Pool News
Skimmer’s Service Rate Index Gives a Bird’s Eye View of What Pool Pros Are Charging
Skimmer, the industry’s leading pool service software with over 27,000 users nationwide, has introduced the Skimmer Service Rate Index—a groundbreaking utility designed to help pool service professionals see what their peers are charging in a given market. This tool, built on anonymous data from Skimmer’s extensive user base, offers invaluable insights for the pool service industry.
Providing Better Business Tools
“Our goal at Skimmer is to be far more than a software company,” says Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer. “In fact, our purpose from day one has always been to build a platform that empowers pool professionals to grow great businesses. We think providing them with data that helps them run all aspects of their business is just a natural extension of that.”
The Skimmer Service Rate Index leverages data from over 6,500 zip codes and more than 700,000 pools, offering a detailed and anonymized snapshot of pricing strategies across the country. “We’re in a pretty unique position in that our software has the capability to log what pros are charging and by what model they’re charging,” explains Niki Acosta, Skimmer’s Marketing Director. “Through that data, we know what people are charging per stop, per month, if they’re including chems, if they’re not including chems, and we can analyze that data by zip code, by county, and by state.”
Enabling Pool Professionals to Compare Prices
One of the standout features of the Service Rate Index is its ability to visualize and compare data across different regions. Acosta highlights the variability in pricing: “We see that consistently, states like Florida tend to lag behind in pricing in areas of the Southeast. We also see that areas in the Northeast region tend to charge a lot more. They have much shorter pool seasons, and so they have pool openings, four months of service or three and a half months of service, and then pool closings. Those models create what we can see as different pricing based on the levels of service that are provided across the US.”
The index doesn’t just provide a snapshot of current rates but also tracks pricing changes over time, offering pool professionals a way to see how the market is evolving. “As you think about different models, there’s also the plus chems or including chems per stop per month. There’s just a lot of wealth of information that allows folks to see what’s the norm in a certain market,” says Nelson. “Especially as we publish these every year, we have the data, and there’s a lot of useful information that the industry should be aware of.”
What Pool Pros Are Charging From Market to Market
The data reveals interesting trends, such as the regional differences in chemical inclusion. “In Florida, we see a lot of companies including chems, but you go to markets like Phoenix or Southern California, and it’s pretty split,” notes Acosta. “This is a very useful way of looking at those different models and being able to compare them apples to apples. One thing that we have found, too, is that people who are charging plus chems on average are actually charging more for base service than people that include chemicals.”
Northeast
| State | Low Range | Low Average | High Average | High Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $113 | $117 | $121 | $127 |
| D.C. | $100 | $104 | $107 | $109 |
| Maine | $76 | $82 | $85 | $92 |
| Massachusetts | $113 | $119 | $124 | $133 |
| New Hampshire | $123 | $128 | $133 | $137 |
| New Jersey | $92 | $99 | $103 | $110 |
| New York | $108 | $116 | $121 | $130 |
| Pennsylvania | $113 | $119 | $124 | $128 |
| Rhode Island | $127 | $132 | $137 | $146 |
| Vermont | $87 | $89 | $91 | $94 |
West
| State | Low Range | Low Average | High Average | High Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $134 | $138 | $142 | $146 |
| Arizona | $93 | $104 | $110 | $131 |
| California | $143 | $159 | $169 | $192 |
| Colorado | $87 | $93 | $98 | $108 |
| Hawaii | $166 | $177 | $186 | $197 |
| Idaho | $64 | $73 | $80 | $106 |
| Montana | $117 | $124 | $128 | $136 |
| Nevada | $120 | $130 | $137 | $150 |
| New Mexico | $117 | $124 | $131 | $144 |
| Oregon | $80 | $86 | $90 | $101 |
| Utah | $104 | $117 | $125 | $144 |
| Washington | $163 | $170 | $176 | $183 |
| Wyoming | $82 | $93 | $96 | $99 |
Mid-West
| State | Low Range | Low Average | High Average | High Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $124 | $134 | $140 | $148 |
| Indiana | $110 | $118 | $124 | $130 |
| Iowa | $195 | $201 | $208 | $213 |
| Kansas | $125 | $133 | $140 | $149 |
| Michigan | $115 | $119 | $123 | $128 |
| Minnesota | $85 | $94 | $100 | $107 |
| Missouri | $118 | $123 | $128 | $134 |
| Nebraska | $144 | $148 | $154 | $159 |
| North Dakota | $91 | $97 | $106 | $110 |
| Ohio | $93 | $97 | $100 | $104 |
| South Dakota | $81 | $84 | $87 | $88 |
| Wisconsin | $158 | $176 | $184 | $194 |
South
| State | Low Range | Low Average | High Average | High Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $118 | $126 | $131 | $143 |
| Arkansas | $100 | $106 | $109 | $117 |
