Healthy pool experts

John O'Brien, from PoolWerx, offers advice on maintaining a healthy pool and high pool hygiene standards.

What services does your pool business offer?

We think of ourselves as the 'healthy pool people' – experts on the health and safety of all pools, not just ones in the backyard. We service and sell all manner of pool and spa equipment, from pumps and filters to pool blankets and chemicals, and we deliver expert advice and services on caring for the health of your pool.

What kind of customers do you have?

Our clients range from families with a basic backyard pool and spa, right through to large hotels and businesses with massive pool and aquatic areas. PoolWerx has both mobile pool-care vans and retail shops to offer clients the most extensive range of pool products and services in the world, designed to help you maintain a healthy pool.

What initially sparked your interest in the pool industry?

The pool and spa care market was seriously disorganised and fragmented, so I saw an opportunity to bring some order to the industry. We've now created the world's largest pool and spa care network, with over 280 franchisees across Australia and New Zealand, and we have plans to expand to other countries.

What have you learned about pools in your time in the industry?

Everything and anything! But our franchisees and technicians are the ones with the real expertise. Every single one of them has been through an extensive and certified training course to get them to the level they are at today. Their knowledge and expert advice is what keeps thousands of pools across Australia and New Zealand healthy and clean.

Has anything changed over the years?

Definitely; there has become a much larger focus on customer service with our clients over the years. Our technicians deliver amazing service and products to our clients, and it's so important that we strive to do better every day.

What is the most important thing pool owners should remember when it comes to maintenance?

Get your pool tested regularly, regardless of whether it is winter or summer; keep the pH levels in balance; and have your pool vacuumed regularly. And if you are not sure about something, get an expert in to look at it. Neglected pools can cause serious health issues, so when it comes to pool hygiene it's better to be safe than sorry.

To get your pool ready for summer dips or to ensure you've got a healthy pool, find a maintenance and cleaning professional in your state: