spasa bulletin

SPASA Bulletin.Member Only June 2011 • Ed.06

U55, 41-49 Norcal Road Nunawading VIC 3131Tel: (03) 9872 4502 Fax: (03) 9872 4201

Email: [email protected] Web www.spasavic.com.auABN: 66 076 867 091

WONDERFUL CELEBRATION OF 50 YEARS OF SPASAThe SPASA Victoria Golden Anniversary was celebrated in style atthe Melbourne Aquarium on the 20th May.

A terrific turnout of more than 180 industry members, past Presidentsand Life Members enjoyed a night that reflected on the manyachievements, and future goals of the Victorian pool and spa industry.Wendy Stapleton and her band presented highlights from her much-loved Dusty Springfield tribute show - as well as hits old and new.

Excellent speeches were delivered by Gary Kilworth, Noel Pearce andPeter Wallace, plus an impromptu (and well-received) addresscourtesy of Alf Woods.

Rob Portbury's labour of love, an extensiveslideshow of photos spanning back over thepast five decades - was greatly appreciatedby attendees.

This scanning program, and videos of thespeeches, will shortly be available for all toenjoy in the member section of theassociation website -

















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it will be located in the "GoldenAnniversary" folder.

It's taken many hours of scanning –thanks again Rob.

Many thanks toTed Martin,

SPASA Board 50thAnniversary

portfolio head, andhis sub committee

of: Barb & RobPortbury and Mary

Falzon fororganising thisfantastic event.

Sincere thanks are also extended to AstralPool Australiafor their financial underwriting of this important event

SPASA COUNTRY CHAPTER MEETING Echuca, Thursday 26th May

Another very successful regional meeting was held last week, with 41attendees enjoying a very informative meeting, followed by dinner and drinksinto the evening.

The meeting was hosted by Country Chapter portfolio head Justin Hatfield fromNaughtons Pool & Spas. Many thanks to the additional SPASA Board members fortheir attendance: Gary Kilworth, Stephen Vadja and Rob Kruber. The meeting wasagain held at the Madison Spa Motel Resort.

The meeting covered: new SPASA Contracts + Handover Books, the revised SPASA membershipprogram, BCA 2011 – specifically suction and fencing changes, retro-fitting of pools and spa (relativeto the new code), SPASA Training in the country, the portable spa heater issue, ACCC product checks& government guidebooks ... thanks Gary, Rob and Justin for presenting on these items.

>>> Regional members are requested to note Thursday, 13th of October as the next regional meeting,likely to be held again in Echuca – and importantly to pencil-in likely training days of 12, 13 & 14th forChemistry and Hydraulics training. More information on this shortly.

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GENERAL MEETING INVITATIONThe association invites all members to our second General Meeting of 2011,being held at 6pm Wednesday 8th June at the SPASA offices

Please RSVP to [email protected]

Agenda Items welcome.

MEMBERSHIP UPGRADEAs part of an extensive upgrade to the Association’s membership structure and member benefits,SPASA is seeking to improve the definition, purpose and branding of membership categories, to allowmembers to not only position themselves for success within the industry, but to better leverage theestablished goodwill attached to the SPASA brand.

As part of this upgrade and restructure the Association is generating a number of attractive new benefits for ourmembers, as well as increasing the Association’s membership and revenue base by becoming more readilyidentifiable to consumers, and more enticing to prospective members.

Why are we doing this?

The Association is seizing an opportunity to strategically redefine membership categories to fit in with currentindustry demands and potential growth opportunities. We want our members to benefit both from the collectivestrength of our numbers but also allow members to market themselves in a successful manner and to effectivelyutilise the strength of the SPASA brand.

PART 1 Changes – Logos, SPASA website & SPASA marketing material

As part of the upgrade, SPASA will ensure each membership category will have its own logo, webpage and A4flyer/marketing material. The Association is also currently in the process of developing relationships with clothingand printing suppliers to enable members to access competitively priced items (clothing, in-store posters,stickers, etc) which will carry the new branding.

Following the implementation of the membership changes, and the introduction of new logos, members canproudly display a unique SPASA membership category logo which clearly explains how they fit into the SPASAfamily.

To support these changes SPASA is creating marketing material and plans to undertake targeted advertisingwithin key trade publications to launch the changes and to commence the process of communicating toconsumers the benefits of engaging various SPASA members.

