International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo

Fri/Sat/Sun, November 10-12
8am - 5pm
24 Hours, 2.4 IACET CEUs, 24 PHTA CEUs

This comprehensive concrete construction school is the only program that satisfies the education requirement to sit for the Certified Builder Professional (CBP) exam. Attendees spend three days with a team of expert faculty, learning all of the necessary disciplines for building a structurally sound water vessel. Topics covered include site analysis, introductory fluid engineering, geotechnical and structural engineering that includes a review of difficult sites, shotcrete, waterproofing, tile, interior finishes, coping, and concrete decking. The course concludes with an interactive walkthrough of a complex project from start to finish.

This program is designed to move each student through all phases of concrete pool construction in great detail, unlike anything else offered in the industry. Attendees have the opportunity to learn from top experts in their field, ask questions, and begin a relationship with the faculty that doesn't end when the class is over. GENESIS® courses deliver the highest quality education in the industry and are the only approved courses to satisfy the requirements for the Certified Pool Builder and Design Professional Pathway.

This is a required course to become a Certified Builder Professional.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss Basic Pool Plumbing, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering
• Define Layout, Forming and Excavation, Infrastructure Coordination, Shotcrete, Waterproofing
• List Basic Tile and Coping, Concrete Decking, Pre-Plaster Preparation, Cementitious Pool Finishes
• Discuss Startup, Punch List and Project Closeout, Project Profile

Instructors:

• Greg Andrews
• Terry Brannon, P.E.
• Tom Dankel
• Randy Dukes
• Rocky Wisley, Master CBP

Course Includes:

• C201 – Concrete Pools Manual
• Pool Surface Problems and Solutions Book
• PSP/Deck Expo Conference Super Pass
• Lunches for the duration of the course

Please note: If you would like to take the Certified Builder Professional (CBP) Exam upon completion of this course, please submit the application at least two weeks prior to arriving in Las Vegas.

Sat/Sun, November 11-12
8am - 5pm
16 Hours, 1.6 IACET CEUs, 16 PHTA CEUs

In our business, drawing is a tool that you must have in order to effectively communicate with your clients. In this course, we'll teach you fundamental sketching, drawing, and drafting skills, along with how to read and layout plans. No previous drawing experience needed.

This is a required course to become a Certified Expert Pool Builder and Design Professional.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the basic types of drawings: elevation, section, and plan
• Demonstrate how to draw, not for beauty, but as a communication tool
• Examine the common terms, symbols, and methods used by professional designers and architects

Instructor: Andy Kaner, MLA

Course Includes:

• Drawing supplies
• PSP/Deck Expo Conference Super Pass
• Lunches for the duration of the course

Sat/Sun, November 11-12
8am - 5pm
16 Hours, 1.6 IACET CEUs, 16 PHTA CEUs

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of good design and will teach you how to lay out the different improvements in your projects (e.g., pool, spa, patio, etc.). We will break the fundamentals down into two categories: the Elements of Design and the Principles of Design. Once you have a good grasp of the fundamentals, you will learn how to apply them. We will start with short practice exercises and build up to a final project: creating a master plan that includes a pool and spa.

This is a required course to become a Certified Expert Pool Builder and Design Professional.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss fundamental Elements (e.g., line, color, and form) and Principles (e.g., unity, balance, and scale) of design
• Define perceptual skills and a better understanding of spatial organization and spatial relationships
• Use these concepts to design beautiful spaces that connect with the surrounding environment
• Use your communication skills to accurately portray your design intent to the client

Instructor: Kate Wiseman, MLA; TA: Paul John Boulifard

Course Includes:

• Drawing Supplies
• PSP/Deck Expo Conference Super Pass
• Lunches for the duration of the course

Sat/Sun, November 11-12
8am - 5pm
16 Hours, 1.6 IACET CEUs, 16 PHTA CEUs

Looking through a magazine of pools, it is easy to find well-conceived plans that failed to unify the design with proper material and color selections. Color is one of our basic means of communication and it influences our emotions, so it must be understood and controlled. This program introduces the basic dynamics of color; its principles, fundamentals, and psychology; and how to apply the science to project design.

This is a required course to become a Certified Expert Pool Builder and Design Professional.

Learning Objectives:

• List light, vision, and color physics, color theory, primary colors, mixing, blends, color wheel
• Discuss color psychology, how color affects the viewer, influences of color and texture on purchasing decisions
• Understand the makeup of a color DNA and the ability to reproduce and match colors
• Understand the meaning of the color illusion and work through case studies analyzing how color can make or break the design concept

Instructor: Feras Irikat

Course Includes:

• Art supplies
• PSP/Deck Expo Conference Super Pass
• Lunches for the duration of the course

Fri/Sat, November 10-11
8am - 5pm
16 Hours, 1.6 IACET CEUs, 16 PHTA CEUs

The Pool & Spa Operator® (CPO®) Certification is the world's leading verifiable pool and spa training credential for aquatic facility maintenance personnel, health officials, retailers, property owners, and other professionals. CPO® certification provides individuals with the basic knowledge, techniques, and skills of pool and spa operations. This training has helped protect millions of swimmers by reducing hazards at aquatic facilities. Upon course completion and successfully passing the exam, students will become Certified Pool & Spa Operators® (CPO®).

Learning Objectives:

• Identify code requirements
• Understand inspection, operation, and maintenance procedures
• Recognize components of a circulation system
• Understand the purpose of the VGB Act
• Identify spa regulations
• Understand recreational water illness treatment and prevention
• Identify the cause and treatment of water problems
• Recognize the unique qualities and care of aquatic play features

Instructor: Alex Stewart

Course Includes:

• CPO Instruction
• CPO Workbook, Handouts, and Worksheets
• CPO Exam
• PSP/Deck Expo Conference Super Pass
• Lunches for the duration of the course

Fri/Sat/Sun, November 10-12
8am - 5pm Fri/Sat, 8am - 12pm Sun
20 Hours, 2.0 IACET CEUs, 20 PHTA CEUs

This course takes you through the PHTA Service Tech Manual and gives you what you need to know to conform to industry standards. Whether you are starting out in the pool industry, have a new business, or want to ensure all your employees are recognized as the top of their craft, this course is the perfect opportunity! When you earn the CMS certification, you also earn a name for yourself in the pool industry as a maintenance person in the know.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand safety, pool circulation and filtration, pool maintenance, and water quality
• Learn about other important topics such as electrical systems, pool structures and finishes, heaters and controls, and customer service

Instructor: Brian Diglio

Course Includes:

• CMS Instruction
• PHTA Service Tech Manual
• CMS Workbook
• PSP/Deck Expo Conference Super Pass
• Lunches for the duration of the course

Please note: If you would like to take the Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist (CMS) Exam on-site in Las Vegas upon completion of this course, please submit the application at least two weeks prior to arriving in Las Vegas.

Sat/Sun, November 11-12
8am - 5pm
16 Hours, 1.6 IACET CEUs, 16 PHTA CEUs

The Hot Tub Technician course provides students a range of practical knowledge on servicing and troubleshooting factory-built hot tubs, regardless of brands. Industry experts will provide hands-on experience regarding hot tub chemistry, examine electrical systems, circulation, and filtration while learning tips and tricks for basic repairs to interior surfaces. Upon successful completion of the course and CHTT certification exam, students will have earned the certification title of CHTT.

Learning Objectives:

• Review basic safety considerations for tools used on the job
• Explain the concept of volts, amps, ohms, and conductors
• Describe circulation system components and hot tub plumbing configurations
• Identify key factors in potential pump motor replacement
• Identify major functions of components of the control unit

Instructor: Brooks Holcomb

Course Includes:

• CHTT Instruction
• PHTA Certified Hot Tub Technician Manual
• CHTT Workbook
• PSP/Deck Expo Conference Super Pass
• Lunches for the duration of the course

Please note: If you would like to take the Certified Hot Tub Technician (CHTT) Exam on-site in Las Vegas upon completion of this course, please submit the application at least two weeks prior to arriving in Las Vegas.

Fri/Sat/Sun, November 10-12
8am - 5pm
24 Hours, 2.4 IACET CEUs, 24 PHTA CEUs

The Service Technician Course (CST) provides 24 hours of education for service technicians looking to elevate their knowledge. The course reviews common problems regarding pool finishes and examines potential solutions. Students will explore circulation, filtration, hydraulics, and electricity, culminating in a well-rounded understanding of potential problems and solutions. Upon successful completion of the course and CST certification exam, students will have earned the certification title of CST.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify pool finish problems and solutions
• Review best circulation practices
• Examine filtration, hydraulics, and electrical functions

Instructor: Rob Stewart

Course Includes:

• CST Instruction
• PHTA Service Technician Manual
• CST Workbook
• PSP/Deck Expo Conference Super Pass
• Lunches for the duration of the course

Please note: If you would like to take the Certified Pool & Spa Service Technician (CST) Exam on-site in Las Vegas upon completion of this course, please submit the application at least two weeks prior to arriving in Las Vegas.

