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
    • Library
      • Automation
      • Chlorine Generators
      • Drowning Prevention
      • Pumps and Hydraulics
    • 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
    • Library
      • Automation
      • Chlorine Generators
      • Drowning Prevention
      • Pumps and Hydraulics
News
September 15, 2020
A day in the life of a female pool tech

IN THE MAIL…

I have been involved in the pool industry since 2012. I didn’t decide to venture out on my own until 2019. At that time, I thought I would clean a few pools to supplement income in the summer months.

My goal was ten.

By the end of summer 2019, I was cleaning over twenty pools, being called for repairs, and scheduling winter closings. I hadn’t anticipated anything other than cleanings.

As I approached the 2020 season, I was opening close to 100 pools and providing weekly maintenance to seventy-five. Calls often come in from desperate pool owners, begging me to fix their noisy motor, leaky pipes, and broken filter.

I never realized the hurdle I would be up against as a woman in the pool industry.

In my area, there are only a handful of larger companies that build, renovate, and repair pools. They are all owned by men and run by men that employ men.

Sometimes, I need parts or items from these local pool stores. Just a few weeks ago, I ordered a motor online (expecting it to be wired for 220 or 110 like most motors) but this motor was 220 only. I needed one fast and needed to be sure it would be correct for my customer. I called the local pool store, owned by a local man, and told him who I was and what I needed.

I am not just a wife calling about something the husband needs – I am in the business of repairing and knowing exactly what I need.

The man on the phone spoke to me like I didn’t understand motors and condescendingly explained how they can be wired either/or.

After taking a deep breath, I defended my stance on making sure the motor I was getting would be correct. I was assured it would be fine but when I arrived at the customer’s home with said motor, it indeed, could not be wired to 110. I immediately called back the store where the man I had spoken with backpedaled and said he was shocked it could not be. Assured me that they normally do not take returns for motors but would make an exception in this case.

They would definitely be getting that motor back.

At times I encounter men who need help with their pools, and seem surprised that I can help them. “You do plumbing?” “Yes I do,” “with PVC?” “Absolutely.”“You glue it?” “Is there another way?”

I have even had men ask me if I can replace a motor that is hard wired into the timer. Of course I can. I am not sure why that surprises men. It leaves me wondering if they ask men questions about whether or not they can handle repairs. Is it because I am a woman?

Oftentimes, my husband comes along for moral support or just keep me company to customer’s homes.

I often notice the men will speak directly to him instead of me.

Even though he knows nothing about what they are asking – it seems men trust men more for advice.

My husband is great at reminding people that my business is called “The Pool Lady” and he is not the lady.

Why do men not take a woman seriously in a traditionally men’s trade? I had no idea when I threw my hat in the ring, I was the only local woman.

I have capitalized on being a womanrun business and brought something to the table that men cannot.

Empathy, friendliness, attention to details, and a bond with my customers that lasts more than just summer months.

When a woman needs help with their pool, they are calling me. I am making a name for myself.

My business is growing by leaps and bounds. So much so that I resigned from my full time job with a school district. I have decided to focus on my pool business and learn as much as I can.

Look out “all knowing” men, I am right behind you and plan on giving you a run for your money!

Shari McGrellis, Wilmington, DE. The Pool Lady LLC.

LATEST NEWS
Homes with pools raise price and sell speed
News
Homes with pools raise price and sell speed
Demand for houses with swimming pools remains strong in warm weather states
June 30, 2025
By Marcelle Dibrell As summer begins to heat up, so does the U.S. housing market — though not evenly across the board. Buyers and sellers are navigati...
this is a test
News
Final summer survey results tallied
June 30, 2025
Each year, Service Industry News takes the pulse of the pool and spa service sector through our comprehensive survey, and in this final installment of...
this is a test
during the pandemic peak. This ….
News
during the pandemic peak. This ….
June 30, 2025
during the pandemic peak. This has resulted in a widening gap between buyers and sellers. According to Redfin, there are approximately 1.9 million sel...
this is a test
News
Chem exposure sends 5 to hospital
June 30, 2025
Several patrons at a residential community swimming pool in Apache Junction, Arizona, were sent to the hospital following a hazardous materials incide...
this is a test
News
New Jersey city pool workers arrested
June 30, 2025
A group of municipal pool workers in New Jersey has been arrested for allegedly stealing chemicals from the Secaucus town pool to support their privat...
this is a test
Gators swim to escape heat wave
News
Gators swim to escape heat wave
June 30, 2025
As summer heats up across the South, pool technicians are being reminded that it’s not just algae or cloudy water that can cause a service delay. Some...
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