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Florida does have such organization. Florida pool contractors as well as all contractors are heavily governed by the CILB (Contruction Industry Licensing Board). Throw in there the National Fire Protection Assoc, National Electric Code, International Building Code, Southern Building Code, and Residential Building Code, a few others that arent coming to mind and you've got a soup of legislation with a mess on the ground on how to apply the policies these associations are trying to lay down. Always a bit of contention where a certain scope of work is governed by what body and what license. Can a pool contractor install pool solar, can a solar contractor install a pool pump, can a plumber install a gas heater, can a general contractor build a pool, who's allowed to perform VGBA work, what governing body is following what governing code? aarrrgggggggggggggggggggg!
Phew, the only way to keep up is to keep one eye open and an ear to the ground. Forutnately we have FSPA http://www.poolgeniusnetwork.com/group/fspa (Florida Swimming Pool Association) to keep us abreast, and to lobby for policies affecting us as pool professionals. I am an active member of the North Central Florida Chapter of the FSPA, I'm also on the board.
I have gotten far more out of my FPSA membership then my membership in the APSP, but only because the FSPA is such an active body w/ lobbying, education, awesome annual trade show, community awareness, safety programs, etc. Its great.
-Jeremy
Florida Leisure Pool & Spa
www.FLLeisure.com
Clint Combs said:
SPEC is a California Lobby that works for pro pool industry legislation. Here is a link to their Pool Genius page:
http://www.poolgeniusnetwork.com/group/californiagovtrelationsspec?...
I wonder if Florida has a similar organization?
Jeremy Hine said:
-Jeremy
Florida Leisure Pool & Spa
www.FLLeisure.com
Clint Combs said:
If you are new to the pool business or have a company with high turnover, then APSP offers some useful and reasonable training programs. For the person who has been in the industry a number of years and regularly attends training seminars, APSP training and certification has little to offer other than certification that you can use to prove that some third party that you paid finds you capable.
In my personal experience, APSP is more intent on making money off of its members than providing any service, networking, or information for them. I would love to be shown that I am wrong about this.
Next year I may join SPEC instead. At least they are working for our industry.
Again, I hope that I am wrong about APSP. I hope that there will be others who can share some positive stories with me.
Clint Combs
www.TechnicalPoolRepair.com
I can only add that being part of something larger makes you and your service company more credible, its another layer of professionalism that puts you above those that are not part of this organization and the APSP. Take advantage of every opportunity to exchange thoughts and better yourself and the pool industry.
-Jeremy
Florida Leisure Pool & Spa
www.FLLeisure.com
Perhaps the question should be restated as "why not?". APSP, NSPF, PGN, are professional networking, resourcing, and educational associations. The exchange of ideas and information can only help to keep one current with trends and technology. Our industry is far from static and staying involved with industry peers might be the best way to stay informed of whats going on.
As a consumer website adviser, staying informed of all you possibly can, is just as important for your success as it is for the builder or service company. Just my 2 cents.