Education

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Basic Water Chemistry: The 3 P’s of Pool Care

Room: 360 A

Free Session

Basic water chemistry is the core of everything we do as Pool Care Professionals. Understanding why we add chemicals, when we add chemicals, and how we add chemicals to take care of pools is the foundation of proper pool care. This course will focus on the 3 P's of Pool Care: 1) Prevent Disease 2) Protect Equipment 3) Provide the Expected Environment. We will explore water balance, pool care maintenance programs, as well as basic troubleshooting in order for attendees to leave this course armed with the knowledge to be effective pool care maintenance technicians

3 objectives:

  1. Understand the basics of water balance in a pool: pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and the Saturation Index
  2. Be able to create a pool care program that will deliver the 3 P's of Pool Care
  3. Understand the importance of sanitizing, oxidizing, algae control, and balance and be able to solve issues that arise in maintaining these water balance parameters.

Speaker

Alicia Stephens View Bio

Alicia Stephens

BIOLAB, Inc; A KIK CUSTOM PRODUCTS COMPA

Alicia Stephens is the Director of Training and Education for Biolab, Inc and leads all education and training initiatives for the Biolab Pro Dealer division. As a 24-year veteran of the industry, Alicia started her career in technical and product support, and built on that experience to focus her efforts on the education and training of both internal and external employees. You may have read one of the many articles Alicia has had published or attended one of her talks at an industry event

Alicia Stephens

8:00 am - 9:00 am

How to Avoid Unnecessary Callbacks

Room: 360 C

Free Session

Learn tips and tricks on how to not lose money in the form of time due to pesky callbacks that could have been avoided.

Standard tools used
Inspection of parts
Best practice

Speaker

William Pietri View Bio

William Pietri

pietriperfectpools@gmail.com

William entered the Aquatics industry in 1993, at 17 years old. He has worked his eay throughout the industry during his lifetime. Starting as a beachfront lifeguard in NYC then moving to swim instructor, coach, competition referee, lifeguard instructor, facilities director, and finally owner/operator at Pietri Perfect Pools, LLC, and IPSSA Austin/Region 9 Treasurer.

William Pietri

8:30 am - 10:00 am

GENESIS® C252: Science, Math, and Art: 3 Essential Ingredients for Installing Seamless, Long-lasting and Beautiful All Tile Pools. (1.5 Hours | 1 PHTA CEUs)

Room: 350 DE

Free Session

Take a journey through a series of all tile vessels as Greg Andrews shares several invaluable installation techniques he’s developed throughout his 40 year career as a tile installer.

Review proper material selection for your project, including Tile, Waterproofing, Mortar Mixes, Adhesives and Grouts

Learn to evaluate the shape and condition of the pool surface, and how to best prepare it for tile installation

Study several types of pool shapes and learn how to compartmentalize layout options and blend them together into a seamless installation.

Understand the importance of controlling the installation environment and review several viable options to keep temperature parameters within an acceptable range.

Speaker

Greg Andrews View Bio

Greg Andrews

Genesis

Greg Andrews is a nationally renowned and award-winning tile contractor and glass mosaic expert. Having completed some of the most intricate and detail-oriented pools in the country, he's well known for his mastery of pool tile installations. While still active in installations, Greg's focus in the past decade has gradually turned towards industry involvement in the form of teaching, lecturing, training, and consulting. He also manages a Pool Tile Technical Committee through National Tile and Stone Authority, a consulting firm that he co-founded. This level of involvement keeps Greg connected with top tiered tile installers and product manufacturers throughout the country, and up-to-date with the latest in product technology and installation techniques.

Greg Andrews

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Creating a Video-First Strategy for 24/7 Sales and Customer Service

Room: 360 C

Free Session

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, a Video-First strategy is essential for businesses to maximize their sales and customer service potential. This session will provide an in-depth exploration of how to implement a Video-First approach across various platforms and functions, from social media and search engine marketing to website conversions and customer service. Attendees will discover the power of video in creating engaging content for educational podcasts, automating appointment setting and sales, and enhancing reputation management through user-generated content. By adopting a Video-First strategy, businesses can ensure 24/7 customer engagement, improve lead conversion rates, and build a more authentic and trustworthy brand.

  1. Implement a Video-First Strategy through Social Media and Search Engine Marketing:
    Learn how to leverage video content to increase brand visibility and engagement on social media platforms. Understand the impact of video on search engine marketing and how it can drive more traffic and leads.
  2. Enhance Website Conversion Rates with a Video-First Approach:
    E xplore techniques to integrate video into your website to boost visitor engagement and conversion rates. Discover best practices for creating compelling video content that drives action.
  3. Utilize Video for Customer Service and Reputation Management:
    Learn how to use video for effective customer service interactions, including appointment setting and sales automation. Understand the role of user-generated video content in enhancing reputation management, building trust, and authenticity with your audience.

Speaker

Pam Vinje View Bio

Pam Vinje

Small Screen Producer

Pam Vinje is the CEO of Small Screen Producer’s Pool Marketing Site. Pam is a long-standing frequent speaker at industry shows and is a content resource for industry publications. Since 2009 her firm has been a well-respected digital marketing presence in the pool and spa industry. Creative at the core, and a tech geek at heart, she leads an innovative digital marketing team that enables her clients to stay ahead of the curve.

Pam Vinje

10:15 am - 11:45 am

GENESIS® D166: A Simulated First Meeting: How to Decode what the Client Shows You, into what the Client Actually Wants. (1.5 Hours | 1 PHTA CEUs)

Room: 350 DE

Free Session

Whether influencer driven or highly individual, your potential clients have a design style that you will need to quickly connect with to get the contract. Demonstrating that you can see their vision as clearly as they do will help you stand apart from the competition. In this session you will watch a renowned designer be put spontaneously on the spot with live-reveal back-yard inspirations for 2 different client’s visions and styles. The designer will give her impromptu responses and insights and will teach you how to link the dream design and current space and talk about how to book the gig. Join us for this walk-through simulation and learn how to nail improvised feedback as if you have been preparing for weeks.

Identify patterns and priorities in a client’s dream design

Adapt your pitch based on real-time feedback and current conditions

Implement your experience and design intuition into sales

Forecast the predictive expectations of style and taste and convert it into sales

Speaker

Kate Wiseman, MLA View Bio

Kate Wiseman, MLA

Wiseman is the principal landscape designer at Sage Outdoor Designs, a firm specializing in beautiful residential landscapes in Southern California. Her designs have been widely published both locally and nationally, and she has been recognized in San Diego Home and Garden Lifestyles “Gardens of the Year” contest four times, including the grand-prize winning design in 2007.

Kate Wiseman, MLA

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Hazard Communication & Hazardous Materials for Pool Pros

Room: 360 C

Free Session

Identify the employer’s responsibilities under the HCS, including training requirements. Identify components of a Hazard Communication program. Describe requirements of the different types of Hazard Communication labels. Locate pertinent information about chemicals on labels, including other forms of hazard communication, to ensure “right to understanding” provisions of GHS requirements. Given current OSHA and industry information regarding construction worksite illnesses, injuries, and/or fatalities, the student will be able to describe preventative/protective measures for hazardous materials found in the workplace.

Explore employer responsibilities with respect to the Hazard Communication Standard.
Identify types of hazardous materials and how exposures can occur in order to reduce injury or death.
Discuss how the Globally Harmonized System has been developed to protect workers when using products developed and distributed worldwide.

Speaker

Lauren Broom View Bio

Lauren Broom

Space Coast Pool School, LLC

Lauren Broom is an Authorized Certified Pool Operator Course (CPO)® Instructor through the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. She is the owner of Space Coast Pool School, LLC for the past 11 years. She attended the University of Central Florida where she received her Bachelors in Biology. She also hold current designation as a Registered Sanitarian (certification in public health). She has 17 years experience in the inspection of commercial pools in Florida as a commercial public pool inspector from the

Lauren Broom

8:00 am - 9:30 am

GENESIS® C310: Advanced Tile Cutting Techniques for Pools, Spas, and Water Features (1.5 Hours | 1 PHTA CEUs)

Room: 350 DE

Free Session

This course will explore the sometimes daunting task of cutting tile in pools, particularly all tile vessels where cutting around pipes or negotiating depth changes, curvatures, and corners can offer unique challenges.

Gain an understanding of essential tools required for properly cutting glass and porcelain tile, including diamond blades, core drills, polishing disks, sanding disks, scoring wheels, carbide nippers, and more.
Learn how to pre-mount and cut sheets of tile into drain covers, skimmers, and other applications for easy and universal placement.
Acquire the skills necessary to template and cut around fittings using core bits for precise circular cuts.
Learn how to cut and seam together the curvatures in the floor/wall transition of all tile pools.

Speaker

Greg Andrews View Bio

Greg Andrews

Genesis

Greg Andrews is a nationally renowned and award-winning tile contractor and glass mosaic expert. Having completed some of the most intricate and detail-oriented pools in the country, he's well known for his mastery of pool tile installations. While still active in installations, Greg's focus in the past decade has gradually turned towards industry involvement in the form of teaching, lecturing, training, and consulting. He also manages a Pool Tile Technical Committee through National Tile and Stone Authority, a consulting firm that he co-founded. This level of involvement keeps Greg connected with top tiered tile installers and product manufacturers throughout the country, and up-to-date with the latest in product technology and installation techniques.

Greg Andrews

9:45 am - 11:15 am

GENESIS® E106: Hiring an Engineer Without Remorse (1.5 Hours | 1 PHTA CEUs)

Room: 350 DE

Free Session

Not every backyard swimming pool and spa project needs the attention of an engineer but occasionally a builder finds himself over his head with soil foundation issues, cantilevered structures, pier supported pools, deep fills, adjacent structures, complex hydraulics, logistical issues such as remote access, elevated pool structures, and other, more complicated issues. This brief 1-hour seminar takes students through the ins and outs of hiring a consulting engineer to assist with swimming pool and spa design. Items discussed will include the qualifications a pool professional should look for in an engineer, the types of engineers and firms that routinely take on swimming pool engagements, fee structures, professional liability insurance and division of responsibility.  And finally, we will discuss training your engineer for your individual type of pool work and building relationships for the long-term.  

Develop for the student a personal criterion for when an engineer is necessary and when one is not.

Investigate the process of finding and vetting engineering professionals on the basis of their experience and qualifications.

Prepare builders to discuss contractual arrangements and fees with engineers.

Enable builders to create a plan for building a relationship with an engineer or firm by cooperative training specifically in the types and locations in which the builder specializes.

Speaker

Terry Brannon, P.E View Bio

Terry Brannon, P.E

Genesis Speaker

Terry Brannon, P.E., GENESIS Engineering Faculty Chair: Terry Brannon began his career in public works, beginning with the cities of Irving and Tyler in Texas before founding The Brannon Corporation. He continues to specialize in public works projects, but the firm has carved out an aquatic niche using their expertise in water conveyance and treatment and structural design. Brannon is registered in 23 states as a licensed professional engineer. Now in semi-retirement from the engineering consulting business—50 years total in engineering and 40 years in aquatics—Brannon keeps himself busy sharing his experiences by writing and training engineers and contractors in the design and construction of aquatic facilities from public fountains, to splash pads, water parks, competition venues, lakes and streams, and private pools. He continues as a consultant to various construction management companies, hotels and resorts, municipalities, and branches of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Terry Brannon, P.E

8:45 am - 9:45 am

Heat Pump Pool Heaters Demystified and Simplified

Room: 360 A

Free Session

What IS a heat pump anyway? How do they work? What's so great about them? Attendees at this seminar will learn all this and much more as we explore the future of pool heating WITHOUT burning gas. Many parts of the country are moving toward eliminating gas-burning appliances, and Heat Pump technology is the most efficient replacement. However, it’s not a direct replacement for gas burners. Come and learn what they do and what you and your customers can expect.

  • How heat pumps work
  • heat pump pros and cons
  • managing customer expectations

Speaker

Dave Stanat View Bio

Dave Stanat

Dave Stanat has been a dedicated professional in the swimming pool industry since 1983, bringing over 40 years of diverse experience in chemical sales, service and repair, distribution, and technical service. Currently, as a Regional Training and Service Manager for Raypak, Dave oversees the ASP Network and Training in the Central Region. Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Dave has been happily married for 34 years and enjoys spending quality time with his family, including his four grandchildren. He has a passion for cooking, tinkering with various projects, and stargazing with his telescope!

Dave Stanat

8:45 am - 9:45 am

In the Field Best Practices Getting From Gunite to Plaster

Room: 350 F

Free Session

When managing pool renovations, it’s vital to understand the practical process of taking the vessel back to the gunite stage and creating a proper new surface for your customer. In this session, Edgar Sanchez of Modern Method Gunite will not only examine how they manage the process but also provide practical insights on what steps MMG takes to ensure the vessel is prepared properly, what products and tools are utilized, and how they manage the installation. This session is designed for anyone who is currently handling renovations or interested in learning practical tips from in-the-field installers.

  • Discuss the process used to prepare the pool for renovations.
  • Examine best practices to ensure the surface is ready for application.
  • Review common tools used and how to apply the finish properly.

Speaker

Edgar Sanchez View Bio

Edgar Sanchez

Modern Method Gunite

Edgar Sanchez leads Modern Method Gunite with an unparalleled passion for excellence. Believing in a TEAM (Trust, Excellence, Attitude and Motivation) culture, he ensures his employees carry MMG's values: family, quality, and the promise to go above and beyond. As COO of the largest gunite contractor in Houston and largest PebbleTec applicator globally, Sanchez is a Baylor University and Harvard Executive Education graduate and has held leadership positions with numerous organizations.

Edgar Sanchez

10:00 am - 11:00 am

How to Create Content for your Pool Company for your Website, Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook

Room: 360 B

Free Session

Are you struggling to create content on your website and all the different social media websites? We will show you shortcuts to creating content for your website, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. We will show you where to find the content and how to make sure it is original to you and your company. We will show you how to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools and also other mediums to create that content. We will also show you how to discover trends quickly so you can create content related to those trends.

  1. Show how to use google scholars, podcast and youtube as inspiration for content for your website and social media.
  2. Show how to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools for original ideas.
  3. Show how to create content by following trends on social media.

Speakers

Dan Eby View Bio

Dan Eby

Master Plus Marketing

Dan Eby has 20 years of experience in SEO (Search Engine Optimization). He has social media marketing experience with over 16 years of experience in internet marketing in the pool industry. He has worked in digital marketing on both the pool supply and along with pool builders and pool services for those 16 years. Dan has worked on over 1000 websites. Dan has also worked with pool builders in different cities so he understands the difference between different markets.

Dan Eby

Yamilete Walton View Bio

Yamilete Walton

Faber

Yamilete Walton has worked in marketing for 6 years. She has a degree in psychology giving her an understanding of how marketing works along with human behavior. Yamilete works with social media with Distinct Stone Solutions with experience in Tiktok. She engages with both the English and Spanish community. Yamilete has worked extensively with contractors, end users and distributors in order to assist them in their marketing efforts.

Yamilete Walton

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Chlorine Generators

Room: 360 C

Free Session

This presentation will cover the basics of chlorine generators beginning with how they operate to convert pool water with salt into chlorinated water.

Understand how chlorine generators utilize electrolysis in order to produce chlorinated water.
Understand the chemistry of chlorine generation
Perform basic troubleshooting of a Jandy chlorine generator

Speaker

Kevin Poe View Bio

Kevin Poe

Fluidra

Kevin Poe began his love of pools and water at an early age. His career in the pool industry began in 1992 in Greenville, SC. That first job followed by a Repair Department Manager position in the Lowcountry of SC. He joined Fluidra in 2011 as a Territory Service Manager based in TN. He joined Fluidra Pro Academy in January of 2020 as a Regional Trainer.

Kevin Poe

9:15 am - 10:15 am

How to Offer Pool Financing & Increase Sales

Room: 360 B

Free Session

Nearly 75% of all home improvement projects over $2,500 are financed: Is financing a tool your business is utilizing? Learn in easy-to-understand terms from a veteran of both the pool and finance industries why offering financing to every customer is crucial to your success, now more than ever. Joe Garcia explains how to leverage loan options for your customers to increase their buying power (and your sales)! Discover how to adjust your sales strategy to increase your lead-to-sale and sell-to-dig ratios without high-pressure tactics. Turn prospective pool customers into pool buyers with these insightful tips!

