education and events
Construction Courses
Build better pools and spas with the renowned GENESIS® programs that take you from layout and forming to excavation. Gain insight on site evaluations, pool renovations, concrete science, and more.
Interested in bringing GENESIS® faculty to your office/facility to meet with your team? An in-person GENESIS® program tailored to your team would save travel time and expenses for your staff and provide all with the same education to provide your company with an edge over the competition. Contact Jeanne Mendelson, PHTA Vice President of Education and Events.
Click on a course title below to expand the course information.
In-Person
In-person education includes PHTA-hosted events as well as educational sessions at conferences and tradeshows.
January 26-28
Atlantic City, NJ
Part of The Pool & Spa Show powered by NESPA
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
24 hours | 2.4 IACET CEUs | 24 PHTA CEUs
CILB Course License: CRS11626 | CILB Course Number: 612786
$2,090 PHTA Member / $2,590 Non-member
Course Rating from Our Students:
Click on the stars above to see testimonials from previous students.
Description:
This comprehensive construction school is one of two courses that satisfy the education requirement to sit for the Certified Builder Professional (CBP) exam. Attendees spend three days with a team of expert faculty, learning all of the necessary disciplines for building a structurally sound water vessel. Topics covered include site analysis, introductory fluid engineering, geotechnical and structural engineering that includes a review of difficult sites, shotcrete, waterproofing, tile, interior finishes, coping, and concrete decking. This program is designed to move each student through all phases of concrete pool construction in great detail, unlike anything else offered in the industry.
This is a required course to become a Certified Builder Professional.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss Basic Pool Plumbing, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
- Define Layout, Forming & Excavation, Infrastructure Coordination, Shotcrete, Waterproofing.
- List Basic Tile & Coping, Concrete Decking, Pre-Plaster Preparation, Cementitious Pool Finishes.
- Discuss Startup, Punch List & Project Closeout, Project Profile.
Instructors:
- Jana Auringer
- Terry Brannon, P.E.
- Ken Milbery
January 26-27
Atlantic City, NJ
Part of The Pool & Spa Show powered by NESPA
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
16 hours | 1.6 IACET CEUs | 16 PHTA CEUs
$1,690 PHTA Member / $2,190 Non-member
Description:
The single greatest challenge for Swimming Pool Contractors (SPC) to expand their business is the lack of competent and accountable construction managers and superintendents. Although being an engineer, a skilled craftsman, or having pool industry experience is helpful, it is certainly not a prerequisite to becoming a quality superintendent. The likely candidate is trained! In this course, we will explore what makes a good construction superintendent, and how they are an integral part of running a profitable business that provides quality work in a timely period with a reasonable (or greater!) client satisfaction of the product result.
Learning Objectives:
- Defining the need for a functional organization structure whether the organization is a one-person operation or a team of many.
- Learning and understanding why establishing policies and procedures will make the organization more reliable, more manageable, and consistently successful.
- Providing insight and training for basic managerial functions, making you more effective in a managing supervisor role.
- Identifying the subfunctions performed by the construction management team and why they are essential to the operational success of the organization.
- Providing guidelines for the superintendent and field oversight to ensure accountability and product quality.
- Introducing guidelines to establish a job opening procedure for launching a project in a predictable and reliable manner.
- Establishing a job closeout procedure to achieve project completion and transfer of ownership responsibility to the client.
Instructor: Robert Baxter, Advanced CBP
February 4-6
Houston, TX
Part of the Southwest Pool & Spa Show
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT
24 hours | 2.4 IACET CEUs | 24 PHTA CEUs
CILB Course License: CRS11626 | CILB Course Number: 612786
$2,090 PHTA Member / $2,590 Non-member
Course Rating from Our Students:
Click on the stars above to see testimonials from previous students.
Description:
This comprehensive construction school is one of two courses that satisfy the education requirement to sit for the Certified Builder Professional (CBP) exam. Attendees spend three days with a team of expert faculty, learning all of the necessary disciplines for building a structurally sound water vessel. Topics covered include site analysis, introductory fluid engineering, geotechnical and structural engineering that includes a review of difficult sites, shotcrete, waterproofing, tile, interior finishes, coping, and concrete decking. This program is designed to move each student through all phases of concrete pool construction in great detail, unlike anything else offered in the industry.
This is a required course to become a Certified Builder Professional.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss Basic Pool Plumbing, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
- Define Layout, Forming & Excavation, Infrastructure Coordination, Shotcrete, Waterproofing.
- List Basic Tile & Coping, Concrete Decking, Pre-Plaster Preparation, Cementitious Pool Finishes.
- Discuss Startup, Punch List & Project Closeout, Project Profile.
Instructors:
- Greg Andrews
- Jana Auringer
- Terry Brannon, P.E.
March 11-13
Orlando, FL
Part of Everything Under the Sun Expo
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
24 hours | 2.4 IACET CEUs | 24 PHTA CEUs
$2,090 PHTA Member / $2,590 Non-member
CILB accreditation approved. Course License: CRS13453; Course Number: 0614959
Course Rating from Our Students:
Click on the stars above to see testimonials from previous students.
