The Pool & Spa Show
SpaRetailer has compiled the best events, seminars and booths for hot tub professionals to visit at The Pool & Spa Show.
Expo Hall
Tuesday, Jan. 23: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 24: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 25: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Stop by the Connection Garden in aisle 3900 to meet industry leaders. Create connections you can’t make anywhere else.
Events
Monday, January 23
PHTA WAVE Network Young Professionals Reception
Success Stories from the Young Pool & Hot Tub Professionals
5-6 p.m.
Free, but pre-registration is required
Come meet with fellow young pool and hot tub professionals for networking and sharing keys to success through shared stories and open discussion with industry leaders.
Pre-Conference Education
Sunday, Jan. 21 – Tuesday, Jan. 23
PHTA Certified Maintenance Specialist SM (CMS)
Day 1 & 2: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Day 3: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $985 NonMembers: $1,325
Designed for those new to the pool and spa service industry or working a pool maintenance route, this course takes you through the PHTA Service Tech Manual and gives you what you need to meet industry standards. There are no prerequisites; new and seasonal employees are welcome. Learn key content in the PHTA Service Tech Manual, including safety, pool maintenance, water quality and pool circulation and filtration.
You must successfully pass — by scoring 75% or better — a 75-question, open-book, multiple-choice exam to earn the designation. All materials, exam and service tech manual included.
PHTA Certified Hot Tub Technician SM (CHTT)
Day 1 & 2: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Day 3: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $875 NonMembers: $1,125
The CHTT program covers the essentials of servicing portable and permanently installed hot tubs and spas and equipment repair and replacement. Attendees will gain a vast body of practical knowledge on servicing and troubleshooting hot tubs regardless of brand. They will also master the essentials of hot tub and spa water chemistry, electrical systems, circulation and filtration while learning tips and tricks for basic repairs to interior surfaces.
The Certified Hot Tub Technician exam can be taken on Tuesday following the class. Visit phta.org for complete details regarding program and exam requirements. All materials, exam and hot tub manual included.
Sunday, Jan. 21 – Monday, Jan. 22
PHTA Certified Service Technician SM (CST)
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Members: $1,095 NonMembers: $1,425
The CST is for individuals with at least 1-2 years of experience in pool and spa service and repair. Learn key content in the PHTA Service Tech Manual in approximately three days of instruction. The course focuses on these key areas: safety, water quality, circulation, hydraulics, electrical requirements and structures and finishes.
You must successfully pass — by scoring 75% or better — a 100-question, open-book, multiple-choice exam to earn the designation. All materials, exam and service tech manual included.
Seminars
Seminar topics and dates/times are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit ThePoolSpaShow.com
Tuesday, January 23
Electricity for Pool and Spa Professionals (Intermediate)
1–4:15 p.m
Mike Childress, Pentair Aquatic Systems
Understanding the basics of electricity is foundational for installing and troubleshooting swimming pool and spa equipment. This course will teach you about how electricity travels, the different types of electricity and how to test it. You will also learn about electrical safety and the National Electric Code.
Also offered in Spanish on Tuesday at 1–4:15 p.m.
Spa Water Chemistry: It’s Not Just a Little Pool
1:30–3 p.m.
Alicia Stephens, BioLab
This seminar will focus on nuances of spa water chemistry, highlighting the differences in chemistry between spas and pools. Topics of discussion will include the impact of aeration, volume, temperature and bather load as well as the challenges associated with balancing in a hot water environment. The discussion will also encompass the impact of salt water on spas and water balance. A look at recreational water illnesses common to spas will also be included, with a focus on how to prevent problems from occurring.
Wednesday, January 24
De-Mystifying Pool/Spa Heat Pumps
9–10:30 a.m.
TJ Redman, Raypak
Why would someone choose a heat pump over a gas heater? Understand the expectations of the end-user and learn how they work. We identify the basics of installation and troubleshooting — how to size one and the importance of a pool cover during the selection process. We will identify the components and discuss what type of credentials are required to work on one and stay within code restrictions.
Hot Tub Controls: When to Repair or Replace
1:30–3 p.m.
Chris Kuttig, Hydroquip
Join this discussion of the reasons and criteria involved in deciding to repair existing equipment versus the consideration of updating the spa with new components. This course will help technicians provide the best service to their customers, increase service profits and maintain customer loyalty.
Conference Education
Monday, January 22
Women in the Industry Leadership Workshop: A Personal Deep Dive
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Members: $195
NonMembers: $245
This full-day workshop will include networking, interactive presentations and a lot of fun. Learn from women who work in all aspects of our industry.
This year, we will take a deep dive to discover your personality traits and how they impact your connections with co-workers, staff, customers and more. Through interactive exercises, you’ll have the chance to apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios and gain new insights into your strengths, challenges and work style. Discover how you use this information to be more effective in your job and build stronger relationships.
This workshop was created by women working in the pool and spa industry for women working in the pool and spa industry. A professional meeting facilitator will lead the meeting, and every workshop aspect will include insights from women like you.
The day’s schedule will include:
Caffeine and Connections
Join us for coffee — or juice — and a chance to reconnect or meet new friends.
Getting to Know YOU
Take part in a personality assessment inspired by the DISC Behavioral Assessment. Uncover your predominant behavior style — assertive and results-oriented; outgoing and persuasive; patient and reliable; or organized and conscientious. Beyond your style, you’ll gain a crucial understanding of how the different personality types communicate, connect and resolve conflict.
Deeper Dive: Difficult Conversations
Now that you’ve learned more about your communication style and how other styles approach conversations, you’ll get the chance to role-play difficult conversations that often happen at work, such as negotiations, customer complaints and employee conflicts.
Lunch & Listen
Enjoy lunch and the chance to get to know other attendees.
Deeper Dive: Setting Healthy Boundaries
Establishing healthy boundaries can be a game-changer. Whether at work or home, asking for what you need from a relationship can be intimidating. Once established, boundaries can minimize conflicts and maximize your well-being.
Deeper Dive: Developing Your Personal Brand
What do people think when they hear your name? Gaining clarity on your brand will help you showcase your professional skills and personal values so you can attract the right opportunities.
Stretch & Reflect
This gentle yoga session will get you up and moving. Take the chance to recenter yourself as we prepare to wrap up the day’s work. No special attire or equipment is needed.
Visualize Your Success
Take everything you’ve learned about yourself and create your vision board for 2024. This interactive activity will give you tools to clarify your goals and make them more tangible. Creating your vision board will be a fun and creative way to visualize your success. You’ll also learn tips for keeping yourself accountable throughout the year.
Showroom Floor Education
The Training Wall (booth 2655) has three full days of interactive demonstrations. Demos take place throughout each day.
