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NJ Pool Director – Our pool director program and exam are now fully available online through live virtual training via Zoom. We are offering various dates to fit your schedule. Class is from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Exam will follow from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. You need to pre-register so we can send you the needed class materials. Cost is $200.00. Register Here.

CPO® Primer Option – You can take the training online is the comfort of your own home! The online course covers all 18 chapters in the Pool/Spa Operator® Handbook. There are 8 online lessons associated with the CPO® Certification course. There is a test at the end of each lesson, for which you must achieve a 80% on each, otherwise you have to review material again and retake the test. You can take up to 6 months to complete the online. You can sign in and out as many times as you want. Once you complete all the lessons, you are then able to print a certificate of completion for the online portion. You then have 6 months to complete your training with an instructor and take your exam. This certificate must be presented at the Day 2 classroom training in order for admittance and to take the exam. The cost is $150.00. Register Here.

You can then attend a one-day virtual online classroom session after successful completion of the Primer online training to take your exam online. This will have include training on governmental state code, review and Q&A. You must present your online completion certificate in order to attend the class and will need to send this to our office. There are NO EXCEPTIONS.You have 6 months from completion of your online training to complete your training with an instructor and take your exam. The cost is $200.00.  Register Here.

You can still attend the second day of an in-person class (once we are back out there!)  to receive your governmental state training and take your exam. It is a three hour exam, open book-open note. You need a 75 percent to pass. Once you pass, you will receive a national certification in 4-6 weeks. It is valid for five years. You can find sample problems at our website at www.pooloperationmanagement.com. If you pass, you will receive a national certification good for five years. Register Here.

CPO® Two Day Option – NOW AVAILABLE! You can take the training online is the comfort of your own home via LIVE ONLINE VIRTUAL training. This will be the same format as our classroom sessions, just being offered online! DATES BELOW.  The course format has not changed. It is a two-day class that runs 8:30 am – 5:00 pm both days. The first day is classroom instruction on such topics as water chemistry, pool calculations, risk and liability,management, pumps and filters, etc. The second day you will have a review of pool calculations, go over your governmental state code and take your exam. It is a three hour exam, open book-open note. It will be a proctored online exam. You need a 75 percent to pass.  Once you pass, you will receive a national certification in 4-6 weeks. It is valid for five years.  If you pass, you will receive a national certification good for five years.  Register Here.

ONLINE CPO COURSE

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL POOLS

This document is published by the New Jersey Department of Health. It contains the changes made in 2018 to the bathing code, and has been updated March 2020 to address COVID-19 procedures. Read here.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) SAYS TREATED WATER SAFE WATER SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS –  3/26/2020

POM CLASS UPDATES – 3/26/2020

We are in the process of postponing classes.  Most of our classes already have additional dates scheduled later in the year in the same locations. Most are doing that as  everyone still needs or wants their certification when the pools finally do open! Those that do not have an additional class in your area, we are rescheduling once it has been determined it is safe. We are looking into virtual options as well. We will notify students of all updates. We are offering refunds and waiving transfer fees. We thank you for your understanding and patience during the time of  unknowns. Please let us know what class you are in, and we will note on your record what you would like to do.  As we are working remotely, the best way to contact us is email to info@pooloperationmanagement.com.

CPO CLASS UPDATE – 3/13/2020

As concerns about the COVID-19 continue to rise, many are left to wondering what they can do to protect themselves.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronavirus is a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Common signs of infection include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and breathing difficulties.

We will contact you if your class has been cancelled. IF YOU ARE SICK OR SHOWING ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED SYMPTOMS, WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT COME TO CLASS. If you attend class and shows signs of illness, the instructor has the right to turn you away. If you are sick or concerned about getting sick and wish to transfer to another course, we will transfer you at no charge. Please let us know if you wish to transfer ASAP.

Despite the current low level of risk for the average American employee, it is important to understand that the COVID-19 situation evolves and changes every day. You should closely monitor the CDC and WHO websites for the latest and most accurate information on COVID-19.

Coronavirus Update for Pools & Spas – 3/11/2020

Per the CDC, There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19. You can access information at the following sites below. We have not cancelled any classes to date. We will follow directives of government (federal, states, towns, cities, etc.) and world health organizations on a class by class basis if a case is reported in that area.

CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html

PHTA – https://www.phta.org/news/coronavirus

NESPA – https://www.nespapool.org/Advocacy/coronavirus?_zs=mGm0b&_zl=TNF12

National Plasterers Council launches new consumer website – 9/4/19

The National Plasterers Council has recently released a brand new consumer-focused website: nationalplastererscouncil.com.  This new site is designed to show various pool finishes, teach pool owners the proper start up, care, and maintenance of their pool, and create a path for them to find an NPC member for their next project.  This is an excellent communications tool to advance proper pool maintenance practices!

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Names First CEO – 8/14/19

The industry’s new national association has found its first permanent president/CEO. Read about it here.

Pool Director Extension – 8/9/19

The New Jersey Department of Health, Public Health & Food Protection Program (PHFPP), is granting a temporary waiver of standard to the Public Recreational Bathing regulated community from compliance with the requirement of N.J.A.C. 8:26-5.2(a)2, which states, “For pools larger than 2,000 square feet, the designated adult supervisor shall possess pool director training certification. Current adult pool supervisors shall have until January 16, 2019, to obtain certification.” The temporary waiver provides that the Department will not require a designated adult supervisor overseeing a pool larger than 2,000 square feet to possess pool director training certification starting on January 16, 2019.  This temporary waiver is necessary because of the absence of a recognized training agency needed to provide the certification required by the rule. The Department previously granted a temporary waiver to September 1, 2019, however, taking into account that pool director certification training agencies have only recently been approved, additional time will be needed for designated adult supervisors to complete the training required by the rule.  Accordingly, the Department is extending the temporary waiver from compliance with N.J.A.C. 8:26-5.2(a)2 through December 31, 2019. Please click here for a list of recently approved pool director certification training agencies.

**NEW** Pool Director Certification Courses Approved – 7/10/19

The Public Health & Food Protection Program (PHFPP) has approved four (4) organizations to provide training for the pool director course. Please review the current recognized certification document for details.

CHANGES MADE TO NEW JERSEY PUBLIC RECREATIONAL BATHING CODE  8:26 – 2019

The State of New Jersey has adopted some change to the recently revised public bathing code. This includes specially exempt facilities, pre-inspections, and lifeguard compliance. See how it affects your pool here. 

NSPF AND APSP SET TO MERGE – 2/5/19

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals and the National Swimming Pool Foundation have agreed to unify into a new organization called the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, the new group is scheduled to begin operations on April 1. For more on the merger, click here.

NJ REQUIRES LICENSE FOR POOL BUILDERS AND SERVICE COMPANIES – 2/1/19

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy today signed into law a bill creating license requirements for both pool service contractors and pool builders/installers doing work in the State of New Jersey.  The law  requires pool builders and pool service companies to be certified and  will go into effect on July 30, 2019. Check out the requirements here.

UPDATE ON POOL DIRECTOR TRAINING IN NJ – 1/24/19

The New Jersey Department of Health, Public Health & Food Protection Program (PHFPP), is granting a temporary waiver of standard to the Public Recreational Bathing regulated community from compliance with the requirement of N.J.A.C. 8:26-5.2(a)2, which states, “For pools larger than 2,000 square feet, the designated adult supervisor shall possess pool director training certification. Current adult pool supervisors shall have until January 16, 2019, to obtain certification.” The temporary waiver provides that the Department will not require a designated adult supervisor overseeing a pool larger than 2,000 square feet to possess pool director training certification starting on January 16, 2019.  This temporary waiver is necessary because of the absence of a recognized training agency needed to provide the certification required by the rule.  Accordingly, the Department is granting a temporary waiver of N.J.A.C. 8:26-5.2(a)2 and extending the compliance and enforcement date to September 1, 2019.

Any questions, please email the Department at prb@doh.nj.gov

CHECK OUT STUDY ON POOL COVERS 

Earth day has prompted many to think conservation. Check out this on how pool covers can help with energy conservation.

NEW JERSEY STATE BATHING CODE CHANGES – 1/16/18

Here are some documents to help you understand and implement the changes made to the New Jersey State Sanitary Code Chapter IX Public Recreational Bathing NJAC 8:26 effective January 16, 2018 – January 16, 2025.

