Replacing Storm-Damaged Parts Driving Pool Biz This Year

After 30 years in the pool business at his location in West Islip, Alan Arbore has one important piece of advice for pool owners: test your water.

"Make sure your water is balanced," said Arbore when asked to give advice for people opening up their pools for the season. "It sets up everything."

Arbore is the owner of Arbore Bros Pools and Spas on Higbie Lane. The 57-year resident of West Islip says that this year business has been good but it's because of unfortunate circumstances.

"So far there's been an increase in business selling equipment because of Hurricane Sandy," he said.

Pool owners are finding they have to replace pumps and other equipment that was damaged by the storm last year.

According to Arbore, his brother has retired from the business, one that his father had been in many years ago. In the past Arbore said he used to build and service pools but now he sells pool parts and is especially proud of his computerized water analysis for customers. It is something that he feels sets him apart from the competition.

"We have state of the art water testing," he said. "That's where we excel over everybody."

After so many years in the business, Arbore says he has amassed a large customer base in West Islip and neighboring towns. People come from Babylon Village, North Babylon, Lindenhurst and as far as Dix Hills. How does Arbore get his customers?

"Word of mouth," he said.