Industry news, training & life on the road

Hope everyone is doing well and having a safe season. (Ai did help me write this more efficiently)I’ve been in the pool service industry for about 10 years, starting with a single route and building it into a successful, family-run operation in NW Peoria, AZ. Over the years, I’ve trained with other professionals, earned my licenses, and continuously worked to improve our service quality and consistency.This year, we upgraded our weekly testing process by switching from basic test strips to the Taylor K-2005 liquid test kit for our service routes. The accuracy and repeatability of the results are noticeably better, especially for chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. However, the reagent consumption is significantly higher than anticipated, and the ongoing cost of replacement reagents is becoming difficult to justify for high-volume weekly service work.I’m currently evaluating a hybrid testing approach: Full Taylor K-2005 testing on a sch

Hey Pool Pros,We've been shipping a lot of updates to how you quote, bill, and get paid over the past several months, and we realized we've never shown you how it all connects.. So, here's the full picture of what's now possible with Skimmer's quote-to-cash workflow.Why this matters: We set out to build the most complete end-to-end revenue workflow designed specifically for pool service businesses—not generic software adapted for pools, but tools built for how you actually run routes, close repairs, and get paid. We think we've done it.Pool pros on Skimmer payments get paid almost 40% faster, have 10% fewer unpaid invoices, save 8+ hours a week on billing/invoicing, and see 44% increase in revenue long term with autopay.

Join us for our Virtual Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Course on Saturday, February 21, 2026, taught by Anthony Stanback, part of the industry-experienced SCPS Instructor Team.✔ Small virtual class sizes on Zoom✔ Learn from top pool industry instructors✔ Earn your CPO certification from the comfort of your homeRegister here:👉 https://cpocertified.com/event/february-21-2026-sat-1-day-virtual-fusion-hybrid-cpo/ 

Join our Virtual Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Course taught by Dan Waxman, part of an elite team of expert instructors.📅 Sunday, February 15, 2026💻 Live on Zoom👥 Small class size for better learning🏠 No travel — get certified from the comfort of your home!Perfect for pool professionals looking to stay compliant and level up their knowledge.Register Here:  February 15, 2026 (Sun.)- 1 Day Virtual Fusion Hybrid CPO - CPOCertified.com - Space Coast Pool School 

 This was a really cool event that Poolcorp and Jandy put on. I didn’t leave the house planning to record this but Savannah I should as said as soon as we were getting on the ride to go out to the shoot. So this is completely impromptu. I hope you enjoy. There’s a decently funny outtakes chapter towards the end!Experience the 2026 PoolCorp & Fluidra Pheasant Shoot, an exclusive industry event bringing together top professionals from the pool, spa, and outdoor living industries.This annual pheasant shoot is more than just sport—it’s about networking, relationships, and shared experiences with leaders from PoolCorp and Fluidra in a unique outdoor setting.In this video, we capture highlights from the day, behind-the-scenes moments, and the atmosphere that makes this event a standout tradition in the pool industry. From premium hospitality to world-class shooting, this is a rare look insid

 The pool service industry is changing fast—and 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point.In this video, I break down my thoughts on The State of Pool Service in 2026, a report complied by Skimmer, covering the biggest industry trends, technology shifts, pricing pressures, labor challenges, and digital tools reshaping how pool pros operate.From automation and route optimization to customer expectations and profitability, this is a must-watch for pool service companies, pool techs, and pool business owners who want to stay competitive in the years ahead.You’ll learn:📌 Where the pool service industry is headed in 2026📌 How software, automation, and digital tools are changing the game📌 What successful pool companies are doing differently📌 Common mistakes holding pool businesses back📌 How to prepare your pool service company for the futureWhether you’re a solo

 Space Coast Pool School is hosting a live virtual CPO course on Saturday, January 17, 2026, taught by industry professional Anthony Stanback, a valued member of our expert SCPS instructor team.🔥 Small Zoom classes🔥 Interactive, instructor-led training🔥 Perfect for pool pros, property managers & operators📅 01/17/2026 (Saturday)📍 Live on Zoom🔗 Save your spot today:https://cpocertified.com/event/january-17-2026-sat-1-day-virtual-fusion-hybrid-cpo/ 

