education and events
PHTA and GENESIS® at Equip Exposition
Equip Exposition is the annual event dedicated to growing landscapers', hardscapers', manufacturers', and dealers' businesses. Find the latest and greatest products across 1,000 exhibits and pit them against each other. That's why they call us the proving ground.
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and GENESIS® are teaching several educational sessions as part of the New Business Opportunities Track. Learn more about each session by clicking the title below.
October 15-17
9am - 5pm
24 PHTA CEUs
$999
Designed for those new to the pool industry or working a pool maintenance route, this course takes you through the PHTA Service Tech Manual and gives you what you need to conform to industry standards.
After completing this pool maintenance certification course, you will have:
- Gained a strong understanding of safety, pool circulation and filtration, pool maintenance, and water quality
- Learned about other important topics such as electrical systems, pool structures and finishes, heaters and controls, and customer service
- Earned a name for yourself in the pool industry as a maintenance person in the know
Special for Equip Attendees! Take your CMS Exam onsite on the third day for free! When you register for CMS at Equip, your CMS Exam fee will be waived (a $115 savings).
Prerequisites to Apply (no industry experience required!):
- Successful completion of the Certified Maintenance Specialist® (CMS®) course (for those candidates that practice in states that require the CMS for licensing, please read the "Information for States Requiring Certification" section below)
- Pass the CMS Exam
Instructor: Justin Ivey, CHTT, CMS, CPO, CPI, CST
Wednesday, October 16
2pm - 3pm
Imagine the heartbreak: You've trained relentlessly, broken world records, and stand poised to compete on the biggest stage - the Olympics. Then, everything changes. This was the harsh reality for swimming legend Rowdy Gaines in 1980, when a US boycott dashed his Olympic dreams.
But Rowdy Gaines is a man defined by perseverance. He didn't let this setback break him. He came back stronger, dominating the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, winning individual gold in the 100-meter freestyle and anchoring two victorious relay teams.
His story is one of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of goals. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced adversity.
Rowdy's impact extends far beyond the pool. Today, he champions water safety as Vice President of Partnerships and Development for the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). He is a leading voice for the organization's Step Into Swim program, which equips children with lifesaving swimming skills.
Join Rowdy Gaines at Equip in Louisville, Kentucky! He'll be a keynote speaker, sharing his inspirational story with a signature dose of humor. Learn from his experiences on:
- Overcoming setbacks: How to bounce back from disappointment and achieve your goals.
- The power of dedication: The unwavering commitment required for excellence in any field.
- Teamwork's impact: Lessons from Team USA, one of the most decorated athletic teams in history, applicable to all aspects of life.
Rowdy Gaines isn't just an Olympic champion, he's an advocate for safety and an inspiration to all. Don't miss this opportunity to hear his powerful message at Equip!
Thursday, October 17
9am - 10am
1 PHTA CEU
$99
What do you need to know to design a pool? Despite being a straightforward question, you won't find the answer in typical landscape design programs, so we will start at the beginning: choosing the location of the pool. Next will be the fundamental things you need to know about how a pool is built so that you can be sure your design is buildable. We will talk about specifying a location for the pool equipment and how to hide it from view. We will cover some basic regulations you'll need to know (no matter where you are in the country). And finally, we'll spend plenty of time on the fun stuff: how to specify the materials in and around the pool. No experience with pool design is necessary to take this class.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the basics of pool design
- Explore your options for pool layout and shape
- Cover the "need to know" background information like regulations and construction techniques so that your designs will be buildable
- Learn how to specify materials in and around the pool so that they are functional and beautiful
Instructor: Paul John Boulifard
Thursday, October 17
11am - 12pm
1 PHTA CEU
$99
The idea that pool design, construction, and service are separate individual disciplines is often the misconception of outsiders looking to get into the pool industry. This panel of professionals is going to outline the importance of integration and collaboration and why it is important to have a valued team assembled to deliver a high-quality experience to your clients. Remember, it takes a village to build a great pool.
Learning Objectives:
- Introduce each member of the panel and their respective roles in the process
- Explore how each of those roles interplay with the others
- Explain why assembling a team is important to success
- Discuss the value of a team-centered approach to project execution
Instructors: Paul John Boulifard & Isaac Keselman, Master CBP
Thursday, October 17
1pm - 2pm
1 PHTA CEU
$99
Pool design often has the mentality misconception that a pool simply "goes there" in a client's backyard. This seminar introduces the importance of design and why execution of that design matters. We will break down key components of design education, how you can advance your learning of design education, and how design does not stop on the drawing board. Construction of that pool is the final opportunity to express and explore those initial design ideals.
Learning Objectives:
- Introduce the concept of design
- Explore the topic of discussing design
- Outline how design gets communicated and explored
- Conclude with how that design becomes a reality and continues through construction
Instructors: Paul John Boulifard & Isaac Keselman, Master CBP
Thursday, October 17
3pm - 4pm
1 PHTA CEU
$99
No matter the cost of pool and its construction type, the attention to the installation and its fundamental components are key to the overall success, maintenance, and eventual enjoyment.This seminar will explore the key areas where pool detailing, and execution come together.
Learning Objectives:
- Introduce the basic key details in every pool design
- Explore reasons why design detailing is important no matter the pool type
- Outline how those design details get communicated and explored
- Discuss how design and detail is a conversation between designer, contractor, and most importantly your client
Instructor: Paul John Boulifard
Who We Are
GENESIS® technical education is the most comprehensive and complete curriculum and establishes the highest standards in the pool and spa industry. Since 1998, GENESIS® has taught thousands of students in best practices governing proper water vessel design, engineering, and construction. The vast curriculum, and adherence to standards, leads to excellence in education. GENESIS® is a company of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.
Our GENESIS® instructors have been hand-selected based upon their subject matter expertise. And they bring uncompromising commitment across a range of industry services. Our experienced and innovative teachers are passionate about what they do, and want to share that passion and experience with you.
Looking for more GENESIS® education? See the full list of our upcoming in-person, virtual, and on-demand courses covering construction, engineering, and design.
