Networking in the Arizona Pool Service Industry: A How-to Guide

For pool service professionals in Arizona, networking isn't just about exchanging business cards—it's about building the relationships that sustain and grow your business. Whether you're a solo technician servicing pools in the East Valley, a growing company in Tucson, or a vendor looking to expand your reach, connecting with industry peers opens doors to referrals, partnerships, learning opportunities, and long-term success.

Arizona's pool service industry offers numerous networking channels, from monthly association meetings to online Facebook groups to vendor-sponsored training events. This guide provides actionable strategies for engaging with each opportunity and making meaningful connections that advance your business.

IPSSA Chapter Meetings

The Independent Pool & Spa Service Association (IPSSA) has active local chapters throughout Arizona. Each chapter holds monthly meetups (often dinner events) for pool service professionals. For example, the East Valley (Phoenix) chapter meets on the 3rd Thursday at 6:00 PM at PEP Chandler (2900 S. Gilbert Rd). The Tucson chapter gathers on the 3rd Wednesday (6:30 PM start) at Horizon Pool & Spa Parts in Tucson (3120 E. Medina Rd). Other AZ chapters include North Phoenix (3rd Tuesday at SCP on 25th Ave) and West Valley (3rd Wednesday at PEP Peoria).

How to get involved: Check the IPSSA website or contact the chapter presidents (listed on the Region 8 page) to confirm times and RSVP. Many chapters welcome non-members to visit a meeting or two before joining. Come prepared to introduce yourself – have business cards or flyers ready. During the meeting, chat with veteran techs and vendor reps; ask questions about what tools or parts they prefer. Volunteering to help set up or bring a dessert is another way to introduce yourself. Regular attendance helps establish your reputation. Remember, membership in IPSSA often requires attending a few meetings, so treat each meetup as both networking and professional development.

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Chapters

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is a major industry association with local chapters in Arizona. PHTA's Central AZ Chapter (Phoenix area) and Southern AZ Chapter (Tucson area) host chapter meetings, networking mixers, education courses, golf outings, and other events to connect pool professionals. These events bring together builders, service companies, suppliers and inspectors under one roof. For example, Southern AZ recently held a "Table Top" vendor show in Tucson with free admission, drinks, and dozens of supplier booths – a great place to meet vendor reps face-to-face.

How to get involved: Consider joining PHTA as a member (service technicians can join under "Service Companies" or "Technician" categories). Visit the PHTA Central AZ and Southern AZ websites for event calendars and chapter contacts. Even as a guest, you can often attend chapter mixers or workshops (some events are free, others may require tickets). Action item: RSVP early to mixers or training sessions, and put these dates on your calendar. At events, introduce yourself to chapter officers (names/titles are often listed on the site) and volunteer to help with planning. Many chapters appreciate members who contribute ideas or bring a door prize. By participating regularly, you'll quickly become a familiar, trusted face in the local pool community.

Arizona Pool Techs Facebook Group

The "Arizona Pool Techs" Facebook group (separate from PHTA/IPSSA) is a popular online community open to any Arizona pool service professional. In this closed group (currently thousands of members), techs post questions about chemical problems, ask for equipment tips, and share job leads.

How to join: Search Facebook for "AZ Pool Techs" or "Arizona Swimming Pool Techs," request to join, and answer any membership questions. Once approved, introduce yourself in a post: say your name, company, and service area in Arizona. Engage by reading threads and giving help (for example, by answering a chemistry question or recommending a good supplier).

Tips: Stay active and positive. If you find a solution to a common problem, share it. If you hire a new tech or attend an event, post a photo or summary afterward – this raises your profile. Do not post advertisements or solicitations for homeowners (rules typically forbid that). Instead, comment on others' posts, ask for feedback on tools you use, or say "hi" when you see someone in your city. Some members use the group to plan informal meetups (for example, local techs might organize a barbecue or training clinic). Watch for event announcements in the group feed.

Tucson Pool Pros Facebook Group

For Southern Arizona specifically, the "Tucson Pool Pros" Facebook group serves a similar purpose for Tucson-area techs and suppliers. The group description notes it's a forum "to share Tucson-specific experiences and questions among local Tucson pool professionals." To get involved, join via Facebook, introduce yourself, and participate in discussions. This is a great way to meet local peers. Occasionally, group members or local companies will host a small meetup or workshop. For instance, one Tucson service company thanked everyone for coming to a Tucson Pool Pros meetup they hosted – so keep an eye out. As with the state-wide group, focus on building relationships: like and comment on posts, offer help, and when attending any group-organized meet, mention that you saw it on Facebook. Over time, the people in these online communities can become valuable sources of referrals and advice.

Grand Opening Events

New store openings or remodel "grand opening" events are excellent networking opportunities. In Arizona, major pool supply retailers often celebrate new branches with an open house. For example, Pool & Electrical Products (PEP) in Peoria hosted a grand opening event on March 6, 2025 – complete with free food, live music, vendor booths (HASA, Hayward, Pentair, etc.), giveaways, and even a chance to win a new truck. Similarly, Pinch A Penny just opened its first AZ store in Gilbert (ribbon cutting in March 2025).

