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We have not been able to connect our QB to Skimmer..  Our old scheduling software (Smart Service) created lots of sub customers but we removed them and still not possible.Has anyone had this issue? This is turning in to a huge problem so I thought I would ask the community.

 In this video I recorded a typical day for me to show you what it’s like running a pool business. Estimates, service calls, incoming and outgoing calls and some tips and tricks along the way. I’d love to hear what other types of “day in the life” videos you’d like to see.Spoiler alert: Skimmer really helped during one of the calls to defend us as a company! Enjoy! 

This is Part 2 in a series of posts looking at how to stop managing and start managing as a leader. We are exploring are the critical aspects of effective leaders.THEY ARE COMMITTED TO A VISION.  Leaders inspire others. They spend time working on their business instead of just working in their business, and they are willing to embody their vision.John Yokoyama, the owner of the world famous Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, appeared on my weekly Business Leadership radio show. People come from all over the world to watch the fishmongers at the Pike Place Fish Market as they toss fish to each other. They are drawn there because the fishmongers have created a playful, boisterous environment.When you enter, you are instantly greeted by the market’s energy. I asked Yokoyama how he supports his crew and creates such a lively and engaging workplace.“Each crew member has made a commitment to making a world-famous difference to each and every customer who walks through the door,” he says. “As

AS A YOUNG GIRL, I was fascinated with why some people had amazing lives and why others failed.Nearly 23 years ago when I began coaching entrepreneurs and business owners, I became intrigued by what distinguished a good business from an extraordinary business. In both growing my own business and coaching my clients, I’ve learned the secret lies in transforming yourself from manager to leader.Your business is either growing or dying; you can’t stay in one place. Building a successful business and team is about evolving. You’re either progressing and expanding, or stalling and contracting. This includes being a leader that focuses on the important things — even in the midst of your busy season.Many leaders struggle with managing (i.e., being a manager) vs. being a leading (being a leader) in their business and at work.I will be creating a series of posts in regards to this topic over the upcoming weeks...I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas (and in particular, actions) that support

We have a small pool cleaning business, owner operated with 1 tech.  We cater to large property managment companies that have luxury homes with pools.  The rental rates can range from 5K to 15K per week to rent.  Some are beach or lake front.  Most have small pools.  We recently took over this account with 10 pools.  Yea right?  wrong…  Almost every other day, we get a call from management, that “the guest are not happy”  (not happy because pool was being cleaned and it “took away their pool time”.   “ The guest wanted to know “what if” they were not there when chemicals were added?:  The guest states there is debris in the pool (we go running over there and there are nats in the pool due to environment (lake front).    Pool heat needs to be on,  its 96 degrees outside.  Guests want a refund/credit because they didn’t get to be in the pool (heater was fried) as much as they wanted to.After about 2 weeks of this, I called the managment company and let them know we needed to start chargi

Hi Pool Deck Alum - needing to get opinions on pool poles - gathering up equipment and supplies to get this BBG pool service in action - cost is not a problem, but would like opinions on all the other factors that helped you in your pole decisions …In addition, being here in the Sarasota county, Florida area, the pool suppliers we have access to (SCP/PWP/Gormans) - are they all completive on pricing - any pros & cons on these guys ??? Just to pass on a note of sincerity - shot across the state yesterday to West Palm to purchase a “Ripetide” pool cleaner - David and his staff went out of their way and spent 2 1/2 hours explaining all the ins and outs about their products - its a no bullshit atmosphere - true experiences with the whole industry - felt like I went to pool  school there - all the staff was so helpful and you can tell, they love working for David - everybody does their job and does it well - such a great product in my opinion …..

One pool and spa/hot tub business client shared with me that a customer had purchased a sauna and was extremely unhappy due to multiple service calls. An employee then drove to the customer’s house before and after work multiple times to get it running the way it should be. Since then, the customer went on to buy a sauna and a hot tub! Studies have been done that prove that we have an opportunity to turn upset customers into raving fans when we are committed to having a heart of service. Teach your service department to resolve customer frustrations by following these simple steps:1) Acknowledge the problem instead of jumping to defend the company or the service tech involved.2) Empathize and apologize regardless of whether they are right or wrong.3) Accept full responsibility to fix the problem in a timely manner.5) Remain in communication with the customer until the issue is fully resolved. What are your personal success stories where you transformed an upset customer into a raving f

Watch the video or scroll down for step-by-step instructions. Tiers: Scaling Up, Skimmer for Enterprise   Step-by-step instructions 1. After you’ve created your Quote with all your line items, you can add a deposit and trigger payment on approval.Deposit → Add → Choose Flat Rate or Percentage → Save. Save and send your finished Quote. 2. When the customer receives the quote, they’ll see a label highlighting the required deposit. Once they select Approve Quote, a payment box will appear to submit the deposit through Skimmer.After submitting payment information, a payment pending screen will be displayed. 3. Skimmer will track that the quote has been approved, and the deposit has been collected. When you generate the final invoice, it will only bill for the remaining balance. Last updated on September 2, 2025 

Watch the video or scroll down for step-by-step instructions. Tiers: Scaling Up, Skimmer for EnterpriseCompatible LaMotte Spin Touch Devices: Models 3580, 3581, and 3582Note: Update your Skimmer mobile app to the most recent version, and enable Bluetooth on your device.    Step-by-step instructions 1. Skimmer connects to your Bluetooth-enabled LaMotte Spin Touch, so you can transfer chemical analysis from the device to your mobile app. To activate, click Settings → Readings & Dosages → LaMotte Waterlink Spin Touch → Activate. 2. Match each available Spin Touch reading to one of Skimmer’s reading categories. If a reading doesn’t have a matching category, click Create New Reading.When finished, click the button at the bottom of the screen: Activate Spin Touch button if setting up for the first time Save button if Spin Touch integration is already active 3. On the Settings page, hover over the link symbol to see which readings are currently connected to Spin Touch.4. Ensure your app

I received a phone call this week from an employer who is struggling with finding the right employees in today’s job market. I was thinking about some of the suggestions that I shared with him, and I wanted to pass my advice onto all of you! TAKE ON A POSITIVE MINDSET Good people are out there. You will find awesome candidates. If you have this mind-set, you will take more effective and empowered actions than the leader who believes all the good people are taken and no one is out there. Be the kind of leader who finds employees in unique, easy and effortless ways. Though you may have had a position open for a long time, don’t resort to hiring just anyone. You have an obligation to your current staff to hire someone who fits your culture and the job position. Doing otherwise can stir employee Take a moment to consider your ideal employee. Hire more people who fit those qualifications and speak to those ideal qualities in your job listing. MORE QUICK TIPS...  Use local job-servi

Hello everyone, my name is Michael Camarena, owner of Pacific Valor Pool Services in San Diego. I’m a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO), and my business focuses on providing reliable, professional weekly pool care. My services include skimming, brushing, vacuum sweeping, water chemistry balancing, and routine equipment checks to keep pools safe, clean, and ready to enjoy year-round.I also use Skimmer software, which helps me provide transparent service reports, photo documentation, and complete history tracking for each customer.I joined this network to connect with other pool professionals, share knowledge, and continue building best practices that raise the standard of service in our industry.Looking forward to collaborating and learning from you all!— Michael CamarenaPacific Valor Pool Services

🌊 Get Certified as a Pool Operator – From Anywhere! 🌊📅 Date: Saturday, September 14, 2025👨‍🏫 Instructor: Dan Waxman💻 Format: Virtual Fusion Hybrid (self-paced online + live Zoom review + online exam)Get your Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification in a convenient one-day virtual class! Start with self-paced online learning, then join Dan Waxman live on Zoom for a review and proctored exam.✅ Learn from home✅ Official PHTA certification✅ Perfect for pool pros, HOA managers, and facility staff🔗 Register now:https://www.spacecoastpoolschool.com/event/september-14-2025-sat-1-day-virtual-fusion-cpo/📢 Spots fill up fast—reserve yours today!