💻 Fusion Hybrid | Live on ZoomJoin David Rockwell, seasoned PHTA instructor, for a weekday Fusion Hybrid Certified Pool Operator® (CPO®) course designed for busy pool professionals.🗓 Wednesday, January 14, 2026🖥 Live via Zoom👥 Small class sizes for better interaction and personalized online instructionThis interactive virtual format combines expert instruction with real-world experience—perfect for those who want quality training without the weekend commitment.⚠️ Limited spots available – register early!👉 Register now:https://cpocertified.com/event/january-14-2026-wed-1-day-virtual-fusion-cpo/

Pros: I am adding a new truck now and have been very happy with the Ford Maverick truck. I am forecasting needing another vehicle this coming spring and have been mulling around the idea of getting a Promaster van. These are the big, high roof sprinter looking box cargo vans. Today I was at the gas station and there were 4 of them there, all wrapped with different service company logos… HVAC, Plumbing etc. They look good and really good when they are wrapped nice. I have always liked vans and the ability to keep massive amounts of tools equipment locked up and out of the elements. I like the Promaster with the low floor for getting heavy items in and out. It, like the maverick gets incredible gas mileage. Here is what has me conflicted…. carrying chemicals. Are you guys using vans? Are you carrying chems in your vans? If so, how do we do it safely? Thanks  

🚨 Virtual Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Course – December 20, 2025! 🚨Taught by Chris Lightenberg, part of our well-seasoned team of expert instructors at Space Coast Pool School.💻 Small virtual class sizes = more personal attention, better instruction, and a more comfortable learning experience.🏠 Learn from anywhere — including from the comfort of your own home!💰 Save $40 when you register now!Price increases January 1, 2026 from $350 → $390, so lock in today’s rate while it lasts.👉 Register here:https://cpocertified.com/e

🏊‍♂️ Two-Day Virtual Certified Pool Operator (CPO®) Course📅 December 20–21, 2025 (Sat–Sun)👨‍🏫 Instructor: August UrsinTrain with the best—August Ursin is part of an elite team of instructors with 200+ years of combined industry experience.💻 Why choose our virtual CPO?✔️ Small class sizes = high-quality, interactive instruction✔️ Learn from anywhere✔️ Perfect for pool professionals, property managers & maintenance teams⏰ One of the LAST CPO classes of 2025!💰 Save now:• $375 for this class• Price increases to $390 starting January 1📌 Spots are limited — register today!

📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025💻 100% Live Virtual Certified Pool Operator (CPO®) Course👩‍🏫 Taught by Connie Jannarone, one of the Elite-Level Instructors at Space Coast Pool School✅ Small Virtual Class Sizes – Perfect for anyone who may feel nervous about taking a class online. You’ll get personal attention and real-time support every step of the way!🏊‍♂️ Who Should Be CPO Certified?✔ Pool Service Technicians✔ Apartment & Community Association Managers✔ Hotel & Resort Staff✔ Health Inspectors✔ Pool Owners & Maintenance Staff✔ Anyone responsible for pool operation & safety⭐ Benefits of CPO Certification:✅ Meets state and local health department requirements✅ Learn safe water chemistry & balance✅ Prevent costly pool problems✅ Reduce liability & protect swimmers

Hello, For those using Skimmer, how do you train your techs on it?Do you have a process or checklist you go over with them?Also curious what tips or tricks you’ve found helpful to make sure everyone’s using it the same way!

Earlier this week, we hosted our latest Skimmer Pro Summit—Phoenix edition . The desert backdrop of Phoenix, Arizona was the perfect setting to bring together our community of pool service company leaders and their Skimmer admins for a full day of professional development, networking, and fun. Pro Summit Kick-OffIn addition to the Summit, we also hosted our Customer Advisory Board onsite, giving us valuable time with a group of customers who help shape Skimmer’s product direction, priorities, and long-term vision.We were so energized by the opportunity to spend that much face time with our customers and connect them with other pool entrepreneurs to share best practices and inspire them with new ideas for growing their business, finding efficiencies, and maximizing Skimmer’s value.

Earn your Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification from the comfort of your own home with our 1-Day Virtual Fusion/Hybrid course on December 6, 2025!This class is taught by instructor David Rockwell, part of our powerhouse instructor team with a combined 260 years of industry experience.With small class sizes, you get more personal attention, high-quality instruction, and insights you simply won’t find anywhere else.✔️ Learn from real industry experts✔️ Easier than ever — take the course from home✔️ Best-in-class instruction with decades of knowledge behind it👉 Register here:https://cpocertified.com/event/december-6-2026-sat-1-day-virtual-