SPASA Victoria would like to announce our new executive for 2019:

Cliff Cooke (President)
Cliff is an enduring figure of the pool and spa industry, having established Cookes Pools & Spas in 1978 and continually expanded the business to include concrete and fibreglass pools, servicing and retail. Upon developing the Water Witch in the 1990’s, Cliff also established Cooke Industries to support trade clients throughout Australasia. Cliff has served on the SPASA Victoria board from 2001-2003 and again from 2007-2010. He is passionate about the pool and spa industry and believes innovation is essential to meeting future client expectations. 2019 will be Cliff's second year of SPASA Victoria Presidency.

Brendan Nelissen (Vice President)
Brendan is the Victorian State Manager for Waterco Ltd. With over 10 years in the swimming pool industry, specifically in the manufacturer/supplier sector, Brendan has extensive experience and knowledge in all aspects of customer service. With the constant evolution of technology in the swimming pool industry it is important to maintain focus on the future as well as being grounded in what is affecting us today. Brendan is committed to the future of the Victorian swimming pool industry and is looking to ensure a positive experience for all consumers. 2019 will be Brendan's first year on the SPASA Victoria executive.

Lindsay Hartshorne (Treasurer)
Lindsay is the owner and CEO of Lincoln Pool Equipment, a trade supplier of swimming pool equipment. He has served on the SPASA Victoria board since November 2006 and will continue as current Treasurer on the executive of SPASA Victoria.

Cliff Cooke      Brendan Nelissen  Lindsay Hartshorne

We wish our new executive all the best in 2019 as they competently and capably govern our Association.

The SPASA Victoria Pool & Spa Expos continue to attract the largest audiences of qualified buyers in Australia. Thousands of visitors attend our February show to purchase a new pool or spa and see the latest offerings in Outdoor Design. For those of you who have never been to a SPASA Show before, come and see what it's all about!

It's on Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd February 2019 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Connect with thousands of ready-to-buy consumers!

Consumers are increasingly seeking a one-stop-shop for their backyard renovations. "The Pool & Spa Expo is a must for any home-owners hoping to add equity to their property, or simply to welcome a touch of luxury to their homes," says Expo Director Sam Palermo.

Here are four reasons why you should book a stand at the 2019 SPASA Victoria Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living in February 2019:

• Talk to qualified consumers who are in the market for a pool, spa or backyard renovation
• You’ll be in good company. Close to 80 exhibitors have already booked a stand and we are almost 90% allocated, so you must act quickly!
• Take advantage of the comprehensive television, radio and social media advertising on offer promoting our Expo
• Over 10,000 visitors will be in attendance

Testimonials from Expo Exhibitors:

“The 2017 SPASA Pool and Spa Show was a raging success. I have never seen so many people attend a pool show. The standard of all enquiries was better than ever. The public are doing their research and are better educated than ever.” - Brendan Nelissen, Waterco

“The SPASA Pool & Spa Expo is a key event within our annual marketing program.  It’s a great platform to engage with key trade clients and quality consumers who are keen to learn about the benefits of our automated in-floor cleaning systems and auto levellers.” Justin Nicholas, Cooke Industries

"I thought it was amazing! The responses and amount of feedback we received was incredible. I would do it next year. This year’s Show was more lively, especially the centre of the Expo - the Show Garden - attracted a lot of people our way. The combination of Justine Carlile LANDSCAPEdesign and LV provided a complete solution for everything from full construction to landscaping to poolscaping  and outdoor furniture. It was great to have them all involved. The Expo staff were amazing. They were extremely professional and deserve a massive pat on the back." - David Jarman, Coolabah Landscapes

"The February Pool and Spa Expo was impressive, with the newly created Outdoor Living section being a bonus for consumers interesting in taking a holistic approach to pool and landscape design.” Justine Carlile of Justine Carlile LANDSCAPEdesign

And don't forget to check out MINT Pool + Landscape Design's Feature Show Garden!

Visit the SPASA Victoria Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living website for the latest updates

You will receive two FREE tickets to our expo in your membership pack that will be sent to you in January.

Come and say hello to us on the SPASA Victoria stand. We look forward to seeing you all there!

SPASA Victoria's 2019 Member Advertising Offer is now Open!

The 2019 SPASA Victoria Member Advertising Pack is your annual marketing spend in one genuinely fabulous offer. You won't find better value anywhere!

Whether you're growing your business or protecting the reputation you've worked so hard to build, SPASA Victoria's advertising offer is for you. Let SPASA Victoria put you front and centre of your target audience.

