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The Pool Guy Podcast Show

David Van Brunt

In this podcast I cover everything swimming pool care-related from chemistry to automatic cleaners and equipment. I focus on the pool service side of things and also offer tips to homeowners. There are also some great interviews with guests from inside the industry. 

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  • 29 episodes
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  • Avg 18 min
  • English

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  • S10 · E2005
    Today · 23 min

    Harold Evans: The Pool Industry Needs to Get Smarter

    He sold his pool company from the middle of a world cruise, then came home with a sharper take on where pool service is headed. Harold Evans returns to the Poohway Podcast Show to share the wild logistics of closing a deal while traveling, why Hasa felt like the right long-term partner for his brand, and what he’s learned after years of building tools and training for working pool pros. From there, we get practical and opinionated about what actually creates value in a backyard. We talk Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and why balanced water is about protecting heaters, surfaces, and warranties, not just “passing” a test kit. Harold explains why reducing friction matters, how an LSI app helps techs make better calls faster, and why teaching the “why” beats handing out rote habits that break the moment conditions change. We also take on the uncomfortable business side: customers watching service visits on cameras, inflation crushing margins, and the temptation to do less work for the same price. Harold makes the case that chem-only service and every-other-week stops can become expectation traps, especially as DIY pool owners gain access to Amazon parts, AI-driven advice, and endless online info. We close with a bigger industry lens on online education, trade shows, consumer demand, consolidation, and what it takes to stay profitable without racing to the bottom. If you want more profit, fewer headaches, and a pool service business that can compete in the DIY era, listen now, then subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. We catch up with Harold Evans on how his family business sale came together mid-cruise and why he believes education is still the strongest differentiator for pool pros. We dig into LSI, the real cost of “faster” service, and how DIY tools, Amazon, and inflation are forcing the pool industry to rethink value. • The behind-the-scenes story of selling a pool company while traveling • Why education beats product-pushing for long-term customer trust • What LSI is for and why it is not a sanitation metric • Reducing friction so busy techs actually use water balance tools • Why spending less time on-site can destroy perceived value • The risks of chem-only and every-other-week service models • How inflation quietly erodes profit when rates do not change • DIY customers, AI, and Amazon reshaping parts access and expectations • Distribution inventory pressure and why pros are ordering online more • Online training vs trade shows and why consumer education matters Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer can learn, definitely learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E2004
    Friday · 16 min

    Common Pool Pro Mistakes We ALL Make

    One small lapse on a pool route can turn into a flooded yard, an angry phone call, or a liability nightmare. We get brutally practical about the most common pool service mistakes we’ve made ourselves, why they happen, and how to prevent them with simple policies and repeatable checks that hold up when you’re tired and the day is hot. We start with the big one: filling a pool for the customer. Turning on a hose feels like good pool maintenance when water is low and equipment is at risk, but it’s also one of the fastest ways to end up with an overflow and property damage. We talk through safer options like shutting the system down, using automation timeout mode, communicating clearly with homeowners or tenants, and using tools like a Pool Sentry when you’re maintaining a vacant home. Then we move into pool equipment repair realities. A “simple” pump and filter replacement can explode into replumbing, access issues, missing unions, or problems that belong to a licensed plumber or electrician. We share how to evaluate an equipment pad before bidding, when to call in help, and why pride is expensive. We also cover operational slip-ups like forgetting to turn off a timer during a filter cleaning, leaving an automation panel in service mode, and treating algae and dirty filters too lightly until the pool turns into a week-later disaster. If you want fewer callbacks and a tighter pool service business, take these lessons and build them into your route. Subscribe, share this with a pool tech who needs it, and leave a review so more pros can find the show. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E2003
    Thursday · 18 min

    Pool Products That Died — And Why

    One day a pool product feels like the future. The next day the app is gone, support is gone, and what you paid for becomes a paperweight floating in the deep end. We dig into the real-world side of pool industry acquisitions and “disappearing” brands, including what happens when big companies buy promising pool technology and the execution doesn’t match the hype. We walk through Hayward’s Fin smart pool monitor and why the marketing and user experience created problems for homeowners and pool service professionals alike. ORP and pH readings can be useful, but confusing “unsafe water” alerts, a recurring subscription, and a hard shutdown of app service can destroy trust fast. From there, we compare Sutro’s more complete reagent-based pool water monitoring approach, then zoom in on the practical hurdles that can sink any smart pool monitor: cartridge logistics, calibration time, price point, and the brutal reality of pool seasonality in colder regions. Not every story is a loss. We talk about pool products that simply vanished despite working well, like the Skim Doctor 2.0, and how solar skimmers like Solar Breeze evolved into Ariel and related models while facing heavy competition. Then we get into acquisitions that reshaped the market, including the CMP salt cell system being effectively discontinued, versus buyouts that preserve goodwill, like Pentair keeping Pleatco alive and Fluidra leaving Taylor test kits largely intact. If you’ve ever wondered which pool brands survive, why great products get killed, and what that means for your pool route or your backyard, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a pool pro friend, and leave a review with the smartest pool product you’ve ever used. We break down pool industry buyouts and product failures that leave pool owners and pool pros stuck with discontinued gear and dead apps. We also highlight the acquisitions that keep brands intact and protect customer trust. • Hayward’s Fin smart monitor, ORP confusion, subscription pain, and a shutdown that strands users • Why smart pool monitors still struggle to replace proper water testing • Sutro’s stronger readings with reagent cartridges, calibration time, and seasonal subscription problems • The Crystal Water Monitor as a more robust evolution of the Fin concept • Skim Doctor 2.0 as a rare skimmer add-on that worked but disappeared • Solar Breeze, Ariel, Skimbot, and how competition and implementation shape survival • Fluidra buying CMP salt cells then effectively discontinuing the full system • Pentair and Pleatco as a model for keeping a brand alive • Fluidra and Taylor test kits, what changes and what stays the same Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E2002
    Wednesday · 19 min

    Are Single-Speed Pumps Really BANNED?

