Connect with us

Industry News

A New Technique to Eliminate Pool Cyanuric Acid

Published

on

A New Technique to Eliminate Pool Cyanuric Acid

In the past couple of years, if you’ve been keeping up with the news on the pool industry, you might have encountered a few things on cyanuric. This includes the required levels of cyanuric to maintain the pool safe and what transpires when the levels are too high and cause problems. We are familiar with suggestions like diluting or even draining and refilling as a way to eliminate pool cyanuric acid. However, did you know there was an alternative method without the need to drain your pool? Draining and refilling tons of pool water may not be a problem to some, though this method is appreciable to those with water restrictions or those all about conservation.

A New Technique to Eliminate Pool Cyanuric Acid

A year ago, at the IPSPE in New Orleans, Rudy Stankowitz pronounced a pool cyanuric acid removal technique from a swimming pool centered on his study. He presented on the use of Aluminum Sulfate, or Alum, a coagulation agent responsible for water purification. The agent eliminates some cyanuric (CYA) out of the pool water in the coagulation process. Moreover, it minimizes phosphates and gets rid of any other microscopic impurities.

Process and outcome of eliminating pool cyanuric acid

Alum-CYA elimination method:

1. Regulate the pH to 7.0.

2. Alter the Total Alkalinity to 80-120 ppm, Water Temperature to 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, Calcium Hardness to 200-400 ppm.

3. Make sure the pool has no heavy debris that could disintegrate the floc when vacuuming to waste.

4. Measure the levels of Cyanuric acid.

5. Preparing for the filtration process;

  • Sand and DE Filters: While the pump is off, control the multiport valve to recirculate position.
  • Cartridge Filters: While the pump is off, eliminate the filter element, then reassemble without it.

6. Add the Aluminum Sulfate. For every 10,000 gallons of water, add 8.33lbs of Aluminum Sulfate.

7. Set the timer at 2 hours and let the pump run before shutting it off.

  • Do away with the ‘ON’ tripper on the time clock or set automation to service, and set an egg timer to prevent unintended circulation.

8. Let the pump stay off for a minimum time of 12 hours. Do not let the pump run till the whole procedure is complete; all valves are in their accurate position and all elements substituted.

9. Using a portable vacuum system, vacuum the floc to waste slowly to avoid stirring or disintegrating the floc.

10. Asses the remaining aluminum level (ought to be less than 0.2 ppm).

11. Examine the level of Cyanuric Acid.

Generally, it is quite an easy procedure. The water temperature, pH, alkalinity is crucial. Have these three factors set, measure the pool volume, calculate your doses and follow the guidelines above to get your pool water clear, a content customer, and a proud you. It is a cool process if you are yet to try it. The water becomes cloudy, and on returning the following day, all the floc is on the pool bottom waiting vacuuming. Gather your tools and equipment, clean, refill and rebalance the water, and that’s it.

Observe the outcome

Many people can confirm that this method works, including these two experts below who narrate their experience.

John Poma, A+ Pool Service, Lakeland Fla, states that he has seen an approximate 50% drop in pool cyanuric acid by only dispensing 8 lbs aluminum every 10,000 gallons of water in a 19,000-gallon pool with a water temperature of 80 degrees in about 12 hours.

Aimee Clark Olds, All N One Pools, Lafayette La, also affirms that Alum has been their go-to when in need to minimize CYA without draining water. He also notes that they have had up to 10 ppm levels dropped with a small dose of 3 Ibs per 10,000 gallons in a single treatment.

From a small but increasing number of field tests, levels of CYA drop constantly in the range of 20-30%. Using a SpinLab for experiments, pool cyanuric acid levels drop from 165 to 130 and 140 to 115. In addition, interaction with people online gives similar successful outcomes. From the statistics we have, we are beginning to perceive that this is a viable option for reducing pool cyanuric acid. Alum was a way to treat water from way back in ancient Egypt, so it’s not a new product, neither is it too expensive, though it is effective for water treatment.

Currently, it is essential to have more testing to collect more data and validate the outcome. The conversation over the past year has been positive, but we’d require more persons to aid in the collection of more data to test this theory. That’s where you come in, test the process and add your feedback to help in our research.

Few Facebook groups involved in this conversation are 14PSI Pool Industry Lounge and Talking Pools. We would appreciate hearing your feedback on the matter as well. Considering the events of 2020, we are efficiently using social media platforms like the two above to assist the public and encourage better practices while keeping safe. We are anticipating your comments to better our industry for all stakeholders.

5/5 - (1 vote)

Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Employment

How to Recruit and Train Top Talent with PHTA’s Work In Aquatics Initiative

Published

on

By

Work in Aquatics Logo PHTA Logo Man near a swimming pool

Since the pandemic, workforce development has been a main concern for many industries—and the pool and hot tub industry is no exception. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the industry’s leading national trade association, has regularly heard from its members that recruiting and retaining employees is one of the top business concerns.

Going back to the first quarter of 2021, 53% of PHTA members were concerned about finding qualified employees and 21% were concerned about employee performance and quality. Jump to the second quarter of 2023, and 58% were still concerned with recruiting and retaining skilled employees.

There was a huge boom in the demand for pools and hot tubs during the pandemic. Although that demand has started to slow, 61% of participants in the PHTA Quarterly Pulse Surveys in 2023 say they are still experiencing project backlogs and 54% are increasing their employee headcount.

This is why PHTA launched Work In Aquatics, a groundbreaking workforce development initiative specifically created to address hiring, training, and retaining employees in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry. Work In Aquatics utilizes a multi-pronged approach to attract jobseekers to the industry, prepare them for industry jobs, and introduce them to companies with open positions.

The public-facing Work In Aquatics website shares information on career trajectories, recommended industry certifications and trainings, testimonials from people already working in the industry, and more. There are specific sections of the website dedicated to three key audiences: military veterans, high school graduates, and career changers. Work In Aquatics covers everything from entry-level lifeguards to critically acclaimed pool designers.

For professionals already working in the industry and looking to expand their workforce, there is an accompanying Work In Aquatics online job board. PHTA member companies can post their open positions (for free!) at careers.workinaquatics.com. Since its launch six months ago, participating companies have received more than 3,300 job applicants.

PHTA is also continuously developing resources for employers, such as tips on how to write job descriptions, how to promote open positions on your company’s website and social media accounts, and simple ways to retain your best employees.

Work In Aquatics is also supported by several existing PHTA programs, including PHTA’s two U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs. One apprenticeship program is for maintenance and service technicians, and the second is for pool installer technicians. These are robust programs that come equipped with PHTA on-demand education courses, guidelines for creating mentor relationships, and other resources. PHTA staff are available to help at any step along the way.

Both the apprenticeship programs and the Work In Aquatics website highlight the importance of professional certifications. PHTA offers 11 certifications across service, retail, build, and design, for people at any level in the industry. Some states require PHTA certifications as part of their licensure requirements for pool operations or construction, which is important for both employers and those just beginning their career to know.

If workforce development and employee retention are at the top of your business concerns, PHTA is here to help! Visit workinaquatics.com or contact Seth Ewing, PHTA’s Senior Director of Member Programs and Services, to learn more.

5/5 - (2 votes)

Continue Reading

Industry News

Pool Magazine Profiles: Kevin Woodhurst

Published

on

Head to Head With Pool Designer Kevin Woodhurst

For over 30 years, Kevin Woodhurst has been leaving an indelible mark on the pool industry, crafting awe-inspiring aquatic designs that have captured the hearts of countless clients. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Kevin has been directly and indirectly responsible for the design and construction of thousands of new swimming pool projects and remodels, earning him a well-deserved reputation as a visionary pool designer.

From the very outset of his career, Kevin immersed himself in every aspect of the pool business, donning various hats and acquiring an unparalleled understanding of the industry. His journey has taken him through every role imaginable, allowing him to amass a comprehensive knowledge of pool design, construction, and management. As a result, he stands tall among the industry’s experts, armed with insights that can only be garnered through years of hands-on experience.

Today, Woodhurst is a Design Consultant for Claffey Pools, one of the most prominent and highly regarded pool construction firms in the nation, where he continues to push the boundaries of contemporary pool design and construction. His multifaceted knowledge and hands-on experience in various aspects of the pool business make him an invaluable asset to the company.

Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with Woodhurst on the Pool Magazine podcast. We discussed how he got his start in the pool industry and why he’s still passionate about designing pools after three decades in the game.

PM (Pool Magazine): We were hoping that you could talk about your background a bit and discuss how you first got started in the industry.

KW (Kevin Woodhurst): I fell into the industry and I kind of like to use that as an example of what happens to designers. One of the things that I say pretty regularly is you can check in any time, but you can never check out.

About 30 years ago, I purchased a home and decided that we needed to have a pool and reached out to a few pool builders in Phoenix, and lo and behold, I landed somewhere and that started it all. I had a pretty extensive construction background and an extensive mechanical background while serving in the military for about 13 years. Furthermore, I spent a lot of years drawing and just designing things, so it really came pretty natural to join the industry.

PM: We saw you mentioned once that working in the pool industry has enabled you to build a career that really reflects your truest self. Can you share what initially drew you into this industry and why you stayed passionate about it over the years?

KW: I think a big part of it is there’s a certain build-up and excitement in meeting with potential clients and helping these people visualize not only verbally, but in some sort of media, some sort of format.

Years ago, when I first started, we used a pencil and paper, onion paper, and sat at people’s dining room tables designing projects. It’s a little fascinating to me that we were able to sell pools that way because the modern technology now is so good and there are so many options for it that it seems so weird that people bought pools that way. But, yeah, it’s been a fun experience watching this industry grow and mature from what it was.

PM: You have a diverse background in design and construction and project management. How was your experience in these areas influenced your approach to designing pools?

KW: I had some good mentors along the way and one of them very early on convinced me that it was important to really apply myself to the trade and to the craft. He encouraged me to go through the certification programs and get actively involved with the industry. That’s been a big part of it.

I enjoy engaging with the industry. Whether or not it was the trade shows or the associations. I had some good experiences with NESPA very early on and had some influences from some of the “godfathers of the industry” that are no longer with us, like Al Rizzo and John Romano, both of whom were legends in the pool industry.

Certainly, that would be my suggestion to anybody that’s new in the industry – to get out there and meet some of these people. To find a mentor and the guys that are shaking it up and making it happen out there. There are a lot of truly good guys who are going to share. They want to increase the knowledge base out there and want to see our industry continue to grow and mature.

PM: Can you tell us a little bit about how collaboration has helped shape your career and the benefits it’s brought to the design and construction process you employ today?

KW: I’ve spent a lot of time out in the field working with the trades and really understanding what they were doing. I think part of that is I just have this engineer’s mindset where I need to know how stuff works before I can design it and ultimately be able to explain it in a way that homeowners can understand.

We all have to remember, they just see pretty pictures. They don’t understand what’s going on in the ground, under the ground, the piping, the structural aspects of pools, how turnover works and how filtration works, and how all these mechanical systems ultimately function.

PM: You charge for design services rather than using them solely as a sales tool. What led you to make this shift and how do you communicate the value of your design work to clients?

KW: I’ll tell you, it was a hard transition. I only say that because, at least in the market that I was in, so many people said that it was just impossible. No one’s going to pay for plans. But the reality is there are people that will.

You’ve got to be able to pick and choose who your clients are and learn when to be okay with not getting a particular job. I think people that really understand the complexity of swimming pools understand that it is a major investment in the property. They’ll pay for plans. But at the same time, you’ve got to be able to produce a set of plans that they can look at and go, well, that was worth the money.

For those out there that have gone through a lot of the training, whether it’s through Watershapes University or the Genesis program or any of the associations, you have to value your time before you can expect anyone else to.

PM: How does being selective with the projects that you take on contribute to a better client experience and outcome?

KW: Well, you have to know your limits. You have to know what you’re capable of. I find that to be a very valued trait of someone is knowing when a job is too big to tackle on their own.

Knowing your limitations is a big part of it. But also consider, there are plenty of other people out there in the industry that can help you. You may pay for their time, but that’s just part of that learning process many years ago. Almost 20 years ago, I took on a million-dollar project, and we ended up doing a cost plus on it because it just didn’t make sense for me to put us in that sort of position.

I got some help from within the industry on that project. Building out the hydraulics, et cetera. But knowing your limitations is a really good thing and it just sets a bar for you and a point of reference. ‘Okay, here’s where I’m at and I want to continue to get better, so I can move forward and get to do some of those bigger projects.’ There’s nothing wrong with that.

