Aquatic Leader Magazine Fall 2011 by American Pool Enterprises, Inc.

SUCCESS STORIES

Ladder to Success, The Superior Timeline & Reflections from Poolman

ST LIA C AT BIL O IT MP E GU Y L ID AT Y IAN O E C TO UR E N SW UP EW IM D A RE MI TE GU NG : LA PO TI OL O N S

TOP 10 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR POOL

Anatomy of a Pool

The @rt of Recruiting Blue is the New Green Is Your Pool Running a Fever?

Buyer Beware: Secrets of the Service Industry in the New Economy

Advertising rates and information available upon request by emailing aquaticleader@americanpool.com. Aquatic Leader Magazine™ welcomes your story ideas. Please send story ideas to aquaticleader@americanpool.com. Copyright © 2011 American Pool Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Printed in the USA by the Whitmore Group.

2 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENT

Message from Mitch

12 14 15

Blue is the New Green

16 18

Anatomy of a Pool

Knowledge Series Webinar Guide A Day in the Life of a Regional Manager

Is Your Pool Running a Fever?

State Guide to Regulations at Your Facility

Technology Spotlight

25 The Superior Timeline 26 Ladder to Success 30 Reflections: Poolman FEATURES

Buyer Beware: Secrets of the Service Industry in the New Economy By Roger Thompson Learn how service companies have adapted to the changing economic climate and how to tell if a company is promising too much.

www.sgm.cc

Top 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Pool By Ben Basch Learn the best ways to save money on your aquatic facility. From using a pool cover to making safety your top priority.

Liability at Your Swimming Pool: The Hidden Cost of Risk at Your Facility By Rick Naden As awards for swimming pool accidents have moved into the seven- and eight-figure settlements the standard policy sizes of yesteryear are being eclipsed.

Over the last three decades, hundreds of thousands of Diamond Brite pools have been installed, including major water theme parks, international resorts, commercial and residential pools and spas throughout the world.

The Art of Recruiting By Roger Thompson Even though the pool of applicants is growing, finding the right person for the job is tough. The younger generation has moved online and skilled lifeguard recruiters know where to look and how to communicate with these new potential applicants.

SGM’s Diamond Brite is clearly the choice of quality contractors, architects and designers worldwide.

Also available:

FALL 2011 Aquatic Leader Magazine 3

Creators CEO / Mitchell Friedlander Art Director / Leah Vogely Copy Editor / Laura Laing Graphic Designer / Leah Vogely

Contributors Benjamin Basch Bill Cotter James Darke Mitchell Friedlander Daniel Kessel Howie Kirshenbaum Dan Lawler Rick Naden Karen Snyder Roger Thompson Fred Wagner Michael Wright

Pubishing notes Aquatic Leader Magazine™ is published semiannually by American Pool Enterprises, Inc.

Message from Mitch Introducing Aquatic Leader Magazine

elcome to the inaugural edition of Aquatic Leader Magazine™. With this new publication, American Pool Enterprises, Inc. is dedicated to providing you with timely information about your swimming pool.

I am humbled by how far our company has come in a little more than 25 years. As a young man, I traded dress shoes for work boots. Now that I have a few grey hairs, I couldn’t be more proud of our accomplishments. We’ve grown because of twin commitments to safety and customer service.

It can be viewed online at: www.americanpool.com/aquaticleader Please send reprint requests and letters to: Aquatic Leader Magazine American Pool Enterprises, Inc. 11515 Cronridge Drive, Suite Q Owings Mills, MD 21117

Our job sounds simple: keep the water clear and the pools staffed. But these modest goals actually require close attention to complex regulations and advances in technology. Over the past few years, compliance, safety, risk management and environmental concerns have become key issues in our industry. The Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGB) and the American’s with Disabilities Act amendments (ADA) are among the long list of new legislative regulations. And how can we forget the voluntary drain cover recall this past summer, just days before pool openings all over the country?

P. 1-877-920-7665 General information about the company and its services may be found at: www.americanpool.com.

Advertising Partners Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. Baystate Pool Supplies, Inc.* Hayward Pool Products Pentair Water

There are many people who monitor these industry changes, making American Pool Enterprises, Inc. an knowledge leader in safety, technological advances and regulatory requirements. Our regional managers, recruiters, company presidents, vice presidents, not to mention our loyal staff, are experts in the industry, and they share this expertise in this magazine. Please enjoy this first edition of Aquatic Leader Magazine™. I hope you learn something about the pools that bring all of us so much joy and bring our communities together. Professionally yours,

Merlin Industries, Inc. SGM Finishes Spectrum Aquatics United Work and Travel *Special thank you to Baystate Pool Supplies, Inc. for contributing to this publication. Please visit their website at: http://www.baystatepools.com/

Mitchell Friedlander Chief Executive Officer American Pool Enterprises, Inc. Family of Companies mfriedlander@americanpool.com www.americanpool.com

Unless otherwise noted, photographs are provided by istockphoto.com, stock.xchng, or corbis.com.

Photograph taken by Alisae Ostendorf

Photograph by Craig Westerman

Feature | Service Spotlight

Buyer Beware

Secrets of the Service Industry in the New Economy

n an unsure economy, not much can be predicted, but one thing is for sure: when customers start pinching their pennies, businesses begin looking for ways to expand their services. Landscapers dabble in masonry work; internet providers begin offering mobile phone contracts; and pool equipment companies expand into pool management and construction services. The sweeping effects of the economy have forced almost all businesses to react and adapt in ways they never thought they would. It’s like survival of the fittest in the jungle, where businesses are fighting to stay alive. These adaptations may serve the business owners well, but are they good for customers too? It depends. If you’re thinking of using a company to build or service your pool that has recently begun offering these new services, it’s

6 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2011

By Roger Thompson

wise to pay close attention to its credentials, track record and capabilities. “Builders are now becoming service providers,” says Mitchell Friedlander, CEO of American Pool Enterprises. “But just because they say they’re in the industry doesn’t mean they have a skill set to deliver the product that you need.” Businesses that are in trouble are making promises they cannot keep, just to make sure they can keep the lights on and their employees paid. At the same time, more stable businesses need to be competitively priced and offer a quality service and products. So how do you evaluate new and experienced service providers so that you get what you want and need? Now, more than ever, it’s important to thoroughly investigate companies with smart questions and careful research.

Evaluate Structure Whether you want to install a new pool or service a pool that you already have, looking at how the company conducts its business will tell you a lot about whether it’s up to the job. First, you want to know if the company can handle the kind of pool you have or want. “Get someone who actually marriages up to the type of pool you have—commercial or residential,” Friedlander says. “Then verify that they work on that individual pool. Each one is totally different, each one takes a completely different skill set.” In other words, hiring a vinyl pool company to service or install a fiberglass pool could be problematic. However, if you are planning to put in a residential pool or water feature, going

with a commercial company could be a great idea. That’s because the regulations for commercial pools—including depth of pipes and electrical wires—are more stringent than those for residential pools. And in the current economy, commercial builders are diversifying and staying competitive with residential companies. For the same cost, you could be getting a much more robust installation. The next step is to consider in-house capabilities. Some pool equipment companies are using contracted services to expand into pool services and construction. Without an in-house electrician or plumber, projects and services can be stalled and the company may not be able to react quickly to unexpected situations. In-house drafting capabilities mean that drawings can be altered on the spot, based on customer changes and the inevitable alterations that are necessary when unexpected problems like soil composition come to light. In addition, companies that have historically offered a variety of services are more likely to weather the economic storm. And these are less likely to go out of business, while your project or services are underway.

Hit the Web When you’re in the market for a new service provider, it’s important to investigate the company’s history and current experience. And the internet is a great place to start. Friedlander advises customers to trust their gut. If it looks like a company has not invested enough in its website, there may be other problems lurking under the surface. The site should shed light on the company’s experience, previous projects and history. Check the site for a brief history of the company, and watch for red flags like numerous name changes or owners. Companies with a long history in the industry may be able to pull strings with their suppliers or contractors. This can be a huge advantage when customers change their minds or unforeseen problems crop up. Beware of companies that are guarded about their past. They may have something to hide. In the same vein, if a company’s history seems exaggerated, you should wonder if they are being honest. Look for a company’s ability to be forthright about the good, bad and ugly. A company’s website can also help you drill down for the answers to specific questions. Is it large enough to handle the job? How many employees does the company have and what does each of them do? Does the company have the expertise needed for this kind of project? And online research on the principal owners and employees can reveal a treasure trove of important information about the financial

stability of the company. “You want to verify that these folks are not tied up in legal,” Friedlander says, so Google the names of the company owners and other higher-ups. Finally, when companies serve as knowledge leaders—willingly share information about the industry, equipment and services—you can be better assured of their stability. Look for newspaper and magazine articles about the company. Do internet searches on the company’s managers and experts to see if they’ve been quoted in online or print consumer stories.

“A good company will stand behind its service work” Push the Paperwork How a company looks on paper—including licenses, permits, contracts, warranties and insurance—is another sign of stability and can help protect you in the long run. Only consider service providers with local operating licenses, as well as appropriate licenses required by the state. To find out what your state dictates, visit its regulatory website. Licenses offer some amount of protection from local governing bodies, if certain things go wrong on the job. You also want to be sure that the company pulls proper permits for construction, electric and plumbing. This offers assurance that corners won’t be cut. “You don’t want a problem when you’re mixing water and electrical,” Friedlander says. But perhaps the most critical piece of the project is the contract, which should be detailed enough to offer a clear understanding of the scope and cost, as well as flexible enough to withstand typical changes. Look for itemized equipment lists that include parts numbers and prices. Also be sure there is an estimated time of completion. “Make sure the document that you’re signing is detailed, down to a parts list,” Friedlander says. “You want your payments to be based on completed work, and you really want product

specifications spelled out.” By all means, don’t allow a service provider to depend on your homeowners or business liability insurance. “A certificate of insurance should be attached to every contract,” Friedlander advises. Finally, pay close attention to warranties. Equipment and parts will likely have manufacturers warranties, but some service providers will extend these or offer their own warranties. In fact, in new construction, warranties typically cover three aspects of the work: structure, finish and equipment. “A good company will stand behind its service work,” Friedlander says.

Check References Current client lists and customer referrals can be valuable ways of evaluating a company’s reputation and stability. A company’s willingness to offer references should give you a sense of their confidence in their work. But customer referrals can be misleading—especially if you only speak with those who have positive experiences. Check third-party referral systems to measure customer satisfaction and look to your professional network for referrals. If you do have the address of a customer, be sure to check out the property and project yourself. You can do this by scheduling a visit or by searching for satellite photos online. Sadly, some companies offer up fake references—friends who may not even own a pool but are willing to vouch for the company’s work on the phone or by email. Seeing the property with your own eyes—either in person or through online photos—can weed out these unscrupulous businesses. “Don’t take anything on face value,” Friedlander says. “We have to be smart consumers.” If you have the opportunity to speak with a former or current client, ask insightful questions, like these: Were there any changes to the contract or price? Was there a punch list and did workers follow up on it? Was the communication strong and accurate? Were materials swapped out without permission? Was the site kept clean? How much did the entire project cost? In the first phase of a business relationship it may be difficult to meet the exact expectations of a client one hundred percent of the time, but the ways in which the business dealt with follow-up and customer satisfaction can be very revealing. Knowing the cost of the project can also help you compare your expectations with previous work. If references paid much less than you expected, you might have questions about the quality of the work or service. Also be sure to ask for references of

FALL 2011 Aquatic Leader Magazine 7

Feature | Service Spotlight

Use this handy checklist to be sure you’re choosing the right service provider for your pool. Research 55 Find out if the company handles the kind of pool you have or want 55 Research company’s size, history and skill-set 55 Determine which services are outsourced or handled in-house 55 Visit the company’s website 55 Google the names of owners and other principals in the company 55 Search for industry articles mentioning the company or quoting a company employee

Credentials 55 Verify that the company holds the appropriate licenses for your locale and state and will pull the proper permits for the project 55 Check that the company has liability insurance 55 Look into service and equipment warranties 55 Ask for a detailed contract that includes parts lists, a payment schedule and estimated date of completion

Check References 55 Ask to see the property or search for satellite photos online 55 Ask insightful questions 55 Be sure to speak with long-time clients or clients who have pools older than 3 years.

8 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2011

long-time clients. You should check into pools that were built three to 10 years previous to be sure that they are still structurally sound. Long-time clients can also help you understand the history of the company, including its strengths and weaknesses over time.

Verify Your Values History, credentials and referrals are important, but so are things that are more difficult to measure. In the long run, whether or not you trust a company may go farther than the details on a contract or warranty. Contract law exists to protect both parties in commerce contracts. But that protection can go only so far. Without trust, it would be difficult to form partnerships. Loyalty is also significant. Some professional partnerships stand the test of time and pressures of emergencies. When a company demonstrates a long-term commitment to its clients—despite the challenges that spring up in even the simplest projects—you can be assured it values loyalty. Likewise, when a company can offer a list of long-term clients, you know it fosters loyalty. But integrity is perhaps the most important of these values. Does the company admit mistakes and work quickly to correct them? Can you count on the company to refer you to a partner or competitor if the work is beyond their capabilities or scope? Mistakes happen. And no company can do it all. It’s how these are managed that really makes the difference.

Whats the Point? The unsure economy is forcing businesses to make choices they wouldn’t normally make. That means it’s more critical than ever that consumers do their homework. Recommendations from friends or neighbors are no longer enough, and making a decision based on cost alone is inviting disappointment and even debt. As businesses diversify to stay alive, some are reaching into service areas without enough thought or skills. Whether residential or commercial, pools are costly to build and maintain. Paying close attention to each step of the process—research, credentials, referrals and even a gut check—will better insure the right match, keeping money in your pocket and easing your mind.

Alliant, the Specialty Insurance Leader

A trusted partner in insuring and protecting your real estate assets.

Alliant Insurance Services understands the exposures and insurance needs associated with multifamily real estate. They are the most knowledgeable and attentive insurance broker I have dealt with in my 24 years of operating businesses.

Rick Naden Chief Operating and Financial Officer American Pool Enterprises, Inc.

or more than 80 years, Alliant Insurance Services has been meeting the unique needs of clients who invest in, manage, and develop real estate assets. Our experience and diverse knowledge of the real estate industry nationwide enable us to deliver the resources and innovation to:

In addition to our expertise in the real estate industry, we serve numerous other specialty industries, including: ■■

■■ ■■

■■

Reduce your property and casualty risks and exposures Provide employee benefits programs that lower costs and provide more options Reduce the cost of your insurance and employee benefits premiums Decrease claims and losses

■■

Hospitality and golf courses Construction Public entity Energy and marine

■■ ■■ ■■

Healthcare Tribal nations Law firms Parking and valet

Contact Us Alliant offers the breath of services, specialized expertise, and national market clout to achieve all your insurance and employee benefits marketing goals at the lowest possible cost. Contact us today: Scott Cleinman Property and Casualty

Marcia Lambros Employee Benefits

scleinman@alliantinsurance.com

mlambros@alliantinsurance.com

(866) 376-2871 www.alliantinsurance.com

■■

Feature | Savings Spotlight

TOP 10 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR POOL By Benjamin Basch

Operating and maintaining your swimming pool is often a large budget item for your property, so it makes good sense to maximize the dollars spent on the pool. Here are some ways to better manage the operating costs associated with your aquatic facility.

