Advantage PORTAVAC 2022 Version - An Equipment Pad on a Dolly!

 The PORTAVAC by Advantage Manufacturing is a self-contained portable filtration system that can be used for a great many swimming pool applications including green pool clean-ups, onetime clean-ups, dirt evacuation, portable pad for non-functioning equipment, and more. The best way to describe it to you is that the PORTAVAC is like having your pool equipment on a dolly that you can move around. This means that you do not need to rely on the pool equipment at your house, resort, or on your pool route. Simply connect your manual vacuum hose and vacuum out a pool directly from the PORTAVAC

Here are some specs on the PORTAVAC directly from the manufacturer:

1.5 HP self-priming pump with oversized trap

150 sq. Ft. cartridge filter

35' of 12 gauge insulated cord

Heavy-duty tubed tires

Rugged 0.090 wall steel

Powder-coated finish

On/Off switch with GFI

The PORTAVAC uses a 150 sq ft cartridge filter so it traps dirt and debris down to about 10 or 15 microns. This means that the PORTAVAC will pick up very fine dust, sand, and algae dust where the other types of vacuums fail at this. You would use your standard pool vacuum head and a 1.5” pool hose attached to the PORTAVAC to pick up the dirt and debris. Figure that your standard cartridge filter is 320 sq ft to 450 sq ft and you only clean those every 4-6 months and you get the idea of how much dirt a 150 sq ft filter can hold. I would doubt if it didn't last you the complete day or days of vacuuming.

This latest version for 2022 now includes a handy 3-way valve so that you can easily vacuum to “Waste Mode.” For green pool clean-ups, this is a great added feature. This makes vacuuming any pool where you don’t want the water to go back in a breeze. Simply connect a backwash hose or pool house to the discharge on the 3-way valve and place it near a drain or wherever you want the water to drain off. 

I have been using the PORTAVAC to vacuum out the pools on my route and it is working perfectly. The cart has special go-cart wheels on it so you can easily pull it with one hand. It is so well balanced that even pulling it up a grass hill with one hand there is no fear of it tipping to one side. I wrap my pool hose around the PORTAVAC and carry my pole and vacuum head in my other hand.  

I have several pools on my route that get a lot of dirt and dust in the pool each week. To save on the pool filter the PORTAVAC comes in very handy. I also have several pools with very poor suction which makes vacuuming them out a real challenge when using the pool equipment. The PORTAVAC makes my life simple and easy. The fact that it attaches to a hitch on the back of my truck for easy transport makes this a must-have vacuum system for your pool route.

If you are a homeowner and have a pool that gets a lot of dirt and sand each week, you may want to consider investing in one of these. They make less expensive models that don't need to be transported on a service truck. The same goes for hotels and Resorts that get a lot of use or are constantly dirty. This is a great way to save time and also save on the wear and tear of your pool's filtration system. To learn more about the other portable vacuum models available click on the link below.

To learn more or to order yours today: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/portavac-advantage-manufacturing

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

PoolRx+ Will Save you 30% or More on Your Swimming Pool's Chlorine Use!

PoolRx+ is a simple way to keep your pool algae-free all season long. It is also effective in cleaning a green pool and a side benefit of the product is that you will use less chlorine in the pool all season long. 

PoolRx is a Mineral Technology that does two very simple things when used in your pool or spa; it eliminates all algae and will allow you to use less chlorine during the pool season. The active ingredient is Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate and silver (chelated).

 

What Chelated means is that the metals in the PoolRx have been bonded to form two coordinated bonds similar to what Metal Sequestering Agents do. This means that the Metal ions will remain in the PoolRx unit with no metal ions being introduced into the pool or spa water. This prevents any metal staining on the pool surface

 

Make sure that you choose the right size PoolRx+ unit so that the treatment will be effective. You can place it either in your skimmer or pump basket. When you first insert the unit run your pool for 3-4 hours. Then run it the normal cycle to get at least one full cycle of water from the pool, into the filter, and back into the pool again. The PoolRx+ unit should last 4-6 months.

 

PoolRx+ is ideal for a saltwater pool also. It will extend the life of your salt cell as you run the system at a lower output while PoolRx is present in the pool, typically 50% less output. PoolRx+ minerals also include a de-scaler that will prevent scale from attaching to the salt cell meaning less cleaning of the cell is needed. Also since it is generating less, the pH won't rise as high requiring less acid to be added to the pool. 