Description:
This comprehensive vinyl liner/fiberglass construction school is one of two courses that satisfy the education requirement to sit for the Certified Builder Professional (CBP) exam. Whether a pool is concrete, vinyl liner, or fiberglass, the necessities of a properly executed project remain the same. The water vessel requires correct hydraulics, proper installation, code compliance, and a desired aesthetic. To meet the educational demands of an increasing market, GENESIS now offers a 24-hour Vinyl Liner / Fiberglass Pool Construction School.
This is a required course to become a Certified Builder Professional.
Learning Objectives:
ENGINEERING:
- Discuss the introduction of physics of water, including pressure, flow rate, velocity, energy, friction, etc.
- Discuss Total Dynamic Head (TDH), system curves, pump curves, and selection.
- List code limitations and recommended design parameters for safety and efficiency.
- Explain construction details for plumbing and equipment.
- Discuss soil mechanics, bearing capacity, lateral pressures, compaction, settlement, differential settlement.
VINYL LINER:
- Define the installation of vinyl liners - concrete.
- Define the installation of vinyl liners - vermiculite.
- Define the installation of vinyl liners - steel walls.
- Define the installation of vinyl liners - polymer walls.
- Discuss the installation of automatic pool covers.
FIBERGLASS:
- Define what constitutes standard fiberglass pool installation.
- Review installation of tanning ledges.
- Examine the installation of spas.
- Analyze free-standing fiberglass pools.
- Discuss the installation of automatic pool covers.
Instructors:
Accommodations:
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance group rate of $209, plus taxes, is available at the Rosen PLAZA Hotel, which is the location of this GENESIS® pre-conference course. Click here to book online or call the Rosen PLAZA Hotel at 1-800-627-8258 or 407-996-9700 and request the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Group Rate. Rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. The reservation deadline to receive the group rate is Monday, February 17, 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: There are three hotels with the name "Rosen" and two are located on International Drive adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center. The GENESIS® pre-conference courses and PHTA room block are at the Rosen PLAZA Hotel, located at 9700 International Drive, across from Pointe Orlando.
March 13
Orlando, FL
Part of Everything Under the Sun Expo
1 p.m. - 5 p.m. CT
4 hours | 0.4 IACET CEUs | 4 PHTA CEUs
$399 PHTA Member / $699 Non-member
CILB accreditation approved. Course License: CRS13542; Course Number: 0615031
Description:
The mystical world of electrical elements can be overwhelming, but as a pool builder it is your responsibility to understand the basics of electricity generation and distribution, as well as being able to spot good vs. hazardous work. This course will explore electrical work in and around the pool: from underwater and landscaping lighting to low voltage lighting and firepits, to grounding and ground fault circuit interrupters, you will have a better understanding of the electrical elements surrounding pools.
Learning Objectives:
- Review wiring, panelboard and conduit materials, and sizing.
- Identify proper clearances around, overhead, and laterally to panels, electrical equipment, appliances, and pools.
- Understand a pool contractor's liability and responsibilities when using subcontractors.
Instructor: Art Grace, CBP
Accommodations:
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance group rate of $209, plus taxes, is available at the Rosen PLAZA Hotel, which is the location of this GENESIS® pre-conference course. Click here to book online or call the Rosen PLAZA Hotel at 1-800-627-8258 or 407-996-9700 and request the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Group Rate. Rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. The reservation deadline to receive the group rate is Monday, February 17, 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: There are three hotels with the name "Rosen" and two are located on International Drive adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center. The GENESIS® pre-conference courses and PHTA room block are at the Rosen PLAZA Hotel, located at 9700 International Drive, across from Pointe Orlando.
March 17-18
Amelia Island, FL
Part of the Master Pools Guild Spring Meeting
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
16 hours | 1.6 IACET CEUs | 16 PHTA CEUs
$1,690 PHTA Member / $2,190 Non-member
Description:
The single greatest challenge for Swimming Pool Contractors (SPC) to expand their business is the lack of competent and accountable construction managers and superintendents. Although being an engineer, a skilled craftsman, or having pool industry experience is helpful, it is certainly not a prerequisite to becoming a quality superintendent. The likely candidate is trained! In this course, we will explore what makes a good construction superintendent, and how they are an integral part of running a profitable business that provides quality work in a timely period with a reasonable (or greater!) client satisfaction of the product result.
Learning Objectives:
- Defining the need for a functional organization structure whether the organization is a one-person operation or a team of many.
- Learning and understanding why establishing policies and procedures will make the organization more reliable, more manageable, and consistently successful.
- Providing insight and training for basic managerial functions, making you more effective in a managing supervisor role.
- Identifying the subfunctions performed by the construction management team and why they are essential to the operational success of the organization.
- Providing guidelines for the superintendent and field oversight to ensure accountability and product quality.
- Introducing guidelines to establish a job opening procedure for launching a project in a predictable and reliable manner.
- Establishing a job closeout procedure to achieve project completion and transfer of ownership responsibility to the client.