NJ PRB CHANGES 2018 includes 2018 Changes to New Jersey State Sanitary Code Chapter IX Public Recreational Bathing NJAC 8:26 with Excerpts From the Code.

NJ PRB CHANGES 2018 ABBREVIATED  includes 2018 Changes to New Jersey State Sanitary Code Chapter IX Public Recreational Bathing NJAC 8:26 with Bulleted Key Changes for the Trained Pool Operator.

HIGHLIGHTED NEW JERSEY STATE CODE is the actual New Jersey State Sanitary Code Chapter IX Public Recreational Bathing NJAC 8:26  That Contains Highlighted Key Points for the Trained Pool Operator.

DRAIN COVER STANDARD UPDATE IS ON THE WAY – 12/19/17

Expect These Changes in Swimming Pool and Spa Drain Covers. A rewrite of the drain-cover standard is about to be published. Here are some basics for ensuring compliance. Read more here.

ATTENTION CONCRETE POOL BUILDERS – 11/14/17

OSHA has issued a new Crystalline Silica Rule for Construction which affect pool builders.  OSHA is issuing a new standard to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica in one for construction. The standard requires employers to limit worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica and to take other steps to protect workers. Read more here.

NEW ROCKLAND COUNTY REQUIREMENTS – 12/09/16

Do you own or work for a swimming pool company in Rockland County in New York? All license applications and renewals now require an APSP Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) or higher certification. Call us for certification information at 732-451-1040!

FLORIDA COMMERCIAL POOL CODE CHANGES – 11/21/16

There are chnages on the horizon for Florida’s commercial pool code. One of them will create more design opportunities; two of them will outlaw color and material options for the sake of safety.  Read more here.

NEW JERSEY COULD HAVE NEW POOL LICENSING BILL – 10/06/16

There is a vote in New Jersey coming to enact state licensing for pool and spa service and construction. Connecticut, and some counties in New York, already have these licensing laws in place. If voted upon, New Jersey pool companies would be required to have industry specific licesnes of having received the APSP Certified Maintenance Specialist certification, Certified Building Professional, or Certified Maintenance Specialist, or an equivalent. Read more here.

OSHA NEWS – 10/04/16

Effective in 2017 – Certain employers must electronically submit injury and illness data to OSHA. Data submissions will be phased in as follows:

• Establishments with 250 or more employees must begin submitting information from form 300A by July 1, 2017, and must submit information from all forms (300A, 300, and 301) by July 1, 2018. Beginning in 2019, and every year thereafter, the information must be submitted by March 2nd. If you have 250 employees or more, and are already required to keep OSHA injury and illness records, this electronic recordkeeping update will apply to you. This requirement does not pertain to establishments with 250 + employees who are considered partially exempt.

• Establishments with 20-249 employees in certain “high risk industries” must begin submitting information from form 300A by July 1, 2017, and again by July 1, 2018. Beginning in 2019, and every year thereafter, the information must be submitted by March 2nd. This requirement does not pertain to establishments with 20-249 employees who are considered partially exempt.
• Check out who is partially exempt here.

NEW LICENSING REQUIREMENTS! – 9/27/16
Attention Members Doing Business in Rockland County, NY

As of May 17, 2016, Rockland County requires home improvement contractors  with license classification 25 -Swimming Pool Installation Contractor  or 26 – Swimming Pool Service Contractor to supply proof of continuing education course completion with their new application or renewal. See below for education requirements.

Classification 25: Swimming Pool Installation Contractor now requires

• APSP Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) (or higher)* or equivalent certification or training as determined by the Director;
• APSP Certified Building Professional (CBP) or equivalent certification or training as determined by the Director;

Classification 26: Swimming Pool Service Contractor now requires

• APSP Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) (or higher) or equivalent certification or training as determined by the Director.

View more details about the Rockland Licensing Requirements online

APSP AND PARTNERS GARNISH BILLIONS IN SAVINGS WITH POOL PUMPS FOR HOMEOWNERS – 8/8/16

Swimming pool owners will see a huge drop in their monthly utility bills thanks to a consensus agreement between industry, efficiency proponents and other interested parties for the first national energy efficiency standards for pool pumps that was approved today by a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advisory committee.

OSHA Increases Maximum Penalties on Fines – 8/2/16

As of August 1st, OSHA has increased their maximum penalties for serious (other-than-serious posting requirements), failure to abate and willful or repeated violations. OSHA will also increase these rates based upon inflation in the years to come. Review the new rates here. 

