Skimmer is one of the most recognized pool service software platforms in the industry. It offers helpful route management tools and a technician app that’s easy to use. For smaller companies just transitioning off pen-and-paper, Skimmer is a great starting point.
🧱 Introduction: When Growth Outpaces Your Tools
Skimmer is one of the most recognized pool service software platforms in the industry. It offers helpful route management tools and a technician app that’s easy to use. For smaller companies just transitioning off pen-and-paper, Skimmer is a great starting point.
But what happens when your business grows?
More routes. More techs. More customers. More complexity.
Suddenly, the tool you relied on to simplify your day becomes the very thing holding you back. That’s the moment growing pool companies start looking for a better solution—and more and more are landing on ProValet.
🧩 Scheduling: The Real Test of Operational Maturity
Skimmer provides a basic calendar view and weekly route planning. This works well until you introduce any variation—like:
- Filter cleans every 4 weeks
- Seasonal services
- Alternating chem-only visits
- Paused/reinstated service during renovations or travel
ProValet’s Automated Scheduling Engine is built for this level of complexity. You can assign dynamic service plans by customer, by route, and by technician—all with automated triggers that adjust the schedule in real time.
Verdict: If your schedule changes even slightly from customer to customer, ProValet wins on flexibility and time saved.
🧾 Invoicing and Payments: From Manual to Magic
Skimmer requires users to manually create and send invoices. Any extra charges—like chemicals, baskets, or repairs—must be added by memory or field notes.
This creates a dangerous gap between what was done and what was billed.
ProValet Active Invoicing is the cornerstone of ProValet’s automated financial workflow for recurring service businesses. It eliminates manual billing headaches by generating accurate, consolidated invoices at the end of each month — all without a single spreadsheet or follow-up needed.
Verdict: If cash flow and billing accuracy matter (and they should), ProValet delivers unmatched efficiency.
📱 Customer Experience: Why It’s the New Differentiator
In 2024, your customers don’t want to call or text to ask:
- “When is my next service?”
- “Did the tech show up?”
- “Can I pay online?”
- “Can I request extra service?”
Skimmer offers no customer-facing app and minimal homeowner interaction.
ProValet, on the other hand, provides a free, branded Homeowner App that gives your clients a modern,Uber-style experience. They can:
- See “On My Way” tech alerts
- Arrives on both the Homeowner App and Via Text
- Skimmer charges per text, ProValet does not.
Verdict: Want to increase retention, referrals, and average lifetime value? ProValet makes you look—and operate—like the premium provider.
📥 Migration: Fear-Free Switching
One of the biggest reasons businesses stay on Skimmer? Fear of switching.
We get it. Moving platforms can be a hassle. But it shouldn’t be.
That’s why ProValet offers a Done-for-You Data Migration Service. We import your customer list, technician details, and route structures. You don’t start from scratch—we bring your business with you.
Verdict: With ProValet, you get a fully managed transition and immediate value on day one.
🚀 Growth Engine: More Than Just Software
Skimmer is operational software. It helps you run what you have.
ProValet does that—and more.
With the ProValet Growth Engine, you can also:
- Launch a high-performance local SEO website
- Capture and convert leads automatically
- Integrate forms directly into your ProValet backend
- Use funnel-based marketing to acquire new customers
- Scale your service and your reputation at the same time
Verdict: ProValet isn’t just a tool. It’s a growth partner.
📈 Case Study: Why Flamingo Pools Made the Switch
Gentry Wesner, owner of Flamingo Pools in Naples, FL, was using legacy tools (including Skimmer) to manage his growing pool service company.
But as they expanded to over 150 accounts, things started slipping:
- Missed add-on charges
- Manual billing delays
- Disconnected communication
- Hours lost each week managing basic workflows
After switching to ProValet:
- Invoicing became 100% automated
- Auto-payments processed without follow-up
- Customer communication moved into the app
- Route planning took minutes, not hours
- Gentry and his team saved 6–8 hours every week
“Just sign up. You’ll never go back.”
🏁 Final Word: Time to Graduate from Skimmer
Skimmer is a solid starting point. But as your business grows, your tools should grow with you.
ProValet was built specifically for the modern, growing pool company:
- You need automation—not more admin
- You need real-time communication—not disconnected messages
- You need to get paid without chasing invoices
- And you need to stand out in a competitive market
✅ Ready to Upgrade?
📆 Book a Free Demo - https://www.provalet.io/get-a-demo
🚀 Or Start Free Today - https://app.provalet.io/users/sign_up
ProValet is the platform your future business is already waiting for.
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