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How mobile technology can help pool and spa businesses

Technicians can eliminate service forms, record water test results, take payments at the jobsite, look up inventory, and even perform physical inventory tasks on service trucks.
Technicians can eliminate service forms, record water test results, take payments at the jobsite, look up inventory, and even perform physical inventory tasks on service trucks. Photo courtesy Underwater Pool Masters, West Boylston, Massachusetts.

There are many options for mobile water testing apps where technicians can test the water, record the results, and input a complete profile, including photos of the pool, the pump room, and its backyard surroundings. This profile can then be used as a service lead for selling additional services and products in the future. Although there is an initial investment to purchase these mobile water testing devices, the potential revenue from these sales leads can quickly cover the initial cost. Further, technicians can also charge a premium fee for a mobile water testing service.

Integrating mobile water testing with business software programs has become more streamlined with industry specific technology. These systems offer complete integration, and also have a mobile service system which automatically links the pool business’s in-house customer database with their water testing information and history—which can all be entered from the field through a mobile app. Being able to provide staff with real-time updates and immediate access to important water testing information, as well products owned, pool and spa size, stored images and schematics, previous water problems, equipment profiles, personal information, directions, and more, gives businesses the tools to create sales opportunities and contributes to an overall exceptional customer service experience.

Embracing mobile technology

The use of mobile apps has made it easier to deliver exceptional service, even during busy seasons when insufficient checkout resources at peak times often lead to long lines, frustrated customers, and lost sales. By using mobile apps in retail, service, water testing, billing and accounting, each member of a team will be able to streamline the processes so fewer people can get more done in a day. Rather than struggling to try and fill job vacancies during a busy season, the use of mobile apps might be the ideal solution for pool and spa businesses to support their existing staff to resolve issues and improve the customer experience.

Author

Rachael Pritz has been active in the pool industry for more than 20 years, which has provided her with an all-encompassing expertise in the trade. She worked at a local pool store while pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With her technical skills and industry knowledge, she joined the launch of RB Retail & Service Solutions in Pittsburgh in 2003. For more information, visit rbretailandservice solutions.com/pool-and-spa/.

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