SPASA News

SPASA is proud to have developed this program to support, protect and promote the way the swimming pool and spa industry operates and strives for best practice sustainable solutions.

Greeted by SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath & SPASA COO, Spiros Dassakis, players enjoyed a bite to eat, collected the essentials and headed out onto the charming Lakeside Greens to tee off.

“It’s a memorial event that allows the industry to come together for a day of fun and networking” said Merv Smith from Bronze Sponsor, Sunbather.

A brilliant day was had by all, with plenty of laughs, a multitude of pars, birdies, bogeys and even a few eagles! Daniel Murphy of Bronze Sponsor, Liberty OneSteel claimed “A bad day on the golf course, is better than a good day in the office!”

Sarah Gardiner-Smith from AB Phillips thoroughly enjoyed herself, saying “As a key sponsor, being on the hole for the day allows me to speak to members in a casual setting. It’s a relaxed environment in which to do business.”

Andrew Bourke of Aquajoy agreed, commenting that the event was “A day of networking that allows me to keep on top of what is happening in the industry”

Results • The last place NAGA Award went to the Sterns/Spa Electrics Team - Sponsored by Liberty OneSteel • Nearest to the Pin went to Granville Harris from Price Chemicals - Sponsored by Sunbather • Longest Drive went to Gary Clarke from Aqua-Quip - Sponsored by Waterco • Runners-up were the team from Liberty OneSteel • And the overall winners on the day…. The team from Price Chemicals!

SPASA wishes to thank:

Platinum Sponsor: AstralPool Gold Sponsor: LoChlor Silver Sponsor: Waterco Bronze Sponsor: Liberty OneSteel Bronze Sponsor: Sunbather and Key Sponsor: AB Phillips for their continued support of the Golf Day and the Association.

We’d also like to thank Karen and the staff at Lakeside Golf Club who helped to ensure the smooth running of the event.

Danica Vansleve, Norfolk Pools said, “Pooltrac will make contract preparation and execution easier, saving time and money. It will be great for clients to sign documents electronically, without the hassle of face to face meetings. Also, the ability to upload documents and images on-site, with online access to everything in one location, is also a winner. I can see everything in the one place whether it be via the website, email or Dropbox.”

Members can go live with the system as soon as they are ready. Contracts can be purchased in batches, at a cost of $22 each, including GST. Only finalised contracts will count towards your batch usage. Of course, you don't have to pay anything to get started, simply go to the pooltrac website and from there you can:

1. Register or Login in to an existing account, and reset a password if forgotten. 2. Create a template, fields are not mandatory so only fill out what you want to auto-populate. 3. Create a customer or enter directly into the contract, either step works.

Templates allow members to save and re-use standardised documents with as much or as little pre-filled information as you like, ready to auto-populate project documents. Creating a template is a great way for you to try out the new digital platform and to start learning how it works.

Templates can lock-in certain provisions, such as regularly used equipment etc, or you can create various documents based on pre-determined project parameters e.g. installers of FRP pools might have a separate template for each model in their range. Whether you have one or many, a template will save you time preparing each project contract.

Pooltrac streamlines client communications using email and digital storage and will help members keep on top of their contractual requirements. From the contract document itself, to the mark-out, variations & extension of time forms, photographs and the certificate of practical completion, you can store and locate everything easily in one place.

"Pooltrac has been designed to be much more than a simple PDF document. It is a fully integrated contract management system that allows pool builders to manage all of their SPASA developed contract processes simply in an online environment that keeps all relevant information together." according to SPASA Director, Andrew Jakovac of Majestic Pools and Landscapes.

“Aspects like commencement notices, variations, extensions of time, completion certificates etc can be managed in one place, and you can upload photos and other PDF's so field staff have instant access to them,” Jakovac continued.

If at any time you need assistance go to the pooltrac tutorials for guidance on the following items: • Reset Password • Auto-fill Content • Add Customers • Create a Template

If you cannot find assistance for an issue, simply lodge a ticket in the support area.

Dan Gibbs, Jagun Pools + Landscapes said, "the main benefit of using a digital contract management system for me is definitely time management. It's so much quicker to email contracts and related documents to clients than to post or visit. You can easily add up the minutes and put a dollar value on the time saved. This can add up to a substantial amount over the year."

Consumers will be encouraged to use POOLTRAC by SPASA, promoting safety, professionalism and integrity of the pool & spa industry and ensuring member contractors are recognised as Pool Professionals You Can Trust.

Greeted by SPASA CEO, Lindsay McGrath and Executive Officer for Qld, Adrian Hart, players received the essentials and headed out onto the charming Gainsborough Greens to tee off.

A spectacular day was had by all, with a multitude of pars, birdies, bogeys and even a few eagles, not to mention plenty of laughs!

"Thanks again for another great event from SPASA, the golf days allow us to meet and network with key people in the industry in a relaxed setting." Said Roy Spotswood from Platinum Sponsor, AstralPool Australia. "We always enjoy the friendly competition that helps the industry come together before heading into another busy season."

Results • The last place NAGA Award went to the Sunbather Team - Sponsored by Sunbather • Nearest to the Pin went to Brett Mooney from AstralPool - Sponsored by LoChlor • Straightest Drive went to Mike Marshall from Pacific Pool and Spa - Sponsored by AstralPool • Longest Drive went to Adam Cooke from Zodiac Australia - Sponsored by Waterco • And the overall winner on the day was…. AstralPool!

SPASA wishes to thank Platinum Sponsor AstralPool Australia, Gold Sponsor LoChlor, Silver Sponsor Waterco and Bronze Sponsor Sunbather - for their continued support of the Golf Day and the Association. We’d also like to thank Michelle and the staff at Gainsborough Greens Golf Club who helped to ensure the smooth running of the event.

The keynote speakers included Trends Expert & Author Michael McQueen, Author & Leadership Expert Dr Jason Fox and Olympian, Author and Advisor Alisa Camplin. These speakers all shared their strategies for success, encouraging attendees to look at the big picture and plan for future growth within their businesses.

‘Insightful, sensational & through provoking’ were just some of the comments made about the one-day event that saw attendees receive useful leadership advice, tools and ideas that could be developed as their own.

Lindsay McGrath SPASA Australia CEO said, “This is the first event of its kind for our industry and it’s extremely encouraging to hear that our members are taking so much away from it.”

“We’re continually looking for ways to help improve the professionalism of members and it is events like this that breed new ideas and innovations to see the swimming pool and spa industry propel forward.” McGrath continued.

SPASA Australia thanks Platinum Sponsor AstralPool for their ongoing support and generosity.

Feedback from attendees can be found on the SPASA Australia Facebook page.

Please contact SPASA Australia on 1300 021 482 or members@spasa.com.au if further information is required.

Representatives from all sectors of the pool and spa industry gathered to celebrate achievements in creativity, innovation, design and service at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney on Thursday 31st August 2017. Guests were thoroughly entertained by Master of Ceremonies for the evening, SPASA Australia’s own Spiros Dassakis, plus music by the highly polished corporate act “Venus”.

Lindsay McGrath SPASA Australia CEO declared, “All entrants should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment to delivering the best for their business and consumers. Each year the benchmark is raised and 2017 was no exception”

As gold winner of the SPASA Australia Pool of the Year, Shaun Conley of Quality Dolphin Pools was overwhelmed and flabbergasted. He humbly accepted the accolade and thanked his business partner Adrian Elphick, suppliers, family and staff, proclaiming they “don’t work for me, they work with me”. Conley concluded in describing the enjoyment Quality Dolphin Pools receive when they can deliver on a product that their clients have worked all their life for.

Other major winners on the night included;

Spa of the Year - Laguna Pools and Spas

Retailer of the Year - Pristine Pool & Spa Service

Product of the Year- Sunbather

Supplier of the Year - LoChlor

SPASA Australia congratulates all entrants and winners of this year’s awards and to the sponsors who made the night possible with their ongoing support and generosity:

Platinum Sponsor - AstralPool

Gold Sponsor - Zodiac Australia

Bronze Sponsors - Hayward and Sunbather

Category Sponsors & Partners - AB Phillips, The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, Pool+Spa, Poolside Magazine, Splash!, The Pool Enclosure Company, UL, and United Media Group

The full list of award winners will be available from Thursday 7th September on the SPASA website. Photos from the event are available now via the same link.

Please contact SPASA Australia on 1300 021 482 or members@spasa.com.au if further information is required.

Following the announcement last month of a strategic alliance with Pool+Spa magazine, this forms the next step in SPASA’s plan to create a more integrated and unified communication platform for the pool and spa industry.

The acquisition of the brand includes both SPLASH! magazine and the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show, and will take effect immediately.

“Our vision has always been a united industry working together across Australia to help promote and support our members. It is without doubt that SPLASH! hold the largest and most attended industry exhibition in the country along with their successful magazine publication. We completed an extensive due diligence process and I would like to thank Lindsay and the Board Members of SPASA Australia, for the professionalism and time they have invested in looking after the interests of members and bringing this acquisition to reality." Said Lynley Papineau, Chairman of SPASA Australia.