Sun, November 12
1pm - 5pm
4 Hours, 0.4 IACET CEUs, 4 PHTA CEUs

The Certified Pool & Spa Inspector (CPI) course creates a foundation for health officials and pool operators to conduct pool and spa inspections to support the assurance of a sanitary, healthy, and safe environment for staff and patrons of public swimming pools and spas.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basis for code requirements and why a violation is a public health hazard
• Perform an inspection of the pool and spa area
• Evaluate swimming pool operation and maintenance
• Assess the circulation system and its components
• Evaluate a facility for VGB Act compliance
• Recognize the elements of spa inspections
• Understand recreational water illnesses
• Maintain supervision and operator records
• Recognize the elements of aquatic play features
• Understand swimming pool design standards and their impact on public health

Instructor: Ben Basch

Course Includes:

• CPI Instruction

Please note: If you would like to take the Certified Pool & Spa Inspector (CPI) Exam on-site in Las Vegas upon completion of this course, please submit the application at least two weeks prior to arriving in Las Vegas.

Sun, November 12
8am - 12pm
4 Hours, 0.4 IACET CEUs, 4 PHTA CEUs

This session will review the significant changes from the 2021 to the 2024 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC). This new 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

Course Includes:

• ISPSC Instruction
• ISPSC 2021 Code Book

Mon, November 13
8am - 9am

The main focus of this class it is to explore how the relationship between the built environment and the landscape are so importantly inter-connected. The course will profile the how buildings and pools gracefully, or maybe not-so carefully, work together. The ideal is to be able to review and analyze designs, then relate them to how your projects can be more successful. In the end, to have a better understanding of how architecture and the landscape make for better business.

Instructor: Paul John Boulifard

Mon, November 13
8am - 9am

Floating, or rendering pool surfaces in preparation for tile, is of utmost importance for successful and long-lasting tile installations, but the more complex an installation gets, the more necessity to develop intricate floating techniques. This course offers a comprehensive overview of floating techniques that will help installers conquer the fear factor and navigate their way through the most complex situations with the confidence of a seasoned master mechanic.

Instructors: Greg Andrews & Ken Milbery

Mon, November 13
1pm - 2pm

This panel discussion of business owners from the construction, service, design, and contractor sides of the industry will bring to light methods they use to keep their business sustainable and successful throughout the different challenges they face. The Q&A session will discuss the challenges of transitioning from a worker to business owner, how to navigate regional difficulties, tips to being more efficient and effective, how to create a balance in cash flow/revenue streams, and how to use your experience and applied knowledge to make your business more successful. The panel will discuss lessons in business they learned the hard way, so you don't have to.

Instructors: Isaac Kesselman; Skip Phillips, Master CBP; Joan Roca, Master CBP; Rocky Wisley, Master CBP

Mon, November 13
1pm - 2pm

Recently published, the ANSI/PHTA/ICC-2 American National Standard for Public Pool and Spa Operations and Maintenance is designed to be fully adopted and incorporated into state and local regulations and focuses on key areas of public pool O&M. During this session, we'll review the provisions of the standard and how they compare to the MAHC, how the standard can be used alongside the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) to create comprehensive regulations for public pools, and how to implement the standard in your jurisdiction.

Instructor: Dennis Berkshire

Tue, November 14
8am - 9am

We all know that a solid plan set can help you avoid significant problems on your projects, but what needs to be on those plans? We will discuss the various sheets you need to include in your Construction Document set, including pool layout, equipment pad setup, and plumbing schematics. Compare good and bad plan sets to see how a well-executed and clear set of documents can help you by making it easier to communicate with your client. Reduce errors and miscommunications at all stages of the project by getting other professionals (such as Architects, Engineers, and Subcontractors) what they need from you.

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

Tue, November 14
8am - 9am

Waterproofing in pools and water features has become increasingly confusing over the past several years, particularly as technology improves and new product and systems are continually introduced. The intent of this course is to help unravel the confusion by starting with an overview of pool waterproofing options, then breaking them into categories conducive to subsequent applications of the large variety of finishes we see in pools.

Instructors: Greg Andrews & Ken Milbery

Tue, November 14
9:15am - 10:15am

This session introduces basic hydraulic considerations and provides the learner with a series of construction details. The primary focus is construction considerations of basic pools and spas and importance of proper plumbing.

Instructor: Terry Brannon, P.E.

Tue, November 14
9:15am - 10:15am

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.

Instructor: Feras Irikat

Tue, November 14
1pm - 2pm

Explore the possibilities in pool design and construction. Learn how the tremendous visual and functional applications can elevate a backyard pool design. Expand your ideas about what a pool can be with detailed information and visual examples showing how these applications can transform an average backyard pool into a personal oasis.

Instructor: Joel-Eric Mignault, Master CBP

Tue, November 14
1pm - 2pm

Maintaining water quality is essential for the health, safety, and comfort of swimmers. It also plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the pool, spa, and hot tub surface and associated equipment. Pool standards and codes require that the values for alkalinity, calcium hardness, pH, total dissolved solids, stabilizer, and the sanitizer all be within specific ranges. More recently, the concept of target values specific for each pool has been introduced, while others are recommending use of a balanced water index over both ranges and targets. This presentation will describe the similarities and differences between the three methods, and will provide a scientific rationale for recommending the best way to maintain the quality of pool, spa, and hot tub water.

