Members Bring Our Industry Message to D.C.

This week, a group of NESPA members stepped away from their businesses to walk the halls of Washington, D.C. to represent their teams and the broader future of the industry. The group joined forces with the PHTA to speak directly with lawmakers and decision-makers to ensure our industry’s perspective wasn’t left out of the conversation. If the industry doesn’t show up in those rooms, it leaves others to decide how our businesses will have to operate.

At the center of every conversation was safety and drowning prevention. The members made it clear that pool and spa professionals are not just builders, service providers, and retailers, they are frontline leaders in helping keep families safe around water. They spoke with lawmakers about the need for greater support for swim education, stronger public awareness around water safety, and wider adoption of proven safety standards. These weren’t abstract policy discussions. They were conversations about saving lives, preventing tragedies, and recognizing the important role the industry plays in that effort.

They also worked to change the narrative around energy use. Many policymakers still have an outdated view of how pools use resources, so the members shared how quickly the industry is evolving. They highlighted the shift toward variable-speed pumps and smarter systems that reduce water and chemical use. The goal was to make sure officials understood that progress. They urged them to support the industry with practical incentives rather than restrictive regulations.

The group was equally direct about the challenges on the ground, especially the workforce shortage and how difficult it is to find talent in a tight labor market. They advocated for real investment in trade schools and career pathways. They pointed out that without a new generation of professionals, many of the industry’s long-term goals become much harder to achieve.

Advocacy can often feel like something that happens at a distance. It’s easy to wonder if it actually moves the needle, but the impact was clear when these members walked into congressional offices. They brought credibility and real-world experience that carried weight. By showing up, they weren’t just waiting to see what would happen to the industry. They were helping shape it.

Advocacy works best when more members take part. If you’d like to help shape the issues that impact your business and the industry, join NESPA’s efforts at the local, state, or federal level. Reach out to us at info@nespapool.org to get started.