Skip to content

WU at Southwest Pool & Spa Show 2026

Feb 15 - 19 | San Antonio, TX

See full schedule for IACET CEUs offered, time, and instructors.

Address:  Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States

Gain Specialized Knowledge to Drive Your Career Forward

Calling all pool and spa pros from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico — the Southwest Pool & Spa Show is your home turf for hands-on education that fuels success. This is your chance to sharpen your skills, strengthen your business, and learn directly from the industry’s most respected instructors. Each course is designed to tackle the real-world challenges you face on the job every day, giving you the tools and confidence to deliver top-quality results your clients will notice. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself, connect with peers who share your drive, and kick off the year with fresh knowledge that keeps you ahead of the curve.

 

Book Your Hotel

Courses and schedule overview

2026 southwest courses 2025-10-23

Note for registered students:

Please note that once you register through the SWPS website, courses will appear on your WU student dashboard within a few days.  We rely on SWPS to send us student rosters in a timely manner, so we can ensure you'll have access to event details.

Thank you for your cooperation!

 

Course Details & Registration Link


Scroll below to find a class you're interested in.  When you're ready, register through SWPS.  Click here for detailed help.

Starting Sunday, February 15

*CONSTRUCTION 3611: Essential Plaster Workshop | Feb 15, 16 (BILINGUAL, Ingles y Español)

February 15, 16

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

1.6 CEUs | 16 hours

Learning outcomes

1. Establish a baseline of acceptable pool concrete surface substrates and surface profiles, prepped and made ready for a new plaster application.

2. Discuss and demonstrate (in class) plaster design and mixology.

3. Learn plaster application techniques and examine texture and bondability characteristics.

4. Learn cement chemistry as it relates to hydration, curing and carbonation.

5. Learn the optimal startup water chemistry for proper plaster curing in the first 30 days.

Instructors: Bill Drakeley, Jon Temple, Johan Temple, Robert Abinuman, Miguel Chavez

Jon Temple Johan Temple Robert Abinuman

Bill Drakeley, ACI, IWI, William Drakeley, Watershape University 

headshot-miguel-chavez-1

Instructors:

Jon Temple - Tempool, Inc.
Johan Temple - Tempool, Inc.
Robert Abinuman -Tempool, Inc.

Bill Drakeley, ACI, IWI - Watershape U

Miguel Chavez - Hasa/Orenda Technologies

*BUSINESS 2121: Pool Inspections for Real Estate Transactions | Feb 15, 16

February 15, 16

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

1.6 CEUs | 16 hours

Learning outcomes

1. Perform a complete step-by-step residential pool inspection.

2. 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.

3. Practice accurately recording all pool-issue findings.

4. Generate a complete and informative pool inspection report.

Instructor: Dennis Boyd

Dennis Boyd

Instructor:

Dennis Boyd - Pro Pool Inspectors

*ENGINEERING 4411: Essential Electrical Workshop | Feb 15, 16

February 15, 16

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

1.6 CEUs | 16 hours

Learning outcomes

1. Explain high-voltage terms, definitions, electrical-science and functionality including single and three-phase systems.

2. Calculate sizing of feeders, panels, breakers, conductors, conduits, voltage drop and other important design parameters using a series of worksheets.

3. Appraise proper installation considerations such as conduit and conductor routing developed through hands-on exercises.

4. Discuss, design and evaluate low-voltage measurement, communications, protocols and controls from simple chemical controllers to complex home automation integration.

Instructors: Paolo Benedetti, IWI

 Paolo Benedetti

 

Instructor:

Paolo Benedetti, IWI - Aquatic Technology

Starting Tuesday, February 17

(Short course) SERVICE 1121: Essential Chemical Safety & Vehicle Organization (*BILINGUAL) | Feb 17

February 17

8:00 - 9:00 AM

0.1 CEU | 1.0 hours

Learning outcomes

1. Learn the five (5) cardinal rules of chemical transportation and storage, and create a plan for how to implement them immediately.
2. Be able to distinguish between volatile chemicals and non-volatile chemicals.
3. Develop safe chemical usage, handling, storage and transportation procedures and checklists for your company to follow.
4. Identify what items are needed to make your work vehicles and workplaces safe for transporting and storing pool chemicals.

Instructors: Miguel Chavez

headshot-miguel-chavez-1

Instructors:

Miguel Chavez - Hasa/Orenda Technologies

Starting Wednesday, February 18

(Short course) BUSINESS 2120: Introducing the Pool Inspection Process for Real Estate Transactions | Feb 18

February 18

8:00 - 9:00 AM

0.1 CEU | 1.0 hours

Learning outcomes

1. Introduce inspection basics: finding/diagnosing problems and defects, recording findings, compiling a report and using inspection software.

2. Review inspection examples for residential pools.

3. Describe how to set up and market a residential pool-inspection business.

 

Instructor: Dennis Boyd

Dennis Boyd

Instructors:

Dennis Boyd - Pro Pool Inspectors

(Short course) BUSINESS 1341: Design Fees - Charging for Professional Services | Feb 18

February 18

9:15 - 10:15 AM

0.1 CEU | 1.0 hours

Learning outcomes

1. Recognize profitability prior to construction.

2. Distinguish from the competition, demonstrate professional design service.

3. Compose a process to warrant charging for design and estimates.

4. Apply in-house psychology to embrace the fee.

 

Instructor: Mike Nantz, IWI

 

Instructor:

Mike Nantz, IWI - Elite Concepts, Inc.

Starting Thursday, February 19

(Short course) SERVICE 3121: Electricity, Bonding and Controls for Service Professionals | Feb 19

February 19

8:00 - 9:00 AM

0.1 CEU | 1.0 hours

Learning outcomes

1. Explain voltage, current, resistance, voltage-drop, and other key electrical terms.

2. Distinguish the differences between high-voltage & low-voltage, grounding & bonding.

3. Formulate solutions to basic electrical problems.

4. List electrical equipment and repairs that will improve safety and your profits.

 

Instructors: Mike Nantz, IWI

Instructor:

Paolo Benedetti, IWI - Aquatic Technology

(Short course) BUSINESS 1342: Impressive Construction Proposals | Feb 19

February 19

9:15 - 10:15 AM

0.1 CEU | 1.0 hours

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the difference between a Fee Proposal and a Project Plan.

2. Identify the key elements of a Project Plan, such as a Statement of Qualifications, that will build confidence with your clients and leave them questioning your competition's trust.

3. Arrange your Project Plan to position your firm as a resource and teacher.

4. Formulate a strategy to develop and deliver your own Project Plans beginning in just a few weeks.Formulate a strategy to develop and deliver your own Project Plans beginning in just a few weeks.

 

Instructor: Mike Nantz, IWI

Instructor:

Mike Nantz, IWI - Elite Concepts, Inc.

Need help with registration?

Step 1: Complete the first few pages with your contact/professional information.

Step 2: When you get to the page: Agenda, select your class(es).

Note that our "Short courses" (labeled above) are free/included to attend with your registration.

Step 3: If applicable, register additional people in your group.

Step 4: Finish payment details.

Need additional help?  Call us at 858.788.9998

Your instructors.

View All Instructors

 

headshot-robert-abinuman

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.

headshot-paolo-benedetti

Paolo Benedetti, IWI

Teaching: ENGINEERING 4411 - Essential Electrical Workshop | SERVICE 3121 - Electricity, Bonding and Controls for Service Professionals

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.

 

headshot-dennis-boyd

Dennis Boyd

Teaching: BUSINESS 2121 — Pool Inspections for Real Estate Transactions | BUSINESS 2120 -  Introducing the Pool Inspection Process for Real Estate Transactions

Dennis is a 25-year veteran in the pool industry located in Nashville, TN. He holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Religion and Philosophy, a Masters Degree in Education, and after finishing medical school, he worked at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital 3-days per week specializing in blood chemistry. It is this medical training that would give him a jump start on understanding water chemistry as he started a swimming pool cleaning service business as a side job to fill the week.
 
His pool cleaning service business led to full-time employment and Dennis realized he needed to step out of the hospital environment because he enjoyed the pool industry more. During his time of having fun cleaning pools he attended numerous education classes to learn not only water chemistry and pool service, but also mechanical repair, heater rebuilding, liner measuring, remodeling, etc. He became CPO certified the same year he started his pool cleaning business. During a freak winter ice storm, when no one could leave their homes to service pools, he went online and sat for the Certified Pool Inspector training. He then marketed pool inspections..
 

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.

 

headshot-miguel-chavez-1

Miguel Chavez

Teaching: SERVICE 1121 - Essential Chemical Safety & Vehicle Organization (*BILINGUAL) | CONSTRUCTION 3611 - Essential Plaster Workshop (*BILINGUAL)

Miguel developed a passion for water quality and disinfection right from the inside of the pool, ironically as his swimming career headed to an end, he joined team Orenda as a Spanish Educator and Business Development Representative. Over the span of 5 years Miguel has interpreted and adapted the forward-thinking methodology and learning materials of Orenda for the Hispanic and Latino demographic inside and outside the United States. Miguel holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

 

headshot-bill-drakeley

Bill Drakeley, ACI, IWI

Teaching: CONSTRUCTION 3611 – Essential Plaster Workshop

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.

 

headshot-michael-nantz

Michael Nantz, ICAA, IWI

Teaching: BUSINESS 1341 - Design Fees: Billing for Professional Services | BUSINESS 1342 - Impressive Construction Proposals 

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.

 

headshot-jon-temple

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.

 

headshot-johan-temple

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.

Become certified.

View Certification | 3 Offered

CWES-300

Certified Watershape Electrical Specialist (CWES)

When you take: ENGINEERING 4411 — Essential Electrical Workshop

All watershapes rely on competent/certified electrical installation to ensure safety, functionality and efficiency. This certification indicates completion of WU’s comprehensive course diving into the craft of combining electricity and water. 

Requirements: CWF + E4411 (Learn more)

 

CWFS-300

Certified Watershape Finish Specialist (CWFS)

When you take: CONSTRUCTION 3611 — Essential Plster Workshop

Successful application of plaster and the spectrum of available cementitious pool finishes requires a surprisingly nuanced skillset and level of operational control. The Finish Specialist Certification requires completion of a rigorous 40-hour hands-on course delving into surface preparation, mix design, pumping technology, troweling techniques, chemical washing, and initial service (start-up). 

CWF + 1 class required:

Requirements: CWF + C3611 (Learn more)

 

CWRI-300

Certified Watershape Real Estate Inspector (CWRI)

When you take: BUSINESS 2121 – Pool Inspections for Real Estate Transactions

Inspecting pools and spas as part of real estate transactions has become an emerging professional industry niche. This certification requires completion of WU’s industry-leading course covering inspection scope, key points and report generation.   

Requirements: B2121 (Learn more)

Realize your full potential.

Resources.

Venue Address

Address:  Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States

Questions about this event?

Call us at 858.788.9998 or

Send us a message

Follow us on social media for updates!

Instagram

Facebook