Advanced Strategies in Commercial Pool Services - Part Three

Picture this: you're standing at the edge of a crystal-clear commercial pool, but beneath that pristine surface lies a complex world of regulations, inspections, and untapped business opportunities. As Kelly and Dan remind us in their opening, "You can't tell if the chemistry is good by looking at it." Welcome to the intricate universe of commercial pool services, where success depends on far more than what meets the eye.

In the thrilling conclusion of their three-part commercial pool services series, the hosts of Talking Pools Podcast deliver what they promise to be "nothing short of a game changer" for pool professionals looking to elevate their businesses. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into commercial waters, this episode is packed with advanced strategies that could transform your approach to commercial pool management.

Navigating the Complex World of Pool Inspections

One of the most critical aspects of commercial pool management revolves around inspections – and they're not always as straightforward as you might expect. The unpredictable nature of these inspections can catch even experienced operators off guard.

When it comes to the reinspection, those could be scheduled, they could be not scheduled. It's kind of up in the air, but usually the inspection of the year is pretty scheduled. But maybe that's them just being considerate, making sure someone's there.

— Kelly, Talking Pools Podcast

The inspection process becomes even more complex when dealing with different property types. HOA properties, for instance, present unique challenges since there's often no central office, leading to communication gaps that can persist long after service relationships end. One particularly telling example shared involved an inspector putting a service provider's name on an inspection form before they were even officially hired – a scenario that could lead to unwanted liability.

In Illinois, there's a specific requirement that adds another layer to the inspection process: the CPO (Certified Pool Operator) license must be displayed in the mechanical room. This seemingly simple requirement has led to some creative attempts by properties to cut corners, including instances of document falsification to avoid paying for proper certification.

We actually had properties in the past that would falsify the document the following year showing the, you know, they would literally like Photoshop it or whatever and change the expiration date and all this other nonsense just to try to save a buck.

— Kelly, Talking Pools Podcast

Energy Audits: Your Secret Weapon for Business Growth

During slower periods, particularly in winter months or August lulls, smart pool service companies have discovered a goldmine opportunity: energy audits. This strategy serves multiple purposes – it generates revenue during typically slow periods, establishes relationships with new commercial clients, and provides genuine value to property owners.

The reality is that most commercial pools are operating with inefficient single-speed pumps that far exceed their actual needs. A common scenario involves a pool requiring 300 gallons per minute but being equipped with a 10-horsepower pump that moves 450 gallons per minute, simply because the 7.5-horsepower option only moves 250. The solution? Throttle valves that reduce flow while the pump continues consuming energy at full capacity.

If you were to install a variable frequency drive onto that motor, you know, if you especially in three phases, it's relatively simple to do. You can create a variable speed pump out of that single speed motor and dial it down so that they have energy savings.

— Dan, Talking Pools Podcast

The financial benefits can be substantial, with payback periods often under a year, especially for indoor pools. Beyond pumps, energy audits can identify opportunities in lighting systems, where conventional 500-watt bulbs can be replaced with LED alternatives, and filtration systems that might benefit from upgrades or different media types.

The Art of Getting Your Message to Decision Makers

One of the most crucial aspects of commercial pool service success lies not just in identifying opportunities, but in ensuring your recommendations reach the right people. The person who escorts you to the pool equipment room – whether it's a building engineer, hotel counter clerk, or maintenance worker – is rarely the person who makes purchasing decisions.

The key is always requesting that reports be emailed rather than handed to whoever happens to be present during your visit. Target your communications toward property managers, owners, or others who have the authority to approve expenditures. There's even a psychological advantage to positioning your energy audit findings as a way for the property manager to look good to their superiors.

This strategic approach extends beyond energy audits to all aspects of commercial service. When dealing with HOA properties, for example, the entire board might show up for initial consultations, creating both opportunities and challenges for service providers.

Standing Out Through Attention to Detail

In a competitive commercial pool service market, the difference between winning and losing a contract often comes down to the small details that demonstrate expertise and genuine care. One compelling example shared involved a service provider who stood out not by being the cheapest option, but by taking the time to actually examine and address issues during the initial consultation.

I'm opening the skimmer baskets, taking the skimmer lids off and I'm like, oh my God, look how full this is. I'm emptying out the baskets as I'm there. I'm checking the water. I'm explaining everything to them... And they said, that's why they chose me is because I was picking out these little details.

— Dan, Talking Pools Podcast

This approach involves more than just pointing out problems – it's about demonstrating proactive service mentality. Instead of criticizing previous service providers, successful professionals focus on educating clients about what they're seeing and why it matters. The oak tree hanging over the pool explains the constantly full skimmer baskets; the filter condition indicates when cleaning will be needed.

This attention to detail becomes even more critical when dealing with properties that have been self-maintaining or using multiple different service providers for various aspects of pool care. These situations often reveal equipment choices that may not meet current codes or best practices, creating opportunities for education and service expansion.

Technology Challenges and Training Realities

As pool technology becomes more sophisticated, the gap between equipment capabilities and operator knowledge often widens. This is particularly evident with automated chemical feeding systems, which can provide excellent results when properly operated but can become problematic when users lack adequate training.

The challenge is compounded when language barriers exist or when property personnel are reluctant to invest time in learning new systems. Even relatively straightforward installations like chemical feeding systems require ongoing support and education to ensure proper operation.

This reality creates both opportunities and responsibilities for service providers. While more sophisticated equipment can command higher prices and create ongoing service relationships, it also requires a commitment to client education and support that extends well beyond the initial installation.

The Commercial vs. Residential Mindset Shift

Success in commercial pool services requires a fundamental shift in thinking compared to residential work. Commercial properties operate under different constraints, regulations, and decision-making processes. They're often "strapped for cash" despite the potential for significant operational savings, and they may be required to run pumps 24/7 due to health department requirements.

Understanding these constraints helps service providers position their offerings more effectively. Energy efficiency improvements that might seem obvious – like running variable speed pumps at appropriate speeds rather than full throttle – often require patient education about the actual requirements versus assumed requirements.

The regulatory environment also differs significantly, with licensing requirements varying by region. Some areas require specific credentials for commercial work that aren't necessary for residential service, making it essential to research local requirements before pursuing commercial opportunities.

Building Long-term Commercial Relationships

Unlike residential clients who might hire you for seasonal or occasional service, commercial accounts typically require year-round attention and represent significant ongoing revenue streams. However, they also demand higher levels of professionalism, documentation, and regulatory compliance.

The inspection requirements alone create ongoing touchpoints that don't exist in residential work. Properties need to maintain proper documentation, ensure CPO certifications are current and properly displayed, and be prepared for both scheduled and unscheduled inspections.

This regulatory environment, while sometimes challenging, also creates barriers to entry that can protect established commercial service providers from competition. Properties that have found reliable, knowledgeable service providers are often reluctant to change, particularly when regulatory compliance is involved.

The key to building these long-term relationships lies in positioning yourself as a partner rather than just a service provider. This means being proactive about upcoming inspection requirements, maintaining proper documentation, and looking for opportunities to improve operations and reduce costs.

Commercial pool service represents a significant opportunity for pool professionals willing to navigate its complexities. From understanding inspection requirements and regulatory compliance to identifying energy efficiency opportunities and building relationships with decision-makers, success requires a more sophisticated approach than typical residential service.

The most successful commercial service providers combine technical expertise with business acumen, using tools like energy audits to create value for clients while generating revenue during typically slow periods. They understand that attention to detail during initial consultations can differentiate them from competitors, and they focus on getting their message to the right people within client organizations.

Perhaps most importantly, they recognize that commercial pool service is not just about maintaining water chemistry and equipment – it's about understanding the unique constraints and requirements of commercial properties and positioning themselves as knowledgeable partners who can navigate the complex world of regulations, inspections, and operational efficiency.

As Kelly and Dan emphasize, if you're not already involved in commercial pool service, it's worth considering adding a few accounts to see how it goes. The learning curve may be steep, but the potential for creating sustainable revenue streams and building long-term business relationships makes it an opportunity worth exploring for serious pool professionals.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Commercial Pool Service Overview
• 05:30 Inspection Protocols and CPO Requirements
• 12:15 Energy Audits as Business Development Tools
• 18:45 Reaching Decision Makers and Property Management
• 25:20 Standing Out Through Attention to Detail
• 32:10 Technology Challenges and Equipment Training
• 38:00 Commercial vs Residential Service Differences