How to get involved: Watch websites, social media, or email newsletters of local suppliers (PEP/Heritage, Leslies, Inland, etc.) for grand opening announcements. These are often free events open to trade professionals. Action items: Attend early and stay late. Bring plenty of business cards and a friendly attitude. Vendors staff their booths and love talking shop – ask about new products on display. Introduce yourself to the store manager and other techs there. Join any raffles or demonstrations (even spinning the prize wheel can start a chat). If you're a vendor yourself, consider sponsoring a prize or table at such events to get extra visibility. These fun events are casual yet packed with chances to meet people from across the industry.

Vendor-Sponsored Trainings and Events

Many manufacturers and distributors run their own events. These can include product training days, open houses, or booth presentations. For example, Pool & Electrical Products (now Heritage Pool Supply) partnered with the Pool Nation community to host a free boot camp for technicians. Held in nearby Van Nuys, CA, this all-day clinic offered hands-on training on pumps, automation, heaters and wiring – with top brands like AquaStar and Raypak. (Even though that event was in California, PEP/Heritage often runs similar training days at its Arizona branches or trade shows.)

How to get involved: Sign up for mailing lists from major vendors (Pentair, Hayward, Jandy, Fluidra brands, etc.) and local distributors (Heritage/PEP, APF, Tri-State etc.). They'll announce training seminars, new product workshops, or open houses. For instance, attending a Pentair or Hayward "How-To" session not only teaches you about their gear but lets you meet the reps who support your territory. When you hear of a vendor event, RSVP or register if needed (some fill up quickly). At the event: introduce yourself to the instructors and fellow techs. Ask technical questions and stay for the Q&A. After training, connect via LinkedIn with any rep or instructor you meet. These events are free ways to learn and to signal to suppliers that you're engaged in the industry.

Skimmers Pool Pro Summit

Skimmer (publisher of The Pool Deck blog) runs an annual Pool Pro Summit in Phoenix (usually in November). This invite-only conference brings together pool service company owners and leaders for workshops on business growth, marketing, and technology. For example, past Phoenix editions were held at resorts like The San Marco, and even included contests (Skimmer once ran a contest giving away trips to its summit).

How to get involved: The Pool Pro Summit is more exclusive, but you can position yourself to get in. Follow The Pool Deck blog and Skimmer on social media (Facebook, Instagram) for announcements or contests. If you use Skimmer's pool service software, your company might receive an invite or contest entry. If you attend, come prepared: have a concise intro about your business and clear goals (e.g. "I want to learn how to scale service without sacrificing quality"). Engage in sessions and ask follow-up questions. In short, treat it like a high-level networking event: exchange business cards with fellow owners, and plan to follow up after the summit (the industry is small, so these connections can last a lifetime).

Networking Tips and Best Practices

No matter the setting, good networking comes down to genuine connection. Mindset: View networking as relationship-building, not selling. Adopting a give-first attitude pays off. For example, when meeting someone, ask how you can help them or learn from their experience, rather than pitching a service. Listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and find common ground. In fact, experts note that "having a few meaningful conversations is better than scattering dozens of business cards with no personal connection." Authenticity is your superpower – be friendly and human.

Icebreakers: Simple openers work. You might comment on the event itself ("This store has great new lighting – did you notice?") or the setting ("That buffet looks delicious; what do you recommend?"). Compliments ("Love your pool company logo – who designed it?") can also spark dialogue. Prepare a 30-second intro ("I'm ___ from XYZ Pool Service; we do weekly maintenance in Scottsdale") and follow it with a question ("What part of the industry do you specialize in?").

Exchange contacts: Always have business cards or a digital way to share info. Ask permission to follow someone on LinkedIn. For service techs, it can help to carry a card that lists your certifications or affiliations (like CPO or NSPF).

Follow-up: Networking doesn't end when you walk out the door. Within a day or two, send a brief email or LinkedIn message to people you met, referencing something you discussed. For example: "Hi [Name], it was great chatting at the PEP boot camp about variable-speed pumps. Here's the datasheet we talked about – let's keep in touch!" This shows you were listening and are genuinely interested. Small follow-up gestures (like sending an article or congratulating them on LinkedIn when they post good news) help solidify relationships. Over time, these ongoing connections turn into referrals, partnerships, and lifelong colleagues.

Action Steps: Before each event or meeting, set a goal (e.g., introduce yourself to 3 new people). Afterward, review your notes and follow up promptly. Offer to help others by making introductions or sharing tips – becoming a "connector" makes people remember you positively. Always smile, maintain eye contact, and stand confident. By approaching networking proactively and sincerely, you'll grow a stronger business and enjoy your work more as you build your "pool family."