2024 ISPSC
  • Examine updated and/or new sections added to the 2024 ISPSC

Instructor: Richard Anderson, CBO

Course Includes:

  • ISPSC Instruction
  • ISPSC 2021 Code Book
  • Lunch

Conference Sessions:

Tue, November 12
8am - 9am
1 PHTA CEU

Take a journey through a series of all tile vessels as Greg Andrews shares several invaluable installation techniques he's developed throughout his 40-year career as a tile installer.

Learning Objectives:

  • Review proper material selection for your project, including Tile, Waterproofing, Mortar Mixes, Adhesives, and Grouts
  • Learn to evaluate the shape and condition of the pool surface, and how to best prepare it for tile installation
  • Study several types of pool shapes and learn how to compartmentalize layout options and blend them together into a seamless installation
  • Understand the importance of controlling the installation environment and review several viable options to keep temperature parameters within an acceptable range

Instructor: Greg Andrews

Tue, November 12
8am - 9am
1 PHTA CEU

In this presentation, Feras Irikat, Director of Design and Marketing for Lunada Bay Tile, will teach participants how to practice the science of creativity in everyday life and business practice. You will also learn how to implement innovation not just into your business but even broader how to implement innovation into all areas of our life. Are you ready to take the path less taken? Learn how to embrace and implement the culture of innovation as whole and how to make it a part of your business and daily life.

Learning Objectives:

  • How to process info and trend signs in the mindset of an innovator (5 steps)
  • Participants will be able to capture, gather, and process knowledge, drivers, and other research materials
  • Participants will learn the science behind creativity and how to improve their own

Instructor: Feras Irikat

Tue, November 12
11am - 12pm
1 PHTA CEU

The single greatest challenge for Swimming Pool Contractors (SPC) to expand their business is the lack of competent and accountable Construction Managers. Being an Engineer or skilled craftsman, although helpful, certainly is not a prerequisite to be a good manager. In this course, we will explore what makes a good Construction Manager, and how they are an integral part of running a profitable business that provides quality work in a timely period with a “reasonable” or greater client satisfaction of the product result.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss the properties of an effective Construction Manager
  • Learn the process of continuity and accountability oversite
  • Review a predictable process which results in success

Instructor: Robert Baxter, Advanced CBP

Tue, November 12
11am - 12pm
1 PHTA CEU

Whether influencer driven or highly individual, your potential clients have a design style that you will need to quickly connect with to get the contract. Demonstrating that you can see their vision as clearly as they do will help you stand apart from the competition. In this session, you will watch a renowned designer be put spontaneously on the spot with live-reveal back-yard inspirations for 2 different clients' visions and styles. The designer will give her impromptu responses and insights and will teach you how to link the dream design and current space and talk about how to book the gig. Join us for this walk-through simulation and learn how to nail improvised feedback as if you have been preparing for weeks.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify patterns and priorities in a client's dream design
  • Adapt your pitch based on real-time feedback and current conditions
  • Implement your experience and design intuition into sales
  • Forecast the predictive expectations of style and taste and convert it into sales

Instructor: Kate Wiseman, MLA

Tue, November 12
1pm - 2pm
1 PHTA CEU

Properly operating and maintaining a pool, hot tub, or spa requires a good understanding of the science and engineering behind equipment, water quality, and mechanics. We'll review best practices found within key standards, such as reasons for required closure in commercial venues, access in elevated pools, and safety requirements for drain covers. ANSI/PHTA/ICC-2 American National Standard for Public Pool and Spa Operations and Maintenance will be a main focus. The ANSI/PHTA/ICC-10 American National Standard for Elevated Pools, Spas and Other Aquatic Venues Integrated into a Building or Structure will also be examined. Then ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, federal law under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) and currently undergoing a full revision, will be reviewed. Operators will gain practical knowledge to use in the field to keep pools safer and keep them open. An overview of the PHTA Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) program, required in over 25 states, and construction practices will be provided.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand key provisions in ANSI/PHTA/ICC-2, ANSI/PHTA/ICC-10, and ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 (VGBA) standards
  • Gain practical knowledge to use daily in your job to ensure health and safety for the public
  • Learn about the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) program to advance your career
  • Explore ways to participate in current standards development and network with subject matter experts

Instructor: Dennis Berkshire

Wed, November 13
8am - 9am
1 PHTA CEU

Some of the most spectacular pools in the world are particularly amazing simply because they were hanging on the side of a cliff or constructed on a site with such limited access that everything was crammed into position over the house. No stranger to these challenging projects, we will share experience and expertise so that you can skip the risky learning curve and approach these projects with a well-executed plan.