"The opportunity was made possible due to the merger of SPASA QLD, SA and NSW/ACT and combining the assets of the entities. There are exciting times ahead we are looking forward to working with TIG and IE to build on the success that they have created in the SPLASH! brand.”

Over the past 20 years, the SPLASH! brand has developed to become the premier expo, magazine and digital platform for the Australasian recreational water trade.

The magazine and trade show will operate exactly as before in a seamless transition of ownership. Key staff will remain in place including Chris Maher as managing editor of the magazine and Karen Jaques as national sales manager for both the trade show and the magazine. Editorial independence will remain in place.

Additionally, TIG and IE will continue to oversee the publication of the magazine and the organisation of the show under a consultancy agreement, ensuring the same standards continue to apply to both entities, with Simon Cooper maintaining similar roles to those he held previously.

“Continuity is paramount for the media brand, with management contracts in place with TIG and IE to ensure the operational effectiveness of the brand is maintained seamlessly,” Papineau continued.

Key element of integrated strategy

CEO of SPASA Australia Lindsay McGrath said the acquisition is part of SPASA’s integrated strategy and delivers on a key objective – to engage more with members while expanding the brand’s exposure to a larger audience. “Following our recent alliance with Pool+Spa media, the acquisition of SPLASH! is a natural progression for us as it increases our skill set, expands our communication reach and provides another collaborative model to shape the industry,” said McGrath.

“We plan to increase the volume of pool builds, further promote pool and spa use, and improve the overall enjoyment pool and spa owners gain from their assets. To achieve that outcome we need an engaged, financially viable and well-marketed association. Both SPLASH! and Pool+Spa deliver key components in our strategy, supplying a solid platform for communication to our increasingly professional industry,” McGrath continued.

McGrath said that the acquisition shows SPASA Australia is financially strong and able to use that strength to improve outcomes for members and the industry as a whole.

“SPLASH! is a highly successful commercial enterprise, now coming under the peak industry umbrella. Future profits will go to supporting SPASA members, directly improving industry sustainability and growth.”

Acquisition further helps industry

Simon Cooper, Managing Director of IE has been the publisher of the magazine and organiser of the trade show since the brand was acquired in 2005.

“SPLASH! has always strongly supported the industry and encouraged its growth,” Cooper said.

“The print magazine and digital platform have been at the forefront of communicating with and informing the industry, while the trade show has become the major event for industry members from around the country and the region to network, conduct business, gain knowledge and celebrate their successes.”

IE has always worked closely with the state SPASA associations and more recently with SPASA Australia. At the most recent trade show, the extensive education program included a series of SPASA Australia workshops and seminars amongst the two full days of educational seminars and technical workshops, and for the second time the SPASA Australia National Awards Gala was held at the show.

“Now there is a national body set up to promote the industry, it makes sense for it to run its own event,” said Cooper.

“SPLASH! has an international reputation having held events in New Zealand and Singapore, and together with SPASA Australia we can continue to grow and support the pool and spa industry even more.

“We are very excited about the future of the brand.”

For more information contact:

Lindsay McGrath CEO SPASA Australia lindsay@spasa.com.au (08) 8364 4211; 0467 727 228

Simon Cooper Managing Director, Interpoint Events scooper@intermedia.com.au

“We are excited to team up with the professionals at United Media Group to increase the exposure of our members innovative and award-winning projects” says Lindsay McGrath, CEO of SPASA Australia, “SPASA Australia is committed to leveraging its national presence to improve on member benefits” McGrath continued.

“This will be great for all SPASA Australia members, especially the award winners,” says Dirk Fielding, CEO of United Media Group. “By working closer with SPASA Australia, we can make sure all SPASA members receive valuable exposure throughout the year. There will be a major feature on the 2017 SPASA award winners in the January edition of Sydney Pool + Outdoor Design,” Fielding continued.

For further information, contact Dirk Fielding on 0418 348 808 or dirk@umg.com.au.

“This strategic partnership is another step towards SPASA’s objective of creating happier and healthier people, swimming in more pools, more often,” said Lindsay McGrath, SPASA Australia CEO.

“The alliance will benefit both SPASA Australia members and the wider industry, with a share of SPASA’s investment in the publishing agreement being returned to the association after operational costs are covered. The benefits will reach far beyond the financial, with the magazine serving as another platform from which to promote ownership and enjoyment of pools and spas.”

The two organisations have a long-running history, with Pool+Spa being the original publication of CASPA (the Council of Australasian Pool Associations), which later became the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia. This decades-old partnership has come full circle with the signing of this new agreement.

