LARRY PENNA

Larry Penna was born in Danbury, Ct in 1953, moved to New Fairfield in 1955 and has resided there since. At a very young age, he had an interest in figuring out how things worked which led him into disassembling anything he could get his hands on which included his Dad's car, TV, lawnmower, alarm clock and any interesting mechanical, device. Since 1969, at the age of 16, Larry has applied these principles to the mechanics of pools and spas.

Today, Larry has over 40 years experience in complete pool and spa installation, renovation, troubleshooting, design and servicing of residential and commercial customers with many in-door accounts. His vision is to supply expert service and repair to pools and spas in a timely manner.

Larry was on the board of directors for CONSPA (Connecticut Spa and Pool Association) for many years. He chaired the License committee for CONSPA and spent endless hours developing and working with and for the committee. Larry, along with the CONSPA attorney, met with the General Law Committee Chairman in Hartford to introduce the concept of a licensure for the industry. The Law Committee Chairman was against the idea and went on to say the state did not want another license introduced in the State of Connecticut. Larry was persistent and continued the dialogue with the state electrical board, the state plumbing board, attorneys for the Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner and others to inform and educate the state regarding the pool and spa industry's dilemma. The way the law read, any persons servicing pools and spas needed 3 separate licenses to legally repair pool and spa equipment. Finally, a bill was introduced to the lawmakers, requiring all pool and spa persons in the state of CT, become properly licensed to legally perform repairs. The licensure became a reality in 2002. Education in this industry is paramount and all must attend continuing educational courses. There are strict continuing education guidelines set in place to maintain the license. Larry was instrumental working with the Department of Consumer Protection to make licensure law become a reality.

Larry has been teaching at the NESPA (Northeast Pool and Spa Association) headquarters in New Jersey since 1990 and is known and respected by his peers and competitors as one of the industries top Technical Instructors. This “pool & spa” technical school is the only one of its type in the country. His teaching technique was to never answer the student's questions. Instead he would ask the students questions to lead the students into dialogue that would direction them to answer their own questions. Larry's expertise, from 40 years of experience, keeps the attention of his students reflecting on humorous situations and stories that Larry himself finds hard to believe. Students have attended from as far away as Saudi Arabia where pool water heaters are replaced by pool water coolers. He has received numerous plaques, letters and awards for years of dedicated service to State and National Associations.

Larry has his multi-engine instrument pilot's license, is a certified diver, is a registered Remodeling Contractor, and has his SP-1 Swimming Pool and Spa License in the State of CT. His hobbies include flying airplanes, winemaking, old cars, playing guitar and gardening. He is the father of 6 sons and a grandfather of 4.

“Certified Service Professional" accreditation

Member 1993 National Swimming Pool Foundation Certified Member, Certified Pool Operator 1989

CONSPA Board of Directors, Education Committee, - Instructor 1996-2001

CONSPA License Committee Chairman State of Connecticut (1998-2002)

NESPA REGION I Education Committee, Instructor, Program Leader (1995-2002)

NOW EFFECTIVE IN CONNECTICUT ALL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA PERSONS ARE REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED WITHIN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT