In this session, @nikiacosta and @joeshiraz cut through the noise on one of the biggest topics in business right now — and answer the question most pool pros actually want answered: what's worth my time?
AI is everywhere. But for pool service operators running routes, managing techs, and chasing invoices, the learning curve can feel steep and the payoff unclear. This session is a no-hype, practical breakdown of where AI is actually showing up in pool service businesses today — and how to build a simple plan for using it without wasting time on tools that don't fit your workflow.
Watch the replay 👇
What we covered:
- The AI landscape, plain and simple — a side-by-side look at today's major tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and more), how they differ, and which tends to work best for different use cases so you're not guessing
- The AI maturity curve — a simple framework for honestly assessing where your business sits today, from total beginner to actively building, and identifying your clearest next step without overcomplicating it
- The real concerns, answered directly — data privacy, accuracy, customer trust. These came up live in the session and were addressed head-on, not glossed over
- Practical use cases from pool pros — real examples of how operators are already using AI for customer communication, competitive pricing research, technician training materials, and more — without any coding or technical background required
- Vibe coding — what it is, and whether it belongs in your business — a look at what's now possible with AI-assisted building, where it creates real risk, and how to think about it as a pool service operator
- A first look at AI inside Skimmer — including AI Phone, AI Insights, and tools in development to support techs in the field
We learned that any of you are already experimenting with AI tools in your businesses and shared your experiences and opinions about what's actually working. The biggest theme? Start with what you're already doing and find one task AI can take off your plate this week.
More Helpful Links:
💻 Presentation Deck
📄 Skimmer Resource Hub: Get access to free business guides, tools, and templates
📖 AI trends, tips, and tricks part 2: What works, what doesn't, and how to decide
Keep the conversation going:
What's one thing you're going to try this week? Whether you've been using AI for months or today was your first real look — drop it in the comments. We'd love to hear what you're experimenting with. And if there's a topic you want us to dig into in a future session, let us know below.
Thank you for being part of The Pool Deck community. 🙌