National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) and APSP Merge?

You may have heard talk around the water cooler, or in our case, the pool heater, that The National Swimming Pool Foundation and The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals has merged and that is correct. As of April 1st, 2019, The two organizations have indeed joined forces. The merging of the two groups has created what is now known as The Pool And Hot Tub Alliance, or PHTA.

This merger has a significant impact across the entire country, serving pool and spa professionals and supporting programs nationwide.

Introduction to the Merger

In 2019, the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) and the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) came together to form the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), marking a significant milestone for the pool and hot tub industry. This strategic merger was designed to unite the strengths of both organizations—combining the national swimming pool foundation’s unprecedented educational reach with the hot tub alliance’s robust networking and professional skills. By joining forces, the new organization set out to better serve pool and spa professionals, spa professionals, and the entire national swimming pool and hot tub community. The creation of the PHTA reflects a shared vision to elevate the pool and spa industry, ensuring that both the swimming pool foundation and the hot tub industry continue to thrive through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

Why did NSPF and APSP Merge?

Talks for a merger between the two organizations have been ongoing for many years, and the merger almost occurred back in 2016. But due to a myriad of issues, the merger did not go through. But now in light of some recent leadership changes, such as Tom Lachoki stepping down as CEO of NSPF in early 2019 amongst other things, leadership from both NSPF and APSP saw it as the perfect time for the merger to take place. With the networking and professional skills presented by the APSP and the unprecedented educational reach of NSPF, the leadership saw this as the perfect pairing of organizations with the intention of bolstering the pool and hot tub industry.

What is the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance?

The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) (formerly the National Swimming Pool Foundation) is a non-profit organization that strives to serve the pool and spa world primarily through education and research. The foundation is committed to improving safety and education in aquatic facilities and spas, supporting the development of industry standards and best practices. As of April 1, 2019, NSPF is now the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance. As part of the merger, the PHTA will be in charge of primarily:

• Education

• Publication

• Research

• Fundraising

• Grant Making

All of these skills are certainly within the wheelhouse of PHTA (Formerly NSPF) as this is what they have specialized in since its inception, including extensive experience in training students in the pool and spa industry.

What is The Association of Pool and Hot Tub Professionals Association?

The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (now merged with PHTA) is also the non-profit trade organization wing of the merger that will specialize in:

• Managing Certifications, including certified pool operator certification

• Managing Standards

• Managing Work Force Opportunities

• Manage Awards & Member Services

The PHTA as a whole supports proper facility management and helps each person in the industry achieve and maintain their certified pool operator certification.

Organization Structure After the Merger

Following the merger, the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) emerged as the leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the pool and spa industry. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the PHTA is committed to supporting the national swimming pool and spa industry through a focus on education, research, and certification. The organization’s headquarters in Alexandria, VA (with another operational branch inColorado Springs, CO) is home to a team of professionals who are passionate about promoting water safety and encouraging aquatic activity. The PHTA’s structure is designed to maximize its impact, with resources directed toward developing educational programs, supporting research initiatives, and providing certification opportunities for pool and hot tub professionals. By prioritizing these core areas, the PHTA ensures that the pool and spa industry remains at the forefront of safety, innovation, and professional development.

Can I Still Be CPO® Certified?

Though there were a lot of changes in the pool and spa industry regarding this merger, one thing will always remain true: the Certified Pool Operator (CPO®) Certification remains a prestigious credential and is now under the banner of the Pool Hot Tub Alliance, the leading organization in the aquatics industry. There is no difference whatsoever between the NSPF CPO® and the current PHTA CPO® certifications. Both maintain rigorous standards for swimming environments and public safety. The certified pool operator certification program was developed to meet the evolving needs of the aquatics industry and ensure safer swimming environments. Over the years, this program has reached millions of students, helping to protect the lives of more people and safeguarding public health. By certifying professionals, the program plays a vital role in protecting swimmers, keeping pools open, and maintaining high standards in aquatic facilities. The Pool Hot Tub Alliance actively advocates for safety and education throughout the industry. Certified professionals also have opportunities to network and attend conferences for ongoing professional development and to stay current with industry best practices.

If you are looking for an online CPO® class, please click here to search for upcoming CPO® classes hosted by Pool Training Academy. From Pasadena, California to Denver, Colorado; Billings, Montana to Santa Fe, New Mexico, Pool Training Academy specializes in online training across the United States and is the most highly-highly-awarded, well respected pool and hot tub training program in the United States.

Industry Impact of the Merger

The unification of the NSPF and APSP into the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) has had a transformative effect on the pool and spa industry. With a single, powerful organization representing pool and spa professionals and spa industry leaders, the PHTA has streamlined advocacy efforts and created a stronger voice for the industry. One of the most notable outcomes is the enhancement of the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification, now managed by the PHTA. This credential is recognized as a gold standard for certified pool operators, and the availability of online courses and comprehensive training has made it more accessible than ever for professionals to maintain their certification. The merger has also expanded the range of services offered to pool and spa professionals, from advanced training to industry advocacy, all with a focus on promoting water safety and supporting aquatic activity. As a result, the pool and hot tub industry is better equipped to meet the needs of both professionals and consumers.

Future Outlook and Benefits

Looking ahead, the future of the pool and spa industry is bright with the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) at the helm. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to promote water safety, support aquatic activity, and provide top-tier education and certification for pool and spa professionals. Programs like the CPO certification will continue to set the standard for excellence in the industry, while ongoing research and advocacy efforts will help protect and advance the interests of spa professionals, the hot tub industry, and the broader pool and spa community. The merger of the NSPF and APSP has created a unified, dynamic organization that is committed to elevating the industry, supporting career development, and ensuring that pools and hot tubs remain safe, enjoyable, and accessible for all. With its focus on education, research, and certification, the PHTA is poised to lead the industry into a new era of growth and innovation, benefiting professionals, consumers, and communities nationwide.