Op Editorials
For Those Seeking Inspiration, Not Just Education
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pool-inspiration.jpg)
There are moments in your life that alter your course or define who you are or what you will become — for the better or for the worse. Some of the seminal moments are planned and anticipated. The day you get down on one knee and propose to the person you want by your side for the rest of your life. The moment your child takes her first breath and screams out that beautiful cry. Others happen to you, often suddenly or without prior warning. A car accident results in an injury with rehab and reinvention of how you operate your daily life. How you respond to these wonderful and difficult moments becomes a window into your soul and test the character and fortitude of the person that you are inside.
Other moments are not as obvious or jarring in nature but can be equally as impactful to the course of your life or the direction of your professional career. These moments are often some of life’s bigger decisions and will almost certainly involve a significant amount of uncertainty and risk. Am I reading this right? Are things lining up the way that I think they are, or am I missing something here? You can make all the pros vs. cons lists you need (which is always a good step), but decisions are often a ‘gut feeling’ and can be a scary venture when you step out of a comfort zone and into a new unknown. Which college or University should I attend, or what should I choose to study? Should we move to another city or take a different job position? What if I feel absolutely “stuck” in the role that I am presently in and cannot see a way out? These less-than-obvious decision moments happen all throughout your life as well and can lead to sleepless nights and anxious deliberations over decisions that may affect the course of your career. During these vexed considerations, we often look to others who have taken these similar steps before us. Those who have potentially forged a path that we may follow, where we may find an example of the vision we see for our future — and guides who are ready and willing to take us there. We seek those that will inspire us with confidence that… yes, you can take that step that feels daunting or impossible to you right now… and here is how!
If you cannot tell by now, the words above are the script of my professional story. As a designer at heart, I earned my degree in Landscape Architecture, then spent five years in the professional practice firm world, and soon became disillusioned with the corporate structure, office politics, and “soul-sucking” cubicle environment of what I was “supposed” to do with my career. In the early 2000’s, I found a creative outlet by taking on several residential backyard design projects, several of which involved swimming pools (something I knew absolutely nothing about at the time). After a few successes and immense satisfaction and enjoyment, I quit my day job and began my own residential design practice with grand visions of creative freedom and artistic expression! However, financial reality quickly settled in, and it became obvious and necessary that I take on the construction of the backyard designs I created. I became a landscape contractor, then added hardscapes, and within two years, we were a full-scale pool and outdoor living design-build construction company. We did well overall and won awards for our projects which was great!, except for the fact that I became a contractor not out of desire for it, but out of necessity. I wanted to design amazing spaces and build them RIGHT, but it felt like swimming upstream against a raging current every day to figure out how to do accomplish that task in a construction market that didn’t care. I was stuck as a designer that had become a contractor that consumed every minute of my day and left me only the exhausted remaining minutes to do the part of the job that I truly enjoyed — the design. I didn’t have a mentor — a leader — a guide to show me a way. I needed to be inspired and shown that, yes, even though it feels impossible to you now, there is a way… and here’s how!
The irony is that the answer was right in front of my face, literally every month, and for eight years. I would get the monthly industry magazines — PSN, Aqua, Watershapes, etc. — and would see and read about this group who called themselves Genesis. They were designers and contractors and leaders from across the country and, WOW! — I couldn’t believe the work and level of detail and scale of what they produced. They would travel the country and design and build these incredible watershape masterpieces and win National Awards, all while wining and dining with millionaire clients like they were living an episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”. Then they would go and hold two or three educational ‘events’ each year where they would share their knowledge with whoever signed up to attend — and they would have FUN doing it! I read the accounts of the intense classes, then followed by great dinners with food, and wine, and parties where they called themselves pigs, dressed in togas, and cut loose to all have fun together.
For eight years I kept watching this group grow and evolve, wishing I was a part, but for eight years I did not join. Why? (Honest moment here). I was intimidated. My wife and I would go to the International Pool & Spa Expo and circle the booth, not feeling worthy of joining in. We would pick our moment, jump in to introduce and say how much I admired their work, talk for about two minutes, then jump back out and catch my breath. Who was I, this designer from Tennessee who was struggling to make it as a contractor, that they should give me the time of day? The mystique was a barrier keeping me from the potential that could be unlocked.
Until I finally hit a breaking point in 2010 where I just freaking did it. I flew out to San Diego and took my first class, and it was a career-defining epiphany moment that ended up altering my professional course and defining who and what I was to become. And here is the real point of this article — it wasn’t about the educational class or the information that I learned during that three-day event. I took the base design class (thew one that I teach now) and already had a firm foundation on the material. It was about the people. Once I met the people behind the image and got to know them, the aura and mystique fell away and I was comfortable to join in the experience.
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/swimming-pool-inspiration-1024x767.jpg)
Over the next years, I became inspired. I was inspired by the people that were and are the true leaders in our industry. Brian Van Bower (the Rodney Dangerfield of the pool industry) and Skip Phillips, who together were the visionaries that started the entire advanced industry education revolution. I was inspired by Paolo Benedetti (the walking Bible of pool construction detail knowledge) and Bill Drakeley (who emphatically set the bar for shotcrete construction standards 20x higher than industry standard and implores you to think way above the minimum required). I learned everything I know about pool system hydraulics from Dave Peterson through mind-numbing engineering classes, which are not the easiest for a right-brained designer, but hands-down the best overall class experiences I have had. I was blown away that Rick Chafey and Dave Penton, two of the master builders behind the most amazing projects that keep being produced year-in and year-out, could also be so personable, easy-going, and open to new people who want to improve. I was inspired by Feras Irikat and his ability to make hardened, seasoned contractors talk enthusiastically about colors, and client psychology, and design! And by Kirk Bianchi, whose mild-mannered style and cerebral design-brain is one that I will always strive to understand and emulate. I was inspired by Grant Smith and his detailed, methodical approach to construction that followed his regimented Marine Corp background — and his close friendship before his passing as we rose through the ranks of the industry together. And, of course, I have been inspired by the three ladies — Lisa Ryckeley, Katie Junkers, and Lauren Stack — that, across multiple organizations and decades, have managed to be the hearts of their organizations and keep all the people and personalities in line (well, for the most part), and events moving forward as the baton gets passed to the next group of leaders who will rise ahead.
The truth is, while WHAT you know is very important, ultimately it is the WHO you know that plays the biggest impact on your career success. You will always run up against new “what’s” that you don’t know, but if you know who to call/text/message about what you don’t know, then you will soon know that “what” that you needed to know! And this is the reason why I am such a believer in the advanced education opportunities in our industry. The people behind the education — the teachers and leaders — are the invaluable asset that are living examples of a vision you may have for your future, and they are ready and willing to guide you on your journey and inspire you with confidence that… YES, you can take that step that feels daunting or impossible… and here is how!
And … we all tend to have a lot of FUN doing it! This is not a boring industry, either in what we design and produce, or how we enjoy our finished products with our clients, or the time spent with the people involved in creating them. And while the old pigs and toga parties may be a relic of past days, the fact that these shows and educational event gatherings are a blast to be a part of remains. We become a fraternity — a brotherhood spread across the country and beyond that comes together several times a year to learn more, hone our skills, enjoy friendships, and to cut loose and have some fun together! The organization names, event locations, and educational formats may change. That is the nature of business and ultimately of no consequence to students fighting their own battles and seeking a vision for their future.
Look at where you are in your company and in your career path. If you feel stuck or trapped, or if you are fighting a battle alone or swimming upstream against a raging river of market circumstances against you, then do not sit back for eight years (again, me) to watch and wait for external industry circumstances to work themselves out. Look for who is out there that inspires you. Who is producing the work out there that makes you stop scrolling on your phone and say, “WOW!” No matter what side of the industry you call home, there are leaders in that sector ready to guide and direct and inspire. Don’t let intimidation or cost or inconvenience or fear keep you from taking a step that could lead to unlocking the potential you have for your career and your future. All of the investment costs — both in time and money — may seem large now but will be your best investment decision when you consider not just the information you will learn, but more importantly, the leaders you will meet and the potential for the “lightbulb” moment of inspiration that may just alter your path and set you on a new course for your career — it certainly did for me!
Photo Credits: Jimi Smith Photography
Talking Pools
Insights From Skimmer’s 2024 State of Pool Service Report
![Insights From Skimmer's 2024 State of Pool Service Report](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/skimmer-state-of-pool-service-industry-report.jpg)
Skimmer, a leading-edge pool service software provider, recently unveiled its “2024 State of Pool Service Report,” a comprehensive analysis based on the invaluable feedback from over 1,700 pool service professionals who responded. This report delves deep into key facets of the industry, such as market challenges, business structures, pricing strategies, technology adoption, and growth plans. Notably, the report culminates from survey responses from Skimmer’s platform of over 25,000 users as well as insights gleaned from broader market research.
Rising Tides of Costs and Strategic Business Responses
One of the more eye-opening aspects to the report, 73% of surveyed pool service professionals reported a commendable upswing in revenue in 2023 compared to the previous year. However, the buoyancy in revenue was tempered by a prevailing concern – rising costs. The majority identified escalating costs as the most formidable challenge faced in 2023, with an anticipatory nod to this trend persisting into the unfolding year of 2024.
A significant number of companies are gearing up to address these rising costs by contemplating price adjustments, with nearly 74% of pool professionals signaling their intention to implement price increases in the current year to sustain revenue streams.
In an exclusive interview with Talking Pools Podcast, Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer, underscored this critical issue, stating, “Everyone in the industry feels like costs are going to keep rising. It’s unfortunately an inevitability with sort of inflation. The question is, what are we going to do about it? It’s really interesting to see that most respondents said they were planning on raising prices in order to maintain profit margins.”
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pool-service-industry-report-1024x576.jpg)
Workforce Dynamics and Marketing Strategies
Beyond the realms of financial strategies, the report casts its gaze on the dynamic workforce within the pool service industry. A noteworthy revelation is that 52% of respondents expressed an intent to expand their teams in 2024. This metric supports a positive indicator that most respondents believe the industry will continue to grow rather than contract.
One statistic you may find surprising, the report indicated that the majority of service technicians still rely heavily on the age-old method of word-of-mouth referrals, with only a modest 35% reporting that they’re investing in marketing. Nelson, who has experienced this sentiment first hand expressed that this way of thinking might be outdated.
“So many folks in the industry think they don’t need to pay for marketing because they get a lot of referrals,” said Nelson, “that’s true. You can grow your business that way, but you can grow it so much more quickly if you are spending a little bit of marketing. Because most of the industry is still not doing it, there’s a real chance to kind of take advantage of that. It’s a huge opportunity for ambitious pool service companies.”
Technology Integration: The Digital Oasis
In counterpoint to that, one area where the pool industry is embracing technology is business operations. One pivotal aspect of the report indicated an escalating integration of technology within the pool service industry. Approximately 75% of respondents revealed that they are leveraging software to streamline various aspects of their business operations. This underscores a growing acknowledgment of the pivotal role technology plays in enhancing efficiency, streamlining operations, and staying ahead in a competitive landscape.
“I think knowing your numbers is absolutely critical,” said Nelson, “so is embracing technology to operate your business more efficiently. That’s true whether it’s Skimmer or any other type of technology. I think there’s a tendency to underestimate the cost associated with doing business. Time is money. If you’re accepting a check from a customer because that customer refuses to get on ACH or credit card, there’s time associated with that cost. I think really understanding where you can automate different aspects of your business to save time and money is critical as costs continue to rise.”
Strategic Navigations for Future Growth
One noteworthy observation gleaned from the report is the success of companies that choose to bill separately for chemicals. Businesses charging customers separately for chemicals were on average more profitable than those who opted to include chemicals in the total price of service.
Including the price of chemicals has traditionally been a more straightforward, fixed-rate structure that is perhaps more easily grasped by pool owners and simplifies billing for pool professionals. However, the drawback lies in the susceptibility to frequent price adjustments due to significant fluctuations in chemical costs.
According to Skimmer’s data analysis, the model that charges extra for chemicals, known as the “plus chems” model, emerges as the most effective strategy in mitigating the impact of both fluctuating chemical costs and variations in weather patterns that might affect chemical usage, providing a robust buffer against such uncertainties.
Beyond immediate challenges, the report reveals a spectrum of strategic approaches pool service professionals are exploring for future growth. Notably, 33% of respondents expressed a nuanced interest in reducing their customer count while concurrently focusing on upselling more services and augmenting the overall value provided per pool serviced. Additionally, 43% are pinning their hopes on introducing operational efficiencies to curtail costs and bolster profitability.
![State of Pool Service 2024 Report](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/State-of-Pool-Service-Highlight-1024x576.webp)
Want to take a deeper dive? Read Skimmer’s 2024 State of Pool Service Report or listen to the interview on the Talking Pools Podcast.
Op Editorials
Ground Penetrating Radar is Like X-Ray Vision For Pool Contractors
![Ground Penetrating Radar is Like X-Ray Vision For Pool Contractors](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ground-penetrating-radar-pool-renovation.jpg)
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) – allows contractors to actually “see” inside pool structures. GPR systems are perfect for locating reinforcing steel and determining the thickness of the concrete. Another helpful aspect of GPR is its use in locating elements inside of framed buildings, pipes, and conduits. Though these systems typically are priced at over $12,000, once prorated across many jobs, the cost is minuscule, while the benefits can be monumental.
What is Ground Penetrating Radar?
Ground Penetrating Radar is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface of the ground. It is a non-destructive and non-intrusive technique commonly employed in various fields, including archaeology, geology, environmental studies, civil engineering, and utility detection. The primary purpose of GPR is to identify and map subsurface features, anomalies, or objects without the need for excavation.
![What is Ground Penetrating Radar and how does it work?](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/how-ground-penetrating-radar-works-1024x579.jpg)
How Does It Work?
GPR works by emitting short pulses of electromagnetic waves into the ground. These radar pulses penetrate the subsurface and interact with different materials and structures. As the waves encounter boundaries between materials, some of the energy is reflected back to the surface. The GPR antenna receives these reflections, and the system processes the signals to create a detailed image of the subsurface. GPR is widely used for utility detection, subsurface mapping, and construction applications, providing valuable information without the need for excavation.
GPR For Pool Builders & Contractors
Today, construction technology is evolving. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has become a valuable tool for pool builders and contractors in various aspects of their work. Here are some ways in which GPR can be beneficial for professionals in the pool construction industry:
- Locating Utilities
- Identifying Subsurface Anomalies
- Mapping Soil Stratigraphy
- Detecting Void Spaces
- Quality Control and Inspection
- Ensuring Compliance with Regulations
- Time and Cost Savings
Using GPR for Non-Destructive Testing
Today, there are a number of intelligent reasons to be using a ground penetrating radar to scan your pool shells. GPR is a non-destructive method to determine what is actually occurring inside of the concrete, without having to drill cores or demolish concrete. Radar allows experts to see the rebar schedule and depth within concrete. Pool construction professionals have even used them to validate the presence of bonding clamps and wire, when inspections were missed (for other contractors).
Use of Ground Penetrating Radar in Remodeling Swimming Pools
For contractors, being able to precisely locate the placement of the reinforcing steel is invaluable. When planning for coring a shell for pool lighting, add plumbing or coring for samples, it is critical to know where the steel is located. Hitting a rebar while coring can easily damage a $500 core bit. Worse yet, a handheld drill binds and kicks back, breaking the user’s thumb.
After stripping the plaster, scanning the shell can definitively determine if there’s sufficient shotcrete coverage over the steel. If it’s insufficient, then the pool can be “flashed” with additional shotcrete (at an additional charge). This will require new coping and tile as well, as the interior dimensions will change. In my own personal firm’s pool remodeling contracts, we have a disclaimer about shotcrete thickness. We will scan the shell for free, but if there is an inadequate amount of coverage, there will be a change order to add shotcrete and adjust the coping, tile and fittings. Think of this as a potential profit center. You can actually show the owners the location and depth of the rebar.
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Proceq-GP8800-ground-penetrating-radar.jpg)
GPR companies charge $500-600 for a 1-hour visit. You can see how quickly owning a GPR unit can pay for itself. After a while, it will actually start earning you money! A Proceq GP8800 can be had for around $12,000 plus the cost of an iPad.
