This section is designed to help Magnolia customers around the world learn more about the products and practices available to help make swimming pools and spas energy-efficient and friendly for the environment.
Want to share something cool? Email us at info@magnoliapools.com and put "Blog:" in the subject line. We may post it!
GarfieldPools.com will be back online shortly.
Monday, October 1, 2012 10:00 AM PST
Dear Magnolia Lovers:
Please excuse our Gariflepools.com site. We're experience a technical glitch and the site should be back up in 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, please feel free to visit us here at MagnoliaPools.com, or come in to any of our great locations!
Quick Note: Green Riverside and the Riverside Public Utilities Program
Hi Friends: quick note from Jason on our staff. Jason is one of our "Green Certified" staff at Magnolia. And we're always on the look-out for ways to save our customers' electrical consumption rates, and we're also finding ways to reduce the footprint of pool equipment on our environment.
So you have two options. Replace your pump with Magnolia's lowest price guarantee (and health rebates by RPU or SCE). OR, come and visit us (and Jason!) to learn about how to do a full overhall of your system to literally save $1000s per year.
Check RPU's $200 rebate program. Combined with Magnolia's professional installation - you can't help but win. For most installations by Magnolia, minus the rebate, you'll be at approximately $1100 + tax. Rock bottom. Call us and we'll get you scheduled so you can start saving on your pump, and get your payback in less than 18 months.
You’ve heard about their
Energy saving benefits and that’s piqued your interest—its human nature to want
to save money on the electric bill each month [we’ve done extensive research ;)
].
You know that you could save between 30% and 90% on your energy bill each
month. You know that, based on these numbers, a VSP will pay for itself in
12-18 months. You’ve decided to buy, but you’re still unsure of how to best
protect your investment. That’s where our little blog here comes in!
Over the next few weeks we will be posting several segments on the proper
installation, programming and maintenance of VSP’s.
Today we will focus on the
appropriate materials for the installation of the Pentair IntelliFlo:
The first step in
protecting your pump from undue wear & tear and potential damage is to use
the right materials. When replacing any pump (especially a VSP) the following
always applies:
CPVC has a thicker wall, a higher-pressure rating and is more resistant to
heat than standard PVC. A Gasket/O-ring creates a superior seal than Teflon
tape or pipe-doping compounds. This reduces the risk of leaks and plumbing
failures at the inlet/outlet of the pump.
The use of unions also allows for quick and easy disconnect of the pump for
service or storage.
2) Replace the Electrical Whip (Seal Tite, Conduit and Electrical Wiring).
When exposed to the elements (Sun/Heat, Rain/Moisture etc.) these materials
begin to break down. By replacing the wiring whip every time you replace your
pump you are helping to maintain the integrity of your electrical system and
your new pump. This helps prevent moisture from entering the pump—a potential
hazard to both you and your pump. Just as water and electricity don’t mix,
neither should water and expensive electronics.
We have found that by following these two principles alone, 99% of the problems
related to installation material failure, and the subsequent damage caused to the
pump, can be avoided.
Magnolia's Friendly, Non-Commissioned Staff = Simply the Best!
We’ve been repairing, installing, cleaning and helping people maintain their pools for over 42 years. In this time we’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to run a successful organization and care for all of our amazing customers— it really is apparent that a great staff makes all the difference in the world. And that’s the purpose of this little note, we
just wanted to take a moment to brag about our friendly, non-commissioned
staff: They really are the best in the Pool Service and Supply Industry—In fact
they’re hands down the best staff in any Industry. We have handpicked our staff from the best of the best, of every field and
industry. Our staff’s backgrounds vary widely: from former military personnel
to mechanical and electrical engineers, artists and musicians to mountain
bikers and lawyers. Magnolia CEO, Grey Frandsen says, “Magnolia staff members are a rare breed. They actually
care deeply about our customers and about our mission. And with that,
they deliver a level of excellence I have yet to see in any other organization
I've led or been a part. We pride ourselves on our team-oriented environment,
but it starts with individuals who choose to be a part of this special
organization that places the organization above self. Pride is checked at
the door - and that's why, I believe, we've been successful in growing our
business model to new markets and locales.”
Here at Magnolia our staff provides expert service, technical advice and a
no-frills approach to pool supplies. No high-pressure or commission driven
sales—just great people with a passion for helping others keep their pools
perfect, in-season and out.
Magnolia Acquires Countdown Pool Supply in Los Angeles, CA
July 1, 2012. Magnolia's CEO, Grey Frandsen, announced today that Magnolia acquired Countdown Pool Supply in Los Angeles, CA. All Countdown staff are being retained and operations will be moved to Brea, CA and Newport Beach, CA.
Frandsen stated that "Countdown Pool Supply and countdownpoolsupply.com embodies exactly what it is that we find important in today's consumer market: a unique and adventurous approach; a lazer-like focus on customer satisfaction; and a fresh approach to what is often an old-fashioned industry. The Countdown team chooses 5 products each week by studying demand, shopping hard, buying directly or indirectly from a range of sources without regard to tradition, and nailing down true value for their customers. It's a beautiful model and customers are winning."
Countdownpoolsupply.com has served thousands of customers in less than its short life of four months. It specializes in pool pumps, pool heaters, pool cleaners, and other pool equipment. Countdown staff have developed a unique network of suppliers - from pool supply stores with excess inventory to large distributors - who fuel serious savings.
"Countdown's team is exceptionally creative and cutting edge and I've asked them to join Magnolia. Not to stop what they're doing, but to do more of it. To get bigger, stronger, and to keep pushing the edge. I want them to have a place to explore new markets and exchanges that will create better and better values for our customers and our industry," said Frandsen. "We welcome each of them into the Magnolia family and will share our bathrooms and break rooms, but that's about it. We want them to stay creative and continue to liberate technology so that pool owners around the country have the best pool equipment at the lowest price."
$500 Award to the 'Coolest Pool': Is Yours on the List? It Could Be!
Magnolia LOVES beautiful pools. Every pool should be beautiful. And we love sharing with people how to make the most of their pool. Now, frankly, not EVERY pool will be as beautiful as CNN's Top 15 Pools of the World (Click here for the CNN article), but Magnolia can offer you the same price and the same service that we provide many of the entries to the list you see here. Check out a few of our favorites (and we're not choosing based on who we supply):
If you want to share with us a photo of YOUR beautiful top 15 pool, send us an email to info@magnoliapools.com with "TOP 15" in the subject line. If you do so by July 15, and if our staff vote yours to be the top 15 of beautiful pools that we think are family friendly, welcoming, creative, and/or really cool, we'll give you a $500 gift certificate for anything on our site. Add in a cannon-balling 5-year-old or a bunch of friends all splashing in at the same time and that will earn big points.
Don't worry if your pool isn't like the one in Italy, Indonesia, or Los Angeles. Your own oasis is exactly that - your own. And we want to celebrate that. Forget the gas, the flights, the fancy guy with a funny hat at the door expecting a tip. Get your shorts or bikini on, walk out confidently into your backyard, and don't give a hoot about what anyone else thinks. Dive into your own pool's cool water that surrounds your body and washes away your worries, your stress, your job, your pain, or your yearnings to get away. Let the air bubbles flow up around you, and let the pool water hold you for a few seconds as the water settles.
Now, as you surface (imagine Deepak Chopra's voice bringing you back from meditation), push your hair back and wipe the clean water back from your eyes. Look around and see the smiling faces (or no faces at all). The water is wavy as you're in your pool. YOUR pool. Beautiful, clean, and ready for you to just float around, swim some laps, float some more, or dive down and pretend, despite the fact that you're 47, that you're a killer whale looking for some small fish to eat.
That is an oasis.
That is coolness.
That, our friends, is what having a pool is about.
Powered by Magnolia.
Take a picture of your oasis and e-mail it in. We will vote at our staff meeting on the 15th of July.
Creativity, fun, tranquility, and family-frinedliness is what we're seeking.
Press Release: Over 50% Of Magnolia Pools Staff Are Veterans
June 1, 2012, Riverside, CA.
Magnolia is known for its excellent staff - in stores, on the phones, and in the field. But it's a little known fact that 50% of Magnolia's employees are veterans of military service in one of the five branches of our defenses services or civilian national security services.
Says one senior staff member who served in the U.S. Navy for 9 years: "Our culture here is disciplined, mission-focused, and up-beat. All of our team members show up ready to serve, and we love our jobs. Better than that, we love our company and our customers. The culture here is exactly the type of culture that former military personnel love because it's filled with people who care, who perform, and who work in teams. We also have a little fun."
CEO Grey Frandsen adds to that by saying "we don't recruit former military personnel. They come to us and we love it. Our reputation for being an excellent organization is already out there and veterans fit perfectly. We also attract creative artists, musicians, mountain bikers, former lawyers, and other professionals who share one thing - the desire to be part of something special - which works 100% of the time."
