Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I'm working on a story for the Canadian version of The Costco Connection (the consumer magazine for members of Canadian Costco stores) on the following topic: DIVING IN (WITHOUT TAKING A BATH): How to save money on maintaining and closing your pool this season: tips on the best supplies to switch to, routine care and upkeep practices that can prevent costly repairs, and why pool owners should learn to close a pool themselves, and how to do it, to save hundreds of dollars a year. For this story, I’m looking to interview Canadian homeowners who own (and possibly even maintain) their own pools. I can only conduct an email interview (this person would have to type up responses to my questions below and email them to me). My deadline to complete all interviews is noon central time on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. Here are my questions.

QUESTIONS:
1. how long have you owned your pool?
2. What kind is it (inground/above ground; what kind of liner, filter, pump/motor; dimensions/volume; etc.)?
3. Do you hire a service (for what? How much does it cost?) or do you do it yourself (for how long? Why do you do it yourself?)?
4. Why should pool owners consider doing their own maintenance/upkeep in your opinion?
5. What is your full name?
6. What city/state/province do you live in, and are you a Costco member (not required)?

Sincerely,

Erik J. Martin
President,
Martinspiration, Inc.
martinspiration@gmail.com