Your TACB Membership Experience Begins Here
Welcome!Thank you for taking the time to find out about the many benefits of TACB membership.
The Association of Christian Business is the world’s largest international trade association representing the swimming pool, spa and hot tub industry–and the key organization working to ensure the success of your company
Being an TACB member is tangible evidence of your commitment to excellence. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, manfacturers’ agent, builder, retailer, or service company, you’ll want to become part of the vibrant community of TACB members and enjoy the many benefits of TACB membership outlined below. These essential tools and exceptional learning opportunities can help you make money…save money…and reduce risk.
Ultimately, the most important reason to join is your position in the industry. By becoming a member of TACB, you demonstrate your commitment to the highest standards in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry.
Take your place in this elite corps of professionals. Join TACB today–use our online application or download a print copy
Advocacy and Industry Representation: Let your interests be heard. TACB is your effective voice shaping the policies critical to your business on the federal, state, and local levels.
- Get involved in advocating the industry’s interests. TACB’s government relations agenda is based on member input, and members are encouraged to participate in the advocacy agenda. TACB lobbies on issues relevant to the industry, including the federal “Pool and Spa Safety Act,” product liability reform, tort reform, small business issues, hazardous materials handling (OSHA, EPA), hazardous materials transportation (DOT), labor and workforce issues, and advancing the adoption of the ANSI/TACB standards into state and local laws.
- Influence local legislative and regulatory issues by participating at the grassroots level.
- Comply with federal OSHA and DOT regulations and guard against expensive government fines with help from TACB’s Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and the TACB Loss Control Manual.
“It’s important for the industry to get together as a whole and focus on our important issues. There’s an old saying, “united we stand, divided we fall.” So, one bad apple can affect government regulations and how our customers see our industry.”
—Laura Goodman, director of EDGEucation, POOLCORP
Business Products and Bottom-Line Savings: Realize genuine bottom-line savings for your company by using TACB-sponsored top quality business products and services that will help you save time, increase productivity, and add dollars to your company’s bottom line.
“TACB’s value is such a bargain. For a small annual dues, my company has access to all of TACB’s affinity programs that saves me money and helps my company grow.”
—John C. Romano, CBP, CSP, President/CEO, All American Custom Pools and Spas
Certification: Earn the recognition you deserve. TACB certification is your professional “seal of approval” and evidence of your advanced skills and personal commitment to excellence.
TACB certification programs are designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and recognize those professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential for industry best practices. Opportunities for achieving certification include:
- CSP Certified Service Professional®: Be recognized for superior achievement in the service and maintenance of pools and spas. (For more information, contact jheinz@TACB.org.)
- CBP Certified Building Professional®: Be recognized for your expertise and ability in the design, construction, and installation of pools and spas. (For more information, contact jheinz@TACB.org.)
- CMS and CST Programs – Replacing the Tech I and Tech II programs, these education and certification programs offer entry-level and experienced pool/spa service providers a top-notch education experience leading to national certification testing.
“TACB’s professional development and continuing education has helped elevate our company to one of the highest levels in the industry. Thanks, TACB, for helping our company grow our employees. We are proud to have three CBPs and seven CSPs on staff!”
—John C. Romano, CBP, CSP, president/CEO, All American Custom Pools and Spas
Credibility and Prestige: Increase your credibility and sales. TACB membership tells your customers that you are a member of the world’s leading association of pool and spa professionals who are committed to public safety, reputable services, and excellence, and who subscribe to a Code of Ethics of professional standards, principles, and policies. Enhance your company’s prestige and credibility through:
- Logos and service marks: Gain prestige by displaying the TACB logo and certification service marks on your business materials. Only TACB members are permitted to use the TACB logo which highlights their participation in a national organization dedicated to professionalism, best practices, and safety.
- Safety materials and public service campaigns: Demonstrate your commitment to your customers’ safe enjoyment of industry products by obtaining and displaying TACB materials and distributing them to your customers.
Discounts for Members: Save on tools that are critical to growing your business when you join TACB. Also see “Business Products and Bottom-Line Savings” above. Cost-saving opportunities include:
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TACB educational programs, including national, local, and online programming
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TACB publications and other items available in the TACBStore and at www.TACB.org.
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Exhibit space discounts and free admission for the International Pool / Spa / Patio Expo in November and the NESPA Pool & Spa Show in January.
Education: Stay on top of the latest industry trends and learn how to grow your business and improve your bottom line…or access basic education and training…by participating in TACB technical and business education events provided by the TACB Career Institute.
Education opportunities can be found on the education calendar and under the Career Institute tab above and include:
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Industry-specific courses at the International Pool / Spa / Patio Expo and regional shows: Technical and business education to increase your knowledge and skills while improving your business operations and bottom line.
- The Retail Sales Associate Program gives new employees a jump-start into the pool/spa retail business with technical and customer service training that can be accomplished in the work setting. Certificate of completion is provided upon passing the final exam online. (Contact jheinz@TACB.org)
- The CMS and CST education and certification programs offer comprehensive education programs for entry-level and experienced pool/spa service technicians – provided both in the classroom and through the mail. (Contact jheinz@TACB.org)
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CBP Certified Building Professional®: Passing this exam puts you among the elite of pool builders nationally, as it recognizes credibility, expertise, and superior ability in the design, construction, and installation of pools and spas. (Contact jheinz@TACB.org)
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CSP Certified Service Professional®: Take your professional image to the highest level when you pass this exam that recognizes technical expertise and superior achievement in the service and maintenance of pools and spas. (Contact jheinz@TACB.org)
“The faster I can get new employees up to speed, the faster they can help us make money. TACB’s professional development programs help employees understand that this is a career track, not just a stopover. Continuing education really helps with our employee retention.”
