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Industry news, training & life on the road

Get started in the community! Check out the latest industry news & training, plus share your stories from the road.

105 Posts
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in Life on the road
Say hello & share how you got into the pool service business

Hello and a warm welcome to The Pool Deck 🤗 My name is Justine, and I am your go-to for all things community 🙌  I am super pumped to get to know more members and see the co-creation, sharing of knowledge, and learning from one another take root across all our forums, groups, and events!This Life on the road forum is about getting to know each other better and sharing stories from our day. Plus, we’ll have some contests and other posts to make you smile 😀I started building communities working in the beer business and knew I had found my calling. I love bringing together people and watching the magic unfold—whether it’s new ideas, learning, or even just a bit of fun and laughter to brighten each others’ day! I have worked in software for a while now, and when @Travis  told me about Skimmer’s mission, and I learned more about the pool service industry, it was an easy YES to join this team!Meeting with Skimmer customers over the past few months has only reinforced my decision -- we have

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Colleen
General Member
jacknelsonatx
Team Skimmer
jacknelsonatxTeam Skimmer
published in News, trends & training
Greetings from Jack, Skimmer's CEO

Hello everyone,   Welcome to The Pool Deck!  At Skimmer, our purpose is to empower pool and spa service professionals with a platform to build great l businesses. We began fulfilling this purpose by developing an all-in-one pool service management platform to simplify running your business, and from the feedback we've received, it seems to be working well.  As we continue to grow, we've heard from our customers that they would like more opportunities to learn and collaborate with other Skimmer users and our team of experts. So, we started working on creating a community space where everyone can come together to share experiences and knowledge. We understand the importance of having a safe space to ask questions to learn together.  But our purpose for The Pool Deck community goes beyond becoming a Skimmer super user. We have partnered with professionals to contribute in areas essential for helping you grow your business and achieve your goals. These experts will cover marketing, finance

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jacknelsonatx
Team Skimmer
alex
Team Skimmer
alexTeam Skimmer
published in News, trends & training
Skimmer's Integration with the Orenda Calculator™News

Exciting news! Skimmer has launched our long-awaited integration with Orenda’s Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) calculator. The calculator is a powerful tool for maintaining balanced water chemistry, which is crucial for customer satisfaction in the pool service industry. This integration makes it easier than ever for Skimmer customers to deliver great service. It gives technicians comprehensive water quality insights to achieve optimal water balance and pool health, all in Skimmer. Unlike other LSI solutions available on the market, Skimmer’s integration with Orenda is simple and intuitive, minimizing switching between apps. It offers a very close replica of the Orenda experience within the familiar Skimmer app, minimizing technicians' learning curve. Features an intuitive interface with features like sliders for easy value input, meaning fewer clicks for your techs and more workflow efficiency. Works both online and offline, which is perfect for remote pool locations. Techs are able

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New Member
Lauren Broom
Skimmer Verified Partner
Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner
asked in News, trends & training
Upcoming Virtual CPO Courses

Hey guys, if you need virtual Certified Pool Operator CPO courses for you or your employees, let me know or go to class schedule here and register through the website!! We offer Spanish Virtual CPO too! Virtual CPO Classes

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Lauren Broom
Skimmer Verified Partner
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
Special discount offer on Primate Pool Tools

We have partnered with our friends at Primate on an exclusive offer for Skimmer customers and community members! Use code PRIMATEPOOLPROS to get $15 off each pole or pole extension in your Primate Pool Tools order. If you have any product questions for ​@PrimateJr add them to the thread below👇SHOP NOW  Primate Pool Tools invented the first carbon fiber pole for pool service. With 30 years of experience in pool maintenance and a deep commitment to using quality materials, they designed an ultralightweight pool pole with superior strength, performance, and features that make work easier and help pool professionals stand out in a competitive market.  

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Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
code3pools_ops
Conversation Starter
code3pools_opsConversation Starter
asked in Life on the road
Above Ground Skimmer with Electrical Cord

Hey everyone! I recently came across an above ground skimmer and had a question about it. In the picture, there’s something that looks like a light or sensor at the bottom front of the skimmer. Also, in the top left corner of the skimmer, there’s a circular component that has an electrical cord connected to it from the outside. Does anyone know what this setup is for? Is it some kind of integrated light, heater, or sensor? Just trying to figure out what I’m looking at before I dig in further. Thanks in advance! 

