Wendy Purser's Posts

Saving our Energy and Heating a Pool

Posted by Wendy Purser on May 12, 2012 at 8:19am

As we are all becoming aware of the importance of energy conservation many steps are being taken by the government and also the swimming pool industry to become more “green”. This gives the consumer a greater efficiency in heating and also lowers the cost to heat their pools. This direction has led many manufacturers to bring new and improved products to market.

Let’s look first at the codes that have started our industry to talk more about being green. As of March 2012 the International Code Council has included swimming pools in their Energy code. Many states have or in the future will adopt these measures.

In addition to mandating timing controls on pumps, the Energy Code has also included mandates for gas heaters and any heater not using a renewable resource such as air or water. Due to the process of using timers on all pool pumps or using variable speed pumps that must automatically revert to a lower speed after a set period of time, we have seen manufacturers of heating systems engineer their products to accommodate shorter run times and lower flow capacity to work more efficiently. This has brought to market heaters with better efficiency and lower running costs.

Gas heaters are now required to have a readily accessible on/off switch that is mounted on the outside of the heater and allows for shutting off the heater without changing the thermostat setting. This way the temperature can be locked on some heater models. Time switches are required on the system with a heater as well as pumps to control run times. There is an exception for commercial pools where a 24 hour run time is mandatory as well as for those systems that use solar or renewable energy heating systems such as geothermal. Gas fired pool heaters shall no longer be equipped with constant burning pilots to conserve gas. Vapor retardant pool covers are now required however pools that use a heater that derive 60% of their heat from site recovered energy (heat pumps) or solar are excluded.

Our industry as well is setting new standards for Energy use and can be found in APSP-15 Standard for Energy Efficiency for Residential In ground Swimming Pools and Spas. These standards follow the ICC code but also go further. Included in the APSP Standard is that no electric resistance heating except for portable spas with fully insulated enclosures with tight fitting covers rated to R-6 is to be used unless documentation can show that 60% comes from a renewable resource. Gas fired pool heaters and oil-fired pool heaters shall have a thermal efficiency of not less than 78% ( every $100 dollars spent in fuel gives you $78 worth of heating). Heat pump pool heaters shall have a coefficient of performance ( COP) at low temperature of not less than 4.0.

During the turmoil of the Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007 our industry found that based on simple hydraulics we could use lower flow and greater efficiency pumps to accomplish the same job with less velocity and energy. However in doing so we found that many of the required flow rates on pool heating needed to be adjusted as well. Also, there is new engineering in heat pumps that is improving the COP up to 95% (Out of $100 of energy spent you get $95 worth of heating). Now, we just need to educate the consumers and installers/retailers/end users.

Many manufacturers of gas heaters have improved their efficiency of heating in BTU’s up to 89%. This is an improvement over the old efficiency of 75%. Along with the code changes this has helped but gas heaters are still the least efficient type heating.

Electric resistance heaters are no longer recommended except where used in conjunction with a renewable source such as solar. However they are still used on vessels which can be insulated to help contain the heat loss. In some commercial and geothermal applications Boilers are being used that use the ground as a source of heat and use the pool as a heat sink.

Heat Pumps, Solar and other alternative type sources are quickly becoming the standard for our industry and great efforts in improving efficiency is taking place daily. It is important to do the research and consider all factors of use, climate and energy costs when purchasing a heat source. The use of solar blankets and liquid heat retainers also increases the ability to stay “green”.

Exploding Filters

Posted by Wendy Purser on March 21, 2012 at 7:30am

Exploding Filters

All types of swimming pool filters operate under pressure. If air is trapped in the filter and not released the air will continue to compress while the filter is operating. Small amounts of air can work its way out of the filter but large amounts will compress to a dangerous level. When this occurs the filter may blow apart. Also, if a retaining ring is not seated properly or if the tightening band fails this can happen. Pressure build up from a filter not being cleaned can also build dangerous pressure. During pollen season it is imperative to check the filter pressure often. Serious injury and death has occurred from an exploding filter.

Most filters will have an air release mechanism that needs to be opened when the system is turned off and also left open when starting the system until a steady stream of water comes out through the mechanism indicating that the air has been removed from the tank. It is of the utmost importance to use this feature.