“This is an exciting alliance that will benefit all stakeholders – manufacturers, retailers, builders, designers, landscapers and pool and spa owners. We look forward to working with SPASA Australia to grow the industry with this project,” remarked Geoff Hird, publisher of Pool+Spa.

About SPASA Australia: The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA Australia) is Australia’s Peak Swimming Pool & Spa Industry Body. It is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards and growth within the swimming pool and spa industry for the betterment of members, consumers and the industry in general. national benefits, delivered locally, representing all sectors of the industry. www.spasa.com.au

About Westwick-Farrow Media: For more than 35 years, Westwick-Farrow Media has been a leader in the Australian B2B print and digital media sector, specialising in technology and industry-specific market sectors. The company currently publishes 13 brands, incorporating magazines, websites and eNewsletters, with Pool+Spa being published for more than three decades. www.wfmedia.com.au

Partnering with APSP will provide substantial benefits to both organisations and in turn their members, in the sharing of ideas and knowledge relating to:

- education

- industry best practice

- advocacy

- research

CEO of SPASA Australia, Lindsay McGrath stated “We’re thrilled with the opportunity to pool resources with such an established body as the APSP. It’s an exciting time to be looking beyond our borders to collaborate with likeminded associations, to share skills and provide benefits and efficiencies to our members. Distance is not a significant barrier when we have similar strategic goals; To promote our industries which create happier and healthier people by swimming in more pools more often.”

President and CEO of APSP, Rich Gottwald, agreed. “We are excited to partner with SPASA on a number of initiatives. With shared common goals to professionalize and protect the pool and hot tub industry, we are embarking on a new path toward collaboration that can strengthen both memberships and provide consistency for companies doing business in Australia, the U.S. and the world.”

To learn more about this exciting collaboration please contact your respective association.

Contact APSP Contact SPASA

+1 703 838 0083 +61 8 8364 4211

memberservices@apsp.org members@spasa.com.au

We encourage our members to support our partners, affiliates and sponsors as they invest significantly into further improving your industry.

The partnership means that SPASA Australia members can access exclusive member benefits and specialist policies not generally available in the open market.

“As we enter the second year of this productive relationship, it is exciting to continue to partner with a firm like AB Phillips,” Says Lindsay McGrath, CEO of SPASA Australia. “Mark and the team are collaborating with SPASA to tailor programs and services that offer solid and tangible benefits to members.”

McGrath continued, “More than just saving members money on premiums and making it easier for consumers to afford a pool through wholesale mortgages, AB Phillips shows commitment to the industry with their support and time investment in working with SPASA on projects such as the development of our innovative digital contract platform.”

To learn more about AB Phillips and the partnership you can visit the dedicated page for SPASA members HERE or call 1300 242 136.

We encourage our members to support our partners and sponsors as they invest significantly into further improving your industry.

As SPASA progresses into the digital age the new system delivers members increased efficiency, ease of use and a reduction of costs associated with nominating for the awards. Other benefits include:

* fast easy access meaning you can enter your awards anywhere, anytime.

* protection of your entries with the ability to save partially completed submissions, offering you flexibility to start your nominations and to finish them when convenient.

* time saving when entering a project into multiple categories by only having to complete the one nomination form.

Moving to the online platform enables the judging process to be streamlined, as the judging of the awards will also be conducted online. This will ensure independent and consistent judging with no correspondence amongst the judges.

About the Awards of Excellence

The Awards provide credibility and professionalism to our industry in celebrating outstanding achievements across all sectors, showcasing accomplishments in construction, design, manufacturing and service.

This key marketing opportunity is an excellent means of validating your reputation to consumers and peers, plus boosting the confidence of your team.

Enter now to become an award-winning professional and industry leader.

For more information on the new Awards Nomination Website, please contact SPASA on 08 8364 4211 or email members@spasa.com.au

SPASA is pleased to announce a partnership with Piscine Global Asia, a leading Asian Swimming Pool & Wellness Event. The event will take place in Singapore on April 5th & 6th at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre.

As a thriving international trading hub, Singapore is the perfect host for Piscine Global Asia which is expected to attract around 1500 visiting pool and spa professionals.

SPASA will join other Asia Pacific and global associations in presenting at the Piscine Global Asia Pool Summit. The summit will look at trends and figures worldwide and initiate networking amongst major companies and associations in the sector.

Excited by this opportunity, Lindsay McGrath, CEO of SPASA Australia says “SPASA has embraced this opportunity to partner with, and actively participate in Piscine Global Asia. Collaboration with global partners provides SPASA members unique insights to fuel innovation, and help with the expansion of the pool and spa industry”.

More information on the Piscine Global Asia can be found at piscine-asia.com