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Jennifer Clements is the first to admit she loves to talk.

“The gift of gab can be very powerful,” says the co-owner of Pla-Mor Pools, a family-owned retail business with two locations in the Mechanicsville, Virginia-area.

For 40 years, Clements and her husband Kenny have been running the business her in-laws began in 1968 by focusing on the relationships they build with their employees, customers, and industry partners. But Clements never expected her role to become so critical as it did in the last two years as COVID and supply chain shortages combined to make business more challenging.

The pool and hot tub retail business was the hardest hit segment in the industry, Clements surmises.

“We had to put a lot of rules, guidelines, and new practices in place. On the administrative side, I spent more time making sure that our retail store was compliant than helping customers, and that’s sad,” she says.

Looking back, she recalls the early pandemic days as “horrific” and the time since as a wild ride.

“In all my decades in the industry, I’ve never experienced demand like that,” she says, yet “[suppliers] limited how many tubs we could buy, and we could have sold probably five times as many.”

Pla-Mor weathered the storm, ensuring the next generation of Clements family owners, Jennifer’s four sons, can carry on the tradition. “I know now that where there’s a will there’s a way,” she reflects. “I think our most valuable commodity is just human willpower.”

Clements likes to tease her staff that she has “adopted” them. She says a big part of Pla-Mor’s success through challenging times is in how they recruit and retain employees.

It hasn’t been easy.

“It was the most exhausting feat trying to bring in folks (during the pandemic). I’ve been stunned by how few candidates apply for positions,” she says, citing stimulus checks, safety concerns, and family care responsibilities as culprits. Now she runs continuous hiring campaigns through Indeed, posts fliers, and uses local organizations to educate prospective employees on career opportunities. Her main message: “Your safety is front and center for us, and we value you.

Other tactics they’ve used the past two years include:

Overall, Clements doesn’t try to get fancy with her employee incentives – she focuses on paying employees well and treating them even better.

“Most of our staff has been with us for a long time, so they know they’re part of the family,” she says. “You have to actively work with new staff to establish that sense of belonging.”

Ask Clements what her job title is, and you’ll get a few answers. She finally settles on “director of business development,” but that doesn’t quite capture the whole picture. She’s used to being behind-the-scenes wearing many hats.

Today she reaches out to other women in this business who feel the same, to help them see the value in talking about their roles.

“Women are networkers by nature,” she says. “I love to network, whether it’s with other people in the pool business or if it’s with sales reps to find out what the trends are and forecast ahead of time which direction our business needs to go.”

Regardless of gender, Clements says that networking can help anyone’s business grow. She suggests a few key places to make an impact:

Clements actively monitors all of her business’s online reviews. Last year, she had a tough one. The customer was lamenting that they had purchased an aboveground pool from someone else, and they couldn’t get a ladder from Pla-Mor. Clements did what she always does – respond with the facts.

“I had to explain the interaction we had in the store that, yes, we did have them on the floor, but they were sold and nobody can source them,” she recalls.

As someone who can talk to anyone, Clements does not shy from customer interactions. Quite the opposite, she’s picked up those communications in the past two years and recommends:

Clements has learned customers can be fickle. “We were so short on some products and then other products were so far ahead that it would have been nice if we’d had explosive growth on everything.” While not experiencing the growth some builders and service businesses saw, Clements applauds the hard-won 27% growth rate Pla-Mor achieved these past two years, in large part thanks to the people who power their business – their employees, customers, and allies.

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Watch the full interview with Jennifer:

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If you’re tired of the extremely hot summer and need to relax and cool down with calming and aesthetic surroundings, some eye catchy modern, designed pools would be perfect for you. Besides enjoying the cool water, you can also have the best comfort and a beautiful ambiance by customizing the pool surroundings with the most unique and striking ideas.

The right kind of pool will not only give you comfort and calmness but also make your place very well defined and beautiful. There is an ample number of pool designs, but We’ve enlisted the top 7 modern-day pool designs that are worth considering and investing on:

Plunge pools, also known as splash pools, are very small pools found in the backyard of the house, occupying significantly less space. These pools are perfect for you if you want to cool off for a bit after a long, tiring day. They require less space and very low maintenance. They are very small and are more useful for relaxing or cooling down than swimming or diving. This is the pool worth considering and even investing in for houses built with the modern structure, which usually have small backyards.

