By Emma Peterson. 

How educational opportunities, expert keynotes and a new media village made the 2025 PSP Expo unforgettable. 

With the launch of OutdoorCoffeeShop™ this year, the Coffee Shops crew got the chance to go to the International Pool Spa Patio Expo (PSP) for the first time! They had a great time exploring the expo floor, making friends in the outdoor industry and attending countless events and education sessions. To learn more about the event, since it was our first year attending, we hosted Megan Magana, the show manager for the PSP Expo, for an episode of From the Ground Up!  

This year, like all the previous PSP Expos, there was a huge focus on education. Megan explained, “Education is so fun and we really made it so there’s something for everyone... We can break it down into two general categories. We have the pre-conference classes thanks to our association partners, Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and Genesis. Those were intense, high-level two- and three-day classes that you get certifications. And then we also had our core conference pass sessions which are your usual classroom-style learning.”  

And beyond the education sessions, both during and before the conference, the PSP Expo also always features new speakers for keynote presentations every year! This year the keynote speakers were Scott Hackworth (president of Industry Insights for PHTA), Darren Woodson (five-time Pro Bowl safety and three-time NFL Super Bowl Champion) and Heather Whelpley (award-winning author and coach).  

In addition to welcoming new speakers, the 2026 PSP Expo had a new section this year – the media village! Megan shared her thoughts about it, saying, “It was a really cool feature that we were excited to see come to life this year. It’s an example of what makes this show so cool. Not only do we have the education, but you get this opportunity to have organic experiences meeting up with fellow professionals and seeing the newest products on the market.” That’s where our crew was, hosting a soundstage and interviewing professionals live. If you’re interested in catching up on what happened at the show, we have an on-demand version of all those videos!  

To get more behind the scenes insights on the 2025 PSP Expo, listen to the whole conversation between Karol and Megan. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Backed by data-driven insights, the coming year offers a real opportunity for growth in the pool and spa industry. 

The 2025 International Pool, Spa, Patio and Decking Expo (PSP/Deck Expo), sponsored by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), brought together professionals from a record-breaking 40 countries. During the day one keynote address, attendees heard a comprehensive economic update from Scott Hackworth, president of Industry Insights for PHTA, who unpacked the latest Quarterly Pulse Survey (QPS) findings and offered a grounded look at where the market may be headed. 

Now that the show has ended and 2026 planning is well underway, the most important question is: What should professionals do with this information? 

The state of the industry: Resilient, but facing margin pressure 

According to the Q3 2025 Quarterly Pulse Survey, the industry continues to show signs of resilience. Across builder/design/remodel, service/maintenance and retail segments, typical businesses reported modest total revenue growth between +1% and +5%. 

As Hackworth emphasized, higher top-line numbers don’t tell the full story. Even with rising revenue: 

• Bottom-line profits remained flat, hovering between +1% and –1% 
• Builders are more skeptical than other segments 
• Margin pressure remains a defining challenge 

Meanwhile, the economy outside the pool and spa world is shifting too. While GDP growth has softened, consumer spending on durable goods remains strong and has increased compared to the previous year. Homeowner equity is still high, suggesting demand hasn’t evaporated; it’s just being expressed differently. 

And then there’s interest rates: if rates dip below 6%, Hackworth noted, that could be the tipping point that the construction side of the industry needs.  

What the data signals for 2026 

Taken together, QPS data and economic indicators point to several clear opportunities for professionals preparing for the next buying cycle. 

1 – Service continues to lead growth and offers opportunity for 2026 

The service side of the industry was the strongest performer in Q3, with 55% of companies reporting increased service call volume. This trend has been consistent across recent quarters, bolstering service as one of the most stable, scalable and predictable revenue streams in the pool and spa market.  

For companies looking to buffer against economic uncertainty, fluctuating construction demand or margin pressures, expanding into service or strengthening your existing department can offer meaningful stability. 