| Delaware | $75 | $81 | $86 | $92 |
| Florida | $115 | $128 | $136 | $157 |
| Georgia | $117 | $128 | $136 | $150 |
| Kentucky | $160 | $166 | $172 | $179 |
| Louisiana | $115 | $123 | $129 | $139 |
| Maryland | $93 | $97 | $100 | $106 |
| Mississippi | $112 | $119 | $125 | $137 |
| North Carolina | $133 | $143 | $150 | $159 |
| Oklahoma | $137 | $147 | $154 | $163 |
| South Carolina | $148 | $164 | $174 | $188 |
| Tennessee | $115 | $123 | $129 | $138 |
| Texas | $136 | $149 | $158 | $175 |
| Virginia | $102 | $107 | $111 | $118 |
| West Virginia | $130 | $133 | $136 | $141 |
Climate also plays a significant role in pricing variability. “I think weather has a huge impact on chem cost,” says Acosta. “In areas of the South where we’ve seen record temperatures, chemical usage is much higher in those areas than they would be in other places. If your model is not accommodating those extra chem costs, then it is very possible that you could be operating at a lower margin than you would than those companies operating in a different market.”
Density of pools and route efficiency are other crucial factors. “Austin, Texas, is one of the more expensive markets in the country for pool service,” explains Nelson. “We see rates to almost 3X here that we do in Florida with some of our customers.” Part of the reason for that is simply how spread out some pool firms’ service territory is in comparison to those in other markets, explained Nelson. “If you’re having to travel 10 miles between stops, that’s going to drive up your fuel cost and your labor cost.”
The Skimmer Service Rate Index also helps pool professionals decide on their pricing strategies. “There’s a lot of data in there,” Nelson points out. “You need to decide what you want to be. Do you want to be the low-cost provider in your market, or do you want to be the quality service provider? We would, of course, encourage people to not try to be the low-cost provider and charge for the value that they’re delivering.”
Collecting and analyzing data from such a vast user base presents challenges, as Acosta explains: “One challenge is the data is only as good as what the pool pros are entering. We can look at the data and know that there are some obvious errors. If somebody has a per-month rate of $25, we know that’s probably inaccurate. We’ve removed some of the outliers. The other challenge is we don’t always know if a pool or a location that’s being serviced is commercial or residential.”
Economic conditions also influence service rates. “The short answer is rates have gone up, costs have gone up, obviously significantly across the board, and most of our customers have increased their prices accordingly,” says Nelson. “Interestingly, to the point where we’ve actually seen in the last couple of years, a lot of our customers became a lot more profitable.”
Doubling Down on a Great Idea
The future of the Skimmer Service Rate Index looks promising, with potential expansions in the type of data provided. Acosta envisions a platform where pool professionals can see how they compare to others in their area: “Let’s say you go to the platform, you enter a location with a zip code, maybe there’s a slide that tells you what percentile you fall into as far as where you are with pricing. That’s not something we’re currently working on, so I don’t want to make a promise that’s coming anytime soon. But it is possible longer term with the type of data that we collect.”
Ultimately, the Skimmer Service Rate Index is an invaluable tool for pool service professionals looking to optimize their pricing strategies. By providing detailed, anonymized data on service rates across different regions, Skimmer is empowering its users to make informed decisions that can lead to increased profitability and improved business operations. For any pool service professional looking to stay competitive with their pricing, the Skimmer Service Rate Index is a must-have resource.
Ready to Take a Deeper Dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Jack Nelson (CEO of Skimmer) and Niki Acosta (Director of Marketing) on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Blue Wave has issued a recall affecting multiple above-ground swimming pool models after federal safety officials identified a potential drowning hazard involving children.
The recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 18, covers approximately 13,400 Blue Wave brand above-ground pools that are 48 inches deep or taller and utilize an exterior compression strap as part of the pool’s frame system.
Reason for the Recall
The affected pools feature a compression strap positioned around the outside of the vertical support poles. While the strap is designed to provide structural stability, the CPSC determined that its placement may unintentionally create a foothold.
According to the agency, this foothold could allow children to climb into the pool, even when the ladder has been removed, creating a risk of unsupervised access and potential drowning.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the recalled products at the time of the announcement.
