Testing water quality is a constant for pool service professionals. What is not constant, however, are the testing methods or the results. A few pointers will ensure an accurate reading on the pool water, starting with a reliable test kit. Greg Garrett, director of technical services for the National Plaster Council and Association of Pool…
Part of being a pool service professional is to make customer recommendations that result in optimal operation of their facility. Commercial pools burn a lot of energy making the water pristine for patrons. However, if the parts and chemicals aren’t working efficiently, your customers are likely wasting money. “Pool service companies should be auditing facilities…
Previously, we covered finding an email service provider (ESP) for your email campaign and some available options; now you need a strong list of contacts to receive this marketing — in their inbox, not the spam folder. First, implement email list-building tactics. “The best thing you can do is put a signup form or an…
Do-it-yourself websites and television shows give homeowners the misconception that every project is compatible to their skill sets, including maintaining a swimming pool. Increasingly, homeowners are attempting to clean, chemically treat and even install new equipment on their pool without the aid of a professional. While some individuals can handle this, many soon find it…
Membrane Concepts in Massachusetts is one of a handful of companies in the nation that installs custom 60 mil PVC in-ground pool liners. Owner and general manager Ron Melbourne has three employees who travel all over the nation together installing pool liners. All of them say they couldn’t be happier in their jobs and having…
If the majority of your workday is spent planning pool service routes, it may be time for a new strategy. Depending on your needs and budget, there are a variety of ways to effectively retool your service routes. What the Process Looks LikeDan Lenz started working for All Seasons Pools, near Chicago, in 1987. He…
The most successful email marketing campaigns are done through software or a service that not only allows customization of a top-notch digital presentation, but also captures data to follow your ROI and aid in making leads into customers. Here are a few of the programs available to assist your efforts. benchmarkemail.com Base Price: The free…
Pool builders and service professionals on the western and southern coasts of the country have it good: because of moderate year-round temperatures, every season is busy season. Come November in the Midwest or Northeast, however, business starts to wane and, by the following march, pool pros are anxious for grass to start poking through the…
You want your pool service to grow, but any small-business owner knows how it can be to find time to devote to company expansion. Brett Lloyd Abbott is president and chief strategist of MYM Austin, Inc., which specializes in serving the marketing, advertising and business-growth needs of the swimming pool construction and service industry. Growing…
Everyone is looking to save a buck these days. When the recession started six years ago, the “How much can I save and still get what I want?” mentality hit in full force. Though there have been a few upswings in the economy since then, we can’t seem to shake the nervousness. Business owners know…
The landline is dying. Lack of mobility pushes many service industries, including pool professionals, to rely heavily on mobile devices to communicate with staff and customers. The downside? Everyone has your cell-phone number, and you can’t transfer or forward calls like your office setup. That’s where cloud-based phone services are coming into play, offering businesses…
Brett Lloyd Abbott, president of MYM Austin, Inc., a marketing firm geared toward pool builders, focuses exclusively on pools in order to garner better marketing results for his clients. “We’re selling a product that most people would deeply emotionally love to have,” he says. “You don’t have to do a whole lot more than show…