All posts by Kelsey Azadian

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 rossettiMario 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?

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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.

KAPLAN_GARYGary 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?

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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:

  • How long has their business been around? Do they have pictures of past work?
  • Check their social media. What do their reviews look like? What does their communication look like? Also check them on Yelp and BBB.
  • Are they licensed? Do they have their licenses listed? You can also search for their licenses on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) website.

Ken-McKenna-webKen 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.

With spring and summer fast approaching your pool will start seeing more use from your family and friends. Keep your pool fun and festive with new pool toys and accessories*.

For babies: There are so many fun ways to introduce baby to the pool! Keep them close in baby floats!

For kids: Between diving toys and underwater hoops, there’s lots of opportunity for kids to have fun in the water.

For adults: With so many unique pool floats, how could you possibly choose one?

For more ways to expand your collection, check out Amazon’s Best Sellers.

*With great fun comes great responsibility! Always supervise your children in the water and practice pool safety!

 

The 2017 SkillsUSA Florida State Leadership and Skills Conference will be held April 24th through April 26th. FSPA will be sponsoring a booth at the World of Possibilities on Monday, April 24 & Tuesday, April 25 at The Lakeland Center, 701 North Lime Street, Lakeland, 33815. Volunteers are needed to work at the FSPA Booth to speak with Students, Instructors and College/School Administrators.

What is SkillsUSA?

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. The national, nonprofit organization serves teachers as well as high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations.

What is the Worlds of Possibilities?

The Worlds of Possibilities Career Expo will be a premier event of its kind bringing together business leaders in key area industries to give 2,500+ students hands on career exploration opportunity. The purpose of the Expo is to create awareness about career options among students and educators.

Email Mary@FloridaPoolPro.com with your availability (date & time) to assist at booth and if you would like to attend the Opening Ceremonies, Sponsor Social/VIP reception. Please respond by April 14th.  View the conference schedule below.

Schedule for the Conference:

Sunday, April 23

  • Opening Ceremony— 7:00 PM
    • Youkey Theatre located in The Lakeland Center – Contact me if you are interested in attending the ceremony.

Monday, April 24

  • 9:00 AM—3:00 PM—Worlds of Possibilities
  • 4:30 PM—6:30PM—Sponsor Social / VIP Reception – Contact me if you are interested in attending the Sponsor Social/VIP Reception

Tuesday, April 25

  • 9:00 AM—3:00 PM—Worlds of Possibilities

Wednesday, April 26

  • Closing Ceremony—10:00 AM
  • Jenkins Arena – The Lakeland Center.

What is SkillsUSA?

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. The national, nonprofit organization serves teachers as well as high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations.

What is the Worlds of Possibilities?

The Worlds of Possibilities Career Expo will be a premier event of its kind bringing together business leaders in key area industries to give 2,500+ students hands on career exploration opportunity. The purpose of the Expo is to create awareness about career options among students and educators.