There’s no denying that trade education is a powerful incentive for companies to send management and staff to the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo. This year, seminars run Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The lineup includes pre-conference courses, some of which have multi-day sessions; the core conference program; and a variety of show-floor educational offerings. In fact, there are even more sessions for 2018 than last year — 109 in all!
“We work hard to provide content each year that is relevant, interesting and covers all segments of the industry,” says Tracy Garcia, CEM, show director at Informa Exhibitions U.S., based in Irving, Texas.. “This year we have added the level of each course to enable attendees to customize their schedules.”
The core conference program contains 45 all-new sessions, Garcia says. After giving a shout-out to the show-floor seminars, she notes that there also are pre/post conference certification programs from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, Genesis, National Swimming Pool Foundation, National Plasterers Council and the American Shotcrete Association.
The need to create educational tracks for the different industry segments is always a priority for organizers. Here’s a taste of what’s available this year: “The Magic 8’s of Retail Selling” presented by Tom Shay on Nov. 1; “Construction 406: Pool Shell Cracking in Shotcrete/Gunite Construction” taught by William T. Drakeley Jr., SWD Master, on Nov. 1; and “Diagnose and Fix Pumps of Today” for service technicians by Scott Amundsen on Nov. 2. Two sessions in a business vein on Oct. 31 are “You Can be Better” led by Brian Van Bower, SWD Master, and “U.S. Residential Pool Market,” with Katie Welch of Metrostudy, a Hanley Wood company like PSN.
Some sessions always cause a pre-Expo buzz and this year is no exception. Garcia notes some expected standouts: On Oct. 31, there’s “Swimming Pool Construction Technique” led by Rick Woemmel, CSP/CBP, and “It’s a Different World Now: How to Train, Hire and Retain Staff in the Pool and Spa Industry” by Christy Horton and Matt Gohlke. On Nov. 1, “Pool Leak Detection: Turn Headaches into Profits” by Lance Anderson and Brad Madison.
Now let’s take a closer look at some seminars custom-made for builders, service technicians and retailers, from beginners to industry veterans.
Building
WE02 – Engineering 182: Mechanical System Design – Component Compatibility
Wed., Oct. 31, 7:30-9 a.m. / 1:50 hrs / Credits: 0.2 IACET CEUs
Do you know what to do when faced with a pool that needs help, but its hydraulic characteristics are unknown? Can you figure out what’s happening below ground without excavating — while still complying with all standards, health codes and VGBA? Presenters David Penton and Paolo Benedetti will demystify the process.
Geared toward beginners, this class will cover simple methods and math calculations, using pump curves and flow-rate charts to calculate line velocities and TDH. The resulting data will help students decide if drains must be split further, correctly size pumps and choose suction covers.
The five learning objectives are: design safe hydraulic systems, “reverse engineer” a hydraulic system, calculate line velocities, identify components for maximum user safety, and review code compliance and relevant standards.
The pool pros leading this session have impressive credentials: Penton, SWD Master, is principal of Fluid Dynamics Pool & Spa Inc. in Fullerton, Calif. His specialty is innovation with mechanical systems, and he’s always seeking to maximize energy efficiency and discover innovative equipment and plumbing solutions for his projects. Benedetti, SWD Master, is principal of Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa in Morgan Hill, Calif. His international design, construction and aquatic consulting firm specializes in upscale residential and commercial projects.
Service
FR14 – How to Sell the Importance of Proper Water Chemistry to Your Customers
Friday, Nov. 1, 9:15-10:30 a.m.
Let’s face it: Most pool owners voice some questions and concerns about the appearance and maintenance of their pools, but they don’t really “get it” when it comes to the necessity of proper water chemistry. As many service technicians have discovered, customers only ask for help when the water or the pool’s surface is discolored. Concerns over chemical costs lead to further reluctance to discuss the issue.
This intermediate-level class will offer various ways to approach the subject with customers in proactive and reactive situations — and help them understand the importance of correct water chemistry at all times. The material works for small as well as large companies and is aimed at residential and commercial pools. Students also will learn ways to approach this topic with pool owners having current water chemistry issues.
With four expert presenters, the session is sure to provide a wealth of information: Terry Arko, recreational water specialist at NC Brands LP/Natural Chemistry/SeaKlear in Redmond Wash.; Joseph Laurino, Ph.D., CEO of Periodic Products in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Jody O’Grady, director of product management and customer support programs at Taylor Technologies Inc., Sparks, Md.; and James Egan, Ph.D., vice president of research and development at LaMotte, Chestertown, Md.
Retailing
WE04 – Retail Boot Camp
Wed., Oct. 31, 7:30-9 a.m.
