The signs are everywhere: Now hiring. Help wanted. Bonuses for new employees. But good help still is hard to find. Frank Disher, a Poolwerx franchise partner in Texas, says COVID has had a huge impact on the employment status of local pool pros in his area. He receives a ton of applications but can’t seem…
Successful employee-recognition programs have little to do with the awards themselves, and more to do with a company’s culture. Kim Peters, an executive vice president at Great Places to Work, a global authority on workplace culture based in Oakland, California, says before singling out individual employees for awards, build a culture of trust. “Otherwise, these…
Founded in 1994 in Richfield, Minnesota, ECOsmarte strives to offer environmentally friendly products, eliminating harsh chemicals from swimming pools and the environment through copper ionization. The founders of ECOsmarte were familiar with copper ionization from its use by NASA in the late 1960s, says marketing manager Mike Dewar. “(NASA) knew they couldn’t send chlorine up…
For more than a decade, Coastal Pure Inc., has been using an affordable, effective technology called copper/silver ionization (CSI) to reduce chemical impact for our commercial clients. Slashing chlorine demand while providing cleaner, healthier water consistently saves customers thousands of dollars in annual chemical operating costs. In 2021, pool operators using CSI gained a bundle…
When Amy Morgan saw that Boost by Jobber was offering grants for home service entrepreneurs, she checked to see if the company she co-owners with her husband, Cody, would qualify. Indeed it did, and Amy submitted Pit Stop Pool Service in Cypress, Texas, as a contender. “I said ‘Well, why not – let’s apply. Somebody…
Commercial accounts can be a lot of work for little to no reward. Look for solid management. The neighborhood doesn’t always matter — rich or poor, they are all on budgets. Are they easy to deal with? Polite? Understanding? The budget impacts repairs getting done in a timely manner to keep the pool safe and…
Remember when we were supposed to have a commercial issue last year, but instead there was a pandemic and everything we planned went out the window? Yeah….me too. So instead of 2020 being our inaugural commercial edition, we are launching it in 2021. For a few years, I’ve been tossing around the idea of becoming…
Edgar De Jesus remembers being at a pump for 45 minutes, stressed out, calling people because he couldn’t get the pump to work. He felt he had nobody to turn to. That experience, and others like it, made him passionate about helping other new pool pros. That passion became Pool Nation, which encompasses a podcast,…
As commercial aquatic facilities begin to slowly reopen post-shutdown and try to re-attract and welcome patrons, many managers are looking for solutions that will help improve both the water and air quality of their facilities. One of the most effective ways to quickly to do this is to add an ultraviolet (UV) system to the…
Many aquatic facilities are turning to waterplay upgrades to bolster guest attendance. As the commercial pool industry emerges from the pandemic, commercial pool builders have the opportunity to guide facility owners toward the best upgrades for their spaces. From waterslides to sanitation systems, builders can advise what’s trending and what accessories will foster a better…
Maintaining water slides and in-water spray features at commercial pools and waterparks keeps the attractions safe for visitors and prolongs the life of the equipment. Because of ownership turnover and communication gaps, however, operators of these facilities don’t always have the necessary information on how to service these features, which can result in inadequate maintenance…
Unlike residential pools, commercial facilities are more likely to have been closed during the pandemic. Finally reopening, the pools now may have peeling, cracks or leaks. One solution pool professionals can offer commercial clients is to line those pools with PVC membrane. Outsourcing or In-House Steve White at Underwater Pools in West Boylston, Massachusetts, outsources…