If you were lucky enough to be a part of our SPASA Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living Show last weekend, you were in for a fantastic treat.

Not that it’s likely to be reported in the national trade press, coming in at $920,000+, the 2018 Expo was the second highest grossing industry consumer event ever held in this country. The bumper $932,000 2013 Expo gross is the national all-time record holder.

This huge result is a ringing endorsement of the strategic decision made by the association Board to commit to our new event managers, IEC. Well done Marie, Sam, Conrad, Lorna and all at IEC. It also underlines that the consumer-informed evolution of our Expo - to embrace all of the desired elements of the backyard lifestyle - be presented under the one roof.   

The Outdoor Design Junction and Feature Garden were a spectacular central point at the event. The following businesses allowed this vision to become a reality last weekend:

Justine Carlile LANDSCAPEdesign, Compass Pools, Waterco, Porta Mouldings, Anston Architectural, Lump Sculpture Studio, Yarrabee and Castlemaine Stone Solutions, Tuff Turf, Formboss, Warners Nurseries, Ocean Road Outdoor Furniture, Coolabah Building and Landscape Construction

2018 Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living Stand award winners:

Best Stand 36 sq and over
Finalist - Supreme Heating
Winner - Hot Spring Spas (Fastlane)

Best Stand Under 36s sq metres
Finalist - ihealth Saunas
Winner - Decorative Imaging

Best Outdoor Living Display
Finalist - Domo
Winner - Mint Pool & Landscape Design

Best Stand Display Booth
Finalist - Oke Pool Fencing & Balustrades
Winner - The Pool and Tile company

Best Pool Builder Display Stand
Finalist - Horizon Pools
Winner - PJ Pools and Spas

Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) – 11 & 12 August 2018. To book a stand at our upcoming Winter  Show, contact Sam Palermo on 9596 9205 or sam@iecgroup.com.au

"I love the exposure we get from the Expos. They are a chance to build up customers and offer them plenty of choices" - Matt, Australian Spas and Pools.

"The Expo is great for exposure and marketing. It's about getting our brand out there and showcasing our award winning achievements" - Steve, Apex Pools & Spas.

Enjoy this photo gallery of what was a sensational Expo and a great start to 2018 for the Pool & Spa Industry

SPASA Victoria offers all those within the pool and spa industry the opportunity to attend our unique training courses through our Industry Training Program. All training is presented by subject matter experts and is heavily subsidised by the association to ensure that it's affordable for members.

SPASA Victoria Training is recognised by Victorian authorities and regulators. Quality Victorian-geared training is critical to the development and success of your business. The importance of training your employees - both new and experienced - cannot be overestimated. Take advantage of SPASA's training courses to help improve employee morale as well as increase employee knowledge, efficiency and productivity.

This year, in response to member demand, SPASA Victoria is also offering FREE webinars to save you precious time!

Have a look at what's coming up on our 2018 Training schedule:

• FREE Houzz Webinar - Closing in the 21st Century - Tues 13th Feb,10am - 11am
• ProTrade United Business Innovation Workshop ‘10 Creative Strategies for Consistent Cash Flow & Profits’ – Member $79, Non Members $129 - Wed 14th Feb 7.30am - 9.30am
• FREE Houzz Webinar - Insights & Trends from our Landscaping Study - Thurs 22nd Feb, 10am - 11am
• FREE SPASA Training - What Is The Pool & Spa Industry? A Vital Industry Overview - Thurs 1st March 6pm - 8.30pm

Plus, SPASA Members can still enjoy a 20% discount on all AVELING online courses. Contact Marita Callanan at marita@spasavic.com.au to obtain the SPASA Member discount code, then login to your discounted course. You can find the AVELING online course brochure HERE

With a mix of face-to-face, on-line and webinar learning, we've got all bases covered. Book in early so you don't miss out. Lock Your Training Dates In Now!

For more information visit our Industry Training Program page HERE

Got a question? Call Kathryn on 9501 2040 or email kathryn@spasavic.com.au

As of 31st January 2018, the VBA have released amendments to the Building Act 1993 introducing changes to VBA Inspection and Entry powers.

This amendment allows VBA inspectors to gain greater powers when on site in order to gain access to records.

As Victoria's building industry regulator, the VBA is responsible for implementing the Victorian Government reforms, scheduled to roll out between 2016 and 2019 through amendments to the Building Act 1993.

These reforms are designed to achieve compliance and transparency in the building industry, as well as increased consumer protection, so that people engaging building practitioners can do so with confidence. The reforms also provide the VBA with the powers it needs to more effectively monitor and enforce compliance.

It is important to understand that the VBA inspectors now have a better opportunity to access your site and documents.

IMPORTANTLY: The requirement that a builder be given 24 hours notice of an inspection has been abolished.

The inspections will usually take place during business hours but are also permissible when a business is open or building or plumbing work are being carried out at a site.

If you experience issues with these new requirements please call Marita or Brendan on 03 9501 2040.

Click HERE to proceed to the VBA website for further details regarding this change

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.What happens when a customer calls and says “We’ve had a cave in!” - as a Registered Pool Builder what are you going to do?

Cave-ins are an unwelcome and costly aspect of pool construction.

If you are relying upon your public liability insurance to cover the costs of recovering the job to its former state, you will be disappointed to know that you are not covered.

However, if you have a contract works policy with AB Phillips, damage to your project caused by a weather event such as a cave-in will be covered, as will third-party liability.

This means you can rectify the job to the position it was in prior to the weather event and you will not be out of pocket.

Don’t let cave-ins cost you! Call Sarah at AB Phillips today on 1300 242 136 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As money continues to pour into property, there is a trend in architectural pool designs.Back in the day it was considered a luxury to have a swimming pool at home, it was something that added value to a home and a step up the social ladder. Nowadays, as property booms keep raging in Australian capital cities, and million dollar homes seem to be the norm, a swimming pool at home is becoming more commonplace.

The trend in property now is to build big custom feature swimming pools which, according to Australian Spas and Pools cost at the high end, $85-100K, as well as thousands in maintenance costs every year. According to property publishers Domain, 'Unlike the home cinema or temperature-controlled cellar, the pool is on display year-round, a lifestyle feature that speaks to the Aussie love of the great outdoors'.

Read this article in full HERE

Surf Life Saving Queensland wrote to the government urging it to introduce a compulsory swimming program through schools. Photo: GettyThe Queensland government has defended itself against claims it ignored calls to make school swimming lessons mandatory to prevent children from drowning.

Surf Life Saving Queensland wrote to the Labor government in December 2016 urging it to introduce a compulsory swimming program through schools. The current program is at the discretion of school principals.

SLSQ chief operating officer George Hill wrote the letter arguing that lessons that give students swimming skills and awareness would save lives and also significantly reduce the number of incidents on beaches, in dams, rivers and pools.

However, Mr Hill says the plea was ignored, with departmental representatives failing to set up a meeting with then-education minister Kate Jones.

Read this article in full HERE

In the recent case of LU Simon Builders Pty Ltd vs Victorian Building Authority (VBA) in the Supreme Court of Victoria, the Court determined whether the relevant State authorities have the power under section 37B of the Building Act 1993 to give a ‘direction to fix building work’ to a builder after a certificate inspection or an occupancy permit has been issued for a building. 

The Court held that the power to give a direction to fix to a builder under s37B is confined to the building stage and accordingly could not be given after a certificate of final inspection or an occupancy permit had been issued.

LU Simon Builders Pty Ltd built six apartment buildings allegedly containing flammable cladding in Melbourne, which had been completed at some time or another in the past nine years and occupancy permits had been issued.

The Defendant, VBA, directed the builder to rectify the issue with the understanding that section 37B of the Building Act 1993 allows either a building surveyor or relevant authority to direct a builder to fix defective building work, regardless of when the work was completed and an occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection issued.

Justice Cavanagh determined that the VBA acted beyond its powers when it directed the builder to rectify the buildings. The key reason behind the Court’s decision was that “the power [under Section 37B] is unavailable after a certificate of final inspection or an occupancy permit has been issued”.

With over 1400 buildings identified by the Victorian Cladding Taskforce to most likely have flammable cladding, building owners need to be aware that the responsibility falls on them to carry out rectification of non-compliant work. While this may be good news for some builders and developers, owners still retain their right to sue any responsible parties for any damages incurred in rectifying non-compliant work.

