TruClear — Clearly Improved

TruClear — Clearly Improved

Cell calcification is the most likely problem with a saltwater chlorinator. Jandy’s new Pro Series TruClear saltwater chlorinator tackles calcification from installation and education to cleaning any buildup. “When you’re not cleaning [the chlorinator] properly the calcium buildup will kill the life of the cell,” says Amy Armstrong, product manager for water care at Jandy….

Strong Lender Relationships

By Amber Colley Strong lender relationships can be especially important for cyclical small businesses like in the swimming pool industry. Because cyclical business owners need to keep their business afloat during off-seasons, some may need to seek outside funding. Businesses have a variety of funding options, from online lenders to traditional lenders like banks. In…

Still Not Making Money?

Still Not Making Money?

A well-run service department should be making money, producing a 15 to 20 percent net profit. In fact, your service department should be the most profitable department within your company, but it’s usually not. There are two reasons most companies find service unprofitable. First, they are not priced properly. It costs a lot to run…

Automation for the Masses

Automation for the Masses

Chances are, most of the pools you build or service don’t have waterfalls and multiple LED lights. They’re likely relatively simple pools built for people who actually want to use them: They don’tcare about bells and whistles; they just want a nice place for theirkids to play. But even people with simple pool setups live…

Email Marketing 101 — Get Opened

Email Marketing 101 — Get Opened

Previously, we touched on the first step to getting potential customers to read your email marketing campaign: avoiding the spam folder. The subject line and preheader text are vitally important to deliverability, but there’s more. Allison Reynolds, co-founder of The Get Smart Group marketing firm, oversees email marketing campaigns for its clients. She says the…

You’re Fired

You’re Fired

One of the less appealing aspects of running a business is firing employees. Not only can the confrontation be risky, but there is also the chance the employee will pursue a wrongful-termination lawsuit. However, the right steps can ensure you can not only let the employee go with professionalism and respect, but also protect your…

You’re Liable to Need It

You’re Liable to Need It

An increasing number of commercial pool owners are requiring any service profession who offers pool maintenance to carry liability insurance. As the exclusive insurance provider for the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association since 1981, Ray Arouesty, J.D., senior vice president of Arrow Insurance Service (a division of HUB International Insurance Services, Inc. in West…

To Strip or Not To Strip

To Strip or Not To Strip

Testing water quality is a constant for pool service professionals. What is not constant, however, are the testing methods or the results. A few pointers will ensure an accurate reading on the pool water, starting with a reliable test kit. Greg Garrett, director of technical services for the National Plaster Council and Association of Pool…