Meet Paul Lowell, a key member of FSPA’s Government Relations Team, working alongside his partners at Converge Public Strategies to represent FSPA at the state and local level. From the Legislature to regulatory agencies, Paul helps ensure the pool and spa industry has a strong, effective voice.
With over two decades in public policy, Paul has held leadership roles including Deputy Chief of Staff to a House Speaker and policy chief to Governor Jeb Bush. Today, he brings that experience to advocating for FSPA members, translating real-world challenges into practical legislative solutions.
💼 What he does:
From lobbying and drafting legislation to meeting with policymakers, Paul works at every stage of the process to advance and protect the industry.
📌 Key focus areas:
Reducing unnecessary regulations, protecting small businesses, and championing wins like the unlicensed subcontractor law, one of the first of its kind in over 30 years.
💡 Why it matters:
“There's no substitute for hearing from people who operate in the real world,” Paul emphasizes that member engagement is critical, your voice truly makes a difference.
🏆 Proud moment:
Helping pass Florida Swims Foundation’s Swim for Life license plate, which funds swim lessons for children and helps save lives.
🌄 Outside of work:
Paul enjoys traveling with his family, especially to the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, and staying active in his local church community.
👏 Thank you, Paul, for your dedication to advocating for FSPA members and strengthening our industry!
BIG appreciation for our amazing FSPA members who renewed their membership! 🎉
Your support keeps Florida’s pool industry strong, connected and always moving forward.
Thank you for being such an important part of the FSPA family 💙
Here’s to many more years of growing this industry together!
⚠️ FSPA Member Alert: Phishing Scam Warning
We’ve received reports of fraudulent emails targeting FSPA members from legitimate-looking Gmail accounts with the subject line:
“Referral from Florida Swimming Pool Association”
These emails may include harmful PDF attachments or links designed to install malware.
❗ Do NOT open attachments or click links
❗ Delete suspicious emails immediately
❗ Mark as spam or phishing
❗ Contact your IT team if you’ve already interacted with it
FSPA will never send unsolicited referral emails with suspicious Gmail attachments.
Please stay vigilant and always verify suspicious communications before clicking.
💦 Invest in the Future of Our Industry
Through the Florida Swims Foundation, FSPA is proud to offer scholarships that help students pursue their future, whether they’re heading to trade school or college.
Open to eligible dependents of FSPA member companies, this program has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to students over the years, making a real impact in our communities.
📌 Applications require:
• Academic records
• Letters of recommendation
• Essay + pool industry research paper
📅 Apply by June 30
📢 Share this opportunity with your team, don’t let a deserving student miss out!
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Meet Ray Pearen, FSPA Secretary and a dedicated leader who has proudly served on the FSPA Board of Directors for 10 years.
Ray’s passion for leadership comes from a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the industry that has given so much to him. Among his many contributions, he’s especially passionate about strengthening FSPA’s scholarship program, helping create greater opportunities for member company employees and their families.
💬 Ray’s advice for members interested in leadership:
“Get involved and make an effort to develop relationships with like-minded people in our industry.”
🎶 When he’s not serving the industry, Ray enjoys songwriting and collecting musical instruments.
🎓 Looking ahead, Ray hopes to expand FSPA’s scholarship funding to make an even bigger impact for future generations.
👏 Thank you, Ray, for your commitment to advancing our industry and supporting the FSPA community!
📢 New FPPS course dates are coming up soon, now’s the time to get your team registered.
Set your employees up for success by getting them certified as Florida Public Pool Specialists. It’s a valuable investment in compliance, professional growth and the expertise that helps your business stand out.
With class starting in just over a week, spots won’t last long.
🎓 Secure your team’s place today: FSPACourses.com
A second round of congratulations is in order for @landscapefusion (Tampa, FL), recognized with a Silver Award in the Residential Pool 250–500 sq ft category at the FSPA Design Awards!
This honor reflects their continued dedication to thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and creative excellence in every project they take on.
The FSPA Design Awards celebrate the best in Florida’s pool and spa industry—highlighting the innovation and talent that continues to raise the bar statewide.
👏 Help us congratulate Landscape Fusion on this outstanding achievement!
To explore all of this year’s winners, visit: FSPAAwards.com.
💙 May is Water Safety Month 💙
Water safety starts with awareness, and it saves lives. This month, join us in making a difference by supporting programs that teach children essential swimming and water safety skills.
One simple way to help? The Swim for Life specialty license plate. 🏊♀️
Every plate purchased helps fund swim lessons and drowning prevention initiatives across Florida, giving more kids the chance to learn lifesaving skills.
✔️ Raise awareness
✔️ Support swim education
✔️ Help save lives
Make an impact every time you hit the road.
👉 Learn more and get your plate: SwimForLifeFlorida.org
Meet Krista Julian, FSPA’s Marketing Manager! With 9 months on the team, Krista plays a key role in sharing the story of our industry and keeping FSPA members connected and informed.
Krista was drawn to FSPA by the passion of the people and the importance of water safety, something especially meaningful as a parent with a young child around pools.
In her day-to-day role, she manages FSPA’s social media, email campaigns, and promotional materials, while also designing the Florida Pool Pro magazine and supporting programs and events for FSPA and the Florida Swims Foundation.
What she loves most? Keeping members informed and engaged with valuable industry insights.
💡 Advice for newcomers: Get involved, join FSPA for the community and the benefits!
🏊♀️ Dream pool features: A relaxing, entertainment-ready space with a saltwater system, custom lighting and lush landscaping, perfect for gathering with friends and family.
🎓 Scholarship Opportunity for Pool Industry Families
The Florida Swims Foundation is now accepting applications for the Margaret M. Brown Scholarship Fund, supporting the next generation of pool industry professionals.
Eligible applicants must be dependents of employees or owners of FSPA member companies in good standing. Open to students pursuing trade school or college education.
Awards range from $500 to $1,500+ and are based on:
✔️ Academics
✔️ Extracurricular activities
✔️ Community involvement
✔️ A pool industry research paper
📅 Deadline: June 30
📣 Encourage your employees and their families to apply today!
Protect Our Industry, Report Unlicensed Contractors
Take a few minutes to gather key details before filing a complaint. The more information you provide, the faster investigators can act, and the stronger your case will be.
Helpful documentation includes:
• Photos of the jobsite or work in progress
• Contracts, proposals, or invoices
• Proof of payment or permits (if available)
• Names, company info, or vehicle markings
Detailed documentation increases the likelihood of successful enforcement action.
Download the DBPR toolkit and use their evidence checklist: https://bit.ly/4mInV69
🏆 2026 FSPA Design Awards Winner
Congratulations to @landscapefusion (Tampa, FL) for winning the Gold Award in the Residential Pool 250-500 sq ft category at the FSPA Design Awards!
This award celebrates excellence in pool design, craftsmanship and innovation.
The FSPA Design Awards highlight the outstanding creativity and skills of pool builders and designers across Florida.
👏 Join us in congratulating Landscape Fusion!
To view all of the talented design award winners, visit: FSPAAwards.com.
