The Pool Guy Podcast Show

Dealing With Extreme Weather on Your Pool Route

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Weather can wreck a perfectly planned pool route in minutes. One moment the backyard is calm, the next you’re in a wind event where every pass with the net brings in more leaves, the power is out in nearby hills, and the safest move is to pack up and go home. That’s real pool service life, and we want you ready for it, not surprised by it.

We break down the extreme weather situations pool technicians run into most: sudden windstorms like the Santa Ana winds, wildfire conditions that dump fine ash into the water, and heavy rain days that turn visibility and driving into a hazard. I share how I think about “workable” drizzle versus shut-it-down rain, why thunderstorms are never worth the risk, and how to communicate realistic recovery timelines when storms hit in waves. We also get practical about cleanup strategy after a fire: fine-bag vacuum options, why ash keeps settling, and why filter cleanouts become part of the weekly rhythm.

To keep your business moving, we talk route strategy during multi-day forecasts: stacking pools, shifting days, and focusing on essentials when you simply cannot clean the way you want to. I also share the gear that helps me stay effective, from rainwear that keeps you mobile to cold-weather gloves and waterproof boots that save your hands and feet. If this helps, subscribe, share it with a pool pro, and leave a review so more techs can find the episode.

Extreme weather changes everything on a pool route, so we focus on when to work, when to stop, and how to keep customers informed while staying safe. We walk through windstorms, wildfire ash, heavy rain, and cold snaps, plus the gear and route moves that help us get pools back without burning out.

• deciding to stop cleaning during dangerous wind gusts
• checking nearby accounts and essentials when wind makes cleaning futile
• power shutoffs during wind events and the added fire risk
• why wind recovery can take two to three weeks
• how wildfires create ash problems that take weeks to fix
• vacuuming ash with fine bags and accepting repeat settling
• cleaning filters repeatedly as part of the ash cleanup process
• separating drizzle from heavy rain when planning pool service days
• skipping routes during thunderstorms and treating the pool pole like a lightning risk
• handling weeks of rain with basic checks and overflow planning
• teaching customers simple ways to drain down an overfilled pool
• moving pools earlier in the week to avoid forecasted downpours
• using cold-weather gloves to keep hands warm on early stops
• choosing waterproof boots to avoid wet feet and improve safety

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Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:
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Wind Event Coming? Here’s How Pool Pros Should Prepare

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A windstorm can turn a clean backyard pool into a debris-filled mess in a single afternoon and if you service pools for a living, that mess multiplies across your entire route. We talk through what windy weather really means for a pool service business during Santa Ana wind events and other regional wind patterns, including why the first major storm of the season is often the most brutal. The goal is not perfection in one stop. The goal is a repeatable process that keeps circulation going, protects your schedule, and keeps you from wrecking your body trying to leaf rake every pool to the floor.

We share the exact “wind policy” structure we use in our service agreement: start by cleaning the filtration system (skimmer basket, pump basket, restoring prime), then skim the surface, then tackle leaves on the bottom, and vacuum only when conditions and time allow. That order matters when baskets are jammed, pumps lose prime, and you’ve got 15 pools in similar shape. We also get into real-world storm hazards like patio chairs, umbrellas, potted plants, and even barbecues ending up in the water and why a simple pre-storm reminder to secure items can prevent hours of chaos.

Then we go practical with equipment: why you should carry extra leaf rakes and a backup pole, and why a proper pool vacuum system is a game-changer during severe leaf and dirt events. We compare everyday options to heavier-duty vacuums designed for trashed pools, and we explain how customer education can help too, like leaving a pole and leaf rake onsite so homeowners can skim ahead of your service day without touching anything risky.

If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave a quick review so more service techs can find these storm-season strategies.

We get real about how extreme wind events can wreck a pool route and why trying to “make it perfect” in one visit burns you out fast. We share the wind policy we use, the cleanup order that keeps pools running, and the tools and customer habits that make storm weeks survivable.
• Santa Ana wind season expectations and why the first storm hits hardest
• using a written wind clause to protect time and reduce complaints
• prioritizing pump and skimmer basket cleanup to restore circulation
• skimming first and treating bottom cleanup as a later step when needed
• asking customers to secure patio furniture and loose yard items before storms
• carrying backup leaf rakes and an extra pole for breakage
• choosing a vacuum system that can handle heavy leaves and dirt
• leaving a pool pole and leaf rake onsite so customers can help safely
• handling pushback by explaining route math and daylight limits
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Can You Service a Pool Without Doing Repairs?

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

You don’t have to be a full-time mechanic to run a real pool service business. We hear the same fear from new and growing pool pros all the time: “I can do weekly pool cleaning, but I don’t know repairs.” Here’s the surprise. Plenty of successful pool service companies build strong routes by focusing on weekly pool maintenance and outsourcing the heavy repair work, as long as they understand equipment well enough to diagnose symptoms, explain the issue clearly, and take smart next steps.

We walk through what “enough knowledge” actually looks like in the field. You need to know how pool systems operate, what normal flow and pressure look like, and how to identify common problems like air leaks, cracked baskets, clogged impellers, and equipment that won’t start. You don’t need to rebuild everything yourself, but you do need to recognize the signs, read error codes when they show up, and communicate confidently with the customer. That competence builds trust and keeps your weekly route running on time.

Then we get practical about outsourcing pool repairs. We compare partnering with another service company versus working with a repair-only tech, and we share ways to find reliable repair partners through suppliers, manufacturer warranty provider lists, and local reps. We also cover liability and billing decisions, including why direct-to-customer invoicing often protects your business. Finally, we draw the line between small repairs you can handle and major installs you should refer out, plus how to win new service accounts even when a pump is down or the pool is going green.

If you want to grow your pool route, streamline your schedule, and cut risk without sacrificing professionalism, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a quick review so more techs can find it.

We answer the question pool pros worry about most: can you run a pool service business without doing repairs. We break down the minimum equipment knowledge you need, how we outsource major fixes safely, and how this setup can help you scale a weekly service route.
• Weekly service only as a viable pool service business model
• Basic pool equipment knowledge needed to spot problems without fixing everything
• Why repair-only partners reduce the risk of losing service accounts
• Practical ways to find trusted repair-only techs through suppliers, reps, and warranty lists
• Liability and billing setups that keep us out of the middle
• Small fixes we should handle versus major repairs we should refer out
• How we land new clients even when the pool needs repairs or a turnaround
Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com. And if you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, swimmingprolearning.com.

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Are You Building a Future—or Just Working for Life?

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool route might be profitable, but it also comes with a deadline most people ignore until their knees, hands, or shoulders force the conversation. We get real about the physical wear of pool service and why “I’ll figure it out later” can turn into working longer than you ever planned, especially when inflation keeps raising the cost of everything from gas to groceries.

We walk through clear, practical retirement planning ideas for self-employed pool service pros: why cash sitting in the bank can lose value, how compound interest works over decades, and what a Roth IRA can do for your future taxes. We also talk about reinvesting profits back into your pool business for growth and deductions, while keeping an eye on the difference between active income and true passive income. And because Social Security may not carry as much weight for business owners, we dig into why outside guidance can help, including what you can learn from a financial advisor seminar.

Then we tackle real estate investing, including why some advisors downplay it, and why rental property can be a rare mix of “now” benefits and “later” benefits. We cover tax deductions like depreciation and mortgage interest, how higher interest rates change the math for investors, and why service-minded pool professionals can make strong landlords because they already understand customer service and problem-solving.

If you want a plan that helps you step back from the route on your terms, listen through to the end and pick one action you can take this week. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more people in the industry start planning earlier.

We talk about why pool service can be a great career but a tough long-term job for your body, and why planning for retirement gets more urgent the longer you stay in the field. We break down practical ways to invest profits so inflation does not quietly erase your future options.

• retirement stats and why many people feel behind
• how inflation reduces purchasing power over time
• why keeping too much cash can be costly
• compound interest and long-term market investing basics
• Roth IRA pros and the tradeoff of no tax break now
• reinvesting in a pool service business versus building passive income
• the physical wear of route work and planning around it
• Social Security limits for self-employed business owners
• meeting a financial advisor and learning from local seminars
• real estate investing as income, deductions, and long-term asset growth
• depreciation, interest, and expense deductions for rental property
• starting early, adjusting saving and investing percentages by age
• executing a plan now instead of “someday”

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.
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Can DIY Pool Owners & Pool Pros Coexist?

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your customer says they’re “pretty handy” and offers to handle the filter cleanings to save money. Sounds reasonable until the filter doesn’t get cleaned for weeks, the water starts sliding toward algae, and you discover the clamp was reinstalled wrong. Now it’s not just a service problem, it’s a safety and liability problem. That DIY crossover is getting more common, and we’re breaking down where it helps and where it can seriously hurt your route.

We talk through why DIY pool maintenance has always been a major part of the industry, and how modern pool automation and chemical automation make homeowners feel even more capable. ORP systems, acid feed, salt systems, and app-controlled equipment can reduce day-to-day effort, but they don’t remove the need for correct maintenance and consistent oversight. When “helpful” tasks are done late or done wrong, the pool suffers and the pro often gets blamed.

You’ll hear real examples of what goes wrong when homeowners clean cartridge or DE filters, including improper assembly and dangerous clamp issues, plus common pump basket and skimmer basket mistakes that can cause loss of prime or equipment damage. We also dig into when chemical-only pool service can be a smart offering for experienced DIY clients, and how to set clear rules so the pool stays clean and everyone stays safe. If you found this useful, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave a review with your own boundary rule you won’t bend.

DIY pool care is normal, but shared responsibilities can quickly create safety problems, bad water, and finger-pointing. We draw a hard line around high-risk equipment tasks and explain when a chemical-only pool service can actually work.
• why DIY homeowners still make up a big part of pool care
• how pool automation and chemical automation change the workload
• why customers want to clean their own filter and why it fails
• filter cleaning risks: timing, poor cleaning, dangerous reassembly
• real-world DE filter mistakes: no DE and far too much DE
• why homeowners should not touch pump baskets or skimmer baskets
• what DIY tasks are genuinely helpful: skimming, brushing, watching the water
• when chemical-only pool service fits and how to screen for the right client

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Pool Surface Problems I’ve Seen Over the Years

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

That “simple stain” on the pool floor might be permanent, and that fresh coat of pool paint might be a countdown to peeling, cloudy water, and filters packed with chalky dust. We walk through the surface issues we see most often across plaster pools, Pebble Tec finishes, fiberglass pools, and vinyl liner pools, with real-world examples that help you diagnose what you’re looking at before you promise a miracle fix.

We get honest about painting plaster pools: why it became popular as a cosmetic solution, what proper epoxy pool paint prep actually takes, and why the second round is so much harder than the first. We also talk about the most common plaster defects like step-area chipping, deep-end flaking, and rust marks caused by metal objects or chemical burns from trichlor tablets, plus why some “rust stains” are really rebar bleeding through the plaster and need a patch repair, not more acid.

From there, we shift to Pebble Tec calcium haze that makes the finish look foggy, and the surprising rust spots caused by metal in individual pebbles that usually require a builder or warranty visit to chip out the source. We also cover fiberglass gel coat wear that shows up as white powder when you brush, and why fiberglass and vinyl are so easy to stain with tabs, granules, and metals. If you want fewer callbacks and cleaner service bids, you’ll leave with clear warning signs to watch for and smarter ways to set expectations.

Subscribe for more pool service advice, share this with a tech who keeps inheriting “mystery stains,” and leave a review with the pool surface issue you want us to break down next.

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Pool Tile Covered in White Build-Up — Can It Be Removed?

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

That bright white crust on the waterline and spa spillway can make a pool look old overnight, especially on darker tile. We walk through what’s really happening when water evaporates and leaves minerals behind, why hard water makes it worse, and how to identify the kind of scale you’re dealing with before you waste time scrubbing. If you’ve ever wondered why one pool cleans up fast while another seems permanently “chalked,” the chemistry and the deposit type are the missing pieces.

We get practical about removal options, from acid-based tile soap and consistent weekly brushing to more aggressive methods like careful scraping and sanding. We also explain why those approaches may help with calcium carbonate but often fail against calcium silicate, the thicker, stubborn scale that can cling to tile for years. When you need a true reset, we talk about professional glass bead tile cleaning, what the process looks like, and how to frame the recommendation so customers understand the cost and the payoff.

Then we zoom out to prevention and pool water chemistry. Using LSI (Langelier Saturation Index) and tools like the Orenda app, we show how water temperature can flip the same pool from balanced to scale forming, why summer is a constant battle, and how a slightly negative LSI can reduce scaling pressure without risking corrosive damage. We also share scheduling tricks like running spillways longer or shutting off after sunset to reduce sun-driven calcification.