Strategies for expanding or optimizing service in 2026 include: 

• Improve technician training and certification 
• Consider recurring-service models 
• Invest in better scheduling and routing tools 
• Cross-sell from service to remodels or upgrades 
• Strengthen customer communication 
• Build your online presence 

2 – Consumer spending is still strong, but you need to reach your audience 

Panelists during the keynote stressed the importance of targeted digital marketing and the use of social media platforms to reach your intended audience. User-generated content on channels like Instagram and YouTube have higher engagement rates than pushing all your efforts on Google ads and search engine optimization (SEO). In-house video and photography, brand clarity and sharing your long-term vision as a company have more lasting impacts on today’s consumer than ever before. 

3 – Labor challenges haven’t disappeared, but are more nuanced 

Labor shortages remain a top concern in the pool and spa industry, but panelists noted the pressure feels slightly softer than it has in previous years. Instead of acute shortages, companies are now navigating more nuanced challenges: recruiting skilled technicians, retaining top performers and building leadership teams that can grow with the business. The most successful businesses are shifting from simply trying to fill positions to focusing on long-term workforce development, culture and well-being. 

Use PHTA data to build a stronger 2026 plan 

PHTA’s Quarterly Pulse Survey now includes 11 consecutive quarters of trendlines covering revenue, employee counts, profitability, new pool construction, remodels, service calls and more. Anyone can participate and gain access to the Research Portal. The next survey opens January 2, 2026 – create your Research Portal Profile today to participate! 

While 2025 brought a mix of optimism, skepticism and economic uncertainty, the message from the PSP/Deck Expo was clear: the future favors professionals who embrace data, invest in their teams and build brand strategies that resonate with today’s consumers. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Women from across the pool, spa and hot tub industry came together in Las Vegas to launch a new initiative empowering women to lead confidently, connect deeply and thrive together. 

The inaugural Women of Water (WOW) event made a powerful splash at this year’s International Pool, Spa, Patio and Decking Expo (PSP/Deck Expo). Hosted by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and PoolCorp®, the show’s day-three keynote presentation, “The Power of Grounded Confidence: How to Unleash Your Authenticity and Become Unshakable,” featured award-winning author and coach Heather Whelpley, who guided us through an immersive experience designed to break free from the unwritten rules that often hold women back. 

This wasn’t your typical keynote. Over breakfast, we explored how perfectionism, people-pleasing and over-responsibility can quietly chip away at confidence and joy. Heather encouraged us to “stop proving, pleasing and perfecting” and instead embrace grounded confidence – the kind that allows you to lead boldly, make mistakes and stand firm in your purpose. 

Everyone who attended left with a sense of empowerment and community, as well as practical strategies to silence our inner critic, clarify our direction and build meaningful connections within our industry.  

Empowering women. Uplifting the industry. 

The Women of Water initiative unites women across every segment of the pool, spa and hot tub industry, from builders and service professionals to marketers, executives and entrepreneurs. Founded with the mission to connect, empower and advocate for women in the industry, WOW provides a space for shared learning, mentorship and growth. 

Their vision is simple but powerful: an inclusive, inspired industry where women lead confidently and thrive personally and professionally. By creating a strong network of support and amplifying women’s voices at every level, WOW is helping to shape our future. 

Join the next virtual event! 

If you missed the keynote session at the PSP/Deck Expo in Las Vegas, there’s another opportunity to be part of the movement. On December 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET, WOW is hosting its next event, “From Surviving to Thriving: Tools to Heal Burnout and Reclaim Calm.” 

In this virtual session, Heather Whelpley returns to dive into the realities of burnout: why it happens, how to release stress and how to set boundaries that create space for what truly matters. You’ll leave with actionable tools to reignite your sense of joy and purpose. 

Register now to join the conversation, connect with peers and continue building confidence and community through Women of Water.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Connection and innovation came to life in Las Vegas as OutdoorCoffeeShop™ made its trade show debut at the 2025 Pool, Spa, Patio and Deck Expo with a week full of inspiration, collaboration and community spirit. 

