NJ Passes Law Requiring Licenses for Pool Builders/Service Techs

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Last week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a bill establishing license requirements for both pool service contractors and pool builders/installers doing work in New Jersey.  The law will go into effect on July 30, 2019.

"Through the advocacy efforts of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association, and our PennJersey and Metro NY/NJ Chapters, this law was developed to protect not only the residents of New Jersey but also the contractors and their employees that provide these services," says NESPA Executive Director Dominick Mondi. "By establishing a minimum level of training required for a pool contractor to work with electricity in and around a pool as well as other equipment including heaters, pumps, drain covers and essential barriers to pool entry — this license will markedly increase safety for everyone who works or plays around a pool or spa."

Under this new law, pool and spa builders/installers will be required to hold an APSP Certified Building Professional (CBP) designation. A service technician will be required to have an APSP Certified Service Technician (CST) designation, an APSP Certified Service Professional (CSP) or an APSP Certified Building Professional (CBP). Spa service contractors will be able to hold an APSP Certified Hot Tub Technician (CHTT).

Service companies with employees in the field not under the direct supervision of a licensee will be required to have three years of practical experience and hold an APSP Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) designation. Employees who clean pool equipment and components, perform pool vacuuming, sanitize water and backwash filters will be exempt from this requirement; companies will be responsible for training their employees to undertake these services.

“With other states and counties in our region already having licensing in place, we are ready to help builders and service companies doing work in New Jersey be prepared for when this new law goes into effect this summer,” Mondi says. “We are here to answer your questions, connect you with training programs and help you step by step through this process.”

July 30, the effective date of the law, will be followed by a 24-month grace period in which it is not necessary to hold the certifications if the following can be provided:

1) References from at least one trade-related business and one financial institution to verify business existence

2) Certificate of good standing less than 30 days old from the Secretary of State of NJ or State where the company is incorporated

3) And three current references from APSP members attesting to knowledge and skills as a service contractor OR builder/installer.

A full overview of the licensing requirements can be found on NESPA’s website.

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