By Belkis Vigil, True Blue Pools Contracting
Did you know there are more than 300 licensed pool contractors in Miami and Keys, yet only about 25 are FSPA members? That means fewer than 10 percent are part of the organization that defines professionalism, advocacy, and excellence in our industry. I believe it is important to set yourself apart from the rest and one way to show this is to rise above the crowd, set yourself up to be the best and surround yourself with professionals who share your drive, standards, and integrity. The Florida Swimming Pool Association isn’t just a membership; it’s a network of leaders shaping the future of our trade.
The Florida Swimming Pool Association has its origins as a chapter of the National Swimming Pool Industries Association in the 1970s, but since then has blossomed into a stand-alone association representing the interests of swimming pool professionals across the Sunshine State. As the state with the most swimming pools by a significant margin, it makes sense that Florida would need a commensurate number of high-quality, swimming pool professionals. As the regional leaders in the epicenter of America’s swimming pool industry, it only makes sense that Florida swimming pool professionals band together in an organization that not only advocates on their behalf, but also sets the standard for professionals across the nation. That is a goal of the FSPA.
The FSPA boasts more than 850 members, and it is easy to see why. The association brings plenty of benefits to its members, not the least of which is legislative advocacy. As qualified professionals, FSPA members know best what kinds of regulations and laws will bring safety and efficiency to our sector. By the same token, we also know that certain laws and regulations will only serve to gum up the works. When the Association sees that proposals in the Florida legislature could add unnecessary burdens to professionals as well as customers, our representatives in Tallahassee will fight tooth-and-nail to ensure that these do not become laws imposing onerous costs and restrictions on our sector. FSPA not only fights for you, but also the consumer.
Besides advocating on our behalf, the FSPA also stands for educating its members, both old and new. The hundreds of members of our Association are all experienced and certified, each bringing with them years, if not decades of experience. However, the swimming pool industry is constantly evolving, which means that there is always something new to learn, even for our industry veterans. FSPA offers hundreds of courses for pool professionals, whether they are aiming to earn credits for licensure or simply to gain knowledge, all taught by industry pros and approved by the CILB. The largest batch of courses is taught at our annual Everything Under the Sun® Expo around February-March, whilst other courses are taught year-round hosted by our various chapters.
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, the FSPA provides a community for all those interested in the advancement, development and safety of swimming pools across the Sunshine State. For instance, our Florida Swims Foundation has partnered with Step into Swim and Every Child a Swimmer to provide scholarships to sponsor free swimming classes to children statewide. We also do our utmost via community outreach to promote new safety measures and concepts for the benefit of builders and bathers alike. Furthermore, we also advise the public about the dangers of unlicensed work which cuts corners, putting pool users at greater risk of accidents.
All in all, the Florida Swimming Pool Association is best understood as the organization best suited to protect and advance the needs and interests of responsible pool professionals in the state with the largest swimming pool sector. Equally as important, the FSPA also works tirelessly to promote the safety and satisfaction of the millions of Floridians who enjoy pools as places of exercise, relaxation and recreation. If you are a pool professional interested in becoming part of something bigger than yourself, then we warmly welcome you to inquire about joining us.
Visit www.JoinFSPA.com for more information.