PART 2 Changes – Categories

As part of the change to our Policies and Procedures Manual, the Association is going to better define andarticulate the available categories of membership.

‘Spa Sector’ and ‘Pool Fencing & Safety Barrier’ membership categories currently exist within the SPASAConstitution, but are not currently used. It is the Association’s intention to commence honouring the existence ofthese by creating ‘Spa Industry’ and ‘Pool Fencing’ membership categories.

PART 3 Introducing a new category: to capture, educate and influence the future of the industry:SPASA Restricted Member

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Your Association has also recognised that there is a strong need to create an additional category of membershipto capture, educate and influence those within the industry who are moving into swimming pool construction, butdo not yet meet the stringent SPASA Pool Builder member criteria.

Rather than turn these potential members away from the Association, when they are most in need ofinformation, guidance and training – we intend to capture them and assist them on their path to becoming aSPASA Pool Builder member.

The Association currently wields no influence over non-members and wishes to educate those entering theindustry regarding the construction of safe, compliant pools. SPASA also wishes to arrest the proliferation ofOwner Builder pool construction. The name of this new membership category is “SPASA Restricted Member”.

SPASA "Restricted Member" category explained:

Who would be likely to join in this category?Most commonly they will be practitioners - with appropriate Domestic Builders Licence - that are looking toexpand their scope of work (ie. house/construction builders, landscapers, etc) or those from within the industryand are looking to “step up” to pool building (ie. concreters, excavators, tilers, steel fixers, etc)

What are the member benefits?– Access to discounted training, incl. Pool Construction

– Includes voucher for $270 of SPASA training as part of $590 annual fee (training isnon-transferable) $270 = 2 days of Pool Construction or 2 days of Hydraulics

– Use of a generic (unbranded) construction Contract (which will be produced by SPASA, though theAssociation will not mediate consumer complaints). Use of these Contracts is compulsory.

– Stay abreast of industry information & legislation (Bulletins, Email Updates, etc)– Government representation and advocacy– Networking opportunities– Streamlined upgrade to Pool Builder Member will be expedited when criteria is met – ie. upgrade

rather than new application (Save $300 application fee)

How it differs from other SPASA memberships:– Cannot use the SPASA logo or refer to themselves as a ‘SPASA member’– Cannot nominate for the Board– Cannot enter Awards of Excellence– Do not get member discounts, nor can they exhibit as a pool builder at consumer shows– Are not included in member listing online, or in the print directory

Additional conditions:– Must have Domestic Builders Licence (DBU / DBL)– Must still obtain two SPASA member sponsors– Must show satisfactory trade references– Must adhere to the SPASA Code of Ethics– Must progress to Pool Builder category within two years

Future plans

As the Association grows in the future, we would like to ensure we are in a position to continue changing andadapting to new membership demands. SPASA intends to periodically review the composition of its membershipto assess demand for the alteration of membership categories.

Exercising their power under clause 10.2.1 of the SPASA Constitution, the SPASA Board intends to adopt thenecessary changes to the Policies and Procedures Manual at their June 2011 meeting.

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SPONSORS FLOCK BACKRECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES - AGAIN!Our 2011 Sponsors Include –

Major sponsors:

Category sponsors:

Event sponsor:

A warm welcome back to our many Sponsors whoare again supporting the industry program that

promotes pool and spa excellence to consumers

The 2011 Awards of Excellence entry deadline haspassed and an all-time-record crop in excess of 150

entries has been received – a fantastic effort!

Even better – a record number of members haveparticipated in the 2011 program.

Mark the Diary –AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE GALA DINNER

@ ZINC : Saturday, 27 AugustThe industry night-of-nights @ Federation Square –

7pm, Saturday 27-8-2011. Don't miss it.

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Major sponsors:

Category sponsors:

Event sponsor:









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Major sponsors:

Category sponsors:

Event sponsor:









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UPDATED ACCC ADVICE ON BANSMembers should make themselves familiar with current ACCC communications - aimed at both consumersand industry – see below extract of articles. For further detail visit http://www.productsafety.gov.au

>> The ACCC has clearly stated to SPASA that it will step up the regulationeducation, and enforcement processes. Site visits to spa industry participants willbe made across the country in coming months.

