Swimming Pool Construction Northern Florida

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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

Thursday, October 25, 2012

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.


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

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.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

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.





Tuesday, May 22, 2012

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.

Monday, May 14, 2012

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.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

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.