 

Using the PoolRX on your pool route will save you time and money. The manufacturer's claim of saving 20-30% on chemical cost is not far-fetched and once you try a PoolRx in one of your accounts you will be amazed! With thousands of reviews, online this is a true 5-star rated product.

PoolRx is a Mineral Technology that does two very simple things when used in your pool or spa; it eliminates all algae and will allow you to use less chlorine during the pool season. The active ingredient is Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate (chelated).

If you are a Pool Service Professional and need the form letters to help sell PoolRx to your customers go to their website and register your business or use the password below.

Password: Profits

Login:  http://poolrx.com/commercial-section/

Here is a sample of the letters on their site:

“Dear Valued Customer,

As your service company, we are always striving to provide the best service possible using the most updated methods and products available.  Every once in a while, a product comes along that will increase the quality of the service we can provide at a minimal cost. 

PoolRx is that product.

Key Benefits of the PoolRx Mineral Unit:

• Improves the look and feel of your water

• Eliminates all Algae for up to 6 months

• May allow us to reduce your chlorine usage

*Case by case basis

• Prolongs the life of your salt cell

*If applicable

• Minerals are always working in the water,    even when your chlorine levels drop

• No equipment modification.  We place the unit in your skimmer or pump basket.

We maintain and service your pool once per week.  What we like about PoolRx is that the minerals are always working in your water, even when we can’t be.  

With PoolRx you will experience cleaner, clearer, healthier water all season long.  

We charge $65.00 for the PoolRx Mineral Unit.

If this would be of interest to you, please let us know. 

Best Regards,

Your name or company name

Your company email

Your company phone number

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

 

The Truths and Myths of Buying a Pool Route with Scott Roberts of NPRS

 One way to break into the swimming pool industry is to purchase a pool route. But there are a lot of misconceptions about purchasing a pool route. I did a series of podcasts last year with Scott Roberts which touches on a lot of these aspects in more detail.

Buying a pool route is not like buying a business such as a fast-food restaurant or market per se and you are buying the income the route generates and not a physical business. I spend a week with Scott Roberts of National Pool Route Sales (NPRS) and he goes deep into what buying or selling a pool route is all about. 

The Ins and Outs of Purchasing a Pool Route with Scott Roberts of NPRS (Episode 655)

https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/8752413

What Exactly is a Pool Route and What am I buying? With Scott Roberts of NPRS (Episode 656)

https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/8752675

How Do I Get Trained When I Buy a Pool Route? With Scott Roberts of NPRS (Episode 657)

https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/8752775

Is the Pool Industry a Good Industry to Get into? With Scott Roberts of NPRS 

(Episode 658)

https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/8707839

Keys to Success in Owning a Pool Route with Scott Roberts of NPRS (Episode 659)

https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/8753371

You can learn more on their site: https://poolroutesales.com/

What exactly are you buying when your purchase a pool route? According to Scott Roberts, you are in all intent and purposes buying the monthly income. Just like you would if you bought a lawn service company or house cleaning company. There is no physical business unless the pool company for sale has a retail outlet which is not common. The purchase consists of pools on the service route for sale that is generating an income of some type. You are not buying a physical business then but the income of that route itself.

As Scott mentioned in the podcast NPRS does hold back money in escrow for 90 days so if you lose some accounts, not due to any errors or bad service practices, those accounts will be replaced or refunded. I am sure the guarantee is specific to situations out of your control and course, you will have to contact NPRS for the full details. But since you are buying an income that income needs to be the same after 90 days. Again, this is a bit odd as you are not buying a physical business but the income from the pool route you purchase.

Is buying a pool route a good idea for you? I think several reasons are good to purchase one. Instant income. Seller training. A tight route. A well-established business. And the list goes on. There are some downsides as well. High cost of the route. Lack of experience. Unknowns and uncertainties of getting into a new industry. And the list here can go on here as well. 

The bottom line is that if you don’t think you can build up a viable pool service route within a year, buying a route may be a good option. It is up to you to do the research in your area to see which option is best for you as every service area is different. I would contact Scott directly to talk about your options.

Scott Roberts

Florida Sales Agent

Florida Real Estate License #SL3355680

National Pool Route Sales, LLC.