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code3pools_ops
Conversation Starter
Poolmanpros
New Member
PoolmanprosNew Member
posted in Life on the road
industry shift

In the beginning of my career, I was told to give the least amount of info to the customer, now I find myself giving too much to where the customer is a bit confused. (Thanks Google! ) I think there is a happy medium, giving enough then texting or emailing the full explanation with both sides (if there are both sides) and then having the customer decide. What's your experience or take? 

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code3pools_ops
Conversation Starter
Pool Man Mike
Specialist
Pool Man MikeSpecialist
asked in Life on the road
green 2 clean pricing structure

Since it’s getting to be that season again I was curious how yall processed your green 2 cleans. Some green 2 cleans turn over quicker than others and some can be really stubborn. When I first started in this business I used to lose money on just about every green 2 clean I would get. Then I started charging so much for them that I would make money on them but I’d be so expensive I’d rarely ever get them. They are a nice gateway to get new service clients. Most of the time we can get the water turned over and get the dead algae pump vaced within a week. So I have thought about providing my quote so that it covers the chemicals and labor for up to 5 days. If the water is still not clear after that then it will be additional costs. Pump vac is always billed separately as a labor component. This only applies to the heavy green pools that you cannot see the bottom of the shallow end or even the steps. Looking for your guys input on how you structure your pricing for these level 3 type gree

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code3pools_ops
Conversation Starter
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
On-demand access: Better water chemistry with LSI

Understanding the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) is key to keeping pool water balanced and protecting surfaces and equipment.In this informative presentation ​@Eric Knight from Orenda explains the LSI, why it matters, and how to use Orenda’s LSI & Dosage Calculator, which is available in the Skimmer app.Watch the recording and share it with your team to learn how to:Balance pool water for better results and longer-lasting equipment Improve chemical efficiency and cut costs Prevent common water chemistry issues before they start Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills and deliver even better service BONUS: Check out the attached PDF presentation slides  If you have any questions, add them to the thread below to keep the discussion going ⬇️

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Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
tom180
Rookie Member
tom180Rookie Member
posted in News, trends & training
scaling up initial sync

IF YOU SCALE UP BE AWARE THAT SKIMMER IS SET TO UNSINK THE QB CUSTOMER LIST. SKIMMER CUSTOMER LIST IS SORT BY LAST NAME. AS IT SHOULD BE. I HAD EVERYTHING IN 3 PROGRAMS SORTED BY LAST NAME. THE SYNC CHANGES QB CUSTOMER NAME TO SORT BY FIRST LAST - STREET ADDRESS 

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tom180
Rookie Member
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in Getting started in the community
How to add polls to your posts 🗳️

I noticed that some recent posts from members included polls to gather opinions, which we love to see 😍 To make it easier to include a poll in future posts, check out this short video demonstrating how to use the automated poll feature👇 

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Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
Pool Man Mike
Specialist
Pool Man MikeSpecialist
asked in Life on the road
Is this black algae??

Does this look like black algae to you? We have been servicing this client for about 8 months now and initially did a green 2 clean on their pool when we first took the account over. Their pool has been great since but now this just showed up. I have not seen this in person yet. These are pictures that my tech sent to me. I had him rub a tablet on the surface of the step where some of this is and it didn’t do anything like it normally would do. Any idea what this stuff might be?  

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Pool Man Mike
Specialist
nikiacosta
Team Skimmer
nikiacostaTeam Skimmer
published in News, trends & training
Earn $150 for Every Referral – Join the Skimmer Affiliate Program!

😍 Love Skimmer? Now you can get rewarded for sharing it! As a Skimmer customer, your referrals can get 30 days of Skimmer for free, while you earn $150 for every new customer who remains a customer for 90+ days. Our top affiliates have earned thousands in referral payouts, and you can, too!  👉🏻 Help your friends improve how they operate their business and get rewarded in the process. Sign up for the affiliate program here.