If pool tile calcium buildup, spa spillway scale, and LSI balancing are ongoing headaches in your route, hit play, subscribe, and share this with a pool pro who’s tired of explaining “that white line.” After listening, leave a review and tell us what tile and water conditions you’re fighting right now.

We break down why white calcium buildup shows up on pool tile lines and spa spillways, and why regular weekly service usually can’t erase heavy staining. We share the safest ways to clean it, when to recommend glass beading, and how LSI and water temperature decide how fast scale forms.
• evaporation and splash-out leaving dissolved minerals behind
• spotting hard water clues on sinks, shower heads, and toilets
• calcium carbonate vs calcium silicate and why it matters
• when tile soap works and when it won’t touch the buildup
• scraping and sandpaper options plus damage and liability risks
• using acid-based tile cleaners and gel products more safely
• pump run-time tricks to keep spillways from drying out
• tracking LSI with the Orenda app and adjusting pH without going too corrosive
• setting customer expectations and explaining scale as a natural process
Join the pool guy coaching program.
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Before You Start an Acid Wash Don’t Make These Mistakes!

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Draining a pool sounds simple until the plaster starts chipping, the customer expects miracles, or someone asks the one question that never goes away: “Will my pool pop out?” We break down the real-world judgment calls behind pool drains, acid washes, and chlorine washes, with a focus on timing, surface risk, and clear customer communication.

We talk about why the off-season is the sweet spot for a drain and clean, and why high air temps and direct sun can turn a routine job into cracked plaster, flaking steps, and permanent damage. You’ll hear how we think about full drains versus partial drains for high cyanuric acid (CYA), plus the situations where an acid wash is the wrong answer because the surface already has chips or cracks.

From there, we compare acid wash vs chlorine wash for pool stain removal, including when a chlorine wash is the better choice for organic staining, algae, and black algae. We also cover jobsite safety and chemistry: why chlorine and muriatic acid must never mix, how thorough rinsing protects you, and why straight liquid chlorine can leave caustic residue that can wreck a filter. Finally, we share a practical business lens: when these labor-heavy jobs make sense, and when to pass unless it leads to ongoing pool service.

If you want the acid wash waiver, email David@Swimmingpoollearning.com, then subscribe, share the episode with a pool pro, and leave a review so more techs can avoid expensive drain-day mistakes.

We walk through how to time a pool drain, acid wash, or chlorine wash so you do not damage plaster, trigger cracks, or create a headache you cannot undo. We also talk about setting expectations, choosing the right wash for the stain, and protecting your business from avoidable risk.
• why the off-season is the safest time for drains and washes
• deciding between a full drain and a partial drain for high CYA
• avoiding hot-weather drains that can chip and crack plaster
• refusing acid washes on already damaged plaster or pebble surfaces
• managing customer expectations and avoiding overpromising
• choosing a chlorine wash for organic stains and black algae
• explaining hydrostatic pressure and when pool pop-out risk rises
• preventing toxic fumes by rinsing thoroughly between chlorine and acid
• diluting liquid chlorine to avoid caustic residue and filter damage
• using soda ash to neutralize acidic water in the sump basin
• making drain and wash jobs fit a smart pool service business model

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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

Century EVO VS NIDEC: The Best Pool Pump Motor Upgrade

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

You can save serious money by upgrading to a variable speed pool pump without cutting pipes, but only if you understand what you’re trading off. We put two popular retrofit options side by side: the Century V-Green Evo and the NIDEC variable speed replacement motor. Both let you keep your existing wet end and swap only the motor and drive, but they feel very different to live with day to day.

We walk through the details that actually change the outcome: available total horsepower options, dual voltage behavior, and why a 115V setup can quietly limit what a “bigger” VS motor can deliver. Then we dig into the biggest usability split, programming and control. The V-Green Evo goes with a one-button, preset approach that can be simple for homeowners who want fewer choices. NIDEC sticks to a more traditional back-mounted controller that many pool pros prefer for quick-clean runs and easy speed changes.

We also cover a make-or-break feature for many equipment pads: the auxiliary relay. If you need to coordinate a salt chlorine generator or a booster pump, that relay can eliminate an extra timer and simplify wiring. Finally, we share practical sizing guidance, when a full branded Pentair, Hayward, or Jandy variable speed pump is the smarter move for automation systems, and a quick checklist for flange types and installation basics.

If this helped you, subscribe for more pool equipment breakdowns, share the episode with a pool owner who’s planning an upgrade, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

We compare the Century V-Green Evo and NIDEC variable speed replacement motors and explain what you gain and what you give up when you retrofit a VS drive onto your existing pool pump. We also lay out the real decision points around controls, voltage, auxiliary relays, automation compatibility, sizing, and install details so you can choose confidently.
• cost savings versus full variable speed pump replacement
• horsepower options and why 2.7 THP can matter
• 115V versus 230V limits and how power modulation works
• V-Green Evo one-button programming versus a traditional controller
• why pros prefer a back-mounted controller for quick changes
• auxiliary relay benefits for salt cells and booster pumps
• when automation systems make a branded VS pump the better choice
• sizing guidance to avoid downsizing flow for spas and features
• flange identification tips and practical install steps
If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, swingingpoollearning.com. Clicking on the podcast icon on the banner will give you 2,000 podcasts to listen to. And if you're interested in the coaching program and can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.

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Is Your Pool Route Bleeding Money? Smart Fixes!

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Gas at $6 a gallon can make any pool service pro start eyeing a hybrid truck, but the decision is rarely as simple as “better MPG equals savings.” We walk through the real-world math of keeping a paid-off truck versus taking on a new payment, plus the added costs people forget to count like insurance and registration. If you want a clear way to sanity-check your own numbers, you’ll hear the same framework we use on route.

From there, we go after the bigger wins: route optimization that actually cuts miles. That can mean letting go of outlying pools, trading accounts, consolidating supply runs, or getting pool chemicals delivered so you stop burning fuel on errands. We also call out popular “tiny hacks” that don’t move the needle, like tailgate myths and obsessing over small weight reductions, and we replace them with changes that can save serious money over a year.

We also get blunt about two common profit leaks: eating out every day and paying for chemical hog pools out of your own pocket. We talk about keeping customers happy with consistent monthly billing while still passing through heavy chemical use, including the practical approach of leaving buckets on site for chlorine demand. If you want more breathing room in your pool service business, plus a plan to cut costs and grow revenue at the same time, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review.

We break down practical ways to save real money on a pool route without cutting care quality, especially when gas prices spike and inflation makes every expense louder. We run the math on truck decisions, then zoom out to the bigger levers that protect profit and create time to grow.
• running the numbers on keeping a paid-off truck versus buying a hybrid
• reducing miles by trading or replacing outlying pools
• focusing on big changes instead of tailgate and weight myths
• consolidating to a four-day schedule to cut driving and open time for repairs
• cutting hidden spending like daily eating out and coffee stops
• identifying chemical-heavy pools that quietly drain margins
• keeping consistent billing while charging for heavy chemical use with buckets left on site
Learn more at SwimmingPoollearning.com.
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The Honest Truth About Variable Speed Pumps

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your variable speed pool pump is saving electricity, so why does the pool suddenly feel “different”? That’s the gap we tackle head-on, using real service-world examples that homeowners and even experienced pool pros run into right after a VS pump install. When you drop from a single speed pump at roughly 3450 RPM to lower speeds like 1800 to 2400 RPM, the pool’s surface velocity changes, skimming can feel weaker, and debris may not funnel to the skimmer the way you expect. Nothing is necessarily broken, but the behavior is different and it catches people off guard.

I walk through the practical tradeoffs: automatic pool cleaners that crawl at low speed, water features and spillways that look underpowered unless you schedule a higher RPM block, and why a “medium speed” around 2600 RPM is often the real-world setting that makes equipment function the way customers want. We also get into the part that triggers the most pushback, longer runtime. A VS pump may need far more hours to deliver comparable circulation, and I share an easy way to explain that to customers and what I do when they refuse to see a pump running late.

Then we go beyond performance into the stuff nobody puts on the box: sticker shock on VS pump pricing, expensive drive replacements, the added programming layer because the pump becomes its own timer, and how Department of Energy regulations have narrowed your choices. If you’re trying to balance energy savings, water quality, cleaner performance, and customer expectations, you’ll leave with a clear framework for setting RPM by pool size and scheduling speeds that actually match how the pool is used. Subscribe, share this with a pool owner or pool tech who’s fighting a “too long runtime” complaint, and leave a review with your biggest VS pump question.

We break down the real-world drawbacks people notice after switching from a single speed pump to a variable speed pool pump, even when the energy savings are undeniable. I share the issues that cause the most confusion, from weaker surface skimming to longer runtimes, plus how I program RPM based on cleaner needs and pool size.

• reduced surface velocity at low RPM leading to less skimmer pull
• why 1800 RPM can be a sweet spot for low speed
• automatic cleaner performance limits at low speed and typical RPM ranges that work
• water features and spillways looking weak unless you schedule higher speeds
• explaining longer VS runtimes to customers and when to stop fighting it
• why manufacturer “percentage savings” claims do not fit every pool
• programming and scheduling complexity since the pump becomes the timer
• higher price point, expensive drives, and why warranty support matters
• Department of Energy regulations reducing consumer choice

Are you a Pool Service Pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimming poollearning.com. If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those on my website, swimmingprolearning.com. And if you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at pullguycoaching.com.

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The DE Filter Replacement Decision

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

That old DE filter on the pad is doing more than collecting dirt, it is quietly adding hours to your workload and choking your pool’s circulation every time the PSI creeps up. We break down what really happens when a DE grid filter ages out, why the “quickest” replacement can be the most expensive choice over time, and what upgrades actually make a difference for water clarity, flow, and weekly maintenance.

We use a familiar setup like a Pentair FNS Plus as the reference point and compare realistic replacement paths: swapping to another DE filter, moving to a sand filter, stepping up to a quad DE filter, or making the jump to a high-capacity cartridge filter. The biggest takeaway is surface area. Going from a 60 sq ft DE filter to a 500 to 520 sq ft cartridge filter can multiply filtration area many times over, which translates into stronger returns, a healthier spa spillway, fewer flow-related water quality problems, and far fewer filter cleanings. We also cover the practical retrofit details pool service pros care about, like removing the backwash valve, dealing with reversed plumbing, and choosing a cartridge model that fits the same equipment pad footprint.

We also talk safety and compliance: DE dust can be hazardous if inhaled, DE residue can linger around equipment areas for years, and dumping DE into the street or storm drains can lead to fines in places like California. If you want a cleaner pad, simpler cleanings, and steadier circulation, this is the roadmap.

Subscribe for more pool service tactics, share this with a tech who still dreads DE cleanups, and leave a review with your go-to filter upgrade and why.

We walk through the best options when a DE pool filter finally wears out and why the easiest swap is not always the best upgrade. We make the case for a large cartridge filter to boost flow, reduce cleanings, avoid DE mess, and simplify life for both techs and homeowners.
• replacing a worn DE filter with a large cartridge filter for major surface area gains
• why DE filters get inefficient as PSI rises and flow drops
• what improves when circulation stays strong: returns, spillway, heater performance, chemical mixing
• plumbing considerations when converting DE to cartridge, including removing the backwash valve and reversed ports
• why sand filters usually make less sense than cartridges for footprint and efficiency
• when a quad DE filter is a reasonable choice and why it needs a specific backwash setup
• safety and compliance issues around DE dust and disposing of backwash water

Learn more at Swimmy.
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Pool Products That Shouldn’t Have Died

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

They didn’t just discontinue a few random SKUs. They retired products that pool pros actually relied on, and that raises a bigger question: what makes a manufacturer walk away from a cleaner or filter that still works? We unpack the real-world reasons behind “dead” pool products, starting with Pentair’s decision to discontinue a long list of suction side pool cleaners, including the famous Creepy Crawly, and whether variable speed pumps are truly to blame or just a convenient narrative.

From there, we do a practical teardown of the Pentair 4000 series DE filter. We talk about what it got right for serviceability, why the rotor valve became a costly pain point, and how issues like a heavy cracking lid, UV wear on fiberglass, and an old-school clamp design can quietly doom a product over time. This is the kind of equipment history that helps pool service techs troubleshoot older pads and explain upgrade paths to customers with confidence.

We also zoom out to pressure-side cleaners, booster pump requirements, and why newer “innovations” sometimes lose to proven classics like the Polaris 280. Finally, we look at the market shift toward robotic pool cleaners and why discontinuing a lead-in product can ripple into pump, filter, and automation sales. If you’ve ever wondered why the pool industry changes so fast, this conversation connects the dots.

Subscribe for more pool industry insights, share this with a pool pro who’ll have opinions, and leave a review with the one discontinued pool product you wish would come back.

We dig into why once-iconic pool products get discontinued, even when they still perform well in the field. We weigh real-world service experience against manufacturer reasoning and look at how product strategy can quietly reshape a brand’s market share.

