IPSSA stands for Independent Pool and Spa Service Association – long name, but a simple concept. It's a nationwide professional association made up of individuals in the pool and spa service industry. The idea is to promote growth, connect with fellow professionals and keep improving our profession as a whole. In total the IPSSA has somewhere around 3700 members. The membership isn't huge, but in my experience, the benefits are.

Joining the IPSSA has some pretty nice perks. To me, the biggest benefit is how impressed clients are by my membership in a professional organization. Acronyms are powerful things. Customers draw a lot inferences from that string of letters. It makes you seem dedicated to your craft, involved in the community and held accountable to the standards of a higher authority.

When you join, I recommend that you add "member of the IPSSA" to your business cards, website and advertisements. Your image as a professional gets an instant boost. Seeing those five letters could be what makes a customer choose you over another pool cleaner.

Health insurance

To small business owners, it's more than just a theoretical political debate for candidates to duke it out over. It's a real life necessity and a real challenge when you're self-employed. Access to health insurance is another benefit of joining the IPSSA. You can also purchase group liability insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, a life insurance policy and hazmat coverage.

Education

 The IPSSA also offers you opportunities to continue your education. Additional training is another way to impress customers. Various industry professionals, including manufacturers and distributors, make presentations at the monthly meetings, which gives you a chance to rub elbows with some big wigs.

Scholarships

Plus, the IPSSA has scholarships available if you're interested in taking trade or business courses at your local community college. After all, you are a business owner. You could benefit a lot from learning about accounting and bookkeeping.

Membership in the IPSSA doesn't require a big commitment, and it won't take up a lot of your time. Don't worry, there's no bake sales. I've gotten some pretty good discounts through my membership, and it keeps me up to date on the latest trends and products..

In any business, setting yourself apart from the competition is key. What do you have to offer that your fellow pool cleaners don't? If joining the IPSSA can put you even one notch above the rest, then I say go for it.