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Each year, Pool Spa Patio Expo partners with the leading associations (such as PHTA) and industry leaders to provide additional education and certification opportunities. So fly in a few days early and join us to gain business-building knowledge that you can use to build a thriving, sustainable business. All pre-conference sessions include a Super Pass and access to the Expo!
GENESIS®, a company of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, provides the only education that fulfills the requirements for the Certified Builder Professional (CBP) certification. Their premier pool industry education program features over 100 accredited courses in business, construction, engineering, and design, which are taught by subject matter experts with decades of hands-on experience.
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*Register early and receive complimentary CBP certification testing onsite—a valuable benefit exclusively for early bird registrants. After the early bird registration period ends, you'll receive an email with a special code to secure your free testing slot.
Description:
Attendees spend three days with a team of expert faculty, learning all the necessary disciplines for building a structurally sound water vessel. Topics covered include site analysis, introductory fluid engineering, geotechnical and structural engineering that includes a review of difficult sites, shotcrete, waterproofing, tile, interior finishes, coping, and concrete decking.This program is designed to move each student through all phases of concrete pool construction in great detail, unlike anything else offered in the industry. Attendees have the opportunity to learn from top experts in their field, ask questions, and begin a relationship with the faculty that doesn't end when the class is over.
This is a required course to become a Certified Builder Professional.
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Description:
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of good design and will teach you how to lay out the different improvements in your projects (e.g. pool, spa, patio, etc.). The instructor will break the fundamentals down into two categories: the Elements of Design and the Principles of Design. Once you have a good grasp of the fundamentals, you will learn how to apply them. You will start with short practice exercises and build up to a final project: creating a master plan that includes a pool and spa.
This is a required course to become a Certified Expert Pool Builder & Design Professional.
Schedule:
Continuing Education Units:
Description:
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of good design and will teach you how to lay out the different improvements in your projects (e.g. pool, spa, patio, etc.). The instructor will break the fundamentals down into two categories: the Elements of Design and the Principles of Design. Once you have a good grasp of the fundamentals, you will learn how to apply them. You will start with short practice exercises and build up to a final project: creating a master plan that includes a pool and spa.
This is a required course to become a Certified Expert Pool Builder & Design Professional.
Schedule:
Continuing Education Units:
Description:
This course is an intensive one-day workshop designed to elevate the understanding, creativity, and project leadership of build and design professionals tackling high-complexity residential and small-scale commercial outdoor environments. This course goes far beyond pool layout and finishes, examining how pools function as anchors within a comprehensive living environment that includes wellness features, architectural structures, hardscape, and site-responsive design strategies.
Participants will explore how to uncover client needs that extend beyond the typical, how to lead multidisciplinary teams, and how to create spaces that are not only functional and beautiful—but deeply rooted in architectural style, environmental context, and human wellness. Through guided lectures, case studies, design exercises, and a final project, students will combine design principles with strategic planning and real-world collaboration techniques.
The Certified Builder Professional (CBP) credential from GENESIS® is the industry’s nationally recognized starting point for professional pool builders. It delivers third‑party validation of your construction and business expertise, helps you stand out with clients, manufacturers, and buying groups, and builds customer trust. Earning CBP strengthens your ability to build smarter and safer to high technical standards while positioning you to advance through the GENESIS® builder pathway to Advanced and Master-level credentials—elevating credibility, competitiveness, and long‑term career growth.
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is a non-profit organization with over 3,800 member companies, making it the largest trade association representing the pool, spa, and hot tub industry. Their internationally known professional certifications enable pool professionals to build thriving businesses and stand out from their competitors with credentials that prove their valuable skillsets.
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Description:
The CPO Certification is the world's leading verifiable pool and spa training credential for aquatic facility maintenance personnel, health officials, retailers, property owners, and other professionals. CPO® certification provides individuals with the basic knowledge, techniques, and skills of pool and spa operations. This training has helped protect millions of swimmers by reducing hazards at aquatic facilities. Upon course completion and successfully passing the exam, students will become Certified Pool & Spa Operators® (CPO®).
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Description:
This course takes you through the PHTA Service Tech Manual and gives you what you need to know to conform to industry standards. Whether you are starting out in the pool industry, have a new business, or want to ensure all your employees are recognized as the top of their craft, this course is the perfect opportunity! When you earn the CMS certification, you also earn a name for yourself in the pool industry as a maintenance person in the know.
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Description:
PHTA Business Boot Camp is a one-day, high-impact leadership and business development experience designed for owners, operators, and emerging leaders in the pool, spa, hot tub, and aquatic industry. This interactive boot camp brings together experienced industry professionals for practical sessions focused on the real-world challenges and opportunities facing today’s businesses, including leadership, team development, financial strategy, operations, marketing, customer experience, and long-term growth. Through a mix of expert-led presentations, panel discussions, and a take-home workbook filled with actionable tools, attendees will leave with fresh ideas, tangible resources, and strategies they can put to work immediately in their businesses.
Why Become a Certified Pool Operator® (CPO®)?
Becoming a Certified Pool & Spa Operator® (CPO®) is a smart investment for pool professionals who are looking to grow their business, expand their skillset, and stay compliant with state and local health regulations. The CPO® certification, which PHTA offers during International Pool Spa Patio Expo, is nationally recognized and provides 16 PHTA continuing education units (CEUs), helping you meet licensing requirements while deepening your knowledge of pool and spa operations.
This credential demonstrates expertise in key areas like water chemistry, filtration, safety protocols, and facility management—making you a more trusted provider for clients and employers alike. Whether you’re a pool technician, property manager, or business owner, becoming a CPO® gives you a competitive edge in a growing market.
In addition to the CPO®, the International Pool Spa Patio Expo Pre-Conference offers other high-impact certifications — including Certified Maintenance Specialist®, Certified Pool & Spa Inspector® — and the GENESIS® program for builders and designers. Each course provides CEUs and career-building credentials that help you grow your service offerings, build client trust, and stand out from the competition.
Be among the first to hear about updates for Pool Spa Patio Expo 2026, including educational sessions, speakers, pre-conference offerings, suppliers/manufacturers, networking opportunities, and more.
