The SPASA Pool & Spa + Outdoor Living Expo was held recently at MCEC, resulting in another highly successful association consumer event.

Despite the cool January weather, a big crowd passed through the doors, leaving exhausted but happy exhibitors delighted in the number of sales and serious leads.

With $200,000 invested in TV, print, radio & digital advertising to attract the general public to attend the event, SPASA took the opportunity to launch the 2015 Pool & Spa Book and the new phone App.

The Seminar Series was once again a feature of the show with a fantastic line-up of speakers covering a wide range of topics. The thought provoking program instigated plenty of discussion and interaction between speakers and attendees. We thank the speakers for their time and assistance.

The continuing popular lifestyle trend to create an outdoor "oasis" in your own backyard is alive and well in Melbourne with visitors also embracing The Taste of Summer Cooking. Iconic Melbourne chefs Tobie Puttock and Alice Zaslavsky, filled the exhibition halls with tantalising aromas and left us with great tips and tricks.

Having the VBA exhibit at the show was a great resource, providing many consumers with on-the-spot advice suited to their exact situation. At the event, the VBA handed out a 'swimming pools postcard' to re-confirm the need for all consumers to be aware of their obligations as a pool or spa owner.

The "Best Stand" Awards was once again well received by exhibitors who were delighted to see their hard work pay off. Seen here are some of our winners – Invogue Pools, Zodiac and Sunlover. View all stand winners in the attached document. Congratulations to all recipients.

We look forward to seeing you at the Winter Show! Exhibitors wishing to exhibit are asked to contact Vee at AEE on 9676 2133.

Invogue Pools - FINALIST Best Pool Builder Display

Zodiac Group - WINNER Free Design (under 36 sqm)

OKE Pool Fencing - WINNER Display Booth

Visit www.spasashow.com.au

Before building a fence or screen, it is important for homeowners and building practitioners to know when a building permit is required.

There are exemptions from having to obtain a building permit for minor building work in the Building Regulations 2006. This is usually the case when constructing a standard 1.8 m high boundary fence.

However, there are a number of situations where a building permit for a fence is required.

These include:
• fences more than 2 m high
• fences more than 1.5 m high that are within 3 m of a street alignment (property boundary)
• masonry or concrete fences more than 1.2 m high that are within 3 m of a street alignment
• masonry or concrete fences more than 1 m high above the footpath that are within 9 m of a point of intersection of street alignment
• barbed wire fences or the like when adjacent to a street alignment
• boundary fences that form part of a swimming pool or spa safety barrier
• swimming pool or spa safety barriers.

For more information about when a building permit is required, refer to Practice Note 32-2014 – When is a building permit required

The VBA now has a dedicated page on its website that provides further information and advice to consumers looking to install a swimming pool, spa or safety barrier - including links to a checklist and 'About Sheet'.

These initiatives by the VBA will prove to be a good consumer point of reference for your future customers, alleviating many questions you as a Pool Builder may face. 

The 2015 Awards program has been revamped – it's never been easier to enter. And we've got some new categories to encourage our newbies to bask in the glory and fame.

You don't need your own marketing department to enter the awards!

For the vast majority of construction categories, we're essentially looking for a wonderful single image.

As you're well aware, the Victorian Awards of Excellence is the most highly regarded pool and spa industry recognition program available – and we only recognise projects undertaken by SPASA members.

We're not only looking to celebrate the life-affirming works of our builders, we're also keen to shine the spotlight on state-of-the-art products, spas, shops, displays & people in our industry.

Here's a surprising fact. Only entrants win!

If you've been meaning to get yourself organised and enter – this is the year to get moving.

WHY ENTER?

> You'll win NEW customers & impress existing clients
> Receive enormous FREE PUBLICITY
> BENCHMARK your best work among peers
> Acknowledge & empower your valued STAFF
> Receive industry peak body CREDIBILITY
> Attend the famed SPASA GALA Dinner with a live entry
> Attract new TALENT to your business
> IMPRESS industry movers & shakers

Plain and simple folks - it's GOOD FOR BUSINESS!

The 2015 program will be conducted considerably earlier than in previous years to allow our state winners to be considered for the National presentations in July so it's time to think about which pools and products you would like to enter.

Award entry forms can be found in the member's section of the website - plus we're mailing materials to you right now!

QUESTIONS? Call Rose or Rowena – they've got the answers – 9501 2040.

 Awards Of Excellence Important Dates:
Entries Open - Monday, 23 February 2015
Entries Close - Friday, 10 April 2015
Award Viewing - Tuesday, 5 May 2015
Gala Dinner - Saturday, 13 June 2015

Join us for some fun at the annual SPASA Golf Day.

To be held at Kingston Links (Corporate Avenue, Rowville) on Friday 13th March, the day will bring out the best in your competitive spirit as you line up against your industry peers.