For filters that have a retaining band (clamping) with a bolt that tightens the band it is necessary to be sure the washer remains in place so that the bolt cannot slip and allow the top half of the tank to become a projectile when pressure builds within the unit. This band and tightening mechanism also needs to be replaced if it has rusted or corroded as it could also be compromised.

With units that are connected with a tightening band or a “posi-lock” band (threaded like a mason- jar ring) it is very important to be sure that no dirt or debris is present in the area where the two halves are connected as this could also cause a failure. Be sure that the halves are seated properly and fully seated when re-assembling. Inspect the locking band for hairline cracks or ruptures on a regular basis.

In 2004 a recall was issued by the Consumer Protection Safety commission on some Sta-Rite and Aquatools brand filters. These filters were manufactured from January 2003 – October 2003. For more information see:

http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml04/04072.html

When high pressure builds in some filters that are banded or bolted in the middle of the tank a leak may develop from that area due to the high pressure. If this occurs turn the system off, wait a few minutes and carefully open the air relief valve allow the pressure to escape. After the pressure has been let out of the system, start the system up and allow a steady stream of water to escape from the air relief valve before closing it. Be sure that all valves are in the open position allowing the water flow to enter and exit the pump and filter. Backwash or clean the system as that can cause building pressure as well.

Again, regular inspections can prevent this dangerous situation.

Pool & Spa Safety Act Falls Short of Safety

Posted by Wendy Purser on March 4, 2012 at 7:12am

Pool& Spa Safety Act Falls Short of Safety

In 2002 young Virginia Graeme Baker, granddaughter of Secretary of State James Baker was held underwater by suction in a spa and drowned. In NC at a homeowner’s association pool another young girl was eviscerated by a suction line back in 1993 but was making news currently with her attorney John Edwards. Nancy Baker and Safe Kids Worldwide worked tirelessly to get Congress to enact laws for pool and spa safety. Representative Debbie Wasserman of Florida got the bill signed by President Bush known as the Pool and Spa Safety Act 2007. There was no doubt that even one accident is too many and a change needed to be made. Our industry was to learn so much more about hydraulics and entrapment. This newfound knowledge has caused many professionals to have issues and wonder why common sense and proven scientific studies have been ignored.

First the Consumer Protection Safety Commission studied from February 1985 to August 2002 how entrapment events occurred and how many resulted in death. We learned that of the recorded hair and limb entrapment events that 54% resulted in death. Body entrapment events accounted for 17% of deaths and of the 5 evisceration events that no death occurred. Most of these occurred in residential pools and not commercial. However the pool safety act was not retroactive to existing residential pools, only commercial pools. Many homeowners were led to believe that it was not important to them. Unfortunately residential pool owners have not seen the statistics nor has there been an aggressive campaign to educate them.

With technical research the adoption of dual main drains became required if main drains were being installed. No main drains were allowed as part of the ANSI /APSP 7 standard that was adopted by the Pool and Safety act also. The use of dual main drains was to slow the velocity down through the pipe so if one was covered and three feet away from each other so they both could not be blocked, that a strong enough suction would not occur to hold a body down or eviscerate. What Ms. Wasserman really did was double the chances for entrapment by limb and hair which had the highest percentage of deaths and injury of all types of entrapment. By doubling the occurrence of a missing or broken drain cover the new law succeeded to double our chances of death. This seems even more obnoxious as main drains are not needed at all for good circulation, cleaning or draining of any pool.

However we did learn that older drain covers are suspect to UV damage and now carry a date on them to be replaced. Design of main drain covers have been designed to hopefully mitigate mechanical and hair entrapment. It is very hard to see a main drain cover in the bottom of a deep pool or with any water movement.

We also have learned that if a cover is missing or broken regardless of flow that entrapment can occur. Human error cannot be legislated away.

The Pool and Spa Safety Act again failed in regards to suction entrapment. The allowance of a suction vacuum release system (SVRS) was heavily lobbied by the manufacturer of the device. This piece of equipment when in proper working order will shut off a pump within 3 seconds of low water flow and release the suction. However, even at the now required lower maximum velocity of water through the pipe at 3 feet per second for a single main drain the math shows that if blocked, nine feet of something could be sucked up the pipe within three seconds. That is still not acceptable and does not prevent evisceration. What is also not acceptable is the "water hammer"effect that could prevent the SVRS from cutting off power to the pump.