The 2025 International Pool, Spa, Patio and Decking Expo (PSP) was buzzing with excitement this year – and not just from the scent of chlorine in the air! It also marked the official trade show debut for OutdoorCoffeeShop™, a community and resource hub created to elevate the outdoor industry powered by Heritage Family of Companies. From start to finish, the show captured the spirit of connection and innovation that defines this growing industry. 

For Heidi J. Ellsworth, president of The Coffee Shops™, and Karol Weyman, product and business development director of OutdoorCoffeeShop, the show was nothing short of inspiring. They reflected on the evolution of outdoor spaces, noticing everything from wellness-inspired spas and saunas to commercial-grade decking and aromatherapy hot tubs on the show floor. Brands, contractors and media platforms came together for three days to elevate the industry as a whole. 

One of the most meaningful moments of the week was the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Awards of Excellence Reception. Not only did we get a chance to celebrate this year’s winners and honor the industry’s best and brightest, but Paragon Pools/Float Like A Duck, the City of Las Vegas and UNLV Student Rec and Wellness Center were grant recipients from PHTA’s Step Into Swim program. The Float Like A Duck initiative distributes funds to local Las Vegas aquatics programs to provide no-cost swim lessons for at-risk youth. Since 2012, Step Into Swim has funded swimming lessons for more than 330,000 children across the country. “It almost makes me teary,” Heidi said, praising the industry’s commitment to community impact. 

Among the standout moments for our crew was the Women of Water (WOW) initiative by the PHTA and sponsored by POOLCORP®, celebrating diversity and empowerment across the pool and spa industry. As a founding member of National Women in Roofing (NWIR), Heidi had been given the opportunity to speak to this group of women in 2019, and she shared how special it was to see the group’s growth since then. Megan Ellsworth, our multimedia manager, shared that “meeting the Women of Water and hearing their wow moments made a lasting impression. Heather Whelpley’s talk was fabulous.” Karol agreed, adding that WOW was one of her favorite sessions, along with former NFL player Darren Woodson’s powerful talk reminding us that “being content isn’t going to move the needle.” 

Karol also emphasized how connecting with media companies and associations during the event really reinforced OutdoorCoffeeShop’s mission: “They are the true backbone of the industry, and we can bring it all together with OCS.” 

For our crew, this debut was a celebration of people, purpose and partnership. With gratitude to Heritage for their sponsorship and support, Heidi summed it up best: “We’re so proud to shine a light on this incredible industry, and we can’t wait for what’s next.” 

Check out the OutdoorCoffeeShop YouTube channel for interviews from the show floor!

By Emma Peterson. 

These special events are the perfect place to connect to other professionals, build your network and have some fun! 

If you are a professional in the outdoor industry, whether that’s pool maintenance, spa design, deck creation or something else, there is one place to be this October – The International Pool Spa Patio Expo! Sponsored by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), this event is hosted at the same time as their Deck Expo, making it the perfect place for outdoor professionals to come together, build connections, learn and have fun!  

Here at OutdoorCoffeeShop™ (OCS), we couldn’t be more excited to be there for the first time. We’ll be hosting a soundstage at booth #1853 thanks to our friends at Heritage, so make sure to stop and say hello! And you might see some of our crew members around the rest of the show, taking full advantage of the variety of networking opportunities and events offered. Here’s a shortlist of some of the special events that we are especially looking forward to! 

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 

PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception

Held on the final day of the PSP/Deck Expo preconference, this event promises to be an evening all about celebrating excellence in the industry! From 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., attendees will get to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres as they meet up with industry friends, new and old. This is also when the winners of the 2025 PHTA International Awards of Excellence, including the distinguished Superlative Award recipients, will be honored. And thanks to Spa Retailer magazine, this year also sees the return of the Hot Tub Hall of Fame! 

