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THE IPSSAN - Independent Pool and Spa Service ...
THE IPSSAN January 2022
   Volume MMXXII, Issue 1
                                  The Independent Pool & Spa Service Association. Inc. exists for the mutual professional benefit and
                                  growth of its members and for the continued improvement of the pool and spa service industry.

Special Edition

Remembering Bob                                                                    hard to obtain two chemistry
                                                                                   degrees from FSU. This is
                                                                                                                             rage. However, there were no
                                                                                                                             specialty products designed
By Terry Arko                                                                      where the story of Bob Lowry              to treat spas or hot tubs.
ON A COOL FOGGY      evening in          missions that were classified             begins for the pool industry.             That bothered Bob and so
Monterey, California we sat              by the CIA. He was captured                     When Bob left college back          he decided to create a line of
outside at the Paluca Trattoria          during one of the missions and            in the early 1970’s he partnered          specialty products to address
on Fisherman’s Wharf. It was             was held as a POW. For several            with a friend to create a                 the unique maintenance
Saturday, September 11th,                weeks he was imprisoned                   polymer-based water clarifier             challenges of hot water. The
2021, the last day of the Pool           in a bamboo cage that was                 for fishponds and aquariums.              entire Leisure Time Chemical
Industry Expo. It was a very             partially submerged into a                Eventually this led to the                spa product line took off like
memorable dinner with Bob                shallow river. His food was               creation of one of the most               a rocket. The products are still
Lowry and his lovely wife                old scraps that were thrown to            popular pool water clarifiers             sold today and are very popular
Sylvia. Bob talked at length             him. Fortunately, his squadron            known as ‘Super-Blue’. This               among spa hot tub owners.
about his early life and his             was able to locate him, and               product is still used today to            Bob was frustrated because he
service in the special forces            they fought off enemy forces              clear up cloudy water as a filter-        didn’t feel like he was in touch
during the war in Viet Nam.              for his release. It was at this           aid. Due to the success of the            with the backyard service
I learned much that evening              point in the conversation that            clarifier Bob and his partner                       Continued on page 6
that enlarged the respect I              Bob rolled up the sleeve of his           started a company known as
already had for this man. Bob            left arm to show me the near              Robarb. Eventually the two
volunteered for the Army,                10-inch scar that he received             inventors parted ways and
choosing to enlist voluntarily           from an enemy bayonet in                  Bob hopped on a motorcycle
rather than be drafted. At 18            hand-to-hand combat. After                and drove across country to
years old in basic training his          his service to our country                Los Angeles to start another
superiors observed that he was           Bob returned to his home to               company. That company was
an exceptional shot with a rifle         attend Florida State University.          Leisure Time Chemical and
and was a strong energetic               Because he was a decorated                it’s impetus was based on the
young man. As a result he was            veteran he was shunned at                 creation of a polymeric spa/
sent to training to become a             college and not allowed to                hot tub clarifier known as Spa
Green Beret and succeeded                participate in sports or even             Bright & Clear in 1977. At this
being one of the youngest in             join a fraternity. Despite the            time hot tubs were becoming
the forces. By 19 years old he           unwarranted rejection he                  very popular in California
was leading a squadron on                experienced he still worked               and portable spas were all the

                     COMMUNITY • EDUCATION • SUPPORT
                        IPSSA: Knowledge Through Community

     Inside this issue
      8   Year of the Borate                 20   Premium Pool Options
     14   Modernizing Older Pools            32   Chapter Information
     18   Customer Service Tips              34   Associate Members
                                                                                    IPSSA.COM
THE IPSSAN - Independent Pool and Spa Service ...
THE IPSSAN - Independent Pool and Spa Service ...
THE IPSSAN - Independent Pool and Spa Service ...
The IPSSAN
     HEY RAY!                                                                   Associate
                                                                                Management Team
     Ray Arouesty, Senior Vice President of                                     ROSE SMOOT IOM, CAE
     Arrow Insurance Service, a division of HUB                                 Executive Director
                                                                                rose@ipssa.com
     International Insurance Services, answers                                  Requests to and from BORD, associate
     commonly asked insurance and liability related                             member relations, governance information
                                                                                and requests for documents, IPSSA sick
     questions from pool service professionals.                                 route oversight, Education Fund guidelines,
                                                                                grievance information, chapter governance
                                                                                tools, IPSSA.com website updates
     QUESTION:
     I’ve been servicing a residential pool for about a year now. It’s an       PENNY GAUMOND
     older pool and the customer is now blaming me for damaging her             Project Resource Specialist
     plaster. I admit that the plaster is showing signs of deterioration        888-360-9505 x2
     and some staining, but that condition existed when I took over this        info@ipssa.com
     account. I’ve tried explaining this to my customer, but she wants the      Trade show materials requests, table
                                                                                top material requests, codes for water
     name of my insurance company. How can I avoid a situation like this        chemistry test, process orders from
     in the future?                                                             chapters for sick route coverage cards,
                                                                                IPSSA merchandise & book order fulfilment,
     ANSWER:                                                                    social media posts
     I was once told that pool plaster begins deteriorating as soon as a
     new pool is filled with water. While that may be an exaggeration,
     most agree that swimming pool plaster has a limited life span              Member Services &
     and pool service techs taking on new accounts need to protect              Finance Team
     themselves from pre-existing plaster damage claims. The best way           FRANK MCDONALD
     to do this is with a new account evaluation checklist. I recommend         Finance Director
     that that the service tech meet with the new customer before               frank@ipssa.com
     beginning new service. During this meeting, the service tech should        Oversees day-to-day membership
     discuss the pool’s condition with the customer. Items should include       transactions and accounting. Prepares
                                                                                IPSSA financial reports, chapter shares and
     equipment in obvious need of repair, as well as a detailed evaluation
                                                                                census report
     of the pool plaster. The service tech should note all areas that show
     plaster defects, including staining, cracks, spauling and delamination     ALISON THOMPSON
     and the customer should sign and date this form. This simple form          Membership Assistant
     will provide a powerful defense to later allegations that the pre-         Phone: 888-360-9505 x1
     existing damage was caused by the service tech’s negligence. n             Fax: 888-368-0432
                                                                                memberservices@ipssa.com
                                                                                Membership applications, transfers,
                                                                                cancellations, change of address or contact
                                                                                information, auto-pay sign up or one-time
                                         HUB INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES   payments, chapter rosters and chapter
                                         hubinternational.com                   officer updates
                                         Ray.Arouesty@HubInternational.com
                                                                                ACCOUNTING
                                                                                888-360-9505 x1
                                                                                accounting@ipssa.com
                                                                                Invoicing members, process payments,
                                                                                processes (financial) tax data, Swim Fund, track
                                                                                members that are water chemistry certified

                                                                                IPSSAN Newsletter
                                                                                MICHELLE HARVEY
                                                                                IPSSAN Editor
                                                                                editor@ipssa.com
                                                                                IPSSAN content, IPSSAN advertisements

                                                                                Insurance Billing
                                                                                insurance@cramercpa.com
                                                                                Phone: 844-574-1134
                                                                                Fax: 888-811-4502
                                                                                PO Box 2934
                                                                                Rocklin, CA 95677

4 | The IPSSAN JANUARY 2022
THE IPSSAN - Independent Pool and Spa Service ...
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THE IPSSAN - Independent Pool and Spa Service ...
Remembering Bob                                                                                  The IPSSAN
Continued from front page                                                                        Official Publication of the Independent
                                                                                                 Pool & Spa Service Association, Inc.

professional. So, he began visiting pool       in Dallas Texas at the Pool Nation Awards         PO Box 254645
service companies. He met with one             that were held during the International           Sacramento, CA 95865
                                                                                                 888-360-9505
pool service pro and immediately asked         Pool Spa Expo. Bob had earned the Pool
                                                                                                 editor@ipssan.com
if he could work for him at no charge.         Nation Lifetime Achievement Award. I had          www.ipssa.com
As a result, he spent close to two months      the honor of presenting and accepting the
everyday working servicing pools. He also      award for Bob. It is a moment I will never        EXECUTIVE EDITOR
                                                                                                 Adam Morley
would take more time throughout his            forget. Fortunately, we were able to record
career to meet up with pros in the backyard    a video a few weeks prior to the awards of        MANAGING EDITOR
to help to solve water chemistry challenges.   Bob accepting the lifetime achievement            Rose Smoot, IOM, CAE
He made himself available to anyone            award. I think the best way to close this
                                                                                                 DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
who called him and also began teaching         article remembering Bob is with his own
                                                                                                 PoolPro Magazine
a weekly water chemistry course at his         words from that video.
company headquarters. Bob continued to            “Thanks very much and hello from Lima,         Please contact editor@ipssa.com to obtain
feel frustrated that enough education wasn’t      Peru. I am sorry I am not able to be there     the deadline for submission of articles each
                                                                                                 month. Material submitted late will be
getting to the service pros, so he created        with you guys, due to recent changes in
                                                                                                 considered for the following month.
Service Industry News in the early 80’s.          my health it is not possible. I am honored,
This was the first of its kind bi-monthly         humbled, and encouraged to accept and          Copyright ©2021 Independent Pool and Spa
‘newspaper’ publication provided free of          receive this lifetime achievement award. It    Service Association. All rights reserved under
                                                                                                 state, federal and international laws. No part
charge at the distributor counter.                is the first time in my career that I have
                                                                                                 of this publication may be reproduced by
    Throughout all of his career Bob always       been recognized for my contribution and        any mechanical, photographic or electronic
had a passion for real understandable             to be recognized by service technicians is     process, nor may it be stored in a retrieval
education. He truly had a heart for the           something special. Most of the chemical        system, transmitted or otherwise copied
                                                                                                 (except members of the Independent Pool
backyard service pro.                             technical information I produce is for
                                                                                                 and Spa Service Association may copy all
    During his 48-year career in the pool         service techs. I have always tried to          or part of this publication exclusively for
industry he has authored 21 pool and spa          make complex chemical information              personal use or use in the operation of
chemistry books and published over 175            understandable and technically accurate.       thatmember’s pool and spa service business
                                                                                                 other than a publication) without prior
technical articles. He also wrote the 3           During my 48 years in this industry people
                                                                                                 written permission from the publisher.
IPSSA training manuals which have over            have said of me, who is he? Is he a chemist?   Forpermission to make photocopies,
425 pages on water chemistry.                     He’s a maverick, He’s a crackpot, He’s an      contact the IPSSA Management Office at
    He had a long history of teaching,            idiot, He doesn’t know what he’s talking       888-360-9505, x2.
troubleshooting, and innovating new ideas         about, He’s brilliant and He’s a genius! I
                                                                                                 Editorial Content: The editorial contents
to help the pool service pro. Unlike many         don’t know what label I would give myself,     of this publication are educational and
technical or chemistry related classes, his       but I am very grateful that you all have       informational in nature, and not intended
classes were always packed with service           chosen to recognize and honor me with this     as minimum standards, or legal or other
                                                                                                 professional advice. The Independent
techs because they were the most relevant         award. I will continue my efforts and have
                                                                                                 Pool and Spa Service Association has
and understandable. In 2018 he wrote              a wonderful evening”                           endeavored to include appropriate and
two books specifically for residential pool                                                      accurate statements but disclaims any
service pro and created the Pool Chemistry         Those were literally Bob’s last words to      and all warranties and/or responsibility
                                                                                                 for the statements or their application.
Training Institute which is the premier        the industry. He will never be forgotten,
                                                                                                 Usersshould confer with their professional
certification class that teaches a dynamic     and his legacy will live on. Bob passed           advisers for specific input and assistance
method for keeping pool water balanced         away on November 17th, 2021, in his               concerning their respective projects. Any
and stable.                                    home of Lima Peru with his wife Sylvia            expressions of opinion or perspective
                                                                                                 byauthors of articles included in this
    Bob’s passion throughout all of his        by his side. He was 75 years old. For
                                                                                                 publication are not necessarily those
career was to help pool professionals solve    several years of his later life Bob fought        of the Independent Pool and Spa
the chemical related challenges they face      an incurable lung disease. When he was            Service Association.Advertisements: The
every day. And to assist them in finding       diagnosed with the disease he was told that       inclusion of commercial advertisements
                                                                                                 in this publication constitutes neither a
solutions that work and bring more savings     he only had at best two years to live. Being
                                                                                                 recommendation nor an endorsement
and success to their business. He truly        the fighter that Bob was he outlived that         of the product or service advertised.
was one of the most brilliant yet down to      prognosis by 5 years. And every day that he       Although IPSSA will not knowingly publish
earth and friendly people that I have ever     had life he devoted to the pool service pro       a false or misleading advertisement, no
                                                                                                 attempt has been made to verify the
had the pleasure to know. It is ironic to      and the industry.
                                                                                                 contents of advertisements included in
imagine but at the very hour that Bob was          Rest in peace Bob Lowry. October 1,           this publication unless other than as set
leaving this earth he was being honored        1946 - November 17, 2021 n                        forth in writing by IPSSA.

