COLUMBUS, Ohio — Pool services have been in high demand since the start of the pandemic, and one Ohio mom is leaving a 20-year career to dive into the industry. 

“I worked my way through high school and college by being a lifeguard, and then we had a pool growing up, and I have a pool now, so this is my second one. So, I’m pretty familiar with them," said Heather Pontius.

After spending more than 20 years as a physical therapist, she decided it was time for a change. 

“Since I’ve been doing that for such a long time, I was looking for something new and exciting, some new challenges, and a different way to use my skills. So, I started working with a franchise coach.” 

That franchise coach pointed her toward Pool Scouts, a Virginia Beach-based pool cleaning and maintenance company. Pontius thought getting her feet wet in the pool the industry wasn’t just interesting, but also the right one to be in right now. 

"I think it provides a nice opportunity. So, it’s one of the industries that hasn’t taken a hit from the virus. And a lot of people are spending more time at home, and they’re spending their vacation dollars, so the pool construction industry is just booming.” 

Pool Scouts is one of several pool companies seeing an increase in demand since the start of the pandemic. The company is looking to grow and bring up to 100 jobs to Ohio. Pontius is happy to be apart of that growth, becoming an owner, as she makes the transition to a new industry. 

"It’s a little bit challenging. There’s a lot to learn," said Pontius. “I’m, you know, familiar with pools and interested, so it’s not something completely new, and I’m also used to hiring employees and managing a staff and running a business, so I’m not too intimidated by any of those things.” 

Pontius’ Pool Scouts business will start operating in March.