Watershape University
Long Beach, California

Western Pool & Spa Show 2023

The Western Pool & Spa Show, at the Long Beach Convention Center, consists of the industry’s largest seminar schedule. We provide classes from basics to the most advanced in both English and Spanish. We have an expansive exhibit floor, with valuable prize giveaways every hour.

Essential Classes (supports specific certifications)

ENGINEERING 4411: Essential Electrical Workshop
CONSTRUCTION 3341: Essential Plumbing Workshop
CONSTRUCTION 3341S: Essential Plumbing Workshop – IN SPANISH
DESIGN 3422: Artistry of Vanishing Edge Design and Details
CONSTRUCTION 1341: Equipment Pads Built for Ease of Service
SERVICE 3121: Electricity, Bonding and Controls for Service Professionals
SERVICE 3711: Transitioning from Service to Construction
SERVICE: Ozone Basics for Service Pros

Itinerary

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Program Summaries

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 Outcomes

  • 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

Accreditation

  • Duration: 16 hours
  • IACET CEUs: 1.6
  • All students who complete the course and evaluation form receive a Certificate of Completion documenting 1.6 IACET CEUs even if they do not continue with the Certified Watershape Electrical Specialist (CWES) certification.
IACET Accredited Provider

Delivery

There is one option:

Live In-Person

  • A typical course runs 8-hours per day spanning 2-consecutive days (16 hours)
  • Complete attendance is required
  • Ask questions as they come up
  • Manual is provided in class
  • Instructors are available for questions during the lectures
  • Travel, lodging and meals are the responsibility of the student
  • Watershape University provides lunch both days

Location

This class is delivered at the Renaissance Long Beach Hotel

111 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

2nd Floor

Certifications

Watershape University’s ENGINEERING 4411: Essential Electrical Workshop instructs builders on safe high and low-voltage electrical systems for pools, spas and waterfeatures.

ENGINEERING 4411: Essential Electrical Workshop supports the following certifications:

Certified Watershape Electrical Specialist (CWES)
Certified Watershape Electrical Specialist (CWES)

Licensing and CEUs

The Certified Watershape Electrical Specialist (CWES) certification may be used for contractor licensing and required continuing education in certain jurisdictions. The CWES certification builds upon the CWF certification; therefore, all Certified Watershape Electrical Specialists (CWESs) are also CWFs which support licensing in the following jurisdictions:

Details

ENGINEERING 4411: Essential Electrical Workshop is intended for and attended by licensed electricians, builders, installers, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and service and maintenance professionals — particularly those looking to communicate with their electricians the unique safety aspects of electrical systems related to pools, spas and waterfeatures.

Level: 4 – Senior / Advanced / Applied Theory

There are no prerequisites for ENGINEERING 4411: Essential Electrical Workshop, although CONSTRUCTION 2111: Essential Pool Construction is required for CWES certification and strongly recommended otherwise.

ENGINEERING 4411: Essential Electrical Workshop is a prerequisite for:

  • None

Authorized Faculty

David J. Peterson, P.E. IWI

David J. Peterson, P.E., IWI

President/CEO — Watershape Consulting, Inc.

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.

Paolo Benedetti, IWI

Paolo Benedetti, IWI

President/CEO — Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa

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. Since 1993, Aquatic Technology has been a leader in the aquatics industry, having developed many new and cutting-edge concepts. 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. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Paolo continued his post-graduate studies in construction management and technology, architecture and design, material sciences, aquatic design and hydraulics.

Over three decades in the aquatics industry he has developed a faithful following of loyal clients. Their unwavering trust in his attention to detail, evolved into a parallel firm, Lux Environs. Lux Environs was founded to provide these demanding individuals with luxury residential design and consulting services, construction management, owner’s agent – representative and quality control services. As the fiduciary for these high-net-worth individuals, he frequently collaborates with world-class architects, builders and design professionals. His creative, imaginative and ingenious insights have proven invaluable in resolving design dilemmas with cost effective solutions. Clients include heads of state, billionaires, titans of industry, celebrities, sports stars, and those that simply demand the best life has to offer.

Paolo’s projects have spanned the globe, Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Middle East, Europe and across North America. He is court recognized as an expert in construction practices, building codes and trade standards. His firms provide design & consulting services to other builders, property owners and developers; corporate training, project and process evaluations; workmanship assessments; forensic investigations; construction defect inspections; expert witness services; and personal injury litigation support.

Paolo’s work has graced the pages of Architectural Digest, Dwell, LUX, Luxury Real Estate, Residential Design/Build, Dream Home, Millionaire, Conde Naste, Ambiance Piscines, Home World, Ocean Home, LA Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and has appeared on countless TV programs. His projects have twice been granted Masters of Design Awards by Pool & Spa News Magazine. One of only 17 Masters within the Genesis Design Group, Paolo brought his talents to Watershape University upon its inception. He is currently a member of the Watershape University Leadership Team and one of a few that have achieved membership in the prestigious International Watershape Institute (IWI).

If the heart of a pool is the pump and filter, then the veins and arteries are the pipes which transport the fluids or gasses critical to proper operation of the watershape. Just like in our bodies, if the circulation system is not optimized, then the whole body will not function as desired. This course not only teaches the basics for how to evaluate the plumbing system required for specific system being installed, but it also dives deeper into the specific means and methods necessary to install these elements in order to ensure the long term success of the project.

Learning Outcomes

  • Define proper means and methods for installing the various different plumbing systems commonly found within the swimming pool construction industry.
  • Employ the means and methods to practice the skills necessary to properly execute these tasks in the field.
  • Learn to correctly choose which materials will be appropriate for the specific scope of work for which they will be utilized.
  • Apply basic hydraulic rules learned in the course to determine the proper sizing of piping materials for the specific applications for which they will be utilized.

Accreditation

  • Duration: 8 hours
  • IACET CEUs: 0.8
  • All students who complete the course and evaluation form receive a Certificate of Completion documenting 0.8 IACET CEUs even if they do not continue with the Certified Watershape Plumbing Specialist (CWPS) certification.
IACET Accredited Provider

Delivery

There is one option:

Live In-Person

Live In-Person Units:

  • A typical course runs 8-hours in a single day
  • Complete attendance is required
  • Ask questions as they come up
  • Manual is provided in class
  • Instructors are available for questions during the lectures
  • Travel, lodging and meals are the responsibility of the student
  • Watershape University provides lunch

Location

This class is delivered at the Renaissance Long Beach Hotel

111 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

2nd Floor

Certifications

Watershape University’s CONSTRUCTION 3341: Essential Plumbing Workshop extends the general construction training of CONSTRUCTION 2111: Essential Pool Construction into a detailed hands-on plumbing installation course.

CONSTRUCTION 3341: Essential Plumbing Workshop supports the following certifications:

Certified Watershape Plumbing Specialist (CWPS)
Certified Watershape Plumbing Specialist (CWPS)

Licensing and CEUs

The Certified Watershape Plumbing Specialist (CWPS) certification may be used for contractor licensing and required continuing education in certain jurisdictions. The CWPS certification builds upon the CWF certification; therefore, all Certified Watershape Plumbing Specialists (CWPSs) are also CWFs which support licensing in the following jurisdictions:

Details

CONSTRUCTION 3341: Essential Plumbing Workshop is intended for and attended by builders, installers, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and service and maintenance professionals — particularly those looking to improve their layout, measuring and solvent welding skills.

Level: 3 – Junior / Intermediate / Practical Application

There are no prerequisites for CONSTRUCTION 3341: Essential Plumbing Workshop, although CONSTRUCTION 2111: Essential Pool Construction is required for CWPS certification and strongly recommended otherwise.

CONSTRUCTION 3341: Essential Plumbing Workshop, or approved equal, is a prerequisite for the following programs:

  • None

Manual Table of Contents

  • Materials, Tools and Definitions
  • General Plumbing, Means and Methods
  • Class Project: IPS/Weld-On Certification Workshop ASME B31.3 Bonder Qualification
  • Pool-Specific Plumbing
  • Trenching & Protection
  • Fusion Welding
  • Plumbing at the Vessel
  • Plumbing at the Equipment Pad
CONSTRUCTION 3341: Essential Plumbing Workshop

Authorized Faculty

David Penton, IWI

David Penton, IWI

Principal — Fluid Dynamics Pool and Spa, Inc.

David Penton, IWI, is president of Fluid Dynamics Pool & Spa Inc. – a Boutique Watershape Construction and Consulting firm located in Southern California. Fluid Dynamics is recognized around the world as one of the premier watershape construction and consulting firms within the high-end, elite estate property marketplace. Penton is also one of the principals for Ask The Masters – an Arizona based LLC focused on continuing education and mentoring for professionals working in the outdoor living space. He is a regular host of the Ask The Masters Podcast and has been a guest on CBS This Morning, the Pool Chasers Podcast and WATERtv. He is regularly featured in many trade and consumer publications. Penton is a graduate of Genesis University – where he has been an instructor and served in leadership for years as a member of the Society of Watershape Designers.

JC Escudero, IWI

JC Escudero, IWI

President/CEO — J Designs Pool and Spa Inc.

Juan C. “JC” Escudero, has a diverse background and heritage with three different nationalities. He has traveled extensively and lived in other countries throughout his life. In 2001, he joined the pool industry and by 2009, JC had already worked on over 1,200 swimming pool projects. JC’s unique design perspective values his client wholeheartedly, ensuring the final product reflects their vision and lifestyle.

Utilizing state-of-the-art construction techniques while producing the most advanced water shapes; JC’s work speaks for itself when it comes to delivering results to last you and your family a lifetime of fun. As an SWD graduate and member of the International Watershape Institute, JC has been recognized among his peers as committed to continued-education programs. His pro-education commitment makes him an active contributor to respective industry and social media education platforms.

Currently, JC operates J Designs Pool & Spa Construction and Service divisions. Since its inception in 2008, JC has continued to exhibit his commitment to innovation with each and every project. He carefully curates each design to fit each client’s individual needs and lifestyle. Along with the design, JC oversees every aspect of the building process. He creates a safe and open line of communication for his clients to be a part of every step of the way in a very professional yet personable manner — a true pool expert.

Kevin Cobabe, IWI

Kevin Cobabe, IWI

President — Dynamic Pool & Spa Construction Inc.

Kevin Cobabe, IWI, is president of Dynamic Pool & Spa Construction, a custom swimming pool design and construction firm serving the greater Los Angeles area. At just 10 years old, Cobabe was introduced to the pool industry while assisting his brother-in-law in equipment installations, learning early on basic hydraulic principles of efficient plumbing installations. He jumped into the construction industry headfirst right out of high school, where he continued his pursuit of producing the perfect equipment installation a passion he continues to pursure in all his installations. He has a keen eye for detail in every aspect of watershape construction including creating works of art out of mechanical rooms. Now a 35-year industry veteran, Cobabe started his company in 2005 where he has successfully managed a multitude of high-end multi-million-dollar projects to near perfection. He gravitates toward ultra-complex projects and prefers to be challenged at every turn. He loves to pass on his knowledge and experience to others, teaching and mentoring industry colleagues seeking learn and improve their skills. He is an active managing team member of Ask the Masters and Pool Pro podcasts, and is an active supporter of Watershape University and its rich palette of educational offerings.

There are infinitely many detail options available for water-in-transit watershapes such as vanishing edge, slot-edge, and gutter pools, spas, and waterfeatures. Design aesthetics push us in certain directions while structural and mechanical engineering pulls us in others. The best solution must consider everything as a whole and this program lays it all out for you. Get inspired by beautiful imagery and reveal what’s hidden behind these amazing projects.

Learning Outcomes
  • Discuss the principles of design that make water-in-transit systems successful, including balance, harmony, movement, unity and variety.
  • Employ one or more of several design options such as vanishing edges, slot-edges, raised perimeter-overflows, gutters, plant-edges, and other edge details to create a work of art.
  • Evaluate edge details and how they affect spillways, catch basin sizes, mechanical design, surge basin volume, structural engineering, and other considerations.
  • Compare the most common edge options from aesthetic and line-of-sight issues to engineering concerns for easier selection in any particular project.

Electricity and water are incompatible but with proper installation they can coexist safely. This short program provides an overview of electrical, bonding and controls with thoughtful attention to how a service professional interacts with them and what they should look for while servicing watershapes.

Learning Outcomes
  • Explain voltage, current, resistance, voltage-drop, and other key electrical terms.
  • Distinguish the differences between high-voltage & low-voltage, grounding & bonding.
  • Formulate solutions to basic electrical problems.
  • List electrical equipment and repairs that will improve safety and your profits.

If you are a service professional beginning to do renovation work or considering jumping into construction then this program will get you started in the right direction. The instructors began their successful construction careers exactly this way – they serviced pools and then realized that they could build better if they only had the right knowledge to reduce risk, stay out of trouble, and make money. Along their path to construction they had to navigate the legal hurdles of obtaining the right licenses, insurance and other legal protections. Then they had to source qualified subcontractors to help them succeed. With this program you have the unique opportunity to learn from others and get you building fast.

Learning Outcomes
  • List legal considerations including licensing, contractor bonds, insurance, and sole-proprietor vs. corporation.
  • Discuss minor renovations vs. major renovations vs. new construction.
  • Identify sources for subcontractors and important criteria used in hiring.
  • Identify educational opportunities to prevent costly mistakes and learn from others’ errors.

Registration