As spring approaches and the pool season begins to ramp up, automation quickly rises to the top of the list of topics pool professionals discuss with homeowners. Customers want pools that are easier to manage, more efficient to operate, and capable of maintaining consistent performance without constant attention.

For builders and service companies, automation offers a different kind of value. Connected systems can provide better visibility into equipment performance, reduce troubleshooting time, and help identify issues before they turn into costly service calls.

It’s no surprise that the topic continues to dominate conversations heading into every pool season.

Over the past few years, one of the pool automation platforms gaining attention among pool professionals is The Attendant, a connected automation and monitoring system developed by Poolside Tech. The platform combines equipment automation with system monitoring and data visibility, creating a tool designed to help both homeowners and service professionals better understand how their pools are operating.

While many automation systems are designed around specific equipment ecosystems, Attendant was built to integrate with a wide range of pool equipment, giving builders and service companies flexibility when designing or upgrading equipment pads.

But compatibility is only part of the story.

The larger goal behind the platform is to expand the role automation plays in how pools are monitored and maintained.

“Automation used to basically turn things on and off,” explained Ben Forrest of Poolside Tech. “Now we’re talking about systems that think, adapt, and prevent problems before they happen.”

Building an Intelligent Pool System

Traditional automation systems have historically focused on equipment control. Pumps can be scheduled to run at certain times, heaters can be turned on remotely, and lighting systems can be coordinated through a mobile app.

The Attendant builds on that concept by introducing a deeper layer of monitoring and diagnostics.

Through connected sensors and equipment integration, the system collects operational data from the equipment pad and makes that information accessible through a cloud-connected interface. Homeowners and service professionals can observe how pumps, heaters, and other components are operating in real time, providing insight that goes far beyond simple scheduling.

For service professionals, that level of visibility can change how pools are managed. Instead of discovering issues during routine weekly visits, technicians can receive alerts when equipment begins to behave outside its normal operating range.

A pump drawing unusual power, a heater cycling incorrectly, or changes in water conditions can trigger notifications that allow technicians to respond quickly—often before the homeowner even realizes something is wrong.

For homeowners, the system provides peace of mind that their pool is being monitored continuously rather than only during scheduled service visits.

The Attendant Product Line

Poolside Tech has developed several versions of the Attendant platform designed to support different types of installations.

The Attendant

At the center of the lineup is the flagship Attendant controller. Designed for installations where multiple pieces of equipment must operate together, the system functions as a central hub capable of coordinating pumps, heaters, valves, and sensors while collecting operational data about how the system is performing.

Because the platform is cloud-connected, both homeowners and service professionals can access system data remotely through the Attendant interface. Instead of relying solely on periodic inspections at the equipment pad, users can observe system performance in real time.

The goal is to move automation beyond fixed schedules and toward systems that provide a clearer picture of how equipment is operating throughout the day.

The Attendant Mini & The Attendant Mini + Chemistry

For installations that do not require the full scale of the flagship controller, Poolside Tech offers a compact alternative in the Attendant Mini.

The Attendant Mini delivers many of the same monitoring and automation capabilities in a smaller footprint designed for residential equipment pads. Despite its size, the system still integrates with pumps, heaters, and monitoring devices while providing remote access and system alerts through the Attendant platform.

For pool pros, the Attendant Mini offers an accessible entry point for introducing connected automation to residential customers without requiring the larger automation cabinets typically associated with advanced systems.

The platform expands further with the Attendant Mini + Chemistry configuration.

This version incorporates probe-based sensors that continuously monitor water balance parameters such as pH and sanitizer levels. Instead of relying exclusively on manual testing during service visits, the system provides ongoing readings that allow service professionals to observe trends in water chemistry over time.

“If a builder offered homeowners a system that keeps chlorine and pH perfect no matter how many kids are in the pool,” Forrest said, “almost everyone would say yes—as long as it’s affordable.”

By integrating water monitoring with equipment automation, the Attendant platform aims to help service professionals maintain more consistent water conditions while reducing the guesswork that often accompanies traditional testing routines.

