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Industry news, training & life on the road

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.

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JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team

published in News, trends & training

The average service price increased by 9% in 2024

Service Industry News released its 2024 labor and equipment survey results this week. 74% of participants indicated they had raised their rates due to inflation, with an average increase of 9%. Check out the complete survey results here. Interestingly, these findings align with Skimmer’s 2024 industry report on the State of Pool Service from January, where the data indicated that 74% of participants would be increasing their rates this year. Of those planning on increasing prices, nearly 42% of respondents said they were aiming for a less than 10% raise, while just over 40% targeted an 11% to 20% price increase. It’s encouraging to see that most pool pros are delivering against their 2024 business plan. And, if you are still contemplating increasing your rates, here are some additional resources to help you think strategically about your pricing and different business models: Skimmer Service Rate IndexSkimmer’s Service Rate Index for exclusive details about what competitors in your are

2223

5 months ago

TravisTeam Skimmer

published in News, trends & training

SRS Distribution announces the completion of acquisition by The Home Depot.

“The Home Depot®, the world's largest home improvement retailer, has completed the acquisition of SRS Distribution, Inc. ("SRS") for a total enterprise value of approximately $18.25 billion. SRS is a leading residential specialty trade distribution company across several verticals serving the professional roofer, landscaper and pool contractor. The agreement to acquire SRS was announced on March 28, 2024.”Read the full release here → https://www.heritagepoolsupplygroup.com/news/#HomeDepotSRS

310

6 months ago

JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team

published in Life on the road

What's the strangest thing you've found in a skimmer basket?

Okay, it’s time to have some fun and a few laughs 😂 and give away some Skimmer gear 😎Post the strangest thing you or your team have found in a skimmer basket in the thread below.Photo is optional 📸 The top 3 replies with the most likes 👍 will be sent a Skimmer swag package ☀️And go 👇 **Contest ends Monday, June 17th**

1887

6 months ago

Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in Life on the road

CPO Instructor in Prince Edward Island Canada

152

6 months ago

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?

806

6 months ago

JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team

published in News, trends & training

Another example of why pool owners need to hire a professional 😎

Stories like this are a perfect opportunity for an industry marketing campaign to highlight the risks of the do-it-yourself approach and spotlight the technical proficiency of professionals in the pool service business!https://wegotthiscovered.com/social-media/girl-you-just-made-a-war-chemical-pool-cleaning-calamity-leads-to-the-creation-of-mustard-gas-in-womans-backyard/

220

6 months ago

Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in Life on the road

Today at the Pool

Break in the rain!! No sun but water is still 85!! Enjoying pool before we leave for colder temps in PEI Canada on Friday. Gotta show off our tans from Florida!!

6 months ago

Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner

asked in News, trends & training

Todays CPO Class

Today I am Teaching Virtual Certified Pool Operator CPO course for 7 awesome students from the PSATC pool apprenticeship program. Our fun review game for virtual CPO with PSATCWho Wants To Be A CPO?If you want your staff to have fun while learning in a virtual format from home! Next classes in July filling Register here https://www.spacecoastpoolschool.com/100-online-cpo-class/

180

6 months ago

ProTeck PoolsNew Member

posted in Life on the road

New Here

Hello from San Diego CA

141

6 months ago

DavidSPLSkimmer Verified Partner

published in News, trends & training

Having Trouble controling pH in a pool?

If you're having trouble keeping a pool at 7.4 pH, don't worry, as everyone does. But does the pH actually need to be that low? And what can you do to at least slow pH from rising rapidly in a pool? This video answers those questions and more!

1010

6 months ago

SPPA-InsuranceSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in News, trends & training

SPPA- New here!

Hi! I’m new to the POOLDECK and very excited to make some connections here! My name is Danielle Bahr. I am the owner/Director of SPPA- Swimming Pool Pro Alliance and Bahr Insurance Agency. I was born into the pool industry, as my parents own a highly successful pool business. My passion for the pool industry runs deep, ingrained in me from a young age through the experiences and values instilled by my family's business. I have been providing insurance coverage for pool professionals for over two decades, with a strong track record of ensuring their protection. Ten years ago, I initiated the SPPA program, a testament to my commitment to elevating standards within the industry and offering specialized insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of pool professionals. Through the SPPA program, we provide General Liability insurance customized specifically for pool professionals, safeguarding their business and livelihoods. The SPPA program offers three insurance coverage options desi

440

6 months ago

JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team

published in News, trends & training

Check out our next webinar hosted by @nikiacosta as she moderates a live customer panel.