PM: During the construction process, how do you ensure that your clients are well-informed about the ins and outs of pool ownership and what that process is going to be like?

KW: It’s a lot of information for a homeowner to try to digest. I think to some degree you’ve got to be able to pare your presentation back to the mindset or the level of knowledge that they do have.

Meeting with a homeowner in their space on their property and spending time asking questions is going to give you a little bit of background of what they’re looking for. It’s not a canned speech for everybody. It’s just a process to understand where they’re at, where they’re coming from because you kind of have to meet them there; and then modify your presentation and your information to digestible pieces that they can comprehend along the way.

PM: Looking back on your own career, what has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a professional pool design consultant?

KW: Well, I still love it. I’ve been involved in the design and construction of thousands of pool projects. I just still love meeting people and seeing the excitement, especially on a young family with kids and you can see the excitement in their faces over the probability of having a swimming pool in the backyard. When you can make the connection with people where they get really engaged with the process, that’s a lot of fun.

Of course, I get excited when I go to a multimillion-dollar home and we’re looking at a very high-end, very exotic swimming pool. But most of the satisfaction really comes from taking that design and taking it from conception to completion.

I have a project going on right now out in Possum Kingdom, which is a big lake here in Texas that is a pretty awesome job. It’s a big vanishing edge pool near a cliff and it’s just that kind of stuff that gets exciting.

I’ve spent half my adult life now in the pool industry, and it’s kind of weird when I think back on it, because I’ll be 61 this year and, man, the years fly by. It’s fun. It has definitely had its moments, but when all is said and done – after three decades, it’s been really good.

Listen to our entire conversation with Kevin Woodhurst on the Pool Magazine podcast.

Rate this post

Continue Reading

Industry News

A New Era for Ledge Lounger : Chris Scherzinger Succeeds Founder Christopher Anderson

Published

on

ledge-lounger

Katy, Texas – Ledge Lounger Inc. (“Ledge” or the “Company”), an industry leader in outdoor & in-pool furniture, is excited to announce a significant leadership transition, as Chris Scherzinger takes the reins as the incoming CEO, succeeding the Founder and outgoing CEO, Christopher Anderson. This transition, effective September 5, 2023, marks a pivotal moment in the Company’s journey, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation.

Incoming CEO, Chris Scherzinger, is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience, previously serving as CEO of Weber Inc. and prior to that holding various executive and leadership positions at Jarden Corporation, Johnson and Johnson, Procter & Gamble and General Electric. Scherzinger brings a track record of disruptive growth, iconic brand building and creative product innovation, and he brings impressive strategic insight to the Ledge team. Scherzinger’s experience and his dedication to team-building and organizational development position him well to guide Ledge into its next phase of growth.

“I am thrilled to join the Ledge team” said Scherzinger. “Chris Anderson and his team have built an impressive business that has been on the leading edge of innovation and design in the industry. I am excited to embrace that legacy and continue to focus on new product innovation and growth across all our direct-to-consumer, wholesale and B2B channels.”

As the Founder and CEO of Ledge, Anderson leaves an indelible mark on the Company and industry. Under his leadership, the Company created a new product category of in-pool furniture and elevated Ledge to a leading position within the industry. Anderson’s dedication to Ledge’s customers and team members and his commitment to innovation has laid the groundwork for future success.

“I founded Ledge with a vision to bring innovative products to the swimming pool and backyard industry. We have done that and so much more,” remarked Anderson. “As I transition from my role as CEO, I have full confidence in Chris Scherzinger’s ability to steer the Company towards new heights.”

The transition represents a seamless shift of leadership at Ledge as the Company embraces its history while looking forward to an exciting future of growth, innovation, and continued excellence. Anderson will remain on the Board and assist with key company growth initiatives.

About Ledge Lounger Inc.:

Founded by Christopher Anderson in 2011, Ledge Lounger Inc. created the in-pool furniture category with its iconic Signature Chaise and has since expanded the product set to include outdoor furniture, games, and floats. Ledge operates an omni-channel go-to market strategy leading with direct-to-consumer and maintaining strong relationships with the trade, commercial and specialty retail channels. Ledge has experienced rapid growth since inception and is poised to continue to gain traction as a leader in outdoor furnishings and entertainment.

5/5 - (2 votes)

Continue Reading

Pool News

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x