Learning Objectives:

  • Examine construction documents, detail coordination
  • Review cranes, drilling rigs, full-height forming, double-curtain steel
  • Identify hillside work, rooftop pools, remote locations, adverse soil conditions
  • List construction sequencing, trade coordination

Instructors: Terry Brannon, P.E. & Skip Phillips, Master CBP

Wed, November 13
8am - 9am
1 PHTA CEU

Pool construction is a sophisticated trade. As a contactor you might not consider yourself a designer, but you are making design decisions every day. Understanding the role design and designers play in the overall backyard development process will make you more valuable to your customer and more effective as a partner with professionals and sub-contractors alike. This course is designed for the contractor who isn't sure if they want to advance their own design education but understands that knowing more about design will make them and their company more successful and profitable.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understanding the importance of Intentional Design in the construction process
  • Reviewing the basics of design Elements and Principles
  • How to consider intentional design decisions in the construction process
  • Using the language of design for better communication and collaboration

Instructor: Dominick Mondi

Wed, November 13
11am - 12pm
1 PHTA CEU

The Project Profile series is presented by various GENESIS® members, walking students through specific projects from start to finish.

Learning Objectives:

  • Effective design, planning, and hydraulic system design for clear panel projects
  • Watershape grass edge perimeter overflow projects
  • Island Projects with unusual energy limitations and water conservation
  • How to display artwork effectively and spectacularly in perimeter overflow vessels

Instructor: Brian Van Bower

Wed, November 13
11am - 12pm
1 PHTA CEU

Creating compelling visual narratives is a great way to communicate with, engage, and persuade potential clients. In this course, Certified Master Pool Builder & Design Professional John Keynon will cover the principles of design, layout techniques, and effective storytelling methods to communicate the value of your products or services.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss how to create compelling visual narratives to wow your clients and close the deal
  • Review sound principles of design to increase your sales
  • Creating storytelling methods through design

Instructor: John Kenyon, Master CBP

Thu, November 14
9:15am - 10:15am
1 PHTA CEU

Substrate and surface preparation, proper mixing, and correct application methods. BREAKING NEWS: Damp-proofing is more than mix, slap, and go. This class suits all levels of learning, from novices to a 30-year veteran. We will focus on the most common mistakes in the field when damp-proofing a pool/spa.

Learning Objectives:

  • Focus on sound substrate and proper preparation of the pool shell
  • The most overlooked and arguably essential part of any damp-proofing project is consistency when mixing
  • Discuss best practices when applying damp-proofing products and tools that will help
  • The importance of curing and effects of non-adherence

Instructor: Ken Milbery

Thu, November 14
9:15am - 10:15am
1 PHTA CEU

From the bid to build, your client has great expectations of what they want their dream pool to look like. Through project profiles, you will learn how to get to know your customer and site, and how to interpret their needs and wants into a design they will fall in love with. You will also learn how to make design revisions, prepare a high-end presentation, and get final approval for your paid design. Full session in Spanish!

Learning Objectives:

  • Review high-end residential project profiles, including project conditions, client expectations, and identify design challenges
  • Describe the collaborative process with clients and others involved in the project
  • List design revisions and detail, engineering considerations, and project limitations or conditions
  • Explore the importance of charging for your designs and setting the scope of your work, and how to explain to your client why this is necessary

Instructor: Joan Roca, Master CBP

GENESIS® Solution Center (Booth #2700):

Tue, November 12
11am - 12pm
1 PHTA CEU

Luxury for less does not mean you have to sacrifice style. While a fiberglass pool may be an economical option, it can still be an oasis for your clients. Join us in this session to learn how you can upgrade a fiberglass pool project with a stunning permeter overflow that will have their neighbors begging to know, "Who did your pool?!?"

Learning Objectives:

  • Examine how to build a perimeter overflow project with a fiberglass vessel
  • Discuss the value of good design in a project upgrade proposal
  • Evaluate the elements of a perimeter overflow project

Instructor: Joel-Eric Mignault, Master CBP

Tue, November 12
12:15pm - 1:15pm
1 PHTA CEU

This course will explore the sometimes daunting task of cutting tile in pools, particularly all tile vessels where cutting around pipes or negotiating depth changes, curvatures, and corners can offer unique challenges.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain an understanding of essential tools required for properly cutting glass and porcelain tile, including diamond blades, core drills, polishing disks, sanding disks, scoring wheels, carbide nippers, and more
  • Learn how to pre-mount and cut sheets of tile into drain covers, skimmers, and other applications for easy and universal placement
  • Acquire the skills necessary to template and cut around fittings using core bits for precise circular cuts
  • Learn how to cut and seam together the curvatures in the floor/wall transition of all tile pools

Instructor: Greg Andrews

Tue, November 12
1:30pm - 2:30pm
1 PHTA CEU

The main focus of this class is the overarching ideals of the architectural stylistic of the postwar Ranch and Mid-centrury modern home has influenced living today. The class will explore the "how and why" "the ranch" came into existence and how it has impacted and influenced the way we design, build, and live today. Along with addressing the specifics of the architectural movement as it relates to buildings, we will also compare and contrast how the landscape elements like vegetation, hard-scape, and swimming pools play an important role to defining this significant movement we have today!

Learning Objectives:

  • To analyze both landscape, pool, and architectural elements in relation to style
  • To be able to evaluate historical elements from the past and relate them to current trends
  • To be able to speak to current trends and where they have originated
  • To be able to relate client-directed ideas to design-oriented outcomes

Instructor: Paul John Boulifard

Tue, November 12
3pm - 3:45pm

Calling all young pool and hot tub enthusiasts! This live session is designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to propel your career and business forward. Join us as we explore powerful tactics for professional development, effective business practices, and strategies to stand out in a competitive industry. This interactive session is specifically designed for young professionals in the pool and hot tub industry who are eager to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights from industry experts!

Be sure to stick around the PHTA Booth #2900 directly after this session for a PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network Happy Hour from 4pm-5pm!

Learning Objectives:

  • Elevate Your Skills and Knowledge: Discover resources and strategies for continuous learning, staying ahead of industry trends, and building a strong technical skillset
  • Build Your Brand and Network: Learn how to craft a compelling professional brand, leverage social media effectively, and build valuable connections within the pool and hot tub industry
  • Grow Your Business or Career: Explore strategies to excel in your current role, develop a winning business plan if you're an entrepreneur, and navigate career advancement opportunities

Instructor: Alexander Jacobs

Tue, November 12
4pm - 5pm
1 PHTA CEU

Not every backyard swimming pool and spa project needs the attention of an engineer but occasionally a builder finds himself over his head with soil foundation issues, cantilevered structures, pier supported pools, deep fills, adjacent structures, complex hydraulics, logistical issues such as remote access, elevated pool structures, and other, more complicated issues. This brief 1-hour seminar takes students through the ins and outs of hiring a consulting engineer to assist with swimming pool and spa design. Items discussed will include the qualifications a pool professional should look for in an engineer, the types of engineers and firms that routinely take on swimming pool engagements, fee structures, professional liability insurance, and division of responsibility. And finally, we will discuss training your engineer for your individual type of pool work and building relationships for the long-term.

Learning Objectives:

  • Develop for the student a personal criterion for when an engineer is necessary and when one is not
  • Investigate the process of finding and vetting engineering professionals on the basis of their experience and qualifications
  • Prepare builders to discuss contractual arrangements and fees with engineers
  • Enable builders to create a plan for building a relationship with an engineer or firm by cooperative training specifically in the types and locations in which the builder specializes

Instructor: Terry Brannon, P.E.

Wed, November 13
11am - 12pm
1 PHTA CEU

Learn how and why trends are born and the way to analyze the drivers and signs to spot those trends. In this presentation, Feras Irikat, Director of Design and Marketing for Lunada Bay Tile, will teach participants how to capture, analyze, and process socio-cultural research to forecast design and market trends, define new business opportunities, identify the new consumer, and identify fresh ways to reach new audiences. Participants will learn how to be in tune with the always-changing consumer. In addition, Feras will reveal the latest macro and micro trends in design so you can be preparing for a response to the "next big thing??".

Learning Objectives:

  • Capture, process, and analyze trend signs, drivers, and other research materials
  • Recognize the evolution of design trends in current design and the influences behind them
  • Identify market strategies and propose innovative ways to reach new audiences
  • Identify the ever-changing consumer and explain how design influences their purchasing decision
  • Examine the latest looks in home design and colors

Instructor: Feras Irikat

Wed, November 13
1:30pm - 2:30pm
1 PHTA CEU

When damp-proofing a remodeled pool or spa, a new set of conditions exists. This course focuses on the specifics and importance of damp-proofing remodels versus new construction.

Learning Objectives:

  • Preconstruction observation and telltale signs of waterproofing issues
  • Material Science and Available Materials
  • Crack identification and Proper repair
  • Use of crack isolation membranes and cold joints

Instructor: Ken Milbery

Wed, November 13
3pm - 3:45pm
1 PHTA CEU

In this live session, we'll dive deep into strategies to transform your service department from a cost center into a profit generator. Learn proven methods to increase revenue, optimize operations, and deliver exceptional customer service that drives business growth. Join us for this interactive session and gain the insights you need to turn your service department into a strategic driver of business growth!

Learning Objectives:

  • Increase Service Revenue: Discover practical tactics to identify upsell opportunities, improve service efficiency, and boost customer lifetime value
  • Optimize Service Operations: Explore best practices for streamlining workflows, reducing service costs, and maximizing technician productivity
  • Deliver Exceptional Customer Service: Learn how to build a customer-centric service culture that fosters trust, loyalty, and positive word-of-mouth referrals

Instructor: Ronak Shah

Wed, November 13
4pm - 5pm
1 PHTA CEU

Great photography can transform the way people see your work and your business. In this course, we will discuss how photography basics such as composition, lighting, and editing can help create visually appealing content for marketing materials, websites, and social media. We will discuss how to use easily accessible tools, such as your phone, to more sophisticated cameras and when to hire a professional.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore how to use photography to successfully impact your brand
  • Discuss the basic principles of photography and develop your artistic "eye"
  • Identify what tools to use and when to use them

Instructor: John Kenyon, Master CBP

Thu, November 14
11am - 12pm
1 PHTA CEU

There are historical examples of how wellness and design are integral to great spaces. This class will discuss the fundamental elements to keep in mind while designing with wellness as a goal. The key is not only the functionality and beauty of the spaces, but the components that will significantly impact your well-being.

Learning Objectives:

  • To discuss fundamental relationship of wellness and design
  • To explore the significance of how design and detail are key to wellness goals
  • To be able to speak on how design and wellness have a relationship to the outdoor living environment
  • To be able to influence your clients to make better decisions about their projects

Instructor: Paul John Boulifard

Thu, November 14
12:30pm - 1:30pm
1 PHTA CEU

This course will address the most common mistakes in setting tiles for submerged applications, such as a pool/spa, and how to remediate them. This base-level class teaches the correct methods and material choices to reduce failure.

Learning Objectives:

  • List the common causes of most installation failures
  • Cause and effect of improper setting methods and materials
  • Identifying the CRITICAL steps
  • Best practices to remediate and reduce job problems

Instructor: Ken Milbery

 

Special Events

GENESIS® Happy Hour
Sunday, November 10
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Dallas Courtyard by Marriott - HQ Dallas Rooftop

PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception
Monday, November 11
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Ballroom D

PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Educational Session + Happy Hour
Attendees 40 and under
Tuesday, November 12
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
PHTA Booth #2900

Day 2 Keynote: Economic Trends: Navigating Business Challenges and Opportunities in Pool & Hot Tub Industry
Wednesday, November 13
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Ballroom D
Learn More

International Hot Tub Association (IHTA) Happy Hour
Wednesday, November 13
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
PHTA Booth #2900

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in sponsoring PHTA events at PSP/Deck Expo? We have sponsorship opportunities for the Awards of Excellence Reception.

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECEPTION SPONSORSHIP

 

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Strategic Partners:

  • Biolab
  • Fluidra
  • Hayward
  • Heritage Pool Supply Group
  • Lou
  • Lyon Financial
  • Pentair
  • Solenis
  • WatkinsWellness
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