Professionalism builds confidence

DEAR ANN: I am very proud to be a part of the swimming pool business; it’s an industry that brings much pleasure to households across the globe. We are fortunate in Las Vegas to have a vast resource of reputable swimming pool and spa firms to work with. One only needs to look in the many backyards in the valley to see the high quality of pools being built.

Consumer confidence in a product or service is one of the most important factors in a purchase decision, whether it relates to lead-free toys or noncontaminated foods; the same goes for construction. That confidence can be gained through a variety of means: a referral from a friend or associate, prior use of a product or service, the state contractor’s board or from a trade association such as the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals.

The APSP certified building professional designation denotes the highest level of educational certification a builder can achieve in association with the swimming pool industry. As a strong believer in higher education, I completed the CBP curriculum as soon as I became eligible to take the examination.

In addition to enhancing my knowledge and experience with regards to designing and building swimming pools, the designation opened the door for me to become involved in industry activities on a national level. Certified building professional credentials are required to serve on the APSP National Builders Council of which I am currently vice chairman.

The association’s certified building professional program was launched in the 1990s with an emphasis on high ethical standards, commitment to the highest standards of workmanship and construction, business stability and superior customer relations. The in-depth educational curriculum and examination is offered to qualified association members to certify a builder’s knowledge and competence in the areas of design, layout and construction of residential pools and spas.

The test is based on information, data and standards outlined in the association’s Residential Pool and Spa Builders Reference Manual as well as the American National Standards Institute principles. The builders reference manual is divided into 14 crucial chapters — business and finance; insurance; preinstallation; pre-excavation; excavation; hydraulics; circulation and piping; circulation equipment; basic electricity and electrical requirements; pool structures, deck work, coping, tile and trim; safety features and consumer safety information; accessories; interior surfaces; and start-up and loss control — providing experienced pool builders with vital procedures on the proper techniques in the construction of swimming pools and spas.

“As of December 2007, 165 professionals have earned the certified building professional certification,” notes Ken Suzuki, the association’s director of education.

The state of Nevada requires all contractors to pass a state exam qualifying an individual’s knowledge prior to being issued a license. In areas of the country that are void of licensing or testing, a certified building professional designation may be the only criteria for a consumer to appraise a builder.

In order to maintain the rating, individuals must complete a mandatory number of continuing education courses every three years. Credits may be earned from preapproved educational courses presented at industry expos and seminars. The Nevada State Contractors Board holds continuing education courses throughout the year for licensed contractors.

“Educational programs allow pool builders to stay informed of the ever-changing information regarding new technology, laws, standards, equipment and designs available to the industry,” said Al Rizzo, the association’s 2007 certified building professional of the year and chairman of the National Builders Council education committee and co-author of the reference manual. “This information allows them to offer consumers state-of-the-art construction, products and services.

For additional information on residential pools and spas and to find a professional builder in your area, go to the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Web site at www.theapsp.org.

Joe Vassallo is the president of Paragon Pools, a certified building professional and on the boards of the local, regional and national Association of Pool and Spa Professionals organizations. Send questions or suggestions for column ideas regarding pools and spas to him at jvassallo@paragonpools.net or 251-0500.