Unlocking the Potential of Pool Automation for Your Business - PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News

Your Time in the Backyard Just Got Easier

Published

on

By

Home automation products like smart vacuums, thermostats, and doorbells all have one thing in common: making homeowners’ lives easier – and pool automation is no different.

Leveraging the latest pool automation systems benefits more than just the pool owner, it also offers a surplus of business-boosting opportunities for pool professionals. Whether tackling regular maintenance or something more complex, read on to explore the benefits of incorporating automation and remote monitoring into your operations to strengthen your competitive advantage, increase profits, improve the customer experience and open the door to more opportunities to own the pool pad.

Embracing Automation for Increased Profits

Smart pools are becoming more common in the pool industry due to their ability to automate and control pool functionality for optimal performance. This allows pool owners to efficiently control lighting, heating, filtration, cleaning, and basic water chemistry all from the convenience of their smartphone.

Some pool owners are hesitant to implement the technology due to the initial investment. It’s essential for pool professionals to educate their customers about the benefits of pool automation – easily summarized as “full control of their system 24/7, from anywhere in the world.” And once pool owners experience the convenience pool automation brings, they won’t settle for anything less.

“By embracing automation, pool owners can easily turn on their spa, set their heater to the perfect temperature for jumping in when they get home from a long day, adjust and schedule their lights, and so much more,” said Israel Saari, senior product manager, mobile and web applications at Pentair Pool. “Even better, they can make these changes when they’re at work, traveling across the world or sitting poolside, sipping on their lemonade and enjoying the backyard.”

Some pool professionals may be hesitant to incorporate automation into their product offerings – maybe there is a learning curve to programming the technology within their operations, or they don’t want to deal with potential customer problems in the future. But as the world of swimming pools continues to evolve rapidly, pool professionals must keep up with current trends. By incorporating an advanced pool automation system into their offerings, pool professionals are creating a competitive advantage – and increasing their business opportunities as these customers continue adding upgrades to their pool pad.

“If you are spending a lot of money on building or renovating a pool, you should ask yourself what the client wants at the end of the day,” said Bryan Anderson, owner of Infinity Pools. “Ultimately, they want something reliable. They want something that they know they can count on.”

Facing the Challenge Remotely

One of the primary challenges faced by pool servicers is staying ahead of their customers’ issues. In the past, every time a problem occurred, a service trip was necessary, costing the company money – and sometimes, pool servicers didn’t have the equipment on hand to address the issue.

“Time is one of the biggest challenges for servicing customers, particularly on the maintenance side of the pool business,” said Saari. “Pentair Pool’s automation technology allows pool professionals to remotely monitor their customers’ systems from their office, saving unnecessary trips to a pool sometimes over an hour away.”

Pentair Pool’s remote monitoring dashboard allows pool servicers to set alarm notices for when problems occur and, in some cases, fix the problem from the comfort of their office.

“It’s great to know ahead of time, and to be more proactive than reactive,” said Ken Troyan, director of automation and product advisory for Tortorella Swimming Pools. “So as much data and information we can get, the better.”

Pool professionals can offer remote monitoring as an additional service offering to their customers, which allows pool owners to enjoy an effortless and stress-free pool experience. In addition, remote monitoring allows pool pros to save time in the backyard and focus on other revenue streams, like selling products and building more pools.

Hands-on Support

Pool automation can introduce some of the common challenges brought on by technology, like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity issues. To ensure pool professionals are equipped to solve any problem, Pentair Pool offers educational resources to help maximize business opportunities.

“Pentair University offers education to dealers on automation to bring them a level of confidence to solving and troubleshooting day-to-day issues or more complex problems,” said Saari. “No matter what, Pentair University supports pool businesses through every step of implementing automation and equips them with the knowledge they need to educate their customers about the benefits.”

Pentair Pool also has a dedicated team of automation specialists, tech support specialists, and territory sales managers who provide dedicated support to pool servicers through challenging automation installations, even joining them for planning sessions with the pool builder, if necessary, and are on hand for troubleshooting after installation.