CDC Releases 2nd Edition of Model Aquatic Health Code – 7/18/16

The CDC has released the 2nd edition and annex for the Model Aquatic Health Code. This guidance document offers insignt to states to help when they are updating their own state code. Check them out here.

NSPF® Requesting Proposals for a “Learn To Swim Index – 7/12/16

The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) seeks proposal by August 31, 2016 to create a “Learn-to-Swim Index” (LTS Index) that tracks how many people complete formal swim lessons in the United States. Proposals will describe the experience and methodology a Principal Researcher will use to create the Index that represents the number of individuals who learn to swim from formal lessons.

ATTENTION COMPANIES DOING BUSINESS IN NEW JERSEY – 5/23/16

Building Code Now References 2015 ISPSC. As of May 1, 2016, New Jersey has officially adopted and implemented the new building code and residential code.  This new construction code now references the 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC).   IMPORTANT! Code officials throughout New Jersey are requiring references to the 2015 ISPSC in applications for permits.  It is important that you reference the new code in permit applications for projects.

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE ABOUT POOLS IN HABITAT – 5/2/16

Read this article featuring advice from Trevor Sherwood of Pool Operation Management about securing pool service and managing commercial pools at condominiums.

APSP ADVOCATING FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE POOL INDUSTRY – 4/25/16

Did you know homeowners can save $753 in energy cost savings a year by replacing their single speed pump with a variable speed pump? And APSP is advocating to on your behalf for energy and tax incentives. See how here.  Interested in getting a variable speed pump? Call us now!

LONG AWAITED STANDARD FOR PLASTERING SWIMMING POOLS & SPAS APPROVED BY ANSI – 2/9/16

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) announces that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved the ANSI/APSP/International Code Council (ICC)/National Plasterers Council (NPC) –12 2016 Standard for the Plastering of Swimming Pools and Spas. This standard outlines provides a consensus on how to plaster pools and spas. Read more here.

BROWARD COUNTY IN FLORIDA LAUNCHES WATER SMART CAMPAIGN – 2/1/16

The Department of Health has launched a water smart campaign to bring awareness of how quick and easy a toddler finds water.  Read more here: http://www.watersmartbroward.org/

Drowning is the LEADING cause of injury death to children ages 1-4. To better protect your children:

1. Provide constant, vigilant, adult supervision around any type of water in and outside the home, and during water play.
2. Prevent unsupervised access to pools and spas with barriers and alarms.
3. Learn how to perform rescue breathing and CPR. Keep a phone and shepherds hook poolside.
4. Enroll your child into swim lessons.
5. Install and maintain drain covers that prevent entrapment and entanglement.
6. Provide constant, vigilant, adult supervision around any type of water in and outside the home, and during water play.
7. Prevent unsupervised access to pools and spas with barriers and alarms.
8. Learn how to perform rescue breathing and CPR. Keep a phone and shepherds hook poolside.
9. Enroll your child into swim lessons.
10. Install and maintain drain covers that prevent entrapment and entanglement.

 http://www.watersmartbroward.org/

DELAWARE POOLS REGISTER FOR CPO® TODAY – 1/2/16

On October 1, 2015, the updated Delaware State Bathing Code was adopted. As of January 2, 2016, certain commercial pools in Delaware will need a form of secondary sanitation. Also, sanitizer levels gave been raised to 1.0 ppm for pools (2.0 ppm if using cyanuric acid); small pools at 3.0 ppm and spas at 4.0 ppm. Additionally, aquatic facilities will need a qualified pool operator to make weekly visits and document them. Pools will also need a diaper changing-station in the restroom. A link to the state bathing code is available at our website: https://pooloperationmanagement.com/state-regulations/

S.R.SMITH RECALLS POOL LIFTS – 12/28/15

On December 17, the Consumer Product Safety Commission released a press release stating that the pool product manufacturer, S.R. Smith, is recalling just under 1900 pool access lifts. The lifts come from the company’s Splash! and PAL Hi/Lo and Spa lines.