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nikiacosta
Team Skimmer
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
Poolwerx USA Selects Skimmer as Official Pool Service Software Partner

We are extremely proud to announce that Skimmer has been selected as the software vendor of choice for Poolwerx, the world’s largest pool service and retail brand. This partnership marks a significant step forward in pool service technology and cements Skimmer as the premier choice for large and enterprise-level businesses.“Ensuring we select the best possible technology for our network is a key part of our success. We assessed all of the leading software vendors globally to find the best solution. Skimmer was the clear winner as their platform is the easiest to use and incredibly robust, providing everything we need in one seamless solution. Beyond the technology, the Skimmer team is a group of professional individuals who truly understand our business needs,” said Shannon O’Brien, Chief Innovation & Technology Officer at Poolwerx of the partnership.Read  more about this exciting new partnership here: https://www.getskimmer.com/blog/poolwerx-usa-selects-skimmer-as-official-pool-se

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Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
code3pools_ops
Conversation Starter
code3pools_opsConversation Starter
asked in Life on the road
Grand Pools

Our area is starting to have more lavish pool designs and I was wondering what are some tips and best practices to keep them clean - especially when you cannot reach all sides. The picture below is of a pool we were recently asked to quote for cleaning services.Is it normal to get in the pool to clean it - walk on the lounge shelf? Main Pool 7’ Deep EndOverflow 15 people Spa Equipment 

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Conversation Starter
BlueHeartPools
Rookie Member
BlueHeartPoolsRookie Member
posted in Life on the road
Commercial Auto Insurance

Hello, looking for suggestions for commercial auto insurance.  Who do you use and are you happy with their rates, support and claims?

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Pool Man Mike
Specialist
DavidSPL
Skimmer Verified Partner
DavidSPLSkimmer Verified Partner
posted in News, trends & training
What's Your End Game Workshop!

💧 Your earning potential in the Pool Service Industry is finite—but your financial freedom doesn’t have to be!🌟 Ready to Retire, but Not Ready to Stress About Money? 🌟You probably don’t want to work forever, right? But here’s the big question: how can you replace your current income with steady, reliable income when you retire?Join me as I break down concrete, practical strategies to help you build passive income that will sustain you during your Golden Years. 💰✨Retirement should be about freedom, not financial worry—let’s make it happen! 🎯Date & Time: Jan 28, 2025 01:00 PM PSThttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KxfTDdhpQfmCvwXtgdvkeQ#/registration

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DavidSPL
Skimmer Verified Partner
alex
Team Skimmer
alexTeam Skimmer
published in News, trends & training
Skimmer Makes it Easy to Launch Your Own Customer PortalNews

Skimmer continues to invest in new tools designed to help our customers grow their businesses and, in turn, deliver an exceptional experience for their customers. With this goal as our north star, we are thrilled to announce the release of our latest tool, the Customer Portal. This turn-key white label feature can be easily enabled in the platform and branded with each company’s logo to enhance its brand presence and professional offering.  The Customer Portal lets you share service history details to reduce time-consuming customer calls. When paired with Skimmer Billing, the Customer Portal opens up access to additional features like invoices, payment history, and, most importantly, payment methods. It is a perfect way to encourage your customers to enable Autopay to ensure they get paid on time and spend less time chasing outstanding invoices. The best part is that this new feature is included in your Skimmer subscription—that’s right, there is no additional charge to launch it to yo

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Conversation Starter
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
📢 Let’s talk: The State of Pool Service report is here!