(561) 708-4744 (My Direct Office - no text available here)

Email: Scott@poolroutesales.com

Here is more about NPRS:

OUR SERVICES

National Pool Route Sale’s customers are supported by our ongoing marketing and management program, The Millionaire Pool Man. This free program is available to our clients through an online portal after the purchase of your route. There is where all your questions about best practices for maximizing growth and profitability are answered.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT US

Charles Baird is the Founder of National Pool Route Sales, Inc. (NPRS), a brokerage for pool service and repair companies. Mr. Baird has sold and consulted for more than 15,000 pool service companies over the past 40 years. He is the author of The Millionaire Pool Man Program which includes: The Millionaire Pool Man Management Guide and The Millionaire Pool Man Marketing Guide, both are considered the premier business tools for an individual entering the pool service and repair industry. Mr. Baird is a Licensed Real Estate Broker in multiple states.

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

Run Away Inflation, Mega Pool Companies and the State of the Pool Industry with Scott Roberts of NPRS

 Scott Roberts from National Pool Route Sales (NPRS) started as a pool service professional and ran a large route in Florida for over 6 years. His background in business also includes owning and running other small businesses before he settled in as a Pool Route Broker. You can reach Scott at his office number or through email.

 NPRS: www.poolroutesales.com

(561) 708-4744 (My Direct Office - no text available here)

Email: Scott@poolroutesales.com

Buying a pool route to get started in the industry is not a bad idea, nor is buying a partial route to expand if you have the cash to do it. You will get a jump start on your business and instant income in your pocket. When jumping into any industry you need to be aware of the current events and in the Pool Industry inflation, competition, and fining labor are the big three.

The annual inflation rate in the US accelerated to 7% in the last month of 2021, a fresh high since June of 1982, the highest level in almost 50 years. What does this mean for the swimming pool industry? It means price increases on some products and chemicals of over 100%. In layman's terms, the price for many things has doubled and prices are approaching tripling in 2022. A 50 lbs bucket of tablets in 2020 retailed for $130, sometimes you could get it for $110.00.  Prices are approaching $300 in 2022. Will prices ever drop? Maybe a little but has the price of gas dropped back to $1.50 in your area, ever? I am going to say they may pull back some but never back to the levels before 2021.

If you take the construction industry as an example, lumber prices skyrocketed and pulled back about 20% from their peak. But the cost of drywall and windows has gone up as well as labor. In 2019  a thousand board ft of spruce 2x4 lumber was $499. At the peak, it was selling for $1,288. This caused the price of a 1,700 sq ft home in Southern California for a new build minus the lot to go from $280,000 in 2019 to $395,000 in 2022 - if you break ground today. And even with a drop of 20-30% in lumber cost that 1,700 sq ft house still cost $395,000 to build because the cost of labor and finishing materials has gone up. My contractor said even if lumber went back down to 2019 levels, the cost would only drop fractionally because all other costs remain high. 

All I am saying is that if you think prices will drop back to the 2020 levels in the swimming pool industry they likely will not. Higher prices are here to stay in one form or another. It is the new normal. 

The swimming pool service sector is being squeezed from two sides now. In the last couple of years, National Pool Partners (NPP) has been buying up large pool service companies and merging them into giant regional pool service companies sometimes taking over entire communities. Now PoolCorp has thrown its hat into the pool service arena by their recent purchase of the Pinch A Penny franchise parent company Porpoise Pool & Patio Inc, and Sun Wholesale Supply Inc. 

What does all of this mean for your pool service company? That all depends on your region and company size but in a nutshell, these two entities are going to create more cooperate-run competition for you. NPP is expanding mainly in employer-friendly states like Florida and Texas and they are actively purchasing large pool companies with 1,000 or 2,000 or more accounts. Gobbling up the big fish companies in the areas they operate in. But NPP is not a discount pool service and they will be charging premium rates. Think Terminix vs your local mom and pop pest control.

Finding anyone good to work for any particular company in any particular industry is difficult right now. Will things ease up? I think they will. The pool service industry has a lot to offer. Great pay, great hours, weekends off, holidays off, and more. Once you learn the job it becomes very easy to keep a pool blue and safe to swim in. I think the best way to recruit an employee is by constantly reinforcing the benefits of being a pool service tech. 

