News, trends & training

Credit card fees can take a big bite out of your profits. Now there’s an easier way to manage them. Skimmer Payments now supports surcharging, so you can automatically add a small fee to credit card payments and offset processing costs — all while staying compliant and transparent with your customers.Skimmer handles everything for you: it calculates the surcharge, adds it to invoices clearly, and applies it only where surcharging is legally allowed.Learn how surcharging works and where it’s available: Read the guide   One system, built for pool prosRunning a pool service  business is tough enough without worrying about changing regulations or manual billing steps. Surcharging is another way Skimmer helps pros simplify billing, protect margins, and run a more efficient business — all in one place.With Skimmer Payments, you can: Automate surcharging  Take a deposit on a quote Keep invoices clear and professional Sync payments directly to QuickBooks Online Accept card, ACH, Google

Hey Pool Deck –The third annual State of Pool Service survey is officially live! This is your chance to share what you see coming in 2026 — from pricing and staffing to AI, chemicals, supplies, and growth opportunities.The 2025 report drew on input from 2000+ pros, 30,000+ Skimmer users, and market research to paint the clearest picture yet of our industry. This year, we want to make it even more relevant, and that starts with your voice.By completing the survey, you’ll be entered to win one of five prizes:1st prize: Riptide SL vacuum valued at $2000 2nd prize: A Lamotte SpinTouch valued at $1200 3rd prize: $500 in Heritage Pool Supply Group credit 4th prize: Primate Pole 3X valued at $300 5th prize: A Skimmer swag packThis year’s prizes 😍👉 Complete the survey hereAlso, if you haven’t yet, check out last year’s report to see insights on:Strategic pricing tactics: Learn how pool pros are strategically leveraging pricing to stay on top of economic pressure. Evolving growth strategies:

Show us your best work order and you could win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Skimmer Pro Summit on Wednesday, November 12, at The San Marco Resort in Phoenix, AZ! There are 2 prize packs up for grabs! CONTEST DETAILS: We want to see how you're using Skimmer's Work Order feature to improve your service quality, efficiency, and customer experience.Show us either:Your best active work order in Skimmer                                      ORA detailed new work order you've been planning to try CONTEST ENTRY: Submit a short video walking through one of your work orders to be eligible to win by emailing: success@getskimmer.com TIPS ON WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR VIDEO: Default Work Description fully filled out Required and Checklist items are clearly outlined Installed items configured (if relevant) Billing setup shown in the system BONUS: Include an example of your service email or a positive customer response WINNER SELECTION: Our Customer Success team will review all submissions and select

Skimmer has launched Jobs, our new end-to-end repair workflow built for pool pros. Jobs makes it easier than ever to manage repairs, installs, and one-time projects—all in one place. With Jobs, pool pros can move seamlessly from quote to paid:Send professional quotes with deposits, photos, and attachments that set clear expectations. Convert approved quotes into jobs instantly, with all line items, fees, and deposits carried over. Schedule work orders directly from the job, track progress across visits, and update line items as scope changes. Generate accurate invoices with deposits automatically applied and totals showing sold, invoiced, and paid.Unlike other repair workflows that require juggling multiple systems, Skimmer keeps everything connected—quote, job, work orders, invoice, and payment—so pros don’t waste time retyping details or chasing lost deposits.The result: fewer missed charges, less out-of-pocket expenses, and a more professional experience for your customers. Learn mo

We’re hitting the road and hosting an afternoon you won’t want to miss—education, networking, food, and fun at Topgolf locations across the country!🎟️ Free to attend:These events are the perfect chance to sharpen your skills, connect with fellow pool pros, and see how to get the most out of Skimmer.📌 What’s on deck:Feature Presentation: Streamlining Workflows & Driving Tech Accountability—learn how to get more out of Skimmer by leveraging our latest features and proven best practices. Interactive Q&A: Get your questions answered by the experts. Exclusive Sneak Peek: Be among the first to see what’s coming on our product roadmap.And of course… we’ll wrap it all up with dinner, drinks, and some swings at the bays. 🍔🍹⛳Come for the training, stay for the fun—and leave with new connections and insights to grow your business! Registration is now open for each event: Atlanta: Thursday, October 2ndDallas: Tuesday, October 7thTampa: Tuesday, October 14thMiami: Thursday, October 16th

GIVEAWAY UPDATE: We’re excited to share the winners of our LaMotte® Spin Touch® giveaway:1. Thomas Clow, Float On Pools & Spas LLC 🏆 Thomas Clow, Float On Pools & Spas LLC2. Ben Majewski, El Dorado Pool Rescue 🏆 Ben Majewski, El Dorado Pool RescueThank you to everyone who entered and celebrated the launch of our new integration. And don’t worry, this won’t be our last giveaway. More chances to win are coming soon!To celebrate our brand-new integration with LaMotte® Spin Touch®, we’re giving away TWO FREE Mobile WaterLink® Spin Touch® Model 3581 devices to two lucky pros! 💧 Why it matters: Skimmer now syncs automatically with LaMotte® Spin Touch® models (3580, 3581, and 3582). This means your techs can test water and have verified results pull straight into the Skimmer app via Bluetooth with no typing required. No typos. No missed readings. Just fast, accurate results logged instantly. 🧪 What you get with Skimmer + Spin Touch®:Save time: Auto-import test results in seconds  

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

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

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

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! 

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

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

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