As the name suggests, it is a pool that is above the ground, made with aluminum and steel walls. The surroundings can be customized according to your wish. You can surround it with a deck, lighting, plants, or anything you like. The above-ground pools are easily installed, low maintenance, durable, and very affordable, however, you will need steps to walk in and out of the pool. They can be placed in your home backyard for a seasonal family fun time. 

Unlike in-ground pools, they have no part of them in the ground, and you can give it a classy, fun, or cool look. However, you like.

You can give your pool a new light, a new mood, a new feeling, and a new scene just by changing the lighting. These pools look beautiful and comforting after sundown and are best suited for night swimming. These provide a wonderful and cozy ambiance for you to relax and swim even at midnight by the illuminating lights. They provide comfort, serenity, beauty, and amazing visual effects. You can install the lights which match your mood. Calming, party-like, warming, whatever fits the occasion and your mood.

The zero-edge pool or infinity pool is a beautifully designed one. The water in it flows over the edges, making it seem like a pool with no edges. Hence, the name infinity pool. It creates a striking visual effect that makes it irresistible to enter the pool. These kinds of pools make the place look very well defined and the most beautiful. They may be costly, but worth the money. Investing in these is no doubt a smart choice.

Enjoy the pool fun without even stepping out of your place. For those who love to stay indoors, this is the right kind of pool, a pool built on the rooftop of your house and can be enjoyed in the comfort of your home. You can freely relax in your home pool without the fear of sunburn or being tanned from the sun’s rays.

You can customize everything however you desire. It is one of the best pool designs and worth the try and money.

The balcony view and a calming pool can be enjoyed together with soft, cold winds and under the beautiful sky. The floating pool design can be built in an extending corner of the terrace, making the balcony look uniquely beautiful. It feels very soothing to enjoy the beautiful city view and the water.

You can give your floating balcony an even better look by decorating the surroundings with lights, plants, or anything you like. You can make your balcony the most unique and striking of all. These floating balcony pools are usually found in big apartments only. They might be a bit expensive, but surely worth the cost.

The black bottom pools are perfect for those who find their true comfort in the dark theme. These pools consist of black vinyl liner or tiles. It has a very soothing effect. The black color of the pool also helps in absorbing the sun’s rays, making the temperature of the water increase. The warm water and the black color of the pool together give a different level of comfort and are very calming. You can also customize everything according to the pool’s dark theme, making the surroundings look elegant and classy.

In conclusion, the pools listed above are some of the best pool designs and are worth spending your money on. But there are indeed a great number of beautifully striking designs like the typical ones (rectangle, round, or oval), the kidney, geometric-shaped ones, pools with a deck, and many more. Selecting the right pool for you is a task. It depends on the place, atmosphere, and space of that particular area you’re planning to put your pool in. Thus, going through these modern pool designs will definitely help.

The kidney-shaped pool, pool with a view, grassy surroundings, geometric pools, etc., are some of the most famous and beautiful designs nowadays. They give a fascinating effect and provide a sense of comfort to the eyes. They offer a defined look to the house and are one of the most striking. These pools are definitely worth investing in.

For the in-ground, above-ground, or any kind of pool, the saltwater system is the better option as it is more kind or gentle to the skin, hair, or eyes. It makes the pool water skin friendly and desirable or irresistible to stay away from or enter. Even your pets are safe and free to swim in these pools.

A chlorinated pool is full of harsh chemicals that are not skin- and pet-friendly and can cause harm to them.

An inflatable pool might be too heavy for a balcony. Although it looks pretty light, it can become unbearably heavy for the balcony when filled with water. Thus, it is not at all recommended to put an inflatable pool on your balcony. 

Feature Photo Credit: John Fornander

When discussing pool lighting solutions, frequently one name that pops up again and again in conversation is PAL Lighting. The Sydney Australia-based manufacturer makes a line of wirelessly controlled LED lighting and controllers that are perfect for swimming pools, spas, water features, and landscape lighting. After first entering the US market back in 2004, word spread both in the marketplace and with professionals. Consequently, today, PAL Lighting has become a serious force to be reckoned with in the world of LED lighting. Folks are suddenly paying attention, particularly in the pool industry; and for good reason.

