Zodiac Pool Systems’ MX8 ELITE pool cleaner is the first to use scrubbing brushes that come into direct contact with the pool surface. This cyclonic scrubbing action powers away algae and fine, stuck-on debris that other cleaners often leave behind. “Most mechanized cleaners do not make active contact with the floor,” says Skye Svenningsen, product…
in the last two years, marketing on Facebook has become very sophisticated, and advertising there can be profitable when done correctly. In 2014, a Gallup poll showed social media influenced only 5 percent of consumers’ buying decisions. The tide has turned since then, says Thorin McGee, editor-in-chief and content director of Target Marketing magazine. “This…
It creates massive frustration for you and your customers: A customer pays for the technician to come out, check the water chemistry and clean the pool; any chemicals added are noted as an additional expense. Unless the customer knows about these charges in advance, the bill can lead to heated debate when it arrives in…
Tracking fleet vehicles has become standard operating procedure for many businesses, including the pool service sector. There’s a high-tech name for this technology, too: telematics. You might even have a telematics device in your vehicle and not know it. “Telematics is better than GPS,” says Kelly Frey, vice president of product marketing at California-based Telogis….
You’re driving your family on a road trip, back before GPS or Google Maps. It seems like you should have arrived at your destination by now. The kids are asking, “Are we there yet?” Your wife gently suggests you might be lost. What’s your reaction? “I’m not lost; we will arrive soon.” Twenty minutes later,…
Have you ever made a big-dollar purchase and found yourself frustrated at the service provider’s or contractor’s lack of communication? Communication is a fundamental component toward customer satisfaction, more referrals and goodwill. Three industry veterans offer what works well for them — and what messaging paths to avoid — in the world of instantaneous communication….
With the siren call over public pool water safety with regulations from various state health departments, automated chemical feeders have spiked in popularity. But what do the pool pros prefer? Troy McGinty, Hayward Pool’s global commercial product manager, says there’s strong demand for sodium hypochlorite and liquid chlorine. “That said, peristaltic pumps are the primary…
Cell calcification is the most likely problem with a saltwater chlorinator. Jandy’s new Pro Series TruClear saltwater chlorinator tackles calcification from installation and education to cleaning any buildup. “When you’re not cleaning [the chlorinator] properly the calcium buildup will kill the life of the cell,” says Amy Armstrong, product manager for water care at Jandy….
What good is investing in an email marketing campaign if you don’t see a lucrative return on that investment? Depending on emails as the only way to reach prospects will limit their effectiveness. Most people don’t do any follow-up on email campaigns, says Allison Reynolds, co-founder of and email campaign manager for The Get Smart…
By Amber Colley Strong lender relationships can be especially important for cyclical small businesses like in the swimming pool industry. Because cyclical business owners need to keep their business afloat during off-seasons, some may need to seek outside funding. Businesses have a variety of funding options, from online lenders to traditional lenders like banks. In…
Because of affordability and effectiveness, sand filters are among the more popular pool filtration options for consumers, removing dirt as small as 20-40 microns. As a pool professional, there are a few tricks to cleaning sand filters properly, and some choices when it comes to the quality of sand used. Heschmeyer Pools in Leawood, Kansas,…
A well-run service department should be making money, producing a 15 to 20 percent net profit. In fact, your service department should be the most profitable department within your company, but it’s usually not. There are two reasons most companies find service unprofitable. First, they are not priced properly. It costs a lot to run…