E-News September 2019

Thank you to each and every SPASA Victoria member that exhibited at our Spa & Pool Show on the weekend, and also to all members who came to support the Show as visitors.

We saw a RECORD number of consumers queuing up and piling in through the doors - just look at this picture (right)!

Chris Samartzis, SPASA Victoria CEO, said that a record number of visitors was recorded and all that attended the show were thrilled with the diverse offerings and the alignment between the two shows which allowed them to spend more time browsing and shopping.

"Working together with Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers was a very successful collaboration and we look forward to next year's Winter Show."

Take a peek at the highlights of our inaugural Backyard & Garden Show, presented by Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers, in this video:

Congratulations also go to our award-winning stand exhibitors:

• Compass Pools Melbourne for Best Shell Scheme
• Spa World for Best Custom Stand Over 36sqm
• Deco Wood for Best Custom Stand Under 36sqm

Well done to all involved! We strongly encourage all members to get in quickly and reserve their space at our Summer Expo which will be held on Friday 31st January - Sunday 2nd February 2020. Members wanting to exhibit should email Conrad or call 9596 9205.

And here's some exhibitor feedback to prove how worthwhile exhibiting at our shows really is:

"I thought the show was better than the last few shows we have done. The enquiries seem more value and we have had some good results already. I will be doing the summer show again with gusto."
Ted Martin, Compass Pools Melbourne

"There was a real buzz generated by having the landscape component at the show. We already know that landscapes and pools compliment one another perfectly and it's a real testament to SPASA Victoria that there has been recognition of a broader need in the marketplace for inspiration and ideas beyond pools and spas. This need has been fulfilled and looks set to draw in even bigger crowds in the future."
Darin Bradbury, MINT Pool + Landscape Design

"We found the Winter show really good. Last year it seemed so much quieter than this year. With serious rain all weekend, you had to be keen to come all the way in to the show to talk about pools, spas and the outdoors! It gave us great confidence for the upcoming Summer and Autumn. There are a lot of people looking short term and long term about investing in their properties with water!"
Kate Martin, Compass Pools Melbourne

We're looking forward to seeing you all at our 2020 Summer Show!

If you build or service pools and spas, or employ sub-contractors in any capacity, you need to be at our forum!

All SPASA Victoria members should attend this very important member forum on Friday 6th September from midday at the Mulgrave Country Club.

Come along to hear from Government representatives of the VBA and DELWP about:

• Builder Registration
• Regulation Changes
• Mandatory Barrier Inspections
• Expert marketing & OHS advice
• Plus other issues of concern in the industry

Ask any questions and find out what these new regulations will mean for your business. This forum is not to be missed!

Mulgrave Country Club
Corner of Wellington & Jells Roads, Wheelers Hill
Friday 6th September 2019
12pm - 4pm

 

     

This month's Basic and Advanced Chemistry are the last training sessions on offer for 2019.

BOOK IN NOW to hear from swimming pool and spa industry expert Paul Jacobson about fundamental pool water chemistry, including how to identify and solve water problems and communicate effectively with your customers.

Monday 16th September (Basic)
Wednesday 18th AND Thursday 19th September 2019 (Advanced)
Students must attend both days of Advanced Chemistry

Where: SPASA Victoria Office, Notting Hill
When: Monday 16th September (Basic), Wednesday 18th AND Thursday 19th September 2019 (Advanced)
9am - 4pm each day
Students must attend both days of Advanced Chemistry
Cost:  Basic - Members $135, Non-Members $235 Advanced - Members $270, Non-Members $470

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. Stay tuned for the release of our 2020 Training Program with new courses and a more flexible approach to industry learning! 

All SPASA Victoria Country members are strongly encouraged to attend this very important member forum on Tuesday 17th September from 11.30am - 3.30pm at Quest Bendigo Central.

Come along to hear about the new licencing and registration of trades regulations, as well as new pool safety laws. Ask any questions and find out what these new regs will mean for your business.

Don't miss this important information session with Q&A time.

Quest Bendigo Central 
228 McCrae Street, Bendigo
11.30am - 3.30pm

Please advise of any dietry requirements by Monday 9th September to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

All members are warmly encouraged to attend our 2019 AGM to be held at the association offices on Wednesday 13th November at 6pm.

This will be the last major association event for the year and will include a presentation of the 2018 Annual Report and an introduction of the 2018/19 Board.

Don't miss hearing our Treasurer's report as well as important industry updates. Take the opportunity to be part of our Q & A session.

