Ken McKenna
FSPA President
We all have the necessity to have insurance but how often do you check to make sure you have the right insurance or if you have enough? It is the job of your agent to keep you informed but you still need to ask the right questions. Let’s face it, if something happens, you will be the one paying, not the insurance agent.
Did you know May is National Water Safety Month?
The Florida Swimming Pool Association is joining thousands of organizations all over the country in educating the public on swimming pool safety. Let’s work together to inform and educate on water safety and prevent drowning.
Florida loses more children under the age of five to drowning than any other state annually. There were 73 child fatalities in Florida due to drowning in 2016; children under the age of three represent 70% of that number.
FSPA wants everyone to make a SPLASH this summer:
S- Supervision. Everything can change in an instant and children should never be alone in the pool.
P- Protection. Install certified safety pool covers for the when the pool isn’t in use. Don’t swim without safety covers on drains, suction fittings and jets. Pool fences and locks are great preventative measures.
L- Lessons. You are never too old to learn how to swim and children can learn to swim as early as six months old. Lessons are the only safety device that travel with your child.
A- Action. Have an emergency plan in place and respond quickly. CPR is an invaluable tool.
S- Safety. Create a set of pool rules for your children and guests. Make sure your children understand the rules and have a conversation about safety.
H- Health. Always use the restroom before getting in the pool and always remember to wear sunscreen.
FSPA urges everyone as we enter the warmer months to find swimming lessons in their local area. Organizations such as the YMCA, The Red Cross, ISR, US Swim School Association, and Swim America are just a few examples of organizations that offer lessons. Some schools even offer free lessons to families who qualify.
Mario Rossetti
Rossetti Enterprises, LLC.
I am often asked to help companies locate exceptional salespeople. The request is often directed at helping to find salespeople who can create brand recognition by selling value and not price. This is a noble, but very difficult undertaking; especially in our current market conditions. Apparently, former salespeople had not been able to grasp the value concept as they continually complained about the high price of their products. When they persisted in comparing their prices to competition they incessantly grumbled, whined and failed. Sound familiar?
With so many great and cute pool toys out there, you just have to have them all. But where are you going to put them?
Where does functionality meet fashion? Pinterest, of course! FSPA is on Pinterest with boards of past design award winners (major inspiration) and other pool-related pins. Follow us!
On Pinterest there are organization products you can buy, such as rolling bins or containers. There are even pins for DIY organizers! Pallets and PVC pipes are popular materials used to make your own organizer. See for yourself on Pinterest and stay organized this pool season!
What are some of your favorite ways to organize your pool toys?
There is no pretty way to say “pee in the pool.” But the topic isn’t that pretty to begin with. The National Swimming Pool Foundation recently published an article with their recommendations on reducing urine in the pool.
Before we even get in the pool, encourage everyone to use the bathroom. Being submerged in the water actually stimulates the body to create more urine.
Everyone at the pool plays a role in prevention:
Swim Coaches: require a bathroom break 30-60 minutes into the practice.
Parents: schedule an “out of pool” time for a snack, sunscreen, and bathroom break every 30-60 minutes.
Facility Managers: schedule short breaks to encourage people to exit the water. (example: 10-minute “adult only” swim time). Also post signage that suggests showering and using the bathroom before getting into the pool.
Swimming has so many health benefits on top of being a fun activity. So let’s keep it healthy and take the “pee” out of pool.
Gary Kaplan
Ike’s Carter Pool Companies, Inc.
Often in the daily routine of service professionals, the perspective of performing a service call follows our client’s view and is only visual.
Did you clean the tile? Can you make sure to system vacuum the pool? Did you brush the sides? When is the last time you cleaned the filter? The biggest question: when is it safe to swim?
So you’ve decided to make an addition to your household: your very own pool. You’re excited to have your own water oasis to relax, have friends over, or simply just play in. But first: where do you go to make this dream a reality?
You could just mindlessly enter questions into Google and see what comes up. Luckily the Florida Swimming Pool Association offers a search bar to find pool pros near you! Just enter your ZIP code and see for yourself.
What makes our database different than what Google finds? Our database is comprised solely of FSPA members. FSPA members agree to a code of ethics when they sign up. All members are carefully selected making sure their licenses are up to date. When you hire an FSPA member to do your pool you are guaranteed honest work and people.
Of course we encourage you to do your own research as well; you will be the one working with whichever company you choose. Some things to think about when choosing a pool contractor:
Ken McKenna
FSPA President
As business owners we spend so much time working on getting business we may lose track of the paperwork needed to protect ourselves when we do get a signed contract. Our contract is all we have in protecting ourselves should a matter go to court or arbitration. There have been recent legislative changes that require new language in our contracts. It indicates that pool contracts require Pool Recovery Fund information with the address to contact for homeowners. If you have not updated this, your contract may technically not be enforceable. You should consult an attorney to make sure you have a current, enforceable contract.
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Are you an FSPA member with children in college? Did you know that each year an average of $23,000 is distributed to dependents of pool industry professionals through The Florida Swimming Pool Association Scholarship Program? This program helps members meet the high cost of college expenses for their children. The award is presented by the Swimming Pool Education & Safety Foundation.
Students at all levels of post-secondary education are eligible for merit scholarships based on academic accomplishment, extracurricular activities, contributions to their community and a research paper on a pool industry related topic. This program is only available to dependents of owners and employees of member companies.
The 2017-2018 Scholarship application and materials are due in the FSPA office by end of business on Friday, June 30, 2017.
Click here to download the 2017 Application!
*Sponsoring company must have membership paid in full to participate.
When making a major purchasing decision you shop around, ask friends, and family for referrals, and weigh your options. When it comes to investing in your home by building and maintaining a pool or spa, choose a company committed to superior quality, innovation, and customer service. Of all the home improvements you can make, the […]
Reading contracts is an important part of building a pool. Be sure you understand what you are paying for and what you will get. So you are getting ready to build your backyard oasis and you couldn’t be more excited. What exactly does that all look like anyway? First, make sure you carefully review your […]
The following is from the Florida Swims Foundation’s Blog: By Mike Madry, FSPA/The Florida Swims Foundation Staff. Dr. John Doherty knows first-hand how dangerous the water can be if you can’t swim. At age 11 he witnessed it firsthand, rescuing a young boy from a crowded and lively community pool during the middle […]