Stopping short, though, Frandsen finished by saying "[b]ut don't think I don't challenge any willing staff to push-ups in some of our morning meetings."
Press Release on New Magnolia Store Openings
Hi friends - I thought you'd like to see what our corporate office released a few weeks ago. Our model of seeking out the best values for our customers works and we are excited to continue to expand our offerings. We hope you'll spread the word and share with us what makes us so special to you! Thanks again!
PRESSRELEASE
February 24, 2012
Magnolia Pool and Spa Supply Announces Plans To Open Up To 10 New Stores Over Next 18 Months
"Growth Model Builds on 42 Years of Excellence with 'Start-up' Approach"
San Diego, CA. Riverside, CA-based Magnolia Pool and Spa Supply announced today that its Board of Directors approved a plan for the opening of up to 10 new Customer Service Center locations throughout the Southwest portion of the United States over the next 18 months.
"We're building an excellent company - and we're expanding rapidly. But as we introduce our model into new markets, our primary focus remains on delivering the highest value to our customers and the best professional experience for our employees," said Grey Frandsen, CEO and managing partner of the company.
Magnolia currently operates seven full-service retail customer service centers in Southern California, including the famed original "Huntington Pool Supply" in Orange County, and a robust international e-commerce platform supported by call centers, distribution hubs, warehouses and corporate operations throughout seven states. Magnolia has been called the #1 fastest growing company in the industry by volume by two of the industry's largest suppliers.
"We credit our growth and our quality offerings to our incredible staff. We have 100% retention and we make no bones about ensuring that our staff must be focused completely on delivering the highest quality services to our customers" said Frandsen. "No exceptions allowed on my ship."
Its Board President, Harry Kurani,an industry icon and visionary in both the pool and international chemical commodity markets, noted today the benefits Magnolia brings with it as it invests in new stores, offices, and warehouses.
"Our growth benefits our customers, our employees, and our vendors. It also benefits local communities," said Kurani. "We're creating jobs as we invest in new markets and new demand for high-end pool, spa, and backyard products in professional environments," he said.
"We've also been a partner with every city and community we do business in - and we look forward to investing, learning, and growing with the next 10," said Kurani.
Magnolia is hiring at all levels into its infamous "boot camp", a challenging and often life-changing experience for individuals. Magnolia is seeking municipalities and partner cities for satellite corporate operations. Magnolia will likely add an additional 30+ employees in the next 6 months, and an additional 20 employees by year's end to support growing operations in all divisions in Southern California and neighboring states.
###
City or Press Contact: Aaron Lopez | Administrative Contact: Nick Geleng | General Manager: Steven Caddel
Just a quick note to our loyal Magnolia customers. In an effort to comply with Hayward's Minimum Advertising Policy (or, "MAP", which is an effort by a manufacturer to maintain a certain lowest allowable price advertised), Magnolia is no longer advertising our lowest Hayward prices online. We DO, however, have a LOW PRICE GUARANTEE on any item. Simply bring any item to us from a credible competitor with live staff, a physical location staffed 9-5, M-F, and that is a Hayward authorized dealer (like we are), and we'll meet or beat.
That's the Magnolia way. THANK YOU.
LED Lighting- Looks Great & Its Eco-Friendly
Check out these videos on the Pentair IntelliBrite 5g Color-changing LED Pool Lights. Up to 50% more efficient than other LED Pool Lights as well as up to 82% more efficient than the industry standard Incandescent pool lights.
Check out this cool video on the energy-saving benefits of variable-speed pool pumps.
Salt Water Chlorination- Saving You Money!
Here at Magnolia Pool Supply we've made it our mission to search out new, Eco-friendly technology that makes pool maintenance as simple and cost effective as possible. We then pass this knowledge on to you because we love to save you money!
Did you know that there is a tried-and-true technology on the market that could save you over 50% in yearly maintenance costs?
As a pool owner it's likely that you've heard about salt water chlorination. It's even likely that you know someone with a salt water pool, but you have yet to jump on the salt water bandwagon because you've written it off as a 'fad.'
We'd like to assure you that salt water is so much more than a fad--it really is the most cost effective way to chlorinate your pool!
But you're like us - you want to see the numbers!
Over the last 40+ years we've literally serviced tens of thousands of residential and commercial pools. We've taken all that experience and used it to determine how much money it really takes to maintain proper pool chemistry.
The average pool owner with a 20,000 gallon pool will spend approximately $600 a year in chlorine tablets and soda ash; and the cost is even higher for those who use granular or liquid chlorine.
