Skimmer product updates

In version 12.7, we’ve simplified mobile app syncing so you can always know your data is up to date without extra steps.Here’s what’s new: Sync from the route dashboard — you can now refresh your data right where you work with a quick tap or pull-to-refresh Background auto-sync — Unlike before, when you had multiple toggle options to manage, sync now happens automatically in the background, so you don’t have to think about it. You can see exactly when your data was last synced, with clearer status messages in settings.  👉 Make sure to update to version 12.7.2 for the latest improvements.Update for iOS Update for Android  

Deposits in Quotes give pool pros a simple way to protect their business and keep jobs on track; no more chasing money or having awkward conversations. By requiring a deposit up front, you reduce financial risk, protect cash flow, and ensure your customers are fully committed before you even get started. Watch this short video below to see how easy it is to add a deposit requirement to a quote. How quote deposits help your businessProtect your cash flow: Collect deposits to cover materials, chemicals, and prep so you’re not paying out of pocket. Secure commitment: Deposits turn a “yes” into a true commitment, cutting down on cancellations and no-shows. Avoid awkward money talks: Skimmer automates the process, so you spend less time negotiating and more time working. Reduce risk: Deposits safeguard your time and resources by making sure your customers share the cost before work begins. Streamline scheduling: Prioritize jobs that have deposits collected, so your calendar stays efficient and profitable.Common use cases for using deposits in quotesDeposits aren’t one-size-fits-all; they fit into many parts of your business. Here are a few common scenarios where they can make a big difference:Repairs & equipment jobs: Cover pumps, heaters, or other parts before you order. Seasonal openings & closings: Secure deposits to guarantee spots during the rush One-time services: Reduce no-shows by requiring money down on filter cleans or drain & refills. New service sign-ups: Collect a first-month deposit to confidently get customers started.Think of deposits as just the first step in protecting your cash flow. Soon, you’ll be able to carry those deposits seamlessly into Jobs, Skimmer’s connected repair workflow that takes you from quote to scheduled work to payment, all in one place. Stay tuned!Learn more about how to set up deposits here Learn about other quote features in this post.  

We’re starting a major upgrade of reporting in Skimmer, with the goal of giving you clearer insights, more control and reports that save you time. We’ve released some enhancements to some billing reports to get that revamp rolling: ​​​​​​Payouts ReportThe Payouts Report shows which online payments and refunds are linked to each payout. You or your accountant can use it to match bank deposits with customer payments and refunds in your accounting system.What’s new: Combines the old Payouts Summary and Detail reports into one, so you no longer need to switch back and forth to get the full picture. Shows exactly which payments are included in each Stripe payout, making reconciliation with your accounting system faster and clearer. Lets you filter by customer or invoice and export clean data, giving you and your accountant exactly what you need without extra digging. Note: The old payout reports will remain available for a period of time, so you can adjust before they’re decommissioned.Learn more about the new Payouts Report → https://help.getskimmer.com/article/290-payouts-report    Sales Tax Summary ReportsSales Tax Summary Reports help you understand how much sales tax was collected (Cash) or billed (Accrual) on invoices. They make it easier to estimate how much you’ll need to disburse to your local or state tax authorities (based on your tax settings).What’s new: Invoices without a Tax Group are now clearly included, giving you a complete and accurate picture of all taxable and non-taxable invoices. A new “Not Subject to Tax” column has been added to both Accrual and Cash reports, making separating non-taxable items easier and reducing errors during tax prep. We’ll be rolling out more reporting upgrades soon, and we’d love your input as we build them. What kinds of reports do you rely on most today? What insights would you like to see Skimmer provide in the future?Please leave your comments in the chat :) 

This month’s releases include the new LaMotte Spin Touch® integration, along with updates to work orders, reports, invoices, payments, onboarding and more. Here’s your full August roundup:LaMotte® IntegrationThe LaMotte® integration makes water testing in the field faster, easier, and smarter. With Bluetooth-enabled syncing, technicians can send results straight from a LaMotte® Spin Touch® (models 3580, 3581, and 3582) directly into the Skimmer app.Map Spin Touch readings to match your Skimmer setup Sync readings directly from the device into the Skimmer mobile app Easily see which readings came from Spin Touch in service history*Included in the Scaling Up and Skimmer for Enterprise tiers Work OrdersManaging work orders just got easier with a couple of key improvements:We’ve added new columns and filters for “Added By” and “Added On” in Finished Work Orders Improved scheduling by pre-populating 90 days of recurring work orders in advance InvoicesFinding the correct invoices is now quicker with a new filter that shows whether customers do or do not have a payment method on file. PaymentsYou’ll now see a memo icon on payments, so it’s easy to capture details like check numbers and spot them at a glance. Past Due CustomersIt’s now more apparent when a customer has overdue invoices. You’ll see clear past due icons in work orders, quotes, invoices, and shopping lists.Tip: You can set up automated reminders for customers with outstanding invoices. These reminders can be sent before and after the invoice is due. Reporting EnhancementsWe’ve made the Sales Tax Summary reports more transparent and easier to use:Invoices without a Tax Group are now clearly included A new “Not Subject to Tax” column has been added to both Accrual and Cash reports Onboarding Improvements Getting started with Skimmer is now smoother than ever:A new welcome screen highlights the most important setup steps like importing customers, enabling payments, and configuring workflows You can now choose during setup whether or not you use QuickBooks OnlineMobile Updates - Version 12.6.2We’ve made significant improvements to offline sync visibility and photo handling.New “Sync Status” card in Settings with pending upload + sync timestamps Photos now load in a horizontal scroll with loading/error indicators Improved memory efficiency for better app performance Make sure to update to version 12.6.2 for the latest improvements.Update for iOS Update for Android That’s it for this month’s roundup. We’ll share updates like this each month to make it simple to see what’s new in Skimmer. 🚀      