Much of the technical research done to prove the technical merits of ANSI/ APSP 7 standard has also created a better understanding of hydraulics which has led to energy efficiency and made our industry very aware of what we didn’t know. It has also increased awareness with code officials. The safety act was enforced before any training was available to the code officials or the public. Many pools were not opened due to costly repairs or not inspected properly many times. Few states have aligned their required codes which have put them in direct conflict with the federal act.

The most important change in legislation was not made as this bill was rushed through Congress before all the scientific studies could be concluded and expressed. Media attention on swimming pool safety was still high. It is now our responsibility to be sure the pools we maintain, install, or our family and friends swim in is safe. The only safe pool from entrapment has no main drain. It’s just that simple.

BioFilm: The Hidden Accomplice

Posted by Wendy Purser on March 2, 2012 at 8:08am

Biofilm: The Hidden Accomplice

So many times when I hear the word biofilm all I can conjure is the movie BioDome and how much the two are alike. They are two protective enclosures with living organisms that can contain within themselves one or many different types of living organisms. But they are also different in that BioDome was many organisms working for a common good and being self sufficient where as biofilm is a nuisance due to its ability to harbor bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa. Of course the movie did portray Pauley Shore to be a nuisance and example of what can go wrong. The same is true of the hidden accomplice of biofilm.

Biofilm is formed by the combination of water, a surface to grow on, and microorganisms. The water needed can be as little as high humidity and can be fresh or salt water. Surfaces can be solid where most types grow but also biofilm can grow on biological surfaces like organs. Microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, protozoan, fungi or a combination of such can be present in biofilm. Some are harmful that can cause illness such as Legionnaires disease, Pseudomonas rash, and intestinal illness as with giardia, e-coli, and cryptosporidium.

In our swimming pool environment we encounter water everywhere. The outside environment including the deck, chair and bench surfaces to of course inside surfaces of the pool including the piping. The moist outside areas out of the pool can harbor microorganisms that can be transferred into the pool.

Biofilm that is attached to a surface is more resistant to disinfection. In the pool there are areas of poor circulation or dead zones that will allow the microbes to attach themselves to the surface easily. In pools where the circulation is stopped such as in use of a timer, biofilm can began to grow easily. This is not an area that can be brushed. In circulation piping if the velocity of the water is fast the biofilm experiences erosion and it becomes smooth creating a strong biofilm harder for chemicals to penetrate. If the velocity is slow the biofilm will be rough and have an uneven surface creating an unstable biofilm. [Klueger and Meyer] Biofilm that has broken off and is free floating is more susceptible to disinfection.

Microbes are smart. They can talk to each other through chemical signals and know when to colonize. Once the microbes attach and start to colonize they secrete an Extracellular Polymeric Substance otherwise known as EPS or that slimy, sticky covering that protects the colony from normal levels of sanitizer and algaecides.

Then they invite their friends. So many different living organisms can be in the biofilm. They release part of the colony to find new areas to grow and find more friends. Also any harmful microbes can be released and cause a recreational water illness. The CDC has found that 65% of RWI involve a biofilm. [NSPF Pool & Spa Handbook, 2011 Edition]. The microbes can wait around in a well maintained pool or spa for an opportunity to get established again like when the sanitizer or algaecide level is low. Once treated for biofilm it is important to keep a higher than normal sanitizer level so they don’t come back again and again.

The conventional methods of microbe control for swimming pools have proven inadequate when associated with biofilm. Biofilm prevention is recommended as it is much harder to eliminate once allowed to establish. However there is evidence of less to no occurence and ease of removal in salt water systems. See Mixed Oxident Solution for further information and pictures.

Dental plaque is a type of biofilm. We brush our teeth to remove the biofilm and prevent dental decay, bad breath and such. The same is true in our pools and spas. If we perform regular brushing of all surfaces in the pool we can dislodge the biofilm that may be present so that it becomes free floating and more able to be disinfected by the sanitizer and algaecides we keep in our pools. Brushing the walls, skimmer throats, under ladder treads and around lights and fiberglass steps is a must to prevent biofilm from forming. As these can form on decks and be introduced into the pool it is wise to also periodically use bleach and scrub the deck area as well.