6 | The IPSSAN JANUARY 2022
THE IPSSAN - Independent Pool and Spa Service ...
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                                                                                                                                                                  IPSSA.COM   |7
THE IPSSAN - Independent Pool and Spa Service ...
Why 2022 is the Year of the Borate
By John Bokor
A NEW YEAR HAS BEGUN.               as they are available in powders
Pool professionals are seeking      and slurries which can be
solutions to overcome what          added directly to the pool.
is looking to be another busy       Borates help prevent corrosion
summer season. As an industry,      and scale on equipment while
the goal is to keep clients         also controlling pH levels in
happy with their investment.        the pool water.
With so many new pool
owners entering the market,         CORROSION PREVENTION
professionals need a product to     The electrolysis that occurs in
ensure water stays clean, clear,    a salt chlorine generator can
and sanitized. Here is why this     damage plating on handrails,
year, more than years past, is      light niches, and other metal
the year of the borate.             components. Borates create
                                    another buffering system for         conversion cells can easily
BORATES HELP POOLS WITH             the water which eliminates           last a decade. Even customers
SALT CHLORINE GENERATORS            these effects. Many pool             who ensure their pool water
One of the primary                  professionals agree borates are      is balanced only get five to
reasons borates have gained         a good companion product to          six years out of an equivalent
popularity among pool service       salt chlorine generators because     cell without borates. The salt
professionals is their ability to   they help simplify water and         cell lasts longer when borates
control corrosion in a saltwater    equipment maintenance. It            are used because they bond
pool environment. For pools         is worth the consumer’s extra        with the calcium in the water,
with salt chlorine generator        investment in a borate product,      allowing it to remain cleaner
systems, a large amount of          especially when their pool           and producing less scale.
pool grade salt is added to         uses a salt chlorine generator       Although scale does form in
establish a concentration of        to produce sanitizer. Borates        some cases, it is a much softer
about 3000 to 5000 parts per        add an anti-corrosion effect         scale which is easier to remove.
million (ppm). It is important      to help ensure against rust on       Plate damage is also minimized,       have problems with green
to maintain the appropriate         equipment, accessories, and          as less acid is required to clean     water—even after it rains in
salt concentration, as using        fixtures around the pool.            the cell plates.                      the summer and temperatures
too much can increase the                                                     Due to the high pH at the        rise to 37 C (100 F). Those
potential for corrosion. Pools      CALCIUM SCALE PREVENTION             surface of the cathode plates,        who do not use borates in
with salt chlorine generators       AND PH CONTROL                       scale formation is more likely.       those conditions will routinely
continuously produce sodium         High calcium content can             In fact, it is important to note      see their pools turn green
hydroxide (NaOH) when               lead to scale formation, as well     scale formation will occur inside     overnight. As summer rains
the sodium chloride (NaCl)          as cloudy water. Scale forms         the salt chlorine generator, even     and warmer temperatures
is broken into free chlorine.       when calcium and carbonates          if the pool water is properly         increase, service professionals
Unfortunately, NaOH has a           crystallize on the pool walls        balanced. Service teams should        should always test for borates
pH of approximately 13, which       around the waterline surfaces        start all their new pools with        as part of regular water
will quickly increase the pH of     and equipment. This problem          approximately 30 to 50 ppm            maintenance programs. Some
the pool water. The continuous      is compounded by a high              of borates in the water, which        pool professionals find borates
addition of NaOH results in         pH. Borates keep the pH              normally lasts between one and        also help to keep the pores
a never-ending pH increase. If      from creeping upwards to             two years. After about a year and     of the pool plaster clean and
this is left unresolved, the high   help prevent scaling. With an        a half, they usually need to add a    algae-free.
pH will lead to corrosion of the    increased installation of pools      little more borate to get the level       Although borates are
pool components.                    with salt chlorine generators,       back up into that range.              mainly a tool for pH and algae
     Borates have a buffering       borates have become even more                                              control, pool owners also like
ability which allows pool water     important, as scale can reduce       ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF                the look and feel they give the
to remain at a more neutral         the life of the cell plates in the   BORATES                               water. This product increases
pH level for a longer period.       generators.                          Borate-based products also            the water’s refractory index.
This allows the chlorine to be           By maintaining borate           inhibit the reproduction of           More light is reflected, which
more efficient and effective at     levels at 50 ppm, salt cells         algae. This is a huge benefit         gives the pool more sparkle.
sanitizing the water. Borate        last much longer. Service            for service technicians as pool       Finally, borates help to improve
products are also easy to use,      technicians agree the salt           owners who use borates rarely         the overall bather experience.
8 | The IPSSAN JANUARY 2022
THE IPSSAN - Independent Pool and Spa Service ...
All borates can be considered          chlorine, as only 1-3 ppm of        VINYL LINER PROTECTION                Pool owners will be using
 derivatives of boric acid              chlorine is typically needed for    Unbalanced pool water can         their pools more than ever
 B(OH)3, the active ingredient          good water quality.                 prematurely break down the        and will want to enjoy their
 in eye drops. This soothing                 For pools that use chlorine    structure of vinyl material.      new investment. The industry
 ability translates into pools          generators, there is a case to      Borates help extend the life      needs to ensure they remain
 and spas treated with borates.         be made for adding borates to       of a vinyl liner because the      satisfied by making their
 Borates are a mineral salt, so         the water to ensure chlorine        alkalinity acts as a buffer and   pools easy to maintain. With
 they help make bathers’ skin           generators are not working          absorber against harmful pH       service technicians stretched
 feel softer and help reduce red        overtime and causing harmful        swing.                            to their limits, borates can
 eyes from swimming.                    side effects to the pool and to                                       help minimize maintenance
                                        the generator itself. In general,   FIBERGLASS POOL SURFACE           between service visits and keep
 BETTER BALANCE WITH                    borates improve the wellness of     BOOST                             customers happy. n
 BORATES                                all pool types.                     Borates have natural anti-
 Balanced pool water is one                                                 scaling and anti-staining           ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 of the easiest ways to ensure          PLASTER POOL START-UPS              properties to keep fiberglass       John Bokor is the host of
 chlorine will keep water               Plaster pool start-ups require      surfaces sparkling, pool water      Haviland Pool and Spa
                                                                                                                Products’ “Legendary Pools
 sanitized. Borates allow               critical water conditions. During   looking great, and equipment        and Spas,” a web series that
 pool water to remain at a              this period of changing water       performing properly. In fact,       promotes the fun of owning
 more stable pH level for a             balance, borates demonstrate        many pool professionals say         a pool or hot tub. He is also
                                                                                                                the company’s director of
 longer period, resulting in            their unique characteristics.       borates can provide a once-a-       sales and has more than 25
 lower chlorine consumption.            Balanced borates help guard         season water protection policy.     years of experience in the
 Frequent and consistent testing        against pH swings and protect       An initial dose of 50 ppm           pool retail industry. Bokor, a
                                                                                                                certified pool operator (CPO),
 of chlorine, using a home              delicate plaster surfaces from      will last most pool owners          regularly speaks to professional
 testing kit or test strips, is         scaling or etching. They can        the entire season. Borates are      dealers and pool owners within
 imperative to make sure the            also help prevent return trips to   only lost through splash out,       his territory about water
                                                                                                                chemistry and maintenance.
 sanitizer levels are at the correct    the construction site, to keep      backwash, or loss of water, so      He can be reached via email at
 levels. Without testing one may        builders on top of their busy       they tend to remain steady          jbokor@havilandusa.com and
 be needlessly adding too much          schedules.                          throughout the year.                on Facebook @LegendaryPLS

