Next-Level learning happens in Vegas
Watershape University is headed to Las Vegas, delivering an unmatched educational experience designed to elevate every corner of the pool, spa, and outdoor living industry. Whether you’re mastering efficiency through complex hydraulics, refining your communication through design techniques, or streamlining your business operations, our expert-led courses dive deep into real-world applications that drive success. This is more than a learning opportunity—it’s a chance to connect with the industry’s brightest minds, gain cutting-edge knowledge, and bring back the kind of insight that transforms businesses and careers. Vegas is the place, and now is the time to level up.
Maximize your career potential
Watershape University is offering 13 courses, many multi-day, in the core disciplines that drive the industry forward: construction, business, design, engineering, and service.
Our classes are IACET-accredited and count towards continuing education.
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Find the right class for you -- 13 pre-conference courses
Course descriptions and CEUs
(*) marks courses that count towards certification
Course Description
1.6 IACET CEUs
Qualified swimming pool inspectors are in great demand for residential pools as part of real estate sales. In particular, prospective home buyers typically must have a pool inspected as part of the customary pre-purchase home inspection. This 16-hour course equips industry professionals with necessary information and skills to conduct competent and cost-effective residential pool inspections through a review of national swimming pool codes and standards.
Learning Objectives
- Perform a complete step-by-step residential pool inspection.
- Identify and diagnose pool issues that are in violation of national pool codes and standards, as well as those that may lead to costly repairs.
- Practice accurately recording all pool-issue findings.
- Generate a complete and informative pool inspection report.
Instructors
Dennis Boyd
Howard Weiss
Class Counts Towards Certification
Information coming soon
Instructors
Eric Knight
Information coming soon
Instructors
Brett Abbott
Course Description
2.4 IACET CEUs
Students spend three days carefully examining the key elements of swimming pool construction with a focus on how basic engineering directly determines construction methods and details. Day One covers basic engineering (listed above), Day Two moves through construction phases including layout, forming, utilities, safety barriers, shotcrete, waterproofing, tile and coping, all with an eye toward exceeding standards and best practices. The program concludes with discussions about concrete decking, plaster science and start-up methods.
Learning Objectives
- List engineering disciplines: geotechnical, hydraulic, structural and electrical.
- Examine project layout, form design/construction, shotcrete application and waterproofing measures.
- Examine artisan points: tile and coping, decking, plaster preparations, cementitious finishes, materials science.
- Discuss start-up procedures, punch-list execution and project conclusion/hand over.
Instructors
Ben Lasseter, IWI
Joe Dempsey, IWI
Bill Drakeley, ACI, IWI
Class Counts Towards Certification
After completing this class, please contact us to test for the C2111 Exam.
Course Description
0.8 IACET CEUs
Although you may have used shotcrete subcontractors for years, do you know what to look for to be sure you’re achieving a quality installation? Shotcrete is a familiar and widely used concrete placement method used for various applications, including swimming pools. Compared to poured concrete, it involves fundamentally different equipment, material selection, crew responsibilities, application techniques, testing, curing, and personal protection. This course from Watershape University and the American Shotcrete Association provides crucial guidance on over 40 critical elements of shotcrete application that on-site pool-contractor personnel can use to properly evaluate the overall quality of shotcrete placement. Armed with this information, observers can readily use visual clues that confirm that the material’s placement is creating a high-quality and durable concrete pool shell. Key knowledge areas include an overview of material selections, equipment, placement techniques, finishing, curing, protection, testing, and jobsite safety. This vital information will help the pool contractor or owner verify that they are getting quality work from their shotcrete subcontractors. It may also be useful to the shotcrete contractor to better communicate and confirm the quality of their work to their pool contractors or owners.
Learning Objectives
- Gain a fundamental understanding of the wet-mix and dry-mix (gunite) shotcrete process.
- Describe ACI and other Industry standards that detail acceptable shotcrete placement.
- Identify quality materials and placement methods.
- Recognize proper application techniques, and missteps that can reduce the quality of the final product.
Instructors
Charles Hanskat
Course Description
1.6 IACET CEUs
Custom tile installations come with high expectations and often extravagant client investments, making absolute perfection the only acceptable outcome. Clearing that high bar requires a carefully controlled work environment, and complete command of proven installation techniques. This comprehensive presentation offers a framework for ensuring artisan execution and superior results in all environmental conditions. Taught by Luke and Amy Denny, one of the industry’s leading and most sought-after tile-installation artisans, students will go on a deep and detailed dive into the installation process. From how to properly tent and protect tile-installation environments, to the use of setting materials, understanding tile characteristics, and assembling a skilled labor force that is prepared to work at the highest level through seasonal and multi-seasonal projects, this course defines the roadmap to tile-installation success and professional prowess.
Learning Objectives
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Tile Industry Standard for tile installations in submerged environments, TCNA P-602.
- Identify best practices for designing glass tile within pool environments.
- Explore methods, tips, tools for preparing a shell to receive a mosaic full-tile layout, in-class and hands-on.
- Review hands-on techniques for mortar rendering and installation.
Instructors
Amy & Luke Denny
Course Description
1.6 IACET CEUs
This class defines and resolves frustrating disconnects that have long existed between pool builders, plaster applicators and service technicians. By combining these three disciplines and the key phases they encompass, students completing this class will fully understand concrete pool expectations in terms of finished application, successful start-up and satisfying project goals and intentions. The curriculum includes both hands-on instruction for application techniques, lecture, and supplemental instruction and reference materials.
Learning Objectives
- Establish a baseline of acceptable pool concrete surface substrates and surface profiles prepped and made ready for a new plaster application.
- Discuss and demonstrate (in class) plaster design and mixology with related cementitious chemistry of a typical plaster mix.
- Instruct on plaster application techniques and examine texture and bond ability characteristics.
- Introduce moisture and submersion of new plaster applications and teach start up and pool care techniques for the new plaster.
Instructors
Johan Temple
Jon Temple
Robert Abinuman
Eric Knight
Course Description
0.8 IACET CEUs
Vanishing edge and slot-edge details continue to frame watershapes in creative and beautiful ways. Comprehending the infinite architectural options, underlying structural and finish challenges, and fluid mechanics can be an intimidating task. This focused eight-hour program deconstructs the artistry of the edge and exposes the technical challenges with solutions that include everything from reinforcing steel to new fluid engineering analysis tools. Students are expected to have a smartphone or tablet to access the analysis tools. A laptop is not required.
Learning Objectives
- Classify and identify edge design details for water-in-transit pools, spas and waterfeatures.
- Examine structural requirements from soil, hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads to reinforcing steel and concrete in accordance with building codes and standards.
- Establish fluid mechanics performance criteria guided by visual and acoustic objectives and achieved through sound engineering practices.
- Develop accurate fluid engineering calculations and diagrams using new analysis tools developed by David J. Peterson, P.E., IWI.
Instructors
Rick Chafey
Course Description
0.8 IACET CEUs
Well-crafted presentations help homeowners visualize their watershapes and surrounding landscape. In this introductory course, students spend a day receiving instruction and practicing the dynamic art of perspective drawing. This essential skill enables better graphical communication between students and their clients, consultants and contractors.
Learning Objectives
- List basic perspective drawing and presentation skills.
- Define visual attributes including plan views, elevations, sections, detailing and lettering.
- Explore linear perspectives through one- and two-point techniques used to create visual depth in two dimensions.
- Define how to see the world with “design eyes” as you discover the fundamental elements and principles of design. Instruction includes creating Objects and Properties, Spatial Theme, Design Framework, and Design Composition.
- Identify common drawing flaws and errors in perspective.
Instructors
Mike Nantz, IWI
Class Counts Towards Certification
Course Description
1.6 IACET CEUs
With the widespread use of 3D modeling programs over the past two decades, a majority of watershape and outdoor-living designers have joined the industry without the advantage of formal professional design education. This intensive two-day design workshop fills that gap with a crash-course detailing the core concepts of watershape and landscape design – all tailored specifically to intricacies of residential pools and outdoor living.