Get it Covered

Investing in a well-designed safety cover reduces surface staining and improves safety in the off-season. The cover must be inspected and maintained annually to ensure straps, panels and springs are in good shape.

Check the Traffic Report

Review your pool’s sign-in sheets to pinpoint when and how the facility is being used. Consider adjusting your management plan to eliminate times when the pool is not being used and increase attention during times of maximum activity.

Shop Smart

Many pool service companies offer off-season discounts on repairs and products. If you intend to make the purchase, be strategic about the time of year.

A winter wonderland

Just because pool season is over, doesn’t mean you should forget all about it. Checking on the facility in the off-season protects against vandalism, freeze and water damage. Chemicals can be added to reduce staining and extend the life of the pool surface. Ask your swimming pool professional about winter care programs.

Be Proactive

Perform repairs on a schedule and not as emergencies arise. Everyone knows that emergency repair costs more, so why suffer with the loss of pool time? Work with your pool professional to develop a 10-year plan for pool repair and renovations.

10 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2011

Green Your Pool

Variable speed motors and drives save big on electricity, paying for themselves in energy savings. Chemical automation technologies can also improve overall operations by limiting overfeeding and maximizing efficiency. Salt chlorine generation can lower chemical operating costs.

Strike a Balance

Did you know that out-of-balance water chemistry can corrode pool heaters, pumps, pool surfaces and other expensive equipment? Maintaining proper alkalinity and calcium levels in your pool will protect your aquatic asset.

Weigh Your Options

When hiring a pool professional, be sure to dive below the surface of the bid to consider a company’s total program. Take the time to check out references and evaluate experience and resources. The best price is not always the best value.

Don’t be a Drip

Fixing pool leaks saves money in utilities and chemicals. This also protects the pool and area structures from damage due to washout.

Keep Safety First

Maintaining your facility and making safety-conscious decisions always reduces liability and increases member enjoyment. It pays to be safe.

FALL 2011 Aquatic Leader Magazine 11

Clarity | Blue is the New Green

Blue is the New Green Budget-concious green solutions for your pool By James Darke

ears ago, a green pool meant that you had an algae problem. But these days conservation is a critical consideration, so water- and energy-efficiency have become more than just trendy goals. Building a more environmentally friendly pool does involve some additional upfront costs. Fortunately, long-term savings may actually outweigh those initial expenses. In other words, your pool can have less of an impact on the environment and your bank account.

Stop the drips Pools hold a lot of water, but they can also lose that water in many ways, including leaks. And even a small drip can have a huge impact. Consider this: if the water level of an average size pool drops 3 inches a day, that’s 3,720 gallons of water lost each day. At a cost of 0.007 cents per day, you can count on about $2,600 each summer, just for water replacement. Use the bucket test to find out if you have a leak. Simply place an uncovered bucket on a pool step and fill it with enough water to match the water level of the pool. In 24 hours, compare the water level of the bucket to the water level of the pool. If the water in the bucket is higher than the water in the pool,

then you have a leak. Your local pool professional can help diagnose the cause and get you a repair quote.

Your pool can have less of an impact on the environment and your bank account. Meet demand Unless your pool is being used all day, every day, constantly running the pump is a waste of energy and money. That’s where variable frequency drive (VFD) pumps come in. These pumps allow the user to modify the speed to accommodate the job it is required to do. Water still needs to be circulated during winter months, but the pump can be set to lower speeds. This translates to significant energy savings.

See the light Most pool lights use old incandescent tech-

nology, which is inefficient and expensive. Modern LED lights have recently become available and offer savings both in real dollars and longevity. On average, replacing one incandescent light with an LED light can save around $150 per summer in electrical costs alone. LED lights last three times as long as traditional lighting as well, so the cost of replacing bulbs stays in your pocket, as well.

Stay clean and green Saline chlorination is becoming more popular in commercial settings, especially as the cost of the saline generating units drops. Basically this process creates chlorine on-site, using a power unit and salt-conversion cell. Creating chlorine in your pool means avoiding the expense associated with manufacturing, packaging and transporting chlorine. As a hazardous material, chlorine is expensive to transport, but salt is readily available, occurs naturally and is inexpensive. And there’s another benefit: salt-water swimming pools are more comfortable for swimming. The water is softer and gentler on the skin and eyes. The pH level produced by saline systems is also closer to the ideal than other traditional methods of pool chlorination, allowing for a more stable chemical environment. Plus, a more stable chemical environment makes pools easier to maintain. Going green doesn’t have to be expensive. Noticing and repairing leaks, as well as installing energy-efficient equipment can help you reduce your environmental footprint—while enjoying all of the benefits your pool has to offer.

Did you know? American Pool Enterprises, Inc. is dedicated to providing Green solutions for all their customers. Visit americanpool.com for more info.

12 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2011

Extra | Knowledge Series

FREE Webinar Series

Scan these barcodes with your smart phone to access our FREE webinars.

Losing thousands because of bad swimming pool chemistry? Learn the right questions to ask your swimming pool operator.

Ensuring a smooth opening day Did you know? American Pool Enterprises, Inc. provides online training.

While many pool companies look the same from the outside, they may not be providing you will the services that you require for a flawless first day.

Get the most out of your renovation Understand the most valuable upgrades and alterations for your swimming pool and spa.

Why closing your swimming pool properly will save you money Get the ins and outs of proper winterization and post-season preparation.

Visit americanpool.com for a current schedule.

VGB Regulation Information and current news regarding the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.

Salt chlorine generation and the savings With the benefits of salt chlorine, being green saves you money.

ADA Compliance Resources and information for industry ADA compliance regulations, from lift pricing to frequently asked questions.

14â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Aquatic Leader Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; FALL 2011

A Day in the Life of a Regional Manager By Daniel Kessel and Michael Wright

regional manager’s day has officially 7:00 The begun. He gets into his company-issued vehicle and heads off to the office. On the drive over, the day’s scheduled events and daily tasks quickly form into a plan in his mind. at the office, the regional man7:45 Arriving ager settles down at his desk to check for email messages sent during the night that may need an immediate response. As he empties his inbox, he reviews the day’s plan with his assistant regional manager. regional manager begins to re9:00 The ceive phone calls from his area supervisors, who are curious about their schedule. The itinerary typically includes orienting lifeguards to pools, required operational tasks and a plan of communication throughout the day.

10:00

The majority of the managed pools are due to open. Working side-byside with the staffing department, the regional manager ensures that all lifeguards arrive at their pools on time. He directs his supervisors to pools that need extra help and communicates with the property liaisons.

pools are up and running. The 12:15 All regional manager now has time to respond to the messages that have accumulated that morning. He contacts the assistant regional manager along with their supervisors to check on the progress of the day and to see if assistance is needed. If the team is all set, the regional manager heads out to the field. to a property that has had some 1:00 Traveling problems, the regional manager ensures all issues have been resolved. He then contacts the property manager to discuss the pool operations and to confirm that the resolutions were satisfactory. regional manager heads back to the 3:00 The office to review the events of the day with the staffing director, assistant and supervisors. Once he’s confident all problems have been taken care of, he sets the plan for tomorrow and reviews it with the vice president. is preparing for a board meet6:30 Aing.client The regional manager arrives on time to present a report on the current operations of the facility. After the presentation, he welcomes any questions and concerns from the board of directors. Taking detailed notes, the regional manager begins to formulate action items for the next day. regional manager pulls into his 8:30 The driveway and unlocks his front door. Once inside, he makes a final check of his emails to be sure nothing was missed. He then takes a moment to relax and reflect. In 10 hours the alarm will go off, and it will start all over again.

Sunglasses are essential to any hard-working regional manager. In the field, the right pair will protect your eyes from harmful sun and debris.

FALL 2011 Aquatic Leader Magazine 15 Photograph by Leah Vogely

SKELETON

ANATOMY

POOL

An introduction to pool structure and filtration*

a. Deck One of the trends in pool construction today is a decorative concrete pool deck.While a pool deck may essentially look like a patio, it has unique requirements for slip resistance, sun reflectivity and orientation.

b. c.

b. Diving Boards Diving boards are great investments as they will add value to your pool and high quality spring diving boards will last for many years. Diving boards feature a high-grade, slip resistant tread for maximum safety.

c. Ladder / Steps Ladders feature anti-skid step surfaces and wide treads for extra safety. Steps come in a variety of styles.You may know the common wedding cake style. Rails can vary between single or a double set - this depends on the style of ladder or step.

d. Lounge Area Create an outdoor living space and add permanent or semipermanent shade to your facility.

8ft.

e. Lifeguard Chair A lifeguard needs to obtain an optimum position for observing the pool. The chair can also act as storage, holding important rescue or communication equipment. It is also a recognizable point for pool attendees to find lifeguard assistance.

f. Coping Tile The capstone on top of the bond beam which finishes the edge around a pool or spa. It may be precast concrete or brick.

CROSS SECTION Caulk Joint

g. Lanes Encourage exercise and provide the structure for classes and swim meets.

Coping

Deck Tile Mud Bed

g. Depth Marker Depth markers allow swimmers to judge the depth of the pool. Many safety signs are required by law, so check your local state regulations.

Plaster Finish

Pool Beam

*All elements have been simplified for educational purposes Illustration by Leah Vogely

16â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Aquatic Leader Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; FALL 2011

Wading Pool A wading pool is a pool of shallow water that is usually meant for younger children. It can be a fun area for young families to meet and enjoy the water. Decorating the pool with mosaics of fish or dolphins is a great add-on to any renovation.

Filtration Rate: The rate at which water passes through

return

the filter and is expressed as gallons

vacuum port

return

per minute (gpm).

skimmer

main drains

valve

heater

You may hear a concrete pool referred to as a “gunite” or “shotcrete” pool. These terms refer to the application process of the concrete to the pool’s structural frame. Gunite is pumped and shotcrete is sprayed into the pool’s steel skeleton.

filter

pump & motor

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

Pump & Motor

Skimmer

Vacuum Port

Multiple skimmer drains are located around the top of the pool. Skimmers draw water the same way as the main drains, but they suck only from the very top of the pool.

These ports attach to pool vacuum cleaners, which work something like ordinary vacuum cleaners except that they suck water instead of air.

The heart of the pool system is the water pump. Your motor is known as the dry end of the filter pump. It drives the impeller, which moves the water. The impeller drives the water from the various drains through the filter and back out to the water inlets.

Main Drains Return The water is pumped through the filtering system and back out to returns, around the side and bottom of the pool.

These types of pools can be finished with plaster, pebble aggregate, colored plaster, polished marble, glass bead, painting and/or tile.

Water flows to the filtering system through two or more main drains at the bottom of the pool usually located on the lowest point in the pool.

Filter A device used to remove particles suspended in the water by pumping water through a porous substance or material.

Heater A swimming pool heater works by burning fuel to create heat, which is then passed through a heat exchanger and onto water pulled from your swimming pool. The water, now considerably warmer, is then reintroduced to the swimming pool, raising the overall temperature.

FALL 2011 Aquatic Leader Magazine 17

Photograph by Craig Westerman

Is Your Pool Running a Fever? By Dan Lawler

Just like your body, pool water reacts to let us know when something is not right. We may sneeze, ache, or run a fever. Your pool water may get cloudy, murky, or green. What can you do to keep your pool healthy? What are the symptoms of a sick pool? Your doctor often prescribes medicine to combat viruses or infections when you’re ill, so what is the proper pool prescription? Symptoms How can I tell if my water is not feeling well? The most common ailment of pool water is clarity. Bad clarity is the human equivalent to running a fever. The quickest and easiest way to diagnosis a clarity problem is to perform a visual inspection. Stand at the edge of your pool and ask yourself, “Can I easily see the main drain covers in the bottom of the deep end of the pool?” If your answer is anything but “absolutely,” then your water is probably cloudy, murky or even green. These are the primary symptoms of a sick pool. What causes this to happen? A few of the most common causes are low sanitizer, improper water turnover rate and filtration and improper water chemistry balance.

Diagnosis Is my pool missing a key element of its health? That murky water in your pool could be

18 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2011

caused by a lack of disinfectant. The disinfectant’s job is to kill any bacteria, viruses or algae in the water. Without proper levels of chlorine or bromine, these organisms will continue to grow and thrive eventually taking over the swimming pool. Proper commonly accepted levels of disinfectant are of 1 parts per million with an ideal range of 2.0 to 4.0 ppm and 0 combined chlorine readings. Spas typically require minimum levels of 2.0 ppm with an ideal range of 3.0 to 5.0 ppm, and 0 combined chlorine levels. Be sure to check your local codes to determine if your state or local health departments have different guidelines.

Backwashing is the process of thoroughly cleaning your swimming pool’s filter by reversing the flow of water. Is your filtration system operating properly? The filtration system could be the problem if it is not operating at peak efficiency. There are two primary causes for an inefficient filtration system: Your system is not large enough to handle the demand, or it needs maintenance. The cartridges or DE grids may need to be cleaned or changed, or if you have a sand filter the sand and gravel need to be removed and replaced.

Prescription

Are the kidney functions normal?

Everything checks out normal, but my water is still sick. What’s the proper prescription?

If you have the proper disinfectant, your water turnover rate and filtration system may be at fault. Much like the body’s kidneys, the filtration system filters out and traps all of those toxins and pollutants until they can be flushedout or backwashed. Does your system need to be backwashed?

It is possible that the particles that are clouding the water are so small that they are just passing right through the filter media. If this is the case, than the most effective solution is to make them larger, so that they can be trapped. Here’s where a clarifier can help. The molecules in the

Maintenance | Pool Health

Ideal Chemical Ranges Ideal Range

Acceptable Range

7.4 - 7.6

7.2 - 7.8

Higher pH can cause cloudy water.

Total Alkalinity

80 - 120

60 - 180

Higher total Alkalinity can cause pH lock and cloudy water.

Calcium Hardness

200 - 400

150 - 1000

High calcium hardness can cause cloudy water.

Factor

Total Dissolved Solids

clarifier will attach to the smaller particles that are suspended in the water, making the particles larger and therefore more easily trapped in the filter system. They can then be removed through backwashing.

Are all chemicals in balance? The last cause, and one that is most often overlooked, is water chemistry. While maintaining proper disinfectant levels is important, it is not the only aspect of water health. There are actually five factors that need to be considered: pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, water temperature and total dissolved solids. Luckily, there are acceptable and ideal ranges for these chemicals. If just one of these key levels is off, it can, and most likely will, throw off your water balance, causing your water to get sick.

