Plumbing
The presenters make it clear they are very passionate about the plumbing of every pool. Participants are challenged to learn everything they can about how their company chooses to plumb its pools. The importance of material selection (e.g. polyvinyl chloride [PVC], plastic piping systems, or thermoplastic hosing) and pipe sizing (e.g. 38 mm [1.5 in.], 51 mm [2 in.], and 76 mm [3 in.]) is introduced, and an entry-level discussion about the basics of hydraulics is presented.
Options and inclusions
The course material is designed to be conversational. Since it is an introductory program, any pool-related options are up for discussion. Items like water features, hot tubs, negative-edge features, swim spas, current generators, tanning shelves, beach entries, and underwater lighting, are all presented in an open format.
Services
As no pool can operate on its own, an introductory lesson on electrical and gas supply is provided. This highlights the importance of hiring licensed technicians, as well as adhering to proper trenching techniques and clearance allowances.
Pool covers
This section introduces the various options for summer and winter covers. Solar blankets, along with rollers and subterranean housing options, and automatic cover pros and cons are outlined. Safety covers for the winter months are also included.
Contracts
Getting paid for completed work seems like an obvious outcome, but far too often, clients and contractors do not communicate properly before, and throughout, the pool installation process. The importance of having a contract in writing, and the necessities each contract should contain, are defined. It also covers the most common ‘blind spots’ that should be addressed up front, including site restoration, access route protection, backfilling, and filling of the pool.
Dealing with clients
In today’s fast-paced, connected world, pool installation professionals must consider how they want to handle communication with their client. This section of the course serves as a catalyst for each participant to internalize this question. It encourages overtly deciding with their client which method of communication (e.g. phone, e-mail, or text) will be the main method of contact throughout the construction process.
Project management basics
In the final section of the course, a preliminary overview is given on what is required to manage a project effectively. Emphasis is placed on pre-planning and clarification. The importance of considering the project as a whole, as opposed to just today’s task, is reviewed. Finally, the vital importance of record-keeping and paperwork collection is also conveyed.
A great deal of information is covered in the initial course, but it is amazing to see how much conversation is created throughout each section. Questions are asked, knowledge is shared, and misconceptions are clarified. It is designed to be an introductory course, but it is surprising to see how many experienced pool builders are also able to take something away from the program.
A fantastic outcome of delivering the ‘Pool Installation 101’ last year was the interest shown by two Canadian landscape companies. They were not necessarily interested in building pools, but by attending the course, they said they left with knowledge that can be applied to their own project planning when pools are involved, or simply when answering questions about pools for their clients. Bit by bit, a course like this can strengthen the pool industry and help raise the bar of excellence.
Pool Installation 201
This is also a three-hour PHTCC short course which provides an overview of the processes and best practices that lead to successful projects, satisfied clients, and healthy profit margins. It covers the following topics: training and safety, layout, excavation, structures, plumbing, coping and decking, tile and interior finishes, and client handover and follow-up.
Training and safety
The importance of putting safety first when running projects is examined, along with some best practices a company can use to instill a culture of safety. Participants are reminded of their responsibility to consider the safety of workers, as well as the client and public when installing pools.