“I think our customers really appreciate having an expert close by who they know will be able to assist them in person,” said Saari. “It’s different than just calling a customer service representative. You have access to experts who have been working in the field for decades in some cases.”

Owning the Pool Pad

Pentair Pool automation allows pool professionals to scale up their sales by owning the pool pad.

“If you install a Pentair automation system in a pool owner’s pool, they are more likely to invest in Pentair heaters, lights, saltwater systems, and more to fully utilize the connectivity an automation system offers,” said Saari. “It gives you access to the entire pad of products. So, maybe before you’re just selling them a pump, but typically when you install automation, you get the rest of the equipment that attaches to it. This leads to increased revenue for pool pros.”

From optimizing maintenance schedules to enhancing customer experience, automation offers a surplus of opportunities for efficiency and growth. By embracing automation, pool servicers can streamline operations, improve service quality, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

Pool Brain Announces Strategic Partnership With Riverbend Sandler To Enhance Pool Service Operations

As an industry leader in the pool and spa space, Pentair is dedicated to elevating the pool experience to the next level with connected, efficient, and quality products so people can soak in the magical, wonder-filled moments by their pool, giving them time – and peace of mind – to create them. Pentair's pool solutions are engineered to filter, clean and sanitize water, while automation equipment makes it easy to control from anywhere. For more information, visit pentair.com/pool

Pool Brain Announces Strategic Partnership With Riverbend Sandler To Enhance Pool Service Operations

Six Hidden Pool Service Pain Points and How Software Can Help

What is a Buying Group and How Can Joining One Benefit Your Business?

Vote Now in the 2024 Pentair Pool Pro Awards

Transforming Public Aquatic Centers into Multi-Purpose Pools

Pentair Pool Names John Dawson as Group Sales Leader, Vice President of Sales

Published

on

By

Early Sunday morning, authorities responding to an emergency at BioLab, a chemical plant on Old Covington Highway in Rockdale County, Georgia, led to road closures and precautionary evacuations. The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident, urging residents in the area to stay indoors and keep windows closed to avoid exposure to potentially hazardous materials.

The incident began around 5 a.m. when a malfunctioning sprinkler system inside the plant made contact with a reactive chemical. It was later clarified at a 10 a.m. press conference that a small fire had occurred on the roof but had been contained. Authorities explained that a chemical reaction caused a significant amount of smoke and off-gassing, creating concerns about chemical exposure in the surrounding area.

Authorities have not yet disclosed which chemical was involved in the reaction. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently sampling the smoke plume to determine the chemical composition and assess any potential health risks for the community.

Residents living near the plant were evacuated as a precaution, and the JP Carr Gym has been established as a temporary shelter. While officials hope to resolve the situation quickly, they have not yet provided a timeline for when residents can safely return home. Heavy equipment is being brought in to remove pallets of the reactive chemical from the facility. Once this is done, officials will offer further updates. If residents cannot return today, the evacuation shelters will remain open overnight.

This latest incident is a frightening reminder of a similar one that occurred at one of BioLab’s facilities in recent years. In August 2020, a fire at the company’s Lake Charles facility in Westlake, Louisiana, following Hurricane Laura, caused the release of chlorine gas. While no injuries were reported, the fire caused substantial damage to the facility and led to supply chain shortages, affecting the pool and spa industry well into 2021 and 2022.

“We are actively responding to an occurrence at our facility in Conyers, Georgia. Our employees are accounted for with no injuries reported. Our team is on the scene, working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation. As always, the safety of our community remains our top priority,” said a representative for BioLab.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation at BioLab, and residents are encouraged to stay updated as more information becomes available. Pool Magazine will continue to keep you updated on this breaking story as more details develop.

Update: 12:15 P.M. PT

The fire at BioLab in Conyers has reportedly reignited, prompting a mandatory evacuation. The initial fire broke out around 5 a.m. on Sunday, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents and the closure of several roads.

Feature Photo Credit: Facebook – WSB-TV

Published

on

By

ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) pools are becoming increasingly popular for both residential and commercial applications. But why? Read more to learn how this innovative construction method is transforming the pool construction industry.