You can now connect your LaMotte Spin Touch device* directly to Skimmer to sync water test results into the app instantly. This integration* makes it easier for techs to capture fast, accurate testing results on the job, and for admins to see exactly where those numbers came from in the service record. It’s all about streamlining your workflow and cutting down the time spent on manual entry. Watch the video below to see how you can easily set it up and use it: What does this integration mean for your team:You can auto-import test results in seconds during a stop, which means less time tapping and more time working. Test results come straight from the device into Skimmer, no misreads or bad data. Each reading is marked to show whether it came from a device or was entered manually, allowing you to maintain accuracy in your reporting and preserve data integrity. You can override a reading if needed, and Skimmer will note the change in the service record.*The LaMotte integration is included in the Scaling Up and Skimmer for Enterprise tiers and is compatible with the LaMotte® WaterLink® Spin Touch® models 3580, 3581, and 3582.  Bonus: We’re doing a giveaway!!To celebrate the launch, we’re giving away a FREE Mobile WaterLink® Spin Touch® Model 3581 to 2 lucky pros! If your team could use one, this is your chance👉 Enter the giveaway nowGetting started is simple:For admins:Go to Settings > Readings & Dosages in Skimmer and click “Activate” under LaMotteFrom there:Map each LaMotte reading to an existing Skimmer field or create a new reading if needed Save your changes to activate the mobile integration.For techs:Download the latest version of the Skimmer mobile app (Version 12.6.1or later) Navigate to the readings section of the app on a service stop or work order Tap “Connect to Spin Touch” to connect via Bluetooth Tap the “Send” button on the Spin Touch Edit any value if needed—it’ll be saved and tracked Complete service stop or work order as usual.Got questions? Check out the full FAQ below:https://help.getskimmer.com/article/285-lamotte-spin-touch-integration-faq-general  

 At Skimmer, we're always looking for ways to serve you better, and your opinion counts!Help us shape the future of Skimmer by completing this brief survey, and be entered to win one of two $250 Amazon gift cards!This survey will help us understand what tools outside of Skimmer you're using today, your satisfaction with them, and what you wish you could offload to automation. The insights you provide will directly influence our 2025/2026 roadmap.The survey will remain open until Aug 15, 2025, and winners will be drawn on Aug 27, 2025!

 Back in March, we introduced Schedule: a smarter, more efficient way to view and manage your team’s work across multiple days and techs. Today, we’re expanding it with a daily view, an improved way to plan, assign, and adjust daily work in real time. Designed with office admins and route managers in mind, the daily view gives you a clean, hour-by-hour layout of your entire team’s schedule for the day.**Note: The schedule is included in the Scaling Up and Owning the Market tiers  Watch this video to see how the new daily view works. How the daily view helps your schedulingWhile the weekly view helps you plan ahead across multiple days, the daily view gives you a real-time look at your team’s day. This makes it easier to assign last-minute work, rebalance routes, and respond quickly when things change. Now it’s so much easier to: 1. See all techs and all stops for today on one screen  2. Drag and drop to reassign or reschedule with zero hassle  3. View live route summaries and stop status at a glance  4. Filter by work type, tech, and more  5. Use the map to adjust based on real-world locations  Two views, one powerful scheduling workflow The daily view doesn’t replace the weekly view; rather, it complements it. Each view gives you a different lens on your team's work, and when used together, they give you complete control over planning and execution. Here are some tips on when to use both views.Use the weekly view when mapping out assignments across multiple days or techs. It's perfect for load balancing, route clustering, and long-term planning. Use the daily view when you need to zoom in on today to see every stop, identify gaps or overlaps, and make adjustments on the go. Need to assign a new work order that came in today? Use the daily view Want to plan ahead for a short week or assign a big project across a few days? Use the weekly view. Since both views are part of the same schedule feature, any updates you make, whether reassigning a stop or adjusting timing, will sync across the board. Getting startedThe guide below walks you through the Schedule feature, how to use the calendar, assign unscheduled work, and get the most out of the map.GUIDEAs always, you can drop your comments or feedback in the comments and we’ll be sure to get back to you :)    

We’ve added new improvements to Quotes that help you move faster, get paid sooner, and keep your workflow clean and simple. Whether you're sending one quote a week or dozens a day, these new features give you more control, clarity, and less busywork. 1. Require a payment method before a quote approval. No more chasing down cards or wondering if a customer is serious. Now, you can ensure a quote isn’t approved until a valid payment method is on file. That means fewer delays, fewer headaches, and faster payments. If you’re using Skimmer Billing and Quotes together, go to “Settings” and turn on “Quote Approval” and make sure you click on “Save” to start locking in serious customers right away.Note: Once you turn this feature on, it will apply to all quotes you send to customers without a payment method, but you can still override if needed.   2. Attach photos, videos and PDFs to your quotesNow you can show, not just tell. Include rich media like photos or videos of the pool, equipment brochures, or a scope of work so customers know exactly what they’re getting. It makes your quotes easier to understand and harder to say no to. ​  3. Manage more quotes in less timeWe’ve also added new quote management tools to help you stay organized, especially if you're juggling a high volume of quotes across your team. You can now: Bulk archive, unarchive, send, delete, or mark quotes as sent  Tag your quotes by workflow stage or any filters that make sense for your business (like “awaiting approval” or “seasonal”) Duplicate quotes to reuse your most common packages or services and save time.             Note: This feature pulls over quote content, but does not duplicate work orders.  Got questions or feedback? Drop them in the comments, we’re always listening :)  

We know managing recurring work is a big part of running your pool service business efficiently. Whether it's filter cleans, salt cell maintenance, or equipment checks, staying on top of these jobs can be challenging, especially during busy season.That's why we've built three different tools to help you manage recurring work, each designed for specific scenarios: Recurring work order schedules: Your autopilot for predictable work Perfect when: You need work to happen on fixed dates, like every third Thursday or the second day of each month.This feature automatically creates and schedules dedicated work orders on your preferred cadence. You can:Assign to a specific tech or leave unassigned - Unassigned work orders appear in your "unscheduled bin" so you can plan week to week while still getting the benefit of automated scheduling. Schedule work on specific day(s) (like every 2nd Tuesday AND Friday) Set it on autopilot while maintaining visibility of what's comingFor helpful tips and FAQs to help you get started quickly on how to use recurring work order schedules, visit the link below                                                          Helpful tips and FAQs  Work order reminders: Flexible scheduling with peace of mind Perfect when: You need flexibility on exactly when work happens, but you still want to track time since the last completion.Instead of automatically creating work orders on specific days, reminders notify you when it's time to create one based on when the job was last completed. This gives you more control while ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.  Recurring checklist items: Seamless integration with regular routine maintenance Perfect when: Checklist items are quick, happen during regular maintenance visits, and don't need separate billing.These items automatically appear on service checklists when they're due—no separate scheduling required. They're ideal for quick work that needs consistent tracking, but doesn't warrant its own work order. We've created this detailed comparison guide to help you decide which recurring tool works best for different scenarios. But here’s a quick summary: Want to learn more? Check out our help centre articles on:Setting up recurring work order schedules Using work order reminders  Setting custom schedules for checklist itemsWhat recurring work are you managing in your business? Share in the comments below! 

We've added a section to your invoice generator page that shows what happened with your past auto invoicing runs. This solves the problem of not being on top of failed auto invoices—now all your admins can see the same information and take action when needed. Each auto invoicing run creates a new entry showing: Run date Billing period How many invoices were successfully created vs. attempted  What to do if invoices weren't created:If you see that some invoices weren't created, you can plug that billing period into the invoice generator and run it again. Our system prevents double billing, so only the missing invoices will get created.For more details about invoices that weren't created, check the email report that gets sent with each auto-invoicing run. A few notes: The email reports you're used to getting will continue alongside this This only shows data for new auto invoicing runs (previous run history won't appear)  Visit the help centre link to learn more

One of the easiest ways to avoid issues in the field is to ensure your whole team is using the latest version of the Skimmer mobile app. When techs run outdated versions, they might miss feature updates or encounter bugs we’ve already fixed while out in the field.There’s now a simple way to stay on top of this:Go to Settings > Users in the web app to check which version of Skimmer each tech runs. You’ll see the version number right next to their name.Quick tip: Ask your techs to enable auto-updates on their devices or make it a habit to check for updates in the App Store or Google Play Store.This quick check can save you and your team a lot of headaches in the field.

Checklists in Skimmer help ensure service work is done at the right time—whether that’s checking chlorine levels, vacuuming, or filter cleaning. You can make checklist items required, ask for photo evidence, and build them into your routine so nothing gets missed.With the new update** to checklists, Skimmer makes it easier to manage checklist items that do not need to happen at every visit and do not need to be billed for separately, like backwashing, line vac service, or regular filter cleans that are included with service.**This feature enhancement is included in the Scaling Up and Owning The Market tiersHow it worksFor admins:Go to your customer’s profile -> pool -> service checklist -> add Set a custom schedule for that checklist item—like monthly, quarterly, or whatever frequency fits your workflow.  Choose a start date for when the schedule should begin You still get all the accountability tools you’re used to—like mandatory checklist items and photo requirements  For technicians(mobile app):Skimmer separates checklist items into two sections: today’s checklist and upcoming checklists Techs only see what’s relevant for the stop they’re on, keeping them focused and reducing clutter. If a tech completes a checklist item early, like a filter clean, Skimmer resets the schedule automatically based on that date.  Watch the video below for a quick look at how the new checklist view works for techs in the field. Please ensure that you and your team are using the latest version of the Skimmer mobile app(version 12.4) in order to access this update. P:S: To complement this feature release, we are currently working on recurring work order schedules, a feature which will allow you set a work order to automatically repeat on a frequency set by you, so watch out for that :) As always, please leave your comments and feedback below, we are here to help :)  

Keeping your product list up-to-date just got a whole lot easier. Now, you can add or update your products in Skimmer using a spreadsheet. Whether you're adjusting pricing from suppliers or managing a growing list of items, just download your current list or a blank template, make your changes, and upload the file right back into Skimmer.No manual entry. No missed updates. Just a faster, smarter way to stay organized and keep your billing accurate. Now you can: Make bulk updates with zero hassle. Simply update your list in Excel, Google Sheets or your favourite worksheet tool and import it back into Skimmer. Stay ahead of supplier price changes and product availability Keep your product list in sync for clean, accurate invoicing. How it works: Navigate to your product list in Skimmer Choose to download: A blank template (for new product entries) A file with your current product data (for updates) Open and edit the file in whatever worksheet tool you work with Upload the updated file back into Skimmer Skimmer will: Create any new products and categories not currently in the system Update existing products that match by Skimmer product ID (SPID) Important notes: Product updates are based on Skimmer Product (SPID) matching, so please do not alter the SPID column when updating. The uploaded file must be properly formatted, so always use the provided template.  

If you use Skimmer Billing, we just added a new update to help you stay on top of quotes and overdue invoices.Now, Skimmer shows you when your customer first opens an invoice or quote. This gives you a clearer view of your customer engagement, so you can follow up with confidence, speed up collections, and close more deals.How it works:When a pool owner opens an invoice or quote for the first time, Skimmer automatically records the date. You’ll see this information in Billing → Invoices, where an open envelope icon will appear with the date right below it.How it helps you:Know if and when a customer has seen a quote, so you can follow up at the right time See if an overdue invoice has been opened, so you can take the next step in collections No extra steps—Skimmer captures this automatically, no matter how the invoice or quote is openedImportant notes:⚠ It won’t apply to past invoices or quotes, only new ones moving forward⚠ It only records the first time an invoice or quote is opened Let us know what you think in the comments! 🚀 

Running a pool service business is no easy task. Between managing crew schedules, handling customer cancellations, and optimizing routes, scheduling can become overwhelming especially as your business grows. Many of you have told us that you need:A calendar view to see your team’s work over a week A map view to schedule efficiently and group nearby jobs An easy way to create and adjust schedules without jumping between screens.We heard you loud and clear, that’s why we’re excited to introduce the schedule, a new feature in Skimmer designed to give you complete control over your weekly operations*. NOTE*: The schedule is included in the Scaling Up and Owning The Market tiers Watch this video to see the schedule in action 🎥  With the schedule, you can: ✅ View and adjust scheduled weekly assignments across all techs on the calendar with a drag-and-drop interface ✅ Easily schedule upcoming routine maintenance or work orders from the unscheduled bin  ✅ See scheduled and unscheduled work at a glance on a single interactive map   Getting startedCheck out this guide that covers an overview of the schedule feature, including how to utilize the calendar, schedule unassigned activities, and make the most of the map for better planning.ACCESS GUIDEGet ready to take control of your team’s schedule like never before! Jump in, explore the new feature, and start optimizing your routes today. We can’t wait to hear what you think! 🚀🎉

We’ve added new updates to the customer portal, making it a more powerful tool for you and your customers. What is the customer portal?The customer portal is a secure, web-based platform that gives your customers full, 24/7 access to their service and payment details. It allows them to easily view their service history and, if you use Skimmer billing, their payments, invoices and payment methods.What’s newNow your customers can:Access and download their invoices and billing statements for a complete record of all their financial transactionsPay multiple outstanding invoices with a single clickManage quotes* more efficiently by viewing and approving open quotes as well as tracking past requestsNOTE*: Quotes are only available on the Scaling Up and Owning The Market tiers. Watch this video below to see the new customer portal features in action.WATCHHow does the customer portal help your business?Pool service businesses often deal with time-consuming manual processes, from answering customer inquiries about past services to following up on overdue payments. The customer portal was designed to:Enhance your customers’ experience by giving them full access to their service and payment details Improve business efficiency by reducing billing and service-related questions and cutting down your administrative workload  Boost cash flow by making payment management easier through AutoPay and allowing your customers to pay their outstanding invoices easily. Getting startedIf you haven’t set up your customer portal yet, now is the perfect time to start. Check out this getting started guide to help you launch your own portal. It overviews:How to set up the portal What your customers will see when they log in Tips for selecting your portal URL Customizable email invite templates to support your launch Frequently asked questions We’d love to hear how the customer portal is helping your business! Let us know your thoughts, questions, or feedback in the comments below. 

