Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Pool and Spa: A Company’s Response to the COVID – 19 Pandemic
Today, the pool and spa industry in the United States continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic burden posed by the lockdown. The crisis has hit the pool and spa companies across various geographical regions in different ways. The epidemic has hardest hit these companies, although those in profoundly affected areas are more likely to encounter huge losses than those in less affected areas. Conversely, the service sector is somewhat secure compared to the retail industry; organizations capable of selling their services or products online are better off compared to companies that require human contact. Building contracts, however, seem to continue as planned. In the long run, there is a high probability that all industries will be at risk; however, these ramifications currently remain unknown.
Like most companies, the goals for pools and spa businesses have been redefined. For survival during this global pandemic, they sought to take care of service and construction. This alleviates any adverse effects of retail, while maintaining resourceful employees and implementing practical financial management skills. All Seasons Pools and Spas, in Chicago, came up with an action plan on how to deal with this crisis in the industry. Dan Lenz, the company’s vice president, informed AQUA of the scheme on the 19th of March, 2020. He said,” After almost four hours of discussion, we resolved to create a strategic plan and put it to action.
Considering our retail store is no longer in function, we opted to send a large percentage of our employees working in the retail sector home, except the manager and myself.” He notes that the crisis significantly affected their chemical sales even though most of the purchases are online. “Normally, the company receives over $100,000 chemical sales, but this has tremendously dropped this year due to the pandemic.” Additionally, we don’t have any traffic, so our retail store is closed due to restricted movement. Nonetheless, if we have a willing customer, we are determined to satisfy their needs. mommabe.com
Battling covid, hand-to-hand
Unfortunately, commercial sanitizers are sold out in most cities, including Chicago. Quite the contrary, pool and spa companies have their unlimited supply of commercial sanitizers. I passed by Loews and purchased several chemical-resistant spray bottles and added a mixture of chlorine and water in the bottle. The combination serves as a strong disinfectant like Lysol, we, therefore, use it to disinfect all items in our store. We sanitize everything in our store, the washrooms, all rooms, furniture, office equipment, electronic equipment, and our gadgets. Besides, we ensure our employees maintain distance; there are two employees in the service and construction department, unlike our usual five, who sit two meters away from each other.
During a typical working day, our service and construction team report early in the morning to complete their paperwork, submitting the work before the day ends. We have implemented various measures to prevent the spread of the disease within work premises. Consequently, we transferred the team’s paperwork to the storehouse and ensured the area is adequately disinfected to avoid transmission.
Service and construction holding up
We are almost at the end of the spring opening season and currently have our crew of technicians on board. Regularly, at this time of the year, we bring in a lot of people using our customer service skills before our sales begin to peak. Sadly, this is not happening now because everything seems unpredictable. Before the crisis, we did not worry about whoever was in the field and their respective interactions. It’s all different now; we have to keep records of everyone in the area to prevent any transmission of the virus and deal effectively with whoever is infected. Fortunately, even with the separation of different teams, everyone is still working efficiently, and we feel lucky to have such an understanding, reliable, and responsible personnel that foster our expansion as a company.
Staying afloat
Additionally, our sales team is working from home using their computers. We sent our other employees’ home until the end of next week before we strategize on the way forward; we resolved to be paying them for 30 hours. After proper evaluation, we realized we have to be careful about how we spend our finances because our revenues are reducing by the day. Furthermore, we are unsure of what the future holds for us. It is unfortunate how this present situation is amending our employment contracts and increasing the state of unemployment. The government is talking about providing relief for businesses, but as of now, nothing is guaranteed. Despite this, we are doing our best to encourage a positive cash flow by securing our spring openings and continue with online selling and deliveries.