  • Learn the importance of financing in today’s economic climate
  • Learn how offering financing to your customers can increase your average ticket size and overall sales to grow your business
  • Learn how to seamlessly incorporate financing into your sales pitch without awkward, high-pressure sales tactics

Speaker

Joe Garcia View Bio

Joe Garcia

Lyon Financial

Joe Garcia is the Sr. Business Development Manager of National Sales for Lyon Financial. He has extensive experience in both the pool and finance industries, having previously served as Sales Director for the Dallas location of one of the country's top pool franchises, in addition to being the Home Equity Area Relationship Manager at Capital One and Vice President/Bank Center Manager at Chase. He is a Dallas native, where he resides with his wife and children.

Joe Garcia

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Chemical Conflicts & How to Avoid Them

Room: 360 A

Free Session

Do you know all the side effects of each product used in your pools? Most pool pros are unaware of the potential chemical conflicts that can be created in everyday pool care. Some chemical conflicts are very dangerous, while others may be costly nuisances. Come learn about which chemicals are compatible with each other and which ones are not. This class will cover best-known practices for handling, transporting, and storing chemicals. It will also share alternatives to common conflicting chemicals and practices.

  1. Distinguish between primary and secondary chemicals
  2. Identify potential hazards in work vehicles based on how chemicals are stored and secured
  3. Learn compatible alternatives to common chemical conflicts and costly bad practices

Speaker

Ryan Rickaby View Bio

Ryan Rickaby

HASA/Orenda

Ryan Rickaby grew up in Southern California in the family pool business. He has over thirty years of experience in the pool industry - everything from servicing pools, working retail to chemical sales. Ryan transitioned into chemical sales while in Southern California and eventually moved to the Texas market in 2014. He loves teaching people about water chemistry and how to be successful in the pool business.

Ryan Rickaby

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Conflictos quimicos y como evitarlos (This Session Will Be Presented In Spanish)

Room: 360 A

Free Session

Sabe acaso el impacto que pueden tener cada uno de los químicos que utiliza para el mantenimiento semanal en sus piscinas? Algunos químicos son conflictivos entre si y dejan subproductos y a veces contaminantes a largo plazo. Aprenda más acerca de las mejores practicas de uso, manejo y almacenamiento de los productos químicos populares en esta clase.

Learning objectives:
Distinguir entre químicos primarios y secundarios
Identificar los peligros y riesgos que se pueden presentar a la hora de manejar los productos químicos de piscina
Aprender acerca de las diferentes alternativas para evitar conflictos químicos y costosos daños

Speaker

Miguel Chavez View Bio

Miguel Chavez

HASA/Orenda

Miguel Chavez has led the Spanish Educational Program for Orenda Technologies since 2021. He is passionate about chemistry, swimming and recreational water activities. He had a very successful swimming career that spanned for over 18 years. This allowed him to attend college in the United States and also represent his home country Mexico in the international swimming stage.

Miguel Chavez

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Hot Water Chemistry: It’s Not Just a Little Pool

Room: 360 C

Free Session

This presentation will focus on nuances of spa water chemistry, highlighting the differences in chemistry between spas and pools. Topics of discussion will include the impact of aeration, volume, temperature, and bather load as well as the challenges associated with balancing in a hot water environment. Recreational water illnesses common to spas will also be discussed, with a focus on how to prevent problems from occurring.

3 objectives:

  1. Identify differences in pool and spa chemistry and learn how to compensate for those differences in a spa.
  2. Learn the importance of water balance and how to manage the spa chemistry to protect bathers from illness and maximize efficiency.
  3. Learn troubleshooting techniques for common spa problems

Speaker

Alicia Stephens View Bio

Alicia Stephens

BIOLAB, Inc; A KIK CUSTOM PRODUCTS COMPA

Alicia Stephens is the Director of Training and Education for Biolab, Inc and leads all education and training initiatives for the Biolab Pro Dealer division. As a 24-year veteran of the industry, Alicia started her career in technical and product support, and built on that experience to focus her efforts on the education and training of both internal and external employees. You may have read one of the many articles Alicia has had published or attended one of her talks at an industry event

Alicia Stephens

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Algae: The Good, The Bad, It’s Ugly

Room: 360 A

Free Session

Algae is something that pool professionals deal with routinely in pool care maintenance. The pool industry has several options for products and programs to treat algae, or better yet to prevent it from occurring. This course will of focus on the science of algae, highlighted by recent research that explains resistant algae and why some treatments are more effective than others. Upon completion, participants will understand how and why algae grows in pools, as well as have a comprehensive understanding of how to treat and prevent it.

3 objectives:

  1. Understand how and why algae grows in pools
  2. Be familiar with the different types of algae that are found in pools and their characteristics
  3. Be able to effectively prevent or treat all types of algae that are found in pools by effectively identifying the correct course of treatment necessary.

Speaker

Alicia Stephens View Bio

Alicia Stephens

BIOLAB, Inc; A KIK CUSTOM PRODUCTS COMPA

Alicia Stephens is the Director of Training and Education for Biolab, Inc and leads all education and training initiatives for the Biolab Pro Dealer division. As a 24-year veteran of the industry, Alicia started her career in technical and product support, and built on that experience to focus her efforts on the education and training of both internal and external employees. You may have read one of the many articles Alicia has had published or attended one of her talks at an industry event

Alicia Stephens

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Staining, Scaling and Discoloration

Room: 360 A

Free Session

Ever wonder where and how some of the stains, build-up and discolorations we get in our pools and spas? How do you identify them? How do we remove them and maybe more importantly, how can we prevent them from coming back? Join Tim Berry from Jack's Magic to learn the scenarios and catalysts for such occurrences, general characteristics, and preventative maintenance that will set you apart and add value to your service.

Learn and understand different water balance scenarios that are the catalyst for staining in swimming pools.

  • Learn and understand the general characteristics and differences between organic and inorganic stains.
  • Learn and understand how being proactive vs. reactive in your preventative maintenance sets you apart from other industry professionals.

Speaker

Timothy Berry View Bio

Timothy Berry

Jack's Magic Inc.

Tim Berry has worked in the pool and spa industry for 32 years. After working for a spa store through college, he joined Leslie's Poolmart in 1995 and managed stores in Palm Springs, CA as well as Texas. In 2004, he joined BioLab, Inc. selling dealer direct as District Manager for the South Texas, Southern Louisiana and Central Mississippi. In early 2021, he was hired by Jack's Magic Inc. for N. Texas, AR and OK. His theatre performance background serves him well as a public speaker.

Timothy Berry

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Watershape University Construction 4231: ASA Best Practices for Shotcrete (1 Hours/.10 CEU)

Room: 351 DE

Free Session

This in-depth program details the requirement established by the American Concrete Institute, American Shotcrete Association and other organizations for concrete structures and shotcrete. The ASA contributes to the development of the ACI codes, which include shotcrete-specific guidelines and position statements designed to help ensure proper placement and overall strength. Students will examine the important requirements of ACI Shotcrete Nozzleman Certification.

  1. Define code requirements for shotcrete found in the International Building Code, the American Concrete Institute 318 & 350.
  2. Review American Shotcrete Association’s guidelines and position statements.
  3. Discuss design, engineering, details, overview of parameters needed in place before, during, and after shooting takes place.
  4. Examine nozzleman certification.

Speakers

Bill Drakeley, ACI, ASA, IWI View Bio

Bill Drakeley, ACI, ASA, IWI

Watershape

William Drakeley is an award-winning shotcrete technologist specializing in concrete science and construction, particularly shotcrete applications, techniques and standards, with thirty years (+) experience in shotcrete installation, waterfeature and geotech design and construction. Services include consultation and review, training and testing and expert testimony. He’s principal and founder of Drakeley Pool Company, a luxury design and build firm based in New England; and, Drakeley Industries, an international consulting firm focusing on shotcrete applications and techniques, notably providing training for the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority underground tunneling projects. An educator and advocate for high industry standards, Bill has most recently developed and launched Watershape University (WU) with colleague David Peterson, P.E. to provide the highest quality of live instruction of business, design, engineering and construction programs to students of all levels of pool, spa, aquatics and outdoor living sectors. Bill has conducted trainings for the Colorado School of Mines, the American Society of Landscape Architects (CT), World of Concrete, GENESIS3 Aqua Show, NESPA, and others. His technical writings have been widely published in trade magazines and e- publications.