• Pentair suction cleaner discontinuations and what stayed
• Variable speed pumps versus suction requirements in practice
• Why the Little Rebel likely disappeared
• Pentair 4000 series DE filter strengths and failure points
• Rotor valve wear, heavy lids, UV damage, and clamp design
• TriVac pressure cleaner relaunch problems including price and performance
• Booster pump energy use and why builders moved away
• Why the Polaris 280 design keeps winning
• Pentair’s missed opportunity in robotic pool cleaners
• Why “lead-in” products influence pump and filter buying decisions
• Revamp versus scrap and what smart redesign looks like

Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.

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Pool Safety: What’s Your Best Bet?

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A backyard pool is supposed to be fun, but it can also become dangerous in the span of a few minutes. We talk through the safety layers that actually prevent child drowning when distraction, routine, and “we’ll be right back” moments collide with open water. If you’re a pool owner, a parent or grandparent, or a pool service pro who advises customers, this is a practical guide to building real protection instead of relying on hope.

We start with the first line of defense: a pool fence. We compare removable mesh fencing and more permanent options, then get honest about the weak points we see all the time, like gates that aren’t locked, installs that drift out of alignment, and kids who figure out how to climb. From there, we add a secondary layer with smart detection, including an AI camera system like SwamCam that can alert your phone with fewer false alarms than older motion devices. Technology helps, but it works best when it backs up physical barriers.

Next, we get into the habits and equipment that tighten the system: removing pool toys and floaties so kids aren’t tempted and the water stays visible, and using safety covers the right way. We talk about automatic pool covers for rectangular pools, why leaving a cover open creates liability for service pros, and what to do immediately if a cover jams. We also break down tensioned pool nets, the “Spider-Man” style barrier that can be extremely safe when fully tightened and consistently used, but dangerous when left loose or half-installed. Finally, we round it out with swim lessons, door alarms, self-closing doors, and simple physical door pins to reduce access from the house.

If you care about pool safety, share this with someone who has kids around water, subscribe for more pool industry insights, and leave a review with the safety step you’re adding next.

We lay out the safety layers that prevent child drowning in backyard pools, starting with the reality that accidents happen fast and quietly. We share what actually works in the field, what fails in real homes, and how pool pros can guide customers toward safer choices with less liability.
• why drowning risk stays high for young children
• mesh fencing and wrought iron fencing as the first defense
• self-latching gates, locked gates, and common fence failure points
• SwamCam AI pool camera as a secondary alert system
• removing pool toys and floaties to cut temptation and improve visibility
• automatic pool covers, when they fit best, and why pros should always close them
• what to do when a safety cover jams or will not close
• tensioned pool nets as an ultimate barrier when used correctly
• swim lessons, door alarms, self-closing doors, and simple door pins as extra layers
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 Swimmy Pool.

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Avoid Liability on Your Pool Start-Ups

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Brand new plaster looks perfect for about five minutes, then reality hits: dust, rising pH, builder timelines, and a homeowner who expects the finish to stay flawless forever. We walk through how we approach a new plaster pool startup using a traditional startup method that is easier to execute, easier to explain, and far easier to defend if anyone tries to pin plaster defects on the startup tech later.

We point you to practical resources from the National Plasterers Council, including the NPC startup card and the option to take a startup technician certification course. Then we get into the day-one mindset that keeps you out of trouble: show up as close to fill day as possible, never let the water stop mid-fill, and document everything before you touch the pool. We talk about what “normal” plaster variation can look like, why lighting changes your inspection, and how photos plus written notes protect you when discoloration or mottling becomes a warranty argument.

From there we dig into the core water chemistry fundamentals for new plaster pools: tracking pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, metals, and keeping an eye on LSI during the first 28 days. We cover why fresh plaster creates heavy acid demand, how to think about alkalinity targets, and how brushing twice daily with a nylon brush helps manage plaster dust. We also flag common early mistakes like wheeled vacuums, stainless steel brushing, auto cleaners, and adding salt too soon.

If you want more startup wins with fewer headaches, subscribe, share this with a pool pro who does startups, and leave a review with your best day-one documentation tip.

We break down how to do a new plaster pool startup with fewer surprises and less liability by sticking to a traditional, step-by-step method. We also explain why documentation, photos, and consistent chemistry logs are the difference between getting blamed and being protected when plaster issues show up later.
• why many pool pros avoid startups and where the risk really comes from
• using National Plasterers Council resources, the NPC startup card, and certification training
• traditional startup vs acid or hot startup and why traditional is easier to defend
• documenting plaster appearance, lighting effects, and pre-existing conditions
• logging pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, metals, and every chemical addition
• keeping alkalinity in a safe range and managing pH rise from fresh plaster
• dealing with plaster dust and when additives or sequestrants can help
• fill day rules like never stopping the water mid-fill
• brushing twice daily and avoiding wheeled vacuums, stainless brushes, auto cleaners, and salt early
• how disputes usually play out and why records matter even years later
Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
If you want this, I can send this to you. Just email me at David at Swimmingpoollearning.com.

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FieldPay: Get Paid Before You Pack the Truck!

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The fastest way to create friction in a pool service business is to make good people wait for money they already earned. I sit down with Flavia de la Fuente, creator of Field Pay, and pool pro Brett Murdoch to talk about the messy reality most of us live with: checks piling up in a glovebox, subcontractors billing months late, and “quick” payments through Zelle or Venmo that turn into a recordkeeping nightmare.

Try it for FREE at the Growth and Pro with Promo Code: BRETT

We break down what Field Pay is built to do: help pool companies pay technicians and 1099 subcontractors quickly after work is completed, with clean logs that make accounting and profitability tracking easier. Flavia explains how the platform supports the ways field teams actually get paid, from per-job and per-stop payouts to performance-based incentives, and how integrations with systems like Skimmer and Housecall Pro can reduce steps even further. Brett shares what changes once approvals become a one-tap habit and payouts are predictable instead of sporadic.

We also get specific about W-2 teams versus 1099 vendors. Payroll still handles taxes and remains your source of truth, but Field Pay can accelerate spiffs and bonuses tied to behaviors you want more of, like five-star reviews, lead spotting, route coverage, and holiday calls. We cover safeguards like roster-based access to reduce fraud and mistakes, plus practical touches like reimbursements and a Spanish-language app experience.

If you want a tighter back office, better technician retention, and fewer payment surprises, press play. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro who’s tired of chasing invoices, and leave a review so more service companies can find it.

We dig into why paying technicians and subcontractors is one of the biggest hidden choke points in a pool service business, and how speed and clarity can change everything from retention to profitability. Flavia de la Fuente and Brett Murdoch break down how Field Pay streamlines approvals, records, and payouts so we can stop chasing invoices and start running cleaner systems.
• Brett’s origin story in the pool industry and why process matters for scaling
• why cash, checks, and late subcontractor invoices create avoidable risk and wasted time
• how instant payouts after job completion change technician behavior and job coverage
• handling real-world pay types like per stop, per job, route pay, commission-style earnings
• using fast “spiffs” for reviews, leads, referrals, and weekend or holiday coverage
• where Field Pay fits with W-2 payroll and why payroll stays the tax source of truth
• integrations with tools like Skimmer and Housecall Pro to pull completed-work data
• cleaner records for profitability tracking, reconciliations, and year-end reporting
• roster-based controls to prevent misdirected payments and reduce fraud
• pricing tiers and quick setup at Myfieldpay.com
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
Myfieldpay.com.
you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.

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Successful Bidding: Bid Smarter, Not Cheaper

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Most pool service bids aren’t lost because you’re bad at cleaning pools, they’re lost because you were slower, less clear, or less confident than the next company. We walk through a practical, field-tested approach to bidding that helps you win the right accounts without blowing up your schedule or training customers to expect bargain pricing.

We talk about when a photo is enough and when you need boots on the ground, why “first contact” matters so much on platforms like Thumbtack, and how to set up your day so you can actually fit estimates into a working pool route. From there we get real about territory strategy: keeping your service area tight, quickly checking addresses, and knowing when a lead is a bad fit even if you want the work.

Pricing is the next make-or-break skill. We share how to find your local market range, why lowball bids leave money on the table, and how to position your pool maintenance business around reliability, proactive equipment checks, and clear communication. We also cover the softer skills that close deals: showing up looking professional, having a vehicle that inspires confidence, answering customer interview questions, and avoiding overpromising on stains or special requests. To wrap it up, we explain why walking back a quote or underbidding a green pool cleanup can cost you far more than the job itself through lost trust and lost referrals.

If you got value from this, subscribe, share it with a pool pro who’s quoting jobs this week, and leave a quick review with the one bidding mistake you never want to repeat.

We break down what actually makes a pool service bid land, from showing up fast to pricing in a way that protects long-term profit. We also share how to handle customer “interview” questions, avoid overpromising, and keep your route tight so new accounts fit your schedule.

• choosing boots on the ground over photo-only bids when it matters
• responding first and booking fast to beat slower competitors
• tightening your territory to protect drive time and route density
• checking the address immediately and fitting bids into service days
• learning local market rates and staying within a fair range
• selling reliability and communication instead of cheap pricing
• dressing clean and keeping a professional-looking vehicle and signage
• preparing for customer questions about weather, algae, and policies
• avoiding overpromising on stains and schedule commitments
• never backtracking on a quote and learning from underbidding mistakes
• thinking beyond one job to referrals and repeat business

Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
And if you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at pullgreycoaching.com.
And if you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, smoking for learning.com on the banner. Click on the podcast icon.

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Pool Guy Tips: Knowing When to Stop Trying

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A single pool can hijack your entire day if you don’t have a line you won’t cross. We’re sharing the kind of “only learned in the field” pool service knowledge that saves hours on a route and keeps you from chasing problems that refuse to cooperate.

First, we get practical about one of the most common time traps: a pump that won’t prime after running dry. We talk through quick checks that actually matter, like lubing or replacing the pump lid o-ring, using an attached spa to help establish suction, and knowing when to stop repeating the same steps. The big takeaway is a hard boundary: if it won’t prime fast, shut it down, clean what you can, and come back with time or hand it to a repair tech who can go deeper.

Then we shift from equipment to business survival with a clear approach to late payments. We lay out a simple billing rhythm, when to remind, and when it’s fair to pause service so you don’t end up funding someone else’s pool with your own chemicals and payroll.

We also cover “mystery algae” that isn’t really a chemistry problem at all. Sometimes the homeowner is turning the system off for noise, cutting variable speed pump runtime to save money, or stopping a standalone VS pump during a party and forgetting to restart it. We finish with a few honest strategies for handling chatty customers so you can stay focused and keep your route on track.

Subscribe for more real-world pool pro guidance, share this with a tech who needs boundaries, and leave a review with the biggest time sink you’ve had on a stop.

We share field-tested pool service boundaries that save your route when problems, payments, or people start eating your day. We walk through priming failures, late-paying customers, mystery algae tied to pump runtime, and simple ways to keep moving without being rude.
• setting a 10-minute limit when a pool pump will not prime
• fast priming fixes using spa suction, o-ring lube, and basic tightening checks
• recognizing hidden blockages like debris in the suction line
• leaving the system off and scheduling a return or referring repairs out
• creating a firm billing timeline and stopping service for non-payment
• understanding why overdue balances snowball and rarely get “caught up”
• diagnosing sudden algae by checking timers, schedules, and customer changes
• educating homeowners on variable speed pump electricity use and runtime
• preventing shutdowns on standalone VS pumps after parties
• using honest exit strategies with chatty customers to protect focus and speed

Learn more at Swimmipoollearning.com.
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Is AI Better Than Me? & Other YT Questions Answered

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A pool cleaner that devours acorns can get stopped by something the size of a couple grains of rice, and once you know why, you start diagnosing faster and wasting less time on the deck. I’m digging into the most common YouTube questions I get from pool owners and pool service pros and expanding them into practical, real-world troubleshooting you can use on your next stop.

We start with the Polaris Max and Polaris Atlas suction pool cleaners and the big design tradeoff behind the newer Halo engine. It’s far better with long string-like debris than older designs, but small pebbles can jam the mechanism and make the cleaner look “dead” even when suction is fine. I explain what’s happening, where it shows up most often (hello, pebble tech pools), and the simple way to clear it and get moving again.

Then we shift to a problem that costs people equipment: trying to drain a pool by backwashing. I break down when backwash is safe, why push-pull piston valves and DE grids can get damaged if you run backwash too long, and why a multiport valve with waste mode is the right approach. From there, I walk through pump priming failures, how to check for impeller clogs, why the lid O-ring is not always the culprit, and what lubricant actually belongs on pool O-rings.

We wrap with saltwater chlorine generator troubleshooting using the Jandy TrueClear check cell and the fast “bubble test,” plus a clear explanation of borates at 50 ppm for algae control and pH stability. If you got value from these pool maintenance tips, subscribe, share the show with a pool friend, and leave a quick review so more people can find it.