Hey, Pool Deck! We’re excited about the launch of our second annual State of Pool Service Report, a deep dive into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping our industry. This report wouldn’t exist without your input (so thank you!), and it highlights the hard work and resilience of pool pros like you. Here are some key takeaways from this year’s report:Economic pressures like inflation and labor shortages were the top challenges in 2024 and will continue into 2025.  Many of you are optimistic about 2025 and plan to use strategic price increases to offset rising costs.  Pool pros are getting more sophisticated with growth strategies, from diversifying services to adopting new technology.  The rise of private equity in the industry is stirring mixed feelings.  Marketing has evolved—fewer lead buys, more customer engagement.  Despite price volatility, the plus chems pricing model hasn’t gained widespread adoption.  Get your copy of the report today! We’d love to hear your thought

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Travis
Team Skimmer
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
A Day of Learning and Networking at Skimmer’s First-Ever Pro Summit

Earlier this week, we hosted our first-ever Skimmer Pro Summit—Austin edition. Star Hill Ranch was the perfect venue to bring together our Central Texas community of company leaders and their Skimmer admins for a full day of professional development, networking, and fun. 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.Heritage Pool Supply Group was our exclusive event sponsor, plus we had a number of contributing partners who generously donated product samples to help us create an awesome Pro Summit package in addition to some cool Skimmer swag for all of our attendees: Sensafe’s Swim Check Fix phosphate tablets PoolRx’s bacteria and algae prevention units  BluerayXL’s Mineral Purifier & Catalyst units Jack’s Magic Stain Identification Kits  Portable power banks

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twalsh
New Member
Travis
Team Skimmer
TravisTeam Skimmer
published in News, trends & training
A pool on the moon

How much would you charge to service it? 🤣 https://www.poolmagazine.com/pool-news/what-if-we-built-a-swimming-pool-on-the-moon/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1yHSygYxKm1TtjWPmpM2Vz1O-90sysj037TZByv4sSpfbBv5bAdmufbk0_aem_WibGSEGuyGUyK5fTer3HLg

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Travis
Team Skimmer
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
Warm Wishes From The Pool Deck

We want to take a moment to celebrate you—our incredible customers and community members! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence inspire us every day. From long days in the field to growing your businesses and serving your customers, your success is what drives everything we do in The Pool Deck and at Skimmer.  We sincerely appreciate all your contributions to making our online community a warm and welcoming space where people can learn from one another and find answers and ideas to achieve their goals.In the coming months, we look forward to offering more webinars, workshops, and content to expand the value with every visit to The Pool Deck.While our community team will take some time off during the holidays, The Pool Deck remains open. Feel free to visit if you need to connect, find answers, or share something interesting with our members.See you in 2025!   

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Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
code3pools_ops
Conversation Starter
code3pools_opsConversation Starter
posted in Life on the road
Cool Weather in Warm Areas

With winter approaching, we know some areas, like Florida, do not face the freezing tempuratures like others.What’s your winter pool game plan? ⛄Are you keeping it operational, lowering the water level, or covering it up? If you’re winterizing, what tips or tricks work best for you in our warmer climate? Do you advise customers to run the pumps during the “freeze” nights?Drop your thoughts or plans. Let’s share ideas and help everyone get ready for the season ahead!Oh, and how many of you had tire pressure alerts this morning? HAHA

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Pool Man Mike
Specialist
Chlorine King
Skimmer Verified Partner
Chlorine KingSkimmer Verified Partner
asked in Life on the road
What do you lose out of your truck the most when in transit?

For me, it’s the dang Taylor test kits. I’ve launched mine like 100 times. I keep mine in the back of my riptide. I’ll be just driving along not paying attention to this camouflaged speed bumps… hit one and launch my kit all over the road. My buddy in this video was driving me to drop off one of my trucks to be wrapped and we got to launch his too ;) I’m curious to what you guys lose out of your trucks. Is it random stuff or something that seems to be consistent?  

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code3pools_ops
Conversation Starter
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
Now Available: Skimmer Mobile App Tutorials in Spanish

We're excited to announce the launch of our Spanish video tutorials in The Pool Deck's Help Center. These tutorials will help you onboard new technicians and get them started using the Skimmer mobile app. We encourage you to share the link below with your Spanish-speaking team members; they do not need to be members of The Pool Deck to access this training content. ACCESS SPANISH TUTORIALS In addition to training new team members, you can share these videos on using key features with your existing team as a quick refresher. 💡The Pool Deck Community Tip: The Help Center also has training resources for onboarding English-speaking technicians. Click here to access and share this link with your team. Please let us know if you have any questions or requests for other resources. We are committed to ensuring your team has the proper training tools to master using the Skimmer mobile app.

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Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team

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