Pool Service
The Great Pool Debate
The great debate of the pool industry has always been about pools built with serviceability in mind. Pool service pros are constantly saying that builders do not consider what a pool needs to be serviceable. They claim the builder only cares about the aesthetics of the design and cost. Are they right? In some cases the service pros are. However, there are quality builders who wish to produce an ideal product but run into obstacles, such as customer preferences, that make it difficult to do that. When I asked pool services pros on Facebook what they would like pool builders to consider for the pros coming to the job afterward, I received dozens of comments. Responses ranged from salesmen with claims that purchasing chemical automation and sanitization would eliminate the need for the service pros to the actual installation of equipment and plumbing.
The Great Pool Debate: Top 5 Complaints Service Pros Found In The Field
Communication with the pool owner about maintenance
In any project the biggest asset is communication. This is, also, important in the pool-building process. During the builder and homeowner relationship, it is important to educate homeowners on the maintenance requirements for their choices.
Recently, I was on a job site where the homeowner chose to use black tile on their infinity edge wall. Luckily, their builder had mentioned that using that particular tile can require regular cleaning from scale build-up. As time has passed, the homeowner has been comfortable with their choice and the maintenance needs associated with their material selections. This is not always a situation.
According to Peter Wiedermann in Perth, Australia, it is quite common for builders to tell their clients swimming pools only need to be serviced once a month since they have filtration and chemical automation. As the great pool debate rages on, maintenance professionals know, no matter what you have installed it needs to be monitored closely to make sure that components are functioning correctly. If there is a lack of education among homeowners, it creates mistrust between pool service professionals and consumers.
“Please stop plastering lights on the wall!!! Is this too much to ask??” commented Kathleen Maloney with Armadillo Pools in Sacramento, CA
When the pool service professional goes to replace pool lights, it is extremely common, especially when inch-and-a-half lights are used, for them to be plastered in. This is a problem because in order to remove the light and replace it with a new one, service techs will need to remove the plaster around the light. This causes higher replacement costs and additional concerns with the homeowner about how much damage might be done by removing the light.
Luckily, there are ways to avoid this from happening. You can wait to install lights until after the pool surface is completed. This may add additional labor costs for the builder because of the extra visit but is preferred with future maintenance in mind. If the extra visit is a concern, many light manufacturers include plaster caps you can place on lights prior to plastering. This can also help avoid plaster build-up on the fixture. In addition, there are nicheless wall fittings you can place on the conduit or pipe used for the lights. This provides a ring that the plaster installer can build the surface around in order to avoid contact with the lights.
“More than one skimmer, one shallow one deep, do it!” said Gregory Wilker
There should be one skimmer for every 800 sq ft of surface area on residential pools and every 500 sq ft of surface area on commercial pools. Ideally, placing them at either end or equally spread out their purpose helps to remove oil and debris from the pool. Pool designers and builders need to take into consideration the variety of elements in the area around the pool when adding skimmers.
As many pool service professionals have experienced, when there is a high foliage area, one skimmer cannot contain high amounts of debris in a short period of time. This becomes problematic and leads to more frequent visits. In turn, we ask customers to check skimmer baskets frequently between visits or risk the pump running without adequate water flow. Yes, adding additional skimmers adds additional costs but this is where communication between builders and service technicians can help homeowners understand those additional costs.
Understand the pool sweep line needs to be accessible
How many times have you walked into a yard with a beautiful natural pool design to find the pool sweep line access is blocked by a rock or unreachable from the deck due to a tanning ledge? Per manufacturers’ recommendations, pool sweep lines need to be six inches below the water level in the center of the pool for optimal cleaning. For builders, this can be a challenge when implementing this due to design or homeowner-specific requests. Ideally, pool service professionals want the builders to avoid placing rocks and/or landscaping being placed right above the pool sweep line. They would like to be able to access these lines from the deck without the need to physically get into the pool. The reason for promoting accessibility here is to ease future repairs and servicing of the pool sweep.
“Realize Everything they install will eventually need to be serviced or repaired.” Loren Jarvis at Pool Patrol in Cardiff, United Kingdom
Out of all the problems pool professionals have with pool builds, the amount of space for an equipment pad and the amount of space between pieces of equipment is without a doubt the the numer one complaint.