Bill Drakeley, ACI, ASA, IWI

Charles Hanskat View Bio

Charles Hanskat

American Shotcrete Association

Charles Hanskat, P.E., is the Executive and Technical Director of the American Shotcrete Association. A licensed professional engineer with 40 years of experience in design, construction, evaluation, and repair of concrete and shotcrete structures, he is a prominent figure in the industry. Hanskat serves as Chair of ACI’s Strategic Development Council, ASTM C09.46 Committee on Shotcrete, and is a Board member of ACI. A past President of the American Shotcrete Association (2014), he actively contributes to numerous ACI technical and certification committees. He is a fellow of ACI, ASCE, and FES and has held leadership roles in FES and NSPE. Hanskat is also a member of ASA, ASCC, AREMA, ASTM, ICRI, and SDC.  

Charles Hanskat

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Residential Swimming Pool Lighting Design

Room: 360 B

Free Session

This course will dive into the best practices for residential swimming pool lighting design.

Identify where lights should be placed in a residential pool
Identify the effects of colored pool surface on how well the light travels
Identify where not to place lights in a swimming pool.

Speaker

Kevin Poe View Bio

Kevin Poe

Fluidra

Kevin Poe began his love of pools and water at an early age. His career in the pool industry began in 1992 in Greenville, SC. That first job followed by a Repair Department Manager position in the Lowcountry of SC. He joined Fluidra in 2011 as a Territory Service Manager based in TN. He joined Fluidra Pro Academy in January of 2020 as a Regional Trainer.

Kevin Poe

9:15 am - 11:15 am

Watershape University WU C2921: Profiling Outstanding Projects Start to Finish (2.0 hours / .2 CEU)

Room: 351 DE

Free Session

WU’s Project Profile Track highlights outstanding and unique work presented by the industry’s leading designers and builders. The instructor will profile one or more projects, explaining why certain decisions were made in both design and construction, showing photos of work in progress to share construction methodoligies, potential pitfalls, and discussing lessons learned.

  1. Review high-end residential project profiles.Examine, project conditions, client expectations and design challenges.
  2. Describe the collaborative process with clients and other project team members.
  3. List design changes, engineering considerations, project limitations, design and detail execution.
  4. Discuss completed projects and learning experiences/takeaways.

Speaker

Ben Lasseter, IWI View Bio

Ben Lasseter, IWI

Design Ecology Austin

As Partner and Director of Construction, Benjamin is responsible for bringing Design Ecology’s designs to life. He oversees all construction projects from planning to completion while managing a skilled team of craftsmen to provide unparalleled attention to detail. After earning his B.S. in Horticulture at Texas A&M Benjamin gained valuable experience working as Assistant Superintendent on one of the nation’s top resort golf courses. He moved on to manage the construction division of a landscape architecture firm for 4 years where he built luxury estate landscapes and pools. Benjamin opened his own landscape design and construction company in early 2009 & joined with Scott Cummings, RLA, ASLA and CB in 2010 to form Design Ecology.

Ben Lasseter, IWI

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Keeping your Swimming Pool Business out of Legal Hot Water – Practical Advice from the Litigation Battlefield

Room: 360 B

Free Session

Where does your legal responsibility begin and end when you enter a backyard to service a pool? Are you aware that you may be liable for issues you never imagined? Are you using the simple procedures that can limit your liability and provide you with a legal defense? Ray Arouesty has been a leading insurance broker and attorney involved in the swimming pool business for over 40 years. He will focus on the ways service techs can protect themselves prior to an insurance claim or lawsuit.

The attendees should:

  1. Recognize that their responsiblity may be greater than they think;
  2. Understand that written documentation, including a service contract, will increase their chances of winning lawsuit; and
  3. Learn to listen to their client's complaints before the lawyers get involved

Speaker

Ray Arouesty View Bio

Ray Arouesty

Arrow Insurance/HUB International

Ray Arouesty is the endorsed insurance provider to IPSSA since 1988 and the endorsed insurance provider to the National Plasterers Council (NPC) and the Swimming Pool Association of Hawaii (SPAH). He practiced law for over 30 years in California and has handled over 3000 swimming pool related claims. His articles have appeared in Service Industry News, Aqua, Pool & Spa News and other industry publications. He was a licensed contractor and is water chemistry certified by IPSSA.

Ray Arouesty

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Requirement Based Selling & Employee Development – Stand Out above the Competition

Room: 360 A

Free Session

Avoid being caught in the "Sea of Sameness" when it comes to the services and/or products your company provides. Stand out from the competition by expanding your value to your customers and making that a requirement for them if they were to use your product or service. Requirement based selling helps narrow their decision based of the customer expectations to JUST YOU! An amazing team of well hired and developed employees is a key component to achieve this level and how you develop each team member to exceed customer expectations is invaluable to your success!

Rise above the competition
Re-sell your value to the customer on a regular basis
Well Developed Team members is the key to success

Speaker

Brant Magruder View Bio

Brant Magruder

American Pool of Houston

I have been in the pool management industry in the Greater Houston area since 1997. From a lifeguard, area supervisor, director, then an executive for the past 15 years, the growth and change in our industry has been phenomenal. The areas I feel is most rewarding and important is employee development and customer relationships. In growing with 3 companies at as an executive, the areas of Requirement Based Selling to clients is essential to growth and customer retention.

Brant Magruder

8:15 am - 10:15 am

Swimming Pool Water Techniques with Basecrete: A Hands-On Class

Room: 351 F

Free Session

Welcome to our hands-on class focused on swimming pool water techniques with Basecrete! In this comprehensive session, we will cover essential aspects such as proper waterproofing techniques, and the importance of waterproofing along with its numerous benefits for swimming pools.
To ensure the longevity and durability of swimming pools, it's crucial to understand the properties of waterproofing and how it interacts with pool water. Our class will delve into various testing methods for basecrete including chemical analysis, stress tests, and water immersion tests. Participants will learn how to interpret test results and make informed decisions about the suitability of specific pool applications.

Proper Waterproofing Techniques
All of Basecrete testing
Why we should waterproof and the benefits of it

Speakers

Heather Linton View Bio

Heather Linton

Integrity Consultants, LLC

From business strategies to best practices, Heather Linton has over fifteen years of developing and perfecting tools to succeed in our industry. Her business knowledge comes from real-world experience, rather than the standard “book” learning. Over the last 15 years, she has been honored to walk alongside people who have become true friends while we work together to achieve our business goals and has learned from top individuals in our industry.

Heather Linton

Chris Linton View Bio

Chris Linton

Country Leisure

Chris, with a wealth of expertise in repairs, building, construction, electrical work, and remote diagnostics, Chris is the cornerstone of our operations. His exceptional skills extend to customer relations, adeptly handling difficult situations and clients with a calm, solution-focused approach. Chris excels in project management, networking, sales, and providing clear direction, ensuring every project is a success. Holding a TLDR electrical license for TX

Chris Linton

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

La química fácil de Bob W. Lowry para piscinas residenciales

Room: 360 A

Free Session

Clase originalmente creada por Robert W. Lowry, que en paz descanse, fundador del Instituto de Capacitación en Química de Piscinas. Esta clase es una visión general de la química de piscinas residenciales durante las temperaturas de uso (en temporada alta). Esta clase abarca cómo el agua reacciona a los diferentes productos químicos y los fundamentos de química que todo profesional de piscinas necesita saber para tener éxito.

  • Poder explicar la diferencia y los conceptos entre química de rango, y el equilibrio del agua
  • Entender la relación entre el cloro y el ácido isocianurico.
  • Entender el pH y la alcalinidad, y los factores que pueden influenciarlos.