ICF swimming pools are constructed using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), a building systemthat uses hollow blocks or panels made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or other insulatingmaterials. These forms are stacked and filled with reinforced concrete, creating a strong andenergy-efficient pool structure.

With multiple benefits like quicker build time vs. traditional concrete pools, resistance tocracking, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, ICF pools are attracting the attention of clients seeking high-quality and customizable pools.

Key advantages they offer include:

If you are building an ICF pool, there is really only one system that sets the standard forconstruction and waterproofing… BASECRETE XTREME®!

BASECRETE XTREME® stands out with its 3-in-1 formula, superior waterproof bond coat, andease of application, setting a new benchmark in the waterproofing market. Effective on ICF, EPS (Expanded Polystyrene), CMU wall (Concrete Masonry Unit) or under a stucco system when the concrete substrate requires added strength or durability, it not only waterproofs but also reinforces, using a fiber mesh additive. The additive of the fiber greatly increases flexuralstrength, which is essential in cooler climates that have freeze thaw cycles. It also improvessurface movement like settlement, vibration or tensile strength, increasing durability and impact resistance.

BASECRETE XTREME® is easy to apply by simply mixing the kit’s 5 gallon pail of patentedresin with its three 50lb bags of special cement, reinforced with fiber. One kit covers a 225square foot area at ⅛” thick, achieving a waterproof surface.

And forget about priming! BASECRETE XTREME® allows for superior adhesion directly to thesubstrate with exceptional resistance against chemicals and salt.What to learn more about ICF pool construction? Discover how BASECRETE XTREME® can transform your ICF pool projects by visiting https://basecreteusa.com today.

Published

on

By

The swimming pool is a universal symbol of fun. But behind all the fun of a summer swim should be an efficient pool pump that you can rely on, no matter what.

“When you look at the pool industry post-COVID, we have more swimming pools in the U.S. than we have ever had before,” said Rob Gaither, Sales Manager for Pentair Pool. “This means there is also an influx of new pool owners, which can impose safety risks if they are not properly educated on their pool’s capabilities, functions, and maintenance needs.”

Education is critical, especially with an increased focus on innovative and connected technologies following new regulations by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

According to the DOE, pool pumps can be a home’s second-largest energy consumer. And as a result, new rules require pool pumps to meet minimum efficiency standards in the U.S. Unlike single speed pumps, which run at a single full-capacity speed, only variable speed pumps can adjust speed to keep flow constant. By raising and lowering the speed as needed, instead of keeping the same speed all day, a variable speed pool pump uses less energy. This can result in cost savings for pool owners, improved water flow, and less wear and tear on equipment.

“From a safety standpoint,” said Gaither, “The variable speed pump allows the pool servicer some control to educate and help customers create a safe swimming environment.”

Become the Expert

It’s essential to help customers understand their pool equipment pad and how everything works together.

“Over the past two years, I have trained over 10,000 pool professionals,” said Gaither. “We are counting on them to trickle down that knowledge to pool owners and build trust as industry experts. They value our advice.”

Staying current on the latest technology ensures that pool professionals can provide the highest quality service, support safe pools, and leverage new technologies to benefit their customers. It’s also essential to understand how regulations impact technologies. In November 2023, the DOE enacted an updated rule that includes a series of changes over the next several years, with the first going into effect in September 2025. This first update will require that all dedicated-purpose pool pump motors between 1.15 THP and 5 THP (manufactured on and after September 29, 2025) be variable speed.1

The benefits of variable speed pumps extend beyond meeting upcoming energy requirements, however.

“Moving water is very important for water filtration and quality,” said Adam Key, Product Manager at Pentair Pool. “With variable speed pumps, you can have constant moving water at a slower flow rate. This allows for better water clarity and quality and, thus, fewer issues for pool servicers. All while reducing energy costs for homeowners.”