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 

Data-Driven, Builder-Proven: Strategies for the New Economy

The first keynote of the conference is a panel moderated by Sabeena Hickman (president/CEO of PHTA) that features Scott Hackworth (PHTA), Joshua Buzzell (Regal Pool and Design, LLC), Ed Gibbs (Gib-San Pool and Landscape Creations), Michael Moore (Morehead Pools) and Bruce Mungiguerra (Riverbend Sandler Pools). The hour-long talk (kicking off at 9:15 a.m.) will offer attendees a powerful window into the newest industry research, trends and data. If you are an outdoor professional navigating profitability, sales and workforce dynamics, this is the keynote for you!  

PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Happy Hour

Later that day (from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), PHTA is hosting a unique event designed specifically for professionals in the spa, pool and hot tub industry under 40! Make sure you stop by the PHTA booth (#1419), to have a drink, build relationships and swap ideas with like-minded young professionals. There will also be a chance to win an Apple Watch donated by BioLab!  

Welcome Party

And before you call it a night, make sure to hop over to the AYU Dayclub at Resorts World for the general welcome party at 6:00 p.m.! As the official kick-off for the PSP/Deck Expo, this incredible event is a great chance to mingle, grab food and drink, enjoy entertainment and forge meaningful connections within the industry. An attendee favorite, make sure you purchase your ticket during registration!  

Thursday, October 23, 2025 

Creating Cultures of Excellence

Thursday opens with the second keynote of the expo from NFL legend Darren Woodson at 9:15 a.m. Darren, who is a three-time NFL Super Bowl Champion with the Dallas Cowboys, will be sharing his insights into building cultures of excellence. This is a great opportunity to learn how to embrace change, competition and confrontation in a productive way.  

IHTA Lunch & Learn

Take a break from the expo floor and the education sessions to join the International Hot Tub Association (IHTA) for a special lunch session. In this session, the IHTA team will share how they are advocating for the success of the hot tub professionals and how getting involved can elevate both your business and the entire industry! This lunch has a $25 admission fee and will be hosted from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge

Ready for some good-natured competition? Designers are invited to the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge! This competition asks designers to create the ultimate outdoor oasis with a million-dollar budget. Then, you’ll be able to find the five top finalists' renderings on the show floor at the expo during Thursday afternoon. Make sure to vote for your favorite and help them get closer to winning the cash prize!  

Pool Nation Awards & After Party  

Wrap up the night with the 5th annual Pool Nation Awards and After Party! These events recognize the companies, products and individuals that have had outstanding impact this year. The awards will be hosted in the Las Vegas Convention Center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and the afterparty will kick off at 10:00 p.m.  

Friday, October 24, 2025 

The Power of Grounded Confidence - How to Unleash Your Authenticity and Become Unshakable 

The third and final keynote of the expo will be all about the Women of Water. The session, which is sponsored by PHTA and PoolCorp, will center around Heather Whelpley, an award-winning author, coach and leadership development expert. She will share insights on everything from building a sense of purpose through work to finding self-assuredness within yourself. The keynote will start at 8:00 a.m. (breakfast is included) and run until 10:15 a.m. For those that are interested, Heather will be signing books afterwards at PHTA’s booth (#1419).  

To learn more about these special events, go onto the PSP/Deck Expo website! You can also register for the expo there if you haven’t already.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Dive into education, networking and more at the 2025 International Pool Spa Patio Expo!  

Every year, thousands of pool industry retailers, contractors, technicians and other professionals come to the International Pool Spa Patio Expo (PSP). Sponsored by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the PSP Expo will be hosted in the Las Vegas Convention Center from Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to Friday, October 24, 2025. It is the pool, spa and patio industry’s most comprehensive and connected event, providing attendees with everything from networking spaces and education opportunities to product demos and an extensive tradeshow floor. A team from OutdoorCoffeeShop (OCS) will be at the show in Booth #1853 with a soundstage sponsored by Heritage, so make sure to stop by!  

Real solutions for real builders 

The PSP Expo is more than just a show, it’s a resource for the professional in and around the pool business to discover practical solutions and strategies to help your business succeed. This is your opportunity to meet up with your fellow professionals and learn from industry leaders who have been exactly where you are. Further, this expo will showcase the best innovations, techniques and technologies that will help you build amazing backyard spaces for all your clients.  

Why service techs attend 

For service techs, attending this expo is a great way to learn better ways to maintain pools, solve common problems and build a more profitable business. From seeing new testing kits and asking suppliers all your questions to spending time with other techs and bidding on new service contracts, there are countless opportunities for service techs at the PSP Expo! 

Stock what sells 

This expo is also a great opportunity for pool, spa and patio retailers. By seeing the newest technology and innovations firsthand, you can help your business gain a competitive edge by being the first store to carry the newest products. Further, this is your chance to talk directly with other successful owners, manufacturers and retailers and learn how they manage common challenges like staffing, inventory management, online competition and more!  

The power of exhibiting 

Exhibiting at the PSP Expo is a great way to build relationships that grow your business. The show gives you the perfect opportunity to connect face-to-face with over 9,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and over 49 different countries. By exhibiting, you position your brand at the heart of the industry and at an event where 82% of attendees are prepared and ready to purchase innovative products.  

Learn more and register for the 2025 International Pool Spa Patio Expo today!

By Emma Peterson. 

This is the event of the season for pool, spa and outdoor living professionals.  

We’re about a month out from this year’s Pool Spa Patio Expo, co-located with Deck Expo (PSP/Deck Expo)! Hosted in partnership with the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), this show will run from October 22, 2025 to October 24, 2025 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada. If you are a professional in the outdoor industry, this is the premier event to be at. To learn more about what to expect from this year’s show, Karol Weyman sat down with Megan Magana, the show manager of the PSP/Deck Expo, for an episode of From the Ground Up. 

Overall, there are three main pillars to this event: education, networking and products. Megan elaborated, “There's so many education options, including the pre-conference, classroom and the show floor! Plus, you get to see all your friends and the industry. That's one of my favorite parts, just seeing the hugs and the handshakes that are happening all across the event.” In addition to these three pillars, the PSP/Deck Expo hosts a couple of award ceremonies that are a great way to celebrate the incredible outdoor living industry! Megan shared, “On Tuesday evening before the show starts, PHTA is going to host their Awards of Excellence. And then on the Thursday night of the show, our friends at Pool Nation are going to have the Pool Nation Awards, which is where there will be Pool Guy and Pool Girl of the Year and a bunch of product awards.” 

As for other special features to look forward to at the 2025 show, there will be a keynote speaker every morning of the event! Megan explained, “We've always had a keynote, but it's always been one or two keynotes that are on the mornings of the show. This year we have three keynotes, one each day of the show, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday! Each of the keynotes are going to touch on different aspects of the business.”  

On day one, attendees will get to participate in an interactive panel with industry leaders, and for day two, NFL legend Darren Woodson from the Dallas Cowboys will be in attendance to speak about creating cultures of excellence.  Day three’s session (sponsored by PHTA and PoolCorp) will be all about unleashing your own power, featuring a book signing withHeather Whelpley!  

Overall, this is just the start of what there is to look forward to at the 2025 PSP/Deck Expo! Listen to the rest of their conversation or Watch the recorded episode for more about this year’s PSP/Deck Expo. And if you haven’t already, make sure you are registered to attend! 

By Emma Peterson. 

These special events are the perfect place to connect to other professionals, build your network and have some fun! 

If you are a professional in the outdoor industry, whether that’s pool maintenance, spa design, deck creation or something else, there is one place to be this October – The International Pool Spa Patio Expo! Sponsored by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), this event is hosted at the same time as their Deck Expo, making it the perfect place for outdoor professionals to come together, build connections, learn and have fun!  

