three fi nalists included the two U.S. military academies and California Polytechnic State University (“Cal Poly”). Ultimately, Cal Poly was selected for numerous reasons, but foremost because it was considered one of the top material engineering schools in the United States. January 2004 marked the first meeting between the leadership of the NPC, APSP, the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association (IPSSA), and the United Pool Association (UPA) – fully opening the lines of communication, collaboration, and cooperation. NPC offered each of the three associations a seat on the NPC Research Committee and eventually the NPC Technical Advisory Committee. All accepted, and a representative from each of the three associations has been involved with this project since the time of the first protocol. The project’s first year was not complicated or difficult. Four test tanks were built on private land in Modesto, California, for the first protocol. Approximately $150,000 was raised to pay for the project. The researchers and members of Cal Poly’s administration started a discussion about building a research center on the university campus in San Luis Obispo, California. At first, it was dismissed as idle talk, but as the fi rst protocol neared its completion, the talk led to on-site visits to the campus as well as the development of budgets and construction timelines. The NPC agreed to create the National Pool (and Spa) Industry Research Center
(NPIRC), which was constructed in 34 days with more than $1.2 million in donated labor, materials or money contributed by many throughout the pool and spa industry. To help with the fi nances, the NPC formed a public foundation so donations could be tax-deductible instead of a business expense. With the creation of the NPC Research Foundation (NPCRF) in October 2003, a new motivation surfaced – to raise enough money in an endowment so the interest income would fund the research protocols each year. That would mean raising around $3 million. From a small segment of the industry, the foundation raised $450,000 in the first year and $650,000 in the second. Since fundraising began in 2004, more than $1.6 million has been raised so far to fund the research at the NPIRC.
Part of the University In 2006, the NPIRC was made an official department within the College of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cal Poly. As a result, NPIRC has bylaws and an advisory board whose function is to oversee the operation of the research center, set policy, and approve protocols conducted at the center. This advisory board includes people from all segments of the pool and spa industry, including service, builders, plasterers, and manufacturers.
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision – the ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”
Metallic stains can be some of the hardest, most time-consuming stains to remove from pool surfaces, but the GLB Stain Magnet System makes it easy. In fact, the Stain Magnet System is so effective that if it does not remove your metallic stain, we’ll give you your money back! Here’s how it works: 1. Confirm the stain is metallic in nature. 2. Use GLB Stain Magnet System as directed. 3. Rebalance the water and begin swimming! It’s as easy as that! For complete details on the GLB No Stains. Guaranteed. program, visit GLBPoolSpa.com.
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