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                                                                                                                                     IPSSA.COM     |9
THE IPSSAN - Independent Pool and Spa Service ...
Get involved with other National Organizations, apply
to serve as a liaison to the following organizations
By Rose Smoot, CAE, Executive Director

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SERVE            Mission statement. “United,       Council: Attend meetings
AS A LIAISON TO ONE OF THE         we can prevent the tragedy of     virtually and one in person.
FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS?           drowning.” “We believe that           RWQC 2022 Goals:
                                   together we can reduce the           • Revision of Legacy
1. California Pool and Spa         incidence of drowning and              Recreational Water
Association (CPSA): Attend         aquatic injuries in the US and         Illnesses Publication        been assisting consumers and
board meetings and have a vote.    abroad.”                             • Call for Research Proposal   industry members in solving
Provide an opportunity to serve                                           to Address CYA Concerns      issues with pool plaster surfaces.
on policy committee. CPSA is       World Aquatic Health                 • Go over Change Request
a professional trade association   Conference: Attend                     Proposal Forms for ANSt/     HOW TO APPLY
representing all segments          Conference: Involvement is             pHf A/rcC-U,                 If interested, you may provide a
of the swimming pool, spa          every three years attendance at      • Review ANSI/                 letter of intent for (1) organization.
and hot tub industry in            the conference. Is an aquatic          PHTA/|CC-1, LStandard        Please provide your interest and
California. CPSA primary role      research forum presented by            for Water equality           professional experiences that
in the industry is to provide      the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance          • Review ANSI/                 aligns with the mission of the
government relations services         • The CMAHC (Council                PHTAIICC-Z Standard          organization by January 24, 2022,
to support and protect the              for the Model Aquatic             for Public Pool and          by emailing IPSSA National at
swimming pool, spa and hot              Health Code) triennial            Spa Operations and           rose@ipssa.com.
tub industry from unwarranted           conference: The conference        Maintenance                       The process: BORD-
new laws and regulations.               is held for the purpose of                                     appointed liaisons will be
                                        reviewing change requests    5. National Plasterer’s           reviewed and voted on for
2. National Drowning                    to the model aquatic         Council: Attend two education     either renewal or change at the
Prevention Alliance (NDPA):             health code for the CDC.     committee meetings per            February BORD meeting.
Attend NDPA National Water                                           year. For over 25 years, the
Safety Annual Conference.          4. Recreational Water Quality     National Plasterers Council has   LIAISON TERMS AND
                                                                                                       RESPONSIBILITIES
                                                                                                         • The term of the position
                                                                                                           will run for a period
                                                                                                           of one year, or at the
                                                                                                           discretion of the BORD.
                                                                                                         • If there is required travel
                                                                                                           to represent IPSSA, as
                                                                                                           the liaison you will be
                                                                                                           expected to do so on
                                                                                                           IPSSA’s behalf. Please
                                                                                                           check with Rose Smoot
                                                                                                           prior to making any travel
                                                                                                           arrangements. Travel
                                                                                                           expenditures incurred as
                                                                                                           a liaison are reimbursable
                                                                                                           by IPSSA National, per
                                                                                                           reimbursement policy.
                                                                                                           Policy and expense
                                                                                                           reimbursement provided
                                                                                                           to all liaisons.
                                                                                                         • Written reports from
                                                                                                           liaisons will be due no
                                                                                                           less than two weeks
                                                                                                           prior to each BORD
                                                                                                           meeting. Reports must be
                                                                                                           submitted to the respective
                                                                                                           committee and executive
                                                                                                           director. n
10 | The IPSSAN JANUARY 2022
What might be heard at Mount Rushmore
       about Salt Water Pools...
             ,FKHFNWKHVDOWOHYHO
           DQGRQO\XVH$48$6$/7

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WKHFRUUHFWUDQJH         WRPRQWKVRIXVH

