What Pool and Spa Pros Can Be Grateful for this Thanksgiving—And Beyond

Pandemic relief funds. The government pumped about $9 trillion into the economy since the pandemic, according to the COVID money tracker, giving pool and spa pros needed relief funding—and homeowners more money than ever. At the same time, the lockdown gave homeowners a new appreciation for their outdoor spaces, leading to an investment boom in outdoor living from new construction to renovation. The result: pros across the nation typically have more work than ever. In fact, most pros have a backlog of work of more than three months, according to PHTA.  More good news: Homeowners will continue investing in their outdoor space into 2022 and beyond, according to research from Hayward.

Infrastructure funding. After months of wrangling, Congress finally passed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure spending bill, which AGC and other organizations are celebrating the immediate boost to pros—and the promise of finally untangling the supply chain. Pool and spa pros stand to benefit significantly from the bill as well. Sec. 40551 provides $3.5 billion for a weatherization assistance program, which would include pools and spa. Sec. 40542. Energy efficiency materials pilot program provides $50 million specifically for efficiency improvements such as variable speed pumps and high-efficiency heaters.

Industry peers and partners. One of the best things about the pool and spa industry is its focus on family. That focus often starts at the business level with family-owned firms that are passed down from generation to generation. But it continues on to customers who see their outdoor living space as a way to strengthen family connections as well. The most successful pool and spa pros take that family spirit into their relationships with employees, customers and vendors creating a virtuous circle of togetherness that makes many pool pros feel like they have a wide extended family of friendship, mentorship, love and support when it counts most.

Write a thank-you note. You can make yourself happier and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a thank-you letter or email expressing your enjoyment and appreciation of that person's impact on your life. Send it, or better yet, deliver and read it in person if possible. Make a habit of sending at least one gratitude letter a month. Once in a while, write one to yourself.

Thank someone mentally. No time to write? It may help just to think about someone who has done something nice for you, and mentally thank the individual.

Keep a gratitude journal. Make it a habit to write down or share with a loved one thoughts about the gifts you've received each day.

Count your blessings. Pick a time every week to sit down and write about your blessings — reflecting on what went right or what you are grateful for. Sometimes it helps to pick a number — such as three to five things — that you will identify each week. As you write, be specific and think about the sensations you felt when something good happened to you.

Pray. People who are religious can use prayer to cultivate gratitude.

Meditate. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. Although people often focus on a word or phrase (such as "peace"), it is also possible to focus on what you're grateful for (the warmth of the sun, a pleasant sound, etc.).