Beginning July 30, 2019, pool service contractors and pool builders/installers doing projects in the state of New Jersey will have licensing requirements, per a new bill signed into law by New Jersey governor Phil Murphy on January 31.
“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 who provide these services,” says Dominick Mondi, executive director of NESPA “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 pool and spa service contractor 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 cleaning pool equipment and components, performing pool vacuuming, sanitation of water and backwash filtration will be exempt from this requirement and 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.”
For 24 months after the effective date of the law there will be a grandfathering period where it is not necessary to achieve the certifications if the following can be provided:
- References from at least one trade-related business and one financial institution to verify business existence
- Certificate of good standing less than 30 days old from the Secretary of State of NJ or state where the company is incorporated
- 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 the NESPA website.
