August 24th

►   We received a Seasonal Service and Repair Report Card concerning Paul’s service performed in May from Alex J. in Nashua, NH.  We were rated Excellent on all points except for “Completed all work expected” in which we were rated a 9.  “Pat did an excellent job on this quote, explained options, processed changes, and was very responsive and patient. Great ambassador for your business.”

►    Advertising, specials and department specials all continue from last week: Final Clearance.

►    Happy Birthday to Jim and Victor. Birthday cake in the coffee shop, while it lasts, Saturday August 24^th.

►    Above Ground Closing School Wednesday, August 28^th, 7PM to 8:30PM.

►    August Clearance Sale ends Saturday, August 31^st.

►    Submitted by Jen,

  Weekly Fire Alarm Tip: The assembly point is the gazebo. After exiting the building, proceed there and wait for roll call. Customers should make their way there as well. Once customers know that they have their full party, they may leave. If the gazebo is not accessible, the alternative meeting point is under the ground sign on Route 101A.

Fire alarm procedures are tested once a quarter. Your score on this test plays a part in the amount of your quarterly bonus. A complete answer key is returned with each graded test. If you would like another copy, please ask Jen.

►    The current Namco Sale flyer mentions that their Artic Elite Pool Covers have Ultraviolet (U/V) Protection, and suggests that their Platinum covers do not.

All of our covers have U/V Protection, it just seemed so obvious we didn’t think to mention it.

►    I am going to be very busy for a while. My guess is until November. First, I have jury duty for all of September and October. Plus I will likely be very busy while Jeanne is sick, and recovering. So when I am here, I will probably be trying to do two or three times as much work per hour.

This is not impossible. We have survived cancer, a major car accident (3 months in hospitals and 4 more in a wheelchair) and other trauma on Jeanne’s part. I lost an eye during a two month struggle. We made it through it all just fine. Just an apology in advance – I don’t have time to chit-chat. Thanks.

►    As far as I am concerned and according to Retail Pro, we have all the pool supply stock we need to cover sales through December 31^st. Unless the computer is wrong. And even then, it may be too late to fix. The only exceptions: Target Super Shock, which is too bulky to store in large quantities and winterizing supplies.

►    If you move the fork lift, do not go home unless you either put it back, or make sure someone will put it back before they leave.

►    Template safety cover prices do not include the pegs. If the customer wants a set of pegs included (why?), I can get them a price and they will be cheaper than buying pegs out of stock, but I don’t have a way for you to look it up. Probably half of retail.  They do cost us much less when they are in a cover than when they are ordered separately.

►    Cover Logix is beginning a $50 factory rebate on covers ordered from this week until December 31. We are marking the covers and signs. We have rebate forms, and they should also be on the Cover Logix website next week. I am trying to find out if they would honor it on previous orders of stock covers. No answer – I suspect they never thought of it. I would tell the customer of covers not ordered before today  “Give it a try, and see how you do.”  But we cannot guarantee it; we are not giving the rebate – they are.

►    Our last delivery of Robelle winterizing kits includes stronger ingredients than in the past, so watch the signs. The small kit (10K) is for 7,000 to 14,000 gallons. The medium kit (16K) is for 14,000 to 25,000 gallons.  The large kit (30K) is for 25,000 to 45,000 gallons. That means you do not need two 10K kits for 20,000 gallons – use a 16K kit. On the borderline pool sizes (14,000 and 25,000 gallons) the customer can use either size, but the larger size would be better. Also, we know they partially drain the pool. Kit sizes are based on the water before draining, not after. Besides which, if they drain first, how are they going to circulate it?

►    Since Victor has been out, my primary source of jokes has dried up and I’m getting to the bottom of the barrel. A word to the wise….

►    A pair of Michigan robbers entered a record shop nervously waving revolvers. The first one shouted, “Nobody move!”

When his partner moved, the startled first bandit shot him.