I answer a stack of real YouTube questions with field-tested fixes for cleaners, pumps, salt cells, and water balance. We talk tradeoffs, quick diagnostics, and the little mistakes that quietly damage equipment over time.

• Why Polaris Max and Atlas can stop with strong suction
• How the Halo engine handles string debris yet jams on tiny pebbles
• Why draining by backwashing can damage DE grids with push-pull valves
• What to check when a pump loses prime including impeller debris
• How to lube a pump lid O-ring correctly with Magic Lube
• A simple spa mode test to isolate priming problems
• How to confirm Jandy TrueClear chlorine production by looking for bubbles
• Why output percentage and pump RPM matter for salt cell activation
• Where AI comparisons help and where real-world experience still matters
• How borates at 50 ppm help as an algostat and pH buffer
• Alkalinity targets and using muriatic acid to keep pH in range

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 Swimmipoollearning.com. If you don't want to rely on AI specifically and are looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, swimmingpolearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.

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How Many Pools Can One Pool Guy Do in a Day?

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The fastest way to burn out in pool service is chasing a number that doesn’t fit your reality. We get a constant question from pool pros and new pool technicians alike: how many pools can one person clean in a day, and what’s a “good” pool route size if you want steady income without living in panic mode?

I break down the variables that actually control your capacity, starting with the one most people ignore: temperament. Some techs move fast and stay in motion, others work methodically and take longer on each stop, and your business plan has to match that. From there, we zoom out to the constraints of your service area. Traffic, parking, and drive time can quietly destroy your schedule, while a tight route with clustered stops can make two to three pools per hour realistic. We also talk pool size, why automatic pool cleaners can dramatically shorten visits, and the customer “optics” problem when you finish too quickly and cameras are watching.

Then we get practical with the math: a rule of thumb of roughly 14 to 16 full-service pools per day, plus a solo weekly route sweet spot of about 70 to 80 pools so you still have buffer for flat tires, detours, and the surprises that hit every route. Finally, we tackle hiring, including how to structure employee workloads so one sick day doesn’t turn into a route disaster. If this helps, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave a quick review so more service techs can find it.

We answer the pool-pro question that never goes away: how many pools a single technician can service in one day without cutting corners or burning out. We lay out the real-world variables behind the numbers and share a practical rule of thumb for daily stops and total route size.
• temperament and work pace as a core limiter on daily capacity
• how traffic, parking, and drive time set the ceiling on pools per hour
• why route density matters and how tightening a service area speeds up days
• the impact of pool size and automatic pool cleaners on visit length
• customer perception when a stop is “too fast” and how to manage optics
• a practical daily target of about 14 to 16 full-service pools
• a sustainable solo route size around 70 to 80 pools per week
• when adding an employee helps and how to avoid getting overloaded
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The Truth About Trichlor Tablets

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Trichlor tablets keep pools clear with slow, steady chlorination, so why do they get blamed for “ruining” pool water? We dig into the real chemistry behind the complaints and separate hard facts from pool-store folklore. If you’ve ever heard that cyanuric acid somehow sticks around after a full drain, or that topping off after evaporation fixes high stabilizer, we walk through why those ideas don’t hold up and where the confusing test results actually come from.

We also get blunt about what many people are never told at the point of sale: trichlor tablets are trichloroisocyanuric acid, and they add a lot of cyanuric acid (CYA) as they chlorinate. Since CYA doesn’t evaporate, it can climb all season, making free chlorine less active at the same reading. We talk through a practical target approach using the common “free chlorine should be about 7.5% of CYA” guideline, and why that can create real headaches for commercial pool operators who must stay under health department chlorine limits.

Then we shift into solutions that let you keep the convenience of tablets without letting stabilizer creep take over: small, scheduled partial drains, using less trichlor by supporting with liquid chlorine or cal-hypo, and water “enhancers” like 50 ppm borates, mineral systems, and phosphate remover plus enzymes to help chlorine last longer. We also cover how heavy rain in some regions can provide meaningful dilution that changes your game plan. Subscribe for more straight talk pool chemistry, share this with a pool owner who’s battling mystery chlorine loss, and leave a review with your biggest trichlor or CYA question.

We clear up the biggest trichlor tablet misconceptions and explain why cyanuric acid readings can confuse even experienced pool owners. We also lay out practical ways to keep CYA and free chlorine in a safe, effective range without giving up tablets.
• urban legend behind high CYA after a drain and refill
• why cyanuric acid testing gets unreliable at high levels
• evaporation removing water but not stabilizer
• trichlor tablets containing about 50% cyanuric acid
• how rising CYA makes free chlorine work slower
• the 7.5% free chlorine to CYA rule and why it matters
• how a season of tablets can drive CYA to 200+ ppm
• partial drains as the simplest stabilizer control
• using liquid chlorine or cal-hypo to reduce tablet use
• borates minerals enzymes and phosphate control to extend chlorine
Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com.

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Dichlor: The Good, the Bad & the CYA

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Dichlor has a reputation problem, and it is mostly because people expect it to behave like trichlor tablets or like a routine weekly sanitizer. We walk through what dichlor pool chlorine actually is, why it dissolves fast, and why its biggest “hidden feature” is cyanuric acid built into every dose. If you have ever fought rising CYA, stubborn algae, or confusing chlorine readings, this conversation gives you a clean mental model: every chlorine type leaves a byproduct, and dichlor’s byproduct is stabilizer.

We get specific about when sodium dichlor makes sense for real-world pool maintenance. We talk pricing and why many pool service pros stopped using it, then shift into the practical advantages that still make it valuable: long shelf life for an emergency supply on your truck, near pH neutral behavior compared to acidic trichlor, and the ability to raise free chlorine while also adding CYA in saltwater pools or fresh fills that start with zero stabilizer. We also compare dosing strength against liquid chlorine and cal hypo, plus a real usability perk: granular dichlor can shock without the same cloudy water effect many people see with cal hypo.

We also draw a hard line between granular dichlor and the powdered “dichlor shock” products that tend to cloud water and feel weaker, and we explain why dichlor is not a replacement for trichlor tablets. The combination approach matters here: trichlor plus liquid chlorine or cal hypo can be a balanced way to manage byproducts, while trichlor plus dichlor can stack cyanuric acid too quickly.

If this helped you rethink your chlorine plan, subscribe, share the episode with a pool owner or tech, and leave a quick review so more people can find it.

We break down what dichlor pool shock really is, why it quietly adds a lot of cyanuric acid, and how that changes your chlorine strategy. We also share when dichlor is a smart emergency tool, when it keeps water clearer than cal hypo, and why it does not replace trichlor tablets for weekly residual.
• what dichlor is and why it includes cyanuric acid
• rough CYA impact from dosing and why it matters
• price and why many pros stopped using it
• long shelf life value as backup chlorine
• best-fit use cases like saltwater pools or startups needing CYA
• pH neutrality compared with trichlor and surface-friendly handling
• broadcast dosing guidance and vinyl pool cautions
• spot algae treatments on steps and problem areas
• strength comparison vs liquid chlorine and cal hypo
• why powdered “dichlor shock” is inferior to granular dichlor
• why dichlor is not a trichlor tablet replacement
• combination approach and avoiding trichlor plus dichlor CYA stacking
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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Solar Pool Blankets: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A solar pool cover can feel like magic when your water stays warmer overnight, your chlorine level holds longer, and you stop refilling as often from evaporation. It can also feel like a nightmare when the “bargain” bubble cover starts shedding blue particles into the skimmer, or when a heavy, wet cover turns a normal service visit into a messy wrestling match. I break down what actually matters when you buy a solar pool cover or pool blanket, including why quality beats price and what normal wear looks like after a few seasons.

We also get practical about the parts nobody warns you about: the dirt and pollen that builds up on top, the debris that dumps into the pool when you remove it, and the simple rules that keep everyone sane. If you are a pool service pro, you will hear the exact boundaries I set so I am not spending unpaid time uncovering and recovering pools, and so I am not stuck with liability if a reel handle breaks or a cover tears. If you are a homeowner, you will learn how timing matters after chemicals are added, and why leaving the cover off for a couple hours can protect the cover and keep the water cleaner.

Then we dig into performance: heat retention that can push water temperature up by 5 to 10 degrees in summer, reduced UV burn-off that can lower chlorine demand, and the hidden risk of algae growth in shaded areas if you do not brush well. We talk fit, gaps, cutting, and why full water coverage drives the best results for evaporation control and cleaner water. If you want the benefits without the weekly headaches, press play, subscribe, and share the episode with a pool owner or pool tech, then leave a quick review with your biggest solar cover question.

Solar pool covers can seriously improve heat retention, reduce evaporation, and help chlorine last longer, but they also create real mess and liability if they are cheap, cut wrong, or handled at the wrong time. I lay out what to buy, how to set ground rules with customers, and how to keep pool service smooth while still letting homeowners get the benefits.
• choosing a high-quality solar pool cover to avoid plastic shedding in the skimmer, pump basket, and filter
• realistic expectations on cover lifespan and early failure signs
• color choices and why appearance usually comes second to durability
• why covers reduce evaporation and how that ties to water conservation
• service-day rules so the homeowner removes and replaces the cover
• why chemicals and cover timing matter for cover longevity
• reel pros and cons, breakage risk, and avoiding liability
• getting proper coverage with minimal gaps for heat and debris control
• why many pros do not cut or deliver covers
• handling missed cover removal and setting boundaries
• using an automatic cleaner under the cover to prevent hidden debris and stains
Learn more at swimming poollearning.com.
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How NOT to Wreck a Vinyl Pool

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

One wrong product can turn a beautiful vinyl liner into a permanent “before and after” photo, and most of the damage is totally avoidable. We walk through vinyl pool care with the mindset every pool service pro needs: protect the liner first, then make the water easy to maintain.

We start with above-ground vinyl pool service and the two headaches that show up fast on a route: bargain-kit equipment that is too small for the water volume, and awkward access that makes basic cleaning harder than it should be. I explain what typically comes in those big-box setups, why circulation struggles, and when upgrading to a stronger pump and a properly sized cartridge filter can instantly improve clarity and consistency.

Then we shift to in-ground vinyl pools, where chemistry choices matter even more. I break down why pH often drifts down in vinyl liner pools, why trichlor tablets and granular trichlor are a bad match, and how cal-hypo powder can bleach a liner if residue hits the surface. We also cover practical balance targets for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, and TDS, plus why metals like copper can stain vinyl quickly.

To wrap it up, we get hands-on: a simple Leaf Bone skimmer clip trick for surface debris, how to think about wheeled vacuum heads versus brush vac heads, what automatic pool cleaners I trust for vinyl, and why stainless steel brushes are never worth the risk. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave a quick review so more techs can avoid liner disasters.

We break down how to service vinyl pools without staining, bleaching, or tearing a liner, covering both above-ground and in-ground setups. We share practical chemical and tool choices that keep water clear, pH stable, and the liner protected.
• common above-ground pool service problems like undersized pumps and filters
• when an equipment upgrade makes maintenance easier and water clearer
• access and safety issues when cleaning around tall above-ground walls
• why vinyl pools often hold chlorine well but can drift to low pH
• chemicals to avoid on liners like cal-hypo powder and trichlor
• what to use to raise pH when it gets stubbornly low, including borax
• recommended balance ranges for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, CYA, and TDS
• how metals and copper can stain a vinyl liner fast
• a simple skimming hack using the Leaf Bone leaf net skimmer clip
• safer vacuuming options like brush vac heads and automatic cleaners
• why stainless steel brushes do not belong in vinyl pools
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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The FCC Just Killed Future Pool Robots?

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A rule change can sound abstract until it hits the product you were about to buy. We dig into a developing regulatory threat that could limit or block new robotic pool cleaners from being released in the United States, and why the most “modern” features may be the biggest liability. If your favorite cordless pool robot depends on mapping, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth control, or over-the-air firmware updates, this conversation will help you understand what could change and how fast the market can shift once approvals tighten.

We connect the dots using a real-world parallel from the drone and camera space, where restrictions reshaped what could be sold through normal retail channels and pushed buyers toward a gray market. That workaround comes with a price: harder returns, unclear support, and warranties that may not apply. We also talk through how broad wording can sweep up more than one brand or country, and why even U.S. companies can feel the impact when key components come from overseas.

Then we get practical: if new models stall, do you buy a current-generation robotic pool cleaner now, or wait and risk fewer options later? We explore how innovation solves real pool problems (main drains, ledges, beach entries), why annual improvements matter, and how uncertainty can affect both homeowners and pool service pros who recommend equipment to customers.

If you found this useful, subscribe so you don’t miss updates, share the episode with a pool owner or pool pro, and leave a quick review telling us what feature you refuse to lose in the next generation of pool robots.

