Why The Dog Died - Monrovia CA, February 2010

I told YOU we should have gotten a new pool guy!!

Our first presentation on Fundamental Pool Water Chemistry (oops, I meant, “Why the Dog Died”) was given at the Superior Pool Products store in Monrovia, CA, on February 8, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.

The store manager, Erik Hoeckmann, excitedly volunteered his store for this class, he swept up the class area, set up chairs and brought in refreshments.  The HASA representative doing a “Table Top” that day, Andrea Smith, also attended and brought in sandwiches, so it was a team effort all the way–thanks HASA!

Erik and employees, Louie and Nino, really promoted this class to their customers.  They got 30 commitments to attend class and then Erik also called everyone to remind them to show up.   Thanks to them–every one of the 30 pool guys sat down to listen and learn and share personal tips and information!

Steve Donohoe getting ready to explain "Why the Dog Died."

With only 24 chairs set up initially, Erik brought out empty chlorine buckets to sit on, because no chairs were left!–WOW!  Pool guys in attendance that evening were 1st year techs up to 20 year veterans!

In class, we covered disinfection, pool water balance and pool water problems.   We talked about the different types of chlorine:  trichlor, dichlor, bleach, and cal-hypo–explaining the pros and cons of each.  We presented the 6 parameters that effect pool balance. We then explored various pool water problems:  algae, colored water & staining, chloromines and contaminants and what to do about them.

Chuauhtemoc Nino, Steve and Erik at Superior Pool Products, Monrovia, CA.

After class, Nino went around encouraging  guys to get certified — to get their CPO (which is a pre-requisite for the LA county health card).

“Nino” (Cuauhtemoc Nino)—you are THE MAN—your ongoing enthusiasm and support of the pool industry was very instrumental in getting these guys interested in learning about water chemistry, equipment repairs — and doing it right!  Our gratitude goes to you, Nino—to Erik—and to Louie—THANK YOU–for opening up your ‘house’ to the service industry through education.

Rain Starts the New Year In Anaheim!

Our New Venue in Anaheim

Our first CPO class this year was held January 21-22, 2010 at the beautiful PoolCorp Anaheim operational support facility (previously, the headquarters for Superior Pool Products LLC).

Despite 5 days of rain (3-4 inches) and some area flooding , we still had a great turnout for class and all students arrived safely.

In addition to the local travelers, we had students from San Diego, Santa Barbara, Simi Valley, and even one from Waikoloa, Hawaii! — everyone commented on the nice building and exceptional classroom environment.

Class started out with our customary student introductions, and then we progressed through the curriculum.  When we got to the infamous Chapter 4:  Pool Water Contamination,  we discussed Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI) and what causes them.  Students were amazed to learn about all the bacteria, parasites and viruses that can and do get into our swimming pool water!  Ugh!!

Recreational Water Illnesses at a Glance

Being aware of these “bad bugs” and knowing how to prevent RWI is a fundamental skill of the Certified Pool/Spa Operator. Check out this brief outline (right) on what can make you sick in the swimming pool.

Thank you’s go to:  Don White for allowing us to have class in this beautiful facility; to Shelly Miller for being such a gracious host; and to Elizabeth Nappi for seeing us out a little late on Friday afternoon.  You guys are AWESOME!  We are really looking forward to our next class there in March!

Shelly Miller and Steve Donohoe -- It was cold and rainy -- but we did stay dry!