Learning Objectives
- Explore the reasons WHY We Design including the sub-conscious role that design plays in creating an underlying emotional connection between our clients and the created space that they cannot leave.
- Define how to see the world with “design eyes” as you discover the fundamental elements and principles of design. Instruction includes creating Objects and Properties, Spatial Theme, Design Framework, and Design Composition.
- Examine numerous case studies and project examples created by design masters across the world and develop a final project design concept, with instruction on how to modify the process to fit your company, your client, and your style.
Instructors
Jason Brownlee, IWI
Class Counts Towards Certification
*Students will be required to complete day 1 ONLINE before attending the LIVE portion (day 2)
Course Description
1.6 IACET CEUs
The importance of understanding the mathematics of hydraulic watershape design cannot be overstated. It is an essential element in every type of watershape system. In this detailed class, students are immersed in hydraulic principles and applied science needed to design efficient, durable and serviceable circulation systems.
Learning Objectives
- List key fluid engineering concepts including area, volume, volume, depth, mass, flow rate, pressure, velocity, energy, head pressure and others.
- Apply basic hydraulic principles, guidelines, standards and code limitations to watershape design.
- Discuss efficiency principles including total dynamic head (TDH), electrical efficiency, energy costs and heating efficiency.
- Practice using apps for pipe sizing and other key calculations.
Instructors
David J. Peterson, P.E., IWI
Class Counts Towards Certification
*Students will be required to complete day 1 ONLINE before attending the LIVE portion (day 2)
Course Description
1.6 IACET CEUs
Electricity rarely wants to engage with water but, in the watershaping industry, it is unavoidable — electrical power is needed to run pumps, heaters, chemistry systems, lights and other equipment. The pool and hot tub industry has volumes of very specific life-critical codes to consider, spread across multiple ever-changing documents. Making sense of it all is a challenge even for licensed electricians who may have wired 1,000 homes but still don’t know how to wire a single pool safely. And that’s just the “high-voltage” side of things — there is much to talk about on the low-voltage and wireless side of communications, controls, home automation, etc. This program is designed for pool builders, service professionals and licensed electricians needing to improve their watershaping electrical acumen.
Learning Objectives
- Explain high-voltage terms, definitions, electrical-science and functionality including single and three-phase systems
- Calculate sizing of feeders, panels, breakers, conductors, conduits, voltage drop and other important design parameters using a series of worksheets
- Appraise proper installation considerations such as conduit and conductor routing developed through hands-on exercises
- Discuss, design and evaluate low-voltage measurement, communications, protocols and controls from simple chemical controllers to complex home automation integration
Instructors
Paolo Benedetti, IWI
Class Counts Towards Certification
Course Description
0.8 IACET CEUs
The first step in Watershape University’s service-certification path, this course takes a comprehensive dive into both water quality and water balance. Taught by chemistry expert and instructor, Eric Knight, students will explore the physical nature of water and why it behaves the way it does. Course content also features ways to deal with the most common water-quality problems, and how to prevent them before they start.
Learning Objectives
- Define water quality in terms of chlorination, disinfection oxidation and mineral balance.
- Explore secondary sanitizing methods and technologies, and the spectrum of specialty chemicals and their uses.
- Examine water chemistry indices including the Langelier Saturation Index and the Ryzner Stability Index, and how they are best applied to ensure quality water conditions.
Instructors
Eric Knight
Expand your credentials with professional certification
Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF)
When you take: CONSTRUCTION 2111 – Essential Pool Construction
This industry-recognized certification shows that you have the skills and knowledge to build basic pools, spas, and other water features to a high, global standard. This certification is also the first step toward earning more advanced credentials in the industry.
Requirements: C2111 + Exam (Learn more)
Certified Watershape Builder (CWB)
When you take: ENGINEERING 2311 – Essential Fluid Engineering
This industry-recognized certification proves you have the essential knowledge to run a watershape construction business—from documenting designs and estimating costs to building pools, spas, and other aquatic features with confidence.