The average pool owner with a 20,000 gallon salt water pool will spend approximately $180 a year in acid, salt, and stabilizer. Add in $100 a year in salt cell replacement cost (replaced once every five years for right around $499) and we're at around $280 a year.
That's a savings of $320 a year, or a savings of $1600 every five years!!!
When you factor the money saved with salt water's other benefits: ease of use, less irritating to skin and eyes, etc.; it's clear that salt water is the prudent choice in swimming pool sanitation.
Several of the most trusted brands in the pool industry manufacture high quality salt water chlorination systems. Follow the link below to peruse salt systems by Pentair, Hayward and Jandy.
***As a note, salt water chlorination is best suited to the warmer climate of states located in the Sun Belt and is not recommended for the northern states.***
VSP's = Real Green (both kinds!)
Did you know that your pool pump uses more electricity than any other home appliance?
Depending on where you live, your pool pump may be costing you as much as $0.70 an hour to run.
What does that look like for you the pool owner?
$0.70/hr X 10 hrs/day X 365 days = $2,555/year.
That's a pretty big chunk o' change!
So, what would you say if we told you that you could save 30 - 90% on your annual electric bill?
If you're anything like us--and we're sure you are--you'd jump at the chance to hang on to some of your hard earned cash!!!
Variable Speed Pumps
Recent developments have led to far greater energy efficiency in pumps than the pool industry has ever seen before. These pumps utilize hybrid vehicle technology--super-efficient permanent magnet, totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motor's--as well as variable speed controls and improved hydraulic design.
Depending on where you live, a Variable Speed Pump, on low speed, could cost you as little as $0.10 an hour to run.
$.10/hr X 10 hrs/day X 365 days = $365/year
That's a savings of $2,190 or nearly 86%!
If the savings isn't enough, Variable Speed Pumps are the Eco-Friendly option-- drastically reducing your carbon footprint!
Now that's the sort of thing all of us at Magnolia Pool Supply like to get excited about!
A Magnolia favorite is the Hayward EcoStar Variable Speed Pump--it's amazingly versatile with the ability to match the flow demands of any pool, no matter how large!
Follow this link to see more information on the Hayward EcoStar: Click Here
Magnolia in the Community
The Magnolia Pool Supply Team is always very happy to support YMCAs and YWCAs throughout the country.
From our hometown of Riverside, CA to Wisconsin, New York, and Florida--Magnolia provides YMCA and YWCApools, swim-spas, work-out spas, whirlpools, and swimming competition pools the pool chemicals, pool supplies, pumps, filters, and heaters they need to stay safe, fun, and ready for the community.
Magnolia is also proud to be a financial contributor to YMCA and YWCAs.
Yeah! Magnolia donates funds to high school and junior swim teams throughout the country.
If you are a parent, booster, coach, or teacher/administrator and help manage your school's swim team, and would like to request an enrichment grant, please fill out a grant application and submit it to nick@magnoliapools.com.
Magnolia typically funds uniforms, safety training, basic training equipment, and certain types of competition fees and/or travel stipends up to $500.
Funds are not unlimited, so apply early.
Due by Dec 31, 2011.
Polar Bear Plunge
For our serious swimmer friends:
A select group of Magnolia staffers enjoy swimming in the ocean during the winter. Strange, we know.
But we thought we'd send out an invite to our customers to share the coldest water they've experienced - if only to help prove that some of our team members are really nuts about swimming!
Shoot us an E-mail and you're story might end up here on our website
Nick@magnoliapools.com
Recycling is Eco-Friendly
Did you know?
Magnolia recycles over 100,000 lbs of copper every 6 months!
We're working to pull old, inefficient technology out of swimming pools and replace it with efficient, green, and energy-saving technology.
We're just doing our part to save consumers money and to protect our earth's precious resources.
More than an Idea
Did you know that Magnolia's CEO runs marathons, swims long distances, and rides his bike strangely long distances?
So we asked him why at one of our last team meetings.
He answered in typical Grey Frandsen fashion: "because it takes more than the idea to get it done."
He also says that during staff meetings about building our company.
We're more than just a quick jog around the block (or latest internet start-up). "We're focused on building an excellent company for the long-run. And our customers know that with each and every interaction with our excellent staff."
Safety first, people.
Please take a moment to read this press release from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, on water safety:
Alvord Educational Foundation Receives $5,000 Grant
The Magnolia Team is very proud of the Alvord Educational Foundation for receiving a $5,000+ grant from the Boeing Foundation for new biology and science lab equipment.
