Aquatech Commemorates 50th

Pool & Spa News | Industry News: Aquatech Commemorates 50th | January 2013

As a proud member of Aquatech, Pools by John Clarkson was represented at this years conference.  The article by Rebecca Robledo did a great job describing the event, and hit on some exciting outcomes in her article in Pool & Spa News.

The location was wonderful.  Being in Hawaii during January, the whales were out in full force.  It was truly amazing to see how many of them were jumping, and playing in the Pacific.

Beside the fun times at the location, the best part of these conferences is networking with other industry professionals.  The members of Aquatech strive to improve in all aspects of their businesses; and are remarkably willing to discuss the trials, tribulations and successes they have experienced over the past year.  We can learn from each other, and thus become better together.

One presentation was particularly noteworthy.  Aquatech arranged to have an expert on non-verbal communication speak to the group.  The president of the Body Language Institute, Janine Driver shared some fascinating information pertaining to the way we act and the signals these actions send to others.

All in all, a successful trip.  PBJC spent time with old friends and made some new.  We look forward to Phoenix in 2014!

Joshua Clarkson (UC Marketing Professor) is Highlighted in New Book

At Pools by John Clarkson, we are all proud of our son, brother, and friend Joshua Clarkson.  His research, now as a Professor at University of Cincinnati, has been featured in different journals and publications.  According to the News Article on University of Cincinnati's website by Judy Ashton (see link below to read in full,) Josh was interviewed and his research was highlighted in a new book.

The study and research examines the role expectations play in ones subjective beliefs.  For example, one may expect a more expensive bottle of wine to taste better than a less expensive bottle; so, one may truly believe the wine tastes better - even if it is the same wine packaged and priced 2 different way.

We look forward to reading more and wish Josh continued success.

Follow Link for article: Research of UC Marketing Professor Highlighted in New Book

How To Vacuum A Swimming Pool

Provided by swim university, this short you tube video gives an overview on how to properly set up and vacuum your swimming pool. 

Pools by John Clarkson provides a personal instruction on pool care and maintenance after completion of a new swimming pool.  The topics will range from how to clean your new pool to proper chemical balance.  This can be a lot of information to a new pool owner, so over time we will post a few videos and articles explaining some of the basics of pool care.

Aquatech Institute Grand Opening

2012 has been a big year for the corporation of Aquatech.

The board of directors and the management team made the decision to move the corporate headquarters to Las Vegas.  With this move, and the purchase of a new building an opportunity arose to create a training room to hold seminars and educational symposiums.  As a major goal of the organization to provide educational opportunities to the members, this is a unique opportunity.  October 3 - 5, the new Aquatech Institute was opened with great success; and Pools by John Clarkson had a representative there to improve our company.



Along with ~30 other attendees, we had speakers and discussed topics ranging from social media to hiring practices to creating better displays.  For example, Brett Abbott with MYM Austin discussed website design, referral programs, incorporating social media and which types of media are right for each type of company.  This seminar was unique in that it combined companies from retail to construction, all desiring to improve their individual businesses.  The set up of the education facility allowed for easy viewing from all seats & tables; has wifi capabilities; and many conveniences, such as built in outlets for every work station.  This made for a relaxed environment, conducive for learning.

As a proud member of Aquatech, Pools by John Clarkson is excited about the facility and we applaud the designers for creating this excellent educational facility.

New Pool TAC created by FBC

The Florida Building Commission (FBC,) which was established in 1998, has appointed a new Swimming Pool Technical Assistance Committee (TAC.)  Formally lumped in with the Plumbing TAC, the new Pool TAC will review all swimming pool code proposals, declaratory statements, etc.  This group will then make recommendations to the FBC, whose purpose is to develop and regulate the Florida Building Code.

The chairman of the committee, Richard Browdy of Browdy & Browdy in Jacksonville, made the appointments at the Daytona Meeting June 11-12.  The 11 person TAC is represented by 4 FSPA members; including Jordan Clarkson of Pools by John Clarkson.  This committee plays a vital role in developing, maintaining, and interpreting the Florida Building Code through a consensus-building process.

Pools by John Clarkson thanks all of the committee volunteers and is proud to send a representative.

ART Education Seminar Spring 2012

Education is the lifeblood of any industry.

