It’s back — bigger, better and even sooner than ever! The 2025 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo / Deck Expo is coming to the City of Lights this month, where exhibitors and attendees alike will gather at the Las Vegas Convention Center to share insights, knowledge and experiences from across the industry.
October 19 marks the start of the pre-conference education session. On October 21, the final day of pre- conference, this year’s PHTA Awards of Excellence winners will be honored from 5:30 to 7 p.m., recognizing the impressive design work done by the industry’s finest.
The morning of October 22 at 9:15 a.m. and just before the Expo Hall opens, join PHTA for a Keynote from Scott Hackworth, featuring expert commentary from four panelists representing some of the industry’s top builders.
Later that afternoon, from 4 to 5 p.m. right on the show floor, end your first day at the Expo Hall with the PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Event, where you can share ideas and network with fellow professionals under 40. Come for the company, and stay for a drink and the giveaways!
Also on October 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., the beloved Welcome Party will be held at AYU Dayclub at Resorts World. This year’s party is sponsored by Lyon Financial. Attendees and vendors can mingle, grab food and drinks and enjoy the entertainment of the night.
On Thursday, October 23 at 11:30 a.m., meet with other hot tub retailers at the IHTA Lunch & Learn. This special session, with a $25 admission fee, is designed to help you power up your business in the hot tub sector.
That afternoon on the show floor, the annual Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge makes its highly anticipated return, where five finalists will get the chance to present their show-stopping designs in front of a live audience. That same audience will vote for their winner, who receives a cash prize.
The night of the 23, from 6 to 9 p.m., is when the fifth annual Pool Nation Awards make their mark on the week. Experience one of the most decorated nights in the industry, as individuals in various categories are voted best of the best by their peers.
Continue reading for a comprehensive breakdown of education sessions and an event guide for this year’s PSP Expo / Deck Expo.
SUNDAY, OCT. 19
8:00 a.m.
Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) — Day 1 of 3
Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) — Day 1 of 2
GENESIS C201: Construction School: Concrete Pools — Day 1 of 3
MONDAY, OCT. 20
8:00 a.m.
Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) — Day 2 of 3
Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) — Day 2 of 2
GENESIS C201: Construction School: Concrete Pools — Day 2 of 3
GENESIS C393: Construction Superintendent: Connecting the Field With the Home Office — Day 1 of 2
GENESIS D211: Elements of Design — Day 1 of 2
GENESIS Masterclass C344: Mastering the Art of Precision and Efficiency in Pool Tile Installation — Day 1 of 2
TUESDAY, OCT. 21
8:00 a.m.
Certified Pool & Spa Inspector (CPI)
Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) — Day 3 of 3
GENESIS C201: Construction School: Concrete Pools — Day 3 of 3
GENESIS C393: Construction Superintendent: Connecting the Field With the Home Office — Day 2 of 2
GENESIS D211: Elements of Design — Day 2 of 2
GENESIS Masterclass C344: Mastering the Art of Precision and Efficiency in Pool Tile Installation — Day 2 of 2
National Plasterers Council Start-Up Technician Certification Course
Quality Shotcrete for Pools – Know It, Demand It, Presented by the American Shotcrete Association
5:30 p.m.
PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22
8:00 a.m.
GENESIS B209: Masterful Mediums: Elevating Presentations in Design and Construction
GENESIS C282: Polish or Demolish? When to Remodel or Rebuild a Pool
Hot Tub Service 101 for Pool Technicians
Turn Your Team Into a Championship Team: Hiring, Training, Management, Motivation and Retention
Ultimate Marketing Workshop: Create Your Strategy for Explosive Growth in 2026
NADRA “The Deck Business Blueprint” – What We’d Do if We Had to Start Over and Needed to Win Fast
9:15 a.m.
Day One Keynote – Data- Driven, Builder-Proven: Strategies for the New Economy, presented by PHTA
11:00 a.m.
Rules of Engagement: A Guide to Better Communication — and Better Relationships! — With Everyone Who Is Important to Your Business
Wellness in Water and the Impact on Daily LIfe, presented by PHTA
Building a Thriving Aquatics Workforce: Strategies for Recruitment, Retention and Growth
Fun for Friends and Family
GENESIS C310: Beauty of the Edge: The Definitive, Internationally Acclaimed Vanishing Edge and Water in Transit Design Program — Session 1 of 2
GENESIS D227: Acceptable to Exceptional: Level-Up Your Pool Remodels Without Working Harder
Stop Chasing Leads: Create a Marketing System That Brings Clients to You
Swimming Pool Leak Detection: Comprehensive Strategies for Identification and Repair
12:15 p.m.
GENESIS C310: Beauty of the Edge: The Definitive, Internationally Acclaimed Vanishing Edge and Water in Transit Design Program — Session 2 of 2
1:00 p.m.
Stop Getting Ghosted: How to Hit a 90% Close Ratio Without Chasing Clients
Basic Water Chemistry: The 3 P’s to Pool Care
GENESIS D263: Wellness and Design – How Design Decisions Impacts Outdoor Living From Concept, to Detail, and Eventually Through Execution
Modern Challenges for the Pool Industry – 2025 and Beyond
SOP – Standard Operating Procedures
Taking Sauna to the Next Level
There Are No Second Chances at First Impressions: Making the Most Out of Your Google Profile
1:30 p.m.
GENESIS C322: Construction Management: An Insight Into a Functional Team
2:00 p.m.
Winning High-End Clients: The Art of Selling Luxury Outdoor Living
2:15 p.m.
Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know About Algae
Exit Like a Boss: How to Build a Deck Business You Can Sell for Maximum Value
From Concept to Swimming: Customizable Plunge Pools for Smaller Backyards
Retail Panel: Strategies to Improve Your Retail Performance
Shotcrete – The Good, the Bad, and Ugly
Swimming Pool Waterproofing: A Hands-On Class
2:45 p.m.
GENESIS E106: Hiring an Engineer Without Remorse
3:00 p.m.
Leading Where You Are: Mentorship, Influence and Growth in the Pool & Spa Industry
Smarter Deck Building With AI: Tools That Work as Hard as You Do
4:00 p.m.
GENESIS D112: Small Space Design
PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Happy Hour
Network & Blossom Happy Hour
6:00 p.m.
Welcome Party
THURSDAY, OCT. 23
8:00 a.m.
Bob Lowry’s Pool Chemistry for Service Pros
Bridging the Gap Between Contractor and Manufacturer
GENESIS C388: Pool Tile and Coping: Diagnosing Failures, Mastering Prevention
GENESIS D326: Mindreading Your Clients Will Make Your Projects Easier and Profits Bigger
Marketing Automation & Funnels That Convert More Leads
NADRA the Deck Business Blueprint: Day 2 – Performance: The Profit & Performance Blueprint
9:15 a.m.
Day Two Keynote – Creating Cultures of Excellence With Darren Woodson
11:00 a.m.
Efficient Quotes & Sales
AI & Marketing Automation: The Future of Pool Business Growth
GENESIS C277: Building a Better Pool – The Role of Material Science
GENESIS D237: The Cold Standard: Designing and Constructing Elite Cold Plunge Experiences
GENESIS D238: Outdoor Rooms: Why Your Business Needs Outdoor Living, and How to Do It Well
Roof Challenges Don’t Have to Be Over Your Head
Saltwater Pool Troubleshooting: Beyond the Equipment
11:30 a.m.
IHTA Lunch & Learn: Power Up Your Business, Strengthen the Industry
12:15 p.m.
GENESIS B130: Construction Standards and Annual Contracts
1:00 p.m.
Social Media in Your Toolbox
Building Code-Compliant Pool Hydraulics: Flow, Filtration & VS Pump Programming
GENESIS C313: The ASR Issue: The History and Latest Methods to Combat Concrete Cancer
The Business Playbook: How to Build a Great Company From the Ground Up
Video-First Marketing: How to Attract, Convert & Engage Customers 24/7
Work Less, Make More: The Magical Power of Pricing
1:30 p.m.
GENESIS D133: Effective Design Communication: Managing Client Expectations
2:00 p.m.
AI-Powered Marketing: How Small Businesses Can Win More Customers With Less Effort
2:15 p.m.
Building a Consistent, Customer-Centric Pool Service and Repair Business: Lessons From Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, and McDonald’s
Choosing the Right Pressure-Treated Wood for Your Project
Electrical Safety for Pool Pros
Retail Excellence: Winning Strategies for the Pool & Spa Industry
Beyond Price Points: Mastering Value-Based Sales
Residential Pool Inspections: Expert Insights and Industry Standards
3:00 p.m.
Supercharge Your Sales: Mastering the Art of Hot Tub Retail
Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge
4:00 p.m.
Mastering Tough Talks – How to Communicate with Confidence, Clarity, and Calm in Conflict and Beyond
6:00 p.m.
Pool Nation Awards
10:00 p.m.
Pool Nation Awards After Party
FRIDAY, OCT. 24
8:00 a.m.
Crucial Contract Clauses: What Every Pool Contractor Needs to Know
GENESIS D164: Collaboration Is Key: From Design to Completion
Production Best Practices
Hands-On Pump Installation, Programming and Repairs
NADRA the Deck Business Blueprint: Day 3 – Playbooks + People: Systemize for Freedom & Scale
Keynote Day 3 – Women of Water, powered by PHTA and POOLCORP Presents: The Power of Grounded Confidence – How to Unleash Your Authenticity and Become Unshakable
Pool Pro Hands On
9:00 a.m.
Elevating Pool Care: The Comprehensive Responsibilities of a Modern Pool Pro
Talent Life Cycle – Building Skills for Business Success
Turning Pools Into Profits: How to Build a Business, Not Just a Route
Pool Pro Business Classes Pool Pro Technical Classes
9:15 a.m.
GENESIS C110: What Needs to Be in Your Construction Documents
Wood Deck Protection: How Wood Coatings Enhance Deck Longevity
10:15 a.m.
Hands-On Pool Heater Installation and Repair Workshop 101
10:30 a.m.
Gaining the Psychological Advantage With Visual Merchandising
Mastering Alternative Deck Framing: Steel, Composite, and Aluminum Solutions
Precision in Pool Chemistry: Proper Testing, Dosing & Targeted Pool Care
10:45 a.m.
New Plaster Startups Dos and Don’ts
Turn Metrics Into Money: What Your Financials Are Telling You
11:00 a.m.
GENESIS D352: Splash Pads I: Design Dos and Don’ts
12:00 p.m.
The Hiring Funnel: A Step-by-Step System to Attract, Filter, and Hire Top Talent
12:30 p.m.
GENESIS C352: Splash Pads II: Design and Construction
1:15 p.m.
Advanced Pool Heater Troubleshooting and Repair Workshop 201
1:45 p.m.
Know Your Costs, Grow Your Profits: Business Math Made Simple for Pool Pros
Understanding Chemicals: Choosing the Right Chemicals for Every Pool
3:00 p.m.
Financial Planning and Exit Strategy: How to Build Value and Prepare for the Future
Proactive Pool Care vs Reactive: Utilizing Specialty Chemicals & Minerals to Elevate Your Game
3:30 p.m.
Automation Installation and Programming
4:15 p.m.
Profit is Not Cash: Mastering Cash Flow to Stay in Control All Year
The Science of Algae Identifying, Preventing, and Eliminating Pool Algae
SATURDAY, OCT. 25
9:00 a.m.
Advanced Water Chemistry Target vs Range and Understanding LSI
Pool Pro Business Classes Pool Pro Technical Classes
10:45 a.m.
Developing High-Performing Teams – From 1 to 50 Employees
1:15 p.m.
Effective Acid Washing Procedures, Pitfalls, and Precautions
The Power of Partnership: Cultivating True Collaboration in Your Team
2:30 p.m.
Bonding and Grounding
3:00 p.m.
Dive Into Time Management Strategies
3:45 p.m.
Chemical Awareness and Safety Ensuring Compliance and Protection
4:15 p.m.
Driving Results Through Accountability