Instructors: Joe Laurino, Ph.D.; Jody O'Grady; John Weber

Wed, November 15
8am - 9am

Turning an existing project into something new and exciting can be a thrilling, but frustrating, task. Starting from scratch gives you more freedom and flexibility, while remodeling can be a bit more confining and problematic as you build on someone else's work. In this course, you will learn some of the basic pitfalls to avoid from the construction, engineering, and design point of view. From getting old and new materials to bond, fixing existing issues, to bringing in new trends and adding your signature style, you'll see why every remodel is not a contract to walk away from. So, before you grab your sledgehammer, join us for a sneak peak into an upcoming long course, and learn how to breath new life into the obsolete.

Instructors: Terry Brannon, P.E. & Kate Wiseman, MLA

Wed, November 15
8am - 9am

Navigating the legal minefield can be a challenge if you don't know where to step. In this course, you will learn basic but important steps to protect your business from legal problems. From contracts, ADA compliance, consumer fraud, safety conditions, theft protection, and beyond, you'll walk away with a better understanding of the laws and practices that are in place to protect you, your employees, your customers, and your business.

Instructors: Steve Getzoff & Skip Phillips, Master CBP

Wed, November 15
9:15am - 10:15am

The main focus of this class is the overarching ideals of the architectural stylistic movement titled "modernism". The class will explore "how and why" modernism came into existence and how it has impacted and influenced the way we design and build 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 trend in design.

Instructor: Paul John Boulifard

Wed, November 15
9:15am - 10:15am

Standards can be considered a necessary evil! Although not always easy to decipher and apply, industry standards are critical to elevating our industry and give pool pros a guide on how to achieve best results. Attendees of this session will break down ANSI/PHTA-11 and ANSI/PHTA-2 and detail out how they can be applied to achieving the best water chemistry a pool can have. Learn from the industry's scientific minds who helped create the standards!

Instructors: Jim Egan, Jody O'Grady & John Weber

Mon, November 13
11am - 12pm

This class discusses the types of improvements that homeowners are willing to invest more in, where the details matter and the budgets are larger.

Instructor: Kate Wiseman, MLA

Mon, November 13
12:30pm - 1:30pm

Municipal codes are evolving to accommodate the higher risk of public health and safety associated with dry-deck water features. Sanitation is difficult where high bather loads overload relatively small surge basins, but this program will identify potential solutions.

Instructor: Terry Brannon, P.E.

Mon, November 13
2pm - 3pm

Our understanding that water heals and renews seems to be an ingrained and ancient knowledge. In this course, well explore that instinct, and review the research and conclusions of 5 scientists across various fields who proved and reaffirmed that knowledge. You will then learn how discoveries of water-related properties relates to the pool and spa industry, and your business.

Instructor: Joel-Eric Mignault, Master CBP

Mon, November 13
3:30pm - 4:30pm

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

Instructor: Andy Kaner, MLA

Tue, November 14
11am - 12pm

From the bid to the 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.

Instructor: Joan Roca, Master CBP

Tue, November 14
12:30pm - 1:30pm

Studies show that 90% of snap judgments made on products can be based on color alone. Color plays a vital role in the relationship between branding and perceived appropriateness. GENESIS®'s own color extraordinaire, Feras Irikat, will take you through a variety of research, surveys, and reports to provide you with the details on how to appropriately color your brand with the personality you want to portray to your customers.

Instructor: Feras Irikat

Tue, November 14
2pm - 3pm

We will take an in-depth look into material compatibility, proper bonding, and why cure times are critical. Simplifying basic characteristics and attributes of common materials used for damproofing.

Instructor: Ken Milbery

Tue, November 14
2pm - 3pm

Look at compatibility, and why a systems approach is always the best option. And when it is not, how to approach and deliver a successful project. Most importantly, discuss proper substrate preparation.

Instructors: John Kenyon & Brian Van Bower

Wed, November 15
11am - 12pm

The main focus of this class is to explain the significance of Architecture and how the built environment shapes us, our lives, and the way we feel in the world. This class unpacks the fundamental significance of buildings and how they respond to the natural environment and the world we live in. This class is intended to cover a broad spectrum of themes that start from the historical, embrace the cultural, and touch on the materialistic forms of expression.

Instructor: Paul John Boulifard

Wed, November 15
12:30pm - 1:30pm

The concept of wellness is permeating our lives. It's used for health, for luxury, for a lifestyle, and for pleasure. As the reasons for wellness expand and consumer demand increases, our industry needs to better understand how to make wellness a feature, and not an afterthought. In this session, we will examine outdoor projects where wellness features were integrated to fulfill new needs and expectations from customers. We'll explore the use of wellness features and how to discuss the benefits with customers.

Instructor: Joel-Eric Mignault, Master CBP