Magnolia's staff supports the Alvord Educational Foundation and continues to advocate for enrichment programs in classrooms and on campuses.
Did you know Magnolia recycles over 400,000 plastic cases from its customers each year?
We ask our customers for a $5 deposit, which they gladly pay, and which we gladly give back when they're done, so we can ensure the cases are recycled appropriately.
Magnolia + Customers = 75 miles of plastic cases saved from landfills each year.
COOL!
Winterization
It's Eco-friendly and doing it properly can deliver BIG results! It drastically reduces:
Pool water evaporation. Chemicals usage. Energy usage.
It also reduces strain on your Pump, Filter, and Heater-- giving you extended equipment life.
What does this mean for you, you ask?
$$ BIG SAVINGS $$
We're talking the better part of $1000, EVERY YEAR! Come into one of our 7 great locations, or give us a call, to ask us how. 951-643-7345
Another Great Customer Comment!
Directly from customer Dennis Wiggins, Sr. > we LOVE this kind of feedback!
Adam,
I want to Thank You for your help with my recent pool pump motor purchase. You were not only courteous and knowledgeable, but also willing to take the time to procure special shipping arrangements to ensure expedited delivery. You have exemplified Outstanding Customer Service. You have saved the day!!!
Thanks Again, Dennis Wiggins, Sr
Eco-Dave Says Clean that Filter!
Friends - it's me, Eco-Dave. As Magnolia's go-to guy for "green" pool advice, here's a big tip for this time of year: clean your filter!
Nothing does more to help free up your water flow, improve water quality, reduce the need for chemicals, and save electricity used by your pump. I know, I know. It stinks. Literally. It's dirty and not fun. BUT, by keeping your filter healthy you'll help keep your pool healthy and use less electricity. So make the investment.
Magnolia in the Community
Magnolia has a long and proud tradition of serving the communities in which we operate.
In the last two weeks, our team has supported two fantastic events: the first annual Thinking Moms Charity Tasting Tour in historic downtown Riverside in support of Operation Safehouse; and the Alvord Unified School District "Science and Technology Festival" (21st century science fair).
Congrats to all involved in making these two events absolute successes, and a big thanks to our customers for allowing us to make such vital investments in our communities.
Big or Little - Our Customers Get 5-Star Treatment
"Magnolia treated us like we were the only customers on earth," and "It was only a pump replacement but they swept down the pool deck and added chlorine - at no cost!" are things we hear constantly. Some of our customers often mention that we treat them as if they're guests at a luxury hotel.
Hmmm. Wonder why that is?
Most folks don't know that we support a huge range of commercial and public aquatic facilities (like large hotels or casinos) with service, supplies, consulting and emergency services.
In the last ten days, for example, we've served four- and five-star hotels, golf clubs, yacht clubs, casinos, HOAs, schools, universities, public parks, cities, and YMCAs and YWCAs. And that's just a sampling.
Each facility chooses the Magnolia team because of its professionalism, timeliness, and ability to address the small and big things.
So if you are curious as to why you are treated like you're a five-star hotel guest, you'll know why ;)
Magnolia's Pool Service Sets New Standards
"The Pool Guy." We know. You almost shutter when you hear the phrase.
And for good reason. The typical stereotype of a pool service "guy" - known fondly as "the pool guy", "pool dude", or simply "Dude" - includes a three-day old beard, a ratty t-shirt, a strong stench, a dirty truck, and a cell-phone that may or may not pick up when you call.
We're changing that image by providing the highest quality pool service available in Southern California.
In the large areas we serve, our pool technicians represent the most professional members of our industry. Our pool service customers are sure to have a friendly, clean, knowledgeable, and responsive Magnolia Team member in their backyard each week.
But it gets better. We take pool service to the next level. Here is what our pool service customers receive:
Mutli-point inspection each week, documented;
Email updates on the pool condition, with images;
One full-time account coordinator to handle any customer need at any time;
Special early-bird pricing on new technology and equipment;
First-dibs on bulk-orders or blow-out inventory;
Discounts on repair or replacement items;
Full documentation of pool care each week, including a report and photographs; and
Someone watching, inspecting, maintaining and repairing equipment without hassle.
There are lots of other great benefits to being a pool service customer.
But the feedback we get most? It's fun being a Magnolia customer and part of the Magnolia family. Once you're a customer of ours, we take care of you and treat you like a family member.
So whether you need our platinum service package, our gold package, or our basic chemical service, we look forward to welcoming you to the Magnolia family.
To learn more, call (951)656-1785 or contact your nearest Magnolia location.
