All posts by Erika Dunayer
Federal judge issues nationwide injunction to overtime regulations
Late yesterday, November 22, a federal judge in Texas issued a nationwide injunction to the Department of Labor (DOL) overtime regulations that were to take effect on December 1. FSPA has been reminding our members to be prepared for these changes that would have raised the salary threshold indicating eligibility from $455/week to $913 ($47,476 per year), along with providing automatic updates to the salary threshold every three years, based on wage growth over time.
The judge, Amos L. Mazzant III of the Eastern District of Texas, ruled that the Obama administration had exceeded its authority by raising the overtime salary limit so significantly. The ruling was hailed by business groups who argued the new rules would be costly and result in fewer hours for workers. DOL responded by saying it “strongly disagreed” with the decision and was “considering all of our legal options,” raising the possibility of an appeal in the waning days of the Obama administration.
FSPA will continue to keep its members apprised of further developments; for now, any changes on how you pay overtime to your employees have been put on hold.
The summer of 2016 has proven to be quite the season! Thank you to all who participated in the FSPA 2016 Best of Summer Social Media Contest! Below are all the photos that were submitted. Click here to view all photos and vote for your favorites. YOU CANNOT VOTE FOR YOURSELF! Voting will end on Monday October 3 at 5pm. All votes received after 5pm on 10/3 will be invalid. Winners will be announced on October 10 via social media.
Everyone in Florida has their eyes on the tropics right now. Whether this storm comes through Florida or not, it’s never too soon to make sure you and your pool are prepared for a storm.
There are many myths regarding throwing outdoor furniture inside pools and even draining a swimming pool before a hurricane. Both of these actions can be dangerous and detrimental to a swimming pool. Below are some tips from FSPA to help you become better prepared for a storm.
- Do not drain your pool before a storm. Keeping sufficient water levels in your pool provides the important weight to hold sides and bottom in place.
- Before and after the storm it is recommended to super chlorinate pool water.
- It is important that all electric power be turned off at the circuit breakers before a storm hits. Any exposed electrical equipment such as motors for the pumps should be tightly covered with plastic wrap. If flooding is expected, disconnect and remove.
- Storms can cause ripped lanai screens which can be expensive to replace. This can possibly be avoided if you provide a “vent” for wind to escape through. Screen panels may be removed on either side of the pool area.
- Remove any loose objects such as chairs, tables, pool equipment and even toys. These items can become weapons in high wind storms. Do not throw your furniture in the pool, or anything else for that matter. If you cannot store items inside a building, carefully place items in the pool, this is not recommended.
- After the storm use a “pool rake” or other net/skimming device to remove small debris from inside the pool. Do not use your regular pool vacuum equipment or pool pumps as they are likely to clog the plumbing.
- Before touching any electrical equipment after the storm, be sure that everything is dry. Check circuit breakers to be sure they are off before attempting to reconnect electrical equipment such as pump motors. Inspect wiring for proper connections. If electric motors have been exposed to water, they should be checked by a professional.
- Be sure clocks, timers, etc. have been properly reset and balance the water chemistry. Keep a close eye on your operating systems for a few days to ensure everything is in working order.
For more information on how to prepare for a hurricane, click here!
The summer of 2016 has proven to be quite the season! Congrats to all winners and thank you to all who participated in the FSPA 2016 social media contest!
1st Place: Landmark Pools, Inc.
2nd Place: Full Circle Landings LLC
3rd Place: Blue Ribbon Pools
FSPA dues are an investment in your business! What kind of rate of return is it worth? In 2010 the return on investment (ROI) was figured to be 6x the cost at a value of $3,075. This year new and current programs were analyzed and discussed by the Board of Directors and the ROI has jumped to 11x the cost at a value of $5,630!
- Did you or your staff attend any free education classes?
- Have you gained customers through the online search engine?
- Have you attended FSPA events that allowed networking or meeting with manufacturers?
- Have you found useful information in the print or e-newsletters?
- Did you or your staff use the discount prescription card?
Just two months ago a member let us know they used the prescription discount card and the cost went from $400 to $48! Be sure to give these to everyone who works for you. There are no extra fees or charges per employee. FSPA membership includes your entire company.
As the membership continues to grow, more benefits can be offered and more programs negotiated. It only takes a few benefit programs directly affecting your business to surpass the cost of membership. The average cost of dues is about $500 a year. Just using the SDS hazmat program that is free to members puts you ahead!
The FSPA staff are always working to make membership better, safety better, education better, and the industry better.
Want to increase your return on investment? Utilize the programs and benefits available! Visit www.FSPABenefits.com
or call 800-548-6774.
Governor Rick Scott recently signed House Bill 535, which includes important updates to sections 489.1401-143, F.S., permitting payments to injured residential consumers from the Florida Homeowners Recovery Fund for both Division I and Division II scopes of work.
Effective July 1, 2016, all licensed contractors, both Division I and Division II, must ensure that the Florida Homeowner Construction Recovery Fund Notice is contained in their residential contracts.
FSPA members should add this information into their contracts if its for over $2,500, effective July 1.
Happy May everyone! You know what that means, National Water Safety Month! Florida loses more children under the age of five to drowning than any other state. According to the Florida Department of Health office of Injury Prevention, enough children to fill three to four preschool classrooms drown annually. The Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) is joining thousands of organizations all over the world in educating the public on swimming pool safety.
Multiple preventative safety measures should be in place such as locks, alarms, barriers/ fences and certified safety covers. Barriers should be at least four feet tall and any gaps or openings should be too small for a child to crawl through or under. Other safety devices include door and window alarms, detection alarms around/ in the pool (there are several different types), personal immersion alarms for a child or pet, life rings and shepherd hooks.
Below are some additional safety tips.
- Enroll children in swimming lessons – survival classes can start as early as six months old
- When near the water, watch children with constant, undivided attention – put cell phones away!
- Appoint a designated pool watcher to keep an eye on swimmers at all times
- Learn CPR and keep emergency phone numbers posted in the pool area
- Never swim alone, this means adults too
- Do not leave anything near the fence that a child could use to climb over it
- Do not use a pool or spa while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Pool watcher badges and safety brochures are available at a low cost to members, call FSPA at 800-548-6774.
Click here to check out this year’s Water Safety Month Proclamation from Governor Rick Scott!
Happy May everyone! You know what that means, National Water Safety Month! Florida loses more children under the age of five to drowning than any other state. According to the Florida Department of Health office of Injury Prevention, enough children to fill three to four preschool classrooms drown annually. The Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) is joining thousands of organizations all over the world in educating the public on swimming pool safety.
Multiple preventative safety measures should be in place such as locks, alarms, barriers/ fences and certified safety covers. Barriers should be at least four feet tall and any gaps or openings should be too small for a child to crawl through or under. Other safety devices include door and window alarms, detection alarms around/ in the pool (there are several different types), personal immersion alarms for a child or pet, life rings and shepherd hooks.
Below are some additional safety tips.
- Enroll children in swimming lessons – survival classes can start as early as six months old
- When near the water, watch children with constant, undivided attention – put cell phones away!
- Appoint a designated pool watcher to keep an eye on swimmers at all times
- Learn CPR and keep emergency phone numbers posted in the pool area
- Never swim alone, this means adults too
- Do not leave anything near the fence that a child could use to climb over it
- Do not use a pool or spa while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Click here to check out this year’s Water Safety Month Proclamation from Governor Rick Scott!
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 2016-2017 Scholarship application and materials are due in the FSPA office by end of business on Thursday, June 30, 2016.
Click here to download the 2016 Application!
*Sponsoring company must have membership paid in full to participate.