Building Momentum Across the Industry

While the Attendant platform has steadily evolved over the past several years, Poolside Tech has also been working to introduce the technology directly to the professionals who build and service pools every day.

In recent seasons, the company has made a strong presence at industry trade shows, conferences, and educational events, demonstrating the platform to builders, service companies, and distributors across the country.

Those efforts have helped Poolside Tech build a growing network of partnerships across the pool industry, beginning with major manufacturers like Latham and extending to distribution relationships with organizations such as POOLCORP and Heritage Pool Supply.

The company has also developed connections with several prominent industry buying groups, including Carecraft, United Aqua Group (UAG), and Master Pools Guild (MPG). These organizations help introduce new technologies to members who are continually looking for tools that can improve operational efficiency and customer experience.

Pool Pros Embracing Connected Automation

Service companies have also begun exploring how connected monitoring platforms can improve day-to-day operations. Organizations such as Poolwerx are working with Poolside Tech in their efforts to streamline service routes, reduce troubleshooting time, and provide greater visibility into pool performance between service visits.

Companies such as Shasta Pools are also exploring how connected monitoring platforms can support both sides of their operation. As a company that builds pools while also maintaining a large service and repair division, Shasta is working with Poolside Tech to adopt automation and monitoring technology that gives homeowners greater visibility into how their pool systems are performing while helping technicians keep a closer eye on equipment between service visits. For Shasta, integrating connected automation is part of a broader effort to improve the long-term ownership experience as smart home technology continues to expand into the backyard.

A Changing Landscape for Pool Automation

Automation has come a long way from the simple timers that once controlled pumps and heaters.

Today’s connected systems provide real-time insight into equipment performance, allowing homeowners and service professionals to monitor pools more effectively than ever before.

Platforms like Attendant represent an evolution in how automation is being designed—combining equipment control, monitoring, and operational data into a single connected environment.

As the new pool season approaches and automation once again becomes a central topic of conversation, it’s clear that the technology is continuing to evolve.

That’s why this spring, the goal is no longer just convenience. It’s making pools easier to manage, more efficient to operate, and better understood by the people responsible for keeping them running.

Photo Credits: Poolside Tech, Latham

There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a dull, stained pool surface turn bright and clean again after a good acid wash. It’s like hitting the reset button on a pool that’s seen better days. But as any seasoned pool pro knows, this powerful process comes with some serious risks. 

Acid washing uses muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid)—a chemical strong enough to dissolve mineral buildup, algae, and stains. That same strength, though, can cause burns, lung damage, and serious injuries if not handled the right way. Knowing how to stay safe isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for protecting yourself, your crew, and your customers. 

Why You Can’t Cut Corners on Safety 

Muriatic acid is no joke. A splash on your skin or a breath of concentrated fumes can do real harm in seconds. It can also eat away at pool finishes and metal fixtures if it’s not used properly. The goal is to make the pool look better—not cause damage or danger along the way. 

When you follow safety protocols, you’re not just checking boxes—you’re building a reputation for professionalism and responsibility that customers notice. 

Safety Basics Every Pool Pro Should Practice 

1. Paperwork Isn’t Just Paperwork 

Before you start mixing anything, make sure your Hazard Communication Program is up to date. Have Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every chemical you use, and double-check that all containers are clearly labeled. This may seem tedious, but if something goes wrong, this documentation can be a lifesaver—literally and legally. 

2. Dress Like You Mean It 

When you’re handling acid, jeans and sunglasses aren’t enough. You’ll need: 

● Acid-resistant gloves (rubber or neoprene)
● Chemical splash goggles and a face shield
● Long-sleeved acid-resistant clothing or a Tyvek suit
● Closed-toe, chemical-resistant boots
● A respirator with acid-gas cartridges if ventilation isn’t great

It might not be a fashion statement, but it’s definitely a safety statement. 

3. Let It Breathe

If you’re working in an indoor pool or a deep end, acid fumes can build up fast. Always use fans, open doors and windows, and wear a respirator if needed. OSHA even considers an acid-washing pool a permit-required confined space—so don’t take chances. When in doubt, step out and get fresh air.