    The “single-speed pool pump ban” gets repeated so often it starts to sound like settled law, but the real story is more interesting and a lot more useful if you own a pool or service them. We break down what the Department of Energy (DOE) pool pump regulations actually do, how the Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) works, and why the rule feels like a ban even when it isn’t written as a simple prohibition. The biggest shift is product availability: most manufacturers stopped making higher-horsepower single-speed pumps because they can’t hit the required energy efficiency levels. We also dig into the part that doesn’t get talked about enough: programming. A variable speed pool pump can still run at full RPM, so the regulation alone doesn’t magically force lower energy use. The real savings come from smart run schedules that keep circulation steady at low speed, then step up only when you need more flow for a cleaner, spa jets, or water features. We share practical RPM ranges we use and explain why WEF-based savings assume lower-speed operation in the first place. If your current 1.5 or 2 HP single-speed pump fails, we walk through your best replacement options without guesswork: replacing the whole pump with a modern VS model, swapping in a variable speed replacement motor on the existing wet end, and why downsizing to 1 HP can backfire when the pool was built for higher demand. We also touch on commercial pool exemptions, turnover requirements, and what “compliance” looks like in the real world. If this helped clear up the confusion, subscribe, share the episode with a pool owner or pool pro, and leave a review so more people can find it. What pump are you running right now, and what’s your biggest question about upgrading to variable speed? We tackle the myth that single-speed pool pumps are “banned” nationwide and explain what the DOE energy rules actually target through the WEF efficiency standard. We also get practical about replacement choices, VS pump programming, and why most homeowners save more by changing how the pump runs than by fighting for an old-style model. • what DOE regulations really say versus what people assume • how WEF energy efficiency ratings squeeze out most single-speed pumps above 1 HP • why you can still buy some single-speed pumps and why big ones are getting scarce • when a higher-horsepower single-speed might still be sold for water features • why variable speed pumps can still waste power if programmed poorly • realistic RPM ranges that balance turnover, cleaners, and lower electric bills • why you should not downsize a 1.5 or 2 HP setup without understanding pool needs • swap a VS motor onto an existing pump versus replacing the whole unit • commercial pool turnover rules and why full-speed operation can still be required • what to tell customers about longer run time with lower total energy cost Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at Swimmipoollearning.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E2001
    Tuesday · 18 min

    The Fastest Way to Vacuum Pools on Your Route

    Vacuuming shouldn’t be the task that wrecks your whole pool service route, but for a lot of pool pros it’s the biggest hidden time sink. We walk through the fastest way to vacuum a pool based on real-world service conditions, from dusty pools that demand deeper cleanup to neighborhoods where suction side cleaners handle most of the daily dirt. We also talk about a simple but powerful move for your service agreement: “vacuum when necessary,” and how that one line can change expectations, protect your time, and still deliver a clean, professional result. We get specific about methods. Manual vacuuming with a hose to the skimmer is still the most thorough option, but it’s also the slowest and easiest to bog down with clogs from leaves and acorns. If your accounts already have an automatic pool cleaner, spot vacuuming becomes the faster play and we explain how to do it using the existing cleaner hoses, plus the drawbacks like reduced suction and hoses popping off. From there, we move into dedicated pool vacuum systems like the Bottom Feeder, Hammerhead, Riptide, and plug-in alternatives like the Vac Daddy, including what actually happens when you rely on vacuum bags to catch dirt. Fine dirt is where most “fast” vacuuming falls apart, so we break down micron bag choices (60, 75, 100 and beyond), why a pool can look good and then show dirt again two hours later, and how a cartridge filter assembly can vacuum to a much finer level for that polished finish. We also call out popular “shortcuts” like brushing everything to the deep end or main drain and why they usually fail in practice. If you want faster cleanings without sacrificing quality, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a pool tech friend, and leave a review so more pros can find the show. We break down the fastest ways to vacuum a pool without leaving behind fine dirt or creating callbacks on a busy pool service route. We compare manual vacuuming, spot vacuuming with cleaner hoses, and pro vacuum systems so you can choose the right method for your service area, staffing, and customer expectations. • using “vacuum when necessary” in a service agreement to reduce wasted time • why customers equate vacuuming with visible work • why manual vacuum hose to skimmer is effective but slow • spot vacuuming by converting automatic cleaner hoses • when it makes sense to invest in Bottom Feeder, Hammerhead, Riptide, Vac Daddy • choosing micron bags and why fine dirt returns after vacuuming • how a cartridge filter assembly captures finer dirt • why brushing to the deep end or main drain does not save time • recommending more reliable “bulletproof” automatic cleaners for full coverage Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in my coaching program, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E2000
    August 24 · 21 min