                                   ,DGGFRQGLWLRQHU
                                  DVQHHGHGKRQHVWO\
“Off the Deep End”
Pool Bob’s Hydro-eclectic Musings                                        concerns, that provide a guide      rink ice is pumped back to
                                                                         to creating solutions that may      heat the arena or buildings.
                                                        needed. Still,   include chapter membership          The heat removed is also used,
                                                        even if          motions, discussion and votes.      especially, to heat the concrete
                                                        the pool         IPSSA, regions, chapters            sub-floor under the ice, to keep
                                                        temperature      and members change.                 the ground from freezing and
                                                        is exactly at    Expect to extend diplomacy,         possibly “popping the frozen
                                                        82.00000         mindful thinking, kindness,         pool” out of the ground. The
                                                        degrees,         patience and understanding,         useful service life of the pumps,
                                                        a highly         both ways. Pool and spa             chillers, heat exchangers and
                                                        calibrated       routine care, with measured         piping is about 20-30 years.
                                                        Big Toe          chemistry adjustments,              At regular daily or NHL /
                                                        may claim        equipment monitoring, and           Olympic regulation intervals
                                                        otherwise.       scheduled maintenance is            the Zamboni ice-resurfacer
                                                                         similar to problem discovery,       shaves about 2500 pounds of
                                                        COLD CUTS        troubleshooting, solving and        scratched, chipped and dirty ice
                                                          When           prevention necessary for            off the surface, not unlike our
                                                          threatened     healthy IPSSA chapters.             pool skimmer netting. Then
                                                          by a lion,                                         the Zamboni carefully applies
COLD FEET AND TOES                   stallions put their heads           ICE COLD POOL                       a very even and level 300-500
“The pool’s too cold! It’s           together and use their mighty       My precious and I had a             gallons of fresh warmed “make
freezing!”, shrieked the bather,     hind legs to ward off the           wonderful time at the Charles       up water” that freezes solid in
upon surfacing, after making         danger. Donkeys, on the             Shultz Museum (Charlie              minutes. The ice can’t be too
the first dip cannonball. As         other hand, do the opposite         Brown Peanuts cartoon creator)      thin or the skates will cut into
many times as we’ve heard            and fearfully face outward,         in Santa Rosa. I especially         the painted color team logos
that exclamation, it still kinda     then kick each other. Our           enjoyed a behind the scenes         and hockey rink markings or
hurts us pool techs to hear          chapters past and present board     tour of Snoopy’s Home Ice           worse... below the ice and into
our pool water isn’t, “just          members work hard to care           Skating Rink and thought            the steel pipes. If the ice is too
right”. We strive to be sure         and maintain smooth chapter         how a skating rink might            thick, it won’t freeze and it will
the water is not too hot, not        waters. Occasionally, waves are     compare to a swimming pool.         like skating in slush. Ice rink
too cold, not too wet, not too       made, and grievances come           A National Hockey League            care is only slightly similar to
dry. Oh well, in less than 5         up requiring all members to         skating rink surface area is        routine pool service and the
minutes that same bather is          put their heads together to         85’ x 200’ (17,000 sq), but         chemistry is, well, different. I
happily splashing about and          explore and solve a concern or      the 20–25-degree ice is only        could not find 120,000 ppm
thoroughly enjoying the pool         problem. However, what starts       about 3” thick / deep. If pool      calcium (400 times higher
with no further regard of the        out as, perhaps, playful joking,    volume = L x W x D x 7.48 g/        than a pool), the extreme
temperature, so it must be fine      casual teasing, friendly ribbing,   cu ft, then it’s about a 32,000     total dissolved solids level
after all. Now, the routine daily    and poking may escalate to          gallon very shallow frozen pool.    adjustments (salt alone is 18
swimmers can, indeed, feel a         hurtful comments, taunts,           Over 5 miles of 1” steel welded     times higher than a pool) or the
degree of water temperature          jabs, cuts, insults, harassment,    piping, beneath the ice, have       27-degree point on the Langlier
difference from normal and           criticisms and put downs,           about 10,000 gallons of custom      Index Water Calculator. And I
surely, they will let you know       which could be concealing           blended aqueous calcium brine       would absolutely have to test
when it does. Our modern             a truly bigger problem.             heat transfer fluid (+ /-, 50,000   the pH every week.
electronically controlled heater     Sometimes it is difficult to        ppm salt, 120,000 ppm / 12%
thermostats and sensors are          know there is a problem,            calcium chloride / hardness)        CATCHING COLD
very precise, especially when        until it hits like a tidal wave.    coursing through it. The brine      Don’t.
compared with a cheap floating       Possibly, the provoking person      pH is 7.5-8.0 and is usually
thermometer or bather skin.          doesn’t know or even denies         only required to be tested a        KEEP IMPELLING IPSSA! n
The Taylor (no relation to our       there is a problem. Fortunately,    couple times a year. Absolutely
test kits) digital folding cooking   there are governing documents       no air (suction leak?) can get         ABOUT THE AUTHOR
                                                                                                                Robert (Pool Bob) Blade
/ BBQ thermometer is about           like IPSSA National bylaws,         in the solution, or the brine          operates Aloha Pool and Spa
$12 at the grocery or hardware       Chapter Standing Rules and          becomes highly corrosive.              and is a 20+ year member
store. It provides a mobile, fast    IPSSA Policy & Procedures           This liquid “hard salt syrup”          of the Monterey Coast IPSSA
                                                                                                                Chapter, Past President,
and very accurate (+/- 1/10          created by experienced IPSSA        is pumped from the chillers            Region 10 Secretary and PIE
degree) temperature measure          leaders, whom may have              (un-heat pumps) to the rink.           Show museum curator.
for pools and spas, when             already addressed similar           The heat removed from the
12 | The IPSSAN JANUARY 2022
Pool professionals
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        stop shopping” makes it faster and more convenient for         DIAGNOSE REMOVE OPEN PREVENT
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                                                                                                      IPSSA.COM   | 13
Modernizing Older Pools to Increase
Your Earning Potential
 By Fluidra North America
WHEN IT COMES TO SERVICING        pools, it’s     pool these days. And for a more dramatic
time to start thinking beyond just “service”      makeover, upgrading to energy-efficient
and start thinking about “selling”. You           LED lighting provides more than just           of automation options ranging from the
can help usher pool owners into present-          cost-cutting appeal, they provide an           advanced AquaLink® RS system that
day pool ownership with modern updates            aesthetically pleasing pool ambiance           enables total control of the backyard
that will make their aquatic activities           with color options to match any mood.          experience and integrates with home
more accessible, more efficient and more          Generally smaller and easier to install,       automation systems to the Jandy TCX
enjoyable than ever — while boosting your         nicheless LED lights use less wattage while    system that easily replaces a timeclock to
business with some added revenue.                 providing the same brilliant illumination      enable basic control of the pool system.
    Here are a few easy upgrades you              as the incandescent lights installed in             Upgrading pool owners to an
should keep in mind at every pool visit:          most older pools. And paving the way           automated system allows them (and you)
                                                  for greater creativity in pool design,         to enjoy anytime, anywhere management
ENERGY-SAVING POOL PUMP                           nicheless lights are smaller, making it        of up to 32 individual pool and spa
Pool pumps can be one of the most                 possible to light more architectural or        functions from their mobile device using
expensive appliances to run, but many             natural pool formations as well as water       the iAquaLink® app. With a simple
older pools are not yet taking advantage of       features. Jandy’s Nicheless LED Lights         touch, they can control heating, lights,
energy-efficient variable-speed pumps. The        with HydroCool™ technology, are the            filtration, sanitation, and more — from
best bet for cost-saving operation, variable-     smallest lights on the market at 4.5” (6       a smartphone, tablet or computer. So
speed pumps allow users to run their pumps        watt) and 5.5” (12 and 24 watt), providing     next time they want to warm up the
at different speeds throughout the day,           enhanced design flexibility with two           temperature, flip on the water features,
preventing electricity costs from stacking up.    compact sizes, nine vibrant colors, two        start the spa, or turn on the lighting, they
For pool owners who use their pool year-          white color temperatures — Daylight or         can conveniently do so.
round, or who live in areas where electricity     Warm White —and five color-changing
is expensive, a variable-speed pump can be        light shows. Featuring advanced, state-of-     BACKYARD ENHANCEMENTS
an especially worthwhile investment and           the-art technology the Hydrocool lights are    As interest in home improvements
most will experience savings so great, the        designed to run cooler and last longer —so     continues to be a focus, homeowners are
pump will actually pay for itself and then        pool owners can enjoy evening swims long       looking for ways they can expand their
some in just a couple of years. All Jandy®        into the future.                               living spaces outdoors to enjoy with
variable-speed pool pumps are ENERGY                                                             their friends and family.... even once the
STAR certified, providing homeowners with         AUTOMATED POOL CONTROL                         temperatures begin to drop. An easy way to
the potential to save up to $1,000 per year.      Whether it’s convenient control from a         extend the use of outdoor patios or dining
With savings like this, pool owners can not       smart device or with just the sound of         setups in the cooler seasons is by adding
only enjoy their pools, they can enjoy a few      their voice, home owners are easily able to    fire features. But typical patio heaters can
more pursuits as well.                            turn on their TV without lifting a finger,     have an overly industrial look that does not
                                                  turn off electronics while they’re out and     match the aesthetic of a residence. Instead,
HEATING WITHOUT HIGH COSTS                        about, even unlock doors when they’re          give homeowners the warmth they want
New heating technologies allow pool owners        not home. So why not give them the             with the elegant ambiance to complement
to extend their swimming seasons without          power to control their pool the same way.      their style. Grand Effects® fire bowls
the high expense. Heat pumps and energy-          Adding automation to an older pool gives       and fire pits can be customized to match
efficient pool heaters are easy to add to         pool owners peace of mind that the pool        the look and feel of their backyard and
existing pool pads. While heat pumps take a       pump is not running when it shouldn’t          are a great way to add some luxury while
natural approach — transferring heat from         be, or that the heater isn’t contributing to   increasing the year-round use of their
the air in to pool water, advanced heaters like   costly energy bills when they’re away. Plus,   outdoor spaces.
the JXi™ with VersaFlo help cut costs by          the cool convenience of being able to get           But why stop at fire. It’s easy to add
allowing water to bypass the heat exchanger       the spa ready just in time for when they       the tranquil sound of rushing water to any
when heat is not needed, thereby saving           walk in the door after a long day is reason    pool now with freestanding waterfalls that
energy by creating a shorter, less restrictive    enough to retrofit outdated pools with the     attach to the deck and require no walls
path for the water to flow through.               latest in pool automation.                     or rocks to cascade down from. Grand
                                                      For those who think automation             Effect’s freestanding waterfalls allow you
LIGHTING THE FUTURE                               also comes with a hefty price tag, you         transform a basic pool into a modern,
Incandescent lighting, while effective, is        can let your customers know that’s not         feature-rich pool your customers will enjoy
not the most efficient form of lighting a         necessarily the case. Jandy® offers a range    for years’ to come. n
14 | The IPSSAN JANUARY 2022
ALANSMITHPOOLS.COM
            714-613-4996