Keep an optimum level of sanitizer in the pool at all times not just when it is being used. This includes the off season of pool and spa use. If a spa is drained there are usually wet surfaces in the pipes that can form a biofilm. The majorities of spas are “wet tested” after manufacture and then may sit for long periods of time before having water introduced for use. This is why many spa manufacturers recommend that the spa is filled, super chlorinated, jets run and spa circulated for a few hours, drained and then refilled. I have found that when this is not done within a couple of weeks the water turns cloudy due to biofilm and cannot be cleared up with conventional methods.

If a pool is winterized the same can happen in the plumbing. Water mold although a different structure uses biofilm to adhere and during these dormant times is easily established. I have found that raising the chlorine to a minimum of 10ppm or more upon pool opening after a winterization has decreased the number of spring water mold and algae complaints. I use this method for chlorine and biguanide pools.

Cleaning of the filter is very important to discourage biofilm as well. If a filter is acid washed only but no degreaser type cleaning done the biofilm will not be removed. [Biofilm: That Gooey Stuff, Connie Sue Centrella]

Brushing of surfaces, keeping sanitizers in the recommended range at all times, weekly chlorine treatment of 10ppm, regular testing, chemical filter cleanings and the use of algaecides and enzymes are the best tools for combating biofilm.

Many pool and spa owners do not want to add more chemicals than necessary for fear of bad chemical implications. It is important to educate these owners that improper chemical levels and poor housekeeping is more of a hazard to their health.

Just like in the movie BioDome when it looked like all life had been destroyed one green leaf of vegetation started growing again. And in pools/spas you may think the biofilm is gone but one microbe that has survived can start the biofilm again.

Research materials used:

Understanding Biofilm in Recreational Water Environments, James J. Miller MS

Biofilm: That Gooey Stuff, Connie Sue Centrella

Understanding and Combating Biofilm, Todd Klueger & Ellen Meyer; Arch Chemicals

Miox Corporation: Biofilm Removal

Beware of Customers!

Posted by Wendy Purser on August 14, 2009 at 10:20am

Here is our answer to deadbeat customers! Sorta like a BBB for business'....and only a $5 registration fee! Check it out....http://www.businessbeware.biz/index.php

NC Adopts APSP Standard 7 2007 into Building Codes

Posted by Wendy Purser on June 4, 2009 at 6:41am

Pool and Spa Code Amendments.docAs of June 1st, 2009 all NC swimming pools newly built, residential and commercial will need to comply with APSP Standard 7 - 2007. This will allow all pools to be compliant with the VGB Act and in the future with the newer NC Health Dept. standards as well. The proposed change to the 2009 NC Building Code Appendix G section 106 was submitted last July before the 2009 code was adopted. The new code change came quickly after the 2009 code was published.As promised to the NC Code Council and Dept. of Insurance we need to make this code available to all our officials as it did not make the new 2009 code book (it was already being published!).I would like to thank the following for all their help in making this happen: Ray Cronise (what a great teacher and compassion on this issue), Carvin DiGiovanni (who brought all the players to the table when needed), Steven Getzhoff (it was important to have the legal wording correct from the beginning), APSP Builders Council, Steve Barnes, Dan Johnson and my husband Neal Purser for his patience and our staff at Hampstead Pools for doing my work while I was gone. Barry Gupton at the NC DOI and Jim Hayes at NCDEHNR for their willingness to listen and learn along with the rest of us.Next: Pool Service Electrical License (as TX is doing now) as in NC we are not allowed to change pump motors according to the electrical code! But this will have to wait till winter...it's time to work!!!!

Do the Math and Charge for Water Tests!

