WWW.HIGHTECHPOOLS.COM HIGH TECH POOLS A LEGACY OF PRISTINE POOL DESIGN
A LEGACY OF P POOL DESIGN HIGH TECH POOLS AT A GLANCE HIGH TECH POOLS WHAT: A family-owned, leading pool construction and maintenance company specializing in residential, commercial, and community-based projects. WHERE: Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, High Tech Pools serves clients across North America WEBSITE: www.hightechpools.com 1 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
PRISTINE SOLIDIFYING 66 YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION EXPERTISE WITH TURNKEY TECHNOLOGY Out of the many players in the highly competitive pool construction sector, one company, High Tech Pools, certainly deserves recognition because it has not only outpaced its competitors but has been doing so for decades! Founded in Cleveland, Ohio, by the Hammerschmidt family, this company has been a trusted name since 1958. What started as a small residential pool-building operation quickly expanded into a family business quickly expanded in size, scope, and reputation. 2 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
Today, just like back then, regardless of industry conditions, the company’s adaptable performance never falters. The company employs an excellent blend of operational efficiency and carefully nurtured partnerships. The company’s leaders ensure that relationships with key suppliers, local businesses, and industry networks remain strong, viewing it as the key to stable operations. So, the focus is always on collaboration and quality, which allows High Tech Pools to secure better pricing and more efficient service and strengthen its presence as an industry frontrunner. Practices like investing in ongoing training programs for employees, particularly in the latest technologies and pool maintenance techniques, have been crucial to delivering exceptional service. All of these methods combined have resulted in streamlined internal processes — from project management to customer service — improved efficiency and client satisfaction and a consistent flow of referrals that drive repeat business. High Tech Pools is a well-rounded captain of its industry, recognized for its innovation, commitment to quality, and exceptional customer relationships.As the company continues to expand, it will undoubtedly become the go-to name for pool construction and maintenance in North America. A FAMILY COMPANY BOLSTERED BY STRONG IN-HOUSE SERVICE High Tech Pools’ legacy has been handed down from father to son to grandson. “During my dad’s era, he basically doubled the size of the business in terms of revenue, as well as employees. He was making about five to eight million dollars a year,” says President, Operations Manager, and Owner Jerry Hammerschmidt, who joined the company in 2010, working his way up from a warehouse manager to an operations manager, eventually earning his current role as a majority owner in 2024. Under his leadership, the company has seen exponential growth relative to even his father’s time running the company. “We have about 65 to 75 employees depending on the time of year, and I have subsequently doubled the size of the business from when I started in 2010. We’re solidly in the mid-teens doing millions in revenue,” Hammerschmidt comments. The company’s services primarily encompass large commercial sites, water parks, YMCAs, universities, high-end residential pools, spas, and fountains. The majority of the construction process is handled in-house, which includes everything from digging 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 HIGH TECH POOLS
