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News, trends & training

News, trends & training

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

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23 Posts

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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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27 days ago

Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in News, trends & training

Other training on Residential Water Chemistry

https://www.spacecoastpoolschool.com/residential-advanced-water-chemistry-mini-course/

2 days ago

Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in News, trends & training

Salt Chlorine Generators and what to know!!

2 days ago

Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in News, trends & training

July CPO Education

Upcoming virtual Certified Pool Operator CPO courses for July filling nowRegister now before the spots are gone!https://www.spacecoastpoolschool.com/100-online-cpo-class/

2 days ago

Lauren BroomSkimmer Verified Partner

asked in News, trends & training

Dogs in Pools

How many people is an average sized dog equal to in a pool?I know the answer question is do you have a guess? Put in comments!!

2 days ago

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

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2 days 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

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6 days 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/

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11 days 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/

17 days 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!

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21 days 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

26 days ago

JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team

published in News, trends & training

REGISTER NOW - Proven Paths to Scaling Your Pool Service Business

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

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27 days 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.

27 days 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/

28 days 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/

28 days 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

1 month 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

1 month 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.

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1 month 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.

1 month 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?

1 month 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!!

1 month ago

DavidSPLSkimmer Verified Partner

published in News, trends & training

Using Chlorine Enhancers to Save $$$ on Your Pool Route

Phosphate Remover and Enzyme Combo Product:Natural Chemistry Perfect Weekly & Pool Perfect & Phosfree are two such products. Allows chlorine to be more effective. Removes one food source for algae.Mineral Technologies:PoolRx+ NSF 50 approved EPA registered algaecide Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate: 86.85% Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate: 1.51% Silver Nitrate: 0.40% Chelated – suspended and won't drop out of solution It prevents microalgae and algae of all types. Reduces chemical use by up to 70%Borates: It's not algaecide, but it is algae stat.Algae Growth Inhibition: Borates act as a biostatic agent, meaning they don't kill algae directly but inhibit its growth. They achieve this by affecting the enzymes inside algae cells, disrupting their ability to perform photosynthesis effectively. Check out my video on Using Chlorine Enhancers

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1 month ago

JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team

published in News, trends & training

This May share free water safety resources with your customers

Water safety is a crucial year-round commitment, but as you all know, spending more time near and in the water becomes a top priority as we all gear up for some summer fun! To ensure your customers are well-informed about safe practices and procedures for their swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, here are some websites that have compiled free resources and brochures for you to download and forward, or even order hard copies you can drop off at your next service:National Water Safety Month Coalition: This is a trusted source for comprehensive resources covering all aspects of pool and hot tub safety. Colin's Hope: An organization dedicated to preventing childhood drownings, providing valuable materials and insights for safer aquatic experiences.If you've previously shared water safety resources with your customers, we'd love to hear about how you did it and any feedback you received.

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1 month ago

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