Diving into the future: Revolutionizing pool businesses with AI assistance

by arslan_ahmed | February 9, 2024 5:46 pm

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By Bob Winger

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making waves globally. AI is the science of making machines that can think like humans. It can do things that are considered “smart.” The goal for AI is to be able to do things such as recognize patterns, make decisions, and judge like humans.

While there is lots of controversy over this communication medium; given the correct use and a bit of direction, it can be a valuable tool in business. In the ever-evolving landscape of pool business practices, staying ahead of the curve is essential.

So how does the industry leverage this new technology in the pool industry to stay relevant? Pool professionals are finding that incorporating AI, particularly through tools such as ChatGPT, can be a game-changer when it comes to troubleshooting and problem-solving.

While AI is a valuable assistant, it should be viewed as a tool to enhance rather than replace the knowledge and expertise of professional technicians. The collaboration between AI and human professionals is most effective when it leverages the strengths of both, recognizing that AI lacks the nuanced understanding and hands-on experience that technicians bring to their work. The role of AI should be one of support and augmentation, complementing the skills of human professionals rather than overshadowing them.

Addressing customer queries

When opening season is in full swing, homeowners inevitably reach out with their questions and issues. Some questions have an easy answer (although often time-consuming) and more complex questions require troubleshooting. Chances are, the front-line team is busy scheduling and selling, and the technicians are working 12 hours. Handling a high volume of questions can take up a lot of time, but there is immense value in responding to clients and potential clients as it establishes a sense of trust.

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the team is spread thin and answers take time, consider incorporating AI assistance in fielding these calls. ChatGPT, this AI-powered language model, can assist in real-time, providing insights and guiding professionals through the problem-solving process.

Many organizations disclose the use of AI in customer interactions to ensure transparency and clarify the responses are algorithmically generated. This not only aligns with ethical considerations but also provides users with a clear understanding of the nature of their interaction. However, the decision may also depend on the context and the specific guidelines or regulations in the industry or region. In any case, prioritizing transparency in communication is a best practice when integrating AI into client interactions.

The power of ChatGPT

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a sophisticated language model trained on a diverse range of data sources. Its ability to understand and generate human-like text makes it a valuable resource for professionals in the pool business. By simply asking questions, one can tap into a vast knowledge base and receive prompt, relevant information to address customer concerns.

While AI, including ChatGPT, is a powerful tool, it is important to note it may not have all the answers. However, it can point one in the right direction, saving time and improving overall customer satisfaction. Think of it as a virtual assistant that complements a team’s expertise, making jobs more manageable.

Examples and scenarios

The author tested out a few technician-related questions, and the responses were on par with what their experienced technicians would recommend prior to scheduling a call. The author found the responses to be more accurate than a live website assistant, and the answers are easily communicated to homeowners over phone or email.

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AI prompt

“My pool pump lost prime, give me the steps to get it running.”

 ChatGPT response

Losing prime in a pool pump can be a common issue, but it is usually fixable with a few steps. Here is a general guide to help get a pool pump running again:

1. Check water level–Ensure the water level in the pool is at the appropriate level to cover the skimmer. If the water level is too low, the pump may struggle to maintain prime.
2. Inspect skimmer basket and pump basket–Clean out any debris or leaves from the skimmer basket and the pump basket. A clogged basket can hinder water flow and cause the pump to lose prime.
3. Inspect and clean pump impeller–Turn off the pump and disconnect the power. Open the pump lid and inspect the impeller for any debris or obstructions. Clean it thoroughly. Manually spin the impeller to ensure it moves freely.
4. Check valves–Ensure any valves on the suction side of the pump (before the pump) are fully open. Check for any closed valves or obstructions in the suction line.
5. Prime the pump–If the pump has a priming pot, fill it to the top with water. Close the pump lid securely. Turn on the pump and observe. This step may need to be repeated a couple of times to ensure proper priming.
6. Inspect for leaks–Check for any visible leaks in the suction side of the plumbing. Leaks can cause the pump to lose prime.
7. Bleed air from the system–If the pump has a manual air relief valve, open it briefly to release any trapped air. Some pumps may have an automatic air relief valve that operates on its own.
8. Check pump lid O-ring–Ensure the O-ring on the pump lid is clean and well-lubricated. A damaged or dry O-ring can lead to air leaks.
9. Inspect the pool filter–A dirty or clogged filter can increase resistance and contribute to prime loss. Clean or backwash the filter if necessary.
10. Monitor pressure gauge–Check the pressure gauge on the filter system. If the pressure is too high, it may indicate a blockage or a clogged filter.
11. Contact a professional–After following these steps and if the pump still will not prime, or if the person is uncomfortable with any part of the process, they should consider contacting a pool professional or technician for further assistance.

Pool technician’s response

These are all recommendations a pool technician would make, or steps they would perform. One additional suggestion, if the pump is variable speed, one might need to press the reset button on the back of the pump, this turns the pump back on and will try to catch prime again.

AI prompt

“Why is my pool water cloudy, and how can I clear it up?”

ChatGPT response

Cloudy pool water is a common issue that can be caused by various factors. Here are some common reasons for cloudy water and steps to clear it up:

1. Poor water filtration.

Cause: Inadequate filtration can lead to the accumulation of debris and particles in the water.

Solution: Ensure the pool filter is clean and functioning correctly. Backwash a sand filter, clean or replace the cartridge in a cartridge filter, and recharge or replace the diatomaceous earth (DE) in a DE filter.

2. Imbalanced water chemistry.

Cause: Incorrect pH, alkalinity, or sanitizer levels can contribute to cloudiness.

Solution: Test the water and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels within the recommended ranges. Shock the pool with a chlorine shock treatment product if necessary.

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   High total dissolved solids (TDS).

Cause: Over time, the concentration of dissolved solids in the water can increase, leading to cloudiness.

Solution: Partially drain and refill the pool to reduce TDS levels. Ensure the water chemistry is balanced after refilling.

4. Algae growth.

Cause: Algae can cloud the water if it is allowed to grow unchecked.

Solution: Use an algaecide to treat existing algae and follow up with a shock treatment. Brush and vacuum the pool regularly to prevent algae and mould growth.

5. Poor circulation.

Cause: Inadequate water circulation can result in localized stagnation and cloudiness.

Solution: Run the pool pump for an adequate amount of time each day to ensure proper water circulation. Consider adjusting the return jets to improve circulation patterns.

6. Environmental factors.

Cause: Rain, wind, and pollen can introduce contaminants into the pool, causing cloudiness.

Solution: Use a pool cover to minimize the impact of environmental factors. Skim and vacuum the pool regularly to remove debris.

7. Dirty pool equipment.

Cause: Accumulation of dirt or debris in skimmer baskets, pump baskets, or around returns.

Solution: Clean skimmer and pump baskets regularly. Ensure the pool deck and surrounding area are free of debris that could enter the pool.

8. Heavy bather load.

Cause: High bather load can introduce contaminants into the water.

Solution: Encourage swimmers to shower before entering the pool. Maintain appropriate sanitizer levels and run the filtration system for longer periods during periods of heavy use.

9. Water temperature.

Cause: Warmer water temperatures can promote the growth of micro-organisms.

Solution: Maintain proper chlorine levels, shock the pool if needed, and ensure adequate water circulation.

Regular testing, proper water chemistry maintenance, and routine cleaning are essential for preventing and resolving cloudy pool water. If the issue persists or is severe, consider consulting with a pool professional for a more in-depth analysis and tailored solutions.

Pool technician’s response

The author would reorder these steps, depending on the time of year and recent weather. Experienced technicians should also verify there are chlorine pucks in the chlorinator. For salt pools, the author suggests inspecting the salt cell lights for any potential issues.

Overall, the responses were accurate and enough to solve more than 90 per cent of the issues. Offering to provide some troubleshooting tips prior to scheduling a call will impress homeowners who are looking to help themselves; or when they see how much work is potentially involved in troubleshooting, they may opt for a service call right away. By having an answer at one’s fingertips, businesses can eliminate the need for a call back and give homeowners immediate gratification.

Time to implement AI

Embracing AI in the pool business demonstrates a commitment to innovation and staying ahead of the curve. Beyond customer interactions, AI can also streamline various operational aspects of the pool business—from optimizing maintenance schedules to predicting equipment failures, AI technologies contribute to increased efficiency and reduced downtime. This allows professionals to focus more on providing quality service to customers and less on navigating complex technical issues.

As customer expectations rise, incorporating tools such as ChatGPT can be the key to navigating challenges, enhancing problem-solving capabilities, and making a splash in the industry.

Author

With more than two decades of experience, Bobby Winger is a seasoned professional in the pool industry, contributing expertise across service, renovations, and new pool construction. He has been a member of the Pool Craft team since 2011 and is currently in new pool construction. Specializing in co-ordinating equipment for every new pool build and collaborating with technicians for seamless installations, his understanding of hydraulics and equipment aligns perfectly with his skill set.

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