A Look at the Trends in Heat Pump Technology

Heat pumps have been the go-to pool heating option in certain geographical locations for years. An increasing number of pool owners are opting for heat pumps over propane, natural gas, oil, and electric heaters for a number of reasons, including operating costs, environmental impact, and overall efficiency. As summer ends, some pool owners who were attracted to the low price … Read More

Communication Skills 101: How to Stay Cool When Things Heat Up

It is important for pool, hot tub, and landscape professionals to be able to maintain their cool, even if a customer, potential client, or co-worker loses their temper.

When things go awry on a job, industry professionals may blame the heat and their reaction on a tiny part of the brain. Called the amygdala, it is one of two almond-shaped groups of nuclei located deep and medially within the temporal lobes of the brain. The amygdala holds emotional memory (e.g. fear, anger) and ‘helps’ one to react without thinking. … Read More

Combining Education and Experience to Address Combined Chlorine

Experience and education concur on the practice that total and free chlorine can be tested and that chloramines are irritants and ineffective disinfectants.

Effective education incorporates the elements of sound data and practical application. While neither is effective in isolation, when combined, data and experience create solutions with dynamic impact. The advantage of employing education and experience in tandem is illustrated by one of the most commonly taught pool and spa water chemistry topics: combined chlorine and breakpoint chlorination. Field experience has proven … Read More

Understanding the Internet of Things in the Backyard

Homeowners can now use an app, to control lights, waterfalls, and equipment through a simplified user interface on a smartphone/tablet.

This is not another Internet article on some new crazy technology or app. The Internet of things (IoT), also known as the network of things or the Internet of everything, is not the next big gadget, it is already here. Chances are many are already using it without even knowing so. This technology affects daily life on every level (i.e. personal, professional, health, … Read More