Check out our latest ‘Horror File’ entry
News
April 30, 2021
Check out our latest ‘Horror File’ entry

CAN YOU TOP THIS?

Welcome to the latest edition of our popular “Can You Top This?” column, featuring the newest entry in the Service Industry News “Horror File. ”

This issue’s entry comes to us from Dave Nelson of Nelson Pool & Spa in Napa, California.

“Check out this beauty! Careful turning on the pump with those exposed wires . We’re going to try our best to run for the hills and not even touch this pool with its many problems,” writes Dave.

“Heater not working with tons of rodent debris but the heater is bypassed and abandoned. Tons of air in the system, sweep not working, sweep booster pump not working but they have a one-year-old pump and filter — Seems as though this should’ve been noticed and addressed one year ago when those were installed, no?”

Thank you for sending this in Dave. And to those of you out there who have never submitted their horror file, please send yours today!

Other publications like to print lots of pretty pictures of beautiful pools, spas and well engineered installations.

At Service Industry News, we would rather go behind the scenes and take a closer look at the type of stuff our readers encounter everyday — cracked tiles, tree roots, spaghetti plumbing, rats in the heater, cars in the pool and more!

When you are out in the field and you see something that doesn’t look right, send us an email along with a picture and a brief description: Attention Horror File, serviceindustrynewscd@yahoo.com.

LATEST NEWS
Local CA agency leads emission policy
Will California swimming pool heater energy standardschangeregulationsinotherstates?
March 31, 2026
By Marcelle Dibrell With federal policy stepping back, California regulations are driving the future of gas pool heaters. The future of gas-fired pool...
March 31, 2026
If you’ve ever wondered whether one voice can truly make a difference in Washington, this experience answers that question. From April 28–30, 2026, PH...
March 31, 2026
“Let’s continue to send young adults to college and trade schools.” That’s the guiding motto of the Ralph A. Kerber Memorial Foundation — a scholarshi...
Fantastic time at the Southwest Show
March 31, 2026
The 2026 Southwest Pool & Spa Show, held February 15–19 in San Antonio, Texas, delivered a full week of education, exhibits, and industry networking, ...
Swim season comes early for snakes
March 31, 2026
A rattlesnake found struggling in a Rancho Santa Fe swimming pool is drawing attention for what it may signal about snake activity across Southern Cal...