Forum

Point of Sale software

I am looking for a POS for a small retail location. We currently use Quickbooks to manage our accounting, but not as a POS. It is very painful to look up items and get the customer out the door. We are looking for a smoother transition and wanted som

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Floatron-Anybody know anything about this?

I saw this in a customers pool the other day.  I'm not a fan of adding metal to water, but would like to learn a bit more about this.  Does anyone have any experience or info, or even seen one of these?!

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Dealing with Non-Paying Customers

Just curious how people in the business deal with customers that refuse to pay.  I've had mediocre success with small claims courts.  Anything near $1,000 usually involves a contract that I get a down payment from the customer, so I haven't had any t

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pump suction problem

since i suspect someone else might have run into this problem, i'm posting it here:

i replaced a pump motor a couple weeks ago (hayward maxflo 1hp) cuz the bearings were squealing.  but since then a mysterious problem has persisted: the system won't c

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PA Pesticide Applicator regs as pertains to Pool Service Professionals

Is anyone familiar with the PA regulations regarding certification of pesticide applicators and how it pertains to those of us doing pool services such as openings and closings?  If you can clarify, great.  Plus, if you can point the way toward train

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Retail Pricing

What kind of pricing strategies are you all using to stay competitive in this economy?  What types of margins are you getting from various product categories in you stores?

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Main drain/return position when heating

There seems to a hung jury when it comes to the position of  the main drain/return line when heating the pool. The general consensus is to keep the system on main drain for normal pool operation, thus keeping the dirt and debris in the hopper to a mi

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Let's congratulate Bob Ogoreuc, National Drowning Prevention President

It was a great day in Ft. Lauderdale the weekend of May 7 when Bob Ogoreuc, president of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, was recognized with the 2011 G. Harold Martin Award, conferred by the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

The award is

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Biofilm or some type of growth inside laterals of sand filter

Hey guys,

Have you ever seen this? This was in an indoor 24000 gal hotel pool on bromine. No windows. The pic is a yellowish slime/popcorn type of growth that looks like wet cornmeal. The pic was taken with my cell phone, so is not the best quality. M

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Turnover: Is there any research that verifies the conventional wisdom?

I am doing research for a story and I wonder if anyone can point me to research on turnover? In particular, has any research been done that demonstrates what percentage of a given pool's water actually goes through the filter during "a turnover?"

 

Nea

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Are service companies having issues with motors

Whether it's AO Smith, Emerson, or another motor company, it seems like service companies in my markets are having more and more problems with motor failures occurring at an alarming rate. Are you guys running into the same problem in your markets?

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Cyanuric Acid

I've always been told that Cyanuric Acid has been linked to Liver Cancer, when at a high level.  Has any one else been told this?

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Solar Powered Pool Pumps

Does anyone have much experience with residential and/or commercial solar pumps? Any input would be helpful. I have limited exposure to pumps that use a DC brushless motor like those manufactured by Pool Rx and would like to know more by any who have

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Drowning prevention nonprofit supports CPSC drain recall

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance urges public pool managers to install needed drain replacements promptly to provide a full season of swimming lessons

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. May 26, 2011— The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) Board

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Who here is on LinkedIn?

Just wondering which of you fellow Geniuses are on LinkedIn?  I would love to add those of you that are to my network.  Here is my "address":

 

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bruce-wettstein/28/817/a4a

 

I hope all you fellow Geniuses have had a great summe

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Route Patrol Help

There is a computer program called Route Patrol that monitors time in and out on service stops.  I need an updated program to Vista, but I can't locate the company.  Does anyone know, are they still in business and how to contact them.  Thank you - D

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Are you prepared for the health inspector's visit this season

Do you know what the environmental health inspector will be looking for - have you properly prepared? There is a new online training course that is offered by the National Swimming Pool Foundation and the National Environmental Health Association. Th

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YMCA Angled Drain Covers

I have a YMCA client who has the floor/wall drain covers They are approximately 12" x 12", with 6" up the wall and 6" on the floor.

 

Is there an off the shelf VGB approved cover available?

 

If not, what solutions have you seen out there for this applic

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Schedule 40 vs Schedule 80

I was just wondering what people's thoughts were on building/retrofitting pools with schedule 40 vs 80 PVC since I had a near disaster on my hands today when a piece of schedule 40 connecting a drain valve to a T-joint on the main drain line (basemen

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Algae in gunite pool

I am taking over a new pool thats been done for about a month.  Got most of the dirt out, now I have a lot of greenish black algae on the natural stone walkin and some on the finish.  Will not brush up.  What is a good method to removing it?

 

We are a

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