Photo Credits: Proceq
Op Editorials
Mark Zuckerberg Plans To Build a Survival Bunker With a Pool
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg plans to build the ultimate survival bunker complete with its own swimming pool.
![Mark Zuckerberg Plans To Build a Survival Bunker With a Pool](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mark-zuckerberg-bunker-pool.jpg)
Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook and the brains behind the metaverse, is planning on building a lavish new compound complete with an underground survival bunker. According to an exclusive investigation by Wired, the billionaire doomsday prepper is shelling out some serious coin to build the estate, with costs rumored to exceed a whopping $100 million.
Details Emerge About Plans For a Luxury Estate Complete With a Doomsday Bunker
Based on information from both public records and a confidential insider, Wired has disclosed that Mark Zuckerberg’s estate is on the verge of completion. The primary living quarters comprise over a dozen buildings, featuring a remarkable 30 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms. Central to the compound are two colossal mansions, rivaling the size of a professional football field, equipped with offices, elevators, conference rooms, and an expansive industrial-grade kitchen. Evoking a sci-fi ambiance, numerous doors within the compound will be soundproofed, operated through keypads, or designed as “blind doors” seamlessly blending with the surrounding walls.
A tunnel is rumored to connect the two mansions, providing a discreet pathway to the bunker. An additional structure on the estate is set to include a full-size gym, pools, a sauna, a hot tub, a cold plunge pool, and a tennis court. Adding an adventurous touch, 11 treehouses, connected by rope bridges, allow guests to navigate between structures without setting foot on the ground. Notably, Zuckerberg has reportedly hosted at least two corporate events on the property, showcasing the multifaceted nature of this extraordinary compound.
This End of Days Bunker Comes With a Swimming Pool
The compound named Koolau Ranch, sits on Zuckerberg’s purchased land, a tropical haven he bought for a cool $170 million. With plans for the new development leaked, a 5,000-square-foot underground shelter with all the bells and whistles is apparently envisioned to make surviving the end of days a five-star experience.
The investigation by Wired referenced information from sources and planning documents acquired through requests for public records. The documents detailed that the primary residences will be accompanied by a 5,000-square-foot underground shelter, complete with living spaces and an emergency escape hatch.
As plans continue to take shape, one of the most intriguing aspects of the project has surfaced – an 18-foot water tank and pump system. Speculations are rife about its purpose, with rumors circulating that this colossal water reservoir is more than just a contingency plan for the apocalypse. Could it be a key component in Zuckerberg’s ambitious underground pool project?
Billionaire tech moguls are apparently sparing no expense when it comes to preparing for a doomsday scenario. A tell-all book called Survival of The Richest by Douglas Rushkoff reveals that these bunkers are equipped with cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art security systems, and amenities that make five-star hotels blush.
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/friend-requests-1024x298.jpg)
In the unlikely event of an apocalypse, one can’t help but imagine Mark Zuckerberg’s friend requests suddenly resembling Jim Carrey’s inbox in Bruce Almighty. Forget about FarmVille requests; now it’s all about securing a spot in Zuck’s luxury bunker-ville! Picture this: while the world outside is in chaos, inside the bunker, Zuckerberg’s getting notifications like, “Hey Mark, long time no apocalypse, can I crash at yours?”
As the doomsday clock ticks away, Zuckerberg’s friend count might skyrocket faster than a viral cat video. Everyone from old high school buddies to that guy who accidentally poked him in 2009 will be sliding into his DMs, desperately seeking refuge in the ultimate VIP shelter. The allure of a bunker designed by the creator of the social network could turn Zuckerberg into the most sought-after doomsday BFF.
![Mark Zuckerberg Hawaii Property](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mark-zuckerberg-hawaii-1024x576.jpg)
Interested in learning more? Good luck. Zuckerberg’s compound is now encircled by a 6-foot wall, and, as reported by Wired, an additional layer of confidentiality has been added to the project. Every contracted worker, regardless of their position or role, is said to have been required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) pertaining to their contributions to the property. This heightened level of secrecy suggests that specific details about the construction and features of the compound are likely to be tightly guarded and may not easily find their way into the public domain.
Featured Photo Credit: MidJourney AI
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