logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
News
October 14, 2021
What are your essential pool tools?

By Marcelle Dibrell

The right set of tools can help a pool pro do the job properly and completely on the first visit. Because you run your business out of your truck, you’ve got to be a repair shop on wheels. Whether you work alone or you run a business with employees, you’ll want to outfit yourself and your team with the basic and not-so-basic set of tools to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

So, what do service pros need to get the job done?

Because the lion’s share of work as a service tech takes place in residential spaces, access to electrical outlets is likely, but you can’t always count on it. That’s why it’s a good idea to have batteryoperated power tools around to avoid having to start and stop jobs. To that end, you’ll want a cordless drill – and if you can invest in an underwater drill, you’re in even better shape.

A heat gun is useful for softening pool liners that have popped out of place.

A blower vacuum is pretty important for a variety of reasons, and there are some that come highly recommended. The vacuum option makes it easier for setting vinyl liners. Industrial-grade vacuums can completely remove the sand and water from a standard sand filter or clear up the sludge from the bottom of a mucked-up pool. Meanwhile, the blower setting is useful for winterizing plumbing.

Grinders are a regular part of a service tech’s equipment, for smoothing tile and plaster and removing surface stains from time to time.Again, spring for an underwater cordless grinder for extra convenience.

Pool service involves a lot of pipe fitting, so you’ll want a reciprocating saw, because it will save hours of work cutting pipes by hand. That said, you’re still going to want an old-fashioned hacksaw, and also, get an inside pipe cutter.

Another must-have is a pressure washer, which will help get rid of algae and surface staining in record time.

Every pool will need to be drained, so a water pump is essential.

A battery-operated rotary hammer is a great tool for installing safety covers.

For safety’s sake, if for nothing else, an electric test meter is a good tool to have on hand. That way, you can tell if electrical devices are getting any juice before beginning work on them.

And don’t forget to keep extension cords on hand.

Most of the hand tool a pool tech uses are pretty standard. You have your drivers of every shape and size, your pliers, your channel locks, and your Allen wrenches.

Multi-Tork makes a set of highly versatile sockets and specialty tools designed to make filter care easier, safer, and faster. As a service tech, you’ll definitely want a magnetic pole tip for retrieving metallic items dropped into the pool.

Make sure you also have a well-stocked arsenal of supplies, such as glues, putties, and adhesives. PVC glue is essential for installing pumps and any other kind of plumbing work. A variety of tapes will be needed: duct tape, electrical tape, masking tape, and of course, Teflon tape for waterproofing threading.

But in addition to all of these items, there are a lot of new or innovative products designed for pool service professionals. We asked our readers what kinds of tools, equipment, and even software they use for their pool and spa service business. Based on those recommendations, this issue of Service Industry News is dedicated to useful tools of the service professionals’ trade.

LATEST NEWS
News
New federal energy bill introduced
‘Energy Choice Act’ seeks to ensure consumer access to energy sources including natural gas
July 14, 2025
By Marcelle Dibrell A Republican-led but technically bipartisan bill called the Energy Choice Act has been introduced in Congress, aiming to settle th...
this is a test
News
Crystal clear water requires top filtration
July 14, 2025
When it comes to maintaining sparkling clean pool and spa water, filters are the silent workhorses of the system, doing one of the most important jobs...
this is a test
News
appliances, including outdoor pool and ….
July 14, 2025
appliances, including outdoor pool and spa heaters. In his press release, Langworthy calls the Energy Choice Act both “bipartisan” and “bicameral,” no...
this is a test
Ban on natural gas appliances stalled
News
Ban on natural gas appliances stalled
July 14, 2025
An effort to curb Southern California’s smog problem by phasing out gas-powered water heaters and furnaces has stalled with a recently rejected propos...
this is a test
News
New PHTA, ANSI standards available
July 14, 2025
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have approved and newly re-published three industry standards:...
this is a test
News
CA water suppliers to par ticipate in conservation efforts
July 14, 2025
A sweeping new regulation is changing the way water conservation is enforced across California, shifting the burden away from individual households an...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK