Education & Training

The 2010 Southwest Pool and Spa Show is pleased to offer over 40 hours of education and training. The Texas Residential Appliance Installers Exam Prep Course will be the highlight for 2010 to be offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A new Builder’s Track Program will cover both the business and technical information. As always SWPSS will offer Education Seminars for all attendees, free for APSP and IPSSA members and $25 for non-members, to receive APSP Approved Continuing Education Credits.


Texas Residential Appliance Installers Exam Prep Course
The Texas Residential Appliance Installers Exam Prep Course is SOLD OUT on all three days.

For current registered attendees with questions please contact January Tejeda at 972-929-3169 ext. 206 or at January@mpire-group.com.


NEW Builder’s Track*
Sell “Em and Build “Em - Straight Talk from the Experts
This program will feature 8 hours of advanced and highly intense information that every builder needs to know. Join other builders from across the Southwest and participate in this highly anticipated program led by Lew Akins, Ron Lacher and Brett Abbott.

*The Builder’s Track Program qualifies for APSP Approved Continuing Education Credits

Thursday, February 11
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Innovative Marketing and Advertising in Changing Economic Times
Brett Abbott, President, MYM Austin
Learn how to stop wasting money on marketing and advertising that isn’t working and start using pool industry tested marketing methods to generate more leads and close more sales.

Find out:

  • The irrevocable rules of marketing and advertising
  • Where you should be advertising and how you should be marketing
  • How to create better ads, marketing materials and websites
  • How to determine if a marketing expense is worth the money
  • How to never make a major marketing mistake again

Thursday, February 11
2:15 pm – 4:45 pm

Everything the Pool Builder Should Know about Gunite and Shotcrete
Ron Lacher, P.E., CBP, Certified Building Professional®, Pool Engineering, Inc.
Pneumatically placed concrete is one of the most important materials used in swimming pool construction.  Learn the critical aspects of pneumatic placement including nozzling techniques, reinforcement encapsulation, concrete consolidation and much more.

Attendees will learn:

  • About both the dry mix process and the wet mix process and their differences
  • About dry mix and wet mix materials, equipment, and methods of material delivery
  • Correct shooting techniques and importance of proper rebar placement and encapsulation
  • The defects and failures brought about by improper application techniques
  • A good understanding of the “right way” trade practices that will result in quality pool structures

Friday, February 12
7:30 am – 12:00 pm

Vanishing Edge and Perimeter Overflow Pools – Design, Engineering and Construction
Lew Akins, CBP, Certified Building Professional®, Ocean Quest Pools by Lew Akins; Ron Lacher, P.E., CBP, Certified Building Professional®, Pool Engineering, Inc.
Vanishing edge and perimeter overflow pools are often thought to be the most technically challenging to build.  This seminar, presented by a unique team with many years of experience in the design, engineering and construction of these pools, will eliminate the mystery of constructing these magnificent water features.

Find out:

  • Important key elements such as line of sight, catch basin/surge tank sizing, backflow prevention, system hydraulics and other critical topics
  • Crucial principles of water in transit systems including gravity flow in piping and gutters
  • Crucial "top to bottom" construction techniques that will keep these unique water features looking exceptional rather than becoming repair nightmares

Course Fee:­­­­
APSP and IPSSA Members - $295
Non-Members - $695


CBP and CSP Prep Courses and Exams
CBP and CSP Review: Thursday, February 11 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
CBP and CSP Exam: Friday, February 12 | 8:00 am -5:00 pm

CBP Certified Building Professional
If you have more than 5 years experience as a pool builder, you can show the world your commitment to the highest standards of pool building excellence and business ethics when you earn your CBP Certified Building Professional® designation.  This certification is held by an elite subset of pool and spa builders in the country who have met all the program requirements and continue to advance their knowledge by participating in ongoing industry continuing education, such as the courses offered during this Show.  Don’t be left behind – gain a competitive edge with the CBP designation!

The fee includes APSP Builder’s Manual, 3rd Edition (required reading), CBP Exam Prep Course and the exam.