Affected Models
The recall applies to the following Blue Wave above-ground pool models:
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Rd 48-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 24-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Gray Rattan Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Espresso Wicker Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Aspen Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 24-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
All affected models share a common design feature: an exterior compression strap that encircles the pool’s vertical supports.
Sales Channels and Distribution
The recalled pools were sold nationwide from January 2021 through July 2025 through a mix of big-box retailers, sporting goods stores, and online marketplaces, including:
• The Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Dunham’s Sports
• Amazon
• Walmart
• Wayfair
Retailers have been notified to halt sales of affected models and to direct customers to the manufacturer’s recall remedy.
What Dealers and Retailers Should Know
For dealers and retail partners, the recall highlights the importance of prompt inventory review and customer outreach. Any remaining unsold stock matching the recalled models should be removed from the sales floor and distribution channels immediately.
Retailers that sold affected units during the recall period may see an increase in customer inquiries regarding eligibility, repair kits, and interim safety measures. Clear communication at the point of contact will be critical, particularly around the distinction between structural components and ladders, which many consumers assume are the primary access risk.
Service professionals and retail staff should also be prepared to explain that the recall does not involve a full product replacement, but rather a manufacturer-provided modification designed to eliminate the foothold while maintaining frame integrity.
Manufacturer Remedy
Blue Wave is offering a free repair kit to affected pool owners. The kit replaces the exterior compression strap with a lower-profile system installed closer to ground level. Once the repair is completed, the original strap can be removed.
Until the repair is installed, the manufacturer and CPSC recommend that pool owners prevent unsupervised access to the pool area or drain the pool temporarily.
Dealers and service professionals should advise customers not to remove or cut the compression strap prior to installing the repair kit, as doing so could compromise the pool’s structural stability.
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Latham Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWIM), the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, appoints Sean Gadd as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer as part of a CEO transition that will take effect on January 5, 2026. The appointment follows a comprehensive search as part of a succession planning process led by the Board and current CEO Scott Rajeski, who will be retiring from Latham and will serve as a special advisor to the company.
Sean Gadd comes to Latham following a 21-year career at James Hardie. He most recently served as President of North America since 2022, where he has had full P&L responsibility for James Hardie’s largest regional business. Prior to his role as President of North America, Sean served as Executive Vice President, North America, Commercial (2018-2022) and Executive Vice President, Markets and Segments, North America (2015-2018) at James Hardie, leading the front end of the business across product, marketing, and sales. Sean has been instrumental in spearheading James Hardie’s substantial organic net sales growth since 2022, driving material conversion and deeper market penetration through a refined go-to-market strategy targeting end-users via channel partners. Sean brings experience that is directly comparable to Latham’s material conversion and Sand State initiatives, and his demonstrated success in driving strategic growth will be invaluable for Latham and its shareholders.
James E. Cline, Chairman, commented, “Sean is known as a strong leader and brand-builder and has an impressive track record of driving growth at James Hardie. We are thrilled that he has accepted the CEO role at Latham, and the Board believes Sean will be able to leverage his robust commercial experience, sector knowledge, and branding expertise to accelerate our ability to continue to gain share and further the conversion to fiberglass from concrete pools.”
“I am pleased to be joining Latham and am looking forward to building on its achievements to date. This is an excellent opportunity for me to utilize my experience in the building products category to drive further market penetration and adoption of Latham’s top-quality products and greater recognition for its superior service standards,” Mr. Gadd commented.
Mr. Gadd will also become a member of Latham’s Board of Directors, replacing Mr. Rajeski, who is resigning from the Board concurrently with his retirement.
Mr. Cline commented, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our deep appreciation for the contributions that Scott Rajeski has made to Latham during his long tenure at the company, first as Chief Financial Officer and, since 2017, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership and that of his executive and operating teams, the company went public in April of 2021 and has experienced substantial growth, demonstrated resilience within a difficult industry environment, and built a strong financial position.”
Mr. Rajeski noted, “It has been a privilege to serve as the President & CEO of Latham alongside the talented executive and operating teams that we have at the company. Together, we have advanced the awareness and adoption of fiberglass pools and autocovers, while implementing production and related efficiencies that have streamlined our operations. I am proud to be retiring as CEO of Latham with the company in a strong financial position and in very capable hands. Throughout my conversations with Sean, I have been very impressed with his leadership capabilities and background, and I am confident that he will bring a unique skillset that will allow Latham to continue to outperform the industry, gain further traction in the important Sand States, and remain an acquirer of choice.”
About Latham Group, Inc.
Latham Group, Inc., headquartered in Latham, NY, is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Latham has a coast-to-coast operations platform consisting of approximately 1,850 employees across around 30 locations.
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