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

Ways to Save Money on the High Cost of Chlorine

With chlorine prices reaching an all-time high with inflated prices of 20% to even over 100% you will be losing money in your pool service business unless you take action now. Price increases are a great way to offset these costs and over 64% of the business of all types across the US have raised prices on their customers. Another way you can save on chlorine is by adding an enhancer to every pool on your route.

There probably is no industry standard when referring to the following products but I like to call them enhancers since they enhance the effectiveness of the chlorine in a pool. I've heard the term chlorine enhancer used and that is a good way to look at these products. Adding one or more of these enhancers will allow you to use less chlorine, thereby lowering your overall chemical cost out on your pool route. 

Starbucks was sued a couple of years ago because someone was smart enough to realize that their Iced Caramel Macchiato (Venti) 24 oz drink contained ice which made the amount of coffee and other ingredients less than the 24 oz size. They eventually lost because the ice would melt and add to the 24 0z size eventually. So think of an enhancer as “ice” in a pool. A filler so to speak to stretch out the amount of chlorine you will use. Just as Starbucks uses less coffee and milk in their drinks by adding ice. Let's go over each enhancer briefly and you can use any one or multiple combinations of these to make the Free Chlorine in a pool last longer.

Phosphate and Enzymes:

This one-two punch can be highly effective in allowing the chlorine to work in the pool on the things it was intended to and not be “used up” by phosphates and non-living organics.

Instead of getting technical and trying to teach a science class explaining how enzymes work, we will try to break it down more simply. Enzymes break non-living things down into smaller and smaller bits. Many non-living things are in pool and spa water; body oils, sweat, cosmetics, and sunscreens to name a few. This frees up the chlorine to work on the things it was intended to fight like viruses and bacteria instead of being wasted on these non-living organics. 

Phosphate reducers are specialty chemicals used to remove phosphates from pool water. They are typically salts of aluminum or lanthanum which, when added to water, produce insoluble phosphate compounds which are removed through filtration, vacuuming, or both. Creates an ION exchange causing the phosphates to drop and they can be vacuumed and filtered out of the pool. Phosphates are food for algae and by eliminating them from the water you eliminate at least one major food source for algae. This will prevent algae growth which is a big reason why the chlorine level drops rapidly in some pools. 

PoolRX and Mineral Systems:

Using the PoolRX on your pool route will save you time and money. The manufacturer's claim of saving 20-30% on chemical cost is not far-fetched and once you try a PoolRx in one of your accounts you will be surprised by how effective it is.

PoolRx is a Mineral Technology that does two very simple things when used in your pool or spa; it eliminates all algae and will allow you to use less chlorine during the pool season. The active ingredient is Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate (chelated).

By eliminating algae growth the chlorine is automatically freed up and will last longer in a pool. Mineral technologies like the Frog and Nature2 also use minerals (metals) to prevent algae. 

Borates:

The Borate in the water at 50 ppm helps reduce chlorine usage by eliminating Carbon Dioxide and also by keeping the pH stable. Chlorine lasts longer when the pH is right at 7.6-7.8. When the chlorine is in the ideal range the killing element in chlorine the HOCI is at the most balanced percentage so the chlorine in a pool with a pH of 7.4 is 30% more effective than in a pool with a pH of 8.0. This is a big factor in creating the safest swim environment and the borates will keep the pH much more stable and in turn, make the chlorine much more effective.

The pH won't change much in a pool with Borate in it. So, if you have a Salt Water Pool this is a must since the pH tends to rise dramatically. In fact, in a Salt Water Pool the pH can rise to over 8.4 very rapidly. You will find yourself putting tons of acid in each week just to keep the pH below 7.8. With borates in the pool, the pH will be stable and easy to control.  It is a must for a pool with a Salt Water Generator. It also will keep your salt cell from building up calcium rapidly since it sequesters the Calcium in the water. This means the salt cell will remain clean and your salt system will run much more efficiently.

Boric Acid is a known Biostat. This prevents the algae cell from forming and multiplying. Thus, a pool with a Borate level between 30-50 ppm will prevent algae growth. Since borate prevents the algae cell from growing, algae blooms will be a thing of the past. No more algaecides or shocking the pool, algae just won’t grow in your pool any longer.

Any one of these or a combination of these will save you money on your pool route by reducing the amount of chlorine you will be using from week to week. With chlorine at such high prices, it just makes sense to use an enhancer to offset the cost. You can charge the customer for the product and even if absorb some or all of the cost you will be saving money on your chemical cost each week. 

