Consumer Information & SPASA Benefits

The First Question You Should Ask

Q: Are you a registered building practitioner, and can I have your license number?

SPASA suggests that you read our consumer awareness information on unregistered pool builders which can place the onus of the legal, insurance and site safety issues on the client purchasing the pool. To find out more about your responsibilities as a pool & spa owner, see the Victorian Building Commission advice here

All SPASA Members who are pool builders must be registered building practitioners to gain membership.

The importance for you to clarify this matter lays in the fact that if you have a dispute the Victorian Building Commission has a dispute reconciliation process available to consumers. If you employ an unregistered pool builder the Victorian Building Commission essentially has no power, leaving consumers very exposed.

To check if a pool builder is a registered building practitioner in Victoria Click Here

The Second Question You should Ask -

Do you use a SPASA consumer pool contract?

Many contracts can be confusing or in the case of unregistered pool builders you may find there is no contract.

Before you sign up to have a pool built or installed we suggest you read the following chapter.

The Benefits of dealing with a SPASA Member

Installing a new pool or spa is an exciting adventure. From the moment you seriously start looking to the day your new pool or spa is filled with water, you can expect to live with a growing sense of pleasant anticipation. If everything goes right for you, you'll end up with exactly what you envisioned, a sparkling pool or bubbling spa. But if things don't go right, your dreams may turn into a nightmare. You may be faced with disappointment and unexpected expenses.

The best way to avoid it happening to you is to deal with a Member of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria.

Installing a pool or spa involves a number of specialised trades and techniques, all of which need to be perfectly coordinated. It's not just a matter of digging a hole and pouring concrete or dropping in a fibreglass shell.

There are engineering drawings to be produced, laws and regulations to abide by, permits to be obtained, notices to build, liaison with the Water Board, tree removal and various pieces of equipment to be matched into a system that will deliver all the convenience, safety and comfort you want.

For these reasons, it pays to make sure the builder, installer or service organisation you choose is qualified and experienced in pool and spa installation, servicing or pool renovations.

You can ensure you're dealing with qualified people by contacting a SPASA Member. Members of the Association are bound by a strict Code of Ethics - the Association is the most effective watchdog in the industry.

SPASA is made up of the leading pool and spa builders, equipment and chemical suppliers, and service organisations in the industry. They can be easily identified as they all proudly display this logo:

Consumer Assistance

If you have a query, phone the Association office, if they can't answer a particular question they'll put you in touch with a Member who specialises in a particular area.

As the industry watchdog, the Association plays an important role in helping resolve disputes, should they arise. This service often enables disputes to be settled amicably without the need for litigation which can be costly and time consuming. Naturally, however, the Association can only act when its own Members are involved and cannot offer assistance in the case of non-Members.

Other Association activities include bi-annual consumer-oriented pool & spa exhibitions. The Association also conducts regular educational seminars to keep its Members fully informed regarding new products, developments and techniques in pool & spa installation and maintenance.

A Total Service

Members of the SPASA pride themselves in offering a total service. This begins with discussions about your needs, to advice on the type of filter, water sanitising and maintenance program to suit you. They will then obtain the necessary permits, undertake the complete construction, fill the pool and correctly balance the water in it.

A growing demand on pool builders for assistance in landscaping and lighting has led to them acquiring considerable design & construction skills in this area. Many intending owners find it convenient to leave everything to their pool builder.

Standards

SPASA Members adhere to the pool building standards published by the Standards Association of Australia, your guarantee of quality materials and workmanship.

Your Handover Book

When your pool is completed your SPASA Member presents you with a "Guide for Pool Owners", which contains useful information regarding the upkeep of your pool together with your copy of a signed Handover Certificate which is your record of your pool and it's specifications.

Finally, it's worth remembering a pool or spa is a major investment. You want it to go right. It should go right. It can go right. The most satisfactory way to protect your investment right from the start is to choose a SPASA Member - it's the best insurance you can have.

The Benefits:

• Members must use SPASA-approved contracts for all pools constructed / installed.
• SPASA members have access to technical training and educational programmes designed to ensure their staff perform with technical excellence.
• SPASA provides a complaints process and a system of mediation that endeavours, in the event of dispute, to arrange for an expert to mediate between the parties with the aim of seeking a solution that is acceptable to both sides. This usually avoids costly litigation or a need to enter the VCAT system.
• Members must perform all work in accordance with Australian Standards, and meet all legal requirements.
• Members have access to latest technology and trade information sources.
• SPASA provides permanently staffed offices in all mainland states. Staff are competent to advise or appropriately refer clients for assistance, when called upon.
• To gain acceptance to SPASA companies must provide evidence of substantial periods of competent trading, acceptable credit ratings and coverage by public liability insurance, to ensure protection of clients.
• Prior to acceptance into SPASA, applicants are also vetted throughout the industry as to reputation and professionalism.

SPASA Victoria Limited
Unit 55, 41-49 Norcal Road
Nunawading VIC 3131

ABN: 66 076 867 091

Tel: (03) 9872 4502
Fax: (03) 9872 4201
Email: info@spasavic.com.au