4. Mix with Care 

There’s one golden rule every pool pro should memorize: Always add acid to water—never water to acid.  Doing it backwards can cause an instant, violent reaction that splashes acid everywhere. Mix outdoors, use plastic containers, and keep people (and pets) far away while you work. 

5. Be Kind to the Environment 

Once you’ve finished the wash, it’s time to neutralize the leftover acid with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Never let untreated acid flow into a storm drain or onto the lawn. Not only is that harmful, it can also get you in trouble with local environmental agencies. Take a few extra minutes to neutralize properly and practice disposal according to local rules. 

Two Is Better Than One 

Whenever possible, don’t go it alone. Have another technician on deck while you’re in the pool. That second person can pass tools, monitor fumes, or call for help if something unexpected happens. It’s simple teamwork that makes the job safer for everyone. 

Be Ready for the “What-Ifs” 

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Make sure you have: 

● An eye wash station or portable eyewash bottle within arm’s reach
● A fresh water source nearby for rinsing skin or eyes
● A neutralizing agent like baking soda ready to go
● Up-to-date first-aid training for handling chemical exposure

At Pool Troopers in Tampa, FL, for example, every employee is issued proper safety gear and trained on SDS procedures—an approach all pool companies can learn from. 

The Bottom Line 

Acid washing is one of the most dramatic makeovers you can give a pool—but it’s not something to take lightly. The right preparation, gear, and mindset make all the difference between a successful job and a dangerous one. 

If you’re looking to sharpen your safety skills, check out the OSHA 10 Course for Pool Pros that I offer through Space Coast Pool School. It’s a great way to stay informed, stay compliant, and most importantly—stay safe. 

As the last pools are covered and the phone calls settle down, winter gifts the pool industry something rare: time to think.

For builders, service pros, and retailers alike, winter isn’t downtime — it’s the strategic season. It’s when smart operators look beyond the next call or contract and start shaping the business they want two years from now.

“Winter is when we build the business, not the pools,” says Jake Henderson of Blue Horizon Pools, who uses December to review margins, reset systems, and plan hiring before spring rushes back in. “If we wait until March to think strategically, it’s already too late.”

Across the industry, that mindset shift is catching on. Instead of winding down completely, more companies are using winter to strengthen their foundations by refining systems, training teams, and designing growth plans for 2026 and beyond.

Because in today’s market, the companies that treat winter as an opportunity, not an off-season, are the ones leading the pack when the weather warms up.

From Reaction to Intention

After the intensity of summer, the quiet of winter brings clarity. The rush fades, phones calm, and for the first time in months, owners can actually think.

It’s the perfect time to step back and ask big-picture questions: What worked? What didn’t? What do we want to do differently next year?

That space for reflection is what separates reactionary businesses from intentional ones.

“We used to treat January as catch-up season,” says Angela Ruiz of ClearBlue Pool Services. “Now it’s strategy season. We review our wins, fix the bottlenecks, and set our training plan for the year ahead. It changes everything.”

For many companies, this kind of winter planning isn’t about filling out spreadsheets — it’s about creating space to think. It’s also about designing a business that works on purpose rather than by momentum.

Winter gives owners emotional, operational, and financial distance. The stress of the season melts away and you can finally look at your business without the noise of chlorine deliveries, weather delays, and customer calls.

That distance is what allows growth-minded companies to identify patterns, anticipate challenges, and align their next moves with long-term goals.

What the Pros Are Doing This Winter

Across the country, pool professionals are putting their quiet months to work. Instead of to-do lists, strategic initiatives are forged and designed to strengthen their business before the next rush hits.

1. Modernizing Systems

Technology is taking center stage this winter. Companies are upgrading scheduling software, linking accounting tools, and adopting CRMs that help teams communicate more efficiently.

“We finally integrated our job tracking and invoicing software,” says Tony Miller of AquaEdge Pools. “It’s saving us hours every week and eliminating those little mistakes that used to cost us credibility.”

For many owners, it’s not about chasing the latest app. It’s more about using the off-season to simplify and systemize. When spring hits, there’s no time to experiment. Winter is when operational upgrades happen quietly in the background so the busy months can run smoothly.