Read more on this story HERE

Australian Olympic Swimmer - Taylor McKeown. Photo: Patrick WoodsOlympic swimmer Taylor McKeown is baffled as to why Queensland school kids are not being taught how to swim.

The young athlete is the latest public figure to get behind the push to bring in mandatory swimming lessons for primary school children in the state.

Having been around water her whole life, Ms McKeown said there wasn't a doubt in her mind that swimming lessons were a crucial part of a child's learning.

"I can't imagine why there would be a reason for kids not to learn how to swim and if it's not a part of the curriculum, you have to be asking why not," she said.

"You learn to run, you learn how to be social and maths and English, so why not swimming?"

Read this article in full HERE

Research released by home loan lending specialist Lendi shows that Australian men and younger people are more inclined to purchase a house with a pool.

Lendi surveyed more than 1,000 Australian men and women online to find out how much more they would pay for a house with a pool, and discovered that more than half of those surveyed would pay more for a house with a pool, with men being more likely overall to pay more than women.

There were 44.9% of male respondents who said they would pay up to $20,000 more for a house with a pool, compared to 34.6% who were women. Nearly one in seven respondants said they’d pay $50,000 or more, with 5.8% responding with valuations upwards of $200,000. Clearly, a pool is a worthy investment to many Australians!

Results also showed that the younger the respondents were, the more likely they were to pay extra for a property with a pool.

Nearly half (47.7%) of those who were roughly in the age-group of Generation Y would pay up to $20,000. There were 41.1% of Generation X respondents who answered in this price-bracket and 31.6% who were over 55-years-old. This Survey data was collected between December 18 and December 20, 2017 and surveyed 1,004 Australian respondents aged 18 and over.

Read more about it HERE

Many thanks to our partner organisation Kidsafe Victoria for helping promote our Expo by featuring our advertisement in their January e-news!

When we report back on results such as a 7% increase in numbers through the door, it's exposure such as this that can be attributed to the overall success of our Shows. Thank you Kidsafe Victoria!

Kidsafe Victoria e-news January 2018

With January upon us and an abundance of opportunities ahead as a business owner, it is important to ensure you have clarity on the outcomes you want to achieve this year.

Setting goals and objectives is a great start, however as a business owner, there is one vital piece of the puzzle that could be missing. Unless you use this tool, it is easy for weeks, months, and possibly the whole year to go by without truly having the rubber meet the road.

The Mistake…  You see, the biggest mistake that many business owners will make is… waking up each day and going to work ‘in’ their business (that is working on their trade/on the tools/doing the work), without ever taking time to reflect and work ‘on’ their business. This means stopping to check in and see whether the activities that are consuming their day are actually taking them towards their goals and objectives, or are they just running in circles and replaying the same day and week many times in a row.

The Tool…  The power of reflection. That is, checking in on your progress for the year. I recommend that as a business owner and leader of your life, you take time at least monthly, or even better weekly, to review your goals and objectives and ask yourself the most important question… “Is the activity and the work that my team and I are involved in, aligned with the outcomes I want to achieve this year.

Also, do you have a method to measure your progress? A scoreboard to keep track of your progress, or a dashboard with some monthly and weekly measurements, that give you direct feedback on your progress? This scorecard will be your map, keeping you on track to reach your objectives.

How to use it…

1. Set goals, objectives and key measureable outcomes
2. Work on specific activities that progress you towards the items in point number one
3. Schedule time monthly/weekly to check in and ask ‘The Question’.
4. Have some measurements and a scoreboard to give you clarity on where you are on your journey for the year
5. Adjust your activities should you feel that progress is not being made.

All the best for a great year ahead. Ensure that this year is one of your best by taking the time to reflect, check in and adjust.

Article by Jon Mailer - www.protradeunited.com.au

Photo courtesy of Pools by BenBy walking a few extra steps to the house, service professionals can spare customers some annoyances.

Pool and spa service professionals are known as technicians, but the job also is extremely customer-facing. Techs must explain to homeowners how problems occur, why new systems would work better, and how to use said technology.

Not only that, but you must enter the client's property. The aim is to affect it as little as possible. That's why service professional Ben Honadel and his staff at Pools by Ben keep their trucks off the driveway. A number of mishaps can occur, such as the chlorine stain Honadel witnessed when he visited a property for the first time to perform a repair. Placing a truck in the driveway can cause other annoyances, such as oil stains - or just blocking the homeowner's car when they want to leave.

