Skip to main content

Life on the road

Share best practices, photos & funny stories from your day that only those in the pool service industry can appreciate.

  • 40 Posts
  • 137 Replies
40 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
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

94037
Lauren Broom
Skimmer Verified Partner
N
General Member
NYNYPOOLSGeneral Member
asked in Life on the road
How do you handle "the entitlement"?

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

182
T
Rookie Member
Pacific Valor Pools
New Member
Pacific Valor PoolsNew Member
asked in Life on the road
Introduction – Pacific Valor Pool Services

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

160
Pacific Valor Pools
New Member
Pool Man Mike
Specialist
Pool Man MikeSpecialist
asked in Life on the road
Repair / Service hourly Rate

Hey everyone! I’m curious to hear from the California companies primarily NorCal. What your hourly rate is for repairs? We charge $125.00 / hr but I’ve been thinking about raising it. I have a friend that owns a pool company out in San Jose and he said his labor rate is $100/hr. That seems too low to me and honestly even $125.00 /hr seems a little low. I was thinking of raising it in the fall. Just wanted to check in with others out around my area and see what you’re getting.  thank you in advance.  mike,

1153
G
New Member
Derek Franchino
Rookie Member
Derek FranchinoRookie Member
posted in Life on the road
Staying safe in this heat. Thanks Pool Deck!

Summer is always the toughest stretch for pool service professionals like me.Here in the middle of the season, the heat is relentless — day after day in the Southwest Florida sun, moving from stop to stop, making sure every pool is safe, clean, and balanced for my customers.That’s why winning a Yeti cooler from The Skimmer Pool Deck’s first birthday sweepstakes couldn’t have come at a better time. I wanted to write about it because while it’s always important to focus on your customers’ pool safety at all times, it’s equally important to focus on your own safety, especially this time of year.Staying hydrated and keeping my core temperature regulated isn’t optional in this business; it’s survival. Heat exhaustion is a real danger when you’re in and out of service stops and on the road all day. Having ice-cold water and electrolytes close at hand in the Yeti makes a big difference: I’m not constantly stopping at convenience stores, and the drinks actually stay cold all the way through my

390
Derek Franchino
Rookie Member
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in Life on the road
The Pool Deck mobile app hack
The Pool Deck mobile app hack

I often get asked if there’s a mobile app for The Pool Deck for easy access in the field.So I want to remind all of our members that you can add a mobile shortcut to your screen, and the community is fully responsive, so it’s easy to navigate on your phone. Tap the “app” icon for instant on-the-go accessClick here for instructions for both iPhone and Android devices. I hope this means you visit more frequently to get more value out of our growing knowledge hub!! 

280
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
Chlorine King
Skimmer Verified Partner
Chlorine KingSkimmer Verified Partner
posted in Life on the road
Pool Cleaning Gone Wild: Gorilla Takes Over

I’m sure you all have seen that viral AI gorilla all over the internet. I created a video of him being a pool cleaner for a day. I hope you all get some laughs from it. I have more AI gorilla content coming as well for the pool industry haha.  

1216
Chlorine King
Skimmer Verified Partner
Travis
Team Skimmer
TravisTeam Skimmer
published in Life on the road
Happy 4th of July!
Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th from Skimmer! 🇺🇸 💥 Wishing you a day of fun and doodie free pools. 🚫💩 

220
Travis
Team Skimmer
Chlorine King
Skimmer Verified Partner
Chlorine KingSkimmer Verified Partner
posted in Life on the road
A Day In The Life As A Pool Pro!

 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! 

1166
Chlorine King
Skimmer Verified Partner
P
New Member
PoolBrite KonaNew Member
posted in Life on the road
Aloha From Kona

Aloha from all of us. Looking forward to learning more about the tricks of the trade from all of you.Just got started on the pool deck to see what it's all about and to expand our interactions with skimmer. Skimmer has been an excellent addition to our company and we love the customer service as well. Looking forward to being in touch and meeting more of you as our colleagues

170
P
New Member
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! 

290
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? 

1844
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

2063
code3pools_ops
Conversation Starter
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?  

1094
Pool Man Mike
Specialist
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 

1223
T
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?

1678
Pool Man Mike
Specialist
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

501
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?  

1607
code3pools_ops
Conversation Starter
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
posted in Life on the road
Live from Dallas!

If you’re at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo come and visit the Skimmer team at booth 1600!We are having a fabulous day meeting with customers…plus we have some cool swag if you stop by to say 👋  

310
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in Life on the road
Memes That Scream Summer 2024: Submit yours now for a chance to WIN!
Memes That Scream Summer 2024: Submit yours now for a chance to WIN!

