5 Tips for a Successful Summer

 1. Equip Yourself with the Right Tools

• Invest in Quality Equipment: First ensure you have the basics such as a net, pole, brush, vac hose, vac head, and test kit. There are some great options in the industry today that can make your life much easier. I am always looking for equipment that is durable, long lasting, and maintainable. Look for nets with replaceable parts to prevent you from having to buy a whole net every time you catch a snag and get a rip in it.

• Advanced Tools: Look for equipment that can help streamline your work. The faster and more efficiently you can work the more profitable you will be. I remember when I went from manually vacuuming every pool I serviced to purchasing my first Riptide which allowed me to cut my service time in half.

2. Master Water Chemistry and Maintenance

• Regular Testing: If you are not regularly testing your customer’s pool or spa water you really are doing them a disservice. Always make sure no matter what method you are using to test your water you are following the instructions explicitly and are maintaining your kit properly. Improper testing leads to improper readings. Improper readings turn to improper balancing. That my friends is a very dangerous practice.

• Preventative Maintenance: Create maintenance schedules for your customers’ equipment. Prevent equipment

breakdowns at all costs because it will often happen at the worst possible time!

3. Prioritize Safety

• Safety Procedures: Always follow chemical-handling protocols and stay vigilant about water hazards. Routine safety checks not only protect you but also ensure a secure environment for your customers.

• Insurance and Documentation: Make sure you are properly insured, and you are not offering services that you are not insured for. Maintain detailed logs of your routes, chemical logs, Safety Data Sheets, and take photos as necessary. In the event of any claims, thorough documentation can be invaluable. As we teach our Pool Operators in our CPO classes, a service company as well as a facility with good documentation are very defendable in court.

4. Enhance Customer Communication

• Clear Contracts and Communication: Develop detailed contracts with your clients to clearly outline the scope of work, responsibilities, and expectations. This prevents any misunderstandings and builds long-term trust.

• Follow-ups and Relationship Building: Regularly check in with your clients to address any concerns promptly. A consistent rapport can lead to repeat business and positive referrals. With our customers, we make sure our first visit is used to specifically document and address all issues because that is when they are most likely to agree to repair or replace equipment. Waiting until you get down the line will usually result in uncomfortable conversations where your integrity and experience come into question.

5. Plan Your Workload for Peak Season

• Scheduling and Route Management: The summer season often brings a spike in pool usage, which means more calls for inspections and maintenance. In today’s age not many people are running routes with pen and paper. Routing software is where it’s at! There are so many benefits and time saving features it will simplify your processes. Use scheduling tools and plan your routes efficiently to maximize the number of pools you can service without compromising quality.

• Staff and Support: If your schedule climbs too high, consider whether it’s time to expand your team or delegate certain tasks. Being prepared in advance can help manage higher demand when you need it most.