Direct Fire

Direct Fire

One of the challenges of running a pool or spa is the cost of heating the water, which is why more pool dealers are hearing requests from customers for energy-efficient heaters. Pentair now offers a solution: The ETi 400, a pool heater with a direct fire titanium heat exchanger that provides long-lasting, thermal and energy-efficient…

Buildup Barrier

Buildup Barrier

Matt Trissel was a designer for Georgetown, Texas-based Cody Pools for eight years, and saw firsthand the issues calcium causes on pools and spas. In 2013, he left Cody, and along with friend Dusty Renfro, started an oilfield service company called Four Six Services. While there, he discovered a technology being used in the oilfield…

Seal of Approval

Aquatic activity in healthy water is increasingly on the public’s radar. Today, most health departments require commercial pool technicians to have the Certified Pool Operator Certification from the National Swimming Pool Foundation. Michelle Kavanaugh, mission development director for the NSPF, says the CPO Certification is the most widely recognized certification in the pool and spa…

The Art of Estimation

The Art of Estimation

Undoubtedly, in the first minutes of conversation a pool builder has with a prospect, two questions will arise: “How long will it take?” and “What will it cost?” And though most can answer these quickly, they need to be contemplated before answering. Estimating price and time accurately is vital to the success of any pool…

The Rise of Automation

The Rise of Automation

Human error is largely to blame when a commercial pool experiences problems, which is why automated systems are gaining popularity year after year. An automated system eases the burden of having to be on-site several times a day to take a reading. And with growing public concern around water condition in commercial pools, these systems…

It Happens

It Happens

Nothing puts a downer on a day at a public pool more than learning of a fecal incident, requiring everyone to clear out immediately. Formed fecal incidents pose a risk for spreading germs, including moderately chlorine-tolerant giardia. It’s important for pool companies to help facilities with public pools understand local and federal policies for handling…

Understanding OSHA’s New Silica Requirement

Understanding OSHA’s New Silica Requirement

Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica is dangerous and could even be life threatening. It is estimated that approximately 2.3 million U.S. workers are exposed to respirable silica dust at work each year. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released regulations — designed to better protect workers from respiratory illness — for a new standard…

Simplifying Records

Simplifying Records

A new app created by the National Swimming Pool Foundation and Counsilman-Hunsaker can assist commercial pool operators with staying on track with records and maintenance issues. Called Facility Manager, the app provides the aquatic industry with a digital, web-based application designed to enhance the safety and sustainability of aquatic facilities. Facility Manager is accessible via…

Liability Policies on Vehicles

Liability Policies on Vehicles

Vehicles that transport workers and chemicals to and from job sites aren’t often front of mind when buying insurance for a pool service, building or retail company. Every business needs general-liability insurance, but it is more important to have the correct insurance coverage. “We find most pool-related accounts do not have proper coverage,” says Jeannette…