Here at OutdoorCoffeeShop™ (OCS), we couldn’t be more excited to be there for the first time. We’ll be hosting a soundstage at booth #1853 thanks to our friends at Heritage, so make sure to stop and say hello! And you might see some of our crew members around the rest of the show, taking full advantage of the variety of networking opportunities and events offered. Here’s a shortlist of some of the special events that we are especially looking forward to! 

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 

PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception

Held on the final day of the PSP/Deck Expo preconference, this event promises to be an evening all about celebrating excellence in the industry! From 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., attendees will get to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres as they meet up with industry friends, new and old. This is also when the winners of the 2025 PHTA International Awards of Excellence, including the distinguished Superlative Award recipients, will be honored. And thanks to Spa Retailer magazine, this year also sees the return of the Hot Tub Hall of Fame! 

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 

Data-Driven, Builder-Proven: Strategies for the New Economy

The first keynote of the conference is a panel moderated by Sabeena Hickman (president/CEO of PHTA) that features Scott Hackworth (PHTA), Joshua Buzzell (Regal Pool and Design, LLC), Ed Gibbs (Gib-San Pool and Landscape Creations), Michael Moore (Morehead Pools) and Bruce Mungiguerra (Riverbend Sandler Pools). The hour-long talk (kicking off at 9:15 a.m.) will offer attendees a powerful window into the newest industry research, trends and data. If you are an outdoor professional navigating profitability, sales and workforce dynamics, this is the keynote for you!  

PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Happy Hour

Later that day (from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), PHTA is hosting a unique event designed specifically for professionals in the spa, pool and hot tub industry under 40! Make sure you stop by the PHTA booth (#1419), to have a drink, build relationships and swap ideas with like-minded young professionals. There will also be a chance to win an Apple Watch donated by BioLab!  

Welcome Party

And before you call it a night, make sure to hop over to the AYU Dayclub at Resorts World for the general welcome party at 6:00 p.m.! As the official kick-off for the PSP/Deck Expo, this incredible event is a great chance to mingle, grab food and drink, enjoy entertainment and forge meaningful connections within the industry. An attendee favorite, make sure you purchase your ticket during registration!  

Thursday, October 23, 2025 

Creating Cultures of Excellence

Thursday opens with the second keynote of the expo from NFL legend Darren Woodson at 9:15 a.m. Darren, who is a three-time NFL Super Bowl Champion with the Dallas Cowboys, will be sharing his insights into building cultures of excellence. This is a great opportunity to learn how to embrace change, competition and confrontation in a productive way.  

IHTA Lunch & Learn

Take a break from the expo floor and the education sessions to join the International Hot Tub Association (IHTA) for a special lunch session. In this session, the IHTA team will share how they are advocating for the success of the hot tub professionals and how getting involved can elevate both your business and the entire industry! This lunch has a $25 admission fee and will be hosted from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge

Ready for some good-natured competition? Designers are invited to the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge! This competition asks designers to create the ultimate outdoor oasis with a million-dollar budget. Then, you’ll be able to find the five top finalists' renderings on the show floor at the expo during Thursday afternoon. Make sure to vote for your favorite and help them get closer to winning the cash prize!  

Pool Nation Awards & After Party  

Wrap up the night with the 5th annual Pool Nation Awards and After Party! These events recognize the companies, products and individuals that have had outstanding impact this year. The awards will be hosted in the Las Vegas Convention Center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and the afterparty will kick off at 10:00 p.m.  

Friday, October 24, 2025 

The Power of Grounded Confidence - How to Unleash Your Authenticity and Become Unshakable 

The third and final keynote of the expo will be all about the Women of Water. The session, which is sponsored by PHTA and PoolCorp, will center around Heather Whelpley, an award-winning author, coach and leadership development expert. She will share insights on everything from building a sense of purpose through work to finding self-assuredness within yourself. The keynote will start at 8:00 a.m. (breakfast is included) and run until 10:15 a.m. For those that are interested, Heather will be signing books afterwards at PHTA’s booth (#1419).  