POOL OPERATION MANAGEMENT RECEIVES SEVERAL AWARDS – 08/26/15

Pool Operation Management is pleased to announce that over the past year our company’s performance as National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) Instructors has resulted in several 2015 NSPF Instructor Awards! Specifically, Pool Operation Management has earned five awards in regard to teaching the CPO® Certification Course. See our award winning team here. 

CT PASSES ABOVE GROUND POOL LICENSE LAW – 07/23/15

Starting April 2016, aboveground pool installers working in Connecticut will need a special license. The Above Ground Pool Assembler’s License will help to curtail job-site errors. Connecticut also has two additional pool licenses — one for builders – SPB and the other for service technicians, SP1.

SPA DRAIN COVERS RECALLED – 10/29/14

Waterway Plastics has recalled a drain cover used on certain portable spas. The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of approximately 26,000 Designer Pro Series Suction Covers installed in certain hot tub models produced by Catalina Spas, Four Winds Spas, Dimension One Spas and Sunrise Spas from June 2011 to June 2013. The black and silver, round-shaped drains are stamped with the number 640-52XX S on the outside edge of the plastic. The manufacturer can be reached on its recall hotline, (866)719-6044, during regular business hours, Pacific Time. Affected parties also can go to at www.waterwayplastics.com and click “recall” under the Resources pull-down tab.

MODEL AQUATIC HEALTH CODE 1ST EDITION RELEASED- 9/4/14

The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is the nation’s first voluntary guideline based on scientific research and best practices to improve health and safety at aquatic facilities. The MAHC can be used by state and local governments to create a pool code that will help reduce risk for outbreaks, drownings, and injuries. Read it Here.

AMERICAN RED CROSS RELEASES NATIONAL SURVEY ON SWIMMING COMPETENCIES – 6/20/14

This new survey shows that people believe they are better swimmers than they actually are. The survey found that while 80 percent of Americans said they could swim, only 56 percent of the self-described swimmers can perform all five basic water skills: ability to step or jump into the water over your head; return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute; turn around in a full circle and exit; swim 25 yards to the exit; and exit from the water. If in pool, you must be able to exit without using a ladder. Overall, survey results show 54% of Americans either can’t swim or don’t have all the basic swimming skills. See full results: http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m32740103_Water-Safety-Poll-2014.pdf

SAFETY ALERT – POOL ELECTROCUTIONS – 5/23/14

Many states including, NY, NJ, PA, CT, require an electrical grounding and bonding inspection to be completed during the construction of a new pool. This inspection and approval must be received prior to the pool being used. For homeowners who have an older pool or have recently acquired a pool during a home purchase, it is suggested that they contact a qualified, licensed electrician to run an electrical safety test in and around the pool. This inspection will not only give the homeowner peace of mind but it may also catch a potential problem. For commercial pools, electrical bonding and grounding is required during the installation. For more information or questions, please contact your local or state electrical code enforcement agency.

FLORIDA BILL COULD CHANGE POOL PERMITTING – 3/6/14
Florida House Bill 593 would require pool builders to first apply for an operating permit from a county Health Department before even applying for a building permit. By doing such, contractors would be protecting themselves from costly mistakes after the build by having health officials review plans before construction. If approved, it would go effect in July.

CHECK YOUR DRAINS COVERS TODAY!
December 2013 will mark five years since the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Act required all commercial pool and spa drains to have new VGB certified covers. Part of the law also required the manufacturer to provide a life span for each cover and a fair majority were between 5-7 years. Here are manufacturers life expectancies. Remember to replace with only ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 (2007) standard or any successor standard on every suction outlet (On July 27, 2011, the Commission unanimously approved ANSI/APSP 16-2011 as the successor suction outlet cover standard which pool operators need to follow to comply with the P&SS Act) and use new accompanying screws.

AquaStar Pool Products, Inc. (877) 768-2717, info@aquastarpoolproducts.com
Manufacturer says all VGB 2008 Compliant drains have a five (5) year life expectancy.

Lawson Aquatics – 800-832-8002, aquatopia@neptunebenson.com
Manufacturer says drains have a 10 year warranty and no expiration date and needs to be inspected after 10 years.

Hayward – Hayward Technical Services, 908-355-7995, techsupport@haywardpools.com
Manufacturer says drains have a seven (7) year life expectancy.

DrainSafe 360, 800-513-4372, info@drainsafe.com
Manufacturer says replace every three (3) years.

World Wide Star 100, (970) 510-0836, admin@worldwidesportsllc.com
Manufacturer says replace every three (3) years.

CHANGED MADE TO CPO CERTIFICATES – 01/02/14

The National Swimming Pool Foundation has made changes to the certificates to ensure that students are able to keep their same certificate numbers upon renewal.

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY LICENSING REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET FOR POOL AND SPA WORK – 7/19/13

Pool and Spa Builders/Installers and Pool, Spa and Portable Hot Tub Service Contractors

• Suffolk County has amended its existing home improvement contractors licensing law to require all companies who service and/or build and install pools, spas and hot tubs to be properly certified either before applying for their new home improvement contractor’s license or if already licensed as a home improvement contractor, at the time of renewal.
• There are NO new or additional fees.
• For those companies who build and install pools and permanent spas at least one person on staff must be certified as an APSP Certified Pool Builder (CPB).
• For service contractors of pools, permanent spas and portable spas, at least one person on staff must be certified as either a CPB, or an APSP Certified Service Professional (CSP) or an APSP Certified Service Technician (CST).
• For those contractors who are already licensed as a home improvement contractor but do not have the proper APSP certification they will have one year to obtain the necessary certification.

Pool Maintenance Companies

• For companies who perform routine maintenance only they do not have to be licensed as a home improvement contractor since they do not perform home improvements
• Pool Maintenance Companies must now be registered with the County as a Pool Maintenance Company.
• The annual fee for Pool Maintenance Companies is $100.
• To qualify for the registration at least one person on staff must hold an APSP Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) certification.
• All pool maintenance companies will have one year to obtain the necessary APSP certification.

ADA LAWSUITS BEGINNING TO EMERGE – 4/11/13

Since the ADA regulations for swimming pools finally went into effect, lawsuits are starting to emerge against facitilies that are not in compliance. Read More.

CONNECTICUT LICENSING REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET FOR POOL AND SPA WORK – 4/6/13

NESPA and CONSPA have developed a comprehensive resource designed to answer your questions about the Pool and Spa Maintenance and Repair License (SP-1 & SP-2) and the Swimming Pool Builder License (SPBL). Click here to find out the answers to frequently asked questions and to download the forms needed to apply for licensing in Connecticut.

CPO® IS APPROVED PROGRAM FOR POOL OPERATORS IN NEW YORK CITY – 3/25/13

In New York City, a Pool Operator Certificate is required to operate a pool in a health club, residential apartment building, hotel and or other location where the public may have access to the pool. The certificate ensures that the operator has been trained in the safe and effective operation and maintenance of pool treatment equipment. The following is a list of courses that have been approved by the New York State Department of Health to provide certification courses in pool operations. THE NYC HEALTH DEPARTMENT COURSE IS NO LONGER ACCEPTED. Click here

NEW BILL POSSIBLE IN MASSACHUSETTS FOR SERVICE COMPANIES – 2/24/13

A new bill on the horizon in Massachusetts would require both a license to build and a license to service swimming pools and spas.STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION.

NASSUA COUNTY, NEW YORK REQUIRES ALL POOL COMPANIES TO BE CERTIFIED – 2/24/13

Regulations in Nassau County, New York, now require all pool companies who service and/or build pool possession certification from the APSP as well as a minimum of five years industry experience. If you do not have time to become certified, make sure you are using a ceritifed pool company such as Pool Operation Management. For information on how to become certified, click here.

DEADLINE FOR ADA COMPLIANCE HERE – 2/3/13

Existing pools and spas under Title II & III – hotels/motels, fitness clubs, recreation centers, country clubs township pools – must comply with ADA regualtions for handicap access. For Title III facilities, portable lifts purchased before March 15, 2012, are allowed but must be kept poolside and ready to use while the pool is open. Review the DOJ technical assistance document here and FAQS here as well as an article on the history to date.

The 2010 ADA Standard went into effect March 15, 2012. The sections of ADA standard that applies to swimming pools, wading pools and spas are:

1. Title II (Public Industry) – All public entities at the local and state levels, i.e., Parks and Recreation Pools, Universities and Colleges, Town Pools, etc

2. Title III (Private Industry) – Any place of public accommodation (commercial facilities), i.e. Hotels, Motels, Health Clubs, Schools, and Community Centers.

