AFT&C news🗞️

Photo Credit: Dave Tisch Tischhauser

5 Ways to Deal With Unhappy Customers

Post author:Contributor
Post published:March 24, 2018
Post category:Retail

Dealing with unhappy customers Do you want to put your customer service skills to the test? Try working Memorial Day weekend in a busy swimming pool supply store. It's hot,…

Lose Weight Quick

Post author:Rudy
Post published:February 20, 2018
Post category:Pool Service Tips

Workout Like a Pool Girl, Work it Like a Pool Boy Why are pool technicians always in such great shape? It is more than just a coincidence. These Backyard Water…

Keeping Employees Engaged

Post author:Rudy
Post published:January 7, 2018
Post category:Employees

Zombies vs. Pool Techs The evaporation fog hovers thickly in an eerie mist above the swimming pool. The morning sun begins to destroy the night. The clouds become bludgeoned with…

Busting the Saltwater Pool Myth

Post author:Rudy
Post published:January 3, 2018
Post category:Water Chemistry

[responsivevoice_button voice="UK English Male" buttontext="Listen to Post"] We have heard it a thousand times, "I don't use chlorine; I have a saltwater pool." The truth about saltwater pools is…

One Pound of Anything Dissolved in 10,000 gallons Will Increase Total Dissolved Solids by 12 ppm

Post author:Rudy
Post published:December 24, 2017
Post category:Water Chemistry

[responsivevoice_button voice="UK English Male" buttontext="Listen to Post"] ?Total Dissolved Solids TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS Anything you add to a pool will increase something, and everything will increase TDS. For example, a…

Talking Pools Podcast

Forget chasing chlorine headaches and battling algae wars alone. The Talking Pools Podcast is your weekly escape from pool purgatory, where 250+ years of combined pro wisdom explodes into actionable hacks, mind-blowing tips, and secrets so ancient they make Poseidon jealous.

Think of it as your weekly poolside braintrust, fueled by eight seasoned pros, each a rockstar in their own aquatic lane. Got a filtration fiasco? Chemical conundrum? Equipment enigma? No problem. We’ve got a host for that:

The Tech Titan: Unravels the mysteries of pumps, filters, and gizmos that make pools tick (without the electrical shocks).

The Chem Crusader: Your personal alchemist, whipping up potion-perfect water balance with a dash of science and a sprinkle of magic.

The Maintenance Maverick: From tile tricks to algae assassins, he’s got the lowdown on keeping your pool looking like a liquid emerald palace.

The Customer Calmer: Smooths ruffled feathers faster than a pool noodle bouquet, turning hangry homeowners into poolside pals.

But Talking Pools isn’t just about technical wizardry. It’s about camaraderie, the shared language of pool pros who’ve seen it all, from exploding filters to synchronized swimming squirrels (no, really, we had an episode!).

Every week, you’ll:

Steal game-changing secrets: Learn pro-grade hacks to make you the “Pool Whisperer” in your market

Laugh until you spit out your piña colada: These guys are as witty as they are wise, turning pool problems into poolside punchlines.

Get ahead of the curve: Stay on top of industry trends and tech before your competitors even smell the chlorine.

Feel the love (and the sunshine): Remember why you got into this business in the first place – the joy of creating backyard oases where memories are made.

So, ditch the Drano, grab your headphones, and dive into the Talking Pools Podcast. It’s your weekly dose of poolside wisdom, laughter, and community. We’ll see you on the flip side!

P.S. Subscribe now and you might just win a case of pool party essentials (floaties not included, sorry squirrels).

P.P.S. Tell your pool-loving friends – sharing knowledge is like sharing sunscreen, it protects everyone!

Text Rudy Now!

In this lively and hilariously honest episode, Andrea and Paulette dive headfirst into the controversial topic of whether pool pros should give Christmas cards to their clients. Is it a warm gesture in the spirit of the season, or does it come off as a not-so-subtle nudge for a holiday bonus?

The discussion is equal parts comedic and thought-provoking, as the duo weighs the pros and cons:

Festive Cheer: Andrea argues that a simple Christmas card can spread goodwill, show appreciation for loyal customers, and even keep your company top of mind during the offseason. It's a touch of humanity in a business world that's often all business.
Cringe Factor: Paulette counters with her trademark wit, calling out how some cards feel less like genuine holiday cheer and more like ”I'm your friendly pool cleaner—don’t forget to leave me an envelope of cash!”
The Fine Line: Together, they explore where the line between festive and greedy might blur. They discuss how tone and timing play a role: Does the card include a subtle hint like “thank you for your support this year”? Or is it just a genuine ”Happy Holidays” without strings attached?

The conversation heats up as they share stories from their own experiences, including clients who’ve given over-the-top bonuses and others who’ve bristled at even a small holiday gesture. They wrap up by asking listeners to weigh in: Is a Christmas card a smart move for business, or does it risk making pool pros look desperate for a little extra cash?

What do you think? Whether you're on Team Festive or Team Cringe, Andrea and Paulette bring their trademark humor and insights to a debate that every pool pro has likely mulled over at least once.

CMAHC
The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code promotes health & safety at public swimming pools

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