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Monday, July 27, 2015
POOL GATE AUTO-CLOSE UNITS
Denver HOA community pool gate auto-close units should be properly maintained and replaced when necessary to avoid injury and vandalism.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2015
The POOL SHEPHERD'S Reserve Fund 3 C's
The POOL SHEPHERD works for each and every community to prioritize, suggest and provide total pool service, especially renovating and rehabilitating older pools and decks.
Our success begins with the 3 C's.
Condition: this includes ALL things pools related, including the deck and cabana. We analyze the efficiency, age, life expectancy, condition of all aspects and report to the board for perusal.
Concern: this is the board's, management company's, community members' and Talkin Pools' combined views. What are the short and long term concerns, literally and financially.
Commitment: this is the board's personal investment as a fiduciary partner, the amount of reserve funds available presently and in the future, the triage nature of a pool condition report and Talkin Pools' investment in preserving the community pool, continuing or establishing an ongoing relationship and protecting our exclusive reputation. Hopefully, we will be allowed to continue, or begin, providing daily service for the pool/deck we brought back to life at a fraction of most pool reserve fund working numbers.
Please visit our site for more information.
http://www.talkinpools.com/shepherd-s-plan
Our success begins with the 3 C's.
Condition: this includes ALL things pools related, including the deck and cabana. We analyze the efficiency, age, life expectancy, condition of all aspects and report to the board for perusal.
Concern: this is the board's, management company's, community members' and Talkin Pools' combined views. What are the short and long term concerns, literally and financially.
Commitment: this is the board's personal investment as a fiduciary partner, the amount of reserve funds available presently and in the future, the triage nature of a pool condition report and Talkin Pools' investment in preserving the community pool, continuing or establishing an ongoing relationship and protecting our exclusive reputation. Hopefully, we will be allowed to continue, or begin, providing daily service for the pool/deck we brought back to life at a fraction of most pool reserve fund working numbers.
Please visit our site for more information.
http://www.talkinpools.com/shepherd-s-plan
This community saved thousands in reserve funds by taking advantage of THE POOL SHEPHERD'S PLAN! They immediately improved the health of their reserve fund and will save exponentially for many years.
Friday, April 17, 2015
WE HIRE THE BEST PEOPLE!
Talkin Pools is pleased to announce we have added another youngster to our staff. Felix E. recently retired after 25 years of fleet maintenance for RTD. He's naturally handy and has owned a pool for decades. Currently, his backyard pool is mostly used by his grandchildren. Keeping his pool in tip top shape for them is his hobby. Welcome, Felix!
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Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Fallingwater HOA chooses Talkin Pools
Fallingwater HOA chooses Talkin Pools. Though our goal is to remain an exclusive pool company, servicing significantly less total pools than competitors, we were able to add this community pool to an existing route of three. We update our waiting list regularly and selectively add a pool now and then. We so rarely lose a pool that openings are purely geographic related. This maintains our business model of two techs servicing no more than four pools per route. Fallingwater, your five star pool experience begins April 22, Memorial Weekend!
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Monday, April 6, 2015
WESTDALE HOA chooses the SHEPHERD'S PLAN
Thank you Westdale HOA, long time customer, who is this season's first community scheduled to take advantage of our SHEPHERD'S PLAN. Beginning tomorrow we will be resurfacing the deck first with our "Best Value" coating, then returning to apply a state of the art epoxy coating to the pool. My three man crew is booked solid until Memorial Day coating decks and pools. Already scheduling deck and pool coatings for end of season and next spring!
http://www.talkinpools.com/shepherd-s-plan
http://www.talkinpools.com/deck-renovation-concrete
Thorncreek Village Joins Select Group,
Thorncreek Village chooses Talkin Pools. We are pleased to announce that Thorncreek Village HOA has joined the small list of select Denver communities serviced and maintained by our premier staff of mostly semi-retired youngsters! Your five star pool experience begins Memorial Day weekend.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Thursday, December 18, 2014
RELIABLE SEASONAL WORK FOR SEMI-RETIRED IN DENVER AREA
Are you my next Larry and Harv?
No experience necessary. WE WILL TRAIN TO OUR STANDARDS! IMMEDIATE OPENINGS IN ARVADA AND SOUTHEAST DENVER!!! Dependable, reliable seasonal work.
After working part time and earning $3000-4000 every summer for me for years upon retiring from the railroad and accounting, Larry and Harv have finally completely retired. Both are in their mid-70s.
These gentlemen liked the seasonal, warm weather and worked 3-4 days a week from 6-10am servicing small community swimming pools and rest rooms near their homes in the Arvada, Westminster area. They also were a bit handy and earned extra money making minor repairs like fixing toilet and PVC leaks.
They were able to take a few days off to fish or attend family reunions because each had a route of 3-4 pools and a partner to cover for them as the pools need to be cleaned every day. The two of them preferred it this way because they both believed that maintaining every day was better and easier than a couple times a week. They liked sharing the route with another person so they could alternate weekends and always have a backup.
They knew they could count on having their seasonal job year after year, liked the hours, the work and even the early morning exercise, though the job is not strenuous.
I now have openings in Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, Littleton, Aurora and Southeast Denver.
You must possess a reliable vehicle, have a valid driver's license, pass a background check and have a cell phone. You must also be able to work some weekends. Applicants who live within 15 minutes of job sites will be given priority. You must be available from May 1 through September 20. Therefore, students, teachers, etc. need not apply as the school year ends too late and starts too soon.
So..are you my next Larry or Harv?? Respond once only with the following information:
Name and phone number(s)
Type of vehicle
Main streets near your home
Brief work history
Are you currently employed, where
Can you start April 13, 2015?
No experience necessary. WE WILL TRAIN TO OUR STANDARDS! IMMEDIATE OPENINGS IN ARVADA AND SOUTHEAST DENVER!!! Dependable, reliable seasonal work.