Those facilities not affected are: Private Residences, Apartments*, Condominiums*

* However if the apartments or condominium do the following, they are then required to comply with 2010 ADA standard:

• If sell memberships to those not living at the facility
• If the condominium rents out its units, like those of a motel
• If the pool is rented out for parties, swim lessons or other activities to those not living in the community

NEW JERSEY UPDATED REGULATION FOR UCC – 11/5/12

Effective Monday, November 5th, New Jersey will update the Uniform Construction Code 5:23-2.20.The change permits the bonding and grounding certificate (that is already required by UCC) to cover more than one swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, and reduces the fee for the bonding and grounding of swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs when there is more than one unit within the same vicinity.

NEW BALTIMORE COUNTY POOL OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS – 11/1/12
Baltimore County has updated their requirements to become a Baltimore County Pool Operator. The following are the updated requirements from the Department Environmental Health Services:
Students must provide:

• An original application (PDF application here along with instructions). Students will need to file the application and other supporting documents to the:

  Baltimore County EHS.
  9100 Franklin Square Drive, Suite 230
  Baltimore, MD 21237-3903
  410-887-3663
  ehs@baltimorecountymd.gov (for questions)
  Open Monday – Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm

• A legible copy of the certifying organization’s certificate:
  • NSPF is a certifying organization
  • Certificate is only valid for 3 years in MD. You will  need to certify at that three year mark.

• **NEW** A letter from the certifying agency (NSPF will supply to us to give to students)

• A $25 fee for new Identification card, $15 for a replacement card

AED’s NOW REQUIRED AT POOL IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND – 8/2/12

All public and semipublic pools in Maryland’s Anne Arundel County now must have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on site, due to a new law enacted in July 2012. It affects 275 pools in the county, which is located on the Chesapeake Bay and home to the state capital of Annapolis. Read More Here.

SOUTH CAROLINA LOOKS TO MAKE STRICTER RULES OF RESIDENTIAL POOL BUILDERS – 6/5/12

A new bill is being proposed during the state’s next legislative session that would create new regulations for residential pool builders. Currently, South Carolina has no statewide licensing or construction requirements for residential pool builders. If passed, residential pool builders would be required to face the same regukations as commercial pool builders. Read More Here.

FLORIDA BUILDERS PREPARE FOR NEW COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS – 6/5/12

Under a Florida law that took effect in April, pool builders constructing new public facilities now must work with the local building department, rather than the county’s health department, for their plans, permits and inspections. Read More Here.

ICC & APSP ANNOUNCE APPROVAL OF FIRST INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL & SPA CODE 11/14/11

Monumental New Code Benefits Industry & Regulators by Having One Uniform Set of Requirements for Construction of Public & Private Pools & Spas Across U.S.

the International Code Council (ICC) and the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) announce the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) has been approved at the ICC final action hearings in Phoenix, October 31, 2011 and will be published March 2012. Read Press Release Here

NEW CODE REVISIONS FOR NEW YORK

New York has adopted the 2010 revisions to the NY Building Code and the NY Residential Code which contains significant changes for swimming pools, hot tubs and spas both commercial and residential:

NY Residential Code – New Section G106.1.1, provides that swimming pool suction outlets may be designed and installed in accordance with ANSI/APSP7 as an alternative to compliance with Sections G106.2 – G106.5.

Interpretation:  If a builder chooses to construct a residential swimming pool or spa in accordance with the ANSI/APSP – 7 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas, a suction vacuum release system (SVRS) may no longer be necessary.

Building Code –  Section 3109  (Revised for swimming pools or spas that do not fit the definition of a residential pool or spa found in section G101.1) – This section states that pools and spas must be constructed in accordance with entrapment avoidance requirements of the Department of Health and the Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.  In addition, like the NY Residential Code revisions (see above) it offers the builder a choice of building in accordance with the ANSI/APSP 7 or following the specific language of Section 3109.6.2 which may require the installation of an SVRS along with several other mandates.

For further information please contact NESPA at 609-689-9111.

This information is provided solely as a notice of changing laws and regulations that may affect your business.  POM does not dispense legal advice and assumes no liability for the contents of this information.  You are urged to seek competent legal advice if they have any questions on this or any other law or regulation that may affect them.