    How I Started My Pool Business — 2,000 Episodes Later

    Episode 2000 is a milestone, so we keep it personal and practical: a new coaching member sends a long list of questions, and we answer them straight from decades in the pool service industry. If you’re starting a pool service business or trying to scale your pool route, this is the kind of nuts-and-bolts guidance that saves you months of trial and error. We start with the mistake that quietly drains more money than any broken pump: pricing too low. Then we sort profitable work from schedule killers, including why weekly service accounts win and why one-time cleanups and filter-cleaning-only jobs often don’t move your business forward. From there, we break down service pricing structures that customers understand, including a hybrid model that includes a reasonable chemical maintenance dose while billing for tablets and specialty products. We also get into the real-world setup: the essential tools you need on day one, what purchases to delay until revenue is steady, and the training resources that actually help with residential pool care and algae control. On the marketing side, we talk Google Ads, door hangers, what to do about gated communities and no-soliciting areas, and why advertising usually beats referrals early on. We even close with a surprisingly important detail most people overlook: picking a pool company name you can live with. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a pool pro who’s starting out, and leave a review so more service techs can find the show. We celebrate episode 2000 by answering a new pool pro’s real questions about pricing, services, tools, training, marketing, and building a profitable pool route. We share the hard lessons that cost money early, then lay out simple systems that keep customers happy while protecting your margin. • pricing too low as the fastest way to lose profit • weekly service accounts as the core of a sustainable pool route • one-time cleanups and filter cleanings as low-value distractions • three pricing models and why a hybrid structure works • defining a chemical maintenance dose and billing above it • setting expectations so customers avoid surprise charges • using a simple service agreement to prevent disputes • buying only essential pool service tools at the start • training picks including residential courses and algae-focused education • getting first customers with Google Ads, door hangers, and smart targeting • why early growth usually comes from advertising over referrals • choosing a business name that will not confuse customers Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com The coaching program that I mentioned is available at PoolaiCoaching.com Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1999
    August 21 · 19 min

    Pool Guy’s Guide to Choosing the RIGHT Pool Pole

    A pool pole looks like a simple tool, until you’re hauling it across tight side yards, squeezing it into a mid-size truck bed, and holding it for most of your workday. We get specific about what to buy and why, based on real pool service conditions: how short it collapses, how far it truly reaches, how fast it extends, and whether it’s quiet enough for early-morning stops without waking neighbors or setting off every dog in the yard. We walk through the practical differences between three-piece and two-piece telescopic pool poles, including why a three-piece can be the best fit when space is limited and backyards are compact. You’ll hear why the SkimLite Dually 9018 remains a dependable workhorse, how a little extra length can help you vacuum more of the pool from one side, and where bigger 24-foot options make sense for commercial accounts. We also dig into locking systems: cam locks that are quick and quiet but can wear, versus button-style poles like the SnapLite that click into place with consistent stops. Then we compare standout choices like the Piranha Pro Line Power Pole PPLV8 and the move to carbon fiber pool poles for lighter weight and better control. We talk Primate and Ultimate Pool Tools HyperPole differences, what “feel” really means in your hands, and the unglamorous downside of carbon fiber: theft risk from the back of a truck, plus smart ways to secure or stash your pole. If you want a setup that matches your route and your budget, this will save you time, frustration, and money. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review. What pole are you using right now, and what do you like or hate about it? We break down how to choose the right pool pole based on your truck, your routes, and the way you actually work day to day. We compare three-piece vs two-piece designs, button locks vs cam locks, and why carbon fiber can be a game changer if you plan for the cost and the theft risk. • why a three-piece pole fits better in compact and mid-size truck beds • maneuvering a shorter collapsed pole through tight side yards and crowded pool pads • SkimLite Dually 9018 sizing, reach, and why extra length helps vacuuming • SnapLite button pole feel vs cam lock speed and wear • when a two-piece pole is faster and easier to manage • Piranha Pro Line Power Pole PPLV8 as a premier two-piece option and why it’s loud • carbon fiber poles from SkimLite, Primate, and Ultimate Pool Tools and how they differ • Primate lever lock feel, grip upgrades, and size lineup • HyperPole comparisons, sizing, and availability timing • theft prevention, cable locks, and why we keep an aluminum backup pole Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're looking for other podcasts, you just go to my website, swingprolearning.com. And if you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1998
    August 20 · 18 min