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

Professional Swimming Pool Service Cart by Advantage Manufacturing

Advantage service carts are perfect for carrying your professional supplies from service stop to service stop. With its rugged wall construction and heavy-duty tubed tires, you will never have to worry about lugging around your unorganized heap of chemicals and supplies again. If you are looking to save time and more importantly save wear and tear on your body, a service cart is a way to go.

A nod to T.Dula who created these service carts. The concept is solid and if you are tired of going back and forth to your service truck a service cart is the way to go. Advantage Manufacturing has been making these carts for several years now and I recently got my hands on one to test out. I must say that the service cart is a solid product with lots of great features. You can order online or call them to get a cart custom made for you. The turnaround time for a custom cart is less than a week. For example, if you wanted the test kit holder to fit a Taylor K-2006 kit, you can request that. 

SERVICE CART CAN HOLD

Test kit

Brush attachments

3 quarts of algicide

50 feet of flexible suction hose

Tile brush

Telescopic pole

Full case of chlorine

Along with the service cart, you will need the hitch that is also made by Advantage Manufacturing. This allows you to transport the service cart on the back of your truck or van without having to lift it in. You can order both the cart and hitch from the link below or by calling 800-636-8866 and ask for Josh or Eben. If you are interested in the T-Bar mount also shown in this video you can order that from Advantage as well.

 

To order: https://www.advantageman.com/category_s/400.htm

The cart is also the perfect width to fit in most gates and the large wheels make it very easy to pull up and downstairs. I wouldn’t try to go down a flight of stairs with the cart, but a pool with one or two stairs is no problem at all for the cart. It is also extremely well balanced and once you park it next to the pool it will not roll forward or tip over. There are just so many advantages to the service cart and not having to lug all of your chemicals and cleaning tools back to each stop is just one of many.

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

Educating Your Service Clients About a Wind Event and Their Pool Clean-Up Process

Educating the clients on your pool service route before a major wind event is critical. You must lower their expectations or assumptions that their pool will be cleaned up in one visit. Many clients will assume that since they pay you to maintain and clean their pool you will spend 2 hours at their account to get things cleaned up. That is just an impossible expectation and with a service, agreement spelling out what they should expect in a major wind event you are off the hook.

A strategy that I implement is letting the customer know that if they can skim the surface and empty the skimmer basket I will vacuum up the pool bottom, thus speeding up the cleanup. Having a pole and leaf rake at every one of your service accounts is essential. That way the client can pitch in during a major wind event. About 80% of my current clients will skim the pool surface the day after a wind storm. This makes it easy for me to get the pool back in shape with my vacuum system.

Speaking of which if you don’t have a vacuum system and you service a wind-prone area, get one. There should be no reason except economic hardship preventing you from purchasing a Riptide or Bottom Feeder. A vacuum system is a real game-changer and instead of dreading the after-effects of a wind storm, you will just be mildly irritated. If you haven’t used a vacuum system you are missing out. 

For the pool service professional, you will need to set a timer for each pool for 25-30 minutes. If you spend less time at another account you can use the time for your current stop. But realistically with the short amount of sunlight in the Winter, you will not be able to complete your route each day if you spend 50 minutes to an hour at each pool. Besides that it is exhausting and you could hurt yourself by trying to do too much each day. Explain to your customers that your priority the first stop after a wind event is to skim the surface and get the pool running. 

Week two is when you focus on the pool bottom. It may be covered in leaf debris, dirt, and ash. Your focus should be to remove the leaves and debris from the bottom and not worry about the dirt and ash. I highly suggest investing in a Vacuum System like the Bottom Feeder, Power Vac, Riptide, or Hammer-Head Vacuum System. It is a major expense but will pay off greatly in a situation like a Santa Ana wind event. 

The dirt and ash present another problem and I suggest using some type of Portable Filtration System or Portable Pump. Here in So Cal most of the pool filters are either Cartridge filters or D.E. Filters with only a Push/Pull Backwash Valve. Very few accounts have a Multi-Port Valve with a “Waste” mode where you can vacuum the pool and bypass the filter. This means that all of the dirt and ash will have to be vacuumed up and go directly into the pool filter. Then you will have to take the filter apart and clean it which takes time. Better to vacuum the pool out with a Portable Pump which is easy to build or invest in a Portable Filtration System like the PORTAVAC by Advantage Manufacturing. 