I know from my experience, that when I walk into a yard for a warranty call there are many times I think to myself as I turn the corner, “What the hell were they thinking.” When a builder is planning the equipment pad, they have a few obstacles. They have to look at the property lines, setbacks, and easements. They, also, have to consider clearance for heaters, walkways, and customer preferences. This can make it challenging to create the proper amount of real estate for the equipment pad.
From the service pro standpoint, yes, we would love spacious equipment sets, but we do understand its limits. What the pool service pro wants is enough room to open a filter, remove the pump without having to cut plumbing, and to be able to service the salt cell with some ease to name a few. They, also, want to have enough space in suction and return manifolds for repairs without having to cut concrete or requiring reconstruction of the entire manifold for a minor plumbing repair.
Ultimately, service professionals and builders have the same mission. Creating a pleasing environment for homeowners and their families to enjoy. This can be achieved with consideration on both sides.
Pool Service
Orenda (a HASA Company) and Skimmer to Revolutionize Pool Maintenance with New Partnership
Skimmer, America’s most widely-used pool service platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Orenda Technologies (a HASA Company), a trailblazer in water treatment solutions. This collaboration aims to enhance the user experience for pool professionals by integrating the Orenda Calculator™, with its Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and dosage recommendation engine, into Skimmer’s software.
The inclusion of Orenda’s LSI calculator and dosage recommendation engine within Skimmer’s platform marks a significant milestone in pool service technology. The LSI serves as an impartial measurement of water balance, specifically gauging calcium carbonate saturation. By assessing whether the water is aggressive/corrosive, balanced, or scale-forming, the LSI plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal water chemistry.
This, combined with Skimmer’s easy-to-use, all-in-one software will give tens of thousands of pool pros access to water quality insights right in the Skimmer app.
“Partnering with Orenda and HASA aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing pool professionals with cutting-edge tools,” says Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer.
Integrating the Orenda Calculator™ into Skimmer empowers our customers to make informed decisions that directly impact water quality and customer satisfaction,” says Nelson.
“We are excited to integrate with partner software that helps pool professionals up their game, and that can expand upon the app we have built. Skimmer is a powerful tool that helps thousands of pros improve their business every day. This integration allows for us to help those same pool pros even further. With this partnership, Skimmer users will be able to save chemistry results and history, which is something our customers have asked of us for years. This partnership makes that possible,” says Eric Knight, VP of Pro Marketing at HASA/Orenda.
The integration is slated for launch in the coming months, promising a user-friendly experience that streamlines pool maintenance. This collaboration underscores both companies’ dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions within the pool maintenance industry.
For more information on the Langelier Saturation Index and its impact on water chemistry, visit Orenda’s blog at https://blog.orendatech.com/langelier-saturation-index.
About Skimmer:
Skimmer is America’s most widely used pool service platform. The company is on a mission to modernize the pool and spa service and repair industry through easy-to-use software and best-in-class support. Over 25,000 pool service professionals servicing 500,000 pools in North America use Skimmer to get organized, get paid faster, and grow their businesses.
About Orenda:
Orenda (a HASA Company) is at the forefront of revolutionizing water treatment solutions for pools, emphasizing the importance of proper water chemistry and sustainability. Through its advanced technology and expertise, Orenda helps optimize pool water quality by empowering pool professionals with industry-leading products and educational resources.
About HASA:
HASA, Inc. is a leading producer and distributor of high-quality water treatment products used to sanitize and maintain water systems, including swimming pools, water tanks and containment vessels for recreational, industrial, and municipal end markets. Founded in 1964, the company operates out of facilities in California, Arizona, Washington, Nevada and Texas. Over its 60-year history, HASA has established a strong reputation for supplying superior products through excellent logistics and distribution capabilities. Additional information about HASA is available at www.hasa.com
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Jes Ellacott
Pool Service
Pool Service: A Pathway To Financial Independence
Service professionals share their stories of how the pool industry has provided a pathway for financial freedom.
The journey to financial independence is a path that many aspire to tread, often searching for opportunities that align with their passions and lifestyle choices. Surprisingly, the pool industry emerges as an unexpected yet lucrative avenue for individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Achieving Financial Independence Through Pool Service
Unlike traditional sectors, the pool industry offers a diverse range of opportunities, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs to explore various niches such as pool maintenance, construction, retail, distribution, and product manufacturing. The sheer breadth of options enables individuals to find a business avenue that aligns with their skills, interests, and financial goals.
Services like pool maintenance and post-build services create ongoing revenue streams, contributing to financial security over the long term. This stability is attractive to entrepreneurs seeking to establish and grow their businesses steadily, providing a reliable foundation for financial independence.
