Text messaging: what's on now, and what's coming

Short answer: PoolHelm does not text your customers yet. Everything that goes out today — service reports, invoices, weather notices, referral invites — goes by email.

What you’ll see in the app. There’s a text-message consent control on the customer form and a matching pill on the customer’s page. Both are switched off and labeled “Coming Very Soon.” They’re visible so you know it’s coming; they don’t do anything yet. Nothing is recorded there, and no customer will be texted — not even one who told you in person that it’s fine.

Why it’s switched off rather than hidden. Text messaging to customers is regulated, and doing it properly means real consent, real opt-out handling, and a carrier registration that takes time. We’d rather show you an honest “not yet” than a control that half-works.

What texting will cover when it turns on. Three things, and only three:

1. A weather reschedule — and the follow-up when service is back on.
2. Service completed — a short note that the visit is done.
3. An invoice — with the link to pay.

No appointment reminders, no “your tech is 20 minutes away,” no marketing. Two to ten messages a month for a typical customer.

What will be true when it does turn on: the texts will be branded as your business, not PoolHelm. Customers will be able to reply STOP to opt out, START to opt back in, and HELP for help. That handling is already built and waiting — the replies are honored the moment texting is switched on. Consent will be something your customer gives you, and you’ll record it here.

Nothing you need to do now. When texting goes live, we’ll say so and explain how to collect consent before anything sends.