Floridians are one of the few people that have the privilege to enjoy their pool  practically year round. But before that can happen there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes preparation and maintenance that has to happen to  get those pool facilities ready for the upcoming season. That is where the  Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) comes into play. FSPA is a trade  association for professionals involved in the pool industry and has sixteen  chapters in the state including the Broward and Greater Miami chapters in south  Florida.  

 Pooling More Members

 FSPA, which is an affiliate of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals  (APSP), has more than thirty years of commitment to the pool industry. FSPA was  formed in 1970 by groups of people who were members of the national association  at the time, which is now the APSP, says Wendy Parker Barsell, the executive  director of FSPA in Sarasota. “They came together to have a Florida association to address the needs in Florida  and coordinate what was going on in the state in a cohesive nature,” she says.  

 “Since then, we have continued to grow. From the main office in Sarasota we  provide all the chapters with assistance in operating, but on a local level  they have meetings, events, and offer education to their members,” she adds.  

 The mission of FSPA is not surprising: to promote the swimming pool industry in  Florida. Barsell elaborates that this is promoting the use and benefits of  pools.  

 “There are about 1.2 million pools in Florida so for most people they come in  contact with them on a daily basis. We want to be that resource for information  whether for professionals to get education or home owners who want to know  about safety and maintenance of their pool.”