Pandemic pushes pool industry online
Associations, certifications, social gatherings and many upcoming trade shows now virtual
Like so many other industries that have had to transition to virtual, much of the pool and spa industry has made the move to online.
Due to safety concerns pertaining to Covid-19 and the desire for social distancing, more and more people have moved to the internet for person to person interactions.
After a long day’s work in the sun, rather than meeting friends at a restaurant or bar to unwind, service professionals may find themselves booting up the computer for a skype call.
For now, at least, many IPSSA and UPA meetings are being held via Zoom, a platform that most of us had never even heard of until March.
Facebook groups like 14 PSI, Talking Pools, and many more, have become one of the most popular ways to get answers to questions, compare notes and interact with peers. See accompanying story for some of the Facebook Groups that have recently formed Even pool industry educational opportunities have moved online. Rather than sitting in classrooms, service techs can now take the Certified Pool Operator course and test online. CPO instructors are now offering real time classes so that students can get their questions answered on the spot. And CPO certification is not the only online course. Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), Certified Pool and Spa Service Technician (CST), Certified Pool and Spa Maintenance Specialist (CMS), Certified Hot Tub Technician (CHTT), and more are available as webinar. Resources such as the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and the Foundation for Pool and Spa Industry Education (FSPIE) may provide more information n Texas, the residential appliance installer license (RAIL) is now available as an online course. After the state adopted the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, ISPSC review courses are also being offered as webinars.
And after the last major Industry Trade Shows were forced to cancel, the first trade show of the season, the International Pool and Spa Show is taking no chances, and is moving to virtual.
The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, co-located with DeckExpo (PSP/ DeckExpo), is reimagining this year’s event.
Based on feedback and the support of the pool and spa community, show organizers felt moving the show online was the right choice for their partners, sponsoring associations, attendees, and exhibitors.
They are excited to host the virtual event over the same dates, November 11 - 13, with registration opening later this fall.
The PSP/DeckExpo has consistently been a central hub to network, learn best practices, and discover new technology. This year’s event will be no different. They are excited about a new way to engage and interact. A virtual event will allow attendees, speakers, and exhibitors to have a great experience and capitalize on the strong momentum in the industry.
The show’s virtual event highlights include: • Three Power Panels bringing together the best forward-thinking minds in the industry.
Join accomplished industry professionals as they share their insights on the current state of the industry, emerging technologies, economic trends, issues facing the industry, future growth, and more.
• Product Showcase in a virtual expo hall - Discover new products and technology based on your company’s needs.
•Networking – Engage with colleagues and connections via chat, video call, and more.
The industry is eager to come together. Reformatting of PSP/ DeckExpo to a virtual event will offer exceptional content, the ability to source new products, learn, share ideas, and network.
The PSP/DeckExpo website https:// www.poolspapatio.com/ will continue to have the latest information about the event.
During this pandemic, one thing is for sure: thank goodness for the internet.
In this issue of Service Industry News, we’ll take a look at some of the ways the industry has moved online.
