CONSTRUCTION 2111: Essential Pool Construction | Dec 2, 3, 4
Dec 2, 3, 4
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2.4 CEUs | 24 hours
Learning outcomes
1. List engineering disciplines: geotechnical, hydraulic, structural and electrical.
2. Examine project layout, form design/construction, shotcrete application and waterproofing measures.
3. Examine artisan points: tile and coping, decking, plaster preparations, cementitious finishes, materials science.
4. Discuss start-up procedures, punch-list execution and project conclusion/hand over.
Instructors: Ben Lasseter, IWI | Bill Drakeley, IWI
Counts towards the Certified Watershape Foreman + IWI Pathway
Instructors:
Ben Lasseter, IWI - Design Ecology
Bill Drakeley, ACI, IWI - Watershape U
CONSTRUCTION 2241: ASA Quality Shotcrete | Dec 2
Dec 2
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
0.8 CEUs | 8 hours
Description
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 outcomes
1. Gain a fundamental understanding of the wet-mix and dry-mix (gunite) shotcrete process.
2. Identify quality materials and placement methods.
3. Examine artisan points: tile and coping, decking, plaster preparations, cementitious finishes, materials science.
4. Recognize proper application techniques, and missteps that can reduce the quality of the final
product.
Instructors: Charles Hanskat
Counts towards the Certified Watershape Shotcrete Specialist
Instructor:
Charles Hanskat - American Shotcrete Association
BUSINESS 1611: Essential Business Administration Workshop | Dec 2
Dec 2
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
0.8 CEUs | 8 hours
Description
Operating a construction, service, and/or retail business can be a rewarding experience but it also comes with great responsibility and potential liability. Quality watershaping firms need to be on top of their games in both their external client-facing efforts, and also internally on corporate / personnel-facing operations. This 8-hour lecture introduces students to a broad range of important management topics and provides tools to help them apply basic best practices to their business.
Learning outcomes
1. Identify key facets of running a business, including general and administrative issues, human resources, information technology, legal concerns, marketing, advertising, and sales
2. Describe contracts, insurance, liability, and dealing with difficult clients
3. Explore how to establish a healthy company culture, including hiring practices and how to retain and retrain employees to reflect that culture
4. Develop strategies for growth, from marketing and sales techniques, through construction and finally seamless hand-offs to ensure positive referrals
Instructors: Chris Volk, IWI | Julie Kazdin, IWI
Counts towards the Certified Watershape Builder + IWI Pathway
Instructors:
Chris Volk, IWI - Budd's Pools
Julie Kazdin, IWI - Kazdin Pools
BUSINESS 2323: Principles of Sales & Marketing for Pool Companies | Dec 2
Dec 2
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
0.8 CEUs | 8 hours
Description
This is an 8-hour course covering all vital aspects of sales and marketing functions for pool contractors and pool service companies. This starts with the principles of brand differentiation and messaging, and then moves into the strategies and tactics of organic and paid lead generation, including ONLINE (Google Ads, Meta, etc.) and OFFLINE (print, broadcast, signage, etc.), followed by website conversion optimization, marketing
automation, sales CRM’s and sales presentation psychology and closing techniques. We will also share specific tactics to easily manage your online reputation, and maximize and automate your referrals. Then finally, we will demonstrate how to measure and monitor ROI (Return on Investment) and other key sales and marketing metrics on an ongoing basis, so you can always keep your business headed in the right
direction. Where appropriate, we will show you where and how you can use AI to simplify the implementation of these strategies and tactic.
Learning outcomes
1. Clearly differentiate their company's brand and value message from the competition, and apply that positioning consistently across all marketing channels, their website, and sales presentations.
2. Generate a steady, diversified flow of leads through organic search, paid
advertising, social media and other leads sources; optimize their website and landing pages to convert more of that traffic into leads; and build systems to manage online reputation, and automate referrals and 5-star reviews.
3. Measure and monitor all appropriate sales and marketing metrics on an ongoing
basis, to allow the business owner to make intelligent business decisions.
Instructors: Dane Wiseman | Brett Abbott
CONSTRUCTION 4112: Advanced Watershape Construction - Residential | Dec 3, 4
Dec 3, 4
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
1.6 CEUs | 16 hours
Description
This rigorous two-day program is presented sequentially by experts from each trade, unifying all watershaping technical disciplines into a manageable and disciplined process. The focus is on residential pools and spas that include details such as vanishing and slot-edges, moveable floors, advanced automatic covers, and challenging glass tile finishes. Also addressed are projects built in difficult sites requiring soil stabilization, pier and beam foundations, and form-work beyond typical batter boards used for in-ground construction.
Learning outcomes
1. Review site work including gravity plumbing, soil stabilization, pier and beam foundations, and advanced site work and forming.