Posted by Wendy Purser on May 10, 2009 at 8:02am

We have started charging $5 for water tests with purchase of corrective chemicals (instructional sheet given), $10 if all they want are the results (just readings given) unless they purchased their pool or spa from us. We have had this posted in the store for the past year and have received very little objection once explained. And those customers we lost were not really customers nor would they be. But here is the point, when I was explaining to a customer that last year she spent $180 total with me, had 4 water tests done (cost me $5 at least so that is $20) it averaged out to a 10% discount for her during the year. AS we already try to keep prices low, I just could not afford to keep trained employees (water test supervisor been with me 7 years!) and keep a retail store where products sold that make money have been less since the internet and big box stores became so popular. She said, " Well, I bought everything from you last year except for a pump that I bought online because it was $40 cheaper." MY POINT! I exclaimed. She proceeded to tell me that she can keep her pool good now using the test strips. I asked her where she learned how to use the strips and interpret them properly for overall balance? She answered, "From you." We were then able to reach a point and discussed how we first met and our company was able to help her out of the mess she was in with the original installer and we laughed. I'm not sure if she will come back in for water tests or not but we do have an understanding of why companies are being forced to do this. She did call 3 other companies in the area and asked if they charged for water tests, which they do not. Should you? If you can see how many water tests you do in a year and figure the cost of each test (15 mins. min. labor, reagents, equipment, water bottles) and then the total cost of chemical sales only. OR Go to your customers water files and see how many tests they have had and how much they spend total with you in a year. Divide the cost of water tests by the total dollars spent to see the percentage discount they are receiving. We figured out we were losing 15% income in the retail store by water tests alone. It has taken years to learn how not to give away information that I have learned over the years as that is the only difference between us and those with Google Degrees. I would welcome any comments as to why I am wrong, because I do hate having to do this.

Business Owners have famlies too!

Posted by Wendy Purser on April 24, 2009 at 4:39am

A customer the other day reminded me of something important, personalize your business. Unfortunately a large number of American citizens today believe that if you own a business you should provide non paying services on demand to them and that you already have enough money, you don't need anymore. But yet they will buy on the internet and in catalogs and not local because they get a cheap price. This only happens when they don't need services.This customer requested warranty work for their heater the Thursday before Easter. They did not purchase the heater or pool from us nor are they on our maintenance service. As I would like to have them as a customer I worked the manufacturer warranty call into our schedule for the next week in a spot I reserve for MY loyal customers and proceeded to engage her in conversation hoping to be able to present our services for her. As I explained to her the privledges and benefits my customers enjoy she commented that she wished we had built her pool and she may call us sometime for maintenance service if her present service company did not do a good job this year. Then she concludes, "but he does this as a living to feed his family."I bit my lip, held my temper (as I do have one - all those that know me quit laughing) and kindly told her that we did this to feed 10 families. I did not tell her that this individual followed my trucks for 2 weeks the previous year collecting my customers address' and then wrote to all of them telling them information that was not true. And that he lied about his experience and was unprofessional in the way he conducted his business. Nor that he adds chemicals to the pool while smoking a cigarette and cannot figure out how to backwash a cartridge filter and has to call me to ask. Or that her neighbor tried to hire me to teach this imbecile how to operate a pool (they couldn't afford that call).What I should have told her was how our HARD our employees work to make a living and support their families, myself included. I have the best employees and I do not like calling them that because we all work together to make this company what it is. This is a message all of us as owners need to remember and let the public know.My web page WILL have employee photo's and if they will allow with their families. This is not my company but OUR company as they make sacrifices as well for this company. WE work together to provide THEM with outstanding customer service. This is what an American business (shh...we call it capitalism) is all about. Working hard to take your knowledge, teach and engage others to help more customers and somewhere get money for it to pay taxes.This customer called Pentair and filed a complaint because we could not get to her house that day or the next. Go figure....she still owes me a trip charge from LAST year's warranty service request.

Sad Pool Owners

Posted by Wendy Purser on April 5, 2009 at 9:22am

It never fails this time of year to receive the large amounts of service calls concerning structural failure of a pool. The customer wants to share their frustrations, hopelessness and "I wish I had spent a little more", or "I should have bought from you" and in detail recites all the wrongs of themselves and the pool builder. When I suggest they call the person who built the pool for help the answer is always the same, "I won't let him on my property again" or "They won't answer the phone." I even had one person who bought the pool installation over the internet without meeting anyone before they started building! Shame on them.Recently I have lost a few sales to another business close by and at the same time I have no less than 4 calls a day regarding work that needs to be done due to this companies poor work and bad business practice. His Better Business Bureau rating is an "F". That is so hard to accomplish in less than 2 years and for a company that does less than 1 million a year! The company has also been turned in to the contractors board for installations over 30K without a license but then the consumer finds that they had signed for and applied for the building permit under their own name not realizing what they were signing. This person has moved from town to town for many years and a check with the Secretary of Stare would show a trail of business failed. Simple to do now with the web.During all this in hard times the good builders out there are losing sales because the customers have not been better educated about choosing a pool professional and many times choose the slick salesman or the low price not knowing what terrible consequences can lay ahead and turn their dream into a nightmare.We all as professionals need to educate the consumers any way we can. We need to go to our local newspapers, television stations, and magazines and provide a news release that outlines how to find a professional. I am sure with all the television troubleshooter segments that feature pools they would be receptive to this. The APSP has a brochure that is very informative called "Choosing a Professional Pool Builder". This is an excellent resource to distribute at a very small cost (25 for $55). At a past Advanced Builders program Lew Akins shared with all of us his checklist of a reputable builder as well. Most pool companies also offer something similar. We need to use them. We need to share them. We need them published.Let's all make an effort to put professionalism first and show the consumers that they need to make wise, educated choices. They need to give us their money FIRST instead of paying us later.

