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Associations
SPASAVic drops name and rebrands as MPBAA SPASA Victoria, which had been trading as SPASAVic, dropped its brand name in September and relaunched as the Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA). MPBAA CEO Chris Samartzis said in the explanatory video that the reason they dropped the highly recognisable SPASA brand name was because they felt it was being diluted. The rebrand includes a new mission statement: “Making pool builders’ lives easier and businesses better by leveraging our experience and innovation”. This sharper focus on residential pool building sends a clear signal to other sectors of the pool and spa industry. Following the announcement, the MPBAA appointed three new board members, all pool builders: Dean Jones of Neptune Swimming Pools; Scott Tymkin of Enkipools; and Peter Zukowski of PJ Pools and Spas. “This decision has been 18 months in the making and is part of the evolutionary process of our organisation and industry,” MPBAA said in a statement. “After a range of feedback and external consultant reviews, it became evident that our industry was looking for and needed a focused body to cater to the growing demand within our sector. Now more than ever it has become imperative for consumers to connect with a trusted and respected brand as they embrace their love affair with the Australian backyard pool,” the statement reads. “An Australian Master Pool Builder embraces quality in all aspects of their business. They take pride not only in their workmanship but in their values of integrity, ingenuity, and mastery,” Samartzis was quoted as saying in the statement. The new brand also replaces the state-based Vic name with Australia, supporting the new business model of: “A national federated model where independence can thrive and give each state focused attention for their own individual need whilst having a national footprint to cater to national issues as they arise.” SPASA Australia’s CEO Lindsay McGrath when questioned congratulated SPASAVic’s announcement on their name change to MPBAA and the clear definition on their mission and who they represent. “SPASA Australia will remain focused on our published strategic plan – on the promotion, protection and growth of the industry. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture supporting all member sectors and regions in Australia and New Zealand.” SPLASH! contacted the MPBAA for comment but had not heard back at the time of writing. Disclosure: SPASA Australia is the owner of the SPLASH! brand including this masthead.
Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter. Fatal accident at Queensland swimming pool factory Tragically, a man died after being crushed by a crane at the Narellan Pools manufacturing facility in Queensland.
Courts
Pool builder faces trial Former AFL player Nicholas James Stevens faces trial after being charged with receiving $171,397 under the pretence of installing swimming pools in Mildura, Victoria, and for using a false document. The ABC reports Mildura Magistrates Court heard Stevens crafted “colourful” excuses to avoid building swimming pools he had already been paid for. He is accused of first obtaining $3000 by deception in January 2017, later accepting six similar sums and six larger amounts up to $30,483 across the year. He is also charged with making and using a false document for a $15,549 pool to be delivered without payment. Stevens pleaded not guilty but Magistrate Michael Coghlan said there was sufficient evidence for a jury to find him guilty, and that there was no evidence to the contrary. The Court heard Stevens moved to become a registered builder in 2016 while still in jail for separate offences. His girlfriend at the time reached out to building company Bricol Building Projects Pty Ltd to train Stevens after he was released from jail that year. The former Carlton vice-captain also became a dealer for Leisure Pools, building six pools legally while completing his required training. Bricol’s Brian McDonnell told the court his company was only involved in the six legal projects. The last of these projects was completed in July 2018, the court heard. The court heard witness Rodney Charman, who was a police officer at the time in question, paid Stevens between $35,000 and $40,000 dollars for a pool. Charman said Stevens did not tell him a permit was required for the project, and only disclosed that he was not a registered builder “toward the very end of the consultation process”, when Stevens said he was having problems gaining a building permit for the pool. Charman told the court it initially seemed Stevens genuinely wanted to install a pool at his property. However, suspicions arose as his stories and excuses continually changed, becoming more and more colourful. “My suspicions arose that we weren’t going to be receiving a pool,” Charman said.
Top five online news stories
The online stories that made the news over the past two months. Swimming rocked by new abuse allegations New horrifying accusations of historical sexual abuse by former elite swimming coach John Wright were aired in October.
14 SPLASH! October/November 2021
Liquid Blue Pools wins 2021 National Pool of the Year The 2021 SPASA Australia National Pool & Spa Awards of Excellence were held in September, with Liquid Blue Pools taking out the coveted National Pool of the Year Award.
Former AFL player faces trial for failing to build swimming pools Former AFL player Nicholas James Stevens faces after being charged with receiving $171,397 under the pretence of installing swimming pools.
BWT acquires Lincoln Pool Equipment Leading Australian pool equipment distributor Lincoln Pool Equipment was acquired by the Best Water Technology Group effective October 1.