We have recently seen a large increase in the number of customers participating in equipment PM (Preventative Maintenance) programs. When asked why now?, many have mentioned several major points, which we felt were valuable enough to pass along.
First, many seem to be concerned with what future budgets are going to look like. While they have money now, they are unsure of the mid-term COVID effect, and if they are going to have adequate funds to keep systems maintained in the future.
Second, some mentioned that it was taking a lot more time and resources babysitting some systems that were in need of repair. Some heating or treatment systems were working intermittently, and staff was having to constantly check and tweak. With short term staffing cuts, and the prospects of some longer term trimming, managers wanted their equipment to be as bulletproof as possible.
Finally, customers were trying to avoid the BIG hit to remaining budgets. History shows that equipment that isn’t maintained properly, needs to be replaced sooner, and costs more to replace than just maintaining what they have.
Often overlooked is that many of these systems (less maybe the heater) are included in your equipment design and DOH permitting. So, you just can’t turn them off… If you want to remove them from your system, then there is a DOH approval that must be processed. Sometimes the feedback is that the equipment must remain and must be restored to working order.
What equipment have seen the largest increases?
Heaters: Heaters require periodic maintenance. Heat exchangers and burners need to be checked and often cleaned, and gas pressures and water flows need to be verified. Left unchecked, improper adjustments or sooting can cause a chain reaction that results in a total heater wash-out, which costs a lot more to fix. Also lack of service results in lower heating efficiencies, sometimes causing exponential heating costs.
Ultraviolet UV Systems: These systems also work under high temperatures, and intensive Ultraviolet rays, and are also susceptible to degradation from pool water quality. Most UV systems require 2x a year tune ups in order for the factory warranty to stay in effect per the factory protocol.
Also these systems will appear to work, then one day will just STOP, basically working themselves to death. Simple lamp, o-ring, and filter replacement can keep them purring along for decades, so why take the chance. Our amalgam UV systems only require 1x a year maintenance, but the service is equally as important.
Ozone Systems: These have similar issues as UV, but they have one additional component that is REALLY PM-dependent. That is the oxygen concentrator. This is a device that makes oxygen out of moist, hot, ambient air, so it has a tough job. They will operate for 12-18 months without service, but without changing the filters and seals, will just work themselves to death. Replacement is a lot more expensive than maintenance.
Saline Systems: These popular systems will save you thousands a year in chlorine, but require a periodic check up and cleaning. A review of the electronic readings can also verify the self cleaning circuitry, and alert you that the reaction chamber is under duress.
All of these PMs are completed by in-house CES technicians, who are factory trained and certified, and will help assure or extend your warranties. More importantly they will assure proper operation and longevity for your equipment. They are quoted a-la-carte and bundled with monthly or quarterly site assessments for a more complete solution to equipment issues.
No wonder that their use is on the rise during the uncertain COVID environment.
Please let us know when you’re ready to proactively maintain your site to save lots of time and money, and lots of drama if something were to break. We will put together a discounted program for your consideration.
The entire CES team thanks you for your continued loyalty.
Stay safe.