After working part time and earning $3000-4000 every summer for me for years upon retiring from the railroad and accounting, Larry and Harv have finally completely retired. Both are in their mid-70s.
These gentlemen liked the seasonal, warm weather and worked 3-4 days a week from 6-10am servicing small community swimming pools and rest rooms near their homes in the Arvada, Westminster area. They also were a bit handy and earned extra money making minor repairs like fixing toilet and PVC leaks.
They were able to take a few days off to fish or attend family reunions because each had a route of 3-4 pools and a partner to cover for them as the pools need to be cleaned every day. The two of them preferred it this way because they both believed that maintaining every day was better and easier than a couple times a week. They liked sharing the route with another person so they could alternate weekends and always have a backup.
They knew they could count on having their seasonal job year after year, liked the hours, the work and even the early morning exercise, though the job is not strenuous.
I now have openings in Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, Littleton, Aurora and Southeast Denver.
You must possess a reliable vehicle, have a valid driver's license, pass a background check and have a cell phone. You must also be able to work some weekends. Applicants who live within 15 minutes of job sites will be given priority. You must be available from May 1 through September 20. Therefore, students, teachers, etc. need not apply as the school year ends too late and starts too soon.
So..are you my next Larry or Harv?? Respond once only with the following information:
Name and phone number(s)
Type of vehicle
Main streets near your home
Brief work history
Are you currently employed, where
Can you start April 13, 2015?
Friday, November 21, 2014
Talkin Handyman Services for Denver area HOA community
Little by little Community Managers are using our handyman services for those small tasks that need to be done sooner, rather than later. Checking and changing community light bulbs, adjusting/replacing photo cells or light timers, replacing broken/stolen light post globes, removing graffiti, cleaning gutters and downspouts, repairing perimemter fences and fixing hose bib drips are just a few of the light handyman jobs we have performed for communities.
Community Managers use our reliable services for communitites whose pools we service, as well as communitites that do not have a pool.
Is there a way my semi-retired work force can lighten your work load?
If given a list of items, my guys would happily and thoroughly do community "walk arounds" and submit a report to CMs, make the repairs we can and suggest repairs we cannot make all at very reasonable prices.
Please call or email if Talkin Handyman Services can be of help.
Feel free to post any comments or questions.
Community Managers use our reliable services for communitites whose pools we service, as well as communitites that do not have a pool.
Is there a way my semi-retired work force can lighten your work load?
If given a list of items, my guys would happily and thoroughly do community "walk arounds" and submit a report to CMs, make the repairs we can and suggest repairs we cannot make all at very reasonable prices.
Please call or email if Talkin Handyman Services can be of help.
Feel free to post any comments or questions.
Friday, November 14, 2014
"Wolf!" Talkin Pools Shepherd's Plan for community pools.
"WOLF!" Talkin Pools Shepherd's Plan.
In addition to daily #pool #service, maintenance and repairs, we realize we are the pool's shepherd. It is our job to oversee and protect the entire amenity. We see the pool more than any CM, board member or community member combined. It is naturally in the community's, management company's and Talkin Pool's interests to keep the pool and pool area as economically, efficiently and aesthetically pleasing as budgets/reserves allow.
Here's what we offer:
#Pool resurfacing. We use a two-part epoxy coating that is less that half the cost of plaster, is more resistant to algae, can be touched up to cover stains and footpaths and lasts 5-7+ years with proper application and daily maintenance.
#Expansion joint installation. We remove the old material, apply proper sand and backing material and industrial grade, self-leveling caulk.
#Deck coatings. We offer a variety of packages from sealant only to troweled on and knocked down non-slip substances for most deck surfaces. **Some decks have deteriorated beyond what our coatings can do and need to be completely replaced. We attempt to give the board ample time to not let the condition of the pool deck come to this.
Complete pump room restoration for under $12,000.00. Includes pump, heater, filter, chlorinator, circulation plumbing.
#Pool safety cover replace and installation.
Security. We install state of the art motion detected, night vision, security cameras that can be accessed via the internet.
Mosquito/insect control in and around the pool area. Monthly spray and free repeat sprays should it be necessary. We also will spray common areas and private areas, as well as specific sprays for private events.
WE CAN ONLY YELL, "WOLF!" TO WARN THE COMMUNITY ABOUT NECESSARY MAINTENANCE. THE BOARD AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY MUST TAKE ACTION AS TIME IS NOT AN ALLY.
In addition to daily #pool #service, maintenance and repairs, we realize we are the pool's shepherd. It is our job to oversee and protect the entire amenity. We see the pool more than any CM, board member or community member combined. It is naturally in the community's, management company's and Talkin Pool's interests to keep the pool and pool area as economically, efficiently and aesthetically pleasing as budgets/reserves allow.
Here's what we offer:
#Pool resurfacing. We use a two-part epoxy coating that is less that half the cost of plaster, is more resistant to algae, can be touched up to cover stains and footpaths and lasts 5-7+ years with proper application and daily maintenance.
#Expansion joint installation. We remove the old material, apply proper sand and backing material and industrial grade, self-leveling caulk.
#Deck coatings. We offer a variety of packages from sealant only to troweled on and knocked down non-slip substances for most deck surfaces. **Some decks have deteriorated beyond what our coatings can do and need to be completely replaced. We attempt to give the board ample time to not let the condition of the pool deck come to this.
Complete pump room restoration for under $12,000.00. Includes pump, heater, filter, chlorinator, circulation plumbing.
#Pool safety cover replace and installation.
Security. We install state of the art motion detected, night vision, security cameras that can be accessed via the internet.
Mosquito/insect control in and around the pool area. Monthly spray and free repeat sprays should it be necessary. We also will spray common areas and private areas, as well as specific sprays for private events.