CBP Prep Course and Exam Fee:
APSP and IPSSA Members - $450
Non-Members - $699

CSP Certified Service Professional
CSP remains at the top of the class – an exclusive group of professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise through testing and a commitment to the highest standards of service and repair in the industry. 

CSP Prep Course and Exam Fee:
APSP and IPSSA Members - $450
Non-Members - $699

The deadline for registering is 2 weeks prior to the program start date.

Download the CSP and CBP exam package at
http://www.apsp.org/ServiceEducationandCertificationPrograms.aspx 

For more information on the CBP and CSP Reviews and Exams, call 703-838-0083 ext. 274


Certified Pool Operator Fusion Course

This new NSPF certification program is an economical and convenient way to achieve CPO® certification. The one-day class is offered by NSPF Instructor and is often the second day of a typical two-day Classroom CPO®certification course.


2010 SWPSS Conference Seminars
The following sessions are free for APSP and IPSSA Members, and are included in the $45 exhibit hall package for non-members. These sessions will include a wide variety of topics such as new technology and troubleshooting, sales and marketing, business operations and design trends. Seminars

Seminar List*

Friday, February 12

9:00 am -10:30 am

Water Chemistry, Beyond the Basics
Marshall Davis and Chris Marcano, Natural Chemistry

This seminar is a quick overview on the basics with a discussion on diagnosing, treating and preventing common pool chemistry issues.  Common issues including Stains, Scale, Algae, Cloudy water, Chloramines, Maintaining proper chlorine levels, and controlling pH and Alk.

Managing Chloramine; The Unintended Consequences of Shock Chlorination
Ed Lightcap, Dupont

Chloramine is an inescapable consequence of applying chlorine to swimming pool and spa water.  Chlorine reacts with nitrogen-containing compounds, introduced by swimmers, to form odorous and irritating chloramine, also referred to as "combined chlorine".  The current industry practice is to apply shock chlorination, or "breakpoint chlorination", to remove chloramine.  The result is an over-application of chlorine leading to the formation of volatile, and potentially harmful, chlorinated disinfection by-products.  This course will review the current practice of breakpoint chlorination, and the limitations and unintended consequences that result.

 

10:45 am – 11:45 am

Suction Entrapment Prevention: A Basic Understanding That All Need to Know
Jami Pittman, Stellar Sales

A basic understand of the Virginia Graeme Baker federal law and how to do proper installation of main drain covers.

Understanding the Texas ASME Code and the Low NOx Registration Rules
Dave Scroggins, RayPak

Session will cover all paperwork required for Texas and an full explanation of the ASME requirement as it relates to the Texas Low NOx rules.  Session will also provide copies of forms required by the Texas Boiler Commission that must be completed by the installer.

Home Shows- Turn ‘a Pain’ into ‘a Payoff’
Brett Abbott, MYM Austin, Inc.

Attendees will discover the seven common mistakes most exhibitors make at a home show, and how to fix them all. 
At the end of the session, attendees will know and understand:                                                           

  • How to turn every home show into a money-making extravaganza.
  • How you can get 10 times as many leads as your next competitor.
  • How you can close 10 times as many sales from your leads at a home show.
  • How to create a stunning booth without spending a ton of money.
  • How to properly prepare for a tradeshow.
  • How to train all employees to "work the booth."

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

What Lies Beneath a Saltwater Pool
Chris Romero, United Chemical, Inc.

  • How to prevent trouble in a saltwater pool
  • The critical impact of salt
  • The proper use of a rescue and preventative product
  • Poor acid start-up can cost you lots of dollars

Basic Water Chemistry Testing and Applications
Joe Swayze, Hach Company - AquaChek

This seminar will focus on diagnosing common water chemistry problems through proper water analysis.  Additionally, attendees will learn to spot false readings and make proper adjustments to get accurate readings. 

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

The Design Process for Projects Between the Template and the Taj Mahal: Part 1
Mike Farley, Claffey Pools

The purpose of this seminar is to:

  • Follow the steps for a custom Design Project,
  • Understand the customer through questions and listening
  • The ideal solution with client, site and architectural input
  • Finishes and materials to fit the style and Aesthetics
  • Additional resources to improve the process

Part 2 of this seminar will take place on Saturday, February 13 from 8:00 am – 9:30 am.