Product Safety Australia

Product categories Spas & swimming pools Spa and pool skimmer boxes, filters, outlets and covers

Spa and pool skimmer boxes, filters, outlets and covers

Drownings and disembowelments have occured when children have becometrapped on unsafe spa and pool skimmer boxes, filters, outlets and covers.

Open, potty shaped skimmer boxes, unsafe filter covers and unsafe outlets cancause serious injuries and death. The ACCC has developed new nationalregulation to minimise risks associated with this type of skimmer box in portablepools and spas.

Skimmer boxes

Open, potty shaped skimmer boxes can be integrally moulded into transportableswimming pools and spas. These skimmer boxes:

operate at water level as a suction point for circulating the water look like a child's potty or toilet device have no fixed protective device to stop a person becoming lodged or caught by the suction when in

use.

There have been cases in Australia where children sitting on an open skimmer boxes have beendisembowelled by the strong suction action.

Covers

Unsafe covers intended for or adapted for use on filter outlets or suction points in swimming pools or spascan come off and create the risk of trapping hair or parts of the body. This can drag a person under the waterand cause drowning.

Filters and outlets

Unsafe swimming pool and spa outlets and filters can also trap a person's hair or parts of their body.

Steps to minimise risks

If you have a swimming pool or spa, check that it does not have:

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an open potty shaped skimmer box that children or adults can sit on outlets or filters that are open and may trap hair or body parts covers that can easily come off and give access to filters or outlets that can trap hair or body parts or

cause serious internal injuries.

If you have any of these products, you should immediately stop using the pool or spa and replace theskimmer box, outlets, filters or covers with models that comply with Australian or American voluntarystandards.

Ask pool and spa suppliers for proof that any products they provide you with are designed to minimise thelikelihood of entrapment of any part of a person's body or hair by the outlet when in use.

Bans

Ban—Pools and spas with unsafe design featuresA permanent ban on pools and spas with unsafe design features was declared on 1 February2011. This page includes information on hazards and how to comply with the ban.

Recalls

Check www.recalls.gov.au for any recalls related to this page.

TipsSpa and swimming pool skimmer boxes, filters, outlets and coversUse these tips to ensure the spas and swimming pools you use cannot cause entrapment, drowning orserious internal injuries that can result from unsafe skimmer boxes, filters, outlets and covers.

View all tips

Injury case studiesSpa main drain outlet causes drowningDate commenced: 25th March 2006The New South Wales Deputy Coroner found that suction from a blocked main drain outlet in the bottom of aspa caused the death of an 11 year old girl in 25 March, 2006.

View all injury cases

Statistics74 reports of circulation entrapments in the USA in 20075-9 year old children were the most frequent victims of entrapment in the USA in 20079 people died as a result of these entrapments:

2 in public pools or spas 7 in residential pools or spas

63 people were injured as a result of these entrapments:

20 in public pools or spas 33 in residential pools or spas 10 in unknown pools or spas

For full details, visit:http://www.productsafety.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/975356/fromItemId/972583

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Spa and swimming pool skimmer boxes, filters, outlets and covers

Maintain the safety of your home spa or swimming pool

If you have an in-ground or transportable portable swimming pool or spa, there are steps you can take tominimise the risk of injuries and serious death associated with these devices when they are unsafe models ordo not work as intended.Do an immediate check for unsafe filters, outlets and covers that can cause injury or death.

Organise an immediate check to see if your spa or pool has any of these filters and outlet devices:

> an open potty-shaped skimmer box that children or adults can sit on> outlets or filters that are open and can trap hair or body parts> single drainage outlets at the bottom of the pool or spa, rather than on the sides> outlet and filter covers that can easily come off and give access to filters or outlets that can trap hair or

body parts or cause serious internal injuries.

If you have any of these, products you should:> immediately stop using the pool or spa> replace any unsafe skimmer boxes, outlets, filters or covers with models that comply with Australian or

American voluntary standards> ask reputable pool and spa suppliers for proof that any products they provide you with are designed to

minimise the likelihood of entrapment of any part of a person's body or hair by the outlet when in use.

Safe models to look forSafe models are those covered by Australian and American voluntary standards. These standards includeAustralian or ASME / ANSI / ASTM 'Standard having the purpose of reducing or minimising the likelihood ofentrapment' and include:

AS1926.3AS2610.2AS2818ANSI A112.