2. Investing in People

Ask any pool company what their biggest challenge is, and you’ll hear the same answer: labor. Skilled, motivated, reliable labor.

That’s why many firms are treating winter as their training season. Cross-training service techs, offering leadership workshops, and paying for certifications are becoming common winter investments.

“We started a mentorship program for our younger crew,” says Henderson. “It keeps them engaged, and by spring, they’re already ahead of schedule on skills.”

Companies are also rethinking retention — offering flexible scheduling, performance bonuses, or simply creating space for team members to be heard. As Ruiz puts it: “If you don’t invest in people during the slow months, you’ll spend twice the amount replacing them during the busy ones.”

3. Refreshing the Brand

With fewer site visits and customer calls, winter is prime time to update your public face. Many businesses are using the off-season to revamp their websites, refresh photography, or launch new marketing campaigns.

“We do our brand audit in January,” says Miller. “New photos, updated testimonials, maybe a fresh logo tweak. By the time homeowners start dreaming about their next pool, we’re already in front of them.”

Others are leaning into storytelling by publishing project spotlights, filming behind-the-scenes videos, or writing articles that show their expertise. The off-season is the ideal moment to build authority and trust before the buying season begins.

Looking Ahead: Planning for 2026, Not Just 2025

Many business owners are no longer planning for the next season. They’re planning for the next two. With technology, materials, and customer expectations evolving so rapidly, forward-looking strategies are becoming the new norm.

Sustainability, automation, and efficiency top the list of 2026 priorities. Builders are exploring energy-efficient equipment and low-impact materials; service companies are focusing on automation and predictive maintenance; retailers are diversifying their offerings with smart pool technology.

“We’re budgeting for next year’s upgrades, but also setting aside for 2026 equipment transitions,” says Ruiz. “We know automation and energy savings are where the market’s heading. Planning ahead gives us a competitive edge.”

That kind of foresight also protects companies from economic swings. As discretionary spending fluctuates, diversified and well-structured businesses are more likely to stay stable.

In other words: when competitors are coasting, the strategic ones are charting.

The New Shape of Winter Strategy

The modern pool professional’s off-season isn’t about hibernation — it’s all about transformation.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: More owners are tracking metrics year-round — from profit margins to lead conversion rates — and using winter to analyze that data in depth.
• Collaborative Planning: Instead of keeping plans top-down, many companies now involve their teams in goal setting. “It builds ownership,” says Miller. “People buy into what they help build.”
• Sustainable Growth: Fast growth isn’t the goal anymore. Smart growth is. Companies are choosing intentional scaling by adding services or expanding geography only when systems can support it.

There’s a growing awareness that the pool industry, once driven by instinct and tradition, is now defined by planning, professionalism, and adaptability.

Community Over Competition

Another emerging theme this winter: collaboration.

Across regions, owners who used to view each other as competitors are now comparing notes, sharing resources, and supporting each other’s success. Whether through online groups, trade associations, or informal meet-ups, there’s a sense that the industry wins when everyone levels up.

“We share our vendor contacts, talk about pricing pressure, even swap advice on hiring,” says Ruiz. “Five years ago, that would’ve been unheard of. Now, we all realize we’re fighting the same challenges.”

That openness has made planning seasons like this one richer and more productive. When people talk honestly about what’s working, the entire industry grows stronger.

A Season for Builders to Build

Every strong season begins with choices made in the quiet months — in the calm before the rush.

Winter gives pool professionals something rare: time to think. And for those who use it wisely, that time becomes the foundation of growth, stability, and innovation.

“The work we do now pays off all year,” says Henderson. “We treat the winter like we treat excavation — it’s the groundwork. If you skip it, nothing else stands right.”

When the phones start ringing again, the companies that used winter for strategy won’t be scrambling. They’ll be ready with systems dialed in, teams aligned, and goals set in motion.

Because success in the pool industry might be built in the summer, but it’s planned for in the winter.

So grab a notebook, pour a cup of coffee, and ask yourself: What kind of business do you want to open in the spring?

Winter is the time to build it.