Requirements: CWF + E2311 + 2 courses (Learn more)
Certified Watershape Designer (CWD)
When you take: DESIGN 1111 — Essential Perspective Drawing | D2212 — Essential Elements & Principles of Design
This industry-recognized certification validates your knowledge in designing complex, custom aquatic projects that meet both artistic and technical standards.
Requirements: CWF + D1111 + D2112 + 2 courses (Learn more)
Certified Watershape Real Estate Inspector (CWRI)
When you take: BUSINESS 2121 – Pool Inspections for Real Estate Transactions
The recipient has met the globally-recognized professional standard to execute competent and cost-effective residential pool inspections that adhere to swimming pool codes and standards, and the ability to create a thorough and professional pool inspection report for Real Estate transactions.
Requirements: B2121 (Learn more)
Certified Watershape Electrical Specialist (CWES)
When you take: ENGINEERING 4411 — Essential Electrical Workshop
This industry-recognized certification validates your knowledge in understanding and communicating electrical needs specific to pools, spas, water features, and outdoor living spaces. Designed to complement licensed electricians, this credential ensures you can effectively collaborate on electrical installations while also providing specialized training for electricians working in these environments.
Requirements: CWF + E4411 (Learn more)
Learn from expert instructors
Brett L. Abbott
Teaching: BUSINESS 3327 — Marketing, Reputation and AI for Service Professionals
Prior to founding MYM Austin, Brett enjoyed a successful 20 year career in high-tech marketing and sales management. Trained in a myriad of sales, marketing and business training concepts, Brett was responsible for rolling out new product lines, creating and delivering strategic sales and marketing programs, and managing multi-national accounts and operations in the US, Europe and Asia. In 2002, Brett left the high-tech industry and became a licensed agent of Monopolize Your Marketplace™. After extensive training in the MYM system, he founded MYM Austin. The operation has now grown into team of more than a dozen experienced professionals and advisers. These experts support our MYM operations in the areas of strategic development, tactical management, copywriting, graphic design and website management. Brett is recognized by the Monopolize your Marketplace organization as a “Level III Accredited Agent,” one of only three such agents in the country. Brett is a frequent keynote speaker and leader of workshops and seminars throughout North America.and Europe. Subjects include: “Monopolize Your Marketplace – The New Rules of Marketing” “Seven Crucial Steps for Marketing Your Pool Business” “Website Secrets For Pool Builders” “How to Get the Most Out Of a Home Show” “Surviving against E-Commerce Competition” “Creating and Using Your Elevator Pitch”
Robert Abinuman
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 3611 — Essential Plaster Workshop
Robert Abinuman serves as the Department Head for Plaster at Tempool Inc., a leading pool plastering and remodeling company based in Jacksonville, FL. Since its establishment in 1992, Tempool has transformed thousands of commercial and residential pools, working closely with pool builders, managers, and homeowners to deliver exceptional results.
With two decades of experience in the pool plastering industry, Robert has honed his skills to perfection. He joined Tempool 24 years ago and has since become an invaluable asset to the company. His expertise has taken him around the world, managing crews in the Caribbean, Central America, and Europe.
Now, as a faculty member of Watershape University, he is transforming companies in the pool industry with his expertise in developing and teaching the Essential Pool Plaster Workshop.
Paolo Benedetti, IWI
Teaching: ENGINEERING 4411 — Essential Electrical Workshop
(*blended day 2 of 2)
Paolo Benedetti is the President/CEO of Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa and Lux Environs, one of the world’s leading luxury design and build construction firms. As a licensed pool builder and general building contractor, he has managed the design or construction of residential and commercial aquatics projects, vacation resorts, and high-end luxury residences spanning five continents. Widely published and recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on watershape design, he is currently a faculty member for Watershape University.
Dennis Boyd
Teaching: BUSINESS 2121 — Pool Inspections for Real Estate Transactions
Pool inspection services would take off and so Dennis decided to split his pool service business and open a second company called Pro Pool Inspectors, Llc. Marketing that company to the real estate industry has led Dennis on a journey to not only create the most definitive pool inspection downloadable app on the market, but also start teaching pool inspection protocol classes. That training helps pool service companies see how pool inspections can grow their pool service company. He is convinced that if he can do it, you can do it.