Speaker

Miguel Chavez View Bio

Miguel Chavez

HASA/Orenda

Miguel Chavez has led the Spanish Educational Program for Orenda Technologies since 2021. He is passionate about chemistry, swimming and recreational water activities. He had a very successful swimming career that spanned for over 18 years. This allowed him to attend college in the United States and also represent his home country Mexico in the international swimming stage.

Miguel Chavez

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Large Format Porcelain Panels in Pools

Room: 351F

Free Session

Learn about the big trend moving towards large format porcelain panels in pools. We will take you through a visual tour of a factory showcasing how they are made, and then to hearing from one of the top 50 builders in the USA, Bo Barnett of KB Custom Pools of Austin TX who has now completed many projects utilizing these large format tiles. You will get see the unique processes required for the installation of, and then hearing firsthand what has been learned from KB Custom Pools first large format project to their latest. Important learnings as to what to expect, and what not to do with these tile panels that can come up to 6'x 10' in size. This is the most innovative trend in pool tile and a do not miss presentation.

Large format tiles
How to select and prepare for these gigantic panels and how to install.

Speaker

Curt Rapp View Bio

Curt Rapp

Tile Doctor

Curt Rapp, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Tile Doctor, has more than 40 years tile industry experience and is recognized within the industry for his extensive knowledge. Tile Doctor is one of the most innovative companies in the industry. 2-time winner of the internationally recognized Edison Award for Innovation.

Curt Rapp

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Watershape University WU S3721: Expanding your Pool Construction Business: Adding Pool Maintenance Services (1.0 Hours/.1 CEU)

Room: 351 DE

Free Session

Many builders have added maintenance services to their portfolio because it provides regular cash flow and they protect their own projects for several years instead of handing it over to unqualified service companies before the plaster has even cured. Are maintenance services part of your business plan in the future? It should be considered if you are worried about cash flow and the next economic downturn. This course will outline some strategies to get started.

  1. Discuss integrating pool maintenance services into your existing business model, including the necessary equipment, staffing, and training requirements.
  2. Identify three clear, potential paths to get started in the service sector and the pros and cons of each.
  3. List the long-term benefits of adding maintenance services to your construction company — there are more than you think!

Speaker

Chris Volk, IWI

Chris Volk, IWI

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Watershape University Business 1325: Modern Challenges for the Pool Industry, 2025 and Beyond (1 Hour/.10 CEU)

Room: 351 DE

Free Session

This unique session is based on a 2024 survey of more than 500 pool industry business owners across the U.S. who were “What are the top concerns you are facing right now?” Presented by Brett Abbott, industry marketing consultant and founder of Pool Builder Marketing and Dane Wiseman, industry digital marketing specialist, this
presentation will review respondent’s top industry concerns, and share the specific recommendations for plotting today’s course into an uncertain tomorrow.

  1. Discuss shrinking lead flow and ineffective prospect generation
  2. Examine the effects of high interest rates, economic uncertainly and international
  3. Consider shrinking markets and how to integrate alternative markets
  4. Explore the impact and opportunities offered by artificial intelligence

Speakers

Brett Abbott View Bio

Brett Abbott

Pool Builder Marketing LLC

Brett is the founder and head marketing guru at Pool Builder Marketing LLC, a marketing company that helps pool builders, pool service companies, and high-end landscape professionals SELL MORE while SPENDING LESS on marketing and advertising – regardless of the economy. The team has been implementing advanced marketing and sales strategies, tactics and techniques exclusively for the pool industry all over the world for more than 15 years.

More info at www.PoolBuilderMarketing.com.

Brett Abbott

Dane Wiseman View Bio

Dane Wiseman

Dane Wiseman is the Chief Marketing Officer at Cyberfunnels, a Florida-based digital marketing firm dedicated to helping pool builders enhance their sales and promotions. A seasoned marketing expert and adjunct instructor at New York University, Dane brings 12 years of experience in digital marketing, analytics, and demand generation, including eight years in leadership roles across media and marketing industries. As a Watershape University instructor, he shares his expertise to empower professionals in the pool industry.  

Dane Wiseman

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Variable Speed Pump Setup and Compliance with ANSI, APSP-15

Room: 360 A

Free Session

This presentation will dive into the ANSI, APSP-15 Energy Savings Standard and how it applies to residential pools. We will go through the exercise of calculating the flow in a variable speed pump at a given rpm and follow that with how to calculate the flow at different rpms. We will high level discuss how this applies to pipe size and hydraulics.

Determine the appropriate flow through a pool system
Calculate the rpm required to maintain that flow rate
Perform an energy audit of the pool after setting the flow rates

Speaker

Kevin Poe View Bio

Kevin Poe

Fluidra

Kevin Poe began his love of pools and water at an early age. His career in the pool industry began in 1992 in Greenville, SC. That first job followed by a Repair Department Manager position in the Lowcountry of SC. He joined Fluidra in 2011 as a Territory Service Manager based in TN. He joined Fluidra Pro Academy in January of 2020 as a Regional Trainer.

Kevin Poe

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Water Testing Just Makes “Cents”

Room: 360 B

Free Session

Are chemical costs hurting your pocket? This course explores the applications of water testing and teaches you how to get the most out of your water testing experience to optimize three important things – money, time, and reputation!

  1. Understand how water testing contributes to your profitability, your efficiency, and your reputation
  2. Learn how to properly utilize and interpret your test results in order to make the best treatment decisions for your customer
  3. Explore the best practices for using and storing water testing products to get more accurate and reliable results

Speakers

Rachel Rutter View Bio

Rachel Rutter

Taylor Water Technologies LLC

A graduate of West Virginia University’s Chemistry and Forensic Science programs, Rachel Rutter brings a knowledge of chemistry and attention to detail to the table. In 2020, Rachel began working for Taylor Water Technologies LLC as a chemist in the R&D Laboratory and became a Certified Pool Operator®. Shortly after, Rachel joined the Product Management team where she works closely with all departments to provide customers with the best products and solutions to their complex testing needs.

Rachel Rutter

Chris Golden View Bio

Chris Golden

Taylor Water Technologies LLC

Since 1989 Chris Golden has been involved in water treatment industries. With a degree in chemical engineering from Lehigh University, Chris worked as a field consultant for industrial facilities’ water systems for over 16 years. He trained other water treaters and taught seminars on water treatment principles to coworkers and customers. Chris joined the Pool and Spa industry in 2011 and has presented at the INTERNATIONAL POOL | SPA | PATIO EXPO, several regional shows, and distributor shows.

Chris Golden

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Stop Wasting Money on Marketing: How to Use the Power of Story to Grow Your Business

Room: 360 A

Free Session

If you’re like most businesses, you’re fed up with spending money on marketing that doesn’t work. If you knew what to do differently, you would—but you don’t, so you feel stuck. Meanwhile, sales are lagging, and you feel discouraged.

Here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to be that way. In this talk, Morether owner and founder Daniel Palmer—a StoryBrand Certified Guide—will share seven simple marketing principles proven to engage customers and grow businesses. You’ll walk away knowing how to capture your customers’ attention and compel them to buy.

Stop worrying about your marketing and get back to winning in the marketplace.

Learn how to write the right words to communicate your offer effectively.
Learn to position yourself to solve your customers' problems.
Learn a framework to apply to all communication from you business, e.g, marketing, sales, customer service, and more.
Learn a content framework to apply to your website, email, social media, and ad messaging.

Speaker

Daniel Palmer View Bio

Daniel Palmer

Morether

After 20+ years working in nonprofits and marketing, Daniel founded Morether to fight for the underdogs (like the Cowboys, every season). Today, he's become an ally to hundreds of businesses in the retail and service industry battling for sustainable, profitable growth.

Daniel Palmer

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Understanding Chlorination

Room: 360 C

Free Session

Water chemistry can be a little boring. But in this class, we will make it fun and easy to learn on what happens when chlorine meets water. Learn about CYA and chlorine effectiveness as well as how much chlorine is needed to really prevent algae. We will explore the different types and strengths of chlorine as well as importance of free chlorine. Finally, we will discuss shocking and what are you really shocking for.

