A pristine and clean pool is the result of the right chemical balance. Achieving the proper chemical balance that keeps the pool clean and safe for everyone is often considered a science. Too light chemicals might leave behind algae and infection, and using too many pool cleaning chemicals might lead to health hazards and eye discomfort. A simple chemical tracking mistake in the competitive pool service industry could cost dearly, causing loss of clients and many negative reviews. However, this mistake can be easily avoidable using the right digital tools and chemical tracking strategies. Let’s explore how poor chemical tracking impacts your business and why investing in pool management software can protect your business from falling victim to chemical tracking mistakes.
The Impact of Poor Chemical Tracking on Your Pool Cleaning Business
The pool chemical tracking process is critical to the pool service workflow. The lack of accurate tracking can lead to a host of issues, including inconveniences, health hazards, and loss of customer trust. Inaccurate or poor chemical tracking can have the following impact on your pool cleaning business:
- Poor chemical tracking leads to improper dosage and can be a key reason for cloudy water, algae growth, and disease-causing bacteria or toxins that can lead to long-term health issues
- The inability to monitor pH and chlorine levels can lead to skin and eye irritation and unsafe pool conditions. Likewise, too much alkalinity or calcium hardness can cause corrosion of metals and pool equipment.
- Fluctuating chemical balance and inconsistent dosage is a severe compliance issue that can lead to potential fines by state and national regulatory bodies.
- Clients are more likely to choose competitors and alternatives if they find a pattern of irregularities with chemical dosage. Negative word of mouth can harm future prospects, growth opportunities, and reputation.
Why Most Pool Cleaning Companies Overlook Accurate Chemical Tracking
While many pool service businesses try their best to keep track of chemical usage and inventory, there can be instances where they may fail to keep an accurate record of water toxicity. There are many reasons why pool cleaning companies might overlook accurate chemical tracking:
- Some pool service businesses still use traditional pen and paper-based logs that are prone to human errors or illegible records, leading to higher inaccuracies.
- New entrant pool service businesses may overlook tracking due to a lack of awareness of monitoring practices and documentation.
- Pool service technicians with short deadlines often use shortcuts for record-keeping or skip crucial steps as they prioritize administrative tasks over chemical tracking and process accuracies.
- Small service businesses might find adopting digital chemical tracking using pool management software costly.
- Technicians may fail to track chemicals accurately due to inadequate training and knowledge.
Chemical tracking inaccuracies can hinder high-quality pool services. If you are an aspiring pool cleaning business looking to make a mark in this competitive industry, consider opting for digital solutions like pool service management software.
The Simple Chemical Tracking Mistake That Could Be Costing You Clients
As highlighted above, there are many reasons pool cleaning businesses overlook accurate tracking. Of all the reasons, inconsistent record keeping is the one simple chemical tracking mistake costing you valuable clients. Even the slightest mistake of a few extra parts per million (PPM) can significantly impact water clarity and chemical stability.
Record-keeping is more than just keeping track of chemical inventory and its usage; it’s about collecting data that can be instrumental in identifying purchase patterns and the optimal level for pool safety. When you fail to keep accurate records, you also fail to benefit from the ability to cut costs and find ways to improve your services.
Moreover, a lapse in record-keeping leads to unsatisfactory and unbalanced pool chemistry. Clients do not appreciate their technicians failing to provide accurate details in billing or for information, leading to a loss of trust and transparency. Additionally, a lapse in record-keeping is a serious compliance issue that can lead to fines from state regulators.
Fortunately, this mistake can be avoided using a pool service software like PoolNest. PoolNest can help you keep track of chemical inventory and usage to keep an accurate record of every milligram or liter of cleaning material used. You can gain more clients and increase profits by reducing human errors or inefficient record-keeping.
How to Fix Your Chemical Tracking Process in Three Easy Steps
We have seen poor chemical tracking and a lapse in record-keeping can jeopardize your pool cleaning business. Like a few chemicals and the right equipment can fix any pool, here are three easy steps you can take to resolve your existing chemical tracking process to bring consistency to your pool cleaning services.
- Adopt Digital Record-Keeping
Adopting a dedicated pool management software like PoolNest is the first step to consistency. Use the PoolNest app to record chemicals used per service visit to ensure when and what was used. The data automatically syncs to the PoolNest portal, reducing the need for multiple entries. It also helps save data on usage patterns and purchase frequency for the business.
- Use Standardized Chemical Measurements
Train your technicians to use standardized chemical measurements like parts per million (PPM), cubic meters, liters, and milligrams per liter (MPL). Many pool technicians also use measurement equipment to ensure they get the most accurate readings of chemical dosage to ensure overall water quality. This will reduce the risk of inaccuracies.
- Review Chemical Tracking Practices
Create a chemical tracking routine within your pool cleaning service checklist. Ensure your data matches the readings on measurement equipment and is accurately showing in your PoolNest app. Regularly testing your chemical tracking process for gaps can lead to long-term improvements.
The Benefits of Accurate Chemical Tracking for Pool Cleaning Businesses
There are numerous benefits of accurate chemical tracking that go beyond the usual better pool water quality. Your ability to embed accurate measurements and chemical tracking is the unique selling point that differentiates you from your competitors. Here are some benefits of accurate chemical tracking:
- Consistent, accurate chemical tracking highlights your grasp of the cleaning process and commitment to compliance with laws.
- Accurate chemical tracking and billing display high professionalism and business stewardship.
- Clients start you trust your pool cleaning processes and the precision with which you improve water quality.
- Accurate chemical composition with pool business management software indicates the ability of your business to incorporate cutting-edge technology tools for improved services.
- You will see a drastic reduction in fines or penalties you might have faced due to inconsistent records or wrong chemical dosage.
- The customer ratings of your pool cleaning business will increase, leading to higher profits.
Choosing the Right Tools for Effective Chemical Tracking
The right tools for chemical tracking can be crucial to your business success. Therefore, here are some considerations and features to look for when choosing the right tools for effective chemical tracking:
- Look for features such as digital logs and automated reminders to ensure you do not skip tracking tasks on the pool cleaning checklist.
- Ensure your digital tool has a mobile application so technicians can record chemical information.
- Check if the tool has automated measurement features to reduce the risk of human error or missed readings.
The pool management software PoolNest comes with a mobile app that technicians can use to keep track of the chemical inventory used. It helps maintain accurate readings and provides visualization features to assess inventory trends for better service quality and decision-making.
Real-Life Examples of Pool Companies Winning Back Clients with Improved Chemical Tracking
The way AquaClear Pools improved their chemical tracking process can motivate other pool cleaning businesses to adopt digital solutions like PoolNest. AquaClear Pools faced four fines before they adopted the new chemical tracking process. They failed regulatory tests due to inaccurate chemical tracking, which also led to the loss of clients.
However, once they adopted PoolNest and other chemical measurement tools, their client retention increased by 30%. The quality of their pool cleaning services improved, algae growth and cloudy water lowered, and clients were happier with the pristine water quality they received.
AquaClear Pools also reduced the risk of water contamination due to wrong chemical composition, which is often the prime cause of water illnesses. This demonstrates the positive impact of accurate chemical tracking and record-keeping on lasting client relationships.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Pool Chemical Tracking
Apart from a lack of record keeping, many other common mistakes must be avoided so that you can focus on accurate chemical tracking. Here are some common mistakes a pool business manager should avoid at all costs to improve their services and retain more clients:
- Avoid taking manual chemical measurements or making estimates based on past experiences.
- Constantly assess pool conditions, water toxicity, and current chemical imbalances to avoid mistakes with inappropriate chemical mixes.
- Failure to implement a continuous improvement policy can harm your business. Review current measurement practices and adopt new technology tools to improve pool cleaning.
How Accurate Chemical Tracking Improves Client Trust and Loyalty
Accurately tracking chemical composition when cleaning pools can be vital to building client trust and loyalty. Apart from showing your high-quality pool services, it also reassures the client that the right specialists manage their pools.
- Maintaining accurate client records shows you value their preferences and needs, making it easier to provide customized services.
- Providing consistent services encourages clients to stay loyal and contact you again.
- It shows your commitment to high-quality cleaning standards.
- Accurate records aid in timely services and proactive customer communication, fostering a sense of partnership.
Wrapping Up
Optimizing workflow is vital to business success within this competitive pool service industry. Pool cleaning businesses can achieve highly accurate chemical tracking with PoolNest’s pool service software. Accurate chemical tracking will maintain the pool water quality and signal professionalism to clients, increasing their retention rate. By addressing common tracking mistakes like lapses in record-keeping, you can elevate your services and collect vital chemical inventory data to make informed purchase decisions. The data can also help clients with highly customized services based on their pool cleaning needs.
Whether you are a new entrant or an established business, PoolNest will help you maintain accurate chemical usage records. This will especially be useful for pool cleansing businesses that serve commercial clients with multiple water bodies across different locations. Opt for accurate chemical tracking today and see your business expand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Tracking for Pool Cleaning
How much do digital tracking tools cost?
Digital chemical tracking tools like the PoollNest cost $50/month. You can serve 50 pools with this subscription. This affordable option will significantly improve the quality of your services, leading to higher return on investment and client retention.
How often should I check chemical levels while providing pool cleaning services?
Tracking chemical levels before and after you have completed the services is essential. Many technicians use a defined weekly or monthly schedule to ensure healthy pool water.
What are the benefits of automating the chemical tracking process?
Automating the chemical tracking process reduces the risk of manual errors, billing issues, and discrepancies in chemical inventory that increase purchase and administrative costs. Automated tracking will improve record keeping and provide consistent data to provide quality client services.
Conclusion – Don’t Let This Simple Mistake Cost You Another Client
Small mistakes can have a significant impact on your bottom line and profitability. Inaccurate chemical tracking can lead to fines and loss of customer trust. Therefore, pool cleaning businesses should invest in pool management software like PoolNest to optimize their chemical tracking process. This will protect you from inconveniencies, improve technician productivity, and display your stewardship within the pool cleaning industry. Subscribe to PoolNest today, or get a free demo to test how implementing accurate tracking practices can guarantee your business growth and prosperity.
