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News, trends & training

Share articles, podcasts, upcoming training, and trade shows, and discuss trends and other interesting industry topics.

  • 74 Posts
  • 97 Replies
75 Posts
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
🎉The Pool Deck is officially ONE year old today 🎉

One year ago, we launched this community to give pool service entrepreneurs and pros a trusted and safe space to ask questions, swap advice, get inspired, and celebrate each other’s wins!! We also teamed up with industry experts to bring real-world tips and tools to help grow your business and sharpen your skills. And it’s a WOW when we look at what we’ve created together so far:1,700+ posts packed with industry knowledge, business know-how, and Skimmer tips 114,000+ page views from owners and pros finding the content they need to level up  37,000+ visitors and 1,500+ members contributing to this growing and dynamic knowledge hub Together, we are building something truly special! To kick off year 2, we’re rolling out a fresh new look and throwing a month-long birthday bash, including contests (with some cool prizes!), shoutouts to our top contributors, a hands-on workshop, a brand-new group launch...and more surprises! PRIZE PACK VALUE IS OVER $1,000!!!As part of our celebrations, we’d

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Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
sharonburch
Skimmer Verified Partner
sharonburchSkimmer Verified Partner
posted in News, trends & training
🎉 Happy Birthday to the Pool Deck! 🎉

 QuickBooks Quick Tips  Offer: Save $300 on either:  Pool Service QuickBooks + Skimmer Billing Virtual Course – Self-paced online training for owners, admins, & bookkeepers (includes live office hours) Done-for-You QuickBooks – Customized setup with Skimmer Billing integration (also includes access to the online course)  Promo code: POOLDECKPROMO – valid for the first 50 Get more details and redeem: HERE 

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sharonburch
Skimmer Verified Partner
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
Join now: A NEW industry group for women

There's something reassuring about connecting with women who truly understand your work world of managing the daily pressures and career aspirations with life's demands. That's why we've created this community group for women across all areas of the pool service industry. Join Women Making Waves and post whenever you need advice, inspiration, or just want to share a win! Plus, we'll host virtual meetups and bring in female leaders from various professions to coach, educate, and nurture professional and personal growth—we're all about lifting each other up!  We all have valuable experiences to share and unique perspectives that can help each other succeed.Join now - we're planning our first virtual meetup for this summer and want you to be part of building this group from the beginning!Join now → Know other women in the industry? Share this post and invite them to join us! 

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Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
💰 Don't miss out on your chance win over $2,500+ in contest prizes

What an incredible month celebrating The Pool Deck's first birthday! As we prepare to wrap up the party, we want to remind you to enter our THREE contests to win AWESOME PRIZE PACKS filled with high-value items worth $ +$2,500!!  Scroll down for details; all entries must be submitted by Friday, June 20!  CONTEST #1: Community Feedback Challenge – What's your Pool Deck experience been like? Share your thoughts on what's been helpful, what could be better, and what you'd love to see more of!  This prize pack includes a CPO course taught by ​@Lauren Broom 😎PRIZE PACK VALUE IS OVER $1,000!!!ENTER NOW  CONTEST #2: Show Us Your Skimmer Hacks – Got a game-changing Skimmer tip? Whether it's tagging strategies, workflow shortcuts, or customer communication hacks—we want to hear them!  Video posts = 3 entries & regular posts = 1 entry 🎥PRIZE PACK VALUE IS OVER $600!!!ENTER NOW  CONTEST #3: Summer Sanity Savers –How do you survive the summer crunch? Share your best tips for managing the hea

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Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
Lauren Broom
Skimmer Verified Partner
Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner
published in News, trends & training
Whats Proper Footwear for Safety?

For pool service technicians, proper footwear is crucial for safety, comfort, and durability in wet and often slippery environments. Here’s a breakdown of the best footwear features and specific types to consider:✅ Essential Footwear Features Slip-Resistant Soles Reduces risk of falls on wet surfaces (poolsides, decks, tile, etc.) Waterproof or Quick-Drying Materials Prevents soggy, heavy shoes and avoids skin issues from prolonged moisture. Closed-Toe Protection Protects feet from pool chemicals, equipment, and accidental impacts. Breathability Keeps feet cooler and helps with odor control. Good Arch Support & Cushioning Important for techs on their feet most of the day. Durability Shoes need to hold up to chemicals like chlorine and general wear-and-tear 👟 Recommended Footwear Types1. Water Shoes (High-Quality) Best for short visits or light-duty work. Brands: Merrell Hydro Moc, Body Glove 3T Barefoot, Speedo Surfwalker Pro 2. Work Boots with

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Chlorine King
Skimmer Verified Partner
F
Skimmer Verified Partner
Fred SchweerSkimmer Verified Partner
published in News, trends & training
The science of mineral technology in pool maintenance