It is a good idea again to have a Service Contract so that your customers are aware that the Santa Ana winds are an “act of God” and out of your control. Also, explain the clean-up process in the contract so that they are aware you can't spend hours each week cleaning up the pool. The Podcast goes over this and more in greater detail so listen to for more detailed information. If you would like a copy of my one-page service contract email me at david@swimmingpoollearning.com and I will get one over to you.

Products are shown in order in appearance in the video:

Purity Pool SUPERRAKE: https://amzn.to/3H3uCdp

Bottom Feeder: https://bit.ly/3FUUdE1

Riptide: https://www.riptidevac.com/

Power Vac: https://powervac.com/

Hammer-Head: https://www.hammerheadvac.com/

PORTAVAC: https://www.advantageman.com/Portable_Vacuum_System_p/adm_portavac.htm

Advantage Manufacturing T-Bar Mount: 1-800-636-8866

Purity Pole GATOR Leaf Rake: https://amzn.to/33O6P2w

Bottom Feeder Service Cart: 1-800-636-8866

Honda Ridgeline (Awesome Truck!): https://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

Is the Honda Ridgeline a Good Work Truck?

Before I settled on the Honda Ridgeline I test drove several trucks. I was very familiar with the Nissan Frontier having driven one for over 15 years. I am the type who likes to drive their trucks into the ground and I achieved that with my Frontier. After the drive the new Ford Ranger, Ford F150, Jeep Gladiator, and Chevy Colorado, the Ridgeline just was a better all-around truck.

The Ridgeline is consistently ranked #1 in its class and before I purchased mine I test drove different new and used Ridgeline models. I also researched the best year and trim level to purchase and the 2019 RTL-T was ranked the best Ridgeline year and trim from 2017 to 2022. I rarely buy a new vehicle and suggest you let someone else take the hit on a new truck purchase. 

With only 35,000 miles on the truck, I purchased I think the engine was barely breaking in. I also got it $3,000 below Bluebook and since I pay cash for all of my vehicles and write it off on my taxes as a capital expenditure the price technically was even lower than the $29,990 sticker price. $3,000 off from the dealer - $7,000 saved in finance charges and a tax write-off on the value over the next 5 years equals significant savings taking the true price of the truck to under $10,000.  

Here are some key stats that were in the video. The Ridgeline is a large compact truck with really good dimensions:

17.5 ft Long  x 6.5 ft Wide x 5.9 ft High 

The Bed is 6 ft long but more importantly, it is just 52” tall so you can easily reach over and grab items out even if you are shorter like me at 5 ft 7” tall.

The truck has a capacity of 7.3 Cubic ft or as I stated it can hold 52 gallons of water – so it is quite large.

Drawbacks:

The fuel tank is relatively small at 19.5 gallons. Since it only averages 20 miles to a gallon 

19.5 x 20 mpg you can safely drive about 380 miles in between fill-ups (leaving a 0.5-gallon cushion). The truck will warn you when you are running low on fuel.

Another drawback is the rear doors don’t flair out far enough or open as wide as the front doors. So you really can’t get large boxes or large items into the backseat area. I am used to my Nissan Frontier where the rear doors opened much wider. 

The nine-speed transmission is adequate for sure but you won’t be winning any street races with the Ridgeline. Truthfully it drives much more like an SUV than a truck. A good thing in my opinion but many feel it is not a Man’s truck. 

No blind spot sensors/warning in the mirrors unless you get the top trim version. For a starting MSRP of $42,000, I think the blind spot flashing lights in the mirrors should be included. 

Overall after driving the Ridgeline for 5 months now, I can surely say it is one of the most comfortable trucks, no, one of the most comfortable vehicles that I have ever driven. So many simple comfort points like the armrest in the center to the comfortable seats. The roomy interior to the trunk in the bed all makes this the best truck you can buy for pool service in my book. 

Shown in this video on the back of the truck are the Advantage Manufacturing PORTAVAC, Pressional Service Cart, Bottom Feeder Cart, Hitch, and T-Bar Mount. All can be ordered from advantage manufacturing https://www.advantageman.com/default.asp

Call: 1-800-636-8866

To order the Industry Keychains: https://www.etsy.com/shop/3DPoolPrints?ref=search_shop_redirect

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/