In recent years, Service Industry News has devoted an entire issue to innovative new products relevant to the service side of the pool and spa industry. These are products (and sometimes services) that caught our eye for a variety of reasons: Maybe they receive high praise from pool service technicians; maybe they stand out within their class; maybe they are the first of their kind; maybe they truly live up to their claims; maybe they actually save lives. This year’s issue of Service Industry News will showcase some of the products we noticed that achieve nearly all of these things… Enjoy!

Ahh-Some

Introducing Ahh-Some, the downhome hero your pools and spas have been hollering for. This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill cleaner. Ahh-Some is a powerhouse, specially crafted for pool service cleaning pros like you. It's got a knack for kicking biofilm, mineral gunk, and all those nasties to the curb, leaving your pools sparkling like the Fourth of July fireworks!

Now, let's talk about something of paramount importance: Legionnaire's Disease. It's not just a scare tactic, it's a real and present danger in water systems. Ahh-Some tackles this issue head-on with a multi-faceted approach. It employs a potent blend of active ingredients that have been rigorously tested and proven effective in eradicating harmful bacteria, ensuring that your pools aren't just visually clean, but hygienically safe for every swimmer.

The secret lies in Ahh-Some's groundbreaking biofilm removal technology. Biofilm, that slimy layer of microorganisms and debris, is the culprit behind so many pool maintenance headaches. Ahh-Some's formula penetrates this stubborn matrix, breaking it down at a molecular level. Through a process of enzymatic action, it dismantles the structural integrity of biofilm, making it easier to remove and preventing its regrowth.

But that's not all! Ahh-Some is a master at dealing with mineral deposits, a common woe for pool service pros. Its unique chelation process sequesters minerals, preventing them from reattaching to surfaces and causing unsightly staining. This means less elbow grease for you and more time to focus on providing exceptional service for your clients.

Ahh-Some is more than just a cleaner; it's a game-changer in the world of pool maintenance. It's not content with surface-level results; it dives deep into the science of clean, ensuring that pools are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also genuinely healthy environments. Say goodbye to half-measures and hello to a new standard of clean with Ahh-Some by your side. This is the tool you've been waiting for to elevate your pool service to the next level. Don't settle for ordinary; choose extraordinary with Ahh-Some.

AquaStar Pipeline Filter

AquaStar Pipeline filters were awarded the best residential filter and innovative product of 2022 by Pool Nation. And after more than 5 years of research and development, these filters have a lot of qualities to recommend them. Aquastar Pipeline filters were designed to address a number of irritating and dangerous features of filters: safety, ease of access, improved hydraulics, cleanability, and small footprint.

Safety: Filter separations are still one of the highest causes of injury in pool and spa servicing. So in engineering Pipeline filters, the No. 1 priority was to build a unit that was safe to get in and out of. To open it, you have to use 2 hands and pull on the release valves. After rotating the lid, the O-ring will have disengaged. That means that if you accidentally leave the pump on or forget to use the air-relief valve, the system has already depressurized — the worst thing that will happen is you’ll get your shoes wet.

Ease of Access: The release valves on the lid and twist removal also make it easy to open. To open the filter, complete the following steps: Using the large locking ring handles, reach under each with your fingers and pull the spring-loaded filter locks into the unlocked position. While holding the locks open, forcefully rotate the Locking Ring counterclockwise ⅛ turn and then release the lock and the large handles. This will begin the process of decompressing the O-ring. Move your hands to the small handles and continue to rotate another ¼ turn. This will continue to decompress the O-ring while lifting the lid. Move your hands to the large handles again and rotate another ¼ turn. This will fully decompress the O-ring, allowing the locking ring to rotate to the second safety stop. Reach under the large handles with your fingers and pull the spring-loaded filter locks into the unlocked position again, and then finish rotating the last ¼ turn. The lid can now be lifted off.

Another great feature about the lid removal is it has a quad-thread lid assembly with a lot of open space between the threads, so that it will release any debris that might get between the threads and won’t lock or freeze up.

Improved Hydraulics: The PLF37000 features a 250-square-foot filter and can provide a maximum flow rate of 150 GPM; the PLF27000 features a 200-square-foot filter, providing a maximum flow rate of 200 GPM.