  1. Learn how each type of chlorine reacts when added to water.
  2. Learn how the active chlorine (HOCI) kills and oxidizes contaminants to keep water safe, clean and clear.
  3. Learn the impact of cyanuric acid on chlorination.

Speaker

Ryan Rickaby View Bio

Ryan Rickaby

HASA/Orenda

Ryan Rickaby grew up in Southern California in the family pool business. He has over thirty years of experience in the pool industry - everything from servicing pools, working retail to chemical sales. Ryan transitioned into chemical sales while in Southern California and eventually moved to the Texas market in 2014. He loves teaching people about water chemistry and how to be successful in the pool business.

Ryan Rickaby

9:45 am - 11:15 am

The State of Pool Service 2025: Insights, Priorities, and Challenges

Room: 360 D

Free Session

The 2024 State of Pool Service Industry Report was the largest pool and spa service and repair survey ever conducted, containing comprehensive survey data from over 1,700 pool service professionals, platform data aggregated from the activity of over 25,000 users, and market research from the pool service industry. In this session, we'll cover data from the new 2025 State of Pool Service Industry Report, including:

* Anonymized service pricing data from over 700,000 pools in the US
* Comprehensive survey data collected from pool service businesses
* Trends in business models, labor, and business operations
* Priorities and challenges for 2025
* Opportunities for growth in areas like technology and digital marketing

 

Attendees will:
Gain an understanding of the top priorities and challenges in the pool service industry
Understand trends in pool service pricing, business operations, labor, and business models
Take away actionable tips to ensure success in 2025

Speakers

Niki Acosta View Bio

Niki Acosta

Skimmer

Niki Acosta is the Director of Marketing at Skimmer and host of “Between Two Stops,” a podcast to help pool service and repair companies build great businesses. A seasoned podcast and webinar host, she’s also been a featured guest on several industry podcasts including Let’s Talk About Pools, Talking Pools, the Pool Magazine Podcast, and The Pool Guy Podcast Show. When she’s not empowering pool professionals to build great businesses, you’ll find Niki enjoying the outdoors in Austin, Texas.

Niki Acosta

Halli Sanchez View Bio

Halli Sanchez

Skimmer

Halli Sanchez is a Customer Success Manager at Skimmer, a leading software company for pool service professionals. A Houston native, Halli brings over a decade of experience in the pool service industry. Prior to joining Skimmer in 2023, she owned and operated a successful pool service business in Houston, Texas. Her hands-on industry expertise and passion for helping others now drive her commitment to supporting Skimmer’s customers as they streamline operations, grow their businesses, and achieve success.
In her spare time, Halli enjoys being outdoors, traveling to national parks, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.

Halli Sanchez

10:30 am - 11:30 am

The 2025 Playbook: Must-Have: Digital Marketing Tactics For Builders, Service and Retailers

Room: 360 C

Free Session

Staying abreast of the latest digital marketing game changers is crucial in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. It equips businesses with the tools and strategies they need to stay competitive, engage effectively with their target audience, and drive growth. In an era where technology is constantly reshaping the rules of engagement, understanding these innovations is not just an advantage, but a necessity for survival and success. In this session you will uncover the top technology and content-driven game-changers to increase revenue and stay front of mind.

  1. Discover Google and Bing’s latest Artificial intelligence rollouts and how they impact your business.
  2. Explore the latest platform changes from Meta, Instagram and TikTok and how to prepare.
  3. Get the latest text messaging and automation tactics to solidify leads in minutes and generate pool service and retail subscription income
    sb c Explore the 2025 website must-haves for 24/7 sales.

Speaker

Pam Vinje View Bio

Pam Vinje

Small Screen Producer

Pam Vinje is the CEO of Small Screen Producer’s Pool Marketing Site. Pam is a long-standing frequent speaker at industry shows and is a content resource for industry publications. Since 2009 her firm has been a well-respected digital marketing presence in the pool and spa industry. Creative at the core, and a tech geek at heart, she leads an innovative digital marketing team that enables her clients to stay ahead of the curve.

Pam Vinje

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Use of Liquid Admixtures in Dry Process Shotcrete (aka Gunite) to help prevent ASR and Improve Overall Product.

Room: 360 B

Free Session

With the rise in education in the pool construction industry, pool builders are demanding more complex mix designs to accomplish certain product outcomes and to help mediate ASR and other issues. Though more common with the wet mix process, the use of admixtures, especially liquid, had been difficult to use in dry process set ups, until now. With more high-tech volumetric mixers in the market, this is more achievable, but what about the more traditional mixers most companies have? We will be looking at how to dispense and integrate the liquid admixtures and what their end product is and looks like using a more traditional, dedicated volumetric gunite mixer set up many companies use and own for pool construction applications.

 

  1. to show, inform and educate the attendee the different liquid admixtures which can be used to help mediate ASR and improve the overall product that are available for dry process and how they can they can be used for shooting "gunite" for pool construction
  2. effective ways to dispense and integrate the liquid admixtures for proper use
  3. to show, inform and educate the attendee the pros and cons of liquid admixture use presented for each application, in this case the pool construction industry.

Speaker

Juanjose Armenta-Aguirre View Bio

Juanjose Armenta-Aguirre

Gunite Supply and Equipment

Juanjose is a second generation "gunite guy". He's been in the dry process shotcrete pool industry since 1999. In 2012, he co-founded Texan Gunite with his parents. In May of 2022, Juanjose also became the regional manager of the Midwest/ Central territory for Gunite Supply and Equipment. Juanjose sits on the Central Texas PHTA B.O.D. and also sits on the American Shotcrete Association B.O.D. Juanjose is also a PHTA CPO & CPI and an ACI Certified Nozzleman and an ACI Subcommittee Chair.

Juanjose Armenta-Aguirre

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Pool Wisdom (An education from 45 years of mistakes)

Room: 360 B

Free Session

Wouldn't it be nice to learn some things from someone who's made mistakes over a 45 year period, some you might not have made yet but could easily, before you actually made the same ones and therefore learn from someone else's experience to avoid them? Someone who used those very mistakes to perfect his builds and business? Steve lists his 25 biggest mistakes in the pool business and what he learned from them. You will laugh at some, be astounded by some, and probably relate to most. And you'll be encouraged to share some of yours! Come with one big one to share! See you there!

  1. Educate pool builders and service professionals on the pitfalls in the business so that they may avoid falling into the same 'holes'. ;)
  2. Provide examples, using Power Point, of some actual 'mistakes' made in the field in the pool industry.
  3. Explore solutions to these situations, both before to avoid, and after to fix, and talk about how to implement them.

Speaker

Steve Hood View Bio

Steve Hood

crystal clear pool co

A 45 year pool construction veteran, began by helping his father build gunite pools in Southeast Texas in the early 70's at the age of 12. Built in the Austin and Dallas-Ft. Worth areas until 1992. Moved to Nashville and has built many pools, both vinyl and gunite in that region for the past 24 years. Has numerous state and national awards for design and builds and has captured his fair share of the coveted high-end pool market. He's made every mistake in the book, which makes him an expert!!

Steve Hood

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Secrets of Glass Tile Installation

Room: 360 D

Free Session

Learn from Jimmy Reed of Rock Solid Tile, one of the masters of all glass tile pools his secrets that took decades to perfect. And A to Z discussion about jobsite preparations, controlling the environment, proper material selections, layout, application techniques and the final touches that make glass tile installations a lasting thing of beauty.

Teach those who are afraid of glass failures they can be done
Teach techniques that would take years to develop
Provide Q&A that is meaningful to the audience

Speakers

Jimmy Reed View Bio

Jimmy Reed

Rock Solid Tile

Curt Rapp has more than 40 years tile industry experience and is recognized within the industry for his extensive knowledge. Tile Doctor is one of the most innovative companies in the industry. 2-time winner of the internationally recognized Edison Award for Innovation.

Jimmy Reed

Curt Rapp View Bio

Curt Rapp

Tile Doctor

Curt Rapp, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Tile Doctor, has more than 40 years tile industry experience and is recognized within the industry for his extensive knowledge. Tile Doctor is one of the most innovative companies in the industry. 2-time winner of the internationally recognized Edison Award for Innovation.