This is the ultimate industry advertising package, offering you twelve months coverage across social, online, mobile and print advertising. SPASA Victoria advertising targets consumers and industry members who design, build and maintain high-value lifestyle pools and spas.  Consumers actively seek the credibility of SPASA Victoria members.

Did you know that SPASA Victoria has a 5 Star rating on Google?!

If you wish to advertise in 2019, click on the link below and complete the booking form:

SPASA Victoria Member Advertising Booking Form

Starting at $1,350 incl GST this exclusive member benefit includes:

• A premium listing in the 2019 SPASA Victoria Member Directory & Awards of Excellence Showcase publication
• A copy is handed to every visitor at SPASA Victoria Consumer Expos and available to download on SPASA Victoria website
• A premium online listing at spasavic.com.au The SPASA Victoria website now reaches 120,000 unique visitors each year with the most popular section being 'Find a SPASA Victoria Member'
• A premium listing in the SPASA Victoria Web App including image, logo & text
• Integrated social media marketing

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SPASA Victoria's 2019 training program is now open for bookings!

SPASA Victoria training is presented by industry experts and is heavily subsidised by the association to make it affordable for members. It is also recognised by Victorian authorities and regulators.

Quality Victorian-focussed training is critical to the improvement and sustainability of the swimming pool and spa industry, as well as the success of your business. The importance of training your employees - both new and experienced - cannot be overestimated.

Take advantage of SPASA Victoria's training courses and help improve the morale of your employees as well as increase their knowledge, efficiency and productivity. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can view SPASA's 2019 Industry Training Program HERE

Got a question? Call Kathryn on 8526 7799 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Time frames for Building permits

The time frame for the commencement of building work for all classes of buildings is 12 months from the date of issue of the building permit. However, when it comes to completing the building work the time frames are different for houses and swimming pools. If the permit is issued just for the house, the completion time is 24 months from the date of issue of the building permit. If the permit is just for the swimming pool, the completion time is six months from the date of issue of the building permit.

It is important that the relevant building surveyor (RBS) issuing a building permit for the swimming pool and associated barrier is made aware that there is a current building permit for other building work and what the completion date of that building permit is. The building regulations were amended in 2016 to enable the completion time for swimming pools or spas to be extended if they are being constructed concurrently with other building work on the same allotment.

New mandatory notification stages for the construction of swimming pools and spas

There are new prescribed mandatory notification stages (inspections) for swimming pools and spas that were introduced with the Building Regulations 2018. These prescribed stages include the following:

(a) the completion of any excavation related to the installation of the swimming pool or spa
(b) before pouring any footing or in situ reinforced concrete member that is specified in the relevant building permit by the relevant building surveyor
(c) the completion of any precautions for the protection of the public or occupiers of the site. The RBS may require precaution measures to be put in place:
a. before and during building work to protect the safety of the public
b. before and during the carrying out of all excavations
(d) on the completion of the swimming pool or spa and related safety barrier

The RBS is required to specify these mandatory notification stages on the building permit.

Duties of the builder relating to mandatory notification stages

The Building Regulations 2018 now require that the person nominated as the builder on the building permit is to ensure that the RBS is notified of each mandatory notification stage after it is completed. The failure to notify the RBS is an offence, and from July 2018 the RBS must report any failure to notify to the authority (VBA). So it is important to review the building permit to be aware of when the inspections are required.

Site safety where swimming pools are being constructed

Any pool that is filled with more than 300mm (30cm) of water, is categorised as a functioning pool and must have a safety barrier placed around it. A site safety barrier can be in place until a permanent barrier is installed, but it must meet all safety requirements at all times. It should be made from sturdy, weather-resistant material and meet the minimum requirements of Australian Standard AS 1926.1.

Who is responsible for maintaining the site safety barrier?

Maintaining the site safety barrier during construction depends on who (if anyone) is living at the property, and who is responsible for the building site. This becomes more relevant where the swimming pool is being constructed concurrently with other building work. In most situations the builder engaged to construct the pool or spa and its barrier is generally responsible for maintaining the safety barrier while onsite, or if the property is vacant. If the property owner is living onsite, they are responsible for maintaining the safety barrier when the builder is not onsite.

With the holiday season coming up it is very important to ensure that the site barriers to the pool area as well as to the overall construction site are well secured.

Do you have a swimming pool or spa?

The Victorian Government recently passed legislation to make the registration of swimming pools and spas mandatory and introduce a new compliance regime to improve swimming pool and spa safety. This will come into effect on 1 December 2019. In the interim, the Victorian government has asked the VBA to develop three self-assessment checklists to help swimming pool and spa owners check the safety of the barriers. Checklist one - for pools and spas installed before 8 April 1991, Checklist two - for pools and spas installed between 8 April 1991 and 30 April 2010 and Checklist three - for pools and spas installed from 1 May 2010.

The VBA has also established a voluntary swimming pool register for owners to register their details prior to the introduction of the mandatory registration (refer to VBA website).  As an owner of a pool or spa there is an obligation to ensure the operation of the safety barrier is maintained.

SPASA Victoria is proud to be a partner of Kidsafe Victoria's 'Safe Barriers Save Lives' campaign which urges all pool and spa owners to check their barriers each year at the beginning of daylight savings.

With the start of Water Safety Week at the beginning of December, we were pleased to see the Ballarat Courier use Kidsafe's media release to form this article which was shared across all social media platforms.

Kidsafe also circulated the campaign blog post to their 9,000+ e-news subscribers this week. Please feel free to share this link from your website or social media account https://www.kidsafevic.com.au/about/blog

Kidsafe have also been working to secure some sporting talent to help promote the campaign via social media over Summer. Please see below the list of talent who will assist them in promoting the campaign:

• Lee Spurr, former Fremantle player in the AFL
• Storm Sanders, current Australian tennis player
• Melissa Barbieri, current goalkeeper for Melbourne City, ex-captain of the Matildas
• Susan Seipel, Paralympics and Para-canoeing star
• Kody House, NRLW player for the Brisbane Broncos

Lastly, Kidsafe are trialling exposure at one of the digital and six of the civic media guides billboards in Victoria. The locations below will feature the campaign artwork from Christmas Eve:

• Corner Hoddle and Johnstone Street (digital billboard, 2 weeks)
• Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn 
• Burlington Street Oakleigh
• Station Street Sandringham 
• Bluff Road Black Rock 
• Canterbury Road, Middle Park 
• The Esplanade, St Kilda 

Here is a picture of the Middle Park display:

This exposure will complement the APN campaign digital billboard promotion around the country as per the attached. If you happen to be passing one in your travels, please take a photo and send it through to Kidsafe Victoria.

The Australian Standard AS1926.1 - Safety Barriers for Swimming pools, does not provide explicit information deemed to satisfy construction details for glass swimming pool barriers.

Glass swimming pool barriers need to be designed to meet section 3 of AS1926.1 - Loading requirements, as well AS 1288 - Glass in buildings, section 7 for the glazing components and AS 1170 Part 2 Wind actions.

This will determine the size and thickness of the glass panel, the design and type of the connection between panels and the connection to the ground/footing through the stainless steel support brackets.

As such building designers and builders may wish to seek the advice of a structural engineer for the design of glass swimming pool barriers.

See Glass Barriers Information Sheet HERE

WorkSafe Victoria has published guidance about the requirement for emergency procedures when there is a risk of a person being engulfed by soil or other materials. Engulfment can occur during excavation or trenching works or when using liquid concrete.

Engulfment happens when a person is partially or fully enveloped by soil or other material.

WorkSafe's information sheet provides guidance about emergency procedures for construction work when there is a risk of a person being engulfed by soil. 

The risk of engulfment increases during excavation or trenching work or when working in, on or near, big voids or containers of material.

Click here to read WorkSafe Victoria's Emergency Procedures for Risk of Engulfment in Construction information.

This report researches the worldwide Swimming Pool Treatment Chemicals market size (value, capacity, production and consumption) in key regions like United States, Europe, China and Japan.

The study categorises the global Swimming Pool Treatment Chemicals breakdown data by manufacturers, region, type and application, also analyses the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter’s Five Forces Analysis.

The market was segmented based on the applications, types and Geography area such as:

Swimming Pool Treatment Chemicals Market, by Types:

• Sodium Hypochlorite
• Trichlor
• Cal Hypo
• Dichlor
• Liquid Chlorine
• Algaecides
• Balancers
• Others

Swimming Pool Treatment Chemicals Market, by Applications:

• Residential Pool
• Commercial Pool

Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Swimming Pool Treatment Chemicals Market from 2013 to 2018 (historical) 2019 to 2025 (forecasted), covering:

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam)
• Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
• Central & South America (Brazil, Rest of South America)
• Middle East & Africa (GCC Countries, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Other)

This independent 126 page report guarantees you will remain better informed than your competition. With over 150 tables and figures examining the Swimming Pool Treatment Chemicals Market, the report gives you a visual, one-stop breakdown of the leading products, submarkets and market leader’s market revenue forecasts as well as analysis to 2025.

Read a summary of the 'Global Swimming Pool Treatment Chemicals Market Insights, Forecast To 2025' Report HERE

Have You 'Shared', ‘Liked’ and ‘Followed’ SPASA Victoria on Social Media? If you haven't, please do!

We've got fantastic content to share and we want to extend our reach to as many people as possible.

The stronger our social networks are, the better our advocacy can be on your behalf, which makes our industry stronger. A strong industry means more business for all of you, our valued Members. Help us to help you!

Please 'Like' us, 'Follow' us and 'Share' our content across all social media platforms:

Facebook Twitter  LinkedIn  Instagram YouTube Pinterest Google Plus

Please also tag SPASA Victoria into all of your posts.

If you need any help with social media email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pool Tiger is a secondary source of sanitation for swimming pools, spas, and ponds that reduces chemicals by 80% naturally. 

It has a patented proprietary internal apparatus that is specially designed to create heat and harmonic signatures converting water to water vapour, and it’s bubbles when collapsed revert back to water, structuring the water killing toxins and naturally balancing the pH level. It is similar to what is used in some waste water treatment facilities - we just happen to put it in a chamber we call 'Pool Tiger'.

In comparison to UV, Ozone and salt as a secondary source of sanitation, Pool Tiger is proven with the proper guided procedure to reduce chemicals by 80%. 

All that is required is to recirculate the water four times a day according to code, then the need for adding chemicals becomes very minimal. 

The key factor is running the water through the Tiger as the pressure keeps the pool consistent without the use of chemicals to keep the sanitation levels balanced.

You do not need to add anything to the water. Just run the water through the device to naturally sanitise the pool and reduce the constant use of chemicals to balance the pH level and eliminate the algae bloom. It is great for people with skin issues and those with asthma.

The Pool Tiger is a piece of hardware with a proprietary internal apparatus that goes to the return line of your swimming pool, spa and pond that designers, builders, operates and distributors may recommend for their customers if they want to reduce the chemicals in their aquatics.

Read more about Pool Tiger HERE

Member Benefits - Available to all Members in 2019

• AB Phillips - SPASA’s Risk Management, Insurance & Financial Services Provider
• Jeremy Johnson & Associates - One Hour of Free Expert Legal Advice
• Expert OHS Advice - Paul House, ISSC
• Career Dressing – Preferred Workwear & Corporate Clothing Supplier
• Online White Card Training with Aveling
• Houzz and SPASA – Free Profile-Building Website
• myhronline - HR Advice and resources, discounted for SPASA members

See the full details of your Member Benefits here

2019

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

Board Meeting – Wednesday 13 February

Awards of Excellence Entries Open - Friday 15 February

Domestic Builder Contract Training - Wednesday 6th March 9:30am -11am This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Board Meeting – Wednesday 13 March

Hydraulics Training - Thursday 4 AND Friday 5 April 9am - 4pm - BOOK HERE

Chris Dorrity Memorial Golf Day - Southern Golf Club Keysborough - Friday 5 April

Board Meeting – Wednesday 10 April

Pool Construction Essentials Training - Thursday 18 April 8.30am - 4.30pm - BOOK HERE

Awards of Excellence Entries Close - Thursday 18 April

Board Meeting – Wednesday 8 May

Basic Chemistry Training - Tuesday 14 May 9am - 4pm - BOOK HERE

Advanced Chemistry Training - Thursday 16 & Friday 17 May 9am - 4pm BOOK HERE

Board Meeting – Wednesday 12 June

OH&S Materials Made Easy - Paul House of ISSC - Wed 19 June 9.30am - 12.30pm BOOK HERE

HR Essentials - Wednesday 3 July 9.30am - 12.30pm BOOK HERE

Board Meeting – Wednesday 10 July

Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner – Saturday 13 July

Planning Your Business Future - Wednesday 24 July 9.30am - 12.30pm BOOK HERE

Pool Construction Essentials Training - Thursday 1 August 8.30am - 4.30pm - BOOK HERE

Domestic Builder Contract Training - Wednesday 7 August 11.30am -1pm BOOK HERE

Hydraulics Training - Thursday 22 & Friday 23 August 9am - 4pm - BOOK HERE

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

Board Meeting – Wednesday 14 August

Board Meeting – Wednesday 11 September

Basic Chemistry Training - Monday 16 September 9am - 4pm - BOOK HERE

Advanced Chemistry Training - Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 September 9am - 4pm BOOK HERE

Board Meeting – Wednesday 9 October

Board Meeting – Wednesday 13 November

Board Meeting – Wednesday 11 December

2020

Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor living - Friday 7 - Sunday 9 February

Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) - Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 August