4
Florida Pool Pro
sm
• December 2014
In today’s world of a society where some look to
the government for protection, more laws, and more
control of our lives, I think it is time to look in the mirror.
Each morning we should be looking at our reflection
and ask what can you do to make our lives and the
lives of our loved ones safer?
The simple answer is education. Not more laws
and codes; too many times they are put in place
without science, testing, technology or consulting
the professionals who produce the products we use every day and take for
granted are safe.
Here in the Florida Swimming Pool Association, a volunteer trade
organization, we are made up of the cream of the crop, the best of the best.
We have been on the leading edge of the pool and spa industry promoting
pool and water safety.
We are active in helping to serve on code writing committees and testing to
make our products fun, happy, and above all else, SAFE. For more than three
decades our public pools have been built with gravity systems with no direct
connection to the suction side of the pump. Based on research, there has
never been an accident involving this type of circulation system. We also have
to thank the Department of Health for their permitting
and bi-annual inspections of public pools to ensure
that these pools continue to operate in the same safe
condition as when they were first constructed, and
when necessary, brought in line with current codes.
Most of the public is not aware that the homes
they buy or the backyard pool are not inspected
on a regular basis to ensure they are safe. These
structures receive a final inspection and a Certificate
of Occupancy when construction is completed. No
PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
John Garner, Sr.
FSPA President
Safety first
