Preparing today's students for success and eventual leadership in the new global marketplace is the most important responsibility in education today. Providing them with guidance and opportunity at the most critical junctures along their educational journey can have a profound impact.

Entrepreneurship education is an important tool to achieving these objectives.

The All in the Neighborhood program is designed to allow students to learn some of today's basic business skills at their own pace, on-line, at no charge.

What students will learn:

• Marketing: Putting yourself in the customer's shoes, Leadership, Teamwork, Ethics, Philanthropy,
• Calculate pool volume, filter flow rates and related conversions and the importance of knowing these values as it relates to pools.
• Test pool water chemistry parameters; ideal ranges of pH, Total Alkalinity, Hardness, Sanitizers and why these items are important to provide clean, clear, bacteria free pool water.
• Adjust pool chemistry levels by performing various tests, using a standard pool test kit.
• Safely handle pool chemicals. Product names and MSDS information must be thoroughly understood.
• Effectively clean a pool using typical pool hand held equipment. System hydraulics will be discussed.
• Maintain the pool filtration equipment and clean the pool filter. Determine the status of the system reading the filtration equipment instrumentation.
• Sales: Discover opportunities to earn money caring for pools in their respective neighborhoods.
• Business Operations: Record data and understand the importance of keeping good record keeping.

How the All in the Neighborhood program works.

All in the Neighborhood program helps young entrepreneurs set up their own swimming pool and spa maintenance companies.

The program is structured to allow you the freedom to do as much or as little as you wish.  Your success is your hands.  We at Aquatech are here to support you, free of charge, as you learn the swimming pool and spa industry and set up your business BUT it is all up to you.

Swimming pool maintenance in the Treasure Valley typically consists of a weekly visit for regular maintenance plus visits for special situations like preparing for a pool party or cleanup the day after a major storm.   The rate charged for each visit is typically $45.00.

Basic Maintenance includes:
1. Brushing and vacuuming the swimming pool and/or spa
2. Emptying the skimmer and pump baskets.
3. Testing the water chemistry and making adjustments to balance the water.

Above and Beyond Basic Maintenance:
For your business you might think of other services you could add that would increase the value you bring to your customers and the rate you could charge; things like sweeping or washing the decks, brushing or wiping the patio furniture, tables, watering  potted plants,,etc…    You might research the web to see what high end pool maintenance companies are offering.

Program Steps:

1. Take Course 1    [Water balance and basic swimming pool maintenance]
2. Course 1-  test
3. Course 2 (no test) [ Basic marketing, sales & business operation]
4. Prepare and distribute your marketing material
5. Build your customer base
6. Operate your business

Course 1:
1.  Download the sample test.
2.  Using the internet, find answers to and fill out the questions on the sample test.  We recommend www.poolmanual.com but you will find it interesting to surf the web and locate all the places offering knowledge on swimming pool maintenance.
3.  Fax your sample test to Aquatech Pools at 288-2257 or mail it to us at:
     Aquatech All in the Neighborhood; 355 W Victory Rd; Meridian, ID  83642

4.  When we receive your sample test, we will send you a final test.  For the final test, use whatever resources you have found on the internet to help you complete the test.
5.  The final test will include a section where you will be able to tell us the boundaries of the area you would like your business to cover.
5.  Again, either fax or mail the test to Aquatech Pools.
6.  Aquatech will review your answers and contact you.

Course 2: 
1.  Follow the links to review basic business information that will help you get started.  There is no test.

 Course 2 will be published on FEB. 20, 2012. 

Aquatech contacts you:
1.  When we receive your final test for course 1, we will contact you.
2.  Aquatech will provide your business with:
      a.  Door hanger marketing materials with your name and contact information.
      b.  A comprehensive water test kit and water maintenance log sheets.  You will be able to test for pH, chlorine, minerals, salt, hardness,etc.
      c.  Aquatech will go on site with you the first time you visit a customer.  We will help you identify how the water flows through the equipment so you will be able to properly use the equipment during your maintenance process.  This is your opportunity to ask any questions.
     d.  Aquatech will be available to answer any questions you have during the season.  We will provide you a call line for any questions at any time.  If need be, we will join you onsite to troubleshoot a water balance problem.

Your customers will be expected to provide:
1.  Maintenance equipment.  Brushes, vacuums, nets
2.  Chemicals for water balance.

Please give us a call with any questions:
Jim
Aquatech Pools
288-2259