What gives this filter the square footage and flow are the pleats, which are about 2½ inches deep. Another reason for the great flow is the core, which has a lot more and much larger holes than a standard cartridge filter, allowing more water to pass through the filter and back to the pool at a greater velocity.

The PLF27000 unit is rated for a 27,000-gallon commercial pool with a 6-hour turnover. For residential pools, it can handle 108,000 gallons with a 12-hour turnover. The PLF35000 is rated for a 35,000-gallon commercial pool with a 6-hour turnover. It can filter up to 144,000-gallon residential pools with a 12-hour turnover.

The PLF27000 performs as well as any 400- or 500-square-foot cartridge filter,whilethe37000outperformsboth.

Cleanability: Pipeline filters passed the NSF water clarity (turbidity reduction) test with just one pass, compared to most cartridge filters, which need up to five passes to clean the water. That makes them comparable to DE filters, which are capable of cleaning 98 percent of water in one pass, and four times better than any other cartridge on the market.

Small Footprint: The filter takes up minimal space. Just under 20 inches wide, the PLF 27000 is 38⅝ inches tall, while the PLF35000 is 46⅛ inches tall.

Magic Plastics QwikLED

You know your customer’s old 500-watt pool light is costing them a fortune. The good news is that you can cut their energy bill in one simple move with the QwikLED adaptor. The QwikLED adaptor makes it possible for a seamless retrofit from an older pool light fixture to a new, energy-efficient LED light fixture.

Old pool lights are departing the pool and spa industry as quickly as builders and service pros can install new LEDs. But the problem is, a new pool LED doesn’t fit into the old fixture housing.

QwikLED was created to solve this problem, because of a high demand for new LED lighting in older pools.

Approximately 95% of pools in the United States still have older pool light niches, making it impossible to replace them with a new, small LED light. This issue has not only made it costly to replace older lights but also has made it economically demanding for pool owners to try and simply reduce their energy usage and/or enjoy color LED lighting.

This has been a problem for not only pool owners but individuals working in the pool industry for years. Industry pros want to help customers update their pool lighting and know that LEDs should be an option for all pool owners. The benefits of LEDs are incredible. LEDs are cost-effective, saving pool owners up to 80% on pool lighting costs. LEDs are energy efficient and can last up to 20 times longer than an old energy-consuming pool light. Plus, they are aesthetically more appealing because of the wide variety of multicolored LED options they provide. Now with QwikLED, we can make these benefits of LEDs a reality for all pool owners.

The installation is simple. To install the QwikLED adaptor, you’re going to need the existing set-screw from the pool light fixture, the QwikLED Plate, and an LED light. Before beginning the installation of the adaptor, ensure that the power is shut off to the equipment and pool lights. Double-check that the power is off at the pool light J-box. Pass your new LED light through the QwikLED adaptor, and screw it into place. Remove the existing light, cut the cord, and create a temporary connection between the old cord and the new LED cord to pull the cord to the power source. Set the bottom of the QwikLED tab onto the top of the existing pool light ring tab. Use the existing pool light set-screw to screw the light into place. That’s it!

Periodic Products: CuLator

As seasoned pool service technicians, you understand the challenges posed by excessive metals in pool water. Stains, discoloration, and overall water quality degradation can be a headache to manage. Enter CuLator (pronounced see-youlater), the cutting-edge solution revolutionizing metal removal in pool maintenance. Here’s the science behind CuLator’s efficacy and a comprehensive guide to its application.

CuLator operates on a sophisticated principle grounded in polymer chemistry. It harnesses the power of a specialized chelating polymer that acts as a magnet for metals. This polymer, coated onto a mesh bag, creates a strong ionic bond with metals commonly found in pool water, such as copper, iron, and manganese. Through this process, CuLator effectively sequesters these metals, preventing them from precipitating out and causing unsightly staining or discoloration.

Using CuLator: A Step-by-Step Guide 1.Assess Metal Levels: Begin by testing the pool water for metal content using a reliable metal test kit. This crucial step establishes a baseline for metal concentration.

