The pool installer curriculum

by jason_cramp | April 15, 2018 3:17 pm

By Melissa Brown and Peter Brown

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Education and training are integral components for those in the pool industry who strive to be the best in the business. For far too long, the approach most pool builders took was the in-house, transfer-of-knowledge/on-the-job-training style of teaching. While this can be an easy and effective way to train new staff, it rarely explores creative new practices and methods. Instead, it often perpetuates existing bad habits and does nothing to advance the professionalism of the industry as a whole. It is encouraging to see the tide seems to be shifting, as a real interest in industry standard training and certification programs is beginning to take hold.

Starting in 2014, under the leadership of Dave Simek, Dave Warren, Rodney Taylor, and Mark Fournier, the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC) established a renewed focus on industry education and certification programs for its members. In the span of a few years, a number of new programs were developed, existing courses were drastically revamped, and a database of online industry training modules was created. A two-tiered Industry Trade Certification Program was concurrently implemented, and the results have been positive. The PHTCC has seen interest in its training resources steadily increase, and the numbers of registrants for the various courses offered at the Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo gets larger each year. Participation in the ‘Pool Installation 101’ and ‘Pool Installation 201’ courses offered at last year’s show in Niagara Falls, Ont., exemplifies this new dynamic.

Rebuilt from the ground up

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In 2016, the pool installation courses were completely redeveloped by the authors—the brother-sister ownership team at BonaVista Pools Ltd., in Markham, Ont. Together they used their combined 40-plus year experience of shared pool building and project management knowledge to design course material based on the active principles used in their business. They also brought a unique perspective to the table on what pool business owners would want their employees to take away from such programs.

The opportunity the ‘Pool Installation 101’ course provided was a means to introduce new employees into the industry. ‘Pool Installation 201’ focuses more on project management specifics. As the course content took shape, the authors worked to ensure there would be plenty of room for active discussion during the delivery of the key learning objectives. Participants found the program’s built-in encouragement for guided audience to be the most rewarding.

Pool Installation 101

This three-hour PHTCC short course introduces pool installation processes and the numerous options, choices, and points of differentiation available in the industry. It covers the following topics: circulation systems, pool types, filtration, heating options, sanitization, plumbing, options and inclusions, services, pool covers, contracts, client relations, and project management basics.

Circulation systems

This is paramount for every pool, regardless of the type of construction or choice of component. It is vital for anyone involved in the pool industry to understand the various elements of a basic circulation system, the correct placement and ordering of each element in that system, and how water travels through it. Using flow charts and drawing plans, the circulation system of a simple pool, and a pool/hot tub combination are explained in detail.

Pool types

The general attributes, along with the pros and cons, of the four main pool types available in the Canadian market are discussed, including fibreglass, vinyl, shotcrete/gunite, and insulated concrete form (ICF) block.

Filtration

The three most common filtration options are outlined. Discussion centres on the filtration efficiency, media cleaning processes, lifespan, and user-friendliness of sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters.

Heaters

A number of different heating options for pools are presented, along with the pros and cons of each. The impact on project planning each option demands, such as energy supply (e.g. gas, propane, or electricity supply), as well as ventilation and clearance considerations, are also discussed. Specifically, the course focuses on the following heaters: direct-fired, electric, heat pumps, solar, and wood-fired.

Sanitization

The need for a sanitization system is explained, and the different choices for addressing bacteria and algae are itemized. The benefits and drawbacks of the most common sanitizers, such as chlorine/bromine, ionizers, ozone, ultraviolet (UV), and hydroxyl are outline, while salt chlorine generators are also explained.

Plumbing

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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

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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.

Layout

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The benefits of having a landscape drawing to work from, however basic it is, is reviewed. This drawing is used to strategically plan the project and clearly demonstrate things like access routes, plumbing schematics, and staging areas. Finally, the most effective methods for transferring a 2D pool layout onto the ground are presented, while the different approaches required for straight-line, rectangular vessels, and freeform, radius-based pools are all presented. Suggestions for elevation management, as well as client sign-offs are also given at this stage.

Excavation

The importance of clear communication with all parties, field staff, clients, and neighbours, at this stage of the project is stressed. Potential pitfalls (e.g. what to do when bad soils are encountered) and the different excavation requirements each type of pool demands are also addressed.

Structures

This segment of the course takes a closer look at how each pool type (e.g. vinyl, fibreglass, or shotcrete/gunite) is built. Best practices and important considerations for each unique situation are discussed in detail.

Plumbing

Pool hydraulics is covered again in this second course, as this vital stage requires the installer’s utmost attention. Discussions start with planning the plumbing approach before any work is done, taking into consideration how the pipes should travel underground, and how they should be arranged to ensure a neat and user-friendly mechanical system layout.

Coping and decking

This section looks at a number of considerations when selecting from the numerous coping options available for different pool types. It also explains how to achieve desired looks and what steps to take to ensure a long-lasting deck.

Tile and interior finishes

As this sub-topic specifically relates to shotcrete/gunite pools, it is mostly a cursory discussion. However, it does help to emphasize the importance of proper tile installation in freeze-thaw environments, as well as how to get the homeowner involved in the after installation care of marbelite. Other pool interior finishes such as paint and thermoplastic options are also covered.

Handover and follow-up

This section provides a brief summation of the PHTCC’s ‘Pool Handover Course,’ and illustrates some best practices for transitioning the pool from the installer to the homeowner. It explains the procedures of a complete system explanation meeting, along with the key parts of any good maintenance manual. Suggestions are also offered on how to use this all-important “moment of truth” to create customers for life.

Similar to the introductory class, the second course also contains lots of information packed into a three-hour session. Indeed, any one of these topics could lend itself to an individual course of study, but as was the case with the ‘Pool Installation 101’ short course, the true value was directly related to the spontaneous and enthusiastic contributions provided by all those in attendance. The session may have ended after three hours, but many participants stayed long after the session had ended to ask questions, share insights, or gain clarification on something that was new to them.

A crowning achievement

Regardless of one’s involvement in the pool industry, whether a builder, service provider, manufacturer, dealer, lifeguard, or homeowner, everyone benefits when the industry as a whole strives to be better, more professional, and more competent. The participation in, and the resulting benefits of redeveloping these two short courses is just one small example of how much the industry is interested in training and certification programs.

By simply getting a group of people together who all share a common curiosity about pool installations, and giving them a guided forum in which to learn, share knowledge, and ask questions, a palpable spark of excitement is created. Nothing could be better for the future of the pool industry than a little bit of excitement.

[6]Melissa Brown, P.Eng., MBA, is a co-owner of BonaVista Pools Ltd., in Toronto, a family-run, second-generation company her father Bob Brown started in 1969. She is a professional engineer who loves being in the field with her crew building pools. With more than 20 years’ experience, along with Genesis Design Group training, Brown runs the company’s design/build division. She can be reached via e-mail at melissa@bonavistapools.com[7].

[8]Peter Brown, BBA Hons, is a co-owner of BonaVista Pools Ltd. He has been responsible for a number of areas within the business, including the construction supervision of more than 450 projects. With more than 20 years’ experience, along with his business education and Genesis Design Group training, he looks to refine the vision that has guided the company for the last 49 years. He can be reached via e-mail at peter@bonavistapools.com[9].

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