Stain and Scale, What Causes and How to Prevent and Remove
Dennis Chapman, Jack’s Magic

The attendee will gain information to why pools and spas scale and develop staining. The seminar will explore the reason for this occurrence, how to identify the stain, how to prevent both from happening and how to remove. 

Saturday, February 13

8:00 am – 9:30 am

The Design Process for Projects Between the Temple and the Taj Mahal: Part 2
Mike Farley, Claffey Pools

This seminar is a continuation of Part 1 held on Friday, February 12 from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Refer to Part 1 for details of the seminar.

Innovative Repair Techniques for Cracked and Leaking Pools
Ron Lacher, Pool Engineering, Inc.

There are thousands of cracked and leaking swimming pools whose owners are unable or unwilling to pay for the cost of traditional repairs.  A literal gold mine awaits those contractors who are willing to apply innovative yet simple repair techniques to these damaged pools.
Find out about:
innovative pool surfaces and coatings with elastomeric properties that can span active cracks
crack injection including the two main types of polyurethane foam as well as epoxy injection
other creative repairs such as mud jacking, pressure grout injection, returning floated pools to service and more

 

Building a "More Profitable" Pool Service Company
Charles Baird, National Pool Route Sales, Inc.

The seminar is based on The Millionaire Pool Man Marketing and Management guide. The seminar teaches pool service techs to improve profits by as much as 100% the first year if the information is implemented correctly. The seminar covers different methods of improving income, route efficiency and connecting with a customer base. We have extensive question and answer periods to be certain all questions are answered. It is a must for anyone wishing to improve their bottom-line or for anyone looking to build a larger service and repair company.

9:45 am – 10:45 am

Quick Fixes to Stupid Website Mistakes
Brett Abbott, MYM Austin, Inc.

Attendees will discover the 10 killer mistakes most pool builder make with their websites, and how to fix them all. 
At the end of the session, attendees will know and understand:

  • The 10 common website mistakes to avoid at all costs
  • How to draw FREE TRAFFIC to your website
  • How to draw high-value PAID TRAFFIC to your website
  • How to make your website “sticky” so that  visitors “stick around”
  • How to make visitors eager to give you their contact information, even if they aren't ready to buy for a year.
  • Special “insider tips” for the owner/manager who wants to “do it yourself.”

The Beauty of Swimming Pool Plaster
Jana Auringer, The Pool Lady

This class will be an interactive discussion of startup methods and best practices for maintaining swimming pool plaster, including tips for the resolution of plaster problems.
Recent research conducted at the National Pool Industry Research Center on plaster start-up methods will also be presented.

All About Pumps
Rex Godbee and William Ainsworth

From the seasoned pro to the novice technician, you will find the course is designed to help you from initial installation to replacement of pumps.  The difficult subjects of hydraulics, sizing, electrical, and diagnosing leaks are made practical and simple.  You will learn a few tricks of the trade to save time with fewer or no callbacks.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Advanced Measuring for In-Ground Vinyl Liners
Robert McEwen, McEwen Industries, Inc.

This class covers advanced measuring techniques including using the A-B method for kidneys and mountain lakes, free forms and unique interior features like free form steps and bowled hoppers. We also will review the basics including diagonals, radius corners, where to measure, and three tools for every job. Our goal is to help you understand the power of the competitive edge by using these techniques and become more profitable by eliminating mistakes.

Algae and How to Control It
Rick Hagan, Pool Corp

This seminar will address:

  • What causes Algae?
  • Where does it come from?
  • How do we solve it?

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

The Impact of Soil Conditions on Swimming Pool Construction!
Ron Lacher, Pool Engineering, Inc.

Underlying unsuitable soil is often the cause of most serious swimming pool structural distress.  In this seminar, attendees will:
1. Gain insight into the characteristics and components of soil & why some soil types are problematic.
2. Learn to recognize the most common soil & geotechnical conditions that cause cracking in swimming pools.
3. Learn how to determine the best methods to mitigate these problematic conditions.
4. What precautions should be taken when building pools near slopes or in hillside areas. ­­­