No surprise callbacks!
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                                        *Compared to the minimum EPA recommended chlorine level of 1.0 ppm for a stabilized swimming pool. ©2021 KingTechnology Inc.

                                                                                                                                                        IPSSA.COM      | 15
Health Inspections: Is Your Pool Ready?
By The Aquatic Council, LLC

OPERATING A POOL? Your next           your county. Not sure where to
visit from your county health         start? Your state code and aquatic
department may be just around         standards from the CDC can be
the corner. No need to panic.         found on The Aquatic Council’s
Your health inspector is on           website at aquaticcouncil.com
your side. You share a common         under “Pool News”.
goal – safer swimming for your
members and guests. With that         CLEAN UP YOUR ACT
in mind, now is a great time to       Clean pump rooms, locker
strengthen your relationship with     rooms, storage areas and pool
the health department. Here’s         decks are safer – both for your
how you can start.                    patrons, and for your team.
                                      Make sure you’re putting your
GET ON THE SAME TEAM                  best foot forward during by          run your own mock inspection.                                         PROMPT REPORTING
You and your health inspector         thoroughly cleaning these areas      Pull a previous inspection report                                     Keeping your health inspector
are working towards common            in advance of inspections.           and schedule time with your                                           informed includes consistent
goals. Your relationship should       Schedule team members for            team to self-audit per official                                       and timely reporting of your
reflect that. Make sure you           cleaning work over the next          health department standards.                                          daily chemical checks. As you
connect with your health              few weeks. Be sure to properly                                                                             complete required chemical
department regularly. Find out        dispose of any chemicals that        BE QUICK TO CALL                                                      reports make sure you are
who your inspector is and let         you’re not using.                    Pools are busy places and an open,                                    promptly sharing the results
them know you appreciate their                                             transparent relationship with your                                    with your health department.
efforts. Your health inspector is     GATHER YOUR CERTS                    HD is in your best interest. Make                                     Scan your reports weekly
an integral part of your success.     If your health department checks     sure they’re up to date on all                                        and send them in via email
                                      on certifications for lifeguards,    poolside incidents and accidents,                                     to cut reporting time. Not
ASK THE EXPERT                        pool operators or other aquatic      especially those that might impact                                    only will you be keeping your
Sanitarians are well-trained          personnel, make sure you’re          public health. Be quick to self-                                      inspector up to date, you’ll be
professionals, and they’ve seen       gathering this information and       identify when things aren’t going                                     digitally timestamping your
a lot of pools. They know the         storing it for easy access upon      according to plan. Your health                                        official documents. If your
successes and failures of other       time of inspection.                  department will appreciate your                                       pool chemistry ever comes
aquatic operators working                                                  transparency and may be able to                                       into question, you’ll be able to
in your area. They know the           INSPECT, REPLENISH, REPLACE          offer prudent advice during the                                       show the consistency in which
challenges and intricacies            Give consideration to the simple     most challenging portions of your                                     you maintain and test your
associated with your specific pool    equipment upgrades that will         swim seasons.                                                         chemicals. n
code. Utilize that expertise. Their   make your next
advice is invaluable and will help    health inspection
you reduce your own personal          a breeze. Upgrade        Back office admin work keeping you up at
risk and liability poolside.          your chlorinator,        night? Sleep like a baby, with LOU®
                                      replace your test
CHECK IN PROACTIVELY                  kit and stock your       LOU is cloud business software built to streamline
                                                               your business, and help you catch those zzz's.
If it’s been awhile since you’ve      safety equipment
connected with your HD official,      now. Budgeting for                  Retail / Point of Sale

shoot them a quick email. Make        prudent upgrades                    Service - Recurring, Repairs

sure you know what documents,         will show your                      Work Orders
                                                                          Inventory - 100% real-time visibility
certifications, safety plans, water   health department
                                                                          across all stock sites
samples and/or fees they require      you’re committed
                                                                          Routing & Scheduling
in order to issue your yearly         to a safer aquatic
                                                                          All Cloud - No Servers
permits. A quick call or email        facility.
can ensure you’re on track.                                                LOU was built on feedback and best practices from over 500 pool & hot tub dealers.

