Pool Maintenance -
The job was profitable when you sold it — So where did the margin go?
By Cotney Consulting Group. Margin is not protected at closeout. It is protected one decision at a time throughout the project. The estimate looked profitable. The price covered labor, materials, equipment, overhead and profit. Then the job closed, the numbers were reviewed and much of the margin was gone. ...
Pricing stability builds trust for pool professionals
By Jesse Sanchez. Predictable pricing, contractor education and smarter equipment use can help pool professionals strengthen customer relationships and communicate long-term value. For pool contractors navigating an uncertain market, predictable pricing can be more than a budgeting advantage; it can help build trust with homeowners. In this episode of From the Ground ...
Top August articles: Finance tips, sales insights and product innovations
By Emma Peterson. This month’s top articles all shared tips and tools to help outdoor professionals improve efficiency, strengthen profitability and stay ahead in a busy season. While August is often the backdrop to peaceful, backyard memories for homeowners, it is one of the busiest months for outdoor professionals. From ...
Putting pool safety and flow first
By Jesse Sanchez. At Everything Under the Sun, AquaStar Pool Products highlighted equipment designed to support pool service professionals, homeowners and builders. AquaStar Pool Products brought its focus on safety, flow and ease of service to the Everything Under the Sun show, where the company connected with pool professionals seeking ...
All paths lead to innovation
By Jesse Sanchez. AquaStar’s vertically integrated approach combines industry experience, safety expertise and field feedback to solve challenges for pool professionals. AquaStar Pool Products has built its business around a straightforward idea: Listen to the professionals working in the field, identify their challenges and develop practical solutions. During this episode ...
Why contractors should attend industry shows
By Emma Peterson. A conversation with Heritage Pool Supply's Chris Hill highlights why in-person events remain essential for learning, relationship-building and business growth. In the outdoor contracting industry, there are countless tradeshows ranging from market specific (like the Irrigation Association’s Show) to more all encompassing (such as the Pool Spa ...
Top July articles: Legendary returns and unmatched conversations
By Emma Peterson. These standout stories explore the trends, people and products shaping the future of the outdoor contracting industry. As another month comes to a close, it’s time for our usual article recap! This month, the OutdoorCoffeeShop™ readers were especially interested in construction growth, sustainability, innovative products and ...
Smarter pool equipment pads deliver lasting savings
By Jesse Sanchez. AquaStar’s Steve Barnes explains how thoughtful equipment pad design can improve efficiency, water quality and the homeowner experience. A well-designed pool equipment pad does more than organize pumps, filters, valves and other components. According to Steve Barnes, director of science and compliance for AquaStar Pool Products, the ...
Protecting outdoor concrete with the right product
By The Coffee Shops™. From freeze-thaw cycles and pool chemicals to vehicle traffic and UV exposure, outdoor concrete requires special care. Outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity, but the concrete surfaces that pave patios, pool decks, driveways and garages are exposed to constant environmental and performance challenges. In ...
He's back: Legendary pool builder Bryan O'Neal returns with O'Neal Shiers Aquatics, partnering with second-generation master builder Sean Shiers
Together, these two industry legends form the foundation of O'Neal Shiers Aquatics — a true family business built on more than 50 years of combined excellence, generations of hands-on experience and a shared dedication to quality, integrity and personal service. He's back. Bryan O'Neal, one of the most respected names in ...