Come along. Network! Catch up with industry colleagues. Hear about the latest pool and spa industry developments. Just make sure you're there!

Drinks and light refreshments from 5.30pm. AGM commences 6pm sharp.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please RSVP HERE for catering purposes

Building surveyors and inspectors can now hold professional indemnity insurance with exclusions, following commencement of a recent Ministerial Order.

On 12 August 2019, restrictions on minimum insurance requirements were revised, allowing building surveyors and inspectors to hold professional indemnity insurance policies with exclusions on external wall cladding products.

The changes mean the Victorian Building Authority no longer requires building surveyors and inspectors to hold exclusion-free insurance policies.

For more information, contact the VBA on 1300 108 112 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Consumer Affairs Victoria has released information about recent amendments to the Sale of Land Act 1962 that have been passed by Parliament.

An important amendment that is already in place is regulation about the use of sunset clauses in off-the-plan contracts.

The following information has been provided by Consumer Affairs Victoria about recent legislation of relevance to the building industry.

The Sale of Land Amendment Act 2019 amends the Sale of Land Act 1962 (the Act) to require developers to obtain the purchaser's consent, or the permission of the Supreme Court of Victoria, before exercising a sunset clause.

Sunset clause amendments apply from 23 August 2018 and:

• The legislation applies retrospectively from 23 August 2018 to protect purchasers who have existing residential off-the-plan contracts, or whose contracts may have been rescinded after that date.
• As of 23 August 2018, a vendor (the developer) must have the purchaser’s written agreement to legally rescind a residential off-the-plan contract using a sunset clause. As of 4 June 2019, a vendor may also seek an order from the Supreme Court of Victoria to allow them to exercise a sunset clause.
• A rescission effectively unwinds the contract as if it never existed, and returns the parties to their original positions.
• If a vendor attempts to rescind a contract using a sunset clause, the rescission will not be valid unless it occurred with the purchaser’s consent or with the express permission of the Supreme Court.
• Residential off-the-plan contracts that were validly rescinded by vendors under sunset clauses prior to 23 August 2018 are not covered by the reforms. Concerned purchasers in these circumstances should seek legal advice about their options.

While the restrictions on sunset clauses apply from 23 August 2018, all other reforms in the Act will be implemented by no later than 1 March 2020.

For more information, please view Consumer Affairs Victoria's Sale of Land Amendment Act 2019 – Legislation update page.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.If you are unable to work for an extended period of time due to injury or sickness, you can't rely solely on your workers compensation policy.

You need to have an income protection policy in place so that you can continue to pay your bills and support your family’s lifestyle.

Income protection pays up to 75% of your income if you are unable to work due to sickness or injury and is a vital part of a sound risk management plan.

For more information 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.

Ultimate Swimming Pools & Spas have been designing and constructing beautiful pools in Melbourne’s backyards for more than 20 years.

2018 was a very exciting year for the company as it marked the beginning of a partnership with Maroondah Landscapes. Russell Sweetman, owner and director of Maroondah Landscapes for 15 years, is also now at the helm of Ultimate Swimming Pools & Spas. He has brought with him a wealth of experience and innovative new ideas for the company’s future.

The collaboration between these two professional companies united under one leader has been very exciting for their clients, as both directors believe that the design and construction of a stunning swimming pool and a healthy, thriving landscaped garden are inextricably linked.

Ultimate Swimming Pools & Spas specialise in the design and construction of concrete pools and spas, along with landscaping and ongoing garden maintenance work.

They offer a complete custom design and build service across Melbourne, employing the best tradespeople in the industry. Their highly skilled team undertakes each project to deliver top quality results with the warmth and passion of a family owned company.

We welcome Ultimate Swimming Pools & Spas to SPASA Victoria!

www.ultimateswimmingpools.com.au/ 

At Plunge Pools Direct, we specialise in round and rectangle concrete Plunge Pools which can be installed above, semi in-ground and fully in-ground.

All Plunge Pools include one of three AstralPool equipment packages (depending on how much maintenance the client requires) with a range of upgrades available (eg. heating, jets, hardcover, etc). Although sold as standard with our concrete finish, we have the option of upgrading to our Aqualux Pool Interior, Ceramic or Glass Tiles or a painted finish. Our Pools are sold in DIY kit form or we do have installers available upon request (in selected areas). Available Australia-wide, we have Plunge Pools to suit most budgets.

We strongly believe that Plunge Pools shouldn’t be used seasonally. They should be used all year round. With multiple heating options now available, it is possible and affordable to keep your pool running all year round. We encourage our clients to consider a heating option such as a heat pump, along with a hardcover for less maintenance. In warmer climates, the heat pump can be set to reverse cycle and can instead cool the water.

In addition, unlike some of our competitors in the Plunge Pool industry, we have three AstralPool Equipment Packages available depending on what sanitisation system the client chooses to use. Our Gold Package is most popular for those with minimal time and who want the least amount of maintenance, as it includes a pH & ORP Probe which will maintain and adjust the pH and MagnaPool (Magnesium). Information on our Gold Package can be found here: https://www.plungepoolsdirect.com.au/self-maintained-plunge-pools/

A fantastic selling point for us is the fact that we offer Aqualux Pool Interiors as a finishing option upgrade to our Plunge Pools. With less maintenance and a strong membrane finish, the Aqualux won’t chip, peel, crack, separate or blister, and is available in a range of different colours.

For those that love a tiled finish, we also offer glass tiles in conjunction with ceramic tiles in a variety of colours.

To make our products cheaper, our pools are available in kit form. We find that each customer is different and wants something unique to them. Due to this, we work one on one with our clients so we can provide appropriate pricing for the pool, equipment package, upgrades and finish. In the case where the customer also requires an installer, our installers will work with our customers and go through all costs involved for their install (selected areas only).

We welcome Plunge Pools Direct to SPASA Victoria! 

https://www.plungepoolsdirect.com.au/

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.An organised and proactive Project Co-ordinator / Admin Support person is required for boutique Pool Construction and Landscape Design Company, Out From The Blue, for a part-time (three days per week), 12 month contract.

Your role will be to provide support (general office administration and diary management) to the company Director, Construction Manager & Landscape Architects.

Tasks will include client liaison, project management, contract preparation, obtaining permits and construction co-ordination.

To be successful in this role, you will need to be well organised, motivated and capable of multi-tasking. A background in the design/landscape industry is favourable but not essential. Experience in the accounting program Xero also favourable but not essential.

This is a great opportunity to join a fun team and work on a range of exciting projects!

Please contact Lucy Keys via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.A great opportunity has become available to work with Sunbather, Australia’s most awarded Pool Heating & Pool Covers company since 1974.

To work with their great team, you'll need to be a self-motivated individual that possesses exceptional communication skills, with a high degree of practicality and common sense. 

As a contractor to Sunbather, you will need an ABN, a suitable vehicle, as well as tools and insurances to perform the tasks. Competitive contractor rates are offered in return for installation excellence in servicing Sunbather’s wide range of premium clients.

Experience is preferred, however full training will be provided.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or 5979 5777 for more details.

Hayward Pool Products (Australia) Pty Ltd have an exciting opportunity for an experienced District Technical Manager to join their team.

This challenging and rewarding role forms an integral part of their business.

They are looking for a reliable, proactive and adaptable individual with a positive attitude and flexible approach. Working as part of the team, you will provide 'A GRADE' service, repairs and support for our wide range of products and customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing technical support for our extensive range of pool products
• Processing warranty claims from start to completion
• In-field and in-house repairs
• Technical training on the Hayward product range
• Diagnose technical problems
• Contribute to the development of training materials and programs

Experience:

• Extensive Swimming Pool Industry knowledge
• 5 years minimum related experience in a similar role

Skills:

• Organisation and planning skills
• Ability to develop and maintain customer relationships
• Use initiative and work unsupervised, managing tasks and time effectively
• Strong analytical, mechanical problem solving skills
• Work effectively in a team environment
• Excellent customer service, coordination and negotiation skills
• PC and MS Office skills
• Positive attitude to WHS practices and procedures

Comprehensive on-the-job training will be provided.

To apply, email your resume and cover letter to dean.calvert@hayward-pool.com.au  

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
• Action OHS Consulting – SPASA Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Consulting Partner
• 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
• FCA - Offering exceptional value and wide-ranging vehicle choice 

See the full details of your Member Benefits here

2019

Members Forum - Friday 6 September - This is a MUST ATTEND EVENT! BOOK HERE

Basic Chemistry Training - Monday 16 September 9am - 4pm - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Regional Member Forum Bendigo - Tuesday 17th September BOOK HERE

Advanced Chemistry Training - Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 September 9am - 4pm This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SPASA Victoria AGM - Wednesday 13 November at 6pm RSVP HERE

2020

Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor living - Friday 31 January - Sunday 2 February

Member Golf Day - Friday 17 April

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