News

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 PHTA Scholarship. The PHTA Scholarship Program was founded to honor public swimming pool or spa operators who have pursued further education to better protect public health.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is pleased to announce that its first cohort of the PHTA Leadership Certificate Program Powered by Cornell University has graduated. Ten industry professionals earned the Executive Leader Certificate, and fourteen earned the Emerging Leader Certificate. 

Today, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, launched the PHTA Registered Pool Installer Technician Apprenticeship Program, with support from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), to help build a more skilled and diverse workforce. This new apprenticeship program is part of a larger initiative to expand the skills and size of the pool builder workforce in the aquatics industry. 

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, earned a Power of Associations Gold Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its successful Step Into Swim initiative.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is now accepting nominations for both the 2023 Greg Garrett Scholarship Award and the 2023 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant. The winners will be honored at the PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo (PSP/Deck Expo) in Las Vegas, NV, this November.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) has initiated the process of revising the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs. This standard is referred to as the drain cover standard under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA). The review is part of the standard’s routine maintenance.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is announcing the appointment of the Standard Writing Committee of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-1 American National Standard for Public Swimming Pools, and is requesting input and participation from all interested parties. The APSP-1 Standard will be redesignated as the PHTA/ICC-1 Standard for Public Pool and Spa Design, Construction, and Installation.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance announces its support of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act (VGBA), which was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week by U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25). H.R. 4313 seeks to reauthorize and update 2008 legislation requiring every public pool in the United States to install safe drain covers that prevent suction entrapment, in an effort to decrease drownings in pools and spas.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is proud to be celebrating 40 years of being an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer. PHTA is the leading industry organization recognized by ANSI to develop and promote national consensus standards for residential and public swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas. Since 1983, PHTA has developed and revised 16 industry standards covering construction, maintenance, safety, energy efficiency, and other important topics. They help ensure the safety and health of consumers, members, and the community.

Over 400 organizations, including the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the IAAPA – the global association for the attractions industry, FMI – the Food Industry Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Travel Association, support the resolution introduced last week by Reps. Blake Moore (R-UT), Annie Kuster (D-NH), and Chris Pappas (D-NH). This House resolution reaffirms bipartisan Congressional support of the U.S. Department of State BridgeUSA programs—formerly the Exchange Visitor J-1 Visa Program—and confirms that these programs are vital to the economy and national interests of the United States.