AQUA EditorsHomeState of the Industry 2015: BuilderThanks to the Cold War, a time some of you might remember for the "duck and cover" drills practiced in school, America saw a new craze: bomb shelters. And the lucky pros who benefited from the boon? Pool builders. Read more in the January 2015 issue.April 21, 2015HomeState of the Industry 2015: ServiceIf you're doing the job right, word gets around. Service people said by far their most potent marketing weapon was their own excellent work.Throughout the survey, service techs voiced concerns about the salt chlorine generator — problems with its performance in pools, problems with customer expectations.AutomationCommunication with customers and how much easier it is with new technology.New laws relating to pool service and building, some affected by drought conditions.Service work for home warranty companies.Consumers doing their own research. "Pool companies can look like crooks when the consumer sees how cheap stuff is online. The companies that offer the most professionalism and knowledge will remain in business while the cash grab guys will eventually hit bottom. If you are bad at what you do, you will be exposed for it. If you are good at what you do, you will be rewarded."Variable speed motorsApril 17, 2015HomeState of the Industry 2015: RetailThese are the products retailers saw strong sales with in 2014:April 16, 2015HomeAt The CrossroadsIn my line of work, I meet a lot of pool and spa retailers. (As a matter of fact, as of this writing, I've been on the road for seven straight weeks doing just that.) In developing and growing the Pool Retailers Cooperative (read more about that in the sidebar), I wanted to get a better sense of where retailers were struggling and how our organization could help. I learned a lot from everyone I spoke to, but one thing in particular stood out above the rest. No matter where they're from, retailers are frustrated by the Internet.April 15, 2015HomeSponsored Video: S.R.Smith - Serious Fun for Kids of All AgesSee S.R.Smith’s Rogue2 and Vortex slides in action, along with the Flyte-Deck diving board and Swim N’ Dunk basketball game. Serious fun for kids of all ages!April 9, 2015HomeA Moo-ving StoryApril 8, 2015HomeMay 2015 Winner of the Fill In the Phil Cartoon ContestMichele Struble Project Manager | The Pool And Spa Doctor | Wall, NJApril 8, 2015HomeThe Great Hot Tub EscapeThis prison escapee was found soaking away the stresses of incarceration.April 8, 2015HomeA Healthy Place To WorkIn recognition of employers that foster mentally healthy workplace environments, the American Psychological Association honored pool and spa industry manufacturer Team Horner with its 2015 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 14. The company was one of only five North American employers to take home the award this year, prevailing in the medium for-profit category.April 8, 2015HomeCalifornia Drought Update: New Water RestrictionsThe hopes that California had for a winter wet enough to end the persistent drought are all but gone, and the state is rapidly heading into its fourth dry year.March 24, 2015Previous PagePage 142 of 233Next PageTop StoriesServiceTips From a Pool Pro in Wildfire CountryWhen wildfires hit San Diego, one service company proved that clear communication and quick action make all the difference.Business OperationsBrand on the RunOutdoor LivingWhere Do We Even Start?PoolsPerfecting Substrates: The Importance of Bonding AgentsSponsored ContentRedefining Poolside Luxury: Aiper Day Celebrates Smart Living this Summer