Curt Rapp

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Owning the Backyard

Room: 360 C

Free Session

Learn how to maximize not only pool lighting, but water features, perimeter, and landscape options. Hear about cutting edge control methods that allow for individual zoning and complete control of color options. Discover syncing backyard lighting to high end automation or simply control all your zones with a singular touch point.

  1. Maximizing Lighting and Features Integration:
    Learn effective strategies to enhance your backyard's ambiance by optimizing pool lighting, water features, perimeter lighting, and landscape options. Understand how strategic placement and types of lighting can transform your outdoor space into a visually stunning environment.
  2. Advanced Control Methods for Customization:
    Explore cutting-edge control technologies that enable precise zoning and customization of lighting colors. Discover how these methods empower homeowners to tailor lighting settings to specific areas or moods, offering unparalleled flexibility and personalization.
  3. Integration with Automation Systems:
    Delve into the seamless integration possibilities of backyard lighting with high-end automation systems. Whether syncing with existing smart home setups or implementing a new automation solution, discover how to effortlessly control all lighting zones with a single interface, simplifying management and enhancing user experience

Speaker

Thomas Hoppe View Bio

Thomas Hoppe

PAL Lighting

Thomas Hoppe serves as the District Sales Manager at PAL Lighting, where he focuses on the distribution and promotion of swimming pool lights. With a career spanning over years in the industry, Thomas has cultivated a reputation for his expertise in lighting solutions and his dedication to customer satisfaction. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in expanding PAL Lighting's market presence and enhancing product visibility across his district.

Thomas Hoppe

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Pool Deck Finishes: How to Choose and Apply the Right Materials

Room: 360 A

Free Session

Pool decks come in many different shapes, sizes, and substrates. This presentation is designed to educate on proper procedure and products to use when coating and sealing a variety of popular pool deck substrates. Spray deck, concrete pavers, stamped concrete, natural stones, and others will be discussed. Alex Metrovich has over 30 years of knowledge, tips, and tricks for today's contractors to ensure success in today's industry.

  1. Surface preparation
  2. What kind of sealer to use with specific substrates
  3. How to approach new installations vs. restorations

Speaker

Alex Metrovich View Bio

Alex Metrovich

Innovative Concrete Technology

With over 30 years in the decorative concrete and hardscape sealing business. Alex Metrovich has been a proven leader in the industry. His hands on technical approach makes him a great teacher. Helping contractors overcome jobsite obstacles is Alex’s biggest attribute. His strong business sense along with his practical knowledge has allowed him to be a part of many small businesses success stories.

Alex Metrovich

1:45 pm - 4:45 pm

Modern Gas-burning Pool Heaters – Small Footprint, Big Heat

Room: 360 D

Free Session

A crash course in all the small footprint gas heaters on the market, students will be presented with installation needs such as air, gas, and electrical. Sizing and general troubleshooting will also be covered for each of the five small-format, sealed combustion heaters.

Overcoming the fear of working on gas burning heaters

Gaining an understanding of successful heater operation

Learning similarities and differences between the various models

Speaker

Dave Stanat View Bio

Dave Stanat

Dave Stanat has been a dedicated professional in the swimming pool industry since 1983, bringing over 40 years of diverse experience in chemical sales, service and repair, distribution, and technical service. Currently, as a Regional Training and Service Manager for Raypak, Dave oversees the ASP Network and Training in the Central Region. Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Dave has been happily married for 34 years and enjoys spending quality time with his family, including his four grandchildren. He has a passion for cooking, tinkering with various projects, and stargazing with his telescope!

Dave Stanat

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Lawsuit Protection, Tax Reduction & Estate Planning for Pool & Spa Professionals

Room: 360 B

Free Session

Is your financial house in order? Discover the tools pool & spa professionals can use to become invincible to lawsuits, save thousands in taxes, and achieve financial peace of mind. By the end of the presentation you will know how to:
1) Protect 100% of your assets from lawsuits. You will learn how to make yourself so unattractive to a plaintiff attorney that they will never pursue a lawsuit against you. 2) Save thousands of dollars each year in taxes. You will learn five tax reduction strategies most people fail to utilize, which could save you more than $10,000 each year in taxes. 3) Avoid probate and eliminate all estate taxes. You will be taken through a checklist of items that are important to every estate and business succession plan

  1. Structure business for lawsuit protection and prevention.
  2. Minimize taxes.
  3. Create successful estate and business succession plan.

Speaker

Larry Oxenham View Bio

Larry Oxenham

American Society for Asset Protection

Larry Oxenham is one of America’s top asset protection experts, having helped thousands of professionals achieve financial peace of mind by teaching them how to properly structure their assets for lawsuit protection and tax reduction. He has authored and co-authored several articles and books on the subject including The Asset Protection Bible and How to Achieve Financial Peace of Mind through Asset Protection. His career has been credited with helping thousands of people save millions of dollars.

Larry Oxenham

8:00 am - 11:00 am

PHTA Certification Testing Room

Room: 361 D

Free Session

Speakers

8:15 am - 9:45 am

All About Pumps, Filters & Hydraulics

Room: 360 B

Free Session

Will Ainsworth, Rex Godbee & Flash Rose - AKA "The Tres Amigos", will be bringing you an enlightened & interesting session. This class will focus on proper hydraulics, pipe sizing, filter efficiency and the practical application of pool equipment & repair. The Tres Amigos will keep you awake & informed as to the best practices (and not so great attempts) for pool equipment installation. Don't miss the "Tub of Horrors and our slide show exposing some of the best & worst repairs ever witnessed by a pool man.

This class will demonstrate the principles of Hydraulics and how it applies to existing or new equipment sets & determining efficient flow rates, pool turnover & filtration. Attendees will learn some of the best practices for equipment diagnosis, what to avoid & proper system balance. New Federal energy efficiency requirements will also be discussed and the applications related to them.

Speakers

William Ainsworth View Bio

William Ainsworth

Pro Pool Services of Texas

Speakers for this session are Will Ainsworth, Rex Godbee & Flash Rose. Combined these gentlemen have over 100 yrs. of combined pool industry knowledge and experience to share with you! Will now works for the top rated pool builder in North Texas and previously operated his own service business for 14 years. He is also a well known industry leader, a former IPSSA Chapter President, IPSSA Region 12 Secretary and of course a Past President of The Texas Pool & Spa Coalition ( formerly APEC ).

William Ainsworth

Rex Godbee View Bio

Rex Godbee

Aquatic Certified Technicians

Rex Godbee has been a North Texas pool industry icon for over 45 years. He has trained many of the pool industry’s best in that time. He has owned his own business for over 20 years. He has probably forgotten more than some of us will ever know, his base of knowledge and his tips and tricks come from a lifetime in the pool industry. When you say “old school ” Rex is exactly what that means, however he also is very capable of applying the new requirements to the situation.

Rex Godbee

Flash Rose View Bio

Flash Rose

Flash's Pool Service

Flash Rose, owner of Flash’s Pool Service is the President of the San Antonio Chapter of IPSSA, and also has over 35 years of time in the pool industry. There is nothing regarding the swimming pool that these guys haven’t seen, and if they haven’t seen it, it’s because it was just invented!

Flash Rose

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Mitigating Risks in the Pool Service Industry: The Importance of Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Room: 360C

Free Session

• Understanding General Liability: Covering third-party injuries and property damage.
• Understanding Commercial Auto: Ensuring coverage for work-related vehicles.
• Understanding Tools and Equipment Coverage: Protecting valuable tools and equipment used in daily operations.
• Understanding Workers’ Compensation: Keeping employees protected while adhering to state requirements.
• Most Common Claims in the Pool Industry: Sharing examples of frequent claims and how to prevent them through proper coverage.

Speaker

Norma Villafranca View Bio

Norma Villafranca

Norma Villafranca, VP for the LA/Central CA region at California Pool Association (CPA), brings nearly 20 years of insurance experience. Known for exceptional service, strong ethics, and client dedication, Norma previously held leadership roles at a top personal lines agency. Her achievements include Rookie of the Year, the Leadership Award, and the Core Values Award. Norma’s referral-based success highlights her honesty, hard work, and commitment to delivering outstanding client experiences.

