TALLAHASSE - In the Florida Swimming Pool Association’s on-going efforts to advocate for the swimming pool and spa industry, FSPA’s Government Affairs Team recently met with the Florida Department of Emergency Management’s (DEM) floodplain management staff.
In the meeting, FSPA, accompanied by members, voiced their concerns with the prior Floodplain Guidance Document for swimming pools in floodplains, a problem raised to FSPA by many builders.
“The meeting was very productive,” said Dallas Thiesen, FSPA Government Affairs Manager. “We made a lot of progress in forming a guidance document that encourages public safety when building swimming pools in flood zones but doesn’t tie up construction in miles of red tape, which can add thousands of dollars to the cost of swimming pool.”
FSPA, through a variety of channels, has encouraged pool and spa builders to voice their concerns regarding the prior Floodplain Guidance Document. FSPA presented their version of the Floodplain Guidance document for swimming pools, which is based on feedback from FSPA members.
“Half the battle is closing the understanding gap between regulators and the industry,” said Thiesen. “This meeting and other meetings like this are were FSPA educates state staff about swimming pool construction so that regulations and guidance are based what actually happens on a job site.”
FSPA’s government relations program is a member benefit which establishes legislative affairs at a local level. The association works on everything that affects the pool business in legislation, codes, standards, regulation and enforcement by staying active in all areas of government.