If you were to develop or invent a product that increases the efficiency or productivity of someone servicing pools....what would be your potential number of customers? I was thinking about designing a carrying case that a poolboy could carry everything in without making a lot of trips back to the truck to get stuff. Something that would leave your hands free to open gates and to carry a pole...so you wouldn't have to set it everything down and pick it back up. When you get paid by the pool every second counts. Any ideas?
You need to be a member of Pool Genius Network™ to add comments!
Replies
To: Lee Davis, AKA 'Pool Tech'.
As I was first developing my product, I went to the US Census website(can't remember it-Google: " Census-Number of Pool Services in U.S.") just to get a feel for how big we are as an industry. Remember that the figures reflected there are for legit companies who are licensed and paying taxes. There are literally 1000s of guys and gals all over this great land driving around in a battered, corroded-out truck with a stick in the back who are flying under the government radar who are also potential customers. I think a key advantage for anyone developing a pool industry-related idea is already being a part of that industry. You must immediately start expanding your circle of friends, associates, distributors you already deal with--anyone who will help spread the word when you are ready to unveil your final product. PGN can be a great way to help you get the word out. However, this will not prevent your having to spend more resources than you ever imagined for a patent, trademark, prototyping, field-testing, manufacturing, packaging, barcode expenses, advertising, product liability insurance...and, if all goes well, you may even sell a few! How's that for encouragement? It is what it is, pool brother. I will be glad to advise and consent with you as a way of paying forward. I did not get Multi-Tork off the ground by myself. Seriously, my mobile: 813.833.3739 -TM
Hi All,
I am a pool person, female 'PoolBoy' . . . . I have no issue with the term. I've had a couple people call me poolboy out of habit of the ole phrase, and I just don't even correct them. Maybe they were trying to tell me I'm too butch, ha ha.
Anyhoo, I think the concept of inventing a helpful carrier is a great idea, just not sure how feasible it really is. Each of my pools, after the first visit, I know what their pool needs and as I pull up, I pull out my buckets and throw in one bucket my test kit, socket-wrench if I know I'm rinsing filters, tube of lube, pre-measured stocks of chems (if needed) and my other bucket to haul their basket wastes & pole-net goodies. I then grab my poles & attachments (if needed), many of my pool custies have their own, so I just grab theirs and saves me time. 2 buckets and bam, I'm in & out. When I have to carry buckets & poles, I just grab the 2 buckets with one hand and my poles with the other and off we go.
Hey there, pool sister.
We all have our 'system'. It's a matter of whatever works, right? May I introduce you to two 'systems'
that will rock your day and make it easier, safer and faster.
www.aquacomb.com
www.multi-tork.com
Regards and work safe, Karen
-TM
Allen you do make a very good point. I hear people get ready to say "poolboy" all the time but then correct themselves and say "my poolguy" or "poolman. Now your point is probably even more valid if the pool service guy is black...then I guess you would have some issues with racial overtones. I didn't mean to be arguementative...I just like to explore all sides of an issue. And Allen there is no unwise or wise comment...no right or wrong answer. It's all out there to be debated and talked about. I understand where you're coming from. I guess I was a little sensitive to the issue because I have a good friend who was a PE teacher for 20 years...who caught a kid clowning around on a bench in the gym. He was trying to do a cartwheel or some other silly stunt...and my friend was afraid of the liability issue if he got hurt and he didn't say anything. So he said: "Boy...get down from there before you hurt yourself." This kid told his mom who told the principal who told another administrator....and he was ask to resign or get fired. 20 years of a great teaching career down the drain for using the word "boy".
well put. thanks
Lee; my comment was unwise at best. Please forgive me. I wish no offense. allenh/jonah
I think that would be a great business model. Get a bunch of hot looking chicks to clean pools and call yourselves The Pool Bitches. We actually have had several girls work for our company and they've all done an outstanding job. Does Poolgirl sound demeaning?
Well in the interests of fairness a friend refers to herself as the pool bitch or if you are under 25 biatch LoL
Well I've been cleaning pools for 12 years and I'm proud to be a POOLBOY! It is what it is. I'm not a big fan of political correctness...that's what's wrong with this country. Everyone is so scared to hurt someones's feelings. It's the pussification of America. OK this is a rant for another day....just want to know how many poolmen, poolpeople or poolpersons or pool personnel there are out there. Be proud to be a poolboy!!!