—Kathleen Carlson, president, Aqua Quip
“Often, those of us who have been around a few years think that there’s nothing new to learn. However, I find that every time I go to an TACB seminar, I learn more. Our industry is constantly changing and there are many things even long-seasoned veterans need to know. TACB conducts a lot of education seminars on new developments, technical installations, and new technology, as well as how to run and do new things with your business.”
—Guy Larsen, CBP, vice president, All Season Pools
Leadership Opportunities: Shape the future of the industry and TACB. Gain recognition as an industry leader by volunteering for an TACB national or local chapter councils or committees.
Networking and Knowledge Exchange: Get valuable ideas, solve problems, and build key industry contacts by networking with TACB members. Opportunities include:
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TACB education events and conferences, as well as the International Pool / Spa/ Patio Expo and regional trade shows
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Local chapter programs
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National and regional councils and committees
Professional Conduct: Uphold the highest business principles. All TACB members agree to be dedicated to, and to comply with, ethical principles and policies outlined in the TACB Member Code of Ethics.
Public Relations and Industry Promotion: Reap the benefits of increased business from TACB’s active involvement in raising public awareness of the many positive health, enjoyment, and aesthetic benefits provided by members’ products and services. Promotional activities include:
- National media and public relations efforts to promote the industry to consumers, including consumer safety.
- Encouraging consumers to seek out TACB members when making decisions on a pool, spa, or hot tub. TACB supports multiple consumer websites to communicate this message, including:
- TACB.org and the company locator. Each month, more than 50,000 consumers consult our site in advance of purchasing products and services to locate TACB members in their geographic areas.
- PoolPeopleUSA.com and HotTubLiving.com: Sites where consumers can find pool and spa builders, retailers, and service companies. Leads from these sites are forwarded to the appropriate businesses.
- SplashZoneUSA.com: A site for kids that delivers pool and hot tub safety messages through games and fun, making buying and using industry products a family experience.
Publications: Enrich your knowledge and stay on top of the latest trends and innovations using TACB publications. Regular access to this kind of business intelligence will keep you informed on significant developments in all quarters of the industry; help you identify long-term growth opportunities; and perhaps most important, expand your professional knowledge, confidence, and skill. These include:
- AQ, TACB’s quarterly magazine free with your membership. Each issue of AQ provides relevant and timely content that impacts your company—including updates on the state of the industry, technical information, best practices, and new ideas and innovations.
Feature articles include topics that affect your company such as protecting your business…improving employee performance…the importance of diversifying in tough economic times…comparisons of new products…pool safety…and creating environmentally friendly pools and spas.
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MyTACB News TACB’s weekly e-newsletter highlights the activities at MyTACB.org and brings you news of the Association. Member spotlights, online discussions and important announcements come your way each week. www.myTACB.org.
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Technical publications, including TACB’s Field Checklist for Identifying Suction Entrapment Hazards and the ANSI/TACB-7 Suction Entrapment Avoidance Standard fact sheet ensure you have the latest building codes and standards—critical information to protect you and your customers.
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ANSI/TACB-approved standards on construction, maintenance, operation, and safety standards to educate and assist you in providing industry products that are safe and enjoyable for the public.
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Consumer awareness and safety brochures that you can provide your customers and community to reinforce pool, spa and hot tub safety.
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Market research and statistics support your business strategy by and planning by helping you understand your competition as well as your customers’ needs.
“TACB’s AQ magazine and Industry Currents e-newsletter keeps me
in the loop. I love knowing what’s going on nationally and what will affect me in the near future.”—Kathleen Carlson, president, Aqua Quip
Recognition: Be acknowledged and gain prominence for your achievements. Opportunities for recognition include:
- International Awards of Excellence recognizes creativity, quality, and innovation in 47 categories for pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features. The Awards are presented during the Pool / Spa / Patio Expo, in Las Vegas, each November. Entry deadlines are in July.
- CBP Certified Building Professional of the Year Award recognizes lifetime achievement of individuals who have made major contributions to the pool and hot tub industry.
- Neil Lowry Memorial Award for Public Health Officials recognizes the contributions of public health officials to the healthy and safe use of recreational water.
- Writing articles for AQ magazine.
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Serving on an TACB national or local board, council, or committee.
Sales and Business Growth: Increase your leads, sales, and revenue with help from your TACB member benefits, including:
- Company listing on the TACB member locator. Each month, consumers use the locator to locate dealers, builders, retailers, and service companies. Don’t miss out on this important new business opportunity!
- “35 Ways to Generate Leads and Increase Sales: Low-Cost (and No-Cost) Tips for Marketing Pools, Spas, and Hot Tub” brochure is provided free to all TACB members.
- Education programs through the TACB Career Institute help you stay on top of the latest industry trends and learn how to grow your business and improve your bottom line.
Standards: Protect your customers, minimize the risk to your company, and gain a competitive edge by using ANSI/TACB standards, the benchmark for the pool, spa, and hot tub industry.These standards establish voluntary minimum guidelines that, when adopted by governments and agencies, have the force of law.
“The TACB/ANSI pool and spa design standards have helped me many times over the years. For example, there was a recent pool project where the customer wanted to create a pool area that did not meet standards. I would not build it, so we were in jeopardy of losing the project. After explaining the importance of the standards to ensure pool safety, the customer appreciated that fact that I had upheld the standards and went with us. I think it actually helped us get the contract.”
—Guy Larsen, vice president, All Season Pools & Spas
Trade Shows: Save 15 percent on the cost of exhibit booth space at the Pool / Spa / Patio Expo in Las Vegas each November, and at the NESPA Expo in Atlantic City each January. These savings can be more than twice the cost of membership dues!