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Industry News
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Video Gallery
 Check out the videos featured in the Pool & Spa News Video Gallery. The videos showcase the latest projects, products and equipment, as well as in-the-field demonstrations.
Featured Video: Get a behind-the-scenes tour of a Pool & Spa News Masters of Design winner.
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Service Tip
Locked Out
Too often, pool companies find themselves locked out of the backyard, either because the homeowner forgot to unlock the gate or the tech didn’t bring the right key. Consider developing a company-wide system of locks and offering homeowners the convenience of this option. The homeowner receives a key for the lock, and the tech only has to keep track of a single key that works across his route. This way, keys are never left behind and work can continue as scheduled.
— Thanks to Dave Hawes, owner, H&H Pool Service, Dublin, Calif.
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Visit our Website to find industry experts’ tips on installation, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance.
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Top 50 Buzz
 What new initiative are you working on?
“We are trying to inform our clients about more energy-efficient ways to have a poolscape — from the methods of cleaning and heating to the way we construct the pool — so they can get a bigger return on their investment.”
How does it work?
“Some people only want to do things that will save them money. So we offer different types of heating systems, such as geothermal and solar, and different types of insulation for the piping.
“Then, we have those who don’t want to leave a carbon footprint. We can go pretty extreme by installing water-retention systems that catch rainwater, sanitize it and use it to fill the pool or even feed the sprinkler system. We [also can use] reclaimed materials, such as recycled-glass tile and composite recycled pool copings.
“We’ve spent the last three or four years researching this, and we’re members of the U.S. Green Building Council. We constantly go to seminars and meetings to learn different things to apply to our trade. We’ve gotten a great response from our clients. They see the investment is going to do something good and pay [them back] ten-fold.”
— Jamison Ori, president, Rosebrook Pools, Libertyville, Ill.
Pool & Spa News Top 50 Builder - No. 33
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Retail Snapshot
 “We’ve had a decrease in sales for the last three years. Central Florida still has a serious issue with the real-estate market and unemployment. There doesn’t seem to be a rebound here. There used to be 11 spa retailers in our area, now there are just three.
“We’re doing whatever we can to stay in business: I haven’t taken a day off in three or four weeks because we can’t afford to close the store. Our hours are longer, so we don’t miss a customer. We’re looking for other products to sell. We’re even storing spas in our warehouse for people whose homes were foreclosed… but we may wind up owning those because some aren’t paying the [storage fees].
“I also just hired a really good salesperson, thinking that we’ll now do more follow up, get more aggressive and close more deals. In the past when we didn’t make a sale, we’d go on to the next one — not anymore.
“I’m optimistic by nature, but I’m also a realist. You have to stay upbeat, and keep thinking and planning. If you stop doing that, then everything comes to an end. If you are in the right place at the right time, it will happen.”
— Marshall Roper, owner, Waterline Hot Tubs, Spas & Backyard Leisure, Longwood, Fla.
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Trade Show News
Welcome Party
After the show closes on opening day (Nov. 16), let music and food feed your soul at the Welcome Party at the House of Blues from 5:30-8 p.m.
You will be treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and soda — as well as great live music and original folk art — at this eclectic nightclub located inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino.
Having the opportunity to network with colleagues and peers can certainly help you build your industry contacts, so be sure to introduce yourself to the people you meet at the party. Making powerful connections has never been easier!
All guests must be 21 years of age with valid ID. Free admission for conference registrants. $30 admission fee for Expo Only registrants. Sponsored by Cal Spas.
Register online now!
• More Expo News
Get the latest news about all the events and opportunities available at this year’s International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo.
 Exhibits: Nov. 16-18
Conference: Nov. 13-18
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada USA
972.536.6350
www.PoolSpaPatio.com | info@PoolSpaPatio.com
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