When my husband and I were house hunting a few years ago, we had mixed feelings about buying a place with a pool. Sure, pool parties and post-work swims sounded amazing, but we were also worried about how costly maintenance and repairs would be over the years. Now, we’re able to maintain the pool ourselves, but repairs are another story. Luckily, most of our repair needs have been simple and relatively inexpensive. The real problem is finding a person or business who 1) answers their phone and 2) is actually available to come out and help you. I DONOTUNDERSTANDWHYTHISISSOHARD. Two weeks ago, I, for the first time ever, decided to host a nighttime pool party for a former coworker who was visiting from overseas. I invited the majority of our office over for dinner and some wholesome pool fun. Also, this was during the time that Hawaii was experiencing record-breaking heat and mind-numbing humidity. So, obviously, my pool lights decided to stop functioning the day prior, which meant that my coworkers would be swimming in the dark.(Read: major liability for me in case some drunk person gets injured). I must have called about half a dozen pool repair companies. Some companies didn’t service the area where I live, others were too busy, others didn’t work on weekends, etc. etc. Others straight up didn’t answer the phone and never returned voicemails. While I’m sure that pool repair folks are in high demand, especially due to the weather, a little professionalism and friendliness on the phone wouldn’t hurt. Also, I am trying to give you money! Please, I want to be your customer if you’ll let me! The last person I called was Blake, which was dumb, because I should’ve called him first. Now you know, though, so you have no excuse. First, he is communicative! Not only did he answer the phone, but he was super professional and friendly. I was able to schedule him to come out the next day. You know how repair people say, «I’m going to come some time between 9 and 12» and you just sit at home and wait? Blake let me know he’d stop by between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and then he actually texted me to let me know when he was on his way. He quoted me the exact price over text as well, and let me know that he accepted cash, check, and charge. Unbelievable! He was able to fix my broken pool lights quickly and efficiently, and he solved a few problems that came up along the way. He had a can-do attitude, which is helpful. Also, he wasn’t socially awkward or weird, which always helps when you are letting strangers into your home. I will absolutely be calling Blake in the future for all our pool issues(and hopefully they continue to be minor). P. S. The pool party was a success, in case you were wondering. People didn’t get out of the pool until 3 a.m., so that’s how you know it was a good night. Thanks, Blake!