The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) and the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) have agreed to merge in an effort to benefit the aquatics industry as a whole.
The agreement was made in principle last week during an industry summit meeting. Merger discussions between each organization had been ongoing for some time, as both boards felt the union would better support the present and future needs of the aquatics industry. Now, with a pact in place, the due diligence process is taking place to make it happen.
“Both associations will operate business as usual and there will be no crossover as we speak. Both CEOs and all programs will remain consistent,” Bruce Dunn, chairman of the NSPF board, told Pool & Spa Marketing. “As a collective group, the current focus will see the people involved in each organization remain involved in the business and not on the business.”
According to Dunn, it is anticipated the due diligence process will be completed this spring, while the business and operations plan will be dynamic and, therefore, is expected to be much more involved.
Presently, the NSPF’s World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC) and its recent merger with Genesis will operate as usual. Skip Phillips and Brian Van Bower will continue as educators, advisors, and cultural ambassadors with the combined organization.
“The merger increases the number of conduits available to members, and the growth of Genesis speaks to unifying the industry,” said Dunn.
No changes will occur with respect to each group’s affiliation agreements, either.
“It is in the best interest for both groups to support any and all affiliation agreements,” added Dunn. “All affiliations remain solid and will be fully supported to make them stronger and viable.”
Robert Wood, executive director of the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC) told Pool & Spa Marketing the council sees the merger as a strengthening of the pool and hot tub industry in North America.
“The linking of these two dynamic organizations and the meshing of their programs (e.g. training, standards, etc.) should prove to be of tremendous benefit to dealers, distributors, and manufacturers,” he said. “Going forward, we anticipate the PHTCC will make up one spoke in this collective wheel, in large part due to the affiliated membership relationship we have with the APSP.”
