Best Practices for Using Robotic Pool Cleaners in Commercial Pools

Robotic pool cleaners can be easily incorporated into the maintenance protocol of any medium-to-large aquatic facility.

Pool cleaning, namely brushing and vacuuming, is a science not an art. A pool (i.e. the water) is a living thing as it constantly changes. Beyond the water and the supporting structure, every pool is composed of millions of living and non-living organisms. Some are innocuous, while others are deadly. Pool water is exposed to every change in the surrounding environment—from … Read More

Advice on How to Handle Off-Season Water Quality Issues

When opening a pool, there are a few universal steps that should always be taken; however, before worrying about the water, it is important to make sure the equipment is working properly first.

Editor’s note: Due to the seasonality of the pool and spa industry and the transient nature of the business, the water treatment information provided in this article can be shared with service technicians who are new to the job. Spring can be an exciting time for pool owners. Everyone looks forward to opening the pool and another season of making many family … Read More

It’s All About the Customer

Lifeguards need certifications that span across first aid, lifeguarding, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

For those in the pool, spa and aquatic facilities industries, predicting and understanding future trends is the easy part—the tough part is applying and adapting behaviors to capitalize on those trends. As pool and spa professionals look to the future, one thing is clear: pleasing the customer, and meeting their needs, is of the utmost importance. What the customer wants … Read More

Making Pool Water Maintenance Easier for Service Professionals

By adding enzymes into the pool on every service visit it helps to break down non-living organics in the water so the filter does not need to work as hard.

Enzymes have evolved over the years to a point where there are now specific products based on the needs of each and every body of water. Today, there are two different types of enzyme products available for use in the pool and spa/hot tub industry—broad spectrum produced through a fermentation process is one, while limited capacity commercially manufactured then blended … Read More

Two Naturally Based Ways to Remove Grease from Pool Water

In a pool, oil can be introduced to the water via suntan lotions and sunscreens. Almost everything people apply to their skin contains oil.

Water can dissolve just about anything—from sugar to cement. One thing it cannot dissolve, however, is oil… thus the old adage, “Water and oil don’t mix.” The electrons of the water molecule are similar to those of sugar or cement; therefore, the substance will become soluble at some point. On the other hand, the electrons in the molecules of hydrocarbons … Read More

Managing Online Lead Generation

When it comes to a company’s website, high-quality and productive leads that turn into profitable, first-rate customers are all that really matter.

Pool and spa businesses need leads—lots of them. It is no secret leads are the source of new customers. And with the explosion of the Internet over the past decade, online sources have become a primary starting point for finding new leads. However, it is not easy. In fact, figuring out online lead generation can be confusing, time-consuming, and expensive. … Read More

How to Tackle Common Pool Stains

If the water is clear, but has a greenish cast then it is a sure sign of copper in the water. If algae are the reason for the water turning green, the pool will also appear cloudy and the walls and floor will be slimy to the touch.

When dealing with pool stains, it is important for service professionals to keep in mind they are not always cut from the same cloth. Therefore, it is critical to diagnose the problem first before providing a broad-spectrum treatment. Take the time to review the origins of common pool stains and determine what the likely cause is for each specific case … Read More

Aquatics Industry Opens Arms to E-Learning

Pool and spa/hot tub professionals now have options, and self-paced online learning has become an attractive proposition.

The pool and spa industry has been slow to embrace online learning. However, an increasing number of professionals are recognizing the value it brings to the table, or in this case, to the computer. In an increasingly busy world, time is of the essence. Many industry professionals know they need the training and will benefit from it; however, finding the … Read More

A Look at the Evolution of Pool Heater Technology

Energy efficiency; consumers demand it and product development teams strive for it. These days, it is also the focus of advertising and packaging designs for nearly all home and industrial equipment. From light bulbs to dishwashers to automobiles, the amount of energy consumed is a major factor in the research and development (R&D) of new products, not to mention their … Read More

Increasing Profits with Custom Water Care Programs

For some pool and spa/hot tub companies, the service department is the largest part of the business.

Pool and hot tub service and specialty retailers across North America continue to report strong growth—from pool and hot tub sales to accessories and outdoor living product purchases. Despite this, the biggest challenge for most is chemical sales—or the lack thereof. The question many retailers have is how they can sell more water treatment products at a profit when competing … Read More