WE CAN ONLY YELL, "WOLF!" TO WARN THE COMMUNITY ABOUT NECESSARY MAINTENANCE. THE BOARD AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY MUST TAKE ACTION AS TIME IS NOT AN ALLY.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Pool School for Community Managers: Pool Closing steps made simple
This is another post in the Talkin Pool School for Dummies series. This series is aimed specifically at community managers and HOA board members who want to know the basics of their community pool operations. There are other methods of winterizing a pool. Again, this is purposely NOT TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!
Pool Closing Steps
1. Turn heater off, if there is a wall switch, turn it off as well. A supervisor will go around checking progress and shutting off the gas valve. Add four or five pounds of Soda Ash to pool. We want to get the pH up to around 8.0 and let the pool circulate for a day or so. This “softens” and “lubricates” the internal parts of the filter, pump, and heater. After circulating the pool for a day or so at 8.0 pH level, turn pump off. Empty chlorinator and leave the lid off. Take drain plugs out of pump, heater, and the filter!! Put all drain plugs in the pump basket so they will be easily found next spring. If you know where and what the pressure switch is, undo one of the lines to it and spray the switch with WD-40.
2. Find pool lights breaker switch and turn pool lights off, this is very important as lights will shatter if they come on after you drain pool below them.
3. Drain pool to approximately 6 inches below the lowest return line in side of pool.
**At this point, it is critical that you use an air compressor and attachments. Blow out all lines, including the heater and all circulation lines.
4. Plug all return lines using the rubber expanding plugs which should be in a container in the pump room. Each plug has a number stamped on it. The most common plugs are #8, 9, 10 and 12 with 8’s and 9’s being the most commonly used to plug return lines and skimmer suction lines. Twist the butterfly to tightly secure the plug into the hole.
5. Pour anti-freeze down all skimmer lines and any fill spout lines. Plug the suction skimmer holes (the ones you would use to vacuum the pool) with expanding rubber plugs, leaving the drain holes unplugged. The drain holes are the holes in the skimmer bottom that drain water back into pool and have no suction. These holes are usually the holes closest to the water in the bottom of the skimmer housing. Place an empty, capped, bottle of tile cleaner or super blue, etc in each skimmer housing. This works as a shock absorber over the winter when the skimmer housing fills with snow, then melts and freezes. Instead of cracking the skimmer housing, the empty bottle “cushions” the expansion. Take skimmer baskets out, leave skimmer lid in place.
6. Remove all ladders, rails, fill spouts and put them, with skimmer baskets in pump room.
7. Add 7-8 pounds of chlorine granules, spread around whole pool as best you can.
8. Add another 3-4 pounds of soda ash.
9. Add 1-2 bottles of algaecide if there is any left.
10. Add ½ gallon jug of Wintertrine.
11. Fill bucket with holes drilled into it half way with chlorine tablets or sticks, also put lids on Wintertrine and Anti-freeze jugs, put these empty containers inside the bucket with the tabs, or tie to bucket handle, and float in the deep end of pool.
12. Screw cover anchors up, put cover on, making sure the rubber part of the straps are on the bottom not facing up. KEEP TRACK OF ANY ANCHORS THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED!
13. Store all pool furniture where it was stored to begin the season.
14. Make sure any left over chemicals are stored properly with all lids secured!!!
15. Clean pump room, any trash, empty bottles, etc.
16. Empty all trash cans at pool side and store them.
17. Put any chains/locks on, making sure a key to the lock in the lockbox first.
18. Winterize restrooms. Turn water off; pour some anti-freeze in toilets and urinals.
19. Turn water supply off to building, unless it is a club-house that is used throughout the year.
20. Complete any end of year checklists or inventory required and submit to supervisor.
Pool Closing Steps
1. Turn heater off, if there is a wall switch, turn it off as well. A supervisor will go around checking progress and shutting off the gas valve. Add four or five pounds of Soda Ash to pool. We want to get the pH up to around 8.0 and let the pool circulate for a day or so. This “softens” and “lubricates” the internal parts of the filter, pump, and heater. After circulating the pool for a day or so at 8.0 pH level, turn pump off. Empty chlorinator and leave the lid off. Take drain plugs out of pump, heater, and the filter!! Put all drain plugs in the pump basket so they will be easily found next spring. If you know where and what the pressure switch is, undo one of the lines to it and spray the switch with WD-40.
2. Find pool lights breaker switch and turn pool lights off, this is very important as lights will shatter if they come on after you drain pool below them.
3. Drain pool to approximately 6 inches below the lowest return line in side of pool.
**At this point, it is critical that you use an air compressor and attachments. Blow out all lines, including the heater and all circulation lines.
4. Plug all return lines using the rubber expanding plugs which should be in a container in the pump room. Each plug has a number stamped on it. The most common plugs are #8, 9, 10 and 12 with 8’s and 9’s being the most commonly used to plug return lines and skimmer suction lines. Twist the butterfly to tightly secure the plug into the hole.
5. Pour anti-freeze down all skimmer lines and any fill spout lines. Plug the suction skimmer holes (the ones you would use to vacuum the pool) with expanding rubber plugs, leaving the drain holes unplugged. The drain holes are the holes in the skimmer bottom that drain water back into pool and have no suction. These holes are usually the holes closest to the water in the bottom of the skimmer housing. Place an empty, capped, bottle of tile cleaner or super blue, etc in each skimmer housing. This works as a shock absorber over the winter when the skimmer housing fills with snow, then melts and freezes. Instead of cracking the skimmer housing, the empty bottle “cushions” the expansion. Take skimmer baskets out, leave skimmer lid in place.
6. Remove all ladders, rails, fill spouts and put them, with skimmer baskets in pump room.
7. Add 7-8 pounds of chlorine granules, spread around whole pool as best you can.
8. Add another 3-4 pounds of soda ash.
9. Add 1-2 bottles of algaecide if there is any left.
10. Add ½ gallon jug of Wintertrine.
11. Fill bucket with holes drilled into it half way with chlorine tablets or sticks, also put lids on Wintertrine and Anti-freeze jugs, put these empty containers inside the bucket with the tabs, or tie to bucket handle, and float in the deep end of pool.
12. Screw cover anchors up, put cover on, making sure the rubber part of the straps are on the bottom not facing up. KEEP TRACK OF ANY ANCHORS THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED!
13. Store all pool furniture where it was stored to begin the season.
14. Make sure any left over chemicals are stored properly with all lids secured!!!
15. Clean pump room, any trash, empty bottles, etc.
16. Empty all trash cans at pool side and store them.
17. Put any chains/locks on, making sure a key to the lock in the lockbox first.
18. Winterize restrooms. Turn water off; pour some anti-freeze in toilets and urinals.
19. Turn water supply off to building, unless it is a club-house that is used throughout the year.
20. Complete any end of year checklists or inventory required and submit to supervisor.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
THE BACON TEST: Talkin Pools Pest Control A+ Formula
Friday, July 25, 2014
FREE MOSQUITO SPRAY, RESULTS GUARANTEED!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Mosquitoes and your community pool!
Community Managers, if you aren't having your swimming pool areas sprayed for mosquitoes and other flying and non-flying insects from wasps to ants, why aren't you? Is it a cost issue? I have the technicians and use a government approved, industry used pesticide that really works. It lasts for up to a month, it is applied with a special misting unit to get into and under all the shrubbery that looks great as landscape around the pool, but is a five star resort for mosquitoes and other insects. Talkin Pools guarantees the community pool area will be free from mosquitoes and other insects, will return to spray again if the community is not satisfied and will return every three weeks, in the morning, to spray the pool area. Is having your community pool mosquito free worth $80.00 every three weeks? Call or email to set up an appointment or solicit information. FYI..the substance is called Bifen I/T and can easily be googled.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Proactive swimming pool maintenance should be the standard.
Talkin Pools and Best Practices Maintenance, or.. Why doesn't every pool maintenance company do this.
Things happen. When dealing with swimming pools and spas, we take the most proactive approach possible. We hear horror stories frequently regarding previous pool companies and their lack of prompt response and overall performance.
When Talkin Pools knows a big week end, say for instance, Father's Day or Fourth of July, is coming up, we anticipate a larger than normal bather load. What seems to us to be such a common sense approach, is ignored by other pool companies because with extra service, comes extra expenses to the company. There is no substitute for thorough service. It does take more effort and cost more money. A service company better understand this or forever provide substandard service. We also anticipate larger than normal usage of rest room supplies and an abundance of trash.
We train our Service Techs to bump the levels of free chlorine up, adjust the pH to at least 7.4, backwash thoroughly, begin the week end with empty trash cans and completely stocked rest rooms, have refill supplies available, communicate with each other regarding issues and concerns and attempt to maintain complete communications with the management companies and community managers.
We take these proactive measures to ensure a pristine pool throughout the heavy usage period. Having free available chlorine at the ready for heavy bather loads, having the pH adjusted a bit high to accommodate, ummm....multiple urinations, is an art. One we have mastered over 25 years in business. It is very simple stuff. Steps that our "old guys" take because it's the best practice.
I have said it many times, in different ways, but our hiring practices enable us to confidently state we deliver the best pool maintenance service in Colorado.
Things happen. When dealing with swimming pools and spas, we take the most proactive approach possible. We hear horror stories frequently regarding previous pool companies and their lack of prompt response and overall performance.
When Talkin Pools knows a big week end, say for instance, Father's Day or Fourth of July, is coming up, we anticipate a larger than normal bather load. What seems to us to be such a common sense approach, is ignored by other pool companies because with extra service, comes extra expenses to the company. There is no substitute for thorough service. It does take more effort and cost more money. A service company better understand this or forever provide substandard service. We also anticipate larger than normal usage of rest room supplies and an abundance of trash.
We train our Service Techs to bump the levels of free chlorine up, adjust the pH to at least 7.4, backwash thoroughly, begin the week end with empty trash cans and completely stocked rest rooms, have refill supplies available, communicate with each other regarding issues and concerns and attempt to maintain complete communications with the management companies and community managers.
We take these proactive measures to ensure a pristine pool throughout the heavy usage period. Having free available chlorine at the ready for heavy bather loads, having the pH adjusted a bit high to accommodate, ummm....multiple urinations, is an art. One we have mastered over 25 years in business. It is very simple stuff. Steps that our "old guys" take because it's the best practice.
I have said it many times, in different ways, but our hiring practices enable us to confidently state we deliver the best pool maintenance service in Colorado.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Talkin Pool School: Ducks!!!
Ducks!!!
There's always a couple of pools that seem to be nice "vacationing" spots for ducks. There's seem to be more ducks "vacationing" this season than usual.
Remedies: Actually, the only ones that work are not feasible in a community pool, or are illegal. Based on research, while many swear hanging tin pie plates from trees, using fake animals (owls, snakes, fox) and all sorts of creative methods, the ducks quickly find that they pose no threat and return.
So, since using a pellet gun or some instrument to cause their demise and using a swimming dog to scare or catch them is not an option, they will move on when bather load increases and there's just more activity in the community.
Over the years, I have found another key contributor...homeowners. It only takes one animal lover to be throwing out bread to the cute little duckies before the ducks realize this is a terrific place to hang out.
DO NOT FEED THE DUCKS!!!!
Pool sanitation: It certainly isn't pretty but we keep the chlorine levels a bit high in these instances. Unless it gets unreasonable to manage, we keep the pool open and filtering. It is, however, a judgement call. We clean the deck as best we can, knowing that we clean the pool, five minutes after we leave the ducks return.