Conduct an annual safety checkOrganise a reputable spa and pool supplier to conduct an annual check of your pool to ensure that filters andoutlets are:

> safe and meet current Australian or American voluntary standards> are working as intended and have no blockages or problems that could increase the water pressure and

create a force that could trap and drown the user.

If your annual check reveals problems, act immediately to organise a qualified expert to repair any problemswith your pool or spa that could cause injury or death. Avoid unsafe spas and swimming pools in otherlocations.

If you are using spas and swimming pools in public or other private places, do a check before you enter thewater and avoid using spas or swimming pool that have:

> a bottom drain outlet—if these are blocked or damaged they can create significant pressure that can trapand pin a person under water and cause drowning

> installed or moulded skimmer boxes that have no lid or have a lid that children can easily remove—children have been disembowelled after sitting in open skimmer boxes.

For full details, visit:

http://www.productsafety.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/975610/fromItemId/975356

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BCA2012 : FUTURE CHANGES TO BUILDING CODEAttention all industry members. Be aware that the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) each yearpublish - on their website - intended changes to building / construction code. Our industry certainlydoesn't want any more unpleasant surprises like the recent ban to electric heaters for portable spas.Manufacturers and suppliers in particular are urged to read the advice below.

Every year the Australian Building Codes Board put out for public comment amendments to the NCC (BCAVolume 1 and 2). For those who may be interested in providing comments on the draft amendments to NCC2012 the anticipated time-lines are listed below:

1 June, the public comment draft will be uploaded to the ABCB website 1 August, is the last day to provide public comment 19 October, the draft will be discussed at the Building Codes Committee October meeting 29 November, Building Codes Committee agreement on the pre-publication draft 8 December, ABCB agreement on the pre-publication draft.

August / September Program now open and taking bookings"You Don't Know What You Don't Know"

Click here for more information & Booking Form: http://www.spasavic.com.au/About/Industry-Training

Take advantage of the hefty member discount. Get your staff up to speed for the coming season.Places are strictly limited.

VICTORIAN DROWNING TOLL DOWN(Includes all waterways, beaches, pools, lakes, rivers, etc)

Life Saving Victoria urges all Victorians to Play it Safe by the Water following the release of the latest drowningstatistics. Thirty Victorians have drowned since 1 July 2010 and statistics show that the one third of drowningincidents occur outside the summer season.

According to Life Saving Victoria CEO Mr Nigel Taylor, “we have seen a reduction of 21% in drowning deathscompared to the same period last year, however we still have more to do, as just one drowning death is onetoo many”.

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There has been an decrease in the toddler 0-4 year age group (-86%), but an increase of a third for the risktaker age group 15-24 years, and two thirds for the 25-34 year age group (2009/10 compared to 2010/11).

“The 35-59 year age group has so far recorded the highest drowning deaths with 9 drowning deaths, andmales continue to be over-represented in the statistics with 87% of drowning deaths” Mr Taylor said.

The location of drowning has changed from previous years, with pool and home related drowning decreasingby 69%, and an increase in inland waterway drowning deaths, with 75% more in 2010/2011 compared to thesame period for 2009/2010.

“Check the beach you are going to is patrolled and gain some local knowledge before entering an inlandwaterway. Conditions change rapidly and people should never assume that because they have visited a spotbefore that it’s automatically safe to enter the water, whether it’s a beach, a river or a lake.” Mr Taylor said.

The number of drowning deaths each month also differed between 2009/10 and 2010/11 to the 24th May.There were a higher number of drowning deaths in July- September 2010 compared with 2009 and lowernumbers from October to February 2010/11 compared with the 2009/10 drowning figures. Victorians shouldenjoy their holidays but always be aware of the dangers when in or near the water, never swim alone andalways swim between the flags at a patrolled beach.

Tuesday 26 April saw the end of lifesaver patrols on Victorian beaches this season. Life Saving Victoria isurging people to always seek advice before entering any body of water during the cooler months.

This information is correct as at 24th May 2011. Coronial investigation and findings related to open cases mayalter the reported drowning figures.