ANSI / APSP 7 2006 Adopted by NC Code Council

Posted by Wendy Purser on March 22, 2009 at 10:21am

The NC Building Code council has adopted ANSI / APSP 7 2006 Standard to replace existing language for the 2009 Residential Building Code and also the 2009 NC Building Code. The final step is for the language to be reveiwed by the NC Review Commission which is a formality and part of the Justice Dept. This should occur in June of 2009 and will become enforceable immediately as part of the code.The APSP / ANSI 7 2006 standard will replace Appendix G Section 106 in the NC Residential Code and replace Section .3109 in the NC Building Code. It will be done by reference to the standard.Once the code is formalized; NC APSP will send out a copy by email to all NC APSP members. And be available online through the NC Dept. of Insurance, State Fire Marshall's office.I would like to thank at this time all the people who helped make this happen over the past 8 months: Ray Cronise, Carvin DiGiovanni, Steven Getzhoff, APSP, Dan Johnson, Lorraine Ross, Steve Barnes, Barry Gupton, Dan Tinjen and Tara Onthank. Your guidance and support was an absolute lifeline especially when time was of the essence and we didn't have much time to react.

Levels Of Knowledge in VGB

Posted by Wendy Purser on January 28, 2009 at 6:20pm

I met yesterday with 100 code officials here in NC and posted this website for them. I will be meeting two more times with about 100 -150 each time and passing information about the www.poolgeniusnetwork.com.With the VGB work I am doing here in NC, and all the phone calls and questions I get there is no way possible for me to take the time to talk to everyone. Being able to send them to this site with the links, webinars, discussions etc. has been a gift. I can still help them without taking away too much time from my business.Just FYI I am finding that pool professionals with license or certification or that do water features or commercial pools are understanding all of this just fine. Your pool installers of "kit" pools that have not had to think of hydraulics before and want one neat package of an answer are the ones scrambling to find answers when they need education. In today's economy they also cannot affort to pay for the education and are leaning on Distributors who have found themselves having to provide a service in addition to their products.Then there are SOME CPO's (one-polers included) that have no idea except to call an engineer. I actually had one ask me (sent by the head of the Dept. of Insurance to me) how do you figure out which cover is needed for the existing main drain. I knew that I could not take the time to teach this person a basic of part identification and I sent him to the builder. There is no way that a discussion on total dynamic head, pump curves or maximum water flow could be discussed and it would be better for him to seek out local help.This act requires a builder or someone with a knowledge of hydraulics to explain it to others that normally do not work in these areas. I believe the next step in many states will be to license pool builders so that some of the responsiblity of the design and compliance will be on the builder and take our industry to a new level.

Merry Christmas! A Present For You!

Posted by Wendy Purser on November 27, 2008 at 10:00pm

As we approach what I consider a very important celebration I would like to offer everyone a free christmas song. It is available as a free download from www.soulangel.net This is my husband's band original music site. The Christmas song is a do wop, beach type sound I think all will enjoy. Share the music if you like. It is called "Fall in Love at Christmas". Neal sings back up and plays drums in the song. Go to the site skip the intro page, and scroll down to "Fall in Love at Christmas" and download. Let us know what you think!

Be ProActive Before the Drought.

