
With Veterans Day around the corner, I wanted to highlight something you may not have noticed — a surprisingly high percentage of pool professionals are military veterans. There’s a simple reason: The skills and experiences gained in military service align well with the demands of pool service.
Despite the old ‘Ours is not to reason why’ mantra, veterans are adept critical thinkers and problem solvers. Their strong work ethic and comfort working in harsh environments mean they’re more than prepared for whatever challenges pool maintenance throws their way.
Pool service technicians follow structured routines, which feel familiar to veterans. From cleaning filters and balancing chemicals to determining the best treatment for algae problems and diagnosing equipment issues, the predictability of these tasks mirrors the regimented nature of military life. Veterans are already accustomed to logging details, maintaining equipment, and following protocols, making their transition into pool service feel comfortable and natural.
While veterans come equipped with the discipline and precision needed to thrive in pool service work, they’ve learned the deeper meaning of teamwork and attention to detail. They understand that you don’t have to like everyone in your company or on your route, but you have to respect them. These traits translate directly into future leadership roles like route manager and supervisor.
Veterans often excel in customer service. They’ve spent their careers interacting with a wide variety of people under high-pressure situations, so handling demanding clients is a walk in the park. Compared to the intensity of leading troops or training for military crises, managing a challenging customer is nothing — your Karen will be as scary as a kitten to them. Military experience builds precisely the kind of resilience required for these interactions.
Pool service companies frequently offer entry-level positions, which appeal to veterans re-entering civilian life. Veterans understand how to work within a team but also value the autonomy of working alone in the field, where they can make decisions and manage their workflow. This balance of teamwork and independence is highly attractive to many active-duty personnel transitioning to civilian jobs.
The military also instills a deep sense of service and community, which carries over into the pool service industry. Veterans often find fulfillment in roles that involve helping others through customer service or team support. I don’t know a pool tech who doesn’t take pride in knowing they’re making life better for a pool owner.
These common values between veterans and the good people of our industry make them a good match. While this article isn’t strictly about recruiting, if you’re curious about connecting with veterans to fill positions in your business, it’s simpler than you might think. Your hiring efforts need to speak directly to the audience you want to attract. Veterans are drawn to roles that are mission-focused and clearly defined. When drafting job descriptions, use language that resonates with them. Emphasize the traits we’ve discussed — teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. These mirror their military experiences.
Make it easy for veterans to see how their military background transfers into your open role. Instead of ‘no experience necessary,’ say, ‘Initial paid basic training provided, no prior experience required.’ Highlight skills like logistics, maintenance, attention to detail, and leadership. For example, pool service requires precision, adherence to protocols, critical thinking, teamwork, and strong customer service — skills that veterans have honed during their military careers. By spotlighting these connections, you help transitioning service members see how their expertise fits the vacant positions available at your pool service company.
As we celebrate Veterans Day here in the pool and spa industry, I want to express special appreciation to all our colleagues who have served in the U.S. Military. To every veteran who wrote that blank check to the United States of America — offering up to and including their life — thank you for your selflessness, dedication, and sacrifice. Thank you for joining us in this industry. And thank you for your service!
This article first appeared in the November 2024 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.