Keep pushing
Ultimately, no one saw this coming, so we have to keep going no matter the situation. We are still responsible for taking care of our pools and ensuring they remain safe for human use. Honestly, we desire for pools to be reopened so that all our customers who are at home find something to keep their minds busy.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Darlly Filtration Partners With The Grit Game on Private Label Pool Filters
DAVENPORT, Fla., Darlly Filtration, one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world and a private label supplier to well-known names in pool and spa, has partnered with The Grit Game (TGG) to represent its pool and spa filtration line across seven states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
A filter program with the dealer’s name on it
For most pool stores, the replacement cartridge is the most shoppable item on the shelf. A customer brings in a dirty filter, the counter team identifies it, and the customer finds the same part number online before reaching the parking lot.
Darlly’s private label program is built to close that gap:
- Private label at no upcharge. The dealer’s logo goes on the cartridge label for the same price as a Darlly labeled filter.
- Custom part numbers. Dealers can assign their own part numbers, so the filter on their shelf is not a line-for-line price comparison online.
- No order minimums. No minimums on orders or on private label, so a dealer can start with their two or three highest-volume SKUs.
- Same ship timeline. Product is labeled when the order is picked, so private label ships as fast as stocked product.
“Every pool store we walk into has the same story. Their team does the work of identifying a filter, and the sale walks out the door to an online seller. Darlly gives dealers a real answer to that: their own name and their own part number on a cartridge built to the original spec, with no upcharge and no minimums. That is the kind of line we want to put in front of pool professionals, because it helps them run a better business,” Laci Davis, Co-Founder and CEO, The Grit Game.
Built to the spec of the original cartridge
Every Darlly pleated cartridge is built to the specification of the original equipment cartridge, with:
- Single-layer tri-lobal spun bonded polyester media that resists chlorine and bromine
- An ABS injection molded center core made with NSF certified material
- Reinforced end caps with screen mesh molded in during production
- Pleat bands for pleat stability
- A screw thread guaranteed for life
What the partnership means across the seven states
TGG’s reps will work with pool professionals market by market, starting with the filters each account moves most.
- Florida. A cartridge-heavy market where price pressure is constant. The focus is private label and custom part numbers that take the price comparison off the table.
- Texas and Louisiana. Larger filters are the norm. Reps will cross-reference the large Hayward, Pentair, Jandy and Waterway cartridge sets that dominate the region.
- Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi. Wide-open ground where D.E. filtration is still common, making universal grid kits a simple, single-line-item add alongside cartridges.
“Darlly Filtration is excited to partner with The Grit Game. The professionalism, integrity and high standards of The Grit Game Team embody what Darlly stands for,” Brad Schneider, Director of U.S. Sales Pool & Spa Division.
Pool builders, service route companies and retail store owners interested in a Darlly private label program can contact their The Grit Game rep here.
About Darlly Filtration
Hangzhou Darlly Filtration has manufactured filter cartridges for more than 25 years and is one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world, producing more than 35 million filters a year for customers in over 100 countries. Beyond pool and spa, Darlly serves the biopharmaceutical, microelectronics, medical, food and beverage, petrochemical and drinking water industries. Darlly is an OEM and private label supplier to established brands in the pool and spa industry and offers more than 600 replacement cartridge part numbers, universal D.E. grids and filtration systems. US operations run from warehouses in Ontario, California and Loveland, Colorado. Learn more at darllyfilter.com.
About The Grit Game
The Grit Game is an award-winning manufacturer rep firm and marketing agency serving the pool, spa and backyard industry across the United States and Canada. Founded in 2023 by Laci Davis and Johnny Davis, TGG works on an “education before transaction” model, connecting a vetted line of manufacturer partners with the pool professionals who build, service and sell to backyard owners. TGG was named Pool Nation Sales Rep Group of the Year in 2024. Learn more at thegritgame.com.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
King Technology Opens $17M Manufacturing and Distribution Center
ST. PETERS, MO, September 29, 2026 – King Technology, a leading innovator in hot tub, swim spa and pool water care, and sanitization systems, has opened a new centralized manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution center in St. Peters, Missouri. The company is investing at least $17 million in the facility, which is expected to ultimately employ 40 workers in the next three years.