One thing the pandemic did was create supply chain issues with manufacturers all over the globe. What it also did was create an opportunity for LED lighting manufacturers like PAL to suddenly reach more customers. While many pool professionals were aware of who PAL Lighting was, change happens slowly in the industry as does mass adoption of a new product line. Shortages and delays getting products have caused professionals to reexamine PAL’s products and value proposition. Suddenly PAL is in the spotlight, so to speak.

To get a better understanding of their product line we met with Ben Forrest, U.S. representative for PAL Lighting and Ryan Hughes, one of the elite builders working today. “Many have heard of our product line but haven’t tried them just because of the comfort level of doing the same old thing,” said Forrest, “while they might have heard of us, they may not have much experience with our products.”

“Most pool professionals in the industry didn’t have much knowledge of PAL Lighting prior to the pandemic, we were probably best known for our strip lighting. When Covid happened product shortages impacted a lot of manufacturers. That didn’t happen with us because our products are manufactured in Australia, not in China so we didn’t have any of the trade sanctions or challenges other manufacturers faced to the same degree,” said Forrest.

“A lot of operators were forced to try PAL Lighting as an alternative to one of the ‘Big 3’ and when they did they came back and said ‘Wow, where have you been?’, and we said, ‘Well, we’ve always been here, but nobodies been paying attention til now,'” said Forrest.

“Our sales have skyrocketed, simply because we’ve had to fill the void,” explained Forrest, “for us, the growth that we’ve seen in demand for our strip lighting is really exciting. For the last four years our strip lighting has been more than 1,000% of the previous year. You do that for four years in a row and you can tell you’re really getting strip lighting out there.”

“The other growth that’s exciting for us is that once we build a relationship with a builder and go through a few projects with them, they start to get a real understanding of what they can do with our lighting,” said Forrest, “they’re accomplishing things they’ve never been able to do before and that gives them room for growth. Instead of putting 4 lights in a swimming pool, I work with builders who are regularly putting 20-30 fixtures. They’re adding lighting for outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and all sorts of things.”

In this industry, mass adoption happens when products hit a tipping point with the right people. The fact that the elite of the industry such as Ryan Hughes have begun incorporating PAL Lighting into their luxury pool projects, suddenly puts PAL on the world stage with their products. In a recent interview with Hughes back in November at the International Pool & Spa Expo, Hughes showcased one of his latest projects using PAL Lighting products.

A post shared by PAL Lighting (@pal_lighting)

In Hughes’ PAL Lighting application he wanted to give homeowners the ability to fully control their lighting system. “They were the only manufacturer that could give us a four wire RGBW light that could be connected with DMX,” said Hughes, “because (the homeowner) wanted a DMX controller, he didn’t just want 10 colors, he wanted to be able to have any color show he wanted.”

Forrest, who uses the Hughes project as an example when showcasing the product, agrees that homeowners have come to expect more from their lighting system. Consequently, the number of existing pool owners that are looking to upgrade to LED lighting in their pool is growing.

“Think of all the lights that were installed prior to the late 90’s and early 2000’s. All of them use incandescent bulbs. We developed a bulb that we can use as a replacement that takes the average pool from a 500 watt incandescent bulb to a 9 watt LED and you get all the features that you would get from a true RGB light,” said Forrest, “meaning you get 16 million colors, dimming functions, true white mode; all controlled by remote. Pool professionals can make good margins but still retail these things for under $400.”

Listen to our entire conversation with Ben Forrest of PAL Lighting on the Pool Magazine podcast.

Featured Photo Credit: Ryan Hughes Design | Joe Traina Photography

If you’re looking for a way to relax and destress, aromatherapy for your hot tub or spa might be the perfect solution for you! Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote healing and well-being. People have been using aromatherapy for centuries to improve their health and wellbeing. There are many ways to enjoy aromatherapy, but one of our favorite methods is by using it in our hot tubs and spas! In this article, we will discuss the benefits of aromatherapy, how to use it in your spa or hot tub, and some of our favorite essential oils scents.

Did you realize you can detect over a trillion different scents? Certain fragrances or scents have a physiological influence on humans. They have the ability to calm, revitalize, and create a sense of well-being. Certain scents are also known to induce a sensuous or euphoric state, particularly in individuals who are already relaxing in a hot tub.

Aromatherapy has many benefits, but one of the most popular reasons people use it is to relax and destress. If you’re looking for a way to unwind after a long day, aromatherapy might be the perfect solution for you! There are many different ways to enjoy aromatherapy, but one of our favorite methods is by using it in our hot tubs and spas. In this article, we will discuss how to use essential oils in your spa or hot tub for relaxation and destress relief.

