The 2024 pool season is in full swing, service pros
are working their routes, new
construction projects are in
various stages of completion, customers
are stocking up on supplies to get them
through the summer. But what does this
really mean for the pool, spa, and hot
tub industry workforce?
For the past year, the Pool &
Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) has been
regularly surveying pool maintenance
and service companies, builders and
designers, retailers, and portable hot tub
retailers and installers to gain a deeper
understanding of industry trends and
business operations. Consistently, the
second biggest challenge reported by
survey participants has been recruiting
and retaining skilled employees —
second only to economic factors such as
inflation and interest rates.
At the same time, nearly 70% of
survey participants believe their sales
will increase over the next 12 months.
In order to keep up, all sectors (service
and maintenance, build, and retail)
are looking to increase their number
of employees. Service companies in
particular have been seeing a rise
in employee numbers, indicating
an expansion in operations to meet
increasing demand.
What can employers do to entice
qualified, skilled job seekers to fill their
open positions — and keep them
in those positions? PHTA has some
suggestions.
WRITE CLEAR JOB
DESCRIPTIONS
Job seekers won’t know that you’re hiring
if you don’t share your open positions!
But it’s about more than spreading the
word; it’s about spreading the right words. When writing a job description
and subsequent job posting, be sure
to use relevant keywords and phrases
(such as “pool service technician,” “hot
tub sales,” or “swim instructor”) and be
specific in what you are looking for and
what you are offering.
Think about the details that matter
to the job applicant, such as duties
and responsibilities, qualifications and
necessary skills, and information about
company benefits. More and more
jurisdictions are requiring that salary
ranges be included in job postings, and
many job seekers won’t even bother
applying for a position if a salary isn’t
listed.
MEET JOB SEEKERS WHERE
THEY ARE
Cast your net as wide as possible. There
is such a broad range of careers in the
pool, spa, and hot tub industry that
you should also be able to find a broad
range of qualified applicants. Don’t limit
your search to the “average” worker just
because that is who you have hired in
the past — that limits your chances of
success.
- Military veterans have skills that are
easily transferred to our industry,
from effective communication and
teamwork to physical stamina and
technical skills. - Women have traditionally been
underrepresented in our industry,
with only 9.1% of pool technicians
and 3.5% of pool builders being
women. - Determine which roles at your
company truly require a college
degree. Many high school students
are eager to dive right into their
careers rather than pursue a four-year
degree.
TRAIN NEW EMPLOYEES
Sometimes a promising job applicant
has the right soft skills but is lacking
the technical skills. That shouldn’t
necessarily disqualify them, because
there are opportunities for on-the-job
training that benefit both you as the
employer and them as the employee.
PHTA has two apprenticeship
programs registered with the U.S.
Department of Labor, one for pool
maintenance and service technicians
and one for pool installer technicians.
These programs lead apprentices
through 2,000 or more hours of on-the-job training, plus an additional 144
or more hours of independent study
through PHTA on-demand educational
programs.
Apprenticeship programs are a
win-win situation. Employers are
able to more easily attract and retain
employees, develop highly skilled
employees, reduce turnover, and
increase productivity. Apprentices who
participate in the program increase
their skills, are able to earn a living
while learning the profession, receive
a national credential, and have a clear
pathway towards career advancement.
Having registered apprenticeship
programs specifically for the pool
industry allows us to be more
competitive with other industries
looking for entry-level talent. As an apprenticed occupation, we are
now considered a skilled trade.
This opens doors with high school
guidance counselors, military
veteran employment programs, and
community workforce boards —
which can help you reach those same
audiences aforementioned that will
diversify your workforce.
SUPPORT CONTINUING
EDUCATION
The pool, spa, and hot tub industry is
constantly evolving, and it’s important
for your staff to be up to date on
the latest best practices. Few things
show employees you care more than
supporting their continuing education
and career growth. Investing in your
individual team members is an
investment in the overall success and
profitability of your company.
From industry trade shows
and conferences to professional
certifications like the PHTA Certified
Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) and
GENESIS construction, design, and
engineering courses, there is always
more to learn. In fact, PHTA offers two
certification pathways to encourage
professionals to increase their skills
and reach new heights.
The PHTA Certified Pool Service
Professional Pathway puts you
and your team on the right track
to master your trade. This pathway
begins with the CPO certification
and continues through the Certified
Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist
(CMS), then the Certified Pool & Spa
Service Technician (CST) and finally,
the Certified Pool & Spa Service
Professional (CSP). Those following
the pathway build upon their existing
knowledge base and grow in their
service career.
The PHTA Certified Pool Builder &
Design Professional Pathway sets the
standard of excellence for professional
builders and designers, providing
consumers protection and confidence.
Those interested in the pathway begin
with the Certified Builder Professional
(CBP), then work their way through
a variety of GENESIS construction,
design, and engineering courses to
achieve their Advanced CBP, Expert
CBP, and finally Master CBP.
Although these certifications, and
other industry education programs,
cost both time and money, it is in the
employer’s best interest to support
their team.
GET STARTED TODAY
PHTA is here to help! Our Work In
Aquatics workforce development
initiative is constantly driving job seekers
and those interested in learning more
about the pool, spa, and hot tub industry
to our dedicated workinaquatics.com
website, where they can find information
on career paths, training and
apprenticeships, and more. Plus, those
who are ready to apply today can visit
the Work In Aquatics online job board
and find hundreds of open positions
from companies in the pool, spa, and
hot tub industry. Let PHTA help you find,
train, and retain your workforce.