    The Most UNDERRATED Pool Cleaner? Polaris 360

    Your suction cleaner keeps getting jammed, stopping mid-week, and leaving the pool floor dirty? We dig into a tool that rarely gets the spotlight but can be the perfect fix for the right backyard: the Polaris 360 return-side pool cleaner. It behaves a lot like a pressure-side cleaner with a debris bag and a wider pickup path, but it runs off an existing return line, so you can get strong debris handling without adding a booster pump. We walk through the practical differences between a dedicated booster pump pressure cleaner and a return-side cleaner, then get specific about what makes the Polaris 360 succeed or fail. Return jet count and placement matter, and so does your ability to redirect flow by plugging a return or installing restrictor eyeballs. We also explain the “back pressure” reality: restricting returns can raise filter PSI a few points, which may be normal on a full-size DE filter, sand filter, or larger cartridge system, but it can be a deal-breaker on undersized filtration. You’ll also hear the tradeoffs most listings never mention. Changing return flow can reduce the surface current that helps feed the skimmer, so you might see more surface debris unless you adjust your setup or add a surface solution. And because the Polaris 360 often runs as long as your pump runs, parts can wear faster than a booster-pump cleaner that only runs a couple hours a day. Finally, we share real examples where the Polaris 360 shines: bamboo leaves that fall in clusters and big pod-like debris that instantly clogs suction cleaners. If your pool matches the right parameters, this cleaner can be a night-and-day upgrade. Subscribe, share this with a pool owner who battles clogs, and leave a review with the debris type you’re trying to beat. We break down why the Polaris 360 return-side cleaner is a sleeper pick for pools that chew up suction cleaners with heavy debris. We also share the real install requirements, the pressure and surface-flow tradeoffs to expect, and the pool types where this cleaner is an easy yes or a hard pass. • why the Polaris 360 and TR36P fly under the radar • pressure-side booster pump cleaners versus return-side cleaners • return jet placement, plugging a return, and using restrictor eyeballs • back pressure explained with real PSI examples and safe limits • why full-size DE, sand, or large cartridge filters matter • skimmer impact versus reduced surface circulation patterns • faster wear from longer daily run times • real-world wins with bamboo clusters and large seed pods Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. and if you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1997
    August 19 · 18 min

    Simple Math = BIGGER Profits

    Pool service business growth doesn’t require fancy spreadsheets or complicated “business math.” It requires seeing the few numbers that matter and pulling the right levers on purpose. We walk through simple, real-world pool route math using an easy baseline monthly service price, then show how tiny changes compound into big annual gains. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but the profit isn’t moving, this breakdown will make the problem visible fast. We start with the most straightforward revenue driver: adding more recurring pool service accounts. Just five additional pools can add roughly five figures to your annual gross, and it often equals only one extra stop per workday. From there, we look at price increases done the smart way, including how a modest $10 monthly bump across a stable route can generate thousands without adding labor, and how combining new accounts plus pricing strategy can push the gains even further. We also talk through the reality of churn and why you should factor in the occasional dropped account when you run the numbers. Then we shift to the profit side: cutting expenses and plugging revenue leaks. We cover how small savings on chemicals and supplies add up when you buy in volume, and why missed billing for small parts quietly drains your bottom line. To keep everything clear, we recommend a simple profit and loss spreadsheet you will actually use, plus a practical framework for upgrading your route over time: the one for one rule, where a great new account replaces a bad one so you earn more and stress less. If you want more pool service income, better margins, and a cleaner route, subscribe, share this with another pool pro, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What number do you want to improve first: accounts, price, or expenses? We break down why pool service is one of the easiest businesses to run by the numbers and how small, repeatable moves can create a big annual profit swing. We share simple formulas to grow revenue, cut waste, and tighten billing so your route pays more without getting overwhelming. • why recurring pool accounts make revenue math simpler than many service trades • adding five service accounts and what that does to monthly and annual gross income • using modest price increases to boost revenue without adding workload • replacing low-paying accounts with better-priced work when it makes sense • finding “fat” in expenses through bulk buying and small monthly savings • tightening billing so parts and small repairs do not fall through the cracks • using a basic profit and loss spreadsheet to track results • applying the one for one rule to improve route quality while you grow Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1996
    August 18 · 18 min

    Getting In WAY Over Your Head in the Pool Business!

    Some pool jobs are not hard because they are technical, they are hard because one mistake can wreck a surface, flood a schedule, or turn a “quick fix” into an all-day rescue. I’m sharing the moments where pool service pros end up in over their head and how to avoid that trap without stalling your growth. We talk through the Catch-22 of learning in the field and the simplest way around it: partner up and shadow someone experienced. Acid washing is a perfect example, where finesse matters and a seasoned tech can often predict results before the first drop hits the plaster. Pool and spa light replacement is another, especially combo setups where you need a second person to confirm which line you are pulling and to help you troubleshoot when things do not go smoothly. Then we dig into black algae treatment, including the real labor of knocking off heads, the risks of granular trichlor on certain finishes, and why cal hypo options can be a safer alternative on pebble or colored plaster. Finally, we zoom out to the business side: when to refer out big equipment installs, how referral commissions can still pay well, and why focusing on a clean, consistent pool route with a dedicated repair partner can be a strong and scalable model. If you want more practical pool service training and honest guidance from the field, subscribe, share this with a pool pro who needs it, and leave a quick review so more techs can find the show. We break down the pool service Catch-22 where experience is the only real teacher, but the wrong first job can cost you time, money, and a customer. We lay out a practical approach for growing skills safely by partnering, shadowing, and referring out repairs that do not fit your lane. • why some pool work is “learn by doing” but still needs guardrails • partnering on acid washes to learn process, pricing, and outcomes • why pulling pool and spa lights often needs two people • black algae treatment basics, tools, and protective gear • when granular trichlor is effective and when it can damage surfaces • using cal hypo options for pebble and colored plaster pools • recognizing equipment installs that are logistics-heavy and best referred out • referral commissions and partnering to split bigger install jobs • insurance limitations for new pool service pros and why they exist • building a business model focused on maintenance with dedicated repair support Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. You can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1995
    August 17 · 18 min