Posted by Wendy Purser on November 27, 2008 at 9:30am

This is the time of year I start to watch the drought maps for my state. As the sites are generally updated twice a month or so to follow them can help determine when to contact local officials and discuss a range of topics. First of all it is important to have a clear understanding of what restrictions take place at each level of drought. Also, how you or the trade organization you belong to can work with the local officials to help provide education to the public on conservation methods and also the benefits of hardscaping their backyards. We need to be instrumental in what reaches the media. This is due to the fact that when a drought occurs the general public automatically believe they cannot fill a pool. This in turn stops the phones ringing for sales. In the current economy we must prevent this being added onto our burden of recovery from the past year. The previous drought, high fuel costs, and unstable stock market already has many closing their doors. You may go to the "US Drought Monitor" to see areas of US and then further into your state to see your situation.It is important to also know what your water basin is. This is due to the fact that you may have had plenty of rain in your local area but may be imposed drought regulations due to another area upstream from you being in an elevated drought stage.Georgia and NC Carolina worked hard this last year and much of the work is archived at APSP. What was found was that in attempting to mitigate the regulations and make reasonable changes it was very different for each state. Georgia was able to go to the GA legislators and make a change with the extremely hard work of dedicated individuals. It was also found that each water municipality can make their own rules without any reference to a national policy. So there may be as many or more than 100 water systems in an individual county. And you have to work within each water system. This takes a strong grass roots effort to get out a single message that resonates from all throughout the local water systems.Through APSP I was able to go to Georgia in November of 2007 and sit in on an APSP meeting to gather valuable information. When drought restrictions were imposed in NC we were prepared with a single message to send out to all of our members and the media immediately. In some areas it helped greatly, in some areas we are still fighting to install pools during drought. We all need to follow through on what was started last year. Just because the 2008 drought is over doesn't mean there won't be another. We need to be proactive for future events that could cause a delay or cease of work.

Past Conventions

Posted by Wendy Purser on November 22, 2008 at 9:30am

As the Pool and Spa show comes to an end it reminds me of the first shows and conventions I attended. I believe the first convention type I attend was for Spartan Pools and was held at the Playboy Club in Great Gorge NJ. At that time my sister was still in a stroller and I was around 11 years old. Can you believe my parents took us!! It was fun as we received a lot of attention from all the Bunnies. A cute baby does it everytime. All the guys wanted to hang out with me... Before that was a Spartan Pools meeting at the Concord Club in New York. It was great, they had an ice skating rink there and you go at night. They did not serve any meat there nor salted the butter. Pat Hussey a dealer from Burlington NC was my best friend that week. She went to McDonalds. I also met a very nice man by the name of Herb Grimwood (I think that's correct) from Alabama. He came to our room and sat with us for a long time and taught me card tricks. He was great. The last Spartan Pools meeting I went to was just to meet Mark Spitz. He had just won 7 gold medals. I watched him on the TV while on vacation at the beach, everyone thought I was crazy not going on the beach by staying inside but I knew he was going to be historic. I still cherish the picture of Mark Spitz and me at Spartan Pools. I also got to see him swim in the display pool and met his new wife. I was around 14 then. My first NSPI show was at New York city. I went alone as I was 19 at the time, I remember Polaris had a remote control model on the floor as it chased me down the aisle. Also Jane Rutledge of Rock Hill SC made her daughter dress in the big green fuzzy ball outfit and stick little ones on people as they passed by...I don't think the daughter (Hope??) was too happy in the suit. I learned so much valuable information about pools from going to all these shows especially as I got older. I also learned how to catch a taxi, find transportation to and from hotels, find my way around an airport and have been to some of the best eating establishments on the east coast. But the real experience in my life was the social network that even remains and grows today. But now I have rules as some of you know...no discussing pools during dinner. Usually my social compadres need to remind me of that (thanks Carvin, thanks Jane) as everything in my life has a part of pool in it.

Pool Industry Reflections

Posted by Wendy Purser on October 10, 2008 at 2:33pm

As I approach the half century mark of my life of which all but six or eight have been in this industry. From going on sales with Dad very young to the entrepreneur that I am now I have seen many changes. In the next few months I will reflect on these with humorous tales and how things not only change but also stay the same or cycle back to years ago.For now I am going to go on v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n starting Oct. 15th. But for now I have a little competition: Can you name (by brand name also) what supplies I am selling in our first pool store? Here is a hint, I think I was 12 years old at the time.As this is my first blog please let me know if you would rather not follow along the next few months.