Maintaining a Healthy Balance So, much like your body, your pool water quality is dependent on many different parts and systems working together. All of these systems must be in proper balance in order to remain healthy. If any one part is off, you may start to see symptoms. It is important to do preventative maintenance on your entire pool in order to keep it running correctly. Like a physical at your doctor’s office, regular, scheduled pool repairs prevent issues down the line. By maintaining your pool’s health, you will ensure generations of enjoyment.

>1500

Effect

High TDS levels can cause the pool water to appear dull.

<< The chemical management of your pool is not always as easy as taking a pill for a headache. The best solution for your water clarity issues may be an experienced and knowledgeable “pool doctor”.

Did you know? American Pool Enterprises, Inc. offers a free online knowledge series. Visit americanpool.com for more info.

FALL 2011 Aquatic Leader Magazine 19

Feature | Insurance Spotlight

Liability at Your Swimming Pool The hidden cost of risk at your facility By Rick Naden

ost of us have had nothing but good experiences at swimming pools—cooling off on a hot day, barbecuing with friends, watching the kids play games of Marco Polo. In fact, for the average person, the worst pool experiences have included a bad sunburn or swimmer’s ear. But owning a pool is risky business. According to the Center for Disease

A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under. (Orange County California Fire Authority)

Children under five and adolescents between the ages of 15 – 24 have the highest drowning rates. (U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

An estimated 5,000 children ages 15 and under are hospitalized due to unintentional drowning related incidents each year, 15 percent die in the hospital and as many as 20 percent suffer severe, permanent neurological disability. (National Safety Council and Foundation for Aquatic Injury Prevention)

Of all preschoolers who drown, 70 percent are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning and 75 percent are missing from sight for five minutes or less. (Orange County California Fire Authority)

Swimming accidents can be tragic. Here are some statistics.

20 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2011

Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the second-leading cause of injuryrelated death among children under the age of 15 years old. And then there are ordinary bumps, bruises and broken bones that sometimes come with water-slick surfaces. Accidents—both tragic and not—happen at pools. For that reason, responsible pool owners put a great deal of thought and energy into selecting liability coverage for their swimming pools and water features. But is it enough? Years ago, commercial pool owners and contracted commercial pool management companies felt protected with $1 million general liability coverage. Unfortunately, awards for swimming pool accidents have moved into the seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements—eclipsing the standard policy sizes of yesteryear. For example, when a four-year-old boy drowned at a summer camp, while lifeguards were on duty, his parents were awarded a $16.2 million verdict. And the family of a young girl who lost the sight in her eye after being hit by a ball during a pool catch game was awarded $4.1 million. These cash awards are just a sample. Unfortunate events have occurred at pools staffed with lifeguards as well as unguarded pools that are advertised as “swim at your own risk.” While in-and-of-themselves these events are tragic, the economic exposure associated with them can be devastating

to the pool owner. Pool owners who contract with swimming pool management contractors are not sheltered from risk. In the event of an accident, the contractor may be the only party to bear financial responsibility if they have the policy limits and economic means to sustain the legal award. However, in some cases legal awards exceed the insurance limits of the pool management contractor, leaving the pool owner and their insurance carrier to bear economic responsibility. So aside from employing critical safety measures, how can commercial pool owners protect themselves from the financial consequences of poolrelated accidents? First, be sure that your swimming-pool management contractor carries adequate limits on its general liability policy. Since awards following these tragic events can run into millions of dollars, a contractor carrying less than $10 million in coverage does not provide the financial protection that a commercial facility requires. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, consider what could happen if serious accidents occur at more than one of the pool contractor’s sites. For example, if the contractor has a $10 million policy and there are two awards against it for $6 million each, the insurance carrier

Pool owners put a great deal of thought and energy into selecting liability coverage.

would only pay $4 million on the second claim. Then the injured party could look to the pool owner for the balance. Make sure that your contractor has a policy that carries a per-location aggregate, which provides coverage up to the policy limit on each of the commercial pools managed by the contractor. Everyone would prefer to think of the benefits of owning a poolâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and we should. A well-maintained and -staffed pool translates to hours and hours of fun and relaxation. However, given rising cash verdicts, reviewing and updating liability insurance coverage can mean the difference between financially surviving a pool-related accident and not.

In recent years, lawsuits involving swimming pool accidents have resulted in much higher verdicts and awards.

A $6.6 million verdict for the family of an 8-year-old boy who drowned at a summer camp while lifeguards were on duty. A $5.5 million recovery for the family of a 15-year-old boy who drowned in a hotel swimming pool. A $4.1 million recovery for a 9-year-old girl who was hit in the eye while she was playing catch with a pool toy causing permanent loss of sight in that eye. Several cases involving multi-million dollar awards associated with suction entrapment and pool drains. Several cases involving multi-million dollar awards associated with drowning accidents in pools that had murky water where the swimmer could not be seen.

Did you know? American Pool Enterprises, Inc. carries $12 million in insurance coverage with a per location aggregate. Find out more at americanpool.com.

FALL 2011â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Aquatic Leader Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; 21

Extra | Regulation Spotlight

State Guide to Regulations @ Your Facility *Regulations subject to change.

United States VGB Compliance

Effective: December 19, 2008 On December 19, 2007, the President signed into law the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, named after the daughter of Nancy Baker and the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker. The Act specifies that on or after December 19, 2008, swimming pool and spa drain covers available for purchase in the United States must meet specific performance requirements. Additionally, public swimming pools, wading pools, spas and hot tubs must meet requirements for installation of compliant drain covers. Since then, there has been a recall of drain covers from eight major manufacturers.

VGBA, Drain Cover Standard Effective: September 6, 2011 The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) /APSP-16 Standard for Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs was unanimously approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on July 29, 2011, as a successor standard to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 19.8 Drain Cover Standard presently referenced in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA). This marks the first time an APSP standard has been incorporated into federal law. The rule takes effect September 6, 2011, and as of that date, ANSI/APSP-16 will be the Consumer Product Safety Standard for all submerged suction fittings/drain covers.

Did you know? American Pool Enterprises, Inc. can be your resource for compliance information and consultation. Find out more at americanpool.com.

22â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Aquatic Leader Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; FALL 2011

It represents formal recognition by the Commission of Addenda B of the prior standard which allows for alternative hair entrapment testing for hot tub fittings. This enables hot tub manufacturers to continue to meet important federal safety standards and protect consumers.

ADA Lift Regulations Effective: March 15, 2012 On September 15, 2010, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) issued revised regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title II covers state and local government facilities and services and Title III covers public accommodations and commercial facilities. Among other things, the revised regulations include new accessibility standards for swimming pools. These changes are mandatory. Existing swimming pools must be modified to comply with the 2010 guidelines no later than March 15, 2012. For new construction, the 2010 guidelines should be followed. This is different than the usual approach with public accommodations under the ADA. Most of the ADA requirements for public accommodations are only triggered for new construction or when making alterations to existing facilities. However, the swimming pool accessibility requirements must be in place for all existing and new public pools on or before March 15, 2012.

Extra | Regulation Spotlight

California

Indiana

Effective: January 1, 2008 Pool pump motors manufactured on or after January 1, 2006 may not be split-phase or capacitor start. Further, the pump must be of two-speed capability. This means that the pump needs to operate at two or more speeds, with a low speed having a rotation rate that is no more than one-half of the motor’s maximum rotation rate. As of January 1, 2008, any swimming pool filter pumps that burn out or break MUST BE replaced with either a two-speed or multi-speed motor. This means automated controls must be connected to them, so if one part of your equipment is outdated, it is likely that the rest may need to be replaced to make the new components work correctly and hold up to Title 20 standards.

Effective: May 1, 2009 Pools must now be provided with energy conserving measures; In addition, all pool heaters must be equipped with a readily accessible on/off switch to allow shutting off the heater without adjusting the thermostat setting. Pool heaters fired by natural gas or LPG cannot have continuously burning pilot lights. Time switches that can automatically turn off and on according to a pre‐set schedule must be installed on swimming pool heaters and pumps. Exceptions do apply.

Title 20: Energy Efficient Electrical Motors

Connecticut

Construction License Bill SB 863 Effective: July 1, 2012 Note: Massachusetts is considering similar legislation. NESPA and CONSPA have been successful in the passage of SB 863, legislation that establishes a swimming pool builder license and provides needed changes to the already established swimming pool maintenance and repair license. Connecticut now requires this specific license for pool builders. The new rule mandates that professionals pass a competency test and have a certain number of hours of field experience and education. The law also requires a specific number of hours of continuing education to renew every other year. Grandfathering will most likely be allowed for a year after enactment.

Florida

Repeals Surge Tanks Repealed: July 1, 2011 In May of 2009, Florida State Regulation Law 64E-9 became more stringent than the Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act. This law superseded the Federal VGB act. It also did not allow for any suction release devices. It went a step further by eliminating suction-driven commercial pools entirely and requiring that circulating systems use gravityfed tanks, only. As of July 1, 2011 this law has been repealed and no longer supersedes the VGB act as a mandated regulation. Facilities now have more options available to comply with the VGB act.

Repeals Surge Tanks

Montana

Public Pools, Spas and Water Features Reviewed: August 31, 2011 This proposed rule change addresses public pools, spas, and other water features. Some highlights includes changes to required upgrades to existing facilities, including slope, requirements and barrier requirements; converting from a isocyanurates; or forms of chlorine stabilized with CYA to an unstablized disinfectant; and VGB clean-up language.

New York

Pool Alarms, Residential Modified: December 14, 2006 Every swimming pool that is installed, constructed or substantially modified after December 14, 2006 must be equipped with an approved pool alarm, which is capable of detecting a child entering the water and giving an audible alarm when it detects a child entering the water; is audible poolside and at another location on the premises where the swimming pool is located; is not an alarm device which is located on person(s) or which is dependent on device(s) located on person(s) for its proper operation. A pool alarm must be capable of detecting entry into the water at any point on the surface of the swimming pool. If necessary to provide detection capability at every point on the surface of the swimming pool, more than one pool alarm must be installed.

Tennessee

“Katie Beth’s Law” Pool Alarms

Energy Efficient Pool Pumps, Residential Effective: July 1, 2011 A statewide law went in effect on July 1 that will ban the sale and professional installation of old-school, single-speed pumps for any owner using models of one horsepower or greater, which are typically used by pool owners. In their place, pool stores and product vendors will sell what are called two-speed or multispeed pool pumps, which use much less energy.

Florida Building & Accessibility Codes Effective: March 1, 2012 The Florida Building Commission held two rule adoption hearings, one to adopt the 2010 Florida Building Code and the other to adopt the 2012 Florida Accessibility Code. Florida has adopted ANSI/APSP/ICC -14 2011 Standard for Portable Electric Spa Energy Efficiency and ANSI/APSP/ICC-15 2011 Standard for Residential Swimming Pool & Spa Energy Efficiency into their 2010 code. Florida contractors can use the new codes prior to this date if they so choose.

Effective: July 1, 2011 Any Tennessee homeowner who has a residential swimming pool installed after January 1, 2011 must install a pool alarm. Local governments cannot issue a building permit for pool construction unless the project calls for a pool alarm. Electrical inspectors cannot approve pool installation unless a functioning pool alarm has been installed. Each person, enterprise, agency or entity that purchases or acquires a swimming pool to be installed after the effective date of this act must install a pool alarm before it is made available for use.

Many regulations exist as multi-page documents and may list important items such as ‘exceptions’ or ‘extensions’. Always consult with your local authorities and legal council to interpret new regulations and how they apply to your unique property.

FALL 2011 Aquatic Leader Magazine 23

Extra | Tech Spotlight

Technology Spotlight On-site reporting systems allow you to stay informed

Photograph by Leah Vogely

and in control.

dvances in technology make direct communication easier than ever. Many pool companies have invested in smart-phone accessible data collection websites, in order to collect pool inspection data from the field. Field personnel can access the application via their mobile phone while onsite and record pertinent data regarding your swimming facility.

24â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Aquatic Leader Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; FALL 2011

These applications allow the user to record chemical readings, key operational measures, and/or lifeguard information. Then a report is automatically emailed to the client. Emails can also be sent to supervisory personnel to keep them informed of the inspection results. This real-time communication ensures the client is always informed and allows pool staff to provide high-quality services quickly and efficiently.

Company | Superior Spotlight

The Superior Timeline The evolution of a pool company by Howie Kirshenbaum

From humble beginnings, a Canadian pool company finds success by cultivating talent and seizing opportunity.

1973

Jay Hennick is just a 15-year-old junior high student looking for a summer job, when a landlord asked him to supervise his two outdoor pools. Little did Hennick know, that part-time summer job would soon turn into a full-time business.

1982

Steve Schechter, who had served as a dedicated and energetic lifeguard and maintenance technician, is asked to join the management team at Superior. Making junior partner, Steve quickly becomes the service and repair expert. Superior Aquatic Management becomes Superior Pool, Spa & Leisure Ltd. The new name aptly describes the nature and direction of the business.

1999

After numerous attempts to find the right person to manage the hiring process of lifeguards and supervise the staff, a young lifeguard named Kavos Arran proves to be the perfect candidate. Setting the bar higher than most other lifeguards, he is always willing to take an emergency shift or fill-in for a sick co-worker.

2009 Steve Schechter is promoted to president and COO.

1974

Splash Pool Services began with two partners, and in 1974 Hennick takes full ownership of the company. He changes the name to Superior Aquatic Management. Hennick realizes early on that most apartment building landlords were willing to pay to have someone else hire, train and supply lifeguard personnel.

1989

Superior Pool, Spa & Leisure Ltd. is purchased by FirstService Corporation, a publicly traded company.

2001

Superior promotes another aspiring managerial candidate, plucked from the lifeguard pool. Mehdi Pahlavan is offered a supervisor position and within a few years excels as a road supervisor.

2011

Superior Pool Spa & Leisure Ltd. expands and opens a new office in Ottawa, Ontario.

1979

Hennick is accepted to law school but doesn’t want to disrupt his successful company. Superior Aquatic Management now manages 45 outdoor, supervised pools and three indoor, year-round pools. He reaches out to his friend Howie Kirshenbaum, who works as a salesman for a hardware company. After a couple of meetings together, Hennick and Kirshenbaum forge a business relationship.

1991

Superior Pool, Spa & Leisure Ltd., introduces recreation management ser vices.

2006

Kavos and Mehdi are promoted to

their current positions as the eastern and western regional managers.

The Future Kirshenbaum says future expansion plans are in the cards for Superior and knows it will happen when the time is right.