Summer 2024 was BUSY, and hopefully, you’re getting a chance to catch your breath and have some fun! We want to celebrate everyone’s efforts to maximize their customers’ backyard fun time with sparkling clean pools by giving away prize packs of our NEW Pool Deck swag! For a chance to win:Add the meme that best captures your summer 2024 mood to the thread below👇 Give a 👍👍👍 to the memes from other members that make you 🤣😅😍 The deadline to enter is Friday, October 4, 2024 A draw for 3 swag packs will be held from all contest entries, and winners will be notified Swag packs will include a t-shirt, buff, and water bottleWe can’t wait to see how your life on the road has been this summer 🚙☀️ PS - A HUGE thank you to @peopleops for modeling our NEW collection 😎

1916
code3pools_ops
Conversation Starter
nikiacosta
Team Skimmer
nikiacostaTeam Skimmer
posted in Life on the road
Pool Spa Patio Expo Dallas 2024 - Last day for early bird registration!

The conference portion runs from November 9th -14th, and the expo hall will be open November 12th - 14th.Attend the expo portion FREE! Use Skimmer’s VIP code, 119736 when you register for yourself or your team members! And if you decide to attend, come find us in Booth #1600, right up front. We’ll be co-located with our friends from Primate Pool Tools and BluerayXL!       Last Chance: PSP/Deck Expo Early Bird Rates End Tonight!   Unlock the Best Rates and Exclusive Offers Before Time Runs Out.   This year’s International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™, co-located with Deck Expo, brings together professionals from across the pool, spa, patio, decking, and outdoor living industries for unparalleled education and networking. Early bird rates expire tonight—don’t wait to lock in the best deal for this must-attend event.   Special Offer: If you register for GENESIS® C201: Construction School: Concrete Pools before September 30 you’ll receive a compl

370
nikiacosta
Team Skimmer
Happy Pools
General Member
Happy PoolsGeneral Member
asked in Life on the road
Stubborn Yellow Algae

Hey everyone, I am dealing with a pool that has what we think is Yellow Algae. The Chlorine level was 4.5 when we got there today and all of the rest of the chemicals were within range. We have been using yellow algaecide weekly and can’t seem to get it under control. The pump has been running 10 hrs/ day and we clean the filter regularly. This pool is on the beach so I am thinking that could be part of it.  Does anyone have any magic they can recommend? Thinking I might give PoolRx a try on this one… 

2178
ClearPoolPartners
New Member
nikiacosta
Team Skimmer
nikiacostaTeam Skimmer
published in Life on the road
The International Pool Spa Patio Expo is in Dallas this year! Attend the expo free!
The International Pool Spa Patio Expo is in Dallas this year! Attend the expo free!

 The International Pool Spa Patio Expo is taking place in Dallas this year, after two years in Las Vegas!The conference portion runs from November 9th -14th, and the expo hall will be open November 12th - 14th.If you’d like to attend the expo, use Skimmer’s VIP code, 119736 when you register for yourself or your team members! And if you decide to attend, come find us in Booth #1600, right up front. We’ll be co-located with our friends from Primate Pool Tools and BluerayXL! Are you attending? Let us know by leaving a comment below! 

1090
nikiacosta
Team Skimmer
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in Life on the road
Shining a spotlight on our members 🩵
Shining a spotlight on our members 🩵

At Skimmer, we are fortunate to have amazing customers. We find inspiration in hearing their stories about how they got started in business, how they are evolving, and what keeps them motivated. So, I wanted to share our latest customer stories for a bit of summer reading that highlights two of our members in The Pool Deck @dazzlepools @ohanapoolsoffl. Their family stories and journeys of growth and learning are sure to bring a smile to your face...and give you insight into some of the talented and motivated members of our community.Enjoy!Read About Dazzle PoolsRead About Ohana Pools 

551
ohanapoolsoffl
Rookie Member
DavidSPL
Skimmer Verified Partner
DavidSPLSkimmer Verified Partner
posted in Life on the road
How to Take 4-Weeks Off Every Year

Memorial Day is just around the corner. Is this one of your days off? I am often asked if you should take these significant holidays off. It depends. If your Mondays are light, you can easily make up the pools during the week. Or if you want to skip the pools entirely, you can, but then you will use up one of your days on your four weeks off. How does a Pool Pro take four weeks off each year? It's simple. There are months when there are five service weeks, and you charge monthly for four weeks. May 2024 has 5 Wednesdays, 5 Thursdays, and 5 Fridays. You explain to the customer that you don't charge extra for the 5th week during these months, which adds up to 4 weeks off for your company. I usually take two straight weeks off during the year and then use the other two weeks for random times. To avoid conflicts, have this written in your service agreement: "Sick Day/Vacation Policy: In case of a sick day or injury, we will do our best to make up the service day for you. If we cannot make

3207
Bluefish
New Member

Badge winners

Show all badges
Terms & ConditionsCookie Settings

©The Pool Deck by Skimmer Inc. All rights reserved.