We all know the constant battle of the invisible enemy in our clients' pools: microalgae. Even in crystal-clear water, these microscopic organisms silently consume chlorine, creating maintenance challenges that affect our bottom line and customer satisfaction.Understanding the mineral mechanismThe science is straightforward but powerful. When properly implemented, mineral systems work through three key mechanisms:Disruption of cellular processes - Copper, silver, and zinc ions interfere with essential functions in algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms Reduced chlorine dependency - With minerals handling much of the sanitation, chlorine levels can be maintained at just 0.5-1.0ppm Extended protection - Properly chelated minerals provide continuous protection between service visitsMany of us have discovered through experience that the chelation process makes all the difference. This specialized bonding creates a protective barrier around the minerals, preventing precipitation and stai

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F
Skimmer Verified Partner
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
🎁 Exclusive 30‑Day Free Skimmer Trial for Pool Deck Members! 🎁

As part of our birthday celebration, we want to invite Pool Deck members who have never used Skimmer to try a 30-day free trial of our Scaling Up tier. Try our features designed to help pool pros save time, improve technician accountability, and enhance customer communication.  To claim your free trial, simply click the link below: 👉 Start Your 30‑Day Free Trial Now 👈 This exclusive offer is valid from May 21st to June 5th.Got questions or need a tour? Book a demo

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Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
Travis
Team Skimmer
TravisTeam Skimmer
posted in News, trends & training
Tarrifs and Your Pool Biz

 David Van Brunt podcast alert! Price Shock: Tariffs and Your Pool Biz with Terry Arko of HASA -In this timely episode, Terry Arko breaks down how tariffs on imported goods—from chlorine to equipment—could impact the swimming pool industry. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and why staying informed could be your biggest business advantage this season.https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/17109371

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Travis
Team Skimmer
nikiacosta
Team Skimmer
nikiacostaTeam Skimmer
asked in News, trends & training
What would you like to know about Poolside Tech (The Attendant) Automation?

I’ll soon be joined by ​@DavidJones of Poolside Tech for an upcoming episode of the Between Two Stops podcast. Poolside Tech is an award-winning smart automation system for pool equipment made with both owners and servicers in mind.  What would you like to know about Poolside Tech? Share your questions below and we’ll tackle them! 

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nikiacosta
Team Skimmer
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
📢 Let’s talk: What do pool owners really want?

Hey Pool Deck!We’ve just released our first-ever Pool Owner report, and it’s all about what your customers really want. This isn’t guesswork—it’s based on direct input from homeowners across the country who either hire pros or handle pool care themselves. Their answers might surprise you, and they definitely reveal some big opportunities. Here are a few insights that stood out:Despite the higher income bracket of pool owners, price sensitivity impacts how consumers choose pool care solutions. Customer openness to plus chems pricing signals an opportunity for change. Technology is a big upside for customers, with the vast majority saying they’re significantly more likely to hire pool pros who use modern software. Capitalizing on common customer frustrations could be a path to growth for service providers. AutoPay is a popular option among consumers and a great opportunity for pool pros.How people hear of their pool pros varies widely between segments, and pool pros should adjust marketi

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Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
Justine
The Pool Deck Community Team
JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team
published in News, trends & training
How are you getting ahead of tariff impacts?

Tariffs have been all over the news lately, and many of you are already thinking about what they could mean for equipment, chemicals, and supply costs. We’ve pulled together a few recent articles that break down what’s proposed and offer ideas on how to get in front of potential price hikes—especially when it comes to your customers and planning your purchases.We’d love to hear what are you considering or already doing to prepare? Drop your thoughts below ⬇️Pool Tariffs Are Coming, Buckle Up - Joe TrustyTariff Policy - Pool & Hot Tub Alliance 

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dazzlepools
Conversation Starter
nikiacosta
Team Skimmer
nikiacostaTeam Skimmer
posted in News, trends & training
Pentair rebates on Variable Speed Pumps!

 Tis the season to upsell! This is not an endorsement or paid placement… just sharing for those of you who may be interested!

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nikiacosta
Team Skimmer
kris2024
Conversation Starter
kris2024Conversation Starter
asked in News, trends & training
Fun AI-Written Song About Pool Service Woes

Hey everyone, I thought I’d help you all start your week on a fun note with a funny song I produced using ChatGPT and Suno. It’s all about our pet peeves and woes going out there servicing people’s pools. Here’s the link to the song you can listen to and the lyrics below. Enjoy!Low pH and High HopesVerse 1I pull up to your place, ready to get my clean onBut the gate is locked, your dog’s barking, and I’m already wornPool toys scattered everywhere like a soggy carnival showIt’s my daily mission, but sometimes I’d rather just goChorus (1st time, unchanged)I’m your pool cleaner warrior, waging a chlorine crusadeYou leave me baskets of debris, while I’m splashing in the shadeFloaties, doggy bombs, and covers weighed down with leavesI soldier on with a grin—though it sure ain’t always a breezeVerse 2The water’s looking low, I can hear that pump complainpH is on vacation, and the algae’s blooming againYou fiddled with the settings just to see what they doNow I’m spending extra hours, trying

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kris2024
Conversation Starter
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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MicahShaw
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
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
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
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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T
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

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