FALL 2011 Aquatic Leader Magazine 25

Interview | Success Spotlight

Ladder to Success From Pool Guy to Business Leader By Leah Vogely

ight years ago, Waylon Bennett stepped onto his first Poolman truck. Knowing very little about the swimming pool service industry, he shadowed a senior technician and quickly found the work to be a perfect balance of physicality and customer service. “He had a great rapport with his customers—they would come out just to say hi,” Bennett remembers. That first day on the job, he made the decision to relocate his family from Utah to Arizona to start a new job as a residential swimming pool technician. Once there he loved the work, but he knew that his career goals needed some forward momentum. “In my previous job, digging wells, I didn’t have a long term vision,” he says. “After a year I wanted to set a goal for advancement. I didn’t want to find myself, nine years later, looking back and saying, ‘What did I do?’” So Bennett set to work running a residential route for 11 months; building customer relationships and expanding his knowledge of the pool service industry. Sticking with the plan, Bennett decided to apply for a repair technician position. He enjoyed

the work and higher earning potential, but after a couple of months, Bennett received a phone call from Poolman owner, Fred Wagner. “He needed an experienced technician to ‘clean-up’ a residential route that had been neglected for several months.” Bennett set to work repairing the damage, both in and out of the pool. Through the process he discovered his true passion for the job: the opportunity to interact with customers, fix something more than pool equipment, and rebuild the customer’s confidence in the company. Soon after, Bennett was promoted to assistant manager, before climbing to a regional manager position for the West Valley region. “West Valley had a black-eye as being the worst region,” he says. “We fixed it and grew the West Valley to the biggest region of the three.” Today, Bennett is celebrating almost three years as the general manager for the entire Residential Division at Poolman. “The job has exactly what I need as far as challenges,” he says. “There’s something new everyday. Whether it’s a dust storm, seven-miles high, or the challenges of staffing—it’s a great position. I’m very, very happy. To actually love your job, I’m learning now, is very unique.”

I didn’t want to find myself, nine years later, looking back and saying, ‘What did I do?’

Illustration by Bill Cotter

26 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2011

The

is clear.

Hayward® now has a complete line of commercial pool products. Building on established market leading platform technologies, Hayward has added new, innovative, high-performing, energy efficient products to offer customers a long awaited choice of modern equipment, targeted exclusively for commercial pools and spas.

HEATERS AUTOMATION CLEANERS PUMPS P VALVES LVES SAFETY Y FILTERS COMMUNICATIONS UNICAT LEDL LIGHTING

ASME E CHEMICAL ICAL CAL ROBOTIC VARIABLE SPEED THERMOPLASTIC FLOW CONTROL FIBERGLASS RGLASS SAN SAND SVRS RS WIRELESS

Backed by Hayward’s outstanding team of Customer Service, Operations and Engineering, Hayward is resetting the bar for the Commercial Pool market. Hayward Commercial brings you a broad line of products and technology, all of which are recognized as best-in-class in their own right, from variable speed pumps, heavy duty fiberglass filters, automatic cleaners, ASME heaters, LED lights, chemical automation, valves, integrated safety devices to wireless web-based communication systems that revolutionize the way commercial facilities can be managed. To learn more about Hayward Commercial products, call a specialist toll-free 1-800-657-2287 or see www.haywardcommercialpool.com

Total System: Pumps I Filters I Heating | Cleaners I Sanitization I Automation I Lighting I SafetyLeader I White Magazine Goods I Flow27 Control FALL 2011 Aquatic

Feature | Recruiter Spotlight

{

The @rt of Recruting By Roger Thompson

Even though the pool of applicants is growing, finding the right person for the job is tough.The younger generation has moved online and skilled lifeguard recruiters know where to look and how to communicate with these new potential applicants.

or generations, lifeguarding has been the summer job of choice for many teens and college students. And the tradeoffs are great. You get reliable, short-term staff, while your employees can earn a couple thousand dollars for the upcoming school year. But finding and keeping the right lifeguards and pool managers is as much art as skill. How can you refine your staff with the best palette of employees, while keeping overhead low and safety first? And how can you attract Generation Y, a talent pool that seems more connected to cell phones and computers than actual human beings? Local newspaper classified ads, high school job boards and a variety of other print advertising methods were once the mainstay of employment recruiting for pool owners and managers. Now, the internet has transformed these recruiting tactics, requiring you to turn to the world wide web. That’s because Google, Yahoo! and other search engines have become the primary sources of information for today’s youth. As social media becomes the communication of choice for many young people, talented recruiters have turned to new colors on their palette—like websites, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn—for their recruiting efforts. While learning to appreciate these contemporary landscapes may be daunting, don’t worry. With a little bit of help, you can learn new techniques and even practice in this completely different medium.

Plenty of fish in the sea According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 24.7 percent of 16 to 19 year olds who were looking for employment were unemployed in August. That means that even at the end of the summer, there was a large group of potential lifeguards out there looking for a job. Of course, not just anyone can become a lifeguard. You need to decide if you want to provide training for new recruits or require applicants to have training and experience. Providing training can offer benefits. First of all, you can be certain that the training is current. But perhaps more important, offering training can foster a sense of loyalty—encouraging the student to stay in the job and even return to the position the following year.

28 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2011

Make your own mark Before even beginning to recruit, it’s critical to have some sort of web presence, like a website. Directing potential applicants to a website can help keep other online messages short, while giving details that will encourage applications. But your website doesn’t have to be fancy to be effective. The key is up-to-date content that tells your story and gives visitors the information they want to have. Include a page about job openings, but make sure that it’s current. Having outdated employment notices sends the message that you are not paying attention to details and may make you seem out of touch. Also describe what it’s like to work at your pool. Consider adding testimonials from current or previous lifeguards. Include photographs, especially candid shots of lifeguards in training or interacting with swimmers. The more information you can offer, the better informed your applicants may be. But even with the best looking and most informative site on the web, you have to promote. If no one knows your site exists, it won’t get any traffic. And that’s where social media comes in.

Get socialized There are dozens of social networking sites out there, but your best bet is focusing on the big three: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. With more than 750 million users, Facebook is perhaps the most widely used social network site out there. In fact about 1 out of 13 people had a Facebook page in January 2011, and about half of these people log into the site every day. An Advertising Age survey shows that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses Twitter, and 41.5 percent of those are 18 to 29 years old. Then there’s LinkedIn, which is designed specifically for professional networking. For this reason, it’s not a go-to site for teens, but 21 percent of its users are between 18 and 24 years old—college-age students, who may be looking for summer or part-time employment, while attending school. That’s a lot of potential employees. But it’s not enough to simply have a

}

Facebook page, a Twitter account or a LinkedIn profile. Like all social media, interacting with visitors is key. With a few moments a day or week, you can develop

guide to social media Do your know a tweet from a status update? Jumping into social media can seem like learning a new language. Here’s a quick guide to each of the three major social networking sites.

Facebook Launched in 2004, Facebook is based on profile pages that are managed by individuals, organizations, groups and businesses. Users connect with one another by “friending.” Your friends can see your status updates, which are short messages that are posted to your wall. In addition, businesses and groups can create pages that are similar to individual profiles. Instead of “friending” the page owner, users “like” the page, which then permits page status updates to appear in those users’ feeds.

Twitter Launched in 2006, Twitter centers around “tweets,” which are messages that are no more than 140 characters long. Users connect by “following” other users. When you follow another Twitter user, you can see that person’s tweets. “Retweeting” is reposting other’s tweets, and hashtags allow you to follow certain topics of interest. Many Twitter users depend on free tools, like TweetDeck or HootSuite, to manage their Twitter feeds.

