Did 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. 

Why did NSPF and APSP Merge?

Talks for a merger between the two organizations have been in talks for 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 National Pool and Hot Tub Foundation?

The National Pool and Hot Tub Foundation (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. As of April 1, 2019, NSPF is now the National Pool and Hot Tub Foundation (NPHTF). As part of the merger, the NPHTF will be in charge of primarily:

• Education
• Publication
• Research
• Fundraising
• Grant Making

All of these skills are certainly within the wheelhouse of NPHTF (Formerly NSPF) as this is what they have specialized in since its inception. 

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

The Association of Pool and Hot Tub Professionals Association (Formerly the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals) is also a non-profit trade organization that will specialize in:

• Managing Certifications
• Managing Standards 
• Managing Work Force Opportunities
• Manage Awards & Member Services

With the connections the APHTPA (Formerly the APSP) has coupled with their influence in the pool and spa industry it is apparent why this is a perfect fit for them?

Can I Still Be CPO® Certified?

Though there are a lot of changes in the works in the pool and spa industry regarding this merger, one thing will always remain true, the Certified Pool Operator (CPO®) Certification will still hold the same prestige and clout that it always has. If you are looking for a CPO® class near you, please click here to search for an upcoming CPO® classes being hosted by Pool Training Academy. From Pasadena, California to Denver, Colorado; Billings, Montana to Santa Fe, New Mexico, Pool Training Academy is the most highly-highly-awarded and well respected pool and hot tub training program in the western United States.