We’re rolling out some enhancements to Skimmer Billing to help you get paid faster, reduce admin work, and improve cash flow. See what’s new below:Introducing AutoPay for work orders: Say goodbye to late payments and better cash flow What is AutoPay?AutoPay automatically charges your customer’s stored payment method for invoices, making payments seamless and reliable.What’s new?Now, AutoPay extends to work orders, so invoices tied to work order types determined by you can be paid automatically—just like regular routine service.How does this work?With AutoPay for work orders, you can now specify which work order types are eligible for automatic payment. Simply visit the settings page and edit your work order types.How does AutoPay for work orders help you?This feature is a win-win for your business and your customers as it:✅ Improves cash flow: Automatically collect payments for work orders, reducing the risk of late or missed payments.✅ Prevents service disruptions: Keep your services running without interruptions caused by unpaid invoices.✅ Simplifies billing: Reduce administrative hassles by automating payments for eligible work orders.Learn more about AutoPay hereImportant notes:This only applies to completed work orders in invoices created through the invoice generator All work orders invoiced together must be eligible for AutoPay for the invoice to be automatically paid. Failed payment notifications We’re introducing failed payment notifications for AutoPay to help you monitor late payments and resolve them quicker.What’s new?✅ Instant alerts: Pool owners will always get an automatic email when an AutoPay fails (no setup needed).  ✅ Daily failed payment reports: Admins can opt-in to receive an email report of failed payments from the previous day ✅ Clearer payment tracking: AutoPay transactions are now labelled on the payments listing page ✅ Direct payment through invoice: Pool owners can review and pay directly from the failed payment notification and the customer portal link in the email. How does this help your business?Previously, failed AutoPay transactions could go unnoticed, causing late payments and service delays. With this update, both you and your customers get real-time notifications, leading to:✔️ Fewer service disruptions from missed payments✔️ Faster collections with automated communication✔️ Easy tracking of problem payments and faster resolutionWatch this short video to learn how it works Next-day payouts are here! 🚀 Faster payouts mean better cash flow. Currently at no cost, Skimmer customers who use our payments and invoicing solution can receive debit and credit card payouts in just one business day—a huge improvement from the previous 3–5 day wait. This gives you more control and predictability over your finances, helping you:Pay bills on time – Stay on top of expenses like payroll & suppliers Invest in growth – Easily reinvest in equipment, marketing, or new hires Operate smoothly – Reduce financial stress with more predictable cash flowPlus, this update includes dispute handling at no cost to your business.IMPORTANT NOTE: Any card payment made before 7pm CT will be paid out the next business day. If the payment is made after 7pm CT, it will be processed the following day and paid out two business days later.Cutoff times adjust for daylight saving: Standard Time (Nov–Mar): 6pm CT cutoff Daylight Time (Mar–Nov): 7pm CT cutoff    We’ve got a number of other exciting releases planned for this year, so look out for new Skimmer features and enhancements.If you’re looking for expert guidance on streamlining your payment and invoicing process, book a complimentary meeting with our team today.BOOK A MEETING Have questions or feedback on any of these features? Please drop a comment below!   