We break down a developing U.S. regulatory situation that could limit new robotic pool cleaners from being sold domestically, especially connected models with mapping and wireless control. We compare it to what happened in the drone and camera world and lay out what it could mean for innovation, warranties, and buying decisions.
• potential impact of a broad FCC-style security ruling on new robotic pool cleaner models
• how the DJI drone and camera restrictions created a gray market and what that teaches pool buyers
• why Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, firmware updates, and mapping may be the features most at risk
• what a slowdown in new releases could mean for manufacturers, including U.S. brands using overseas components
• consumer reality of gray market purchases, including returns, support, and voided warranties
• the big buying question: whether current cordless models still make sense without future upgrades
• how similar rules could spread to other home robotics like vacuums and robotic lawnmowers
Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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Harold Evans: This Is What Makes a Pool Company Great

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Perfect pool service is not “blue water” and a quick goodbye. Harold Evans joins us to argue for something bigger: water that genuinely feels good, smells clean, and makes people want to be in their pool with their family. We get into why balanced water chemistry matters beyond test results, how LSI affects surfaces and equipment, and why “good-looking” water can still be aggressive if the balance is off.

We also talk about the business side that separates an average route from a great pool service company. Harold makes the case for using enzymes to reduce the oils and organics chlorine struggles with, which can mean less chlorine use and fewer chloramine problems. Then we shift into operations: documentation, photos, and pool route software that create a clean paper trail. If a customer forgets your recommendations or questions your work later, professional records protect your techs and your reputation.

The conversation widens to the pool industry as a whole, including what happened as retail expertise faded at big chains like Leslie’s and why confidence erodes when knowledge disappears. We also face the hard truth about labor: this trade takes real skill across chemistry, plumbing, and electrical work, so wages, training, and job fit have to reflect that reality. If you want to run a pool business you’re proud of, this is a blueprint.

Subscribe for more, share this with a pool pro who needs it, and leave a review telling us what standard you think the industry should be held to.

We sit down with Harold Evans to talk about what excellence actually looks like in a pool service business, from water quality that feels good to systems that protect your company. We push for higher standards in the trade through better chemistry, better documentation, and better pay and training so the industry can keep great people.
• treating pools as an emotional and therapeutic space for families
• prioritizing balanced water chemistry and LSI for comfort and equipment protection
• using enzymes to reduce contaminants and cut down chlorine smell
• raising pride in the pool industry through education and better execution
• documenting every visit with notes and photos to prevent disputes
• using routing and documentation software to run a tighter operation
• training employees with kindness and keeping them through fair structure and pay
• learning from Leslie’s decline and the value of real expertise in the DIY market
• focusing sales energy on customers who value service rather than forcing DIY conversions
Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, swimmingprolearning.com, clicking on the podcast icon on the banner. If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoGuyCoaching.com.

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Harold Evans on Life, Health & What Really Matters

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A prostate cancer diagnosis can either freeze you in place or push you to act, and Harold Evans chooses action. Harold opens up about learning he has prostate cancer at 71 and why he’s determined to turn it into a loud reminder for other men: stop postponing your health. We get specific about prostate cancer screening, what a PSA test is, why tracking the number matters, and how early detection can be the difference between a manageable plan and a much harder road.

We also talk about what happens after the lab work. Harold walks through the follow up process that includes a urologist, imaging, and biopsy, then explains the high level choices people often face once cancer is confirmed: watchful waiting in some cases, radiation therapy, or surgical intervention. He shares why he’s leaning toward robotic prostate surgery, how PSA can drop to zero when the source is removed, and why he wants clarity and momentum rather than weeks of radiation and uncertainty. Along the way, we touch on lifestyle factors like diet, sugar, and diabetes, plus the value of daily movement as you get older.

Then we widen the lens to Harold’s legacy in the pool service industry. He explains what he loves about the work, how reputation and modern search can reward high quality service, and why he protects his team by holding customers to a basic standard of respect. The Golden Rule shows up as both a business principle and a way to navigate hard decisions when the stakes are real.

If this conversation helps even one person book a checkup, it’s worth sharing. Subscribe, send this to a friend who keeps delaying the doctor, and leave a review so more pool pros and families can find it.

Harold Evans shares his prostate cancer diagnosis and makes a direct case for early detection, especially for men who avoid doctors and delay testing out of fear. We talk through PSA testing, treatment choices, and why taking ownership of problems matters in your health and in your pool business.
• prostate cancer screening and why the PSA test belongs in routine bloodwork
• how early intervention changes outcomes and reduces the risk of metastatic cancer
• the danger of postponing care and living in the dark about your health
• diet, sugar, diabetes management, and why better habits still matter after diagnosis
• treatment paths including radiation and surgical intervention plus how PSA changes after surgery
• staying active with daily walking and long term movement as you age
• pride in the pool industry and building a reputation for high quality service
• firing disrespectful customers, protecting employees, and using the Golden Rule as a business filter
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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Big Pool Companies vs. The Pool Guy: Harold Evans Weighs In

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A $600 variable speed pump on Amazon can make any pool pro feel like they’re losing a pricing argument before they even open their mouth. But the real question is not what the pump costs. It’s what happens when it fails, who pays for the diagnosis, and whether anyone shows up to make it right. We dig into how cheap pool equipment, overseas manufacturing, and online marketplaces are reshaping customer expectations and putting pressure on distributors and service companies.

Harold Evans joins me to talk about consolidation and pool service roll-ups, and why the “second bite” promise often doesn’t match reality. We get specific about what makes the pool industry harder to roll up than businesses like pest control: fewer stops per day, higher cost of goods sold, and thinner margins once you stack venture capital profit demands, corporate overhead, and debt service on top of labor. That mismatch creates pressure that can break culture, weaken service quality, and force companies into tough exits.

We also bring it back to what actually wins long-term: investing in technicians, training, and the customer experience. If buyers can get parts anywhere, your advantage is the outcome you deliver, the risk you take off the homeowner’s plate, and the trust you earn over years of consistent work. If you found this useful, subscribe, share it with a pool pro, and leave a review so more people in the pool industry can find the show.

We look ten years ahead and ask what happens to pool service when consolidation grows and cheap online equipment resets customer expectations. Harold Evans explains why roll-ups struggle in the pool industry and why the winning move is investing in people and outcomes, not chasing commodity pricing.

• roll-ups and consolidation challenges driven by culture and process conflicts
• why “second bite” payouts often fail to materialize for sellers
• pool industry economics compared with pest control economics
• venture capital expectations, debt service, and margin pressure in service models
• shifting from selling products to selling trust, talent, and consistent outcomes
• repair vs replace thinking to reduce risk and improve long-term reliability
• Amazon pricing and generic variable speed pumps changing the sales conversation
• warranty support, training, and service infrastructure as hidden costs in OEM pricing
• big box retailers and online marketplaces squeezing traditional distribution

Learn more at Swimmypoollearning.com.
If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, so you learning.com on the banner, click on the podcast icon.
And if you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.

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Harold Evans: The Pool Industry Needs to Get Smarter

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.
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Common Pool Pro Mistakes We ALL Make

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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Pool Products That Died — And Why

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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Are Single-Speed Pumps Really BANNED?

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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

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Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits

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The Fastest Way to Vacuum Pools on Your Route

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits

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

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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

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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

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Pool Guy’s Guide to Choosing the RIGHT Pool Pole

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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The Most UNDERRATED Pool Cleaner? Polaris 360

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.
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Simple Math = BIGGER Profits

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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Getting In WAY Over Your Head in the Pool Business!

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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Getting the Most Out of Your Pool Test Strips

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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The Best Small Tools for Pool Service

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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
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The Hidden Downsides of Cartridge Pool Filters

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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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 ]

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Black Algae: Can You Accidentally Infect Another Pool?

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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The Right Way to Handle Pool Chemicals

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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
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How to Handle Dogs on Your Pool Route

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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
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Pool Service Marketing That Actually Works

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.
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Building a Rain Season Plan for Your Pool Service Business

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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
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Bigger Is Better? Salt Cell Sizing Explained

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.
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Stop Losing Profit: Fix Your Pool Service Billing Strategy

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The fastest way to lose money in pool service is not a bad test kit or a missed brush. It is a pricing system that looks “simple” on paper but collapses the moment chemical costs jump or one pool starts chewing through tablets. We walk through the big decision every pool service pro faces: do you bundle everything into one white-glove monthly service fee, or do you charge separately for the work and materials that actually move your costs?

We break down how all-inclusive pricing makes billing effortless, especially on a big pool route with employees, and why it can still be a disadvantage when you are bidding against companies that itemize filter cleaning, salt cell cleaning, and trichlor tablets. We also get honest about the downside: when chlorine, acid, or tablet prices spike, your profit margin takes the hit, and “chemicals included” can quietly encourage overuse.

Then we dig into itemized billing and why it can increase profitability, using a contractor-style way of thinking that accounts for price fluctuations. We talk real-world filter cleaning pricing, how often filters truly need attention, and why charging per cleaning can be both a revenue lever and a motivation tool for techs. Finally, we lay out a hybrid model designed for predictable invoices: a stable base rate that includes a maintenance dose of liquid chlorine and muriatic acid, with separate charges for tablet buckets, filter cleanings, salt cell cleanings, and specialty chemicals or seasonal add-ons.

If you want cleaner invoicing, fewer billing surprises, and a pool service pricing strategy that scales, listen through to the end. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro who is reworking their rates, and leave a review with the billing model you are using right now.

We break down the real trade-offs between all-inclusive pool service pricing and charging separate line items, especially when chemical costs spike and routes grow. We land on a practical hybrid billing system that keeps most invoices predictable while still paying us for filters, tablets, and true add-ons.
• white glove all-inclusive pricing and why it simplifies large routes with employees
• hidden risks of bundling chemicals during cost spikes and high-demand pools
• why itemized billing can protect margins like a contractor materials markup
• regional realities of filter types and when filter cleaning is easier to itemize
• how separate filter cleaning fees improve motivation and route scheduling
• a hybrid base rate that includes maintenance chlorine and acid
• charging separately for trichlor tablet buckets and specialty chemicals
• seasonal add-on charges to keep most monthly bills the same
• handling underpayments when customers miss a higher invoice month
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, swimmingprolearning.com.
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Are You Building a Business or a Job?

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

You didn’t get into pool service to work six days a week forever, you did it to get your time back. We talk about what it actually takes to build a pool service business that supports a four-day workweek, with steady income from weekly service accounts and enough breathing room to enjoy your weekends again. I’m sharing practical, field-tested decisions that separate “busy” from “optimized,” especially once your route starts to grow and every extra job tries to claim your calendar.

We dig into the tradeoffs most pool service pros avoid: narrowing your service menu so you’re not juggling weekly maintenance, green pool cleanups, acid washes, repairs, and installations all at once. That extra money can look tempting, but if it steals your day off, it may be costing you more than it pays. We also cover how to recognize the moment you’re ready to refer work out, collect a referral fee, and protect your schedule without feeling like you’re falling behind.

Then we get tactical about pool route optimization. A tight route means less driving, fewer long days, and a better shot at a true four-day schedule. I share a proven strategy pool pros use to consolidate their service area by selling outlying pools and buying nearby accounts, plus what to expect when you purchase part of a route. Finally, we talk hiring, including when you’re big enough to absorb payroll, why the first few weeks can feel like a step backward, and how to plan for the risk of a sudden quit.

Subscribe for more pool service business tips, share this with a pool pro who needs their weekends back, and leave a review with your biggest scheduling challenge.

We build a real plan for turning a pool service route into a four-day workweek without wrecking income. We talk through the hard tradeoffs like turning down profitable jobs, tightening your service area, and hiring help when you’re actually ready.
• setting the goal of a stable weekly service route with three days off
• choosing Monday off vs Friday off based on holidays and workload
• limiting services over time to protect your schedule
• knowing when time matters more than the extra money
• consolidating a scattered pool route by selling and buying accounts
• using simple ads and signs to find route swaps
• hiring an employee and planning for training, customer pushback, and costs
• preparing for the risk of an employee quitting and needing backup coverage
Learn more at Sumipoollearning.com.
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The Green Pool Goldmine: How They Create Customers

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A green pool is gross, loud, and inconvenient, but it can also be the best “proof of skill” marketing you’ll ever earn. We talk through why green pool cleanups and algae removal can elevate your pool service business, how the dramatic before-and-after builds instant trust, and why a single turnaround can open the door to better clients and even commercial opportunities when you’re properly certified and insured.

We get practical about the decision-making that separates profitable pool pros from burned-out ones: asking the customer why the pool turned green, spotting red flags in the story, and deciding whether the job should become a weekly pool maintenance account. If it’s not the kind of customer or equipment setup you want long term, we cover two clean exits that protect your reputation: being honest about your schedule or pricing the job high enough that you either get paid for the pain or you walk away.