Education is also the classic example of something which is extremely important, but rarely urgent.  Without perceived urgency, education becomes something of a hindrance in a short term view - in that it takes one away from their business.  However, this is one reason all should seek out opportunities to learn and step away from the daily tasks within a corporate structure to expand one's capabilities and perspective.  Thus, when presented an opportunity to attend Artistic Resources & Training's (ART) inaugural class the weekend before one of the busiest weeks in any Pool Contractor's year - Pools by John Clarkson decided to send a representative.

After arriving on Friday, ART's instructors Mark Holden and David Tisherman organized a trip to tour Taliesin West - Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home.  He began building this home, studio and architectural campus in 1937; as a place to escape Wisconsin winters with his wife and apprentices.  He wintered here until his death in 1959 and some of his apprentices still live at on the campus.  Taliesin West is now the main campus of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.

Saturday the 18th of May, the classes began at Pebble Technology's home office.  The first course was "ART: The Color of Water" taught by Shawn Still of Olympic Pool Plastering and Shawn Hays of Blue Concrete.  The class deconstructed swimming pool interior finishes and discussed the process of generating custom plaster formulations, including a conversation on pigments used to create different color blends.  During the class, the students participated in labs where experiments were performed on different plaster materials and students were able to create their own custom plaster sample.



On Sunday, the class was provided a site plan and pictures of an existing house, and instructed to create a detailed design.  From drainage to materials and placement of critical features with equipment specs - the entire project needed to be considered.  Using different mediums, such as hand drawings or CAD drawings; the students presented their concepts to a panel of instructors and in front of their peers to be evaluated.  The attendees came away with a better understanding of the importance of every little detail, which needs to be both considered and decided before they present to a prospective client.

Pools by John Clarkson views education and training as a critical focus in our business.  The more we can learn, the more we can provide for our customers.

Zodiac Pool Systems on Designing Spaces

Pools by John Clarkson is proud to have an innovative partner in Zodiac Pool Systems.  The company, which still sells some products under the Jandy Brand, has been a leader in both interface technology, with products such as the iAqualink and in Green technology, such as variable speed pumps.


Zodiac will be the lead feature on Designing Spaces airing on June 3, at 7:30 AM, on Lifetime Network. This is the programs annual "Think Green" episode, focused on creating Eco-friendly home environments. Scott Ferguson and Tessa McHenry of Zodiac Pool Systems will walk pool owners through helpful tips to create the most energy-efficient, Eco-friendly pool system.

Topics include:

• Hydraulic efficiency, variable-speed pumps, and the Jandy® Pro Series Versa-Plumb®System
• Automatic pool controllers and iAquaLink™
• Robotic pool cleaners
• Alternative sanitizers
• Pool covers

You can watch the show now, just click on the link below.

http://www.designingspaces.tv/show_segment.php?id=1049

Pablo Creek Reserve Article

Recently, Pools by John Clarkson's Jordan Clarkson and Joel Hartman were interviewed for a story to be posted on Pablo Creek Reserve's Website / Blog.  PBJC has had the pleasure to construct a variety of projects in the neighborhood for a number of homeowners and has developed a relationship with the community associates.  Vikki Stockton and her staff do a great job, and we are honored to be a featured Pool Contractor.

Pablo Creek Reserve is a Gated Community located at the south end of San Pablo Road, near the intracoastal waterway in Jacksonville, Florida.  The neighborhood has many qualities that make it a desirable place to live.  To begin with, the beach is accessible within minutes, as is the Mayo Clinic and Hospital.  The lots are larger than most neighborhoods' and there is a pleasant "Central Park" which is ideal for bar-b-ques and afternoon picnics.  The neighborhood has a real community feel and they decided to create the blog to enhance communication.

This particular blog story included a few pictures of a large Vanishing Edge Pool we designed and constructed for one of the community residents.  This particular pool featured a natural stone waterfall, an elevated spa with stone exterior, a flagstone beach entry, a 6 Jet Captain's Chair in the spa, Swim-up Bar made of natural stone with in pool bar stools, a fire-pit with a built-in bench, a travertine deck, and a Majestic Isle Pebble Interior.

To see more pictures of the project - please visit our Houzz profile.
To read the entire story - please visit Pablo Creek Reserve's blog.