Jason Brownlee, IWI
Teaching: DESIGN 2212 — Essential Elements & Principles of Design
In the field of watershape, pool, and outdoor living design, Jason has become one of the few industry leaders to receive the prestigious “masters” level recognition. He is the founder, President, and lead designer at J.Brownlee Design, and co-founder of Elevate Events — where he teaches design, construction, engineering, sales, and business development to aspiring industry leaders across the country. Jason has a passion for design that is evident in each of his unique outdoor living creations. He travels nationally to collaborate with both homeowners and pool professionals on unique project opportunities. “My goal in every design is to enrich the lifestyle of our clients, to extend the living environment of their home into the outdoor spaces, and to enhance the natural characteristics of the site. Where these three things converge is the heart of a great design.” Jason partners with homeowners and pool contractors to bring his designs to life, resulting in numerous national award-winning projects and magazine covers. He resides in the Nashville, Tennessee area with his wife, Jennifer and their four children — Morgan (21), Blake (18), Alexa (15), and Taylor (8). He enjoys photography, travel, architecture, cycling, watersports, spending time outdoors, and can often be found cheering for his daughters at endless volleyball tournaments across the southeast.
Rick Chafey, IWI
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 4271 — Vanishing Edge Design, Engineering & Construction
Richard T. Chafey is one of the owners and managing members of Red Rock Contractors, Red Rock Pools and Spas and Red Rock Design; one of the Nation’s leading luxury design/build contractors. Red Rock’s mission is to build lasting relationships with customers, subcontractors, vendors, and employees as well as the communities it does business within. Their emphasis on relationships and quality construction is what has fueled their success and growth. Since 1998 Red Rock Contractors and Red Rock Pools and Spas, has been one of the nation’s leading custom building, pool, water feature and landscape Design Build Contractors. Red Rock has grown and continues to evolve into one of the most dynamic and diverse custom building contractors nationwide; offering their customers a single source solution to all of their luxury design/build needs from commercial building construction to residential landscape design and installation. Our work has graced the pages of countless magazines, newspapers, and has been recognized nationally on the Travel Channel, HGTV, Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel over a dozen times. We were named 2014 Masters of Design by the Pool and Spa News Magazine. We are the recipient of numerous International Awards of Excellence by the Association Pool and Spa Professionals. Rick attained Master status within the GENESIS 3 Design Group, one of only 17 designers in the world to obtain that level of training in the pool and spa industry. He is a current member of the International Watershape Institute and is on the Leadership Team of Watershape University. Chafey’s and Redrock’s specialties include: Luxury Home Design and Construction; Custom Water Feature Design and Construction; Commercial and Resort Pool Construction; Custom Landscape Design and Construction; and Luxury Residential Pool Design and Construction. We also offer 3D Computer Rendering, Project Management, Construction Consulting, Forensic-Expert Witness Investigation Services.
Joe Dempsey, Jr., IWI
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 2111 — Essential Pool Construction
Joe Dempsey Jr. is a second generation pool contractor with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colorado State University. After graduating from CSU Joe moved to Australia with three friends for a year as a walk about to figure out what direction he wanted to take his life. During his time in Australia he worked for the two worst companies he had ever experienced and decided he would come back to the United States and take on the full time responsibility of learning the family business in 2013. Joe worked in the field learning valuable knowledge of the many facets of pool construction, performing nearly every trade throughout the many phases of pool construction. His field experience combined with his father’s detail oriented focus and his psychology degree has allowed Joe Jr. to grow the family company into an even more well-oiled machine that is known in Colorado as being one of, if not the best, pool design and build firms available.
Joe Jr. has also reinforced the importance of continuing education with his team, providing opportunities for career growth through education to all of his employees. This has allowed his team to grow with the company and continue to provide better services to their clients. The changes that Joe Jr. has implemented with his team have moved the company focus from high end backyard pools to ultra high-end luxury watershapes for large estate projects.