If anyone living next to the pool would take every opportunity to make noises and chase the ducks away it would probably help, though with people working, the ducks just lounge during the day if there are no bathers.
There's always a couple of pools that seem to be nice "vacationing" spots for ducks. There's seem to be more ducks "vacationing" this season than usual.
Remedies: Actually, the only ones that work are not feasible in a community pool, or are illegal. Based on research, while many swear hanging tin pie plates from trees, using fake animals (owls, snakes, fox) and all sorts of creative methods, the ducks quickly find that they pose no threat and return.
So, since using a pellet gun or some instrument to cause their demise and using a swimming dog to scare or catch them is not an option, they will move on when bather load increases and there's just more activity in the community.
Over the years, I have found another key contributor...homeowners. It only takes one animal lover to be throwing out bread to the cute little duckies before the ducks realize this is a terrific place to hang out.
DO NOT FEED THE DUCKS!!!!
Pool sanitation: It certainly isn't pretty but we keep the chlorine levels a bit high in these instances. Unless it gets unreasonable to manage, we keep the pool open and filtering. It is, however, a judgement call. We clean the deck as best we can, knowing that we clean the pool, five minutes after we leave the ducks return.
If anyone living next to the pool would take every opportunity to make noises and chase the ducks away it would probably help, though with people working, the ducks just lounge during the day if there are no bathers.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
"It must be the swimming pool gods!" Common pool opening repairs.
I realize that community managers care about the condition of the pool and the satisfaction of the community. This is a brief "pool school" for community managers who need just a bit of information regarding usual pool opening repairs.
While I have seen everything and anything during pool openings, there are some repairs that just happen a lot as part of opening, especially when starting a pool up after sitting dormant for the winter.
Suction leaks:
The primary ingredient needed for pool operation is suction. The pump is the motor that supplies the suction, but it's everything else connected that determines the integrity of the circulation system. So, every place there is a valve or gasket in the circulation lines, is a potential "suction losing" seal that needs to be addressed. For instance, the pump lid is separated from the strainer basket by a gasket. If this gasket doesn't seal 100%, circulation is severely compromised. The same can be said for each and every rubber gasket along the way. The filter valve, depending on the style, has one critical gasket or a series of "O" ring gaskets, if it's a plunger type. The chlorinator, too, depends on a gasket.
Additionally, every joint in the pvc is a potential leak. The two places in the pump room where there are the majority of these leaks is at the suction and discharge sides of the pump. The connection between the pvc going into the pump and leaving the pump must be air-tight for perfect suction/circulation.
Hardware issues:
The pool safety cover is removed and stored during opening. In a perfect world, each and every brass deck anchor screws back down flat for the summer. In the real world, some refuse to screw down. In this case, the brass anchor, which is now sticking up and is a scraped foot waiting to happen, must be removed after liquid wrench and other industry materials do not loosen it. And, if it needs to be removed, a new one will have to be drilled and installed come closing.
Ladders and rails often need new escutcheons, landings, brass wedge bolts, foot treads, stainless steel nuts/bolts and rubber wall bumpers.
Gate/lock repairs:
Often times the board decides to change the locks and key entries to the community pool. Other times, the locks work, but the gate doesn't close completely, the lock works but is sticking and will only get worse, the lock and catch need to be adjusted, and lastly, the gate has a safety lock or a chain and padlock for emergency lock out during the season and throughout the fall and winter.
Coping Stones and tiles:
The coping stones are the cement stones around the lip of the pool. They generally hang a little bit over the water and are rounded on the water's edge. These are held together with plaster/grout type material. These stones become loose after years for a number of reason. They can be easily repaired, replace, grout. The tiles are at the water's edge and go around the entire pool. There are different styles and shapes. They too, after years, start falling off and need to be replaced. Once one tile falls off others connected will surely follow. And, kids just love to pick at the tile next to the missing one!
Lights:
The submerged pool light is another common opening repair. Usually it requires a new bulb and gasket. Sometimes, though, the entire light housing needs to be replaced. This amounts to "snaking" new electrical lines under ground and through conduit to the pool wall. Also, photo cells and light timers, as well as circuit breakers and GFI safety components are tested and replaced if not working properly.
I believe there truly are pool gods! We often joke about why never on a Tuesday. The joke is, it is absolutely amazing how many times we have a pool up, opened, clear, clean, warm for 3-5 days before opening weekend. And boom...Friday night, Saturday morning, something that had been functioning perfectly for the last week, decides to die. This season it was a couple of pool lights. They were tested during opening, but were not turned on until opening day to dissuade early swimmers. Sure enough, all three lights that worked a week ago, need some electrical repairs. As the season goes on the same continues. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the days most likely to have mechanical issues. It's not the bather load, by the way. The number of people in the pool have no effect on a pump motor that up and freezes. So, we say, "Why does nothing ever break on a Tuesday?!" I really don' t know, pool gods is my only explanation.
While I have seen everything and anything during pool openings, there are some repairs that just happen a lot as part of opening, especially when starting a pool up after sitting dormant for the winter.
Suction leaks:
The primary ingredient needed for pool operation is suction. The pump is the motor that supplies the suction, but it's everything else connected that determines the integrity of the circulation system. So, every place there is a valve or gasket in the circulation lines, is a potential "suction losing" seal that needs to be addressed. For instance, the pump lid is separated from the strainer basket by a gasket. If this gasket doesn't seal 100%, circulation is severely compromised. The same can be said for each and every rubber gasket along the way. The filter valve, depending on the style, has one critical gasket or a series of "O" ring gaskets, if it's a plunger type. The chlorinator, too, depends on a gasket.