There are many different essential oils that can be used for relaxation and destress relief. To use essential oils in your spa or hot tub, simply add a few drops to the water. You can also add a few drops to a diffuser if you prefer. If you’re looking for a more potent aromatherapy experience, you can add a few drops of essential oil to your bathtub.

For those looking for an easy way to enjoy all of the benefits of aromatherapy, using essential oils for your hot tub, spa or sauna is a great option, according to Spa Huset Norway. “Certain smells can definitely improve your mood and overall wellbeing, using your spa in combination with aromatherapy has been proven to have great health benefits,” said General Manager, Monthy Pedersen.

Lavender has been used for thousands of years, ever since the Romans introduced it into their baths. It’s a well-known antiseptic that can be used to cure minor infections, including candida, but it’s primarily used to relax the mind. Lavender aromatherapy can aid with sleep issues, depression, and anxiety. It relieves muscle pain, cramps, migraines, and other head and body pain as a circulatory stimulant. Lavender is also beneficial to the skin. It promotes skin cell regeneration and is used to heal scars and stretch marks, as well as rashes, sunburns, and skin infections.

Eucalyptus leaves have long been utilized in ancient societies to relieve aches and pains and to alleviate altitude sickness. Early Incas bathed in natural hot springs loaded with eucalyptus leaves in Peru’s highlands. Eucalyptus, like peppermint, contains camphor and can be used to treat sore throats, sinus problems, illness, and fever.

Jasmine is a seductive and sensual floral fragrance that is rich and warm. It has a long history of being used as an aphrodisiac, and I can see why! Jasmine is a wonderfully exotic smell that is also known as ‘Mistress of the Night’ or ‘Moonlight of the Grove’ since its alluring scent is strongest at night. When you put Jasmine in a hot tub, you might be inviting your sweetheart to join you! Jasmine is sweet, delicate, and seductive.

Mint is one of the most popular aromatic herbs, with applications ranging from food and drinks to lip balm. The British Journal of Medicine reported in 1879 that menthol fumes relieved headaches and nerve pain. It promotes alertness and concentration, and it could be ideal after a hard day to prepare for a long evening. Peppermint stimulates blood flow, alleviates itching, and relieves arthritic cramps and muscle discomfort. It’s also healthy for your skin because it stimulates natural skin oil production.

If you’re tired, run-down, or even depressed, you’ve probably already tried a few things to lift your spirits and your overall health. Aromatherapy, with its many benefits, should not be underestimated when it comes to improving your overall well-being. Hydrotherapy (the use of warm water to treat a variety of health issues) used in conjunction with scented oils have been shown to improve health, decrease stress, increase serotonin, and improve overall well-being. Simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the water before you get in to enjoy therapeutic and relaxing aromatherapy in your hot tub or spa.

Gather up everything you’ll need for your hydrotherapy session. Bring a bathing suit, a towel, a bottle of water, a book, a movie, or music, flip flops, and your favorite aromatherapy scents. Bring along a basket to store your personal items so that they can be easily moved to your hot tub area and then brought back inside. This eliminates the need to leave the hot tub for a drink or other activity if you become bored or thirsty.

Allow your spa fragrances to dissolve and blend with the water for the appropriate amount of time. While you wait, put on your beach suit, get ready for your activity, and set any mobile devices to “do not disturb” if you want to unplug and disconnect from technology. If you don’t have your mobile device with you, notify at least one person that you will be in the hot tub for safety.

Enter the hot tub, activate the jets, and unwind. Allow your body to acclimate to your new surroundings and simply let the stress slip away. Once you’ve felt rejuvenated and relaxed, use your activity to entertain yourself, or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of nature or your predetermined music.

Spend some time observing your surroundings. Enjoy the splendor of your magnificent backyard landscape, the sounds of nature, and the aromatherapy spa scents. Consider what the fragrance means to you and allow the scents and relaxing hydrotherapy to do its thing.

Take your time exiting the spa when you’ve finished relaxing in the hot tub. Sit on the ledge for a few minutes as you dry off with your towel. Enjoy the last few minutes of aromatherapy as you acclimatize to the outside temperature. Close your spa cover and carry your belongings inside, eliminating the need to return outside—unless, of course, you want to relax on your patio furniture and enjoy a lovely evening outdoors.

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