2. Select the Appropriate CuLator Product: CuLator offers various products tailored to different pool sizes and metal concentrations. Choose the one that best matches your specific pool requirements.

3.Placement of CuLator Bag: CuLator comes in a convenient mesh bag for easy application. Place the bag in the pool skimmer, ensuring it has ample water flow passing through it. For spas or hot tubs, simply suspend the bag in the water using the provided string.

4. Monitor and Replace: Regularly check the CuLator bag for signs of saturation. When it reaches its metal-holding capacity, replace it with a fresh bag. The frequency of replacement will vary based on metal levels and pool usage.

5. Maintain Adequate Filtration and Circulation: To optimize CuLator’s performance, ensure the pool’s filtration and circulation systems are in good working order. Adequate flow ensures that water effectively passes through the CuLator bag.

6. Periodic Water Testing: Continue to monitor metal levels in the pool water, especially after using CuLator. This will help gauge its effectiveness and provide insight into ongoing maintenance needs.

CuLator stands as a game-changer in the realm of pool maintenance, offering a scientifically-backed solution to the persistent problem of metal contamination. By understanding the polymer chemistry behind CuLator’s efficacy and following this comprehensive guide for application, you can harness its full potential to deliver crystal clear, stain-free pools that will leave your clients delighted. Say goodbye to metal-induced headaches and embrace a new era of water quality management with CuLator.

Pool Brain

For pool service professionals seeking a technological edge in a competitive industry, the future is here. Pool Brain, the cutting-edge pool company software, offers a suite of features designed by industry experts, providing solutions for unique challenges faced by medium to large pool service businesses.

Its track-record is so good, it has recently joined forces with National Pool Partners (NPP), the largest multi-regional pool service company in the U.S., setting a new industry standard for operational excellence.

Let’s dive into why Pool Brain is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.

Pool Brain’s all-in-one platform is designed to optimize every facet of your business. From scheduling and routing to billing, quoting, and equipment tracking, Pool Brain streamlines operations, saving you time and resources. Say goodbye to manual paperwork and hello to guided workflows and automatic chemical dosing.

With Pool Brain, managing your field technicians is easy. Track technician pay, manage schedules, and monitor progress in real time. This ensures that your team is operating at peak efficiency, completing jobs on time, every time.

Access to accurate and insightful data is crucial for any business’s success. Pool Brain provides you with powerful analytics, custom alerts, and graphs to help you make informed decisions. See trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and stay ahead of the curve in an everevolving industry.

Happy customers are the lifeblood of any service-oriented business. With Pool Brain, you can provide a higher level of service through improved scheduling, accurate billing, and timely quotes. Delivering exceptional service not only satisfies customers but also leads to positive reviews and referrals, driving growth for your business.

Efficiently managing equipment is essential for a successful pool service business. Pool Brain’s equipment tracking feature allows you to keep tabs on all your tools and machinery, ensuring that everything is in top working condition. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and maximizes productivity.

Pool Brain fosters collaboration between your office and field teams. Whether it’s communicating job details or sharing critical information, the software ensures everyone is on the same page. This seamless coordination leads to smoother operations and higher job satisfaction for your employees.

Every pool service business is unique, and Pool Brain recognizes this. The software is designed to be highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs. Whether you’re a small operation or a large enterprise, Pool Brain adapts to fit your business model.

Pool Brain doesn’t just offer exceptional software; the company provides top-notch support and

Contact:www.poolbrain.com. training too. The team is dedicated to helping you make the most of the platform, ensuring you’re equipped to handle any challenge that comes your way.

In a rapidly evolving industry, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Pool Brain’s forwardthinking approach and continuous collaboration with industry leaders means you’re investing in a solution that’s constantly innovating to meet your future needs.

Pool Brain is more than software; it’s a strategic partner in the success of your pool service business. With its robust features, customizable solutions, and a proven track record with industry leaders, Pool Brain is the future of pool company software. Don’t just keep up with the competition, leap ahead with Pool Brain by your side. Visit www. poolbrain.com to take your pool service business to new heights.

MultiCyclone Pre-Filter

Are you familiar with the MultiCyclone pre-filter?