Amy Denny
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 2611 — Essential Tile Workshop
Design + Installation From artistic glass mosaic swimming pools to large format tile interiors, Amy invests meticulous attention to detail at each step of the process. Her firm, Alpentile, designs and installs kitchen, bathroom, fireplaces, swimming pools and water weatures of all kinds. They merge craftsmanship with design, giving their clients a totally unique construction experience that surpasses expectations. Whether you are looking for design help, or just need tile installation services, Alpentile brings over 25 years of experience to your project and are fully licensed, bonded and insured tile contractors.
Luke Denny
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 2611 — Essential Tile Workshop
Owner of Alpentile
Bill Drakeley, ACI, IWI
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 2111 — Essential Pool Construction
William Drakeley is an award-winning shotcrete technologist specializing in concrete science and construction, particularly shotcrete applications, techniques and standards, with thirty years (+) experience in shotcrete installation, waterfeature and geotech design and construction. Services include consultation and review, training and testing and expert testimony. He’s principal and founder of Drakeley Pool Company, a luxury design and build firm based in New England; and, Drakeley Industries, an international consulting firm focusing on shotcrete applications and techniques, notably providing training for the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority underground tunneling projects. An educator and advocate for high industry standards, Bill has most recently developed and launched Watershape University (WU) with colleague David Peterson, P.E. to provide the highest quality of live instruction of business, design, engineering and construction programs to students of all levels of pool, spa, aquatics and outdoor living sectors. Bill has conducted trainings for the Colorado School of Mines, the American Society of Landscape Architects (CT), World of Concrete, GENESIS3 Aqua Show, NESPA, and others. His technical writings have been widely published in trade magazines and e-publications.
Charles Hanskat, P.E., F.ACI, F.ASCE
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 2241 — Quality Shotcrete for Pools – Know it, Demand it
Charles Hanskat, P.E., is Executive Director and Technical Director for the American Shotcrete Association. He is a licensed professional engineer. Hanskat has been involved in the design, construction, evaluation and repair of environmental concrete, marine, building and shotcrete structures for 40 years. He is an active voting or consulting member of many ACI technical and certification committees. He is a Board member and Chair of ACI’s Strategic Development Council. He was also 2014 President of the American Shotcrete Association. He also chairs ASTM C09.46 Committee on Shotcrete. Hanskat has been active in professional and technical engineering societies. He served as president of Florida Engineering Society (FES) and a national director of NSPE. He is a fellow member of ACI, ASCE and FES, and an active member of ACI, ASA, ASCC, AREMA, ASTM, ICRI and SDC.
Eric Knight
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 3611 — Essential Plaster Workshop | SERVICE 2111 — Essential Water Chemistry
Executive Director at Watershape University
Benjamin Lasseter, IWI
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 2111 — Essential Pool Construction
As Partner and Director of Construction, Benjamin is responsible for bringing Design Ecology’s designs to life. He oversees all construction projects from planning to completion while managing a skilled team of craftsmen to provide unparalleled attention to detail.
After earning his B.S. in Horticulture at Texas A&M Benjamin gained valuable experience working as Assistant Superintendent on one of the nation’s top resort golf courses. He moved on to manage the construction division of a landscape architecture firm for 4 years where he built luxury estate landscapes and pools. Benjamin opened his own landscape design and construction company in early 2009 & joined with Scott in 2010 to form Design Ecology.
Michael Nantz, ICAA, IWI
Teaching: DESIGN 1111 — Essential Perspective Drawing Workshop
Mike Nantz, the visionary principal and founder of Elite Concepts, Inc., is an acclaimed international design/build firm specializing in refined watershapes. Based in Dallas, Texas since 1991, Elite Concepts has made its mark across 76 cities, 11 states, 2 territories, and 5 countries, showcasing the high demand for Mike’s exceptional work.