LinkedIn The Facebook of professionals, LinkedIn was launched in 2003. Like Facebook, the free service allows you to post status updates and connect with others— but it is limited to professional connections. Interest groups play a role in this service, allowing for conversations between those in similar professions.

a presence that draws attention. First create a Facebook page that is separate from your personal profile. This way you can maintain personal connections with friends and family—and keep things professional on your business page. Remember, social media is about connecting with other people. So, simply recruiting is not enough. Use Facebook and Twitter to make announcements—when you are opening for the season, new features at the pool. Share interesting information with your visitors and retweet relevant messages from others. On Twitter, you can follow topics easily, using hashtags like #lifeguard. Free Twitter applications like HootSuite or TweetDeck aggregate these tweets in an easy-to-understand format. People who use these hashtags may be worth following. The community in LinkedIn is based around your professional, online network. Like

Turn your website into a recruiting tool There’s a lot of advice out there about online recruiting, but most experts agree on one thing: your website should be the hub for all of your social networking. To turn your site into a recruiting hub, consider including these features:

A Recruiting Page This is where the meat of your recruiting efforts will reside. Be sure it has an easyto-remember url, such as www.businessname.com/employment. That way you can copy and paste it on your facebook profile, in Twitter and on LinkedIn, as well as on online job boards.

Facebook and Twitter, you can reach other users by building your list of connections and posting status updates. But keep it professional. LinkedIn is all business, almost all the time. LinkedIn groups are another way to stay connected with other professionals in your field, by discussing a wide range of topics— from recruiting employees to pool safety. But remember, all of these networks should circle around your website. When you have more than 140-characters worth of information to share, include a link to your site, where visitors can find more info.

Start recruiting LinkedIn offers paid job postings, but there are also free ways to let folks know you are in the market for employees. Use your network (or status) box to post about job openings. Make sure to include your location and that it’s a part-time, short-term position. Then ask your contacts to spread the word. Don’t forget LinkedIn groups. Post an announcement about your recruiting efforts, even if members are not in your geographic area. Remember, the point is networking—members may know of someone in your region who is looking for the job you’re offering. On Twitter, start tweeting about the job openings you have available. This is where hashtags can come in handy. For example, if your lifeguard staff is typically made up of local college students, include #collegename in your tweet. You can do the same for your city, neighborhood or even local high school. Even if the students you are trying to reach are not on Twitter, you may reach parents, teachers or others who know these potential employees.

Of course, Facebook is all about the status update, so be sure that you include your recruiting efforts there. Post about your job openings and ask others to share that information with their connections. You can also send a message to all of your contacts, letting them know what you are looking for. Advertising in Facebook Marketplace is similar to buying a classified ad in a newspaper. These ads are free and regional, so you can be sure that applicants from your area are seeing yours. You may also want to consider launching a Facebook advertising campaign, which can help spread the word about your recruiting efforts. These can be hyper-local—targeting only people in your geographic region—and interest-specific. Plus, Facebook offers tools that help you track campaign performance, including click-throughs and demographics. It’s critical that you keep a close eye on these efforts. Be sure that your messages are consistent and that applicants are being asked to follow the same application process—regardless of how they found you. Again, that’s where your website can keep you focused. Just because you can recruit via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn doesn’t mean you should give up on recruiting methods you have counted on in the past. Supplement those with online efforts to grow your reach. Whether you like it or not, social networks have become an important way that young people interact with their world. Talented recruiters recognize this and are using these resources to reach qualified and loyal employees. After all, to create a masterpiece you need the best tools, techniques and talent.

Employment Details Be sure that applicants can find the information they need quickly—like training qualifications, job responsibilities, hours and the pool season.

Why should a highly qualified applicant choose your pool over another? Testimonials from former or current employees could tell that story.

American Pool Enterprises, Inc. employs top industry recruiters and provides training in partnership with the American Red Cross.

Photographs

Visit www.guardforlife.com for more information.

Testimonials

With photos, applicants can see how your pool is laid out, including where the lifeguard chairs are located. But be sure to show your pool in action. Candid shots with swimmers and employees are a great way to demonstrate your pool’s particular personality.

FALL 2011 Aquatic Leader Magazine 29

Reflections | Poolman

Reflections / Poolman

All successful businesses benefit from the hard work of employees and owners—and Poolman is no exception. Poolman was born in 1963, when Bob Rae began servicing swimming pools in Phoenix, Arizona. Working out of his station wagon, Rae went door-to-door and the company grew one pool at a time. This persistence paid off, and established the work ethic that would carry through each generation of the company. In 1989, Rae was ready to retire, so he sold Poolman to John Quatrini and John Gates—who shared a vision of creating the largest swimming pool service company in Arizona. To that end, Poolman acquired Pure Water from Newell Cooper in 1994, growing the company’s customer base to 2,500. The acquisition of Pure Water marked another significant milestone in the company’s progress—the transition to gas chlorine. Pure Water was the first company in Phoenix to use gas chlorine, transporting it from California by train. Soon after, Poolman expanded services to include commercial pools, and in 1997 acquired Spear Pool Company, which specialized in swimming pool repair, from Suzette Gibson. In April 2000, American Pool Enterprises, Inc. acquired the assets of Poolman and Spear Pool Company. This partnership meant the company could offer free salt systems with pool service. The transition was begun in 2008, and today more than 5,300 customers use salt. Salt-water chlorination is safer for the environment, which underscores the company’s commitment to the environment. Poolman is very proud of its employees and remains active in the local community. An annual food drive provides donations to a Phoenix church, and employees support a struggling family each year during the holiday season, personally delivering gifts. Seeing the joy on their faces is so rewarding, so this year employees will add a second family. Each spring and fall, employees donate blood during an on-site blood drive. Clearly, families are important to Poolman, and so the company strives to create a family-friendly work environment. The employees are truly one team with one theme—to provide the best pool service in the greater Phoenix metro valley. Customers can count on employees to correct the rare mistake and never walk away from problems—even going the extra mile to care for a pet dog, while its owner was in the hospital. Looking towards the future, Poolman has big plans. In July 2008, the company expanded to San Diego and is working to grow in the California market. In January 2009, the Dallas Ft. Worth office was opened. But Arizona remains Poolman’s customer base. In June 2011 the company achieved a long-time goal of 6,000 pools on service, including 192 commercial pools. This expansion is exciting. The Poolman team embraces its commitment to excellence, guaranteeing continued growth and expansion. Watch what happens next! Sincerely,

s courtesy

Photograph

of Poolman

30 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2011

Fred Wagner Owner, Poolman 2011

FALL 2011 Aquatic Leader Magazine 31

ADA COMPLIANT POOL LIFTS SPECTRUM LIFTS OFFER: • Full ADA Compliance • 300 - 500 lb. operating load capacity • Self operable from the deck and water • 90 lifts per battery charge*

Portable Freedom Lift offers flexibility

• All stainless steel construction • Stabilizer bar improves lift stability • Spacious seat with lumbar support • 360 degree continuous power rotation • Proprietary Robust Operating System and Actuator outperform other lifts • Easy to install, even into existing concrete decks ®

*90+ lifts on the Freedom Lift and all Aspen Lift series

ADA

COMPLIANT

Title 24: California Code Compliant

spectrumaquatics.com

•

800.791.8056

{ Scan me }

Visit www.americanpool. com/aquaticleader for more information on Aquatic Leader Magazine™ and to sign-up for magazine updates. Send your comments and article suggestions to: aquaticleader@americanpool.com.

1-877-920-7665 | www.americanpool.com | American Pool Enterprises Inc. | 11515 Cronridge Drive, Suite Q | Owings Mills, MD 21117