We also dig into what makes a green pool cleanup succeed or fail after the water turns blue. Filters with old cartridges or worn DE grids, sand that needs changing, and pumps that can’t run hard for long can undo great chemistry and make it look like you “failed” when the equipment was the real culprit. You’ll hear how to set expectations, bundle bids that include needed upgrades, and use simple math to focus on the real win: converting a one-time cleanup into recurring revenue for your service route.

If this helps, subscribe, share it with a pool pro, and leave a review with the one green pool rule you never break.

We break down how green pool cleanups can make a pool service business look like the obvious choice, while still being one of the hardest jobs to execute smoothly. We share how we assess the real cause, price the work, and turn a one-time algae cleanup into a long-term weekly service account.
• using green-to-blue turnarounds to build trust fast
• documenting before-and-after proof for websites, SEO, and Google Ads
• asking why the pool turned green and spotting red flags
• deciding if the customer is worth keeping long term
• declining jobs without looking unreliable, including strategic overbids
• offering a cleanup discount to close weekly pool service
• doing the revenue math on recurring service versus a one-off cleanup
• requiring the right equipment, including new filter elements and reliable pumps
• setting expectations so equipment limits do not damage your reputation

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.

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Pool Vacuum Fail: The Hidden Problems Killing Your Suction

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

No suction on a manual pool vacuum can turn a simple cleanup into a frustrating guessing game, especially when the skimmer looks like it’s working. We break the problem down into a field-tested troubleshooting order that saves time: confirm real skimmer suction safely, then use the filter pressure gauge (PSI) as your truth meter for flow. When pressure is high, suction is usually low, and a dirty DE filter, loaded cartridge filter, or sand filter that needs backwashing can be the whole story.

From there, we get practical about the stuff that quietly steals vacuum power. Variable speed pump settings matter more than most people think, and low RPM can make a vacuum head feel useless. We also cover suction split issues, like a suction-side cleaner on a side port, two skimmers pulling at once, and a main drain line that competes with the skimmer. You’ll hear a simple workaround pool pros use when there’s no valve to isolate lines: the tennis ball skimmer plug trick to concentrate suction where you need it.

Then we go deeper into the harder diagnoses: air leaks that only show up when you add a long vacuum hose, what PSI fluctuations mean, and an easy “plastic bag” test that can help confirm a leak at threaded fittings or unions. We also touch on impeller clogs, pump lid O-ring issues, worn filter elements, and when it makes sense to switch to vacuum alternatives like a Bottom Feeder, Vac Daddy, or portable pool filtration vacuum to get the job done even with aging equipment.

If this helped, subscribe for more pool service troubleshooting, share it with a tech who’s been fighting low suction, and leave a quick review with the weirdest vacuum problem you’ve run into.

We walk through a practical checklist for fixing weak or no suction when manually vacuuming a pool through the skimmer or a side port. We show how to spot flow problems fast by reading the skimmer, the filter pressure gauge, and the equipment pad clues that point to leaks, restrictions, or missing parts.
• checking for real skimmer suction without risking your fingers
• using filter PSI to diagnose low flow across DE, cartridge, and sand filters
• increasing variable speed pump RPM for stronger vacuum pull
• stopping suction loss to a suction-side cleaner and side port
• concentrating suction with two skimmers using a tennis ball plug
• turning off the main drain to maximize skimmer vacuum power
• identifying missing diverter valves in older one-hole skimmers
• recognizing air leaks by fluctuating PSI when the vacuum hose is connected
• confirming a suction leak with the plastic bag sealing trick
• clearing impeller debris and restoring prime and pressure
• fixing vacuum loss with pump lid O-ring lube or replacement
• upgrading worn cartridges or DE grids to restore suction
• using Bottom Feeder, Vac Daddy, or portable filtration when equipment is weak
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Why Your Chlorine Disappears Overnight

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Chlorine that keeps crashing to zero can make you feel like you’re doing everything “by the book” and still losing. We dig into the real-world reasons pools won’t hold free chlorine in summer, when water temps climb, the UV index spikes, and normal dosing routines suddenly stop working. I share what I’ve seen across years in the field, including why a pool can chew through a gallon of liquid chlorine a day and still test empty, even with a CYA level that looks totally fine.

We get practical about cyanuric acid (CYA) from both ends: how low CYA leaves your chlorine exposed to fast sunlight burnoff, and how high CYA can make chlorine less effective even when you’re reading 8 to 9 ppm. I explain the 7.5% free chlorine to CYA rule, what a workable “sweet spot” looks like for outdoor pools, and why you sometimes have to bend your targets to match brutal heat waves.

Then we zoom out to the other big culprits: underdosing based on 10,000-gallon labels, algae that creates a vicious demand cycle, phosphates that feed growth, and certain stain removers or sequestering agents that can wipe out chlorine if you’re not careful. We also cover circulation and variable speed pump runtime, because chemicals can’t work well if they never fully mix and dead zones keep forming.

If you want fewer chlorine surprises and a clearer plan for pool maintenance, listen through and put these checkpoints to work. Subscribe, share this with a pool owner who’s stuck, and leave a review with the problem you’re fighting right now.

We break down why a pool can burn through chlorine even when your numbers look “right,” especially during brutal summer heat and high UV days. We walk through CYA balance, correct dosing, algae pressure, phosphates, product side effects, and why pump runtime can make or break chlorine stability.
• heat and UV driving rapid free chlorine loss even with decent CYA
• low CYA leaving most of a big chlorine dose unprotected
• high CYA making chlorine less effective and pushing higher targets
• using the 7.5% free chlorine to CYA rule
• underdosing from 10,000-gallon label math and why calculators matter
• algae creating a downward cycle of demand, dead algae, and dirty filters
• aggressive algae response, including higher shock levels and filter cleaning
• phosphates as algae food and when to treat based on test results
• stain removers and other products that can zero out chlorine
• longer pump runtime improving circulation and reducing dead spots
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Things Homeowners Do That Drive Pool Pros Crazy

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The fastest way to ruin a pool isn’t a broken pump or a bad filter, it’s a handful of totally preventable homeowner habits that quietly sabotage circulation, sanitation, and access. We break down the real-world “stumbling blocks” pool pros run into every week and how we talk to customers about them without turning the relationship into a fight. If you service pools, this is the kind of practical field guidance that saves time, protects equipment, and keeps your route profitable.

We start with the number-one issue: low water levels. When the skimmer can’t pull water, the pump can suck air, lose prime, and stop circulating, which opens the door to algae, poor water quality, and expensive equipment wear. We share simple benchmarks for the correct waterline, explain how newer skimmers may use a float diverter valve, and why relying on “I’ll just fill it while I’m here” can create real liability. We also talk through autofill alternatives for pools that don’t have one.

From there we get into the messier realities: dog waste on the pool deck, dogs swimming and driving up chemical demand, and why “dog pools” require different maintenance and pricing. Then we tackle ducks, including why motion-sensor sprayers and dogs often fail, and what deterrents can actually help. We wrap with the unglamorous but critical basics: clear backyard access, unlocked gates, toys that clog skimmers and cleaners, kid safety risks, and keeping the equipment pad reachable.

Subscribe for more pool service training, share this with a pool pro who needs it, and leave a review if it helps, what homeowner habit causes you the most trouble on your route?

We walk through the homeowner habits that create the biggest headaches in weekly pool service, from low water levels that starve the skimmer to backyard setups that block us from doing the work. We share simple, direct ways to communicate boundaries so the pool stays clean, the equipment stays protected, and service stays predictable.
• letting the water level drop until the skimmer loses suction
• explaining pump damage risk when the system sucks air
• using clear water-level targets at the skimmer or tile line
• why we avoid filling pools during the stop
• add-on autofill options for pools without autofills
• asking customers to clear dog waste from deck walk paths
• setting expectations when dogs swim and contamination rises
• using enzymes and planning for extra filter cleanings
• why ducks quickly wreck water quality and filtration
• deterrents that fail and deterrents that can work
• driveway, gate, and yard clutter that blocks cart access
• locked gates, texting protocols, and return-trip charges
• toys and floats that clog skimmers and cleaners
• safety risks of leaving toys in the pool
• keeping the equipment area clear of plants and storage

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Joe Laurino on Fill Water Problems

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Fill water can look perfectly clear and still wreck a startup. If there’s iron, copper, tannins, or other contaminants in the source, they can end up staining a new finish, clouding the water, and turning a “simple” startup into weeks of cleanup. We talk with Joe Laurino of Periodic Products, known throughout the pool industry for Culator metal removal, to get practical about what to test for and how to stop problems before the pool is even full.

We dig into the difference between dissolved metals and tiny oxidized particulates, why well water is a special kind of tricky, and how even municipal water can carry hidden issues depending on the treatment plant and source. We also compare common pre-filters that rely mostly on pore size with higher-impact approaches that target metals and organics, including high-flow carbon and polymer-based filtration that doesn’t require painfully slow fill rates. If you’re a pool service pro doing plaster startups, refills, or builder handoffs, this is the risk management side of water chemistry.

We also lay out a clear “trifecta” startup workflow: filter the fill water, use a startup treatment designed to manage plaster dust while supporting balance, then keep metals from turning into stains with ongoing capture. The goal is simple: protect the surface, get to clean and stable water faster, and reduce the surprises that cost you time and trust. Subscribe for more pool startup and water chemistry strategies, share this with a tech who’s fighting stains, and leave a review with your toughest fill-water question.

We break down why fill water can make or break a pool startup, especially when metals, tannins, and other contaminants are hiding in plain sight. We walk through how to test source water, choose filtration that actually matches the problem, and use a simple three-step process to protect the finish and prevent stains.
• why startups feel risky and why fill water is a root cause
• what to test for in fill water: inorganics and organics
• how city water can carry oxidized metal particulates
• why well water can contain both dissolved and solid metals
• limitations of size-only pre-filters and when they fall short
• where carbon helps most: tannins and organic contaminants
• why throttling flow is a problem during a pool fill
• how a two-stage system targets dissolved metals and organics
• when a four-stage setup makes sense for tougher water
• why some “city” supplies are still well water
• the three-part startup trifecta: filter, Super Startup, Culator 4.0
• how plaster dust can be converted to support water balance
• why sequestration still matters even with filtered source water
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Why Is My Pool Water Tinted? Joe Laurino Explains

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A pool can look perfect on Friday, then turn an eerie green tint right after you shock it and suddenly everyone swears it’s algae. We’ve seen it on routes and heard it from homeowners: clear walls, no visible growth, but the water has a strange color cast that shows up fast. The fix starts with stopping the guesswork and running a simple, chemistry-driven test that tells you what you’re actually fighting.

We’re joined by Joe Laurino of Culator Products to unpack the real causes of tinted pool water, including organic haze from tannins and humic acid after a fresh fill, and the metal-driven color shifts that appear when chlorine oxidizes copper or iron. Joe explains a practical field method: add ascorbic acid and watch what happens. If the tint snaps to crystal clear, you’ve likely confirmed metals and can move to the right next steps, including a sequestering agent and a metal remover like CuLator 4.0, instead of endlessly shocking and brushing.

We also get into the “purple dust” many techs now find in skimmers and cleaner hoses. Joe breaks down why it forms when copper meets cyanurate, how trichlor tablets push cyanuric acid (CYA) higher over time, and why high stabilizer levels can weaken chlorine and create a cycle of relying on copper products. Then we tackle the curveball: iron bacteria. If a stain disappears with ascorbic acid but returns within a day or two to the exact same spot, that’s a huge clue, and Joe shares how to confirm it and the EPA-backed treatment approach using copper algaecide and high chlorine.

If you service pools or manage your own, you’ll leave with clearer diagnostics, fewer wasted chemicals, and a smarter plan for green pool water that isn’t algae. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro who’s chasing “mystery tint,” and leave a review with the strangest water color you’ve ever seen.

We break down why pool water can turn green or tinted right after shocking even when the pool is spotless, and how to prove whether you’re facing metals or organics in minutes. Joe Loreno from Creative Products explains purple dusting, high stabilizer side effects, and the iron bacteria problem that fools even experienced techs.
• using ascorbic acid as a fast metals test for green or brown tinted water
• distinguishing stained water from a stained wall or floor
• adding sequestering agent and using CuLator 4.0 after metals are confirmed
• spotting organic tint from tannins and humic acid after fresh fills
• explaining purple dust as copper plus cyanurate from elevated CYA
• why high cyanuric acid weakens chlorine and pushes copper product overuse
• identifying iron bacteria by rapid stain return and same-spot reappearance
• using the toilet tank orange slime check to confirm likely iron bacteria
• treating iron bacteria with copper algaicide and superchlorination
Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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Joe Laurino on Smart Pool Water Management

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Pool water can look crystal clear and still be quietly destroying your surfaces and equipment. We sit down with Joe Laurino of Periodic Products, known to many pool pros for Culator metal elimination, to break down what “balanced water” really means and why it is the first step in preventing metal staining, corrosion, and costly repairs. If you’ve ever wondered why a heater fails early, why plaster starts to feel rough, or why stains keep coming back, the answer often starts with aggressive water chemistry.

We get specific about the chemistry that matters most for everyday pool maintenance: keeping pH in the 7.2 to 7.8 range, using total alkalinity as a true buffer, and maintaining calcium hardness so water doesn’t try to pull minerals from plaster. Joe shares a simple, standards-based rule of thumb for water replacement using total dissolved solids (TDS), and we talk about why “old water” can become chemically ugly even when it still looks clear. We also cover when high cyanuric acid (stabilizer) pushes you toward partial draining because it is so hard to remove any other way.

Then we tackle the big question pool service professionals hear all the time: drain and acid wash, or treat the stains with the pool full? Joe explains why acid washing is a last resort because it dissolves and thins the surface, and he walks through a safer ladder of stain removal options, starting with mild acids like ascorbic and citric, then stepping up only if needed. You’ll also learn why vinyl and fiberglass surfaces often release stains faster than porous plaster. Subscribe for more practical pool chemistry guidance, share this with a pool owner or tech who fights stains, and leave a review with your biggest water balance question.

We talk with Joe Laurino from Periotic Products about why water balance is the foundation for preventing corrosion, surface damage, and metal staining. We also share a practical way to decide when to drain water, plus a safer progression for stain removal before you ever consider an acid wash.
• why aggressive water dissolves plaster, metals, and even vinyl plasticizers
• how pH 7.2 to 7.8 supports chlorine performance and protects equipment
• why total alkalinity buffers pH swings and helps prevent corrosion
• when TDS rise signals old water and partial draining
• why acid washing thins and roughens plaster and should be a last resort
• how no-drain treatments can lift stains and let you dump metals with the water
• why vinyl and fiberglass stains often remove more easily than plaster
• choosing ascorbic, citric, then oxalic before muriatic acid
Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimming poollearning.com. So email us, call us, and we’ll be happy to address issues. If you’re interested in the coaching program they offer, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.

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Fred Schweer's PoolRx Sales Playbook

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool route does not need more hustle, it needs a cleaner sales system. We walk through how to position PoolRx as a high-value, once-a-year upgrade that helps prevent algae, improves water clarity, and lowers chlorine demand, while also protecting your profit when chemical prices keep moving.

We share a simple Good Better Best framework you can apply immediately: buy during spring promotions to save on the backend, pass the cost through as an annual fee, or charge a fair markup based on what customers see online and use that margin to offset chlorine and other consumables. To make the pitch easier and more consistent, we talk about using pre-written, customizable offer letters you can brand with your company logo and send by email, include with billing, or hand to homeowners at the stop.

We also get into the most common PoolRx questions pool pros hear on route. Saltwater pool customers get specific benefits like the ability to turn down the salt chlorine generator, slow the pH rise, reduce acid demand, and potentially cut down on salt cell cleaning, which can help extend equipment life. On the troubleshooting side, we cover algae claims including stubborn black algae, why you must reduce chlorine after adding PoolRx to avoid overchlorination, and the real reason you replace the unit each season instead of trying to stretch it with boosters alone. If you want a practical, field-ready way to sell cleaner pools and fewer problems, this one is built for you.

Subscribe for more pool service business and water care training, share this with a pool pro who needs a better add-on strategy, and leave a review with your favorite sales line from the episode.

We break down how PoolRx can help pool service pros prevent algae, cut chlorine demand, and sell a cleaner-water upgrade without complicating the weekly route. We also share a simple pricing framework, explain why the unit is replaced each season, and clarify exactly when a booster makes sense.
• good better best ways to price PoolRx on a pool route
• buying during spring promos and protecting your margins
• passing cost through versus charging a markup
• using customizable offer letters to pitch optional or mandatory programs
• strongest talking points for saltwater generator pools
• reducing chlorine output after adding PoolRx to avoid overchlorination
• handling algae cases including green pools and black algae timelines
• why a new unit is needed each season instead of only boosters
• how to size and stack boosters for larger gallons and tougher conditions

If you're looking for more podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, swingprolearning.com. On the banner, there's a podcast icon. Click on that, and over 1900 podcasts will be available for you to listen to at your leisure. And if you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com. Have a great rest of your week and God bless.

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Fred Schweer Explains PoolRx Compatibility

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Algae that keeps coming back can make even great pool techs feel like they are chasing ghosts, especially when a customer says, “But we already added the mineral unit.” I’m joined by Fred Square from PoolRx to get brutally practical about what actually changes outcomes: correct sizing by gallons, clean filtration, smart placement, and pump run time that lets minerals dissolve the right way instead of dumping into the pool all at once. If you want clearer water with lower chlorine demand, the details in your install and maintenance routine matter more than another round of shock.

We also tackle the question I hear nonstop: where do the minerals go, and do they “build up” as metal in the water? Fred explains how chelated minerals are protected through their useful life, then get used up and filtered out during normal operation and filter cleaning. From there we dig into a big misunderstanding around pool stains. PoolRx often gets blamed for stains that are really caused by existing metals like iron or copper already in the fill water, old plumbing, or a tired heater exchanger, and aggressive oxidation from shocking can make those stains appear suddenly. We lay out a clean workflow: test for metals first, remove them, retest, then install with confidence.

Finally, we cover PoolRx compatibility with common pool systems and chemicals, including borates, enzymes, phosphate removers, salt pools, UV, ozone, and AOP. We also share the simple cal hypo bucket method that helps prevent those ugly black surface spots when granular shock sits on the floor. If you’re a pool service pro looking for fewer algae callbacks and a simple chlorine enhancer story you can explain to customers, this one will help. Subscribe, share this with a pool friend, and leave a review with the question you want answered next.

We talk with Fred Shweer from PoolRx about why mineral systems succeed or fail based on sizing, filtration, and install habits, and how to troubleshoot algae without guessing. We also dig into metals, staining myths, and the real-world compatibility rules that keep pool water clear and predictable.
• sizing PoolRx correctly by gallons and keeping chemistry in range
• cleaning and recharging filters properly, especially DE grids
• placing the unit in the right spot for flow and safety
• running the pump after install to prevent mineral dumping
• understanding where minerals go as they get used up and filtered out
• preventing stains by testing for iron and copper before adding minerals
• removing trace metals with a skimmer or pump basket metal trap bag
• ignoring inconsistent copper readings after installation due to chelation
• knowing when to add a booster based on chlorine demand and water clarity
• handling cal hypo safely by dissolving and diluting first
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Bob Lowry Explains the Cal Hypo Stain Mystery

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A black stain shows up on the pool floor right after you add cal-hypo and your brain jumps straight to “drain it and acid wash.” We slow that moment down and explain what’s usually happening: copper that was already there, hiding as copper sulfate, getting oxidized by chlorine into black copper oxide. Once you understand that chemistry, you stop chasing the symptom and start fixing the cause.

We also get practical about what actually works in pool stain removal and metal control. Ascorbic acid can lift a stain, but it doesn’t remove copper from the water, which is why stains can come roaring back after you chlorinate. We talk through the real role of sequestrants and chelating agents, why they break down from photodegradation and oxidizers like chlorine, non-chlorine shock, UV, ozone, and AOP, and why following the dosing label is the difference between control and repeat stains. If you want a longer-term solution, we cover metal removal options like Q-Lator setups and the blunt but effective drain-and-refill approach, plus better cal-hypo handling so it dissolves instead of sitting on the surface.

Then we shift into two “easy to ignore” problems that turn expensive fast: algae and zero chlorine. Algae multiplies by cell division, builds a protective polysaccharide layer, and punishes anyone who waits a week to respond. And when a pool has no chlorine residual, the risk isn’t just cloudy water, it’s bather-to-bather disease transmission. You’ll even hear a simple post-swim warm shower tip to reduce exposure when you’re not sure about water quality. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro or homeowner, and leave a review if it helped you prevent the next stain or outbreak.

A bag of cal-hypo can “create” a black stain in seconds, but the real problem is usually hidden copper that oxidizes into black copper oxide. We break down how to remove metals for the long haul, why algae gets out of hand fast, and why a chlorine residual is the only real shield against bather-to-bather disease transmission.
• copper sulfate stains hiding in blue water, then turning black when shocked
• ascorbic acid lifting stains but leaving metals behind
• sequestrants and chelating agents binding metals, then degrading from sunlight and oxidizers
• removing metals with Q-Lator options or by draining and refilling
• preventing cal-hypo from sitting on the pool floor by pre-dissolving and dispersing
• algae multiplying fast, forming a polysaccharide shield, and why brushing matters
• why swimming with zero chlorine raises disease risk and what a warm shower can do after
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Bob Lowry Explains Why Borates Matter

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Borates get talked about like they’re a cure-all for pool problems, but that belief is exactly what gets pool owners and pool pros into trouble. We sit down with industry veteran Bob Lowry to separate hype from real pool water chemistry, and to explain what borates actually do when you add them to a swimming pool. If you’re chasing constant pH rise, fighting recurring algae, or trying to make a saltwater chlorine generator pool easier to manage, this conversation will give you a clearer, calmer plan.

We dig into the non-negotiables first: chlorine still has to be maintained correctly, and cyanuric acid (CYA) still has to be in a sensible range so chlorine isn’t getting crushed by sunlight. Bob explains why low CYA can backfire, why minimum chlorine matters, and how testing accuracy plays into real-world decisions. From there, we tackle the pH buffering tradeoff that surprises people most: borates can slow how fast pH climbs, but once pH finally gets high, it can take significantly more acid to pull it back down, which is why balance before you add.

We also get practical about products and process. Bob walks through why boric acid is the preferred borate source for most pools, how borax-based products can spike pH and total alkalinity, and how that swing can push LSI positive and cloud a pool by dropping calcium out of solution. You’ll hear realistic target ranges like 50 ppm borates, when some pros go higher in salt pools, plus what to do when borate testing options are limited and you need to rely on dosing math. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave us a quick review so more people can find the show.

We get real about what borates can and can’t do for your pool, and why “add borates and forget it” is the fastest way to get disappointed. We also break down the chemistry details that actually make borates useful, from pH buffering tradeoffs to the right borate level for saltwater pools.
• Borates as a helpful tool, not a magic bullet
• Why chlorine level still needs to track CYA and stay above minimums
• How borates slow pH rise but can require more acid later
• Why pH and alkalinity should be in range before adding borates
• Boric acid vs borax products and why borax can spike pH
• How cloudy water can happen from LSI and calcium precipitation
• Practical borate targets like 50 ppm and when 70 ppm can make sense
• Why saltwater chlorine generator pools often do better with higher CYA
• Testing options for borates and when dosing math is the workaround
• Why borates usually only drop with water loss and need small recharges
Learn more at SwimmingPoolLearning.com
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Bob Lowry Answers the Trichlor Debate

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Chlorine tablets can feel like the simplest path to a clean pool, until the water starts fighting back. We dig into what really happens when trichlor becomes the main sanitizer: cyanuric acid (CYA) climbs, chlorine gets “slower,” and algae can show up even when your test kit says the free chlorine looks fine. We walk through the practical chemistry behind it, including why CYA is more than just “sun protection” and how a rising stabilizer level changes what a safe chlorine target should be.

We also share a clear rule of thumb for pool care that helps service techs and homeowners stop guessing: aim for free chlorine at roughly 5% of your cyanuric acid level (often described as a 20:1 CYA-to-chlorine relationship). That simple ratio explains why a pool that was stable at 50 ppm CYA can suddenly struggle at 100 ppm CYA unless chlorine targets rise. Along the way, we talk about balancing side effects, like trichlor’s acidity pushing pH and alkalinity down, plus how high CYA can complicate total alkalinity readings when you’re trying to keep water steady week to week.

Then we switch to the safety side of pool maintenance, because the risks are real. If you ever consider swapping trichlor tablets for cal hypo tablets, you need to hear this: mixing them, especially inside a feeder with a little water present, can trigger heat, toxic gas, and an explosion. We also cover gassing buckets, feeder blowback, and storage habits that reduce exposure to dangerous fumes.

If you want fewer chemistry surprises and a more stable pool plan, listen through to the end, then subscribe, share this with a pool owner or tech, and leave a review so more people handle pool chemicals safely.

We break down why trichlor tablets can quietly destabilize pool chemistry, especially as cyanuric acid rises and chlorine becomes less effective. We also get blunt about real-world safety hazards, including gassing buckets and the explosion risk when cal hypo and trichlor are mixed.
• trichlor as a workable sanitizer that becomes risky as a sole source
• cyanuric acid buildup slowing chlorine and allowing algae despite “good” readings
• using a chlorine-to-CYA target around 5% to keep water safe
• higher CYA forcing higher chlorine targets and creating a runaway cycle
• trichlor acidity driving pH and alkalinity down over time
• subtracting a portion of CYA from total alkalinity to estimate carbonate alkalinity
• cal hypo and trichlor mixing dangers including explosions and fire
• handling and storage safety for tablets, feeders, and buckets to avoid gas exposure
• why long-term success looks like stable weekly chemistry, not constant correction
Join the Fool Guy Coaching Program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support from me. Learn more at SwimmingPoollearning.com. If you're looking for other podcasts, you go to my website, swingprolearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at programcoaching.com.