With a wealth of industry expertise, Mike is a sought-after consultant for architects, landscape architects, contractors, pool builders, and homeowners. His reputation extends to legal circles where he is frequently engaged as an expert witness.
Mike’s dedication to education is evident through his role as a Watershape University faculty member. He served as the University’s first Dean of Culture and is currently the Education Committee Chair. His passion for sharing knowledge has led him to lecture and instruct across the United States, Canada, and Europe on swimming pool design, construction, and business practices.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from a true industry leader. Register for Mike Nantz’s design course and elevate your expertise in watershape design and construction.
David Peterson, P.E., IWI
Teaching: ENGINEERING 2311 — Essential Fluid Engineering Workshop
Peterson is President/CEO of Watershape Consulting, Inc., an international planning, design and engineering firm providing owners, architects, contractors, and the legal profession with services relating to residential, commercial and institutional pools, spas and water features.
He obtained his B.S. Civil Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and is a registered engineer in several states. Peterson has been in the watershape industry since 1994 when he began his career designing life support systems for large aquariums and marine mammal exhibits. He was Vice President Engineering at Polaris Pool Systems where he developed and patented several products.
Peterson reorganized the Genesis 3 Design Group into GENESIS® University in 2012. When GENESIS merged with the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) in 2016, Peterson became Director of Education for GENESIS, a position he held until forming Watershape University.
Jon Temple
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 3611 — Essential Plaster Workshop
Jon Temple is the President and Founder of Tempool Inc., a renowned pool finish application company based in Jacksonville, FL. With 28 years of experience in the industry, Jon has built Tempool into an international powerhouse, servicing pool builders, homeowners, and resorts across the globe. His expertise and dedication have taken him and his team to the United States, Honduras, Mexico, Trinidad, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, Canada, Spain, and Qatar.
Jon’s passion for quality and education led him to create the world’s first privately owned pool plaster training and testing school. He has personally trained over three hundred participants worldwide, sharing his vast knowledge and setting new standards in the industry.
As a faculty member of Watershape University, Jon continues to inspire and educate the next generation of pool professionals. He is actively involved in developing the Essential Plaster Workshop, where his hands-on approach and real-world experience provide invaluable insights to students.
Johan Temple
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 3611 — Essential Plaster Workshop
Johan Temple is the Plaster Manager at Tempool Inc., a leading pool plastering and remodeling company based in Jacksonville, FL. Johan started his career in the pool industry as an apprentice, working alongside his father, Jon Temple, the founder, and CEO of Tempool. He quickly learned the intricacies of the trade and was running his own crew by the age of eighteen.
In 2020, he embarked on a unique adventure in India, constructing skateparks with hand-mixed concrete. This experience broadened his horizons and deepened his passion for working with materials.
Now, as a Plaster Manager at Tempool, Johan oversees multiple crews, ensuring that every project meets the company’s high standards. He is also a faculty member of Watershape University, where he collaborates with his father, Jon, and colleague, Robert Abinuman, to teach the Essential Plaster Workshop. Johan’s experience and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to both Tempool and Watershape University.
Howard Weiss
Teaching: BUSINESS 2121 — Pool Inspections for Real Estate Transactions
Howard began his journey in the pool industry as a lifeguard at a community pool. In 1982, he founded Contemporary Watercrafters, a pool service company in the Washington DC suburbs. What started as a small operation with one truck and two employees grew into a thriving business with 10 trucks, 32 employees, and two retail stores. Howard attributes this success to two key factors: clear communication with both customers and employees, and ongoing education for his staff in technical and customer service skills.
Throughout his 50+ year career, Howard has been an active member of industry trade groups such as the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (now the PHTA). He has served on their Board of Directors and Retail Council and has taught at regional trade association training events. He has also conducted certification classes like CPO, PPSO, CMS, and CST.
In 2018, Howard sold his company to two employees and semi-retired. Now, when he’s not sailing on the Chesapeake or traveling, he focuses on his residential pool inspection business, Pool Inspections By Howard. His services cater to home buyers and their agents during real estate transactions, similar to a home inspector. In the transient DC area, he has become a highly sought-after resource.
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