    Getting the Most Out of Your Pool Test Strips

    Your pool water test strip might be telling the truth, but your eyes might not be. We dig into why test strips often feel inconsistent, how lighting and subjective color matching can turn a “real” chemical reaction into a shaky guess, and what you can do to get more reliable results without slowing down your whole pool care routine. We also talk about the growing world of digital test strip readers and smart pool testing devices, and why they’re trying to solve the biggest weakness of strips: interpretation. From there, we get practical about where strips fit in a serious pool water testing workflow, especially for busy pool service routes and homeowners who need fast answers for free chlorine, total chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity. Then we hit the important nuances that can change your decisions. Test strips typically read total hardness rather than true calcium hardness, which matters for balance targets. Cyanuric acid is the surprise category where strips can actually help, especially when CYA climbs above 100 ppm and reagent tests get harder to read. We also cover “extra” tests where strips can be genuinely useful, like copper and iron, nitrates, borates, and phosphates, plus the one strip category we don’t recommend for saltwater pools: salinity. If you want clearer pool chemistry decisions with fewer bad readings, subscribe, share the episode with a pool owner or tech, and leave a review with your biggest testing frustration. We break down how to use pool test strips effectively without getting fooled by subjective color matching and wide reading ranges. We also share where test strips shine, where they fall short, and how to pair them with photometers or reagent kits for reliable pool water testing. • the biggest limitation of test strips being interpretation not necessarily the strip chemistry • why digital strip readers and smart testing devices can reduce guesswork • how color matching can skew alkalinity and other borderline readings • total hardness on strips versus true calcium hardness from titration tests • why cyanuric acid strips can outperform reagent tests at high CYA • using strips for copper iron nitrates borates and phosphates as quick field checks • why salinity test strips are unreliable and when a digital salt meter makes sense • when strips are ideal for fast route work and rainy-day testing • using test strips to verify weird reagent or photometer results when reagents or tablets go bad Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. From me, I'm a 35-year veteran in the industry. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, I've got the tools to help you succeed. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1994
    August 14 · 19 min

    Is the Pool Boom Over? What 2026 Means for Pool Pros

    2026 is shaping up like a split-screen year for the pool industry: pool construction and remodeling cool off under higher interest rates, while the pool service business stays surprisingly steady because repairs and replacements don’t wait for “better timing.” I walk through what I’m seeing across the market and why some manufacturers are feeling real pressure even when service pros are still busy in the field. We dig into how a soft building market creates a chain reaction: fewer new projects means fewer equipment orders, which leads to overstocked distributors and retail stores, and that eventually shows up in manufacturer numbers for major pool equipment brands. I also talk about the quieter forces that steer customer buying, like brand recognition from automatic pool cleaners and how product changes can ripple into pumps, filters, and other upgrades down the road. Then we get practical for pool service operators. Inflation, fuel, and chemical costs keep climbing, and while we can often pass costs on, there’s a real price ceiling where customers push back or start shopping for discounted service. I share ways to protect profit without relying only on rate hikes, including trimming business “fat,” running tighter operations, and thinking about vehicles, debt, and efficiency like a larger company would. If you want more straight talk on pool industry trends and how to stay profitable in 2026 and beyond, subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more service techs can find the show. 2026 brings a mixed picture for the pool industry: new pool construction slows under higher interest rates while pool service demand stays steady. I break down what manufacturer sales trends, retail overstock, and inflation mean for your pricing and your profit heading into 2027. • higher interest rates cooling pool building and remodeling budgets • why manufacturers feel pain when distributors and retailers are overstocked • how pool service techs drive equipment sales at the point of failure • Fluidra, Hayward, and Pentair brand dynamics and the role of cleaners as a lead-in product • post-COVID build numbers returning toward pre-COVID levels and why service remains insulated • inflation, fuel, and chemical costs and how far price increases can realistically go • practical cost cutting ideas to protect margin without lowering service quality • treating a service company like a lean corporation instead of a household extension If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find this on my website, smallingfullearning.com. Click on the podcast icon icon there on the banner. And if you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolaicoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1993
    August 13 · 18 min

    The Best Small Tools for Pool Service

    Your pool route doesn’t get easier because you work harder, it gets easier because you work smarter with the right gear on your truck. We walk through the underrated pool service tools that consistently save time in the field, even though most techs don’t think to call them “essential.” If you’ve ever fought a filter clamp, wrestled a stuck pump lid, or lost minutes on a union that won’t turn, this one is built for you. We start with a high-quality rubber mallet and why it’s a game-changer for filter cleanings and stubborn pump lids, especially if you’re tired of using your palm as a tool. From there, we get specific about extra large channel lock pliers, including how they help with Rainbow chlorinator lids, salt cell unions (with a rag to protect the plastic), and even jammed telescopic poles. The practical angle matters here: leverage, balance, and repeatable techniques that reduce strain and prevent damage. Then we get into the “weird but brilliant” kit, like keeping a tennis ball for dual-skimmer suction control and for emergency situations when equipment is below the water line and water won’t stop pouring out. We also cover duct tape for temporary, water-resistant fixes, plus the right lubricants for O-rings: Magic Lube where it shines and RV-grade silicone spray when you want a cleaner, faster application. Finally, we talk filter speed tools like a multi-torque socket set, along with simple helpers for drain plugs and clearing impeller debris when flow drops. If you got value from these pool maintenance tips, subscribe, share this with a pool tech friend, and leave a review so more service pros can find the show. What’s the most underrated tool on your truck? We share the underrated pool service tools we reach for constantly and explain the real field problems they solve. From faster filter cleanings to stuck lids, tight unions, and tricky suction issues, we lay out a simple kit that saves time and protects your hands. • Rubber mallet for seating filter clamps and loosening tight pump lids • Extra large channel locks for Rainbow chlorinator lids and stubborn salt cell unions • Using two channel locks for leverage and balance on misaligned plumbing • Tennis ball trick to isolate suction on dual-skimmer pools • Tennis ball workaround when equipment sits below waterline and valves fail • Duct tape for short-term emergency patches on cleaner parts and missing bleeders • Magic Lube for pump lid O-rings and protecting clamp threaded rods • RV-grade silicone spray for cleaner, longer-lasting filter tank O-rings • Multi-torque socket set and drill method to speed filter clamp work • Button hook or long Phillips for drain plugs and clearing clogged impellers Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1992
    August 12 · 18 min