our residential projects,” Hammerschmidt explains, referring to how High Tech’s residential usually have better hydraulics and pool systems that other pool builders on that same scale due to the difference in engineering knowledge. Other companies are either unaware of or unaccustomed to that scale of complexity when it comes to smaller residential projects, so High Tech can effectively swim in its competitors’ lanes while preserving some exclusive space for itself. This dynamic has created critically acclaimed results for the company, earning awards and recognition within the industry while giving it access to more community-integrated building opportunities. Some great examples of this would be High Tech winning the International Pool Awards with the PHTA, Luxury Magazine’s pinnacle awards, and even getting the current opportunity to build a new pool for a high school in Sandusky, Ohio. COMMUNITY AND SUPPLIER-BASED PARTNERSHIPS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL TIES High Tech Pools has built its reputation as one of North America’s top pool builders. Its commitment to excellence is driven not only by the products it offers but also by the relationships it nurtures with suppliers and within local communities. “We’re a part of the Master Pools Guild, the Pool and Hot Tub Association (PHTA), and I’m accredited as a certified Master Pool Builder by the PHTA… on top of that, we’re also a MYRTHA Pool distributor,” Hammerschmidt explains. The MYRTHA Pool partnership is particularly interesting because these stainless steel, panelized PVC membrane pools are the same ones used in Olympic swimming competitions. High Tech Pools also has a philosophy of forging strong, long-term partnerships with manufacturers and distributors. “We don’t just buy from anyone. We build relationships with manufacturers that align with our values of quality and reliability,” Hammerschmidt says. and framing the pool to rebarring and plumbing to shotcrete, tile, plaster, and even filtration. The company even has a maintenance division that exclusively maintains pools built by the company, which is vital to its success because approximately half of its business comes from commercial work. This business split lies at the core of High Tech’s competitive advantage. Commercial projects are big and usually require a greater degree of customization, filtration control, and technological integration. “Having experience with the complicated engineering that comes with these large commercial projects gives us expertise that we can then implement into 4 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
Creating A MORE SUSTAINABLE POOL From the cars they drive to the products they buy, consumers are increasingly looking to invest in more efficient and cost-saving technologies. Fluidra® offers a complete pool product system that helps prevent water loss, offers greater energy efficiency and significantly reduces the need for chemicals. Practical solutions that also bring down a pool’s operating costs.
Energy Efficiency Energy Efficiency Chemical Reduction Water Conservation 62% Greater Efficiency Variable-speed pumps, like the Jandy® ePump™ and VS PlusHP™, are 62% more efficient when compared to traditional single-speed pumps and can save pool owners up to $950 a year*. *Calculation based on a 28,000 gallon pool at 1.5 turnovers per day and a national average energy cost of $0.15/kWh. Reduce Chlorine Use by up to 50% Jandy salt chlorinators are self-generating chlorine dispensers that, when paired with a mineral sanitizer like Jandy TruGuard™, allow pool owners to use up to 50% less chlorine*, virtually eliminating the hassle and cost of adding additional chlorine. *Jandy TruGuard utilizes Nature2 mineral technology. Nature2 is an EPA registered product and requires only 0.5ppm chlorine to disinfect a pool. 87% Energy Savings Create a brighter, better pool experience with Jandy LED lighting. Compared to traditional incandescent lights, Jandy LED lights reduce energy consumption by 87%* without compromising on performance. *Calculation based on a comparison between a 500W white incandescent light and an equivalent performing 65W white LED light. Prevent up to 94% of Water Loss Cover-Pools® automatic pool covers prevent up to 94% of water loss due to evaporation*–saving an average of 24,440 gallons** of water each year for a commonly sized 20’ X 40’ pool. * 2016 Cal Poly State University study, Effectiveness of Pool Covers to Reduce Evaporation from Swimming Pools. *Calculation based on a 20' x 40' pool with a surface area of 800 sq/ft evaporating at 1" per week. Start With the Core Four Four product solutions that increase a pool’s overall efficiency while reducing operating costs.