Ranked the number one public access course in Melbourne, Kingston Links is a superb all year round golf course. In fact, it has been called Melbourne's best winter golf course by PGA Golf Professionals! This is a magnificent facility which boasts 100 per cent Santa Anna Couch fairways. These are world-class tournament grasses.

The course's signature hole is the 165-metre third hole. Overlooking the great lake, with a backdrop of the Dandenong Ranges, this challenging hole offers a severe sloping green and intimidating water hazard. Challenge yourself and see how you go!

We also have an amazing opportunity for you to walk away with $25,000 so get your team together and register ASAP.

Contact rowena@spasavic.com.au if you have any questions or simply complete the attached booking form.

We look forward to seeing you at Kingston Links, proudly sponsored by:
   

SPASA recently received a query regarding the labelling of portable spas and promptly followed up with the ACCC with regards to this matter.

Their response is below:

"The Australian Consumer Law does not require businesses to disclose a country of origin for their products. It only prohibits false claims. If someone is concerned about whether they can claim a country as the country of origin for a product, they should seek legal advice, but they are not required to make a claim."

For further information on the ACCC visit www.accc.gov.au

The SPASA Industry Training Program provides the framework for competency within the pool and spa industry and supports an ongoing drive to improve knowledge, skills and safe practices. 

You asked and we listened - as a result we are proud to introduce the Portable Spa Technician course.

The first training sessions for the year are just around the corner, kicking off with:

Thursday 5 March - What Is The Pool & Spa Industry? A Vital Industry Overview (FREE)
Wednesday 11 March - Contract Training (FREE) Builders & Restricted Members ONLY
Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 March - Portable Spa Technician Course
Monday 30 March - Retailing Best Practice

Presented by SPASA Trainer, Paul Jacobson and a panel of industry experts, these courses are a must for the 'newbies' in your workforce or to give current staff a refresher. Where else will you have access to so many industry specialists?

Take advantage of the member discount and book now. Use the attached booking form and make sure you don't miss out.

4 DAY SPECIAL 5% discount applies to any one student attending four days - $513 Non Members $893

7 DAY SPECIAL 10% discount applies to any one student attending seven days - Members $787.50 Non Members $1372.50

Download the booking form here.

If you have any questions or feedback regarding the 2015 program contact Rowena on 9501 2040.

The Australian Securities & Investment Commission publishes their Small Biz News quarterly to help small Businesses. Click here to view the latest Newsletter.

Take a look at the Dispute Support online tool for information about where to go if you are trying to recover unpaid invoices, or resolving a dispute with another business.

There's also a number of helpful YouTube videos to guide you through renewing your business name or changing the businesses details.

Visit www.asic.gov.au for more information.

Association Classifieds :: Members listing fee: $200 :: Non-Members listing fee $300 - Adverts will be run for 2 editions.
Interested parties should email their text (logos also welcome) - not more than 200 words - to rowena@spasavic.com.au

The Board of SPASA warmly welcomes the following new members to the Association.

New Members:

Chemical Safety International
Principals or Directors: Ian Thomas Cowie
Membership Category: Associate
Website: www.chemicalsafety.com.au

2015 Awards of Excellence Awards Entries Opening – Monday 23 February

What Is The Pool & Spa Industry? A Vital Industry Overview – Thursday 5 March

Contract Training – Wednesday 11 March

Chris Dorrity Memorial Golf Day – Friday 13 March, Kingston Links Golf Course

Portable Spa Technician – Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 March

Retailing Best Practice – Monday 30 March

2015 Awards of Excellence Entries Close – Friday 10 April

Hydraulics – Thursday 16 & Friday 17 April

Pool Construction Essentials – Wednesday 22 April

Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner Bookings Open – Friday 24 April

Chemistry Basic – Tuesday 12 May

Chemistry Advanced – Thursday 14 and Friday 15 May

Past Presidents & Life Member's Lunch – Friday 22 May

Country Chapter Training Echuca – Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27 May, Rich River Golf Club Resort, Echuca

Country Chapter Meeting – Wednesday 27 May, Rich River Golf Club Resort, Echuca

Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner Bookings Close – Friday 29 May

White Card Training (Construction Induction) – Friday 12 June

Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner – Saturday 13 June

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

Pool Construction Essentials – Tuesday 11 August

Contract Training – Wednesday 12 August

SPASA 2016 Advertising Offer Launch – Friday 14 August

Hydraulics – Tuesday 18 & Wednesday 19 August

Chemistry Basic – Friday 21 August

Chemistry Advanced – Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 August

White Card Training (Construction Induction) – Friday 11 September

SPASA Board Nominations – Wednesday 16 September - Friday 2 October

SPASA Board Ballot – Friday 9 October - Friday 6 November

SPASA 2016 Advertising Offer Close – Friday 30 October

2015 AGM – Wednesday 11 November