                                      SELF-INSPECT                          24 x 7 online support center - Unlimited phone & email support
                                                                                                    Live in 30 Days
DO YOUR HOMEWORK                      Ready to ace your                         Seasonal licensing saves you money in the off-season.
Don’t go into inspections blind.      next inspection?
Make sure you’re up to date on        Put your pool to                  www.evosus.com/lou 360-735-9510 x1
                                                                                                      © 2022 Evosus, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

the latest codes and standards in     the test. It’s easy to
16 | The IPSSAN JANUARY 2022
10 Customer Service                                                          entire company,” said Zappos’      identify what service attributes

Tips That Build
                                                                             founder Tony Hsieh.                are most important to your
                                                                                 Train and educate your         customers and how your service

Loyalty… and Sales
                                                                             employees on your preferred        is changing over time to meet
                                                                             service experience so they can     those needs.
                                                                             see the bigger picture on how
By Nicole Wisniewski                                                         this helps the company overall.    6. STAY IN TOUCH
                                                                             Then give them some authority      You want your customers to
SURE, ENTICING MARKETING               and motivation speaker.               and freedom to decide when         keep you in mind long after
pieces with crisp, clear                   Pool, spa and hot tub             they need to go the extra mile     your last interaction. This
images and strong calls-to-            professionals can build their         to satisfy customers.              requires regularly following
action, along with great sales         customer loyalty with these 10                                           up with them. Consistent
pitches, can bring customers           recommended service strategies.       4. SEEK EMPLOYEE FEEDBACK          newsletters, updates and
in the door. Those are first                                                 Employees on the front lines       customer appreciation emails
impressions; we all know about         1. KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER                 of customer service are best       are some examples of how you
the importance of those. Never         Today’s customers expect you          at identifying roadblocks          can do this. Staying in touch
take them for granted.                 to know them. Microsoft’s             to providing better service.       also positions your company as
     But last impressions are          recent study on the “State of         Regularly ask them for their       one that is easy to reach if your
what keep customers loyal.             Global Customer Service” says         thoughts and ideas on their        customers need you.
While a first impression may           72 percent of consumers expect        customer experiences and if            Also, don’t ignore social
set the tone, every follow-up          service providers to “know            they have what they need to        media. A Nielson survey says
impression ensures customers           who they are, what they have          effectively service customers.     50 percent of customers use
come back for more.                    purchased and have insights into      Maybe excessive paperwork,         social media channels to raise
     And customer allegiance           their previous engagements.”          lack of information, scheduling    their customer service concerns.
is your ultimate goal because              Use software to segment           challenges or other simple fixes   And they expect swift responses.
research says it costs five times as   customer personas and service         are preventing your company        You may not think it’s worth it,
much to attract new customers          solutions and preferences and         from standing out in the           but Bain & Co. research says
than it does to keep existing          to keep the information handy         service department. Addressing     customers who engage with
ones. In fact, loyal customers are     so your service professionals can     these issues can not only boost    companies over social media
worth up to 10 times as much as        proactively provide better support.   your service, but also motivate    spend 20 percent to 40 percent
their first purchase, White House                                            your front-line employees          more money with them.
Office of Consumer Affairs             2. GET PERSONAL                       because you’re hearing and
reports. Not bad when you’re           It’s OK to build rapport              addressing their ideas.            7. RESPOND TO CUSTOMER
looking at your sales goals for the    and relationships with                                                   INQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS
year. Think of it this way: Just a     your customers. In fact,              5. TRACK CHANGES IN                It takes 12 positive experiences
5 percent increase in customer         ContactPoint says employees           CUSTOMER SERVICE AND               to make up for one unresolved
retention can lead to a 25 percent     only ask for customers’ names         EXPECTATIONS                       negative experience, says
to 100 percent increase in profits     21 percent of the time. Stand         Conduct an initial customer        the book “Understanding
for your business, according to        out by being personal and             satisfaction survey to give you    Customers.” So, it’s much
“The Loyalty Effect.”                  asking for and remembering            a baseline to which to measure     easier to just respond promptly
     A superior service                their names. Making your              future service. Then, regularly    to customer service inquiries
experience is what builds this         customers feel like people            conduct these surveys to                    Continued on page 21
customer loyalty. PwC research         is a small
says a whopping 80 percent of          investment
Americans list friendly service        in building
as one of the most important           lifetime loyalty
elements of a positive                 … and the
customer experience.                   word-of-mouth
     You want to stand out             referrals that
from your competitors so your          come with it.
customers are never tempted
to seek a cheaper price or             3. EMPOWER
alternative service. Really, the       YOUR
ultimate definition of loyalty         EMPLOYEES
is “when people are willing to         “Customer
turn down a better product             service should
or service to continue doing           not be a
business with you,” says Simon         department. It
Sinek, popular business author         should be an
18 | The IPSSAN JANUARY 2022
Give Your Customers Premium Options
By Steve Barnes
YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE              who promote unseen quality
to build a quality pool in any       and performance know they
one location. Start the project      are doing the buyer (and any
off right by offering beauty,        subsequent property owners) a
lasting value, and top-tier          huge favor in the process.
performance.
     Purchasing a new pool or        ALERT CUSTOMERS TO THE
undergoing a major renovation        DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
can be a stressful process for       “PRICE” AND THE “COST OF
many homeowners. This is             OWNERSHIP”
especially true in a covid-world     Everyone enjoys nice vehicles
struck by supply chain issues        with the latest bells and
and product shortages. The           whistles, but we also care          VGBA drain covers. Under           OFFER POOL OWNERS A CHOICE!
first-time pool owner forums         about the cost of ownership.        U.S. Federal Law, there are two    The look and feel of a drain
are flooded with consumers           Certainly, skyrocketing             types of drains: “blockable” and   cover may not be top-of-mind
desperately seeking help to          fuel prices have everyone’s         “unblockable.” The differences     during the building process,
quickly make design choices,         attention, making vehicle fuel      are profound on many levels,       but it should be! Such a small
so they do not lose their place      economy a key buying factor         including safety, performance,     detail can make a major
in line with the builder. This       when it comes to purchasing         enjoyment, and beauty.             difference in the overall look
is where Sales Professionals         a new vehicle. Likewise, eager      Yes, enjoyment too. There          and feel of a pool or custom