Houzz.com - Portfolios and Idea books

The internet has undoubtedly changed the way people buy and sell products and services.  The pool industry is not exempt from this, and I have enjoy watching the evolution.  One of the biggest effects has been on the way people are able to research companies, materials and designs before they even meet with a contractor.

In the "Old Days," say the 90's ;) a salesman would show up at a home with a photo book as a portfolio of projects the company he represents had built.  The customer may have a few magazine cut outs of pools, but nothing the designer could take with him as that was their only copy.

With the internet becoming more readily available, the contractor's portfolios transitioned onto a website created by the company to display their work.  It was common for a salesman to show up at an appointment, in which a homeowner had printed out photos of pools, along with the magazine clip outs.  The challenge was the quality of the prints are usually sub par and from many unique sources, making it difficult to track down.

The fact is, Contractors want to display their portfolio and homeowners want to create and share a scrapbook of their ideas.  It adds to the excitement of the process.  At the Aquatech conference this February,  Pools by John Clarkson learned about a site that facilitates this online: Houzz.com.

Here is Houzz's description of their site:

About Houzz

Houzz is a leading destination site for home design enthusiasts-- professionals and homeowners. The Houzz site and mobile apps feature over 250,000 high quality interior and exterior photos, thousands of highly-engaging articles written by design experts, product recommendations and social tools to manage the remodeling and decorating process.

On the Houzz platform:

Design professionals showcase their portfolios, sharing their work with a community dedicated to home and landscape design. 40,000+ professionals have uploaded more than 250,000 inspiring photographs, making Houzz the Internet's largest database of design and decorating ideas.

Homeowners collect their favorite photos, find design professionals in their areas, upload photos of their homes and gardens, and swap tips and questions with other members. More than a million ideabooks have been created by Houzz members, and new ones are added every minute. 

PBJC has created a profile and encourages our prospective customers to visit the site and start creating their own idea book.  They can even follow us to be notified when we add new photos.

Hope to see you on Houzz!

Commercial Pool Remodel with Tempool

Pools by John Clarkson recently completed a major remodel on a pool for a community in the Jacksonville area.  The project included new pool tile, new plaster interior and a new paver deck and coping.  As these community pools age, it is amazing how much difference some new finishes can make - and how the pool can appear brand-new afterwards.

One of PBJC's partners in the project, Tempool; captured the process on a time lapse video.  The video shows the dramatic transformation in a little over a minute and half.  Although everything cannot be captured by film, and a lot of the hard work from certain individuals is missing - it is quite fun to see.  Enjoy!

iAqualink is Here!

After at least a year of great anticipation, Zodiac has released the iAqualink!

This device allows users to control their pool system from a computer, IPad or Smart Phone and works in conjunction with Zodiac's Aqualink One Touch or PDA control systems.   To access your Zodiac control device, there is a web based interface, which communicates through your wireless or hard wired Internet router.  For those using IPads, IPhone or Android operating systems - there is an App.

Envision yourself leaving work after a long day, leaving the gym after a nice workout, or even leaving the restaurant after a romantic dinner and having the ability to turn on your spa, so it is ready to go when you get home - all from your phone!

Pools by John Clarkson has recently installed a few iAqualinks.  Here is a picture from one of our first installs, he has both his IPad and IPhone and is ready to go.

If PBJC completed your backyard space and you are interested in purchasing or have already purchased an iAqualink from PBJC; please see below for next steps.

Still Interested?

We want to make this experience as easy as possible for you.  First, download the “iAqualink Quick Start Guide”  and simply follow the instructions provided in Step A on the first page to identify the required upgrade part number associated with your current system.  After you are able to determine the required upgrade part number, please contact us so we can help you finalize any details.  We can be contacted via e-mail at info@pbjc.com, phone at (904) 223-4050, or by simply filling out information on our Request Free CD page.

 Already Purchased the iAqualink System from Pools by John Clarkson?

Simply download the “iAqualink Quick StartGuide” and skip ahead to Step 4 to register your system.  Also, apps are available for Apple® and Android® smart phones & tablets.  Apps can be downloaded from Apple's App-Store and the Android Market, respectively by searching for “iAqualink”.  Additionally, a HTML5 mobile web-app can be used on many other smart phones, tablets, and e-readers by using the device’s browser to open iAqualink.com.

"Fastlane" by Endless Pools Installation

Each year Pools by John Clarkson chooses to send some employees to different conventions and trade shows to learn about new products available to our customers.  We also use these opportunities to become more familiar with existing products in which we may have used the year before.  This year at the Aquatech Society Conference, PBJC spent time with our representative from Endless Pools, discussing their full range of products, including the "Fastlane" which we installed last year.  After this trip, I thought it would be good to show how this particular installation worked.

We received a call from a Triathlete, who wanted to be able to train for the swimming portion of the competitions in his own backyard.  Without having space for an Olympic size pool lane; his best option was to build a smaller pool, with a Fastlane swim system.  In addition, to keep the pool heated he needed a heat pump and it was decided an automatic pool cover would help maintain the temperature, lower the amount of evaporation and make the pool safer.

After the design was decided (a ~10' x 20' pool with minimal decking,) we finalized the technical details.  With the pool cover, a pit is needed for the cover to roll up in.  This detail is not attractive, so a stainless steel tray system is used to allow the coping / deck material to be extended over the pit.  The pit design is also interesting, b/c it requires for one side to be extended past the pool shell at a greater distance than the other side.  To keep the look visually the same, we extended both sides the same amount.

The Fastlane is required to be mounted to the shell of the pool - with a special mounting bracket - low enough for the cover to go over, but high enough to provide the proper flow.  To make this work seamlessly, we used 2 rows of pool tile and lowered the water level.  After the installation, the homeowner placed a mirror on the bottom of the pool, we wired in an optional time clock and he was ready to go!




 

Jacksonville Magazine Feb '12

PBJC is excited to be referenced in an article in Jacksonville Magazine's February 2012 issue.

The pool was originally designed by Brian Van Bower of Aquatic Consultants.  The design is a Knife-edge perimeter overflow, vanishing edge pool - in which, the vanishing edge trough is condensed to ~8" of width, to save room.  This particular detail requires a collector tank to store the water and handle surge.

During the house construction by C.F. Knight, the homeowner decided to add a spa.  Pools by John Clarkson's lead consultant Joel Hartman worked with the homeowner to design the hot tub (not pictured here.)  The final plan included sloped seats and a Captain Chair with extra jets in deeper water for additional therapy.

To see the Article, visit our "In The News" page and select the appropriate link.

Thank you to Jacksonville Magazine for referencing us.

Arbus Magazine Partnership

Recently, Pools by John Clarkson was honored to be invited to participate with a team of professionals to help transform an exisiting seldom used yard - into a showpiece, functional space.  This project will be followed through photgraphs and story by the local Art's & Business Magazine ARBUS publisher: Cinda Sherman.  One of the main subjects of this 6 month story is the importance of working with industry professionals.
We are excited to be involved in this project with other professionals such as Larry Wilson with DESIGNMIND; Jason Faulkner of Studio 9 Architecture; and David Rinzler of Browdy & Browdy Homes.   PBJC will be breaking ground soon, so look for the story to begin to unfold in Jacksonville's ARBUS Magazine - begining with our Profile on Page 45 of the May/June 2011 Issue.

PBJC on Facebook

Pool & Spa News | A Fine Balance | April 2011

Pool & Spa News A Fine Balance April 2011

A couple months ago, we received a call from Pool & Spa News reporter Rebecca Robledo.  She was working on an article about motivating and compensating a Sales Staff.  Although I do not feel to be an expert, I was happy to answer any questions knowing Rebecca's reputation and having read many of her articles. 

At Pools by John Clarkson, we want our Sales / Design Consultants to maintain a relationship with our customers through out the entire process.  We know that this is rare in our industry, as most salesman try to turn the project over to a construction superintendent asap - so he does not have to be around when bad news starts to come.  This philosophy leads to a greater connection between our consultant and the client; which in turn, leads to high quality referrals.

As a bonus, Pool and Spa News decided to place a picture of one of our pools on the cover of the 29 April, 2011 magazine.

Thank you to Rebecca for calling to ask our opinion and for writing another excellent article for our industry!

PBJC on Facebook    

Aquatech Design Awards

Recently Pools by John Clarkson received a surprise honor that was both humbling and rewarding.  At the 2011 Aquatech Conference, PBJC was awarded multiple design awards; the greatest being "Best of Show!"
Currently it is part of the header on Aquatech's Website.

You can also see the image on PBJC's Facebook page. 

The reason this was such a satisfying award was that it was a total team effort, with the design being completed in house by Joel Hartman and Jordan Clarkson.  This was a vision the homeowners bought into and love the outcome - which is always the number 1 priority.

We are excited to advance our designs and look forward to attending a 2 1/2 day course in california called "Elements of Design" offered by Genesis 3 this coming week in California.  Expect an update in a couple weeks.

Aquatech Seminar

Education and Networking are 2 vital parts of any business - yet why do they tend to get overlooked?

The easy answer is summed up in one word: TIME.

To attend seminars and meet with other builders, we are removed from our business for some period of time. With new technologies such as, web based scheduling programs, smart phones with constant e-mail access, and remote meeting programs - it is certainly easier to not be present AT the business. However, you still have to take time away to be focused on learning; both from classes, as well as from others.

Jacksonville, FL pool Builder Pools by John Clarkson just returned from one such event. Aquatech Corporation held an Education Symposium from 3/30 - 4/1. Topics included Major Renovations, Fire Features, Scheduling Programs, Gravity Feed Hydraulics (including perimeter overflow pools,) Marketing / Brand strategies and 3D design programs.

PBJC also spent some time with ~20 other Aquatech builders from across the country - discussing design and construction trends throughout the nation.

All in all - I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to experience these type of events to take full advantage of them: it should be well worth your TIME.

PBJC on Facebook.

Mud Run for M.S. 2010

Thank you to the PBJC Allstar team which participated in the 2010 Mud run!

Joel Hartman, Judson Clarkson, Jeremy Calloway, Joshua Clarkson, and Jordan Clarkson each completed the 10K obstacle course and in the process raised money to support the M.S. Society of Northeast Florida.

To see additional pictures please visit Pools by John Clarkson on facebook.

Thank you again to all who supported the team.

 

 

PBJC Story - 20th Anniversary!

As Pools by John Clarkson celebrates our 20th Anniversary, we wanted to let everyone know how it all began:

The PBJC Story
Imagine…you, the president of a respected company-a company you've spent over twenty years working your way up-now earning a six-figure salary and enjoying great job security. You are in your low forties with a lovely wife and three young children, all of whom depend on you as the financial provider. Would you have the courage to walk away from the company? The position? The money? Would you have the courage to leave the security and start all over?
In 1989, John Clarkson left his employer and his well-earned security for a humble office space backed by his family's life savings. That winter, on the heels of financial uncertainty, Pools by John Clarkson (PBJC) opened for business.
"I didn't have money for advertising. All I had was my name and my reputation-and I worked hard to maintain both. I tried to listen to the customer and guide each individual through the pool construction process, from the design to the startup and all the construction in between. This way of doing business became the foundation for the company and has led to an excellent referral base-which I am proud to say we enjoy to this day."- John Clarkson, President and Founder of PBJC

Aquatech Conference 2010

At Pools by John Clarkson, we look forward to the annual Aquatech conference as an opportunity to network with fellow builders from across the nation, attend seminars and prepare for the year to come. This year added another level of excitement as we traveled to Vancouver and Whistler Canada - site of the 2010 Winter Olympics!

Now that we have returned, we wanted to provide an update from the conference:
1) Aquatech's new consumer web-site is ready to launch! http://www.aquatechpools.com/ has been re-designed to focus on future and current pool owners' needs. Articles, recipes, pictures, builder profiles, and so much more are the focus of the new site.
2) Jacksonville Pool builder PBJC was honored with 2 Gold awards for new construction; 1 Silver for new construction with Artificial Rock; 1 Gold award for Renovation; and another for the category "Fun with your Pool." (See future blogs for more.)
3) We learned a lot discussing designs, construction techniques, and new technologies with fellow pool builders. The best session is simply known as "Best of/Worst of," and was reintroduced this year. Basically we go around a room with ~50 other builders and everyone discusses their best and worst decision of the past year.
To summarize, check out the new Aquatech website and stay tuned for the Award winning pictures.
Remember to follow us on Facebook and you can always request a Free Idea CD.