You asked for background on the proposal to establish a license for the installation of portable hot tubs and spas.

SUMMARY

The proposal would establish licenses for the servicing and repair of “portable” hot tubs and spas. In the industry, this term refers to the hot tubs and spas that are typically installed above ground in backyards and on decks. The proposed licenses would be distinct from, and more limited than, the existing licenses for swimming pool, hot tub, and spa work. Unlike the proposed license, the existing license requires knowledge of swimming pools and of fixed, as well as portable, hot tubs and spas.

The license would allow its holder to perform all the plumbing, heating, and electrical work necessary to service and repair portable hot tubs and spas, if the work is done from an outlet or other connection installed by a licensed tradesman.

PROPOSAL

The proposal is to establish separate licenses for workers who service or repair portable hot tubs and spas. The licenses would be different from the existing licenses that apply to the servicing or repairing of swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, or similar recreational equipment. It is proposed by the Connecticut chapter of the National Spa and Pool Institute.

The term “portable hot tub and spa” includes equipment that is not typically thought of as portable. For example, it includes the type of hot tub that sits on a deck and is surrounded by a wooden skirt and may be large enough to fit six or more individuals. Its heating element is always electric. It is different from a fixed hot tub that is built into the ground, formed with poured cement, and may be heated with gas.

Scope

The requested limited contractor license for the installation of portable hot tubs and spas would allow its holder to perform all plumbing, heating and electrical work necessary to service, modify, or repair a portable hot tub or spa, but only if the work is done from an outlet, receptacle, connection, back flow preventor, or fuel supply pipe that had been previously installed by a licensed worker.

Although it is not clear from the proposal, it appears as if the department would issue the licenses with the authorization of the licensing board for plumbers (The Examining Board for Plumbing and Piping Work) in the same manner that it issues licenses for swimming pool contractors. Similarly, it appears as if the department would have the authority to adopt regulations concerning the licenses and the requirements for them.

Requirements

The proposal requires a contractor’s license applicant to have (1) one year experience as a journeyperson hot tub and spa worker or equivalent experience and (2) training. (The proposal does not specify the amount of training. Presumably, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection (DACP) would establish this in regulation. )

The proposed journeyperson’s license would allow its holder to do the same work while employed by a licensed plumbing contractor. An applicant for the license must have completed a bona fide apprenticeship program or have equivalent experience and training.

EXISTING LICENSE FOR SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTORS

The law requires anyone installing a swimming pool, hot tub, spa, or similar recreational or therapeutic equipment to have a license issued by DACP and authorized by the licensing board for plumbers. It allows its

holder to do all the plumbing, heating, and electrical work necessary to service, modify, or repair a swimming pool, hot tub, or similar recreational or therapeutic equipment (CGS § 20-417aa).

Unlike the requested legislation, the law does not restrict license holders to working on portable equipment.

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