2. Identify ozone, U.V. sterilization, advanced oxidation processes (AOP), and control and automation systems.
3. Examine architecturally integrated watershapes, dynamic pool floors and covers, acrylic windows and fire elements.
4. Appraise glass tile installation, innovative aesthetic details, technical solutions to unique challenges and construction strategies at difficult sites.
Instructors: David J. Peterson, P.E., IWI | Paolo Benedetti, IWI
Counts towards the Certified Watershape Professional + IWI Pathway
Instructors:
David J. Peterson, P.E., IWI - Watershape U, Watershape Consulting, Inc.
Paolo Benedetti, IWI - Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
CONSTRUCTION 2622: Outdoor Finish Material Science | Dec 3, 4
Dec 3, 4
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
1.6 CEUs | 16 hours
Learning outcomes
Coming soon!
Instructors: Jason Brownlee
, IWI
View All Instructors
Brett L. Abbott
Teaching: BUSINESS 2323 -- Principles of Sales & Marketing for Pool Companies
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”.
Paolo Benedetti, IWI
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 4112 -- Advanced Watershape Construction - Residential
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.
Jason Brownlee, IWI
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 2622 -- Outdoor Finish Material Science
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.
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 — ASA Quality Shotcrete
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.
Julie Kazdin, IWI
Teaching: BUSINESS 1611 -- Essential Business Administration Workshop
The pool industry runs in the family for Julie. Having grown up in the industry, Julie brings a unique perspective to the industry that combines an understanding of where the industry has been with a keen focus on where it needs to be going. She currently holds Executive Committee positions for the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) and the Long Island Pool & Spa Association (LIPSA) and is a dedicated volunteer in the pool industry.
A believer in collaboration, getting to work with professionals from across the pool and spa industry has been an invaluable resource for Julie. Sharing new ideas and building diverse relationships has helped her develop innovative solutions to industry challenges. Julie holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus on management from Bryant University. She holds several industry certifications. She recently received the honor of Young Professional of the Year by PHTA; and 30 Under 40 by Pool Pro.
Julie is the VP of Operations for Watershape University, and serves as WU's Dean of Business.
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.
David Peterson, P.E., IWI
Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 4112 -- Advanced Watershape Construction - Residential
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.
Chris Volk
Teaching: BUSINESS 1611 -- Essential Business Administration Workshop
Chris Volk is general manager of Budd Pools and Spas, a Philadelphia-area, construction, service and repair company serving the Delaware-Pennsylvania-New Jersey region.
Chris graduated from Rutgers University in 2004, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business and accounting, and a minor in corporate finance. He has continued his education, completing rigorous courses in watershape design, engineering, construction, and business operations, and has earned the IWI professional certification from Watershape University.
Chris started in the industry in 1997 as an associate technician and has worked with all aspects of the pool business: design, engineering, planning, installation, service, sales, and retail. In his current role, Volk runs one of the largest pool companies in the United States.
Dane Wiseman
Teaching: BUSINESS 2323 -- Principles of Sales & Marketing for Pool Companies
Dane Wiseman currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer at CyberFunnels. With over a decade of diverse experience in the marketing world, he brings a unique perspective to his work as an educator. Dane has held leadership positions at some of the most innovative and prolific companies in the country.
View Certification | 4 Offered
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.
- Fulfills licensing requirements in several jurisdictions: Alabama, Connecticut, New York (Counties: Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk), Ohio,
- A prerequisite for most advanced WU certification
Requirements: CON2111 (register above) + Exam
Certified Watershape Builder (CWB)
When you take: BUSINESS 1611: Essential Business Administration
A continuation of the path begun while earning the Foreman Certification, the Builder Certification indicates completion of advanced studies in business administration, fluid engineering and design modeling—courses that combine to create a foundation for indispensable professional disciplines.
Requirements: Certified Watershape Foreman + BUS1611 (register above) + 3 courses
Certified Watershape Professional (CWP)
When you take: CONSTRUCTION 4112: Essential Advanced Watershapes - Residential
One of WU’s highest certifications, the Professional badge represents the gold standard for construction professionalism. It indicates completion of rigorous advanced studies in business administration, custom fluid engineering, and specialized construction including high-end residential, commercial installations, and wellness facilities.
Requirements: Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF) + Certified Watershape Builder (CWB) + Certified Watershape Designer (CWD) + CON4112 (register above) + 2 courses
Certified Watershape Shotcrete Specialist (CWSS)
When you take: CONSTRUCTION 2241: ASA Quality Shotcrete
The majority of watershape structures are made of shotcrete. This essential construction certification requires in-depth study of the technical fundamentals including shotcrete logistics, mix characteristics, application techniques and surface preparation for finish applications.
Requirements: Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF) + CON2241 (register above) + Exam