can help by including quality        pool buyers would more often        is nothing enjoyable about         spa. Sales Professionals are
features in their initial design     than not choose modern,             tripping over drain covers         already taking the time to show
offerings.                           high-efficiency systems and         sticking up from the floor of      tile and finish samples during
     These may be booming            equipment IF they knew these        a spa, much less the floor of      the planning process, so why
times for pool builders,             options were available and          a sport pool. Blockable drains     not include drain cover options
which is great, but it is            understood the value they           only pass the VGB Act’s safety     in this same discussion? Giving
also reminiscent of the mid          bring to the table.                 testing when they stick up         homeowners a choice during
2000s, when sales processes               There is no better example     from the pool surface, often up    the building or renovation
slid backwards in many cases         of “out of sight and out of         to two inches. “Unblockable”       process will lead to happier
from “Sales Professionals” to        mind” than the cost impact          drains pass the same tests while   customers in the end! n
disinterested “Order Takers”         of PVC piping. Smaller pipe         installed flat and flush mount,
perpetuating a product quality       is cheaper to buy, but it is        totally eliminating tripping and
                                                                                                              ABOUT THE AUTHOR
race to the bottom. The results      much more expensive to own.         stubbed toe problems.                Steve Barnes is the Director
can be embarrassing as poor-         Why? Because it is harder to             Unblockable drains can be       of Science and Compliance
quality designs result in terrible   push water through small pipe,      flat because they are too large      for AquaStar Pool Products.
                                                                                                              He is the Co-Chairman of
circulation systems that are         requiring much higher pump          in at least one direction to be      PHTA Technical Committee, is
difficult to maintain, and too       speeds to do the same job. As       fully blocked during the safety      Chairman of ANSI/APSP/ICC-16
often look like something            we all know, variable speed         testing. These drains come           2017 the Federal VGB Pool & Spa
                                                                                                              Safety Act drain cover standard
designed in the 1990s or even        pumps are here to stay. Using       in three basic styles: 32” x 4”      writing committee, and past
earlier.                             larger pipe size with high-         channel drains, 20” circles, and     Chairman of the ANSI/APSP/
     Pool contractors install        efficiency filters (that have low   18” x 36” rectangles which           ICC-15 Standard for Residential
                                                                                                              Swimming Pool Energy
what was sold and it is worth        head loss) are key to reducing      are typically used in public         Efficiency. A voting member on
stating again “you only get          the cost of ownership by            pool settings because of their       the ICC Swimming Pool and Spa
one chance to build a pool           50-75% as compared to single        remarkably high flow ratings.        Code Committee and all versions
                                                                                                              ANSI/APSP/ICC-7 Standard for
in any one location.” This           speed pumps and smaller pipe.       A modern design feature of           Suction Entrapment Avoidance.
is a seller’s market and there       While pumps and filters can         unblockable drains is that           Steve has 38 years of experience
is no better time to make            be replaced, pipe is permanent.     only one is required to comply       in the pool industry, dating
                                                                                                              back to 1984 where he began
the most of each project’s           For a visual demonstration of       with the VGB Act and all             as a hydraulics research and
design, both in profitability        this point, you can visit the       modern building codes. While         development lab technician,
and quality. Embrace the             AquaStar YouTube channel            unblockable drains are larger        moving into lab management,
                                                                                                              new product development
pool buyer’s style choices           and watch the video called          by design, they take up less         and risk management. Steve’s
while making sure the “base-         “AquaStar Hydraulics Demo.”         space than dual drains that          career focus is on helping
model” pool is well-equipped              Another one-time,              must be at least 3 feet apart or     pool contractors make pool
                                                                                                              ownership more enjoyable and
and ready to stand the test          permanent decision is the           scattered around pool and spa        cost effective.
of time. Sales Professionals         look and performance of your        walls.
20 | The IPSSAN MAY 2021
10 Customer Service Tips
Continued from page 18
and complaints than it is to         in one hour or less. While         for a better service experience,             And when you can offer
ignore them.                         that might be hard to master       American Express reveals.               that extra something special—a
    Remember to use all              for many companies, set a              To salvage customers, always        small discount, a free gift, a
the tools at your disposal           response time, communicate it      begin with, “I’m really sorry this      special educational brochure
to interact with customers.          openly and then stick to it. For   happened,” and then follow that         or tip, a thank-you for their
According to American Express        instance, state 24- to 48-hour     up with, “I’m going to do my            business, etc.—do it. These little
research, customers prefer to        response times up front and        best to fix this for you.”              things can give your brand that
resolve their service issues using   then make a commitment to              By apologizing, you                 recognition as a company that
these tools (from highest to         meeting that promise. While        validate the customer’s                 cares about its customers.
lowest preference):                  this doesn’t meet consumers’       problem, taking ownership                    Remember, 59 percent of
   • Phone (90%)                     general growing demands,           and expressing empathy. You’re          customers will walk away from
   • Face-to-face (75%)              by clearly communicating           showing your customers you              a business after several bad
   • Company website or email        when you’ll respond and            care about their concerns.              experiences, but 17 percent will
     (67%)                           meeting those expectations,                                                turn their backs on a company
   • Online chat (47%)               your customers will be more        10. BE POSITIVE                         after only one, the PwC study
   • Text message (22%)              understanding and responsive.      Words like “can’t” and “won’t” are      uncovers. Perfect your customer
   • Social networking site (22%)                                       negative. Negativity is especially      service to not only drive
                                     9. OFFER SINCERE APOLOGIES         tough in today’s business climate.      customer loyalty, but sales as
8. DON’T MAKE YOUR                   Despite whether a customer         Focus on being more positive.           well. As Walmart founder Sam
CUSTOMERS WAIT                       service issue is your fault or     Even if the answer is, “no,”            Walton said: “There is only one
The more a customer waits            not, deferring responsibility or   explore other language that             boss: the customer. And he can
when they are upset, the more        refusing blame is not something    reflects a more positive approach.      fire everybody in the company
frustrated they get. A Toister       your customers want to hear.       For instance: “While we’re still        from the chairman on down
study says customers now expect      Three in five of them would        exploring those possibilities, here’s   simply by spending his money
responses to their inquiries         try a new brand or company         what we can do for you.”                somewhere else.” n

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