By Stephanie Taggart, Signature Pools & Spas, Inc.
I was online, and I noticed a comment from one pool professional to another. A simple “You’re welcome, now pay back and pay forward”. This resonated with me regarding my membership with the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA).
My 30-year-old company has been a member of FSPA for 23 years, and I cannot imagine doing it without the help of FSPA. In my season of payback and pay forward, 6 years ago, a friend asked if I was interested in joining our local Board of Directors. Three years later, I dived in deeper (excuse the pool term) to volunteer as the Broward Chapter coordinator. Through local events, I get to meet a lot of non-members. I would like to share some of the biggest misconceptions of becoming an FSPA member I have heard.
Misconception #1: It is a waste of money!
So wrong. Education, networking, and legislative wins outnumber the cost.
Education: The mission of FSPA is to elevate the swimming pool industry. We do this by offering free education to our members at the Everything Under the Sun® Expo. I have taken classes at the Expo that have changed my business life for the better. So much that it would cover all 23 years of my membership! Your membership applies to all employees.
Networking: I have met some of the hardest-working, interesting people in the FSPA. Top of the industry and some are now my favorite “pool friends”. I have learned the secrets of my trade and found new ways to operate in business with the connections I made.
Legislative Wins: The recent win stopping the mandatory equipotential bonding grid is invaluable! If the bonding grid was mandated for every pool you build and renovate, how much would that cost in labor and materials? For me, that would be easily $700-$1,000 per pool! In addition, think of revenue loss, if FSPA did not stop the HVAC industry from adding pool heaters to their scope of work, that would easily be a $1,000 per unit or more. These wins alone cover the cost of your membership tenfold.
Misconception #2: The FSPA wants to tell me how to run my business.
As a company and a pool professional, you should already be doing all the items on the list of requirements of membership. FSPA does nothing more than the State of Florida in ensuring that you work in the profession that you are licensed for. We do help you get to the next level with guidance and education.
Misconception #3: I do not have the time to be a member.
You do not have the time to not be a member! Application takes minutes. This time spent actually gives back. Each day is already filled with business issues, and you could probably use help with the extra stress items. Need help with local codes? You are not alone, and your local chapter and the FSPA state office can assist. Each Chapter consists of a Board of Directors. Know them and reach out.
Misconception #4: I do not want to associate with my competition.
Depending on your business, you are already around them every day. There are no demands in your membership except to pay your fees. Some members pay their fees for decades and never attend local meetings. Some members volunteer endless hours to help you succeed. Each member helps each other with a larger presence in the state. This association and fellow members know exactly what it takes to do your job. The more members we have, the stronger we are as an organization.
If you are an active FSPA member, you know all this to be true, and your fellow members thank you. If you are a member, during your renewal time, read this all again, and renew without delay. The amount of money you will save this year will pay back your membership fees spent. Not a member? Join today at JoinFSPA.com and pay it forward by telling another pool professional about FSPA.