One core component of their business model is their exclusive partnership with Fluidra, a leading brand in the pool equipment industry. This relationship ensures that when problems arise, Fluidra’s team is ready and willing to offer the assistance needed, fostering mutually beneficial loyalty on both sides. Unlike many companies that chase profits by spreading their purchases across multiple brands, High Tech Pools understands the value of consistency. “We’re not just buying products; we’re investing in a true partnership,” Hammerschmidt explains.“They understand that we’re loyal, and loyalty goes both ways.” Similarly, local relationships are also crucial to the company’s success. A notable example is High Tech Pools’ collaboration with Vitalia Senior Living, a prominent retirement community builder in Ohio. High Tech Pools has been Vitalia’s exclusive pool provider for all new retirement community projects. This partnership has allowed both businesses to align their operations seamlessly. High Tech Pools has earned recognition for its contributions to the region, and the mayor even presented them with the keys to the city. The local community clearly acknowledges the company’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and contributing to the city’s vibrancy. EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION, AND THE FUTURE High Tech Pools also values education, both for its employees and customers. 7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 HIGH TECH POOLS
Managing your pool business is a lot easier with the Heritage Pool+ App. It’s built for pros who want to get in, place orders, and get back to work without the hassle. It has features like real-time notifications on orders and shipping, so you’ll always know what’s happening with your deliveries. If you need to reorder something fast, the app’s got a handy buyagain option and a barcode scanner to make it simple. You can also save time by sharing carts across branches and creating custom shopping lists. Whether you’re at the job site or on the road, the app lets you see what’s in stock, along with pricing and your order history. Everything is in one place, so you can keep things moving smoothly throughout the day. Spend less time worrying and more time doing. Grab the Heritage Pool+ App and get back to doing what you do best—taking care of business. • Order & Shipping Notifications • Intelligent Search & Top Sellers • Share Cart Across Pool Brands • Save for Later • Bar Code Scanner • Talk to Search • Buy Again Your Trusted Partner 24/7 DOWNLOAD OUR NEW HERITAGE POOL+ APP! DOWNLOAD NOW!
The company has partnered with industry-leading educational programs, such as the PHTA Genesis program, which provides advanced training for pool technicians. This ensures that the company’s staff remains at the forefront of the industry, equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to tackle the most complex pool designs and maintenance challenges. Additionally, through the Master Pools Guild, High Tech Pools has gained access to cutting-edge technologies, such as nanobubbles and advanced pool automation systems, which are changing the way pools are designed and maintained. “We learned about nanobubbles from the Guild, and now we’re using that technology to bring our pools to a whole new level,” Hammerschmidt confirms. This allows High Tech Pools to create pools with water quality so high that it surpasses even tap water while reducing the reliance on harmful chemicals like chlorine. Looking ahead, High Tech Pools is poised to lead the industry in adopting new technologies. With advancements in pool automation and water sanitization, the company is already on the cutting edge. The shift from traditional chlorine-based sanitation to more sustainable methods like nanobubbles and membrane filters represents the future of pool maintenance. These innovations simplify pool management, improve pool quality, and enhance customer experiences. The company is also embracing the future of automation. By using the latest pool automation technologies, High Tech Pools is changing how pool owners interact with their pools. The company’s new automation methods are like the difference between a flip phone and a smartphone. These new systems allow customers to monitor and control various aspects of their pools through an app, making pool management easier than ever. In the next five years, High Tech Pools aims to 9 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 HIGH TECH POOLS
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Fluidra www.fluidrausa.com Fluidra is a publicly listed company focused on developing innovative products, services and IoT solutions for the residential and commercial pool markets, globally. The company operates in over 45 countries and owns a portfolio of some of the industry’s most recognized and trusted brands, including Jandy*, Polaris*, S.R.Smith*, and Cover-Pools*. To learn more about Fluidra, visit fluidrausa.com or call 800-822-7933. n Heritage Pool Supply Group www.heritagepoolsupplygroup.com Heritage Pool Supply Group, the fastest growing pool supplies distributor in the industry, with 130+ locations across 36 states. We are dedicated to a people-first approach with a focus on providing the best customer service, building a great culture for our team members, and giving back in the local communities we serve. We are committed to elevating the industry and empowering pool professionals. continue leading the charge in pool technology, ensuring that their products not only meet but exceed customer expectations. High Tech Pools’ ability to innovate while maintaining quality positions it as a long-term leader in the industry. Its success is built on a foundation of strong partnerships—both within the industry and in the local community. The focus on loyalty, quality, and innovation has enabled it to stay ahead of the competition while consistently delivering exceptional results to its customers. As the pool industry continues to evolve, High Tech Pools is positioned to remain at the forefront, leading the way with cutting-edge technologies and a customer-first approach. Their dedication to excellence ensures that the company will thrive in the future and continue to set the standard for pool builders nationwide. 10 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
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