hot tub

On November 12, 2013, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) honored the best in swimming pool designs at the 43rd annual International Awards of Excellence at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino's LIGHT Nightclub in Las Vegas, Nevada. Eighty-eight awards were presented in forty categories, five of which spotlighted international installations. There were over a hundred entries from six countries.

"This year's winning installations showcase our members' superior ability to transform backyards into magnificent environments that cultivate lifelong memories of fun and family. Consumers seeking ideas as they consider building their own aquatic oasis will be able to view the 2013 winners, and even past recipients’ installations, via APSP.org's new Inspiration Gallery coming this winter." -- APSP President and CEO Rich Gottwald.

Some of the highlights we liked most here at Poolsandstuff.com include Caribbean Blue Pools & Spas' amazing multi-tiered pool with slide; Cipriano Custom Swimming Pools & Landscaping's cello-shaped pool; Claffey Pools' cliff terrace pool; and Silver Fox Contracting's stunning pool and hot tub in Dubai.

See the award winners here in this video:

Getting any ideas for your own home pool or hot tub design?

*www.APSP.org

* http://www.newsday.com/business/press-releases/apsp-celebrates-the-finest-in-pool-spa-hot-tub-design-1.6540506

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) announced on October 30, 2013, the reaffirmation of American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/APSP/International Code Council (ICC)-8 2005 (Revised 2013) Standard for Model Barrier Code for Residential Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. The Standard protects children from accidental drowning by limiting or delaying unintended access to swimming pools and hot tubs through layers of protection.

The first and most important layer of protection to keep everyone safe around a pool, spa or hot tub is constant, adult supervision. This Standard provides the layer of protection options in easy to understand language and illustrations for the builder, the code official, and the consumer to ensure safe and responsible swimming and soaking. -- APSP Senior Director Technical & Standards Carvin DiGiovanni

ANSI/APSP/ICC-8 2013 provides the most up-to-date layers of protection for incorporation into national or regional building codes and for adoption by state and local jurisdictions. The Standard contains a complete description of the layers of protection with annotated pictures of their application. The Standard can be purchased and downloaded in the APSP store. For more information about APSP’s standards, parties may contact DiGiovanni at 703-838-0083 Ext. 149.

At Poolsandstuff.com, we are dedicated to keeping you and your family safe while you enjoy your pool. That's why we stock so many products that will help keep your pool environment safe, including the following:

• Easy-to-install steps for safe pool access and exit, including designs with lockable gates to prevent small children and pets from accessing the pool.
• Easy-to-install ladders for safe pool access and exit, including designs with guards to prevent children from becoming trapped between the ladder and the pool wall.
• Solar-powered, submersible lights for maximum visibility in the pool area.
• Miscellaneous products such as anti-entrapment drain systems, pool alarms, USCG-approved children's life vests, ring buoys, and ADA-approved lifts and chairs make your family's pool time safer and worry-free.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the reaffirmed Standard or about pool safety. Happy Swimming!