    The Hidden Downsides of Cartridge Pool Filters

    Cartridge pool filters have a loyal fan base, and they also get hit with the same two critiques over and over: you cannot backwash them, and you cannot easily vacuum to waste. We take those arguments seriously and walk through what is actually true, what is overstated, and what you can fix with smarter equipment choices. If you have ever wondered whether you picked the “wrong” pool filter, this breakdown will help you decide with confidence. We start with backwashing. Sand filters and DE filters rely on backwash to restore flow and drop rising PSI, but cartridge pleats do not shed debris that way. The key detail most people miss is capacity: a large quad cartridge filter in the 400 to 500 square foot range can hold dramatically more dirt than smaller DE setups, and it often goes four to six months between cleanings in many areas. In dusty regions like the desert, cleaning is more frequent, but the job can still be faster and simpler than you might think. Then we tackle filtration myths and real-world water clarity. DE filters can filter smaller particles on paper, yet the difference between 3 microns and typical cartridge filtration is not something you can spot with your eyes when chemistry, circulation, and maintenance are dialed in. We also get practical about the “vacuum to waste” advantage of multiport valves, how to add a waste bypass to a cartridge system, and the gear pros use when a pool is trashed after a storm or during a green pool cleanup. We finish with ways to reduce cleaning frequency using a cyclonic prefilter like the Waterco MultiCyclone, plus an honest look at mess, safety, and how long cartridges and DE grids really last today. If this helped you think more clearly about cartridge filters vs DE vs sand, subscribe, share this with a pool owner or pool pro, and leave a review so more people can find the show. We break down the biggest complaints about cartridge pool filters and test whether they hold up in real pool service. We compare cartridge, DE, and sand filtration on backwashing, water clarity, vacuum-to-waste options, cleaning mess, and long-term costs. • why cartridge filters cannot be backwashed and why that matters less with large quad cartridges • how square footage affects PSI rise, flow, and cleaning intervals • micron ratings and why water clarity looks the same between cartridge and DE • when vacuuming to waste is genuinely useful and what cartridge owners can add to get it • prefiltration with a Waterco MultiCyclone to trap dirt before the cartridge • cleaning speed tradeoffs and tools that reduce bending and time • DE cleanup downsides, mess around the pad, and health concerns with DE dust • realistic lifespan and replacement costs for cartridges versus DE grids today Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you also are interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1991
    August 11 · 18 min

    Black Algae: Can You Accidentally Infect Another Pool?

    Black algae can turn a clean pool into a never-ending battle, and the worst part is you might be spreading it yourself without realizing it. We dig into what “black algae” really is (often cyanobacteria), why it clings so stubbornly to plaster, and why the usual quick shock routine often fails unless you do the one step most people skip: aggressive brushing to break the protective heads so chemicals can reach what’s underneath. We also get specific about transmission and cross contamination. Spores can hitch a ride on anything wet, from a bathing suit that went from the ocean to the pool, to the damp tools riding in the back of a service truck. We talk through the biggest culprits, including nets, leaf rakes, bags, and especially stainless steel brushes, plus how low free chlorine levels make the next pool far more likely to “catch” black algae after exposure. Then we lay out a practical pool maintenance plan for black algae treatment and prevention: how to approach superchlorination safely, when topical products like granular trichlor or broken cal-hypo tablets can help, and how copper options (including chelated systems like PoolRx) fit into longer-term control without creating staining issues. If you want fewer callbacks, fewer route-wide outbreaks, and a clear plan for stopping black algae from coming back when chlorine dips, this one is for you. Subscribe for more pool service training, share this with a tech who needs it, and leave a review with your toughest black algae question. We break down why black algae is so hard to kill, why it often comes back, and why it is more like cyanobacteria than typical pool algae. We also explain how black algae can spread from pool to pool through damp tools and low chlorine, plus the practical steps we use to treat it and prevent cross contamination. • What black algae is and why it resists normal shocking • How spores can hitchhike on wet suits, towels, and pool tools • Why brushing the heads off is nonnegotiable for treatment • When superchlorination works and why circulation matters • Granular trichlor and cal-hypo tablet options for topical killing • Copper approaches like PoolRx and dosing cautions to avoid staining • Dedicated nets, rakes, and stainless brushes to stop route-wide spread • The “never let chlorine hit zero” rule after a black algae cleanup Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. From me, I'm a 35-year veteran in the industry. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, I've got the tools to help you succeed. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1990
    August 10 · 18 min

