uilder members of National Spa & Pool Institute-Florida say the effects of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and subsequent war have had a significant impact on their business, according to the results of a survey conducted by the trade group.

NSPI-Florida polled its 268 builder members to determine what effects the attacks have had on swimming pool construction. Approximately 20 percent responded to the survey, said Wendy Parker, communications manager at NSPI-Florida.

“I feel like it’s a very strong response because most of them came within two days of the survey and these are the ones who feel most strongly about their businesses,” Parker said. “It was a varied sample from across the state, too — not all from one area.”

Meanwhile, the organization will continue to closely monitor the situation, NSPI-Florida officials said.

“We are acutely aware of the potential for real impact on our industry’s builders and we will be repeating this survey several times over the next few months,” said Jim Manning, NSPI-Florida president.

According to the survey, approximately 36 percent of builders said that leads have decreased while only 11 percent said they’ve increased since Sept. 11.

No discernible geographical pattern could be detected, said Parker.

While continuing to monitor the pool business climate within the state, the Florida trade group said it is working on several plans in case an economic crisis hits the industry here.

These plans include public relations campaigns; the promotion of upcoming NSPI design awards; and working with homeowners associations to make people more aware of NSPI and pools in general, said Parker.