If you’re seeking to extend the intervals between filter maintenance, whether it’s sand, cartridge, or DE, the MultiCyclone Pre-filter is an essential addition. It not only conserves water but also saves time. Operating on the principle of centrifugal force, it boasts no moving parts susceptible to wear and tear and requires no filter medium replacement or cleaning.

Manufactured by Waterco, this pre-filter claims to capture up to 80 percent of a pool’s dirt load before it reaches the filter, all while using just four gallons of water for cleaning. As it removes more dirt without any filtration barrier, the flow rate remains consistent, thus reducing the filter’s workload. This enhancement leads to improved performance for automatic pool cleaners and more efficient pool vacuuming.

According to Waterco, the MultiCyclone can decrease the backwash frequency of sand filters to just once a year, potentially saving around 1,850 gallons of water for a typical residential pool. For cartridge filters, it can extend cleaning or replacement intervals to once per swimming season.

With its completely transparent collection base, you can witness it in action as it collects dirt. To empty it, simply twist the valve at the bottom, allowing users to dispose of the dirt in a matter of seconds.

For those curious about its inner workings, the MultiCyclone Pre-Filter diverts water from the pump, sending it through multiple chambers that create miniature “cyclones” of swirling water. These mini-cyclones use centrifugal force to separate dirt and sediment from the water. The spinning motion propels sediment and dirt against the sides of the chambers, causing it to settle at the bottom while allowing cleaner water to flow upwards toward the filter.

To help visualize this process,

Contact: Waterco, 1812 Tobacco Rd, Augusta, GA 30906. 706 793 7291. www.waterco.us. imagine being on a merry-go-round at a children’s park. The further you are from the center, the more you feel the force pushing you outward — that’s centrifugal force in action. Similarly, in the MultiCyclone, centrifugal force acts on the heavier dirt particles, guiding them to the outer edge of the vortex.

This process directs the suspended particles towards the pre-filter’s sides, where they settle into the collection base, leaving only ultra-fine particles for the filter to manage.

The MultiCyclone can be integrated into any pool or spa setup at any point in the pool’s lifespan, and it operates between temperatures of 32°F and 113°F. It serves as an excellent supplement for those looking to extend filter maintenance intervals or for those dealing with undersized filters. Priced just above $300, it offers a costeffective solution and comes backed by a two-year warranty. Keep in mind that proper winterization steps should be taken to prevent potential damage.

Life Saver Pool Fence Systems

Show your customers you care by recommending they install a Life Saver Pool Fence System.

Life Saver Pool Fence Systems, Inc., a top- rated pool fence manufacturer, has been “Keeping Little Feet on Solid Ground” for more than a quarter century. A family owned and operated company based in Delray Beach, Florida, Life Saver products are proudly manufactured in the USA and distributed to Life Saver distributors located in most major cities throughout the U.S.

Life Saver fences offer several important safety features such as incorporating the highest strength mesh on the market, high performance solid aluminum poles, quadruple marine stitched reinforced vinyl borders with embossed nylon and leather grain, a double truss square stock gate, and more. Plus, they offer a lifetime warranty on every part of the fence.

Life Saver has two fully stocked and operational shipping facilities, one in Florida and one in California, offering Life Saver distributors and customers vastly reduced shipping times, no matter where they are in the country.

Life Saver is deeply involved in pool safety beyond just distributing pool fencing. Life Saver is the only pool safety fence company recognized by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Pool Safely Campaign as a Safety Leader, an extremely high honor bestowed only on organizations making a serious contribution to pool safety.

Contact: 4544 McGrath Street, Building 2 Ventura, CA 93003. 877-768-2717. www.aquastarpoolproducts.com/

Contact Magic Plastics 25215 Avenue Stanford • Valencia, CA 91355. 800-369-0303. www.magicplastics.com.

Periodic Products, Inc. 6000 Cattleridge Drive Ste 206 Sarasota, FL 34232. (941) 952-3120. www. periodicproducts.com.

Contact: LifeSaver Pool Fence, 1085 SW 15th Ave, #E3, Delray Beach, FL 33444. 888-972-1422. www.poolfence.com.