Check out our latest ‘Horror File’ entry
July 31, 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 Rick English, of Rick English Pools, and Javier Payan, of Payan Pools, in San Diego, California.

“Here is one for the books”, writes Rick.

“While inspecting a very old pool that had been extensively and professionally remodeled, there are two heaters with a common exhaust in a very well planned equipment vault. Above the vault, the exhaust was nowhere to be seen.

“Then someone told me that the masonry block fence above the vault was being used like a chimney.

“Sure enough, the wall and the air above the wall were warm. Was this ingenious or worrisome?”

“Yikes”, writes Javier, “Also no indoor draft hoods and man-made venting.”

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...