This session is filled with clever, do-able ideas for businesspeople needing to spiff up — or even overhaul — their retail stores. It will cover the key areas of a retail store: inside design, outside design, merchandising displays, and product presentation and staff.
As the name might suggest, the seminar is geared for the beginner to intermediate level. Retail Boot Camp will zero in on the following vital areas: (1) Identify key parts of the store needing attention; (2) re-merchandise the store for free using the Sweat Equity 10 Commandments; (3) create better traffic flow in the store, thereby exposing customers to more impressions and enhancing the buying experience; and (4) set non-negotiable standards and clear objectives for the employees.
Students will be in good hands: Chris Miller is president of Pacific Store Designs Inc. in Garden Grove, Calif. His company specializes in retail store design services that include architectural drawings and consulting through permit issuance; general construction; store fixture sales; custom cabinetry; exterior design; signage; and more. Miller is a member of the Institute of Store Planners and has been active in the design/development of 3,000 retail stores, including many in the pool and spa industry.
Outdoor Living
TH16 – Outer Space Design Ideas for the Ultimate Outdoor Living Experience
Thurs., Nov. 1, 9:15-10:30 a.m.
The outdoor room is here to stay — in fact, you might even say that homeowners with the means and space insist on it. This class at the beginner and intermediate level will help participants understand how to create that ultimate experience. The session is geared mostly toward residential pool builders, but also applies to commercial, and covers a lot of ground.
It will be led by Scott Cohen, president of The Green Scene in Northridge, Calif. A well-known garden designer, author and licensed contractor in landscape, pool and general construction, his award-winning work has been featured on HGTV and in books and national magazines.
By the end of this program, participants should able to: design “out of this world” hardscapes for the indoor/outdoor feel; understand ideal concrete patio sizing and placement to create outdoor rooms; be able to suggest to clients amenity options such as fire- and waterfeatures and patio covers; accessorize the outdoor rooms with entertainment and sound systems, lighting and plants; and design various outdoor flooring to create an outdoor room feel.
But wait, there’s more. Also covered are outdoor kitchen placement and basic configuration designs, how to use “Wayfinding” techniques to create proper flow from one outdoor room to another, and more.
APSP
WE13 – Water Balance 101
Wed., Oct. 31, 9:15-10:30 a.m.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that this topic — water balance — is absolutely essential for pool and spa professionals. This interactive session, presented by APSP University, will be taught at the beginner and intermediate level. Some previous knowledge of the parameters is helpful, but not necessary. This class applies to residential as well as commercial and public facilities.
The session will delve into the parameters of water balance, how the parameters interrelate and how maintaining proper water balance can boost profit margins. Also covered: troubleshooting specific water balance scenarios as they relate to unusual conditions and circumstances.
You also can expect the following: (1) learn how to identify water balance parameters by a systematic presentation and review of the parameters involved (2) discuss the inter-relationship between these parameters and (3) review recommended guidelines for pool/spa water balance parameters.
This class will be led by Wayne Ivusich, manager of education and technical services at Taylor Technologies Inc., based in Sparks, Md. This 27-year industry veteran teaches a wide range of industry topics, including CPO and other courses offered by NSPF. A recognized industry expert and experienced speaker, Ivusich also presents webinars and gives presentations around the nation on various pool/spa topics, from basic chemistry and testing techniques to advanced sanitation issues and more.
Genesis
G01 – Construction 401: Advanced Pool Construction
Oct. 28-30, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. / 24 hours / Credit: 2.4 IACET CEUs
This intensive advanced pool construction program is divided into several modules over three days. Led by five industry experts in each trade, it starts with engineering topics such as basic gravity plumbing, drainage, advanced soil stabilization techniques, pier and beam foundations, control and automation systems, and mechanical design for enclosed equipment rooms and vaults.
The session also will go over vessels integrated with other structures such as roof-top pools, fire elements, glass tile and other details. Besides the aforementioned topics, listed learning outcomes include how to identify mechanical, venting and exhaust systems, advanced site work and forming; review of architecturally integrated watershapes, concrete science, fire elements and glass tile installation; and discussion of innovative aesthetic and technical solutions, and construction at difficult sites.
Presenters include Greg Andrews, co-founder, National Tile & Stone Authority, Agoura Hills, Calif.; Paolo Benedetti SWD Master, principal, Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa in Morgan Hill, Calif.; William T. Drakeley Jr., SWD Master, ACI, principal, Drakeley Pool Co., Bethlehem, Conn.; David Peterson, PE, SWD Master, director of Genesis Education and CEO, Watershape Consulting Inc.; Rick Chafey, SWD Master, co-owner, Red Rock Pools & Spas, Gilbert, Ariz.