We’ve rolled out a lot over the past ~13 months, so we figured it was about time to do a little recap.In the post below, you’ll find a list of all the new features and significant improvements that we made to the Skimmer mobile and web app throughout 2024 and the start of 2025. We’ve tried to include help center links and how-to videos whenever possible. If you haven’t had a chance to really dive into these features yet, take a moment and see how they could help your business! This post is long (as we said, Skimmer released A LOT in the past year) so we’ve clustered features into the following categories:Billing & invoicing features and improvements Quotes improvements Work order improvements Customer communication & management improvements Mobile app improvements Non-product updates  Billing & invoicing features and improvements: Better billing = healthier cash flow AND happier customers QBO Integration + Payout SyncThe seamless integration with QuickBooks Online (QBO) automatically syncs all your invoices and payments to make accounting way more straightforward. Plus, with the QBO payout sync, you can automatically reconcile all your payments in QuickBooks.  Auto InvoicingAuto invoicing in Skimmer Billing eliminates the repetitive work of invoicing for services and dosages, as well as the tedious task of collecting funds and reconciling payments in QuickBooks Online (QBO). It lets you generate invoices for pool service and dosages for your regular customers on a pre-set date.These enhancements, combined with autopay, fully automate the Skimmer Billing process, empowering you to:Schedule automatic invoices for pool service and dosages on a pre-set date Run the payments for the invoices Automatically reconcile the payments in QBO Pros who use these features spend less time on paperwork and reduce the risk of human error. How to’sHow to set up Auto Invoicing How to generate invoices in Skimmer How to reconcile payments in QuickBooks Online(QBO)On top of these improvements we also introduced the ability to bill ahead and email reminders for outstanding invoices. For the former, the enhanced invoice generator recognizes and tracks monthly service instances, and lets you bill for monthly service at the beginning of the month, even before work is completed. The latter lets you set up automated reminders for customers with outstanding invoices. These reminders can be sent before and after the invoice is due to help you reduce late payments and get paid faster, automate the reminder process, freeing staff to focus on other tasks, and easily manage a higher volume of invoices as your business grows.Learn how here: How to set up automatic email reminders Quotes improvements Related quotes to work orderThis lets you effortlessly create work orders from quotes and easily monitor the status of all work orders associated with a quote, giving you a clear overview of your project's progress.This means a simplified workflow:Send and approve quotesSchedule the work (with new work order enhancements below!) Track the progress of the work Bill accurately for the work doneImprovement to related quotes to invoicesPlus, when you create a related invoice for a quote with finished work orders, those work orders will automatically be marked as invoiced.Here’s how it works:Automatic updates: Finished work orders linked to a newly created invoice are instantly updated to “invoiced.” Flexibility for manual adjustments: If an invoice is deleted, the work orders revert to a “needs invoice” status, and the manual "invoiced" checkbox remains available for any necessary updates Work order improvements: Manage work more efficiently than ever Based on your feedback, we made a number of significant improvements to how work orders are managed in Skimmer. Finish work orders directly from the web app: Manage work orders more effectively regardless of your location and eliminate the need to switch between devices (which greatly reduces the risk of errors). This also speeds up work order completion to get you paid faster for extra projects.How to complete a work orderRecord readings and dosages in work orders: Record readings and dosages using the same settings as routine service stops, ensuring consistent and precise tracking for every job.Repeat recurring work orders in days, weeks, months, and years: Need to schedule regular maintenance? No problem! Now, you can set Work Order reminders to repeat in days, weeks, months, or even years, giving you the ultimate flexibility to match your specific needs.Add needed items to a work order type: Save time by pre-populating work order types with the necessary items to get the job done. After creating the work order, the items will automatically be added to your shopping list.Send service notes from a work order: Techs can now send service notes, including optional alerts, directly from the mobile app.Alert the office when a work order is finished: Improve team communication by enabling automatic notifications to your office whenever a work order is finished, ensuring everyone stays informed.Watch our tutorial videos on how to create a work order from a quote Learn about how to create work orders on web Learn more about how to create work orders via the mobile app Customer communication & management improvements: Happier customers = returning customers! We know that customer communication and management can make or break a pool service business. That’s why we focus a lot on introducing and improving features that help you create a seamless experience for your customers.Bulk customer editsYou asked, we delivered— in 2024, we introduced the ability to easily manage your customer base with bulk actions like making customers active/inactive and adding or removing tags.How-to’sEdit customer tags in bulk Mark customers 'inactive' in bulkService textsThis was another highly anticipated feature that we rolled out in 2024. Service Texts allow you to send automated messages to keep your customers in the loop when it comes to their pool service. Plus, automated messages minimize manual communication, allowing technicians to focus on service delivery. Pros that use this feature include strengthen trust, reduce misunderstandings, and foster positive customer relationships. And texts provide advance notice for residential or commercial pool owners and short-term rental property managers to take any necessary actions before your technician arrives, like putting dogs away, notifying tenants, or providing access.If you haven’t already gotten started with Service Texts, check out our toolkit. **And just a note that customers on our Scaling Up tier get unlimited free texting with their Skimmer package.Customer PortalIn January 2025, we introduced the Customer Portal, a feature designed to enhance your customers’ experience and drive efficiencies across your business. The Customer Portal is a dedicated space for your customers– you can create your own custom URL and add your own logo to the portal. Your customers can use it to set up AutoPay, update their payment information, and view, download, and pay their invoices, reducing payment failures and late fees. We created this because we know pool pros spend loads of time answering billing and service questions and chasing down payments. We hope this portal makes customer communication and getting paid on time so much easier!If you haven’t yet, check out our getting started guide to help you launch your own portal.  Integrated Skimmer with Orenda’s LSI & Dosing Calculator to provide real-time LSI calculations and dosing recommendations directly within the Skimmer app. Partnering with Orenda to integrate their industry-leading LSI & Dosing Calculator into Skimmer was a highlight of 2024. This integration equips you with an LSI & Dosing Calculator within Skimmer’s user-friendly platform to help you achieve optimal water balance and offer your customers guaranteed sparkling pools, minimal repairs, and the peace of mind that comes with scientifically backed pool care.This is an awesome tool to set your business apart from the competition by providing tech-enabled, superior service. If you haven’t gotten started with the LSI calculator yet, we highly recommend checking out the resources below.Admin/Owner toolsWatch our tutorial videos on how to set up and use the LSI & Dosing Calculator via web. Download our step-by-step guide to set up via web. Contact our dedicated support team at support@getskimmer.com for any further assistance.Technician toolsShare this link with your techs to watch tutorial videos on how to use the LSI & Dosing Calculator via the Skimmer app. Download our technician guide to get started. Mobile app improvements In addition to the LSI calculator, we made a number of smaller updates to our mobile app focused on making your technicians’ jobs easier and improving service delivery and communication with the office.Increased photo upload limitYou can now upload more photos of route stops, work orders, and service locations for enhanced accountability, detailed records, and improved communication. Route Stops: Upload up to 10 photos per stop (previously 5) Work Orders: Upload up to 10 photos per work order (previously 5) Service Locations: Upload up to 30 photos per location (previously 20)Required checklist + photo evidenceThis upgrade to our checklist capabilities means admins can now enforce checklist completion to ensure no steps are missed and require photo evidence* for undeniable proof of completed tasks—keeping every job precise and professional.Bonus: photos associated with checklist items do NOT count towards your general photo limit per stop.Default Google Maps for iOS usersWe also pushed a big update for iOS users– when techs are on a route, you can now set up Skimmer to automatically launch directions in Google Maps instead of Apple Maps. Non-product updates On top of constantly working to improve and expand our product to ensure we can support all pool pros, we also made a number of non-product improvements to make the overall experience for Skimmer customers the best in the biz. New product and pricing tiersIn April 2024, Skimmer introduced product & pricing tiers to help us streamline product delivery. With the introduction of our Getting Started, Scaling Up, and Owning the Market Tiers*, we’re able to cater to pool service businesses of all sizes while ensuring our customers are only paying for features that really benefit their businesses. *A note on tiers: If you joined Skimmer before April 2024, we automatically grandfathered you into our Classic Tier. This gives you access to nearly all the same features as Scaling Up but at a discounted price. Introduced The Pool Deck communityIn May 2024, we launched our community, The Pool Deck. It’s a one-stop hub to quickly find answers, industry knowledge, and professional training. You can also connect with contributing business experts to get ideas to help you run your company and achieve your goals. There are now over 1000 pool pros taking advantage of this growing community– join them here!Released the 2024 & 2025 State of Pool Service report In January 2024 we launched our first ever State of Pool Service report. This report was an industry first– a totally free deep dive into trends, challenges and opportunities in the pool service market based on survey responses from thousands of pool pros. The report was a huge success, so we took the hint and followed it up in January 2025 with an even BIGGER industry report. The 2025 edition contains year-over-year comparisons on growth tactics that pool pros are using, how the industry is tackling marketing, how pros are strategically using pricing and so much more. Check out the 2025 State of Pool Service report here. Coming up in 2025 We’ve got a number of exciting releases planned for this year. Keep an eye out for these new Skimmer features and enhancements.ScheduleSkimmer’s new schedule feature gives pool pros everything they need to manage their team’s schedules, routes, and workloads in one simple, powerful tool. With a clear weekly view of technician workloads, drag-and-drop scheduling, and optimized route planning, it empowers pool service businesses to stay organized, maximize their team’s time, and keep customers happy. We’re rolling out an early version of the schedule feature in March, with some initial improvements following shortly after, including:Schedule repeating work orders Assign multiple techs to work orders Schedule multi-day work orders Daily and monthly calendar viewsLaMotte integration This feature allows field technicians to connect to a LaMotte Spin Touch via BlueTooth, and transfer the readings from the Spin Touch to Skimmer automatically.Customer Portal improvementsThis update allows pool owners to pay the total of their outstanding invoice amounts directly through the Customer Portal.AutoPay for work ordersAutoPay for work orders is designed to improve payment collection in Skimmer. This will allow automatic payment of invoices generated from work orders, expanding the existing AutoPay functionality. Failed payment notificationsThis Skimmer Billing enhancement automatically emails pool owners and admins when AutoPay fails. The system also provides a report for pros to easily identify failed payments, improving collection rates and preventing service disruptions due to missed payments. The bottom line We love providing this entire network of resources to the industry– whether it’s product, community, education, or the expertise of our support and success teams. Our sincere hope is that Skimmer continues to be your go-to partner as you continue to run and grow your businesses over the coming year.  

Happy New Year!! We’re starting the year strong with the launch of the Customer Portal, a feature designed to make your business more efficient and improve your customers’ experience. The Customer Portal is the first step toward giving you more tools you need to save time, improve cash flow, and provide your customers with a professional, branded experience in 2025. Here’s everything you need to know:The Customer Portal provides your customers with direct access to their service history and their invoices and payment details if you’re using Skimmer Billing. The portal also includes AutoPay, making it easy for your customers to update their payment methods and ensure timely payments. This reduces the hassle of chasing payments, improves cash flow, and frees up time for you to focus on running your business. Why Use the Customer Portal?Enhance Customer Experience: Customers gain 24/7 access to service history, invoices, and payment methods. Build trust and transparency with easy-to-access account information. Boost Business Efficiency: Reduce billing and service-related questions, cutting down on admin work. Avoid payment delays with features like AutoPay and real-time updates. Encourage more customers to set up AutoPay for predictable and timely payments. Getting Started with the Customer PortalReady to launch your own portal? Here’s howSet Up Your Portal:A quick tutorial on how to set up your portal and select your URL ➡ WATCH NOW Pick the Perfect Portal URL:Use your business name or a close variation for a professional online presence (e.g., sparklingpools.mypoolportal.com). TIP: Secure your URL early to get your ideal choice—each URL is unique! Invite Your Customers:Segment your customers into two groups:               1. Customers with a payment method:                2. Customers without a payment method: Encourage them to set up AutoPayUse the getting started guide to simplify the launch process: [GETTING STARTED GUIDE]       NOTE: The portal URL is automatically included at the bottom of invoices and receipts, making it easy for your customers to find and access.  The Customer Portal experience is even more powerful when paired with Skimmer Billing, which seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Online (QBO). Learn how the latest updates to Skimmer Billing can further improve your payment processes:[LEARN MORE ABOUT SKIMMER BILLING] Need more help? Leave a comment below, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.  

We’ve improved the quote-to-invoice workflow by making it easier to keep your records accurate and up-to-date.Now, when you create a related invoice for a quote with finished work orders, those work orders will automatically be marked as invoiced.Here’s how it works:Automatic updates: Finished work orders linked to a newly created invoice are instantly updated to “invoiced.” Flexibility for manual adjustments: If an invoice is deleted, the work orders revert to a “needs invoice” status, and the manual "invoiced" checkbox remains available for any necessary updates.Important note: This applies to only new work orders, ensuring a smoother process moving forward.   

 We want to hear from YOU!Take a few minutes to complete our Product Survey below and share your thoughts on which improvements Skimmer should prioritize in 2025. In this survey, you’ll have the opportunity to rank the features and enhancements you’d most like to see, helping guide our product team’s focus for the coming year.📋 ACCESS 2025 PRODUCT SURVEYYour input is invaluable as we work to make Skimmer even better for your business. 

Are you curious to learn what Skimmer is releasing this quarter and a sneak peek of what’s in store for 2025?Don’t miss out—watch our roadmap webinar recording for all the details on the soon-to-be-released weekly Service Calendar and Customer Billing Portal for collecting payment information. Plus, catch up on some of the biggest improvements in 2024!🎬 WATCH NOWStay tuned—we’ll be hosting more roadmap webinars down the line, where you’ll get even more insights into what’s next for Skimmer.Let’s build the future of pool service together!

In today’s fast-paced world, keeping customers informed is crucial for building trust and ensuring a seamless experience. With this in mind, Skimmer introduced Service Texts earlier this year to help pool service businesses streamline communication and strengthen customer relationships. Here’s an overview of what Service Texts can do for your business and why they’re worth considering.Why use Service Texts?Customer feedback revealed a need for clear and timely communication. Whether it’s notifying customers when a technician is on the way, confirming a completed service, or alerting them to unexpected changes, Service Texts make it easy to keep customers informed without interrupting your workflow.Types of text notifications:Service Texts are designed to integrate seamlessly into your pool service workflow, with three types of notifications available:You can also track the number of texts sent, view associated costs, and monitor the status of each notification on your Skimmer dashboard.Here are some key benefits:Time savings: Automated notifications reduce the need for manual updates, allowing technicians to focus on their tasks while keeping customers in the loop. Enhanced customer satisfaction: Clear, proactive communication helps reduce misunderstandings, builds trust, and fosters positive relationships. Proof of service: Advance notifications give customers a chance to prepare, such as putting pets away or arranging gate access. Technician safety: Sending updates ahead of time can help ensure the safety of your team, particularly when arriving after dark or outside of regular service hours.Getting started with Service TextsService Texts can be enabled directly in the Skimmer app, with the flexibility to select which ones you'd like to turn on, based on your communication preferences. Each delivered message costs an additional fee of 2.9 cents($0.029).  Once activated, you need to train your technicians to use Service Texts so your customers can start receiving messages. A technician training guide has been attached to this post to guide you through the process.  By default, Service Texts will be activated for all your customers. To manually opt-out specific customers, simply deselect Service Texts on their customer profile page. To help introduce this feature to your customers, we’ve provided a customizable email template, which you can download below. It makes it easy to inform them about the new service. We recommend sending it out before starting to use Service Texts.  This feature is FREE to all customers in the Scaling Up and Owning the Market tiersDon’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below :) 

We've updated the default setting for the "Send invoices" checkbox to "on." This change is solely for clarity and does not affect the email behavior. This means that any email address that was previously receiving invoices will continue to do so. This adjustment simply aims to provide a clearer understanding of which emails are receiving invoices. Before the update: After the update: Leave any questions you have in the comments, and we’ll be happy to answer them.

You can now finish work orders directly from your web browser. This is perfect for office-based tasks or when you need to adjust work orders completed in the field.Now you can:Manage work orders more effectively, regardless of your location or device. Minimize the risk of errors and ensure accurate work order completion. Speed up work order completion to get paid faster for extra projects.Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!