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Bob Lowry Explains Chlorine Strength

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

“99% trichlor” sounds like a mic-drop statistic, but it’s also one of the most persistent sources of confusion in pool care. We sit down with Bob Lowry to untangle what that number actually means, why “purity” is not the same thing as “chlorine strength,” and how the industry’s use of available chlorine (based on a chlorine gas reference) warps the way products get talked about on the truck and at the counter.

We walk through the real chemistry behind the label: what free chlorine is doing in the water, why the comparison standard matters, and how trichlor’s makeup includes cyanuric acid that builds over time. If you’ve ever heard someone say liquid chlorine is “weaker” or tablets are “the strongest,” this conversation gives you the language and logic to explain the difference clearly to clients and techs without hand-waving.

Then we pivot to cal-hypo, especially the idea that it “doesn’t add much calcium.” Bob breaks it down in practical terms you can use in the field: if you add cal-hypo to raise free chlorine, you are also raising calcium hardness in a predictable way, and that matters a lot in hard-water regions. We also compare how different percentages of available chlorine change dosing, why some cal-hypo tablets can require much more product than trichlor, and how to think about true cost per usable chlorine. You’ll also hear where to find Bob’s resources (pci.org and pccti.online) and how we can help you level up your pool service business.

Subscribe for more pool chemistry myth-busting, share this with a tech who still quotes the “99%” line, and leave a review with the biggest pool maintenance myth you want us to tackle next.

We revisit a classic pool chemistry myth with Bob Lowry and unpack why “99% trichlor” does not mean you are getting 99% chlorine in your pool water. We also run the numbers on cal-hypo side effects so you can predict calcium hardness rise over time instead of getting surprised by scaling later.
• why “99%” on trichlor labels refers to purity, not chlorine content
• how “available chlorine” is a comparison standard tied to chlorine gas
• what actually gets added when you use trichlor, including cyanuric acid
• why cal-hypo steadily raises calcium hardness and how to estimate it with ppm math
• how different cal-hypo strengths and tablet percentages change dosing and cost
• a simple spreadsheet method to compare true cost per equivalent chlorine
• where to find Bob Lowry’s resources and tech bulletins online

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're looking for other podcasts, you go to my website, swingprolearning.com. And if you're interested in the coaching program that I offer can learn more at folkcoaching.com.

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Bob Lowry: Should You Ever Add Copper to a Pool?

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Copper sounds like the perfect pool hack: add a “mineral system,” fight algae, and use less chlorine. The reality is more complicated, and that gap between marketing and chemistry is where stains, green hair, and unsafe water conditions show up. We’re joined by industry legend Bob Lowry, whose voice and teaching still carry weight across the pool industry, to give a clear-eyed answer to the question pool owners ask every year: is copper safe to use in a swimming pool?

We talk through how copper ionizers and mineral technology products work, what copper actually does well (algae control, some bacteria suppression), and why the “copper replaces chlorine” idea breaks down. A big theme is oxidation: copper doesn’t burn off sunscreen, sweat, and other bather waste, so the pool still needs an oxidizer, and chlorine remains the most practical tool for that job. We also dig into real-world safety, including bather-to-bather disease transmission and why copper is too slow to be your primary sanitizer, plus what the EPA requires when ionizers are used.

Then we get hands-on with the problems people see most: copper staining on plaster and the green-hair myth. We explain how copper gets into the water (including trichlor tabs in skimmers attacking copper equipment), how sequestrants degrade over time, and a smarter “one-two punch” for stain treatment using ascorbic or citric acid alongside products that actually remove metals from the water. If you want fewer surprises and better pool water chemistry, subscribe, share this with a pool owner who loves shortcuts, and leave a review telling us what copper problem you’ve run into most.

We sit down with industry legend Bob Lowry and get honest about copper in pool water, from mineral systems to copper algaecides, and why the chemistry can turn on you fast. We break down what copper is good at, what it cannot do, and how to fix copper staining without draining the pool.
• copper mineral systems and how they add copper to the water
• copper’s algae control benefits and why the effective level is close to the staining level
• why copper does not oxidize bather waste like sunscreen, sweat, and urine
• bather-to-bather disease transmission and why copper is not fast enough
• the EPA position on ionizers requiring chlorine alongside them
• the real cause of green hair and why chlorine is not to blame
• copper algaecides, built-in sequestrants, and how chlorine and sunlight degrade them
• a chlorine-first approach to killing algae and why it is cheaper and simpler
• stain removal without draining using ascorbic or citric acid plus metal removal bags
• tracking the metal source including tabs in skimmers, incoming water, equipment, water velocity, and new surfaces with iron
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. Learn more at swimming poollearning.com.

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Pool Plaster Problems You'll Get Blamed For

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A pool finish can look “ruined” overnight, yet the real cause might be completely normal plaster behavior. I walk through the plaster problems that trigger the loudest complaints, the ones that quietly build over months, and the ones that only show up years later, right when the pool service pro is the easiest target. If you’ve ever inherited a pool with weird discoloration, streaks, or blotchy shading and felt your stomach drop, this conversation is for you.

We talk about plaster modeling and why mottling is often a natural part of cement-based pool surfaces, especially with colored plaster. I share why startup water chemistry matters so much, including what I’ve seen when total alkalinity is left too low after an acid startup or hot startup, and why I prefer a traditional pool startup with heavy circulation. You’ll also hear what white spotting and spot etching can look like, plus how trowel marks, dye batch changes, crazing, and localized etching can come from application, mix, or curing conditions rather than weekly maintenance.

Then we get practical: the fill-day mistakes that can permanently mark new plaster, like shutting the hose off before the pool reaches the tile line or using the autofill and leaving a runoff stain. Finally, I cover late-blooming issues like calcium nodules and why they can appear two to three years after the build, plus the pebble finish rust spots that start like algae but may actually be metal in the pebble and need a manufacturer repair.

If you work in pool service or you’re a pool owner trying to make sense of surface changes, subscribe, share this with a friend who’s dealing with plaster drama, and leave a review with the plaster issue you want me to tackle next.

I break down the plaster changes that make pool owners panic and why the service pro often takes the blame even when the cause traces back to startup, workmanship, or the material itself. You’ll learn how to recognize normal plaster modeling versus real defects, plus practical steps that reduce risk on new builds and protect your reputation.
• why plaster discoloration often gets pinned on the service company
• how modeling in plaster shows up over time, especially in colored finishes
• why low alkalinity during startup can accelerate mottling
• traditional startup basics, including high circulation and keeping chemicals in range
• white spotting and spot etching tied to mix chemistry and microcracking
• trowel marks, dye batch lines, crazing, and etching as workmanship or mix outcomes
• fill-day mistakes that create permanent rings, streaks, and hose marks
• curing risks like leaves, footprints, and pet paw prints becoming permanent
• calcium nodules that appear years later and why they are hard to “prove”
• pebble finish rust spots caused by metal in pebbles and how to get them fixed
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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The Simple Pool Cleaner That Just Keeps Working

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Robotic pool cleaners get all the hype, but hype does not keep a pool clean on Tuesday morning when the wind kicks up and dirt drops to the floor. We walk through why the suction side pool cleaner is still the number one choice for a lot of pools and a lot of pool service pros, especially when you care about total cost, repairability, and how often the cleaner truly runs without anyone “remembering” to use it.

I break down the real world reasons suction wins: a lower price point than most pressure cleaners and almost every quality robotic pool cleaner, no booster pump energy penalty, and fewer complicated parts when something wears out. Then we get specific on the models that matter and why: Polaris Atlas and Polaris Maxx for avoiding hang ups on modern anti vortex main drains and for strong wall climbing without that loud waterline air-sucking behavior, plus the Hayward Aquanaut for long wear life and simple refresh kits, and the Hayward TracVac as another solid option. For vinyl liner and fiberglass pools, we also talk about diaphragm style cleaners like the Zodiac G3 and Ranger and why they can be a better fit.

We also keep it honest about drawbacks, like hoses in the water and how leaf piles, twigs, or rocks can stop a suction cleaner. Finally, I share my favorite “best of both worlds” strategy: keep the suction cleaner in all week for consistent daily pool maintenance, then use a robotic pool cleaner when you want that party day polish and a hose-free look.

If you found this helpful, subscribe for more pool maintenance and pool equipment guidance, share it with a friend who is shopping for an automatic pool cleaner, and leave a review with the cleaner you use and why.

We make the case that suction side pool cleaners are still the most practical automatic cleaners, even with today’s cordless robotic pool cleaners everywhere. We share the specific models we trust, the trade-offs we see on real pools, and why “always running” beats “sometimes used” for most owners and pool service routes.

• Pentair discontinuations and why competition reshapes cleaner choices
• a short list of suction side cleaners worth knowing instead of ten options
• Polaris Atlas and Maxx performance on anti vortex main drains and wall climbing
• Hayward Aquanaut as a long life low maintenance workhorse
• Hayward TracVac as a strong third option with tracked design
• Zodiac diaphragm cleaners for vinyl and fiberglass pools
• suction cleaner advantages on price point energy use and simple repairs
• real limitations with leaf piles twigs and rocks
• hose aesthetics complaints plus the reality that most people get used to them
• spot vacuuming an attached spa using the existing hose setup
• why robotic cleaners fail on routes when customers do not put them in
• the best combo plan suction during the week plus robot for party day polish

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.
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Pool School: Chemical Safety, Hidden Leaks & Saltwater Tips

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

One careless twist of a lid can turn a normal pool stop into a choking, lungs-burning emergency. We get real about the kind of “pool guy knowledge” you usually learn the hard way and how to build safer habits before something goes wrong on your route.

We start with trichlor tablets and why unknown buckets, sealed feeders, and even closed-off floaters can become a concentrated chemical gas trap when water gets inside. I share what it feels like when it hits you, why it happens, and the simple precautions that matter most: slow down, open from a safer position, and treat any self-contained trichlor container like it could be compromised. If you service pools for a living, this is core pool service safety, not optional caution.

Then we shift to saltwater pool maintenance and the springtime reality of salt pool startup. I explain why you should not trust the salt system reading on its own, how a digital salinity meter helps you dial in the real salinity level, and why pool salt purity matters when you are choosing bags from a supplier or big-box store. We also cover a classic communication failure that leads to too much salt: the customer adds bags after you mention it, then you add more the next visit.

Finally, we tackle the call every pool pro gets: “I think my pool has a leak.” We break down normal evaporation during heat waves, the red flags that suggest real water loss, and a practical bucket test you can run before anyone spends serious money on leak detection. If this helps you, subscribe, share it with a tech on your team, and leave a quick review so more pool pros can find it.

We share the pool tech lessons that are easy to miss until they hit you hard, from trichlor fumes to salt mistakes and leak calls. We walk through safer habits and simple tests that protect your lungs, your time, and your customer relationships.
• opening unknown trichlor buckets with caution and distance
• understanding how water in tablets can create dangerous fumes
• using proper respiratory protection around sealed chemical spaces
• being careful with inline and offline chlorinators that can trap gas
• avoiding surprises with floaters that customers close off
• adding salt at seasonal startup and verifying salinity independently
• carrying a digital salinity meter instead of trusting the system reading
• using only pool salt for purity to reduce staining risk
• preventing double-dosing by clearly telling customers you are adding salt
• explaining normal summer evaporation versus abnormal water loss
• spotting leak indicators through water level changes and chemistry shifts
• running the bucket test before recommending leak detection services
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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37 Years Later: Advice I'd Give My Younger Pool Guy Self

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you could hop in a time machine and give your younger self one page of business advice, what would you say and what would you beg yourself to stop doing? I take that question seriously and go back to 1988 when I started pool service at 16. What comes out is a set of lessons that every pool technician, pool service pro, and pool route owner can use to build a calmer and more profitable business.

First, I talk about a mindset shift that sounds risky but is actually freeing: most customers don’t care about their pool the way we care about their pool. They may not notice early plaster changes, small cosmetic issues, or the little things that can occupy our thoughts all week. That doesn’t mean we get lazy. It means we stop obsessing, stop carrying unnecessary stress, and focus our attention on the work that actually protects water quality, prevents algae, and keeps equipment running.

Then I get practical about what not to do on a weekly pool maintenance visit. Cutting corners like skipping brushing, doing a half-vacuum, or assuming an automatic cleaner will finish the job often boomerangs into a worse pool next week and a customer who’s rightfully annoyed. I also share why