    The Right Way to Handle Pool Chemicals

    Pool chemicals do not wait for a “big mistake” to hurt you. Most injuries and long-term health problems come from tiny shortcuts repeated every day: bare hands on trichlor residue, a loose muriatic acid cap in the truck, or a quick DE recharge with no mask because you are trying to move fast. We share the safety habits we rely on in the field, including why gloves that actually resist pool chemicals matter, how we think about eye protection without going overboard, and what to do when routine starts making you careless. We also get specific about common products pool service techs touch constantly. Trichlor tablets can leave potent residue that chews through the wrong gloves. Muriatic acid can splash from one small transport error, so we break down smarter storage in cases, why loose bottles are asking for leaks, and what immediate rinsing should look like. Then we zoom out to chemical compatibility and transportation, including why acid and chlorine should never share a case and how a rear-end collision can turn poor separation into a toxic problem. Some of the biggest risks are the ones people shrug off. Diatomaceous earth (DE) dust is an inhalation hazard tied to silica exposure, so we talk masks, low-dust DE, and alternatives like perlite. Even test kits are not automatically “safe” just because the bottles are small. We cover OTO reagent hazards and why checking the Safety Data Sheet (SDS or MSDS) helps you make better decisions for your health and your business. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a pool pro who needs it, and leave a review so more techs find practical pool chemical safety guidance. We walk through the real-world risks pool pros face when handling common pool chemicals and how simple protective habits prevent burns, splashes, and long-term exposure. We also spotlight overlooked hazards like DE dust and OTO test reagents, then share practical ways to store, transport, and use chemicals more safely. • wearing nitro-coated gloves to prevent chemical burns and skin exposure • understanding why trichlor tablet residue can be especially harsh • preventing muriatic acid splashes with better storage and cap checks • protecting eyes with consistent eyewear and safer handling routines • separating acid from chlorine during transport and storage to avoid toxic reactions • treating DE powder as an inhalation hazard and using masks plus low-dust options • reading SDS sheets to understand hidden risks in everyday products • reconsidering OTO-based test kits and handling reagents with more care Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1989
    August 7 · 18 min

    How to Handle Dogs on Your Pool Route

    A dog-friendly backyard can turn a routine pool stop into a safety problem, a chemistry problem, and a pricing problem all at once. We’ve both seen it: you open the gate with your hands full, a dog tries to bolt, and suddenly you’re one misstep away from chasing someone’s pet through the neighborhood. We share simple habits that prevent the chaos, including how a quick distraction (like a chew treat) can buy you time to get inside safely and keep the gate secured. Then we get real about the risk most pool techs don’t want to talk about: even a “nice” dog can bite when it feels sick, threatened, or territorial. We walk through practical boundaries, what to watch for, and how to decide when an account is no longer worth it. We also cover tools some pros keep on the truck to create space and stay safe, plus why avoiding the incident in the first place is always the best plan. Finally, we tackle the elephant in the room: dogs swimming in the pool. If you’ve ever seen cloudy water, rapid chlorine loss, hair-packed skimmers, or a filter that looks like it swallowed a shedding machine, you know the struggle. We lay out a clear pool maintenance strategy using weekly enzymes, extra chlorine planning, longer pump run time, more frequent filter cleanings, earlier cartridge replacement, and “enhancers” like PoolRx paired with borates or phosphate remover. We also talk equipment that makes life easier, including suction-side cleaners with canisters and solar surface skimmers that keep dog hair from clogging baskets. If you service pools, this is the playbook for keeping dog pools manageable and making sure the customer pays for the extra load. Subscribe for more field-tested pool service advice, share this with a tech who needs it, and leave a review with your wildest “dogs on the route” story. We break down what dogs in the backyard really mean for pool service, from gate escapes and barking chaos to bite risk and account safety. We also lay out a practical plan for keeping dog-swimming pools clear, sanitized, and profitable with the right chemicals, equipment, and customer pricing. • using chew treats to prevent dogs bolting through the gate • staying alert because even friendly dogs can bite without warning • recognizing when a dangerous dog makes an account not worth the risk • carrying humane deterrents and safety tools for worst-case moments • dealing with yard waste and what to do if it gets into the pool • explaining why dog swimming drives cloudy water and fast chlorine loss • adding weekly enzymes to reduce tile-line scum and buildup • charging for extra chlorine and leaving customer-paid shock on site • extending pump run time to support circulation and filtration • cleaning filters more often and replacing cartridges sooner • using PoolRx plus borates or phosphate remover for added protection • upgrading cleaners and adding a solar surface skimmer for dog hair control Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. Learn more at Summipoollearning.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1988
    August 6 · 18 min

    Pool Service Marketing That Actually Works

    If you’ve ever paid for marketing and wondered, “Did that actually get me a pool account?”, we’re getting brutally practical about what works and what tends to waste money. We walk through the real trade-offs between old-school tactics like door hangers and newer realities like Ring doorbells that make door-to-door sales harder than ever. The goal is simple: help you get more pool service customers while protecting your time, your margin, and your sanity. We dig into the strongest long-term play for pool route growth: word-of-mouth marketing you can actually control. That means building a referral program with a clear reward, then delaying payout long enough to confirm the new customer sticks. From there we shift into online marketing, including Google Ads for pool service, keyword targeting, and why your “offer” matters just as much as your budget. We also share why a free month of service can attract the wrong kind of lead, and what to offer instead if you want higher-quality weekly service clients. Finally, we compare paid lead platforms like Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, and Yelp to more direct traffic from Google, including the hidden cost of bidding wars and the need to respond fast. We also talk about buying a partial pool route, truck wraps, magnetic signs, and how to measure ROI so you know whether you should advertise more, advertise differently, or simply buy accounts. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review with the one marketing channel you want us to test next. We break down real-world marketing tactics pool service pros can use to land more weekly accounts, from referrals and Google Ads to paid lead platforms and vehicle branding. We also talk through the ROI math and seasonal timing that separates “busy” marketing from profitable pool route growth. • why door knocking is less effective with video doorbells • how door hangers work and why timing matters • building word-of-mouth with a paid referral bonus and a retention hold period • using Google Ads with a website and targeted keywords • choosing offers that attract quality clients over bargain hunters • evaluating Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, Yelp and other paid lead sources • when buying a partial pool route makes sense and what to watch for • truck wraps vs magnetic signs as secondary lead sources • tracking marketing spend against the cost to buy accounts Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1987
    August 5 · 20 min

    Building a Rain Season Plan for Your Pool Service Business

    Rain can turn a normal pool route into a week of damage control, but it doesn’t have to. We walk through a practical rainy season plan built for pool service pros who want fewer missed stops, fewer angry calls, and fewer “mud pool” nightmares. The starting point is simple and overlooked: research your area’s seasonal rainfall trends and compare them to current forecasts, so you’re planning with data instead of vibes and news hype. From there, we get specific about what actually breaks pools during storms. We talk about backyard layouts that funnel dirt into the water, how elevated planters overflow onto the deck, and why even “a little” mud can lead to weeks of filtration issues and fast surface staining from metal-laden soil. We also share a straightforward response plan when mud does happen: filter cleaning, running the system, using clarifier when needed, superchlorination to prevent organic staining, and adding a metal sequestering agent to protect the finish. Overflow panic calls are another rainy season classic, so we cover how to educate customers and keep your day from getting hijacked. Most overfilled pools aren’t emergencies, but some properties have grading and drainage problems that can push water toward doors. We explain two simple draining setups customers can use safely: a submersible pump staged at the equipment area or a hose spigot on the plumbing that drains while the pump runs, plus why preventative draining often backfires when forecasts miss. We also talk shop on when rain is simply too heavy to work in, how to shift your schedule using the 10-day forecast, and how to keep winter chlorine levels strong enough that a pool can survive a missed week without zeroing out. If you want a calmer rainy season and a smarter pool maintenance routine, listen now, subscribe, and share this with a pool pro who needs a better storm plan. We break down how rainy weather disrupts pool service and how to plan your route so you miss fewer stops and avoid turning small problems into expensive cleanups. We share practical ways to prevent mud runoff, handle overflow calls calmly, and keep winter chemistry strong enough to survive a missed week. • checking five-year average rainfall and current season forecasts to build a game plan • setting a written rain policy and clarifying what counts as a rainout • walking backyards to spot planter overflow and slope runoff risks • preventing mud pools that cause staining and filtration problems • responding to mud with filter cleaning, clarifier, superchlorination, and metal sequestration • educating customers about overflow and when it is not an emergency • using a submersible pump or equipment-pad hose spigot to drain safely • deciding how much rain is too much to work in and when to stop mid-route • shifting route days around the forecast to avoid repeated missed services • keeping winter chlorine levels higher so pools can handle a missed week Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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  • S10 · E1986
    August 4 · 20 min

    Bigger Is Better? Salt Cell Sizing Explained

    Salt systems are supposed to make pool care easier, so why do so many owners end up stuck at 100% output, watching pH climb, and dreading the next replacement salt cell bill? We walk through how to pick the right size salt cell for your pool so your saltwater chlorine generator can maintain steady free chlorine without overworking the equipment or creating water balance headaches. We also get real about what’s changed: plenty of today’s salt cells do not seem to hit their rated 10,000 to 15,000 hours, and replacement costs for some major brands have skyrocketed. That shifts the usual “just buy the biggest cell” strategy. We compare practical options for common pool sizes, including a detailed 15,000-gallon pool example, and explain why slightly oversizing can still help when it lets you run a lower percentage and keep room for quick superchlorination before heavy bather loads. Along the way, we cover brand considerations like Jandy TrueClear, Hayward T-Cell sizing, Pentair automation compatibility, and why warranties like Circuit Pool’s prorated coverage can matter more than marketing numbers. We also simplify chlorine production math so you size for what your pool actually loses each day, not an unrealistic maximum output. If this helped, subscribe for more pool service tips, share it with a pool owner who’s shopping for a salt system, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show. We break down how to choose the right size salt cell so your pool stays chlorinated without living at 100% output or fighting constant side effects. We also talk honestly about modern salt cell lifespan, replacement cost, and why planning for the next cell matters as much as buying the system today. • why our old “oversize it” advice changes as cells fail sooner than rated hours • why running 100% output can drive pH up fast • what white flake blowback looks like and why high output can increase the risk • practical sizing for a 15,000-gallon pool using real chlorine production numbers • brand-by-brand considerations including Jandy TrueClear, Hayward T-Cells, Pentair pricing • why Circuit Pool’s prorated warranty stands out for long-term value • how to think about chlorine loss per day instead of chasing huge production Learn more at Swimmipoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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Showing 1–20 of 29 episodes