Instructor: Robert Baxter, Advanced CBP
Accommodations:
Master Pools Guild has reserved a block of guest rooms at the Omni Amelia Island Hotel and the group rate is $349 plus taxes. Rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. The deadline to qualify for the MPG Group Rate is Thursday, February 13, 2025. To reserve a room, call 904-261-6161 and request the Master Pools Guild meeting rate or click here to reserve your room online.
Virtual
April 30 & May 1
6 p.m. - 10 p.m. ET
8 hours | 0.8 IACET CEUs | 8 PHTA CEUs
$699 PHTA Member / $999 Non-member
Course Rating from Our Students:
Click on the stars above to see testimonials from previous students.
Description:
This course is an advanced construction school intended to discuss advanced soil mechanics, difficult site solutions, and more advanced concrete science than presented in the basic C201: GENESIS® CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL: Concrete Pools. The course also delves into alternative pool construction materials, major defect repair, and the rehabilitation of old pools.
This is a required course to become a Certified Master Pool Builder & Design Professional.
Learning Objectives:
- Teach advanced soil topics in pool and spa construction.
- Learn to do construction in difficult sites.
- Address alternative pool construction materials and methods.
- Discuss concrete science and concrete shell repair methods.
- Introduce equipment room requirements.
Instructor: John McIntyre
Read our registration and cancellation policy.
On-Demand
This introductory course will provide you an overview of what's involved with a fiberglass pool, from sales to delivery and a checklist in between. For those interested in expanding their market and offerings, you won't want to miss this.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss first steps of fiberglass installation.
- Define the market of fiberglass vessels.
- Examine current trends of fiberglass purchases.
CEUs: 1.3
PHTA Members: View this course for free with the PHTA Class Pass
Non-Members: Purchase course here ($79)
This comprehensive construction school is one of two courses that satisfy the education requirement to sit for the Certified Builder Professional (CBP) exam.
Attendees will learn all the necessary disciplines for building a structurally sound water vessel at their own pace. Topics covered include site analysis, introductory fluid engineering, geotechnical and structural engineering that includes a review of difficult sites, shotcrete, waterproofing, tile, interior finishes, coping, and concrete decking. This program is designed to move each student through all phases of concrete pool construction in great detail, unlike anything else offered in the industry.
This is a required course to become a Certified Builder Professional.
NEW! The C201 manual and exam are now available in Spanish.
¡NUEVO! Manual y exámenes disponibles en español.
Please note: This course is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss Basic Pool Plumbing, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
- Define Layout, Forming & Excavation, Infrastructure Coordination, Shotcrete, Waterproofing.
- List Basic Tile & Coping, Concrete Decking, Pre-Plaster Preparation, Cementitious Pool Finishes.
- Discuss Startup, Punch List & Project Closeout, Project Profile.
CEUs: 24
Instructor: Terry Brannon, P.E.
Course Fee: $2,090/member and $2,590/non-member.
Learn the correct methods for creating the tremendous visual and functional applications of water-in-transit such as vanishing edges, deck-level slot overflows, and elevated perimeter overflows. Understand flow rate requirements and different edge details for creating various effects, and their relationship to edge tolerances and special conditions, establishing line-of-sight goals and project objectives. Presentation will also cover hydraulic system design criteria, catch basin dimensions, surge tank sizing, proper slopes, and air venting of gravity flow systems to enable efficient flow rates while minimizing noise.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify vanishing edges, slot-edges, gutters, deck-level pools, raised perimeter-overflow pools.
- Examine attached surge basins, detached surge basins, basin volume sizing rules-of-thumb, gravity lines.
- Review line-of-sight considerations, edge details, flow rates, and tolerances.
- Discuss aesthetic and functional considerations.
CEUs: 1.5
Instructor: Skip Phillips, Master CBP
Course Fee: $39/member and $79/non-member.
Presented at the 2021 GENESIS® Symposium, Kate Wiseman discusses with Skip Phillips how he established himself as a design leader within the pool and spa industry. They’ll examine influences of architectural styles and how to design with intention. Skip discusses his collaboration with world-class architect Helena Arahuete, Principal at Lautner and Associates, as well as some of his other iconic designs. Attendees will leave the class with a newfound perspective on design and our industry’s role.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss unique projects.
- Examine Phillips' introduction into the pool and spa industry.
CEUs: 1
Instructors: Kate Wiseman, MLA, and Skip Phillips, Master CBP
PHTA Members: View this course for free with the PHTA Class Pass
Non-Members: Purchase course here ($79)
This on-demand education program is an introduction to the pool industry. A new employee goes through this program with the goal of understanding the basics of how the industry works, and some of the main components of pools and hot tubs. Topics covered include job roles in building, service, and retail; certification paths; definitions of main pool and hot tub components; basic water chemistry and the chemicals involved; safety; and water testing techniques.
Learning Objectives:
- Define different types of businesses in the pool/spa industry.
- Define the role of manufacturers, associations, and government agencies.
- Explore the types of pools and spas and how they are used.
- Define basic pool components and equipment.
- Introduce basic water chemistry.
- Define common water testing methods.
- Introduce the next steps to moving forward with certification pathways.
Course Length: 1.25 hours
Course Fee: $39/member and $79/non-member.