Additionally, every joint in the pvc is a potential leak. The two places in the pump room where there are the majority of these leaks is at the suction and discharge sides of the pump. The connection between the pvc going into the pump and leaving the pump must be air-tight for perfect suction/circulation.
Hardware issues:
The pool safety cover is removed and stored during opening. In a perfect world, each and every brass deck anchor screws back down flat for the summer. In the real world, some refuse to screw down. In this case, the brass anchor, which is now sticking up and is a scraped foot waiting to happen, must be removed after liquid wrench and other industry materials do not loosen it. And, if it needs to be removed, a new one will have to be drilled and installed come closing.
Ladders and rails often need new escutcheons, landings, brass wedge bolts, foot treads, stainless steel nuts/bolts and rubber wall bumpers.
Gate/lock repairs:
Often times the board decides to change the locks and key entries to the community pool. Other times, the locks work, but the gate doesn't close completely, the lock works but is sticking and will only get worse, the lock and catch need to be adjusted, and lastly, the gate has a safety lock or a chain and padlock for emergency lock out during the season and throughout the fall and winter.
Coping Stones and tiles:
The coping stones are the cement stones around the lip of the pool. They generally hang a little bit over the water and are rounded on the water's edge. These are held together with plaster/grout type material. These stones become loose after years for a number of reason. They can be easily repaired, replace, grout. The tiles are at the water's edge and go around the entire pool. There are different styles and shapes. They too, after years, start falling off and need to be replaced. Once one tile falls off others connected will surely follow. And, kids just love to pick at the tile next to the missing one!
Lights:
The submerged pool light is another common opening repair. Usually it requires a new bulb and gasket. Sometimes, though, the entire light housing needs to be replaced. This amounts to "snaking" new electrical lines under ground and through conduit to the pool wall. Also, photo cells and light timers, as well as circuit breakers and GFI safety components are tested and replaced if not working properly.
I believe there truly are pool gods! We often joke about why never on a Tuesday. The joke is, it is absolutely amazing how many times we have a pool up, opened, clear, clean, warm for 3-5 days before opening weekend. And boom...Friday night, Saturday morning, something that had been functioning perfectly for the last week, decides to die. This season it was a couple of pool lights. They were tested during opening, but were not turned on until opening day to dissuade early swimmers. Sure enough, all three lights that worked a week ago, need some electrical repairs. As the season goes on the same continues. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the days most likely to have mechanical issues. It's not the bather load, by the way. The number of people in the pool have no effect on a pump motor that up and freezes. So, we say, "Why does nothing ever break on a Tuesday?!" I really don' t know, pool gods is my only explanation.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Could I do it again? Was this summer luck? Gulp, I'm gonna keep going. PART 11: "From Classroom to Pump Room"
So, the way it all went down, we already had signed contracts for the next summer which was a couple months away. I was saddened at my friend's demise, I was sick to have witnessed a great guy completely implode due to alcohol dependency and...I was freaking out about the business. I needed the money. Two daughters soon to enter college, two future weddings to look forward to funding, deteriorating health on my part, more and more hours spent doing what I really love, working with kids, and I was forced to literally put my big boy pants on and see what I could do alone. I felt a little responsible to a couple of our employees and a lot responsible for the state of our company. My reasoning was simple. I had been pretty much running the company the last couple years around Jerry and succeeding in spite of him rather than because of him. I learned so much overall that I thought, if nothing else, I'll try it this first summer and the worst that could happen is I stumble and lose all my contracts, but still make one last little pay day. My reasoning, hell, the worst case scenario was they wouldn't fire me until I had repeatedly messed up, based on our reputation alone. And the best case scenario was I succeeded and now pocketed all the profits, rather than the 50% I had been. So, I began thinking like a sole proprietor. It was actually refreshing. I had only myself to answer to and I answered myself a lot. I answered in my sleep, while I was driving, sitting, not really relaxing, that's all I did was talk to myself and answer. Then, without really consciously realizing it until much later, my business tendencies and decision making traits were nothing more than my teaching and administrating tactics with high school students, parents, teachers, support staff, only in a capitalistic environment. Additionally, I noticed myself going back to my twenty years of coaching high school basketball. The whole thing was to form a team, train them, coach them, support them, and then, wholly crap, charge money for their efforts! If I found the good to great players and coached them, they would perform accordingly. The one caveat, I completely went to hiring, "Nicks." No more high school kids, ever, no more college kids, ever. Well, thats not totally true, I have and do employ one or two high school/college athletes to deliver the chemicals to our pools. I realized the obvious, like sports, the more you anticipate, the more you plan for all kinds of defenses (obstacles), the hungrier you are, the more conditioned mentally and physically you are, the better your team plays. The better they play, the more we (our customers most importantly) win.
The first thing I did was I made sure old Don, the handy semi-retired school custodian who had been moonlighting as our repair was on board for a few more summers. He's a great guy, taught me a ton about a lot of things, couldn't be a handier guy, builds and shows antique pumps and motorized things and though he has long since retired, I can find him any time I need some advice sitting there drinking coffee and telling stories at the McDonalds, with all his old buddies, from 6am to 10am every morning. Once I knew he would literally make all the repairs all I had to do was find more "Nicks" to fill my roster. I intentionally began searching for and hiring "old guys." I can't lie and say every one of them was terrific, but I can say that my worst "old guy" was still better than my best young guy. Along the way I've employed some really interesting gentlemen. That's a key word, I hire gentlemen. If you are reading this and you don't actually get what I mean by they are gentlemen, bless you, your'e probably young! I'm not talking holding doors open for females, of course they would do that as well. No, I'm talking about men who served in the military, grew up in poverty, some are educated, some are the smartest people I know sans college degree. There's a fairly famous band, Big Head Todd and the Monsters. The drummer's dad worked for me for a couple years. I remember him telling me his son was in a band and they were getting a little popular. After a couple of summers, he resigned. His son was famous! I've hired a tough, old, retired railroad worker. Great guy, Marv, was. Our phone conversations were hilarious. He was as close to completely deaf as you can be. I would be literally screaming over the phone, repeating myself, over and over, but his pools were pristine. I have another guy who's worked for me for years, he told me his wife is finally retiring and so this will be his last summer with me. Way back in the 60's, I'm talking Richie Cunningham and the Fonz, this guy, Tim, is one of the original north Denver car/cycle club members. In fact, there's a locally famous decal you still see today on vintage cars in Denver of a lion. It became the official decal of every one in north Denver who was involved in car clubs. I'm not talking gangs here. I'm talking the James Dean types. Sure they were rebels without a cause, but really they just liked their hot rods and liked cruising 16th Street before it became a trendy open air mall. I could go on, maybe some day I will write something completely about dealing with old guys for going on 26 years. What's the connection? Every once in a while someone will comment or email that this post or that post were misleading in that they veer away from the business of running a small business. My response is, hell, I'm just telling my story. I have spent many years formulating, perfecting and repeating my process. I'm certain I could show the right people; the motivated, hungry people, to follow my formula. My point with this post was merely to talk about my "teams" over the past 25 pool seasons. And, all but one of my guys from last season, is coming back this season. The one not coming back has some family health issues, wants to stay involved, and asked me to please call him during the summer if we need an extra hand, or a pool needs a little extra TLC.
I proved to myself I could go it alone. I pocketed 100% of the profits. I continued to do things the right way. While other pool companies, to this day, pay "contract labor" in order to save on matching Social Security, Medicare payroll taxes, I have a payroll company do all my payrolls, quarterly reports and the like. I run an above board company. I feel good about my little contribution to our nation and the medicare, social security benefits to which I contribute. Could I do it again? Was this summer luck? Gulp, I'm gonna keep going...
The first thing I did was I made sure old Don, the handy semi-retired school custodian who had been moonlighting as our repair was on board for a few more summers. He's a great guy, taught me a ton about a lot of things, couldn't be a handier guy, builds and shows antique pumps and motorized things and though he has long since retired, I can find him any time I need some advice sitting there drinking coffee and telling stories at the McDonalds, with all his old buddies, from 6am to 10am every morning. Once I knew he would literally make all the repairs all I had to do was find more "Nicks" to fill my roster. I intentionally began searching for and hiring "old guys." I can't lie and say every one of them was terrific, but I can say that my worst "old guy" was still better than my best young guy. Along the way I've employed some really interesting gentlemen. That's a key word, I hire gentlemen. If you are reading this and you don't actually get what I mean by they are gentlemen, bless you, your'e probably young! I'm not talking holding doors open for females, of course they would do that as well. No, I'm talking about men who served in the military, grew up in poverty, some are educated, some are the smartest people I know sans college degree. There's a fairly famous band, Big Head Todd and the Monsters. The drummer's dad worked for me for a couple years. I remember him telling me his son was in a band and they were getting a little popular. After a couple of summers, he resigned. His son was famous! I've hired a tough, old, retired railroad worker. Great guy, Marv, was. Our phone conversations were hilarious. He was as close to completely deaf as you can be. I would be literally screaming over the phone, repeating myself, over and over, but his pools were pristine. I have another guy who's worked for me for years, he told me his wife is finally retiring and so this will be his last summer with me. Way back in the 60's, I'm talking Richie Cunningham and the Fonz, this guy, Tim, is one of the original north Denver car/cycle club members. In fact, there's a locally famous decal you still see today on vintage cars in Denver of a lion. It became the official decal of every one in north Denver who was involved in car clubs. I'm not talking gangs here. I'm talking the James Dean types. Sure they were rebels without a cause, but really they just liked their hot rods and liked cruising 16th Street before it became a trendy open air mall. I could go on, maybe some day I will write something completely about dealing with old guys for going on 26 years. What's the connection? Every once in a while someone will comment or email that this post or that post were misleading in that they veer away from the business of running a small business. My response is, hell, I'm just telling my story. I have spent many years formulating, perfecting and repeating my process. I'm certain I could show the right people; the motivated, hungry people, to follow my formula. My point with this post was merely to talk about my "teams" over the past 25 pool seasons. And, all but one of my guys from last season, is coming back this season. The one not coming back has some family health issues, wants to stay involved, and asked me to please call him during the summer if we need an extra hand, or a pool needs a little extra TLC.
I proved to myself I could go it alone. I pocketed 100% of the profits. I continued to do things the right way. While other pool companies, to this day, pay "contract labor" in order to save on matching Social Security, Medicare payroll taxes, I have a payroll company do all my payrolls, quarterly reports and the like. I run an above board company. I feel good about my little contribution to our nation and the medicare, social security benefits to which I contribute. Could I do it again? Was this summer luck? Gulp, I'm gonna keep going...
Saturday, April 12, 2014
"Jerry, is on life support, doesn't look good." My business story.
Well, what just happened was, Jerry's wife had been more and more angry at him for his drinking. At first, looking back, I didn't notice anything. Now, my wife will tell you, I'm a guy. I don't notice much. But, slowly, Jerry's wife began to get more and more antagonistic toward me and certainly, Jerry. So when she was called from her job to the hospital, she was immediately angry at him. Still, the anger I felt was more of a selfish "now you've gone and embarrassed me", than a holy crap, my husband could have died. Just my opinion.
Jerry survived, he returned to work, was "clean," I think, for a while. Come to find out, Jerry, damn, I get emotional writing this, wanted so badly to kick his drinking that on his own, with no medical supervision, he went cold turkey starting a couple days before his first day back to school. His body was so conditioned to exist with a high percentage of alcohol, that he literally had seizures as his withdrawal time increased.