"I train all my techs to not park in the driveway," says the owner of the Valencia, Californian-based company. "Every time you do, it seems like somebody wants out or comes home and you’re in the way." In fact, Honadel's wife, Jill, feels even more strongly about this. In working with Ben to choose remodelers for home-improvement projects, she has been known to eliminate contractors from the list of candidates for parking in the driveway.

Read the original article HERE

Your Christmas advertising was a great success but now customers are coming back with their unwanted Secret Santa gifts. What can you do?

Do I need to give a refund? Yes, if a product doesn’t meet one or more of the ‘consumer guarantees’ (the basic set of rights which apply to goods you sell). In these situations, you must provide a remedy (repair, replacement or refund). If the problem is major, the customer can choose the remedy they want or if it’s minor then you get to choose.

Can I refer the customer to the manufacturer to fix the problem?
No. If a consumer guarantee hasn’t been met, you cannot refuse to help a customer with a problem caused by a manufacturing defect (however, you can seek reimbursement from the manufacturer in this instance).

Do I have to give a refund if the customer simply changed their mind? No. Customer rights aren’t limitless so you’re not required to provide a remedy if the customer got what they asked for or simply changed their mind – such as poorly chosen Christmas gifts or a new outfit inspired by a NYE resolution that wasn’t achieved.

Do customers need to provide proof of purchase? Yes. If a customer requests a repair, replacement or refund you can ask them to provide proof of purchase such as a receipt, tax invoice or credit card statement. (And remember: you must give customers a receipt whenever you sell them anything over $75). It’s also a good idea to encourage customers to take copies of receipts.

What do I do if a customer complains? Make sure you have clear procedures on how your business will handle complaints. Remember that dealing with customers directly can be the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to resolve an issue before it becomes a big problem. It’s also important to think about your obligations and consider what’s best for your business’ reputation.

See more information about repairs, refunds and replacements and consumer guarantees
Small Business team, ACCC

As the weather heats up, it’s a good time to review your workplace to make sure you and your workers stay safe.

Safe Work Australia has published a new Guide for managing the risks of working in the heat. You can access the new guide and more information on our website.

Heat is a hazard in many Australian workplaces - whether work is performed indoors or outdoors.

People in control of the workplace, such as managers and supervisors - as well as workers - all have duties under work health and safety laws to manage risks to worker health and safety, such as those associated with working in the heat.

First aid fact sheet now available

Need help in a hurry? See Safe Work Australia's First aid fact sheet for information on recognising and treating the most common forms of heat-related illness.

Some young refugees who fled war in Syria now live in Germany. Credit Gordon Welters for The New York Times

We all know that the world is going to hell.

Given the rising risk of nuclear war with North Korea, the paralysis in Congress, warfare in Yemen and Syria, atrocities in Myanmar and a president who may be going cuckoo, you might think 2017 was the worst year ever.

But you’d be wrong. In fact, 2017 was probably the very best year in the long history of humanity.

A smaller share of the world’s people were hungry, impoverished or illiterate than at any time before. A smaller proportion of children died than ever before. The proportion disfigured by leprosy, blinded by diseases like trachoma or suffering from other ailments also fell.

We need some perspective as we watch the circus in Washington, hands over our mouths in horror. We journalists focus on bad news — we cover planes that crash, not those that take off — but the backdrop of global progress may be the most important development in our lifetime.

Read the full story from the New York Times HERE

Member Benefits - Available to all Members in 2018

• AB Phillips - SPASA’s Risk Management, Insurance & Financial Services Provider
• Jeremy Johnson & Associates - Free Expert Legal Advice
• Expert OHS Advice - Paul House, ISSC
• Career Dressing – Preferred Workwear & Corporate Clothing Supplier
• HR Central – Your People Management Professionals
• Online White Card Training with Aveling
• Houzz and SPASA – Free Profile-Building Website

See the full details of your Member Benefits here

2018

SPASA Industry Learning - Houzz Webinar - Closing in the 21st Century - Tuesday 13 February

ProTrade United Breaking the Mould Breakfast Workshop - Wednesday 14 February

Board Meeting - Wednesday 14 February

SPASA Industry Learning - Houzz Webinar - Insights & Trends from our Landscaping Study - Thursday 22 February

SPASA Industry Training - What is the Pool & Spa Industry - A Vital Industry Overview - Thursday 1 March

SPASA Industry Learning - Houzz Webinar - Online Marketing: A Masterclass - Tuesday 6th March

SPASA Industry Training - Builder Contract Training - Wednesday 7 March

SPASA Industry Learning - Houzz Webinar - Build Your Professional Profile With Houzz - Tuesday 13 March

Board Meeting - Wednesday 14 March

SPASA Industry Training - Portable Spa Technician - Wednesday 15 March

SPASA Industry Learning - A Business Health Check (ACC) - Wednesday 21 March

SPASA Industry Learning - Succession Planning Workshop - Wednesday 28 March

Awards of Excellence Entries Close - Thursday 29 March

SPASA Industry Learning - Houzz Webinar - Houzz & Home Study - Tuesday 3 April

SPASA Industry Training - Hydraulics - Thursday 5 & Friday 6 April

Board Meeting – Wednesday 11 April

SPASA Industry Training - Pool Construction Essentials - Thursday 19 April

Chris Dorrity Memorial Golf Day - Southern Golf Club Keysborough - Friday 20 April

SPASA Industry Learning - Houzz Webinar - Houzz Profile Masterclass - Thursday 26 April

2018 Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner Bookings Open – Monday 30 April

SPASA Industry Learning - ProTrade United Business Success Webinar - Tuesday 1 May

SPASA Industry Training - Basic Chemistry - Tuesday 8 May

Board Meeting – Wednesday 9 May

ProTrade United Breaking the Mould Breakfast Workshop - Wednesday 10 May

SPASA Industry Training - Advanced Chemistry - Thursday 10 & Friday 11 May

SPASA Industry Learning - Employee or Independent Contractor - Wednesday 16 May

2018 Awards of Excellence Member Viewing - Tuesday 22 May

SPASA Industry Training – Pool Shop & Service – What Makes the Great Retailers Great – Wednesday 30 May

SPASA Industry Learning - OH&S Materials Made Easy - Thursday 7 June

Board Meeting – Wednesday 13 June

SPASA Industry Learning - ProTrade United Business Success Webinar - Tuesday 19 June

2018 Awards of Excellence Gala Night Dinner - Saturday 7 July

Board Meeting – Wednesday 11 July

SPASA Industry Learning - Houzz Webinar - Build Your Professional Profile With Houzz - Thursday 19 July

Country Chapter Visits (North and West Victoria)  - Monday 23 to Friday 27 July - Call Marita on 9501 2040 to book a visit

SPASA Industry Learning - Strategic Financial Planning for Your Business – Tuesday 31 July

SPASA Industry Training - Pool Construction Essentials - Thursday 2 August

SPASA Industry Training – Builder Contract Training – Wednesday 8 August

Board Meeting – Wednesday 8 August

Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) – Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 August

ProTrade United Breaking the Mould Breakfast Workshop - Wednesday 16 August

SPASA Industry Training - Hydraulics - Thursday 16 & Friday 17 August

SPASA Industry Learning - Ownership Thinking - Tuesday 4 September

SPASA Industry Learning - ProTrade United Business Success Webinar - Tuesday 4 September

SPASA Industry Learning - OH&S Materials Made Easy - Thursday 6 September

Board Meeting – Wednesday 12 September

Board Nominations Open – Friday 14 September

SPASA Industry Training - Basic Chemistry - Monday 17 September

SPASA Industry Training - Advanced Chemistry - Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 September

Country Chapter Visits (North and East Victoria) - Monday 24 to Friday 28 September - Call Marita on 9501 2040 to book a visit

SPASA Industry Learning - Employee or Independent Contractor - Tuesday 25 September

Board Ballot Commences – Monday 8 October

Board Meeting – Wednesday 10 October

Board Meeting – Wednesday 14 November

2018 AGM – Wednesday 14 November

ProTrade United Breaking the Mould Breakfast Workshop - Wednesday 23 November

SPASA Industry Learning - ProTrade United Business Success Webinar - Tuesday 4 December

Board Meeting – Wednesday 12 December

2019

Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor living - Friday 1 - Sunday 3 February

Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) - Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 August