Pool Professionals Share Their Stories
Flexible Work-Life Balance
Kate Shelton, a certified pool tech and a mother of three, discovered the financial benefits of the pool industry while balancing the demands of parenthood. “I’m a certified pool tech and I made more than I ever thought I could working only two days a week this summer while still being able to keep my kids out of daycare,” said Shelton who said she equally enjoys the social aspect of the job; “it keeps me out in the sunshine and interacting and meeting some great people who are turning into lifelong friends.”
Changing Career Paths
Shari McGrellis transitioned from a career in teaching to building a successful pool business and is now the primary breadwinner in her house. “When my husband lost his job, I decided to start cleaning pools to help pay for our kids’ schools. Today, I’m no longer a teacher and this year my husband will start working for my pool company full-time.”
Low Start-Up Costs
It doesn’t take much to start up in the service aspect of the industry. The low start-up costs are certainly one of the more appealing aspects for self-starters like Keith Johnson. Beginning with just a $500 credit card loan, he was able to get his pool business off the ground. “It’s 39 years later and I’m still in the industry today. My family wants for nothing. I love this industry and love what I do,” said Johnson.
Swimming Pools Are A Family Affair
For Mike Tellegen and his family, the pool and spa industry has been a source of prosperity for nearly 40 years. His daughter, Deb Martin, is a testament to the industry’s ability to foster hard work and talent. Recently she was acknowledged as one of the up-and-coming women in the pool industry by Pool Pro magazine. Mike’s youngest son currently works with him in the Portland area, showcasing how the pool industry can become a family affair, capable of providing financial stability and a comfortable life.
Life Changing Freedom
Kelli Clancy’s story reflects the transformative power of the pool industry. Faced with financial challenges in an abusive relationship, Kelli found solace and financial freedom in the pool industry. In just one year of part-time work, she doubled her pay, allowing her to quit her job in education and go full-time in the pool industry. The career switch has afforded her the means to take care of her children and herself comfortably.
An Alternative Path
Amy Bailey-Lemieux’s journey highlights the pool industry’s potential to open doors for those who may not have followed a traditional career path. Without a college degree, Amy found her drive and passion in the pool industry. This newfound motivation enabled her to explore various career opportunities, eventually leading her to start her own business and become an equal financial contributor in her household.
Running The Gamut
Steve Thompson’s story is one of versatility within the pool industry. Starting with 44 pools in 2008, Steve quickly expanded his business to over 300 pools. Innovating along the way, he transitioned into pool building and eventually became a successful product manufacturer. Steve’s story showcases the multitude of opportunities within the pool industry, providing avenues to make money at every turn.
Enabling Financial Security
Joann Criss-Colquitt’s journey began in the 80s, working for other companies in the pool industry. Her perseverance and dedication led her to become the second woman in Florida to get a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) license. Taking the leap, she started her own business, which ultimately enabled her to pay off her mortgage. Joann’s story illustrates how hard work and learning in the pool industry can lead to entrepreneurship and financial independence.
Taking The Plunge: 4 Reasons Why The Pool Industry Is Enticing Entrepreneurs
- Diverse Opportunities: The pool industry offers a spectrum of opportunities, including pool maintenance, construction, and product manufacturing, allowing entrepreneurs to explore various niches that align with their skills and interests.
- Low Entry Barriers: With relatively low initial investment requirements, the pool industry welcomes entrepreneurs without substantial capital, enabling them to enter the market, learn the trade, and gradually build their businesses.
- Longevity and Stability: The provision of services like pool maintenance and post-build services contributes to long-term stability, offering entrepreneurs a reliable foundation for financial success and security over the years.
- Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Entrepreneurs in the pool industry can enjoy the flexibility of setting their own schedules, facilitating a better work-life balance. This feature is particularly attractive to those with family responsibilities or those seeking a lifestyle that aligns with their personal priorities.
Paving a Pathway to Financial Independence
The pool industry has proven to be more than just a source of income for these individuals; it has been a vehicle for financial independence, personal growth, and entrepreneurial success. These diverse stories demonstrate how the industry accommodates various life situations, offering flexibility, financial stability, and opportunities for those willing to take the plunge. Whether it’s starting with a small loan, overcoming financial hardship, or finding passion later in life, the pool industry has become a haven for those seeking both independence as well as a fulfilling career.