Jerry proceeded to teach his classes, at least show up and pretty much weather his days at school. His pilot light was going out slowly. He laid low at school, did what he thought was a good job of hiding his behavior and continued his weak performance with our company. Our friendship was terribly strained. A complete reversal had taken place. It was Jerry who was the leader, the head coach, my "big brother" leading the way. It was Jerry on his way to becoming a high school principal, then just like an unexpected pH bounce (sorry) I was the big brother...
People say, "you just never know," and they are so correct. It only got worse. This is very sad for me to write about, but it was the turning point in my career/business. Jerry went on to drive drunk through his neighborhood, miss a turn, and plow into a neighbor's front yard tree. He was pulled out of his truck by a friend of mine who happened to live across the street from the accident. He also happened to be a police officer.
Then, and I'm jumping ahead a bit because this isn't intended to be a melodrama, Jerry showed up drunk at work one too many times. He was reported, the principal, thankfully, didn't have me involved, personally went and got him out of his classroom. I saw him as he walked past my office door. He looked dark. She told him what was going on, had our school resource officer administer a blood alcohol, suspended him with pay temporarily and took his car keys so he couldn't drive home. Strangely, I can't remember if someone took him home or he walked. Either way, he returned with another set of keys and moved his car out of the teacher's parking lot.
That was, as I recall, and a lot of conjecture, the final straw for his marriage. Though there wasn't talk of divorce, at least not that I heard. Jerry moved out and was living in an apartment. I didn't have much to do with Jerry after that. He sent me an apologetic letter telling me he would love to drive around with me, since he lost his license, and check pools. I continued to split the profits 50/50 with him because it was the right thing to do, but he had cost us so much money and credibility I could not bring myself to encourage any involvement by him in our business. Business wise, we were still profitable, but for the first time, had we not had such decent employees, we would surely have been out of business.
One day, I answer the phone and a mutual friend and teacher is on the other end. He says, "Jerry, is in intensive care and on life support. It doesn't look good." Dammit!!!! He did it again. He went cold turkey trying to kick the disease. This time, though, he had done it in his lonely, sparsely decorated apartment. He seized and laid there, alone, on the floor. I can't even remember now exactly who found him. Our mutual friend and I went to the ICU. Jerry was unconscious, his wife, daughters, and parents were at his side. I went over and whispered into his ear. I doubt he "heard" me, and only he and I know what I said. Ultimately, there was no hope as he was brain dead. They pulled the plug and my partner, my friend, my big brother, died.
I have explained Jerry's demise partly to honor him, but mostly to establish that if I've learned anything in 26 years of business it's that resiliency, resolve, hunger, desperation, greed and pride will all be tested and displayed at some point, sometimes foreseen and others completely out of nowhere.
Jerry survived, he returned to work, was "clean," I think, for a while. Come to find out, Jerry, damn, I get emotional writing this, wanted so badly to kick his drinking that on his own, with no medical supervision, he went cold turkey starting a couple days before his first day back to school. His body was so conditioned to exist with a high percentage of alcohol, that he literally had seizures as his withdrawal time increased.
Jerry proceeded to teach his classes, at least show up and pretty much weather his days at school. His pilot light was going out slowly. He laid low at school, did what he thought was a good job of hiding his behavior and continued his weak performance with our company. Our friendship was terribly strained. A complete reversal had taken place. It was Jerry who was the leader, the head coach, my "big brother" leading the way. It was Jerry on his way to becoming a high school principal, then just like an unexpected pH bounce (sorry) I was the big brother...
People say, "you just never know," and they are so correct. It only got worse. This is very sad for me to write about, but it was the turning point in my career/business. Jerry went on to drive drunk through his neighborhood, miss a turn, and plow into a neighbor's front yard tree. He was pulled out of his truck by a friend of mine who happened to live across the street from the accident. He also happened to be a police officer.
Then, and I'm jumping ahead a bit because this isn't intended to be a melodrama, Jerry showed up drunk at work one too many times. He was reported, the principal, thankfully, didn't have me involved, personally went and got him out of his classroom. I saw him as he walked past my office door. He looked dark. She told him what was going on, had our school resource officer administer a blood alcohol, suspended him with pay temporarily and took his car keys so he couldn't drive home. Strangely, I can't remember if someone took him home or he walked. Either way, he returned with another set of keys and moved his car out of the teacher's parking lot.
That was, as I recall, and a lot of conjecture, the final straw for his marriage. Though there wasn't talk of divorce, at least not that I heard. Jerry moved out and was living in an apartment. I didn't have much to do with Jerry after that. He sent me an apologetic letter telling me he would love to drive around with me, since he lost his license, and check pools. I continued to split the profits 50/50 with him because it was the right thing to do, but he had cost us so much money and credibility I could not bring myself to encourage any involvement by him in our business. Business wise, we were still profitable, but for the first time, had we not had such decent employees, we would surely have been out of business.
One day, I answer the phone and a mutual friend and teacher is on the other end. He says, "Jerry, is in intensive care and on life support. It doesn't look good." Dammit!!!! He did it again. He went cold turkey trying to kick the disease. This time, though, he had done it in his lonely, sparsely decorated apartment. He seized and laid there, alone, on the floor. I can't even remember now exactly who found him. Our mutual friend and I went to the ICU. Jerry was unconscious, his wife, daughters, and parents were at his side. I went over and whispered into his ear. I doubt he "heard" me, and only he and I know what I said. Ultimately, there was no hope as he was brain dead. They pulled the plug and my partner, my friend, my big brother, died.
I have explained Jerry's demise partly to honor him, but mostly to establish that if I've learned anything in 26 years of business it's that resiliency, resolve, hunger, desperation, greed and pride will all be tested and displayed at some point, sometimes foreseen and others completely out of nowhere.
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