To learn more about these special events, go onto the PSP/Deck Expo website! You can also register for the expo there if you haven’t already.  

Dive into a world of education, networking and innovations at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome the International Pool Spa Patio Expo into their community. 

International Pool Spa Patio Expo is the place to be for pool, spa and outdoor professionals in North America and beyond. As Sheryl Harras from Backyard Living Center puts it, “Attending [this] conference [helps us] save time and money, as everything is in one place. The guest speakers are fantastic! We traveled over 1,400 miles one way to attend and will attend again." Hosted in partnership with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), this is the industry’s most comprehensive and connected event. Attendees can expect:  

• Top-notch networking: The International Pool Spa Patio Expo is the perfect place to gather with your fellow professionals. Each year, the show has an incredible lineup of activities and events (like the iconic welcome party) that help you build connections that will help your business thrive. 
• Powerful product sourcing: If you want to stay up to date on the latest products and trends, this is the place to be! With an expansive expo hall full of different vendors, you’ll be able to find all the innovative equipment and services you could need. 
• Cutting-edge education: And for those looking for opportunities for professional development, the International Pool Spa Patio Expo is the leading space for education, certifications and pool CEUs (PHTA and IACET). From keynotes and seminars to small class sessions and demonstrations, attendees will walk away with the knowledge they need to succeed in the coming year. 

Overall, if you work in the pool, spa and/or patio markets, this show is a must-attend! Jessi Allison of Spa Builders of Kentucky can attest to that, sharing, “I got to experience one-on-one personal connections, dealer connections and wonderful food. [The show had] amazing speakers, and we left with a lot of amazing ideas to help better our store/sales.” 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome the International Pool Spa Patio Expo!

By Dani Sheehan.

Water balance is about chemistry, not just hitting the numbers.

Water balance applications have become popular tools for calculating the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) of a swimming pool or hot tub to determine whether the water is balanced, corrosive or scale-forming. While these tools offer convenience, relying on them without a solid understanding of water chemistry can lead to inconsistent results and even dangerous chemical adjustments.

The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) offers a Water Balance Fact Check to outline the requirements according to ANSI/APSP/ICC-11 2019 “American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas.”  

The limits of LSI apps

Several chemical manufacturers and independent developers have created water balance apps that offer dosage recommendations based on LSI values. However, recent testing has revealed a wide range of inconsistencies among these apps, particularly in:

• The use of outdated LSI ranges (e.g., +0.3 instead of the current +0.5 upper limit)
• Simplified or incorrect Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) correction factors
• Allowing inputs outside of acceptable ranges just to achieve a balanced LSI result

This can result in chemical treatments that appear to correct LSI – but violate industry standards or create new imbalances in the water chemistry.

LSI is a guide

LSI is a helpful indicator, but balanced water chemistry depends on maintaining proper values across all parameters. In fact, it’s possible to see an out-of-range LSI even when all other parameters are within their ideal limits due to other influences like saltwater chlorine generators or specialty chemicals.

In short: a balanced LSI does not always mean safe or stable water.

What can you do?

1 – Stay current: Always follow the most recent ANSI/APSP/ICC-11 standards and use the 2024 edition of the “Pool & Spa Operator Handbook” for guidance on proper calculations.

2 – Use apps with caution: Apps are tools – not substitutes for professional judgement. Double-check any recommended chemical dosages and avoid apps that allow inputs outside accepted parameter ranges.

3 – Understand local regulations: While most health departments require records for pH and sanitizer levels, they may not require documentation for alkalinity, hardness, TDS or LSI. Still, it’s your responsibility to ensure balanced water using all the relevant data.

4 – Consult trusted resources: For further education, training and certification, connect with the PHTA for the industry’s standardized information and your own professional development.

Read the full Water Balance Fact Check for additional considerations and to see the recommended water balance values.