In the competitive world of pool repair, success is not just about fixing leaks or replacing filters—it’s about creating an exceptional customer experience from the very first phone call. This article delves into the winning strategy of being the first to answer the sales call and promptly providing a sales quote, exploring how this dynamic duo not only ensures success but empowers pool companies to charge a premium price. At the heart of our value proposition lie three pillars: speed, certainty, and superior service.
The Need for Speed in Pool Repair
In an era where time is a precious commodity, the power of speed cannot be overstated. When a potential client reaches out to a pool repair company, they are seeking not just a solution to a problem but a partner who can deliver that solution promptly. Being the first to answer the sales call sets the stage for a relationship built on responsiveness and trust.
Speed is not only about answering quickly but also extends to the entire process—from understanding the client’s needs to providing a detailed sales quote. This efficiency is a key factor in attracting and retaining clients, setting the foundation for a successful pool repair company.
Certainty in Action: The First Quote Advantage
In the pool repair industry, uncertainty can be a major source of frustration for clients. The quicker a company can alleviate this uncertainty, the stronger the impression of professionalism and reliability. Being the first to provide a sales quote is a crucial step in this direction.
A prompt sales quote not only demonstrates efficiency but also showcases a company’s commitment to understanding the client’s needs. It transforms a vague inquiry into a concrete plan of action, providing clients with a clear roadmap for addressing their pool issues. In an industry where clients often receive multiple quotes, being the first to present a detailed and transparent quote significantly enhances the company’s competitive edge.
Moreover, the certainty offered by a quick and comprehensive sales quote allows clients to make informed decisions swiftly. The psychological impact of this certainty is immeasurable, as clients feel reassured that their pool repair needs are being addressed with precision and expertise.
The Superior Service Differentiator
Speed and certainty, while crucial, are incomplete without a commitment to superior service. In the pool repair industry, where personalized attention and technical expertise matter, providing an exceptional customer experience is a non-negotiable aspect of success.
Superior service goes beyond just fixing a pool; it involves creating an end-to-end experience that delights clients. This can include proactive communication, transparent processes, and a customer-centric approach that puts the client’s needs at the forefront. When a pool repair company consistently delivers superior service, it not only meets but exceeds client expectations, setting the stage for repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Charging a Premium: The Value of the Triple Play
Now, how does the triple play of speed, certainty, and superior service translate into the ability to charge a premium price? Let’s dissect each element of our value proposition to understand its impact on the perceived value of pool repair services.
Speed as a Premium Service
Quick Response, be first:
A pool repair company that positions itself as the fastest to respond communicates a sense of urgency and dedication to client needs. This level of responsiveness is a premium service in itself, especially in situations where immediate action is required to prevent further damage.
Quick Turnaround:
Clients are willing to pay a premium for the assurance that their pool issues will be addressed swiftly. By consistently providing quick solutions, a pool repair company positions itself as a valuable partner worth the extra investment.
Certainty as a Premium Offering
Detailed and Transparent Quotes:
Clients often equate certainty with transparency. A pool repair company that offers detailed and transparent quotes promptly communicates a level of professionalism and thorough understanding of the required repairs. Clients are willing to pay more when they have a clear understanding of the scope of work and associated costs.
Reliable Timeframes:
Certainty extends to timelines. A company that can reliably predict and meet deadlines instills confidence in clients. The ability to provide a precise timeline for repairs, coupled with consistent delivery, justifies a premium price for the peace of mind it brings to clients.
Superior Service as a Premium Differentiator
Personalized Attention:
Premium pricing is often associated with a higher level of service. A pool repair company that goes above and beyond to provide personalized attention, such as assigning dedicated account managers or offering customized solutions, positions itself as a premium service provider.
Quality Assurance:
Superior service includes a commitment to quality. Using high-quality materials, employing skilled technicians, and ensuring that repairs are not just functional but durable justifies a premium price. Clients are willing to invest more when they trust that the repairs will stand the test of time.
In the competitive realm of pool repair, being the first to answer the sales call and promptly providing a sales quote is a winning strategy that goes beyond efficiency—it’s a formula for premium success. The triple play of speed, certainty, and superior service positions a pool repair company not just as a service provider but as a trusted partner worth the investment.
Charging a premium price is not just about the tangible repairs; it’s about the intangible value of trust, confidence, and a superior customer experience. Pool repair companies that embrace and excel in the triple play create a narrative of excellence that justifies premium pricing, setting the stage for long-term success and a reputation as a leader in the industry.
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