Norma Villafranca

1:00 pm - 1:20 pm

Power Session – RAYPAK – Intro To AVIA Gas Heaters and Crosswind V Heat Pumps

Room: Hall A, Booth #: 611

Free Session

Our extensive history in the manufacturing industry is a testament to our commitment to technological advancements. For years, we’ve been dedicated to delivering top-tier pool & spa equipment, always striving to provide unmatched value for our customers. With over 14 patents across various categories, we consistently push the boundaries of innovation to shape the future of this industry. Come join us for a power session on AVIA Gas Heaters and Crosswind V Heat Pumps.

Speakers

1:00 pm - 1:20 pm

Power Session – Nidec Motor Corporation / US Motors – Variable Speed Motors and the 2025 DOE Regulation

Room: Level 1, Hall A Power Session Theatre

Free Session

  • Discuss the impending DOE Regulation which ends the production of single and two speed pool/spa motors Introduce the Neptune Variable Speed motor and how it provides solutions for the backyard
  • Fully programmable stand alone pool replacement motor - you don't need to replace the entire pump
  • Mechanically integrates with time clocks - you can keep your time clock with your variable speed pump
  • Communicates with automation

Speakers

2:00 pm - 2:20 pm

Power Session – Carvin Pool Equipment – Carvin Above Ground Pools, Equipment & Accessories

Room: Level 1, Hall A, The Stellar Zone

Free Session

Come learn about Carvin's 2025 Above Ground Pool & Equipment selection, including eye-catching features such as StarJets, StarFalls, and interior & exterior pool lighting.
Carvin has developed a selection of all-resin, 52" and 54" modern pool designs and accessories to help you create a beautiful backyard your clients will enjoy, no matter the budget.
Enhance your revenue stream and profits with Carvin Pools by offering premium above ground pool systems at reasonable prices.

Speakers

2:00 pm - 2:20 pm

Power Session – Leaktronics – Effective Strategies for Finding & Fixing Leaks

Room: Level 1, Hall A, Power Session Theatre

Free Session

This course offers comprehensive training on the causes, detection, and repair of leaks in water systems, with a specific emphasis on swimming pools and related structures. Participants will learn about modern leak detection technologies, understand the common causes of leaks, and master effective repair techniques.

Speakers

4:00 pm - 4:20 pm

Power Session – Global Pool Products – Why NOT Global Pool Products?

Room: Level 1, Hall A, Booth #617

Free Session

Are you overlooking a great partnership? Deck equipment manufactured by pool builders, for pool builders. Come see why the industry is making the switch to Global Pool Products! We will be going over Rails - Boards - Slides - Loungers - Custom Rails.

Speakers

11:30 am - 11:50 am

Power Session – The Outdoor Plus – The Outdoor Plus Product Overview

Room: Level 1, Hall A, Booth #817

Free Session

Join us for an in-depth journey into our newest premium products, showcasing the power and beauty of fire and water, and learn how they can transform your next project. We’ll also introduce our exclusive luxury cooking line, thoughtfully designed to elevate your culinary experience with unparalleled style and performance. Don’t miss the opportunity to see how these innovations can bring both functionality and elegance to your space.

Speakers

3:00 pm - 3:20 pm

Power Session – Ledge Lounger – Together, We Create the Ultimate Oasis

Room: Level 1, Hall A, Booth #823

Free Session

Join us for an exclusive in-booth training session, "Together, We Create the Ultimate Oasis", where we’ll explore how to elevate your outdoor projects with our premium patio furniture collections. Designed for pool builders and designers, this session highlights the art of creating luxurious, functional, and stunning outdoor living spaces.

In this interactive training, we will cover:

Innovative Design Solutions: Learn how our high-end patio furniture can seamlessly integrate with pools and outdoor environments, creating a cohesive, luxurious space.
Customization Options: Discover the range of customizable materials, finishes, and styles to suit every design vision.

Maximizing Client Satisfaction: Understand how to exceed client expectations by offering unique, durable, and beautiful furniture that transforms outdoor spaces into personal oases.

Collaborative Approach: Learn how working closely with our team will ensure your projects achieve the highest level of quality and style, ensuring a lasting impression.

By the end of this session, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to create the ultimate outdoor oasis for your clients—one that blends style, comfort, and durability. Together, we’ll take your designs to the next level!

Speakers

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Mastering the Final Step: Best Practices for Acid Washing Quartz and Pebble Finishes

Room: 360 C

Free Session

Consistent results from your final acid wash are possible. With 40K residential and 10K commercial projects under his belt, William “Bill” Shrock will unpack the dos and don’ts of the final exposure process for quartz and pebble finishes. Learn tips/tricks on washing techniques and practical advice on acid washes (ratios, neutralization, and alternative non-acid methods).

Bill will also discuss post-install maintenance, including chemical and acid washes for existing pools, with strategies to mitigate mottling, hazing, and scale. An essential session for builders, plaster applicators, and pool service companies committed to delivering (and maintaining) the best-looking exposed finish possible.

1) Understand the Connection Between Washing Techniques & the Final Acid Wash Achieving consistent acid-wash results starts with mastering the pre-acid wash step of water washing. Attendees will explore the differences and benefits of various washing methods (rag, brush, wand, alternative exposure methods) and learn when to use them. This understanding ensures a more effective and consistent final acid-wash process.

2) Acid Wash Best Practices:
Provide attendees with actionable best practices for acid washing new and existing pools, including proper acid ratios, effective application methods and neutralization techniques to achieve the best results possible.

3) Identify and Mitigate Common Surface Issues:
Provide actionable insights to prevent and address challenges like mottling, hazing, and scale, and explain the dos and don’ts of low-alkalinity treatments for maintaining durable and visually appealing finishes.

Speaker

William “Bill” Shrock View Bio

William “Bill” Shrock

William “Bill” Shrock is a veteran quartz and pebble applicator, finish manufacturer, and former NPC board member. In 1989, he founded Magic Marcite, a 127 employees plaster and renovation company that became the world’s largest Diamond Brite® installer. Bill developed the original Quartzscapes® for NPT and has trained crews in 25 countries on finishes like SunStone®, WetEdge®, and Diamond Brite®. Now with MicroGlass LLC, Bill shares expertise in mixing, plastering and acid-wash best practices.

William “Bill” Shrock

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Effective Strategies for Finding & Fixing Leaks

Room: 360 B

Free Session

This course provides comprehensive training on the causes, detection, and repair of leaks in water systems, with a focus on swimming pools and related structures. It covers modern leak detection technologies, common causes of leaks, and effective repair methods.

1. How to find leaks with the latest technology
2. How to convert leaks into repairs
3. How to run a profitable leak detection business

Speaker

Darren Merlob View Bio

Darren Merlob

LeakTronics

Founder, owner and inventor of Torque Lock Structural Systems / LeakTronics; leak detection and structural repair equipment for the swimming pool industry. Offering more than 30 years of practical and innovative pool repair, equipment development and structural repair experience; solving global water leak detection issues with training, equipment and products that do more than traditional industry tools.

Darren Merlob

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Developing a 12-Month Marketing Calendar

Room: Hall A, Tech Theatre

Free Session

Join Scott Reynolds, Co-Founder and CEO of The Get Smart Group for an in-depth marketing workshop to prepare your Pool & Spa business for 2024. In this class, we’ll cover everything from where you should be spending your ad dollars, to setting a budget, proper sales training and more. Over this three part course, you’ll gain an understanding of what is working in 2025, what reporting data to pay attention to, and how to motivate your sales team with clear goals.

Attendees will also develop a 12 month marketing calendar, set realistic goals (along with advertising budgets), and work out an evergreen offer (or two) to maximize the “down times” throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you there!

Speaker

Scott Reynolds View Bio

Scott Reynolds

The Get Smart Group

As co-founder of The Get Smart Group, Scott's philosophy as a business speaker is simple: be fun, be engaging, and be entertaining, but above all, be a teacher. With over 23 years of public speaking experience, Scott has taught some of the world’s leading experts in the pool and spa industry and guided countless businesses to marketing success. Digital marketing changes daily, and Scott keeps his feet firmly planted in the now, while always keeping his eyes on the horizons of what’s to come.

Scott Reynolds