Variable speed pumps can offer better control over water flow and pressure, leading to improved filtration and cleaner pools. When selecting the right variable speed and flow pump, be sure to look for features that make setting the ideal flow rate easy. For example, the Pentair IntelliFlo3® Variable Speed and Flow Pump includes built-in technology and automation for optimal flow and performance. It automatically adjusts its speed to compensate for filter loading, heating, cleaning, and more. With these innovative technologies, pool professionals can spend less time servicing the pool equipment pad, and pool owners have more time to enjoy their pool while saving energy and money. And the best part? It comes with quieter operation for a more enjoyable poolside experience.

Operate Efficiently with Automation

As the industry continues to evolve and products become more connected, pool professionals are working hard to provide their customers with the tools they need to more easily enjoy their backyard pool. Apps often put control in the palm of pool owners’ hands, and that’s just one way pool ownership is becoming more effortless.

By using an automated pump like the award-winning IntelliFlo3® Variable Speed and Flow Pump, pool owners will enjoy entry-level automation that connects up to two devices, enabling them to control their pool lights and more. As the pumps are easy to install and deliver top-notch performance, pool professionals will also enjoy a natural business growth opportunity with the remote monitoring possibilities these pumps provide.

“Automated variable speed pool pumps can conveniently connect to the homeowner’s Wi-Fi to gain access to applications that benefit both the pool professional and the pool owner,” said Key. “This allows pool servicers to monitor the pump remotely, saving time and fuel by eliminating service trips and addressing common challenges before they arise.”

By offering connected variable speed pool pumps to their customers and setting up remote monitoring in the Pentair Pro app, pool professionals can receive alerts in real-time, a service that can be added to your list of business offerings.

What makes variable speed and flow so notable is its incredible energy efficiency. In fact, with a third-generation IntelliFlo3® Variable Speed and Flow Pump, pool owners can save up to 90%* on energy consumption compared to a single speed pump.

“These pumps allow for easy installation and sync with existing pool automation systems,” said Gaither. “If you have a customer who likes the idea of being able to do more with their pool, whether safe powering of a salt flow generator or changing the pool color lights for their kid’s birthday party, automation is a solution that offers simpler operations more affordably. And it creates more upsell opportunities for pool servicers.”

A Pump for any Pool

A pool pump is the heart of the pool’s filtration system, playing an important role in keeping the water cleaner and clearer.

Pentair Pool offers a variety of pool pumps for pool owners to choose from, including variable speed pool pumps that offer a more effortless pool experience. Designed to take the pool industry to the next level, the IntelliFlo3® Variable Speed and Flow Pump allows pool servicers to conquer their install like a champ. With flexibility to suit any pool size and options for both 1.5 HP and 3.0 HP, these pumps offer entry-level automation and optional touchscreens.

And with new variable speed pumps, pool professionals can feel confident that pools follow the latest DOE regulations, significantly improve their bottom line, grow their business offerings, and strengthen customer loyalty – all while offering pool owners lower electrical bills, cleaner water, and a quieter, more peaceful backyard and a more effortless pool ownership experience.

Interested in taking advantage of Pentair Pool’s educational series? Visit www.pentair.com/pentair-university to learn more.

++

1. Energy Conservation Standards, 10 C.F.R. §431.485 (2023).

*Savings based on variable speed pump compared to a single speed pump running 12 hours per day at an average of $0.16 per kWh in a 20,000-gallon pool. Actual savings may vary based on local utility rates, pool size, pump run time, pump horsepower, pump rpm, plumbing size and length, pump model, service factor and other hydraulic factors. Individual Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) scores and savings may vary by model.

Scary Pool Scenes in the Movies

Florida Pool Pros Prepare For 2nd Hurricane

Pentair Pool Names John Dawson as Group Sales Leader, Vice President of Sales

Commercial Pool Allegedly Linked To Legionnaire’s Disease Sues State

Skimmer Raises $74M in Growth Capital from Mainsail Partners

Transforming Public Aquatic Centers into Multi-Purpose Pools

BioLab to Open Community Assistance Center for Local Residents and Business Owners

Industry Mourns Passing of Pool Designer, Kevin Woodhurst