“King Technology’s investment of more than $17 million in a new manufacturing and distribution facility in St. Peters is another testament to Missouri’s strong business climate, skilled workforce, and central location,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “We’re proud to welcome King Technology and look forward to seeing this family-owned company grow, create jobs, and succeed in the Show-Me State for generations to come.”
The 208,000-square-foot facility – located in the Lakeside Logistics Center in St. Peters – will enable King Technology to provide efficient world-class service to hundreds of distributors and dealers across the United States.
“Our new facility in St. Charles County is a milestone for our company’s long-term growth strategy,” said Michael Noer, President and CEO of King Technology. “The region’s commitment to growing businesses and its strong sense of faith, family, and community reflect the same values behind King Technology’s purpose to ‘Enrich Lives Daily.’”
King Technology is best known by thousands of hot tub and swimming pool owners for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use recreational water care products with patented mineral technology that keeps water crystal clear for in-ground and above-ground pools, swim spas, and hot tubs, while using significantly less chlorine. King Technology also introduced its New Water brand of products this year for mass retail across the U.S.
A third-generation, family-owned company for nearly half a century, King Technology will maintain its headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota. “King Technology’s decision to choose St. Peters for their new distribution center reflects our region’s clear strengths and our commitment to bringing new employers and new jobs to our region,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “Greater St. Louis, Inc. was proud to support King Technology’s first-ever expansion, and we look forward to watching them grow and thrive in St. Peters.”
King Technology worked alongside Missouri state and local partners to determine and invest in its second location, including Ameren, the City of St. Peters, the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, Greater St. Louis, Inc., Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership, and Spire.
A ribbon cutting and celebration was held on September 29, 2026, with participation by St. Peters, Missouri Mayor Len Pagano and Missouri Governor Michael Kehoe (pictured).
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
“For nearly half a century, this third-generation, family-owned company has built a legacy of innovation, growth, and commitment to its customers,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “We’re proud King Technology has chosen Missouri for this significant investment and look forward to supporting its continued success as it creates new opportunities for Missourians to prosper in the St. Louis region.”
“We’re so excited to be welcoming King Technology to our FasTrac family,” said St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano. “I’m so proud of our FasTrac economic development team, working with our partners at the local and State of Missouri level to help King Technology expand to our region. We look forward to working with King Technology and watching them grow into the future!”
“King Technology’s expansion into St. Peters reflects the continued strength of St. Charles County as a place where manufacturers can grow, invest, and thrive,” said Scott Drachnik, President & CEO of the Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County. “We are grateful for the trust they have shown in our community and look forward to their continued success.”
“King Technology’s investment in St. Peters reflects what companies continue to find across Missouri: a strategic location, strong infrastructure, and a business climate that supports long-term growth,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “This project strengthens Missouri’s advanced manufacturing footprint, creates new opportunities for Missourians, and reinforces the state’s position as a premier destination for companies serving customers across the nation.”
ABOUT KING TECHNOLOGY
King Technology, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned water care company founded in 1978 by Lloyd King and Joe King. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, the company is a market leader in hot tub and swim spa water care and a leading innovator in pool water care. King Technology is best known for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use water care products, which use patented mineral technology to keep water clear while requiring significantly less chlorine. The company’s mission is to Enrich Lives Daily. For more information, visit kingtechnology.com.
JED Pool Tools, US manufacturer and distributor of swimming pool and spa maintenance equipment, offers a new Pro 14” Pool Vacuum with a swivel-plastic handle for cleaning both residential and commercial swimming pools. This vac head is heavy weight and designed to make it easy to clean corners and steps. Made to handle the cleaning of any size swimming pool with durable construction. Easily maneuverable vacuum head has 360-degree swivel connector that ends aggravating hose tangling. Adapted for both 1-1/2” and 1-1/4” hose sizes. Proudly made by JED in Pennsylvania, USA.
www.JEDPoolTools.com
570-344-4137
Old Forge, PA
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