For further information contact:Dr Bernadette Matthews / Manager Research and Injury Prevention / Lifesaving VictoriaPh: (03) 9676 6976 / Email: [email protected]

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Num

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Drowning Deaths Victoria

2009/2010

2010/2011

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QUOTE OF THE MONTHA man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else

- John Burroughs

WELCOME NEW SPASA MEMBERSThe Board of SPASA warmly welcomes the following new members to the Association:

New Provisional Member:

Aquacon Pools and LandscapesDirector: Colin & Gaye BoothCategory: Pool Builder / Installerwww.aquaconpools.com.au

Kevin McNamara and Son Pty LtdDirector: Kevin & Julie McNamaraCategory: Pool Builder / Installerwww.courtsandpools.com.au

Leisure Pools Melbourne CentralDirector: Brendan Donovan / David BasileCategory: Pool Builder / Installerwww.leisurepools.com.au

Elevation to Full Membership:

SegpaveDirector: Nicolaas Van DiemenCategory: Associatewww.segpave.com.au

ASSOCIATION CLASSIFIEDS

GENERAL MEETING

Association Classifieds :: Member listing fee: $100 :: Non-Members $200 - Adverts will be run for 2 editions.Interested parties should email their text (logo will also be accepted) - not more than 80 words - to [email protected]

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Fleet Ute for Sale (similar to photo supplied).

Includes: Gas - Airbags - Custom built toolbox for pool industry. Price: $18,000 negotiable

Enquiries please contact Philip Kilworth - 0409 123 455

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- John Burroughs









GENERAL MEETING


VEHICLE FOR SALE




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- John Burroughs









GENERAL MEETING


VEHICLE FOR SALE




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2011 SPASA VICTORIA CALENDARGENERAL MEETING : 8 June @ SPASAAll members are invited to the regular all-of-member General Meeting. The meeting will commence at 6pmsharp, light refreshments will be provided before the meeting

RETAIL SECTOR MEETING : 14 June @ SPASAAll Retail & Service and Maintenance members are warmly welcome to attend this 6pm - for a 6.30pm start –sector meeting. Hear special presentations on sector specific issues

SPA SECTOR MEETING : 26 July @ SPASAAll Spa Sector members, and those involved in selling / manufacturing / importing spas, are invited to join a9am meeting to hear an update on matters important to the industry

SPA & POOL SHOW at MCEC (Winter Show) : 13 & 14 AugustFor bookings, contact Noel or Rob at AEE on 9676 2133

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE GALA NIGHT @ ZINC : Saturday, 27 AugustThe industry night-of-nights @ Federation Square – 7pm, Saturday 27-8-2011

RETAIL SECTOR MEETING : 6 September @ SPASAAll Retail & Service and Maintenance members are warmly welcome to attend this 6pm - for a 6.30pm start –sector meeting. Hear special presentations on sector specific issues

COUNTRY CHAPTER MEETING : 13 October @ Madison’s in Moama / EchucaJoin all-of-industry members for the sector meeting at 6pm sharp, followed by dinner

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING : 9 November @ SPASAAll members are invited to the presentation of the FY2011 Annual Report and announcement of the 2011/12Board. Meeting to commence at 6pm sharp, refreshments provided after meeting

2012

POOL & SPA EXPO at MCEC (Summer Show) : 3 to 5 FebruaryFor bookings, contact Noel or Rob at AEE on 9676 2133

THE 2012 POOL & SPA BOOK : LAUNCH – 3 FebruaryLaunch of the new Pool & Spa Book at the Summer Expo

INTERSTATE / INTERNATIONALMay 4 & 5 – SPLASH! Asia, SingaporeMay 21 & 22 – Brisbane Spa & Outdoor Living ExpoJune 17 – SPASA NSW Trade DayJune 18 - SPASA NSW Awards NightJuly 2 & 3 – SPASA SA Pool & Spa ShowJuly 23 – SPASA Qld Awards NightJuly 23 – SPASA WA Awards NightJuly 29 - SPASA SA Awards NightAugust 17 & 18 – SPLASH! New ZealandSeptember 7 - SPASA Qld Classic Golf DayOctober 18 to 21 – Piscina International Swimming Pool Show, SpainOctober 22 to 23 – SPASA WA Pool, Spa & Outdoor Living ExpoOctober 26 to 29 – Aquanale Cologne, Germany

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Disclaimer: The information herein is given in good faith. To the maximum extent permitted by law, neitherthe Association nor its contractors accept any liability for loss or damage arising as a result of any reliance on information herein.

This Bulletin should not be used or relied upon as a substitute for detailed professional advice. Articles or content cannot bereproduced in any format without the express written consent of the Association.

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