1463

6 months ago

DavidSPLSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in News, trends & training

VacDaddy Portable Vacuum

The latest VacDaddy 2.0 version is here. It’s tough to place this in any one category. It has the power of a vacuum system but the capacity of a suction cleaner canister (internal debris bags). It doesn’t use a battery but plugs in. It vacuums a pool like a vacuum connected to the skimmer but rides on your pole with no hoses. It’s the Duck-Billed platypus of pool tools! However, the Vacuum to Waste (V2W) adapter and the shallow water adapter make this a versatile machine.

811

6 months ago

Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in News, trends & training

Virtual 2 day CPO cert

https://www.spacecoastpoolschool.com/event/june-15-16-2024-full-2-day-virtual-cpo/

190

6 months ago

Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in News, trends & training

Virtual spanish CPO class june 8th!!

https://www.spacecoastpoolschool.com/event/8-de-junio-de-2024-1-dia-cpo-virtual-curso-completo-de-espanol/

6 months ago

Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in News, trends & training

Virtual CPO Certification

Good Afternoon to everyone On The Pool Deck: First, thanks to Skimmer for this online community!!!OK, who here would like to know more about Virtual CPO certification?? Do you know the difference between the Fusion class and the 2 Day virtual class format?Upcoming classes are 06/01 for Fusion and 06/15-06/16 for 2 Day virtual format. Comment here to find out more information

773

6 months ago

Dan Riley VNew Member

posted in Life on the road

Hey Pool Pros

Greetings, Pool Pros. My name is Dan Riley V. Started in the Service Industry 2008. Wife and I started a service company in 2008 after the economy tanked. We did not buy a route but built one from scratch, one pool at a time. Relentlessly pursuing education, we found moderate success and discovered an industry full of very kind and helpful colleagues eager to help us grow. I am a lifelong part of this industry, as a result.We sold our route to another family member 2 years ago and got the heck out of CA like most everyone else. I am currently a service manager for a rapidly growing design/build/service firm in Atlanta. Thank you, all, in advance, for your contributions here and across the industry.Regards,Dan Riley VIG: @rileyv.photography

560

6 months ago

TravisTeam Skimmer

posted in News, trends & training

RECALL; Pool Drain Cover

FYI https://www.wftv.com/news/trending/recall-alert-pool-drain-covers-recalled-due-entrapment-hazard/B6WDWED4UJGUHDFJW6AEYO4ONA/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3x5ugdTMANR0RaQ_Nm1TiQ5WEGm5df5jChB8om_m1c1h19BtsqMISg4a0_aem_AcciNGnJAGRxGLULQH7Jh7hnesKt-85ywyEK-6US3hwJvDU_V5XAhpCDmDl-QOWp_IysW-Izfx9gPmSLGz4ZNHYK

210

6 months ago

DavidSPLSkimmer Verified Partner

published in News, trends & training

Are Phosphates for "Real"

I've been in the industry long enough to remember when the mention of "phosphates" was met by glares and snickering at the wholesale supply counter - circa the 1990s and early 2000s. Fast forward to 2024, and the attitude is much different. I put together a short video summing up phosphates and the treatment for them in a pool.

2125

6 months ago

TravisTeam Skimmer

posted in Life on the road

Pool test strips save man’s life

In a shocking case out of Arizona, a woman has admitted to attempting to poison her Air Force husband by lacing his coffee with bleach. Despite the gravity of the offense, Melody Felicano Johnson, 40, is reportedly evading jail time, instead she’ll receive probation coupled with mandatory mental health treatment. https://www.poolmagazine.com/pool-news/pool-test-strips-confirm-wife-tried-to-poison-me-says-victim/

572

6 months ago

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?

571

6 months ago

dandecRookie Member

asked in News, trends & training

Automated skimmer/bottom cleaner

Has anyone come across an automated device that skims the top of the pool for leaves, then also dives down and cleans the bottom? There are several solar-powered devices that skim the top and do not depend on a hose or cord which is required in this situation.But the only one I saw so far is from BettaBot and I think it is a new item, and, it looks to be about $2,000.Since the customer has turnover at the house because of renters, have a vacuum that runs on the bottom but is connected to a hose is not an option. Pool is roughly 10k gal.

994

6 months ago

TravisTeam Skimmer

posted in Life on the road

well thats one way to use the pool noodle

https://www.poolmagazine.com/pool-news/pool-noodle-hail-hack-goes-viral/

350

6 months ago

JS-AWGeneral Member

posted in News, trends & training

What is everyone doing for a PowerVac bag Solution?

Thoughts on Vacbagz design? Do we need distribution to support?

6 months ago

Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in News, trends & training

Time to renew my NPC start up technician certification. You should check it out as well.

What I am working on today. Time to renew this awesome class!!

200

6 months ago

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