In-season, Offseason planning
Peak season has a way of consuming every hour. But to stay profitable year-round — and enter spring in a stronger position — companies need to already be thinking ahead instead of just surviving the rush.
Our feature on early buy strategy looks at how service companies are approaching preseason purchasing with far more intention than chasing discounts. The best deal for your business could look like saving on warehouse space, better terms or less down time during the season. Determining and negotiating an early buy takes careful analysis and good relationships.
We also explore how pool companies are creating offseason revenue opportunities to keep teams working and businesses moving all year. Whether it’s holiday lighting, hot tub maintenance or entirely different seasonal services, these operators are building businesses designed to stay active even when traditional pool work slows down.
Something else that’s easy to lose sight of during the summer is the “why” of what we do. Pool Horizons, which has brought together several working groups made up of some of the industry’s largest stakeholders, has been putting together reports focusing on just that. In this issue, historian Jeff Wiltse examines how public pools shaped community life, recreation and swimming access throughout American history — and why that history still matters today. It’s a perspective that pushes the industry to think about pools not only as products or projects, but as important social spaces.
We also bring a little levity because no pool season is complete without a few stories that make service pros shake their heads in disbelief. In the Water Care department, we share real-world chemistry blame stories from the field, including mystery algae issues, customer-created chemistry disasters and, yes, a raccoon repeatedly turning on a hose.
The busiest part of the season rarely feels like the right time to think ahead. But if you can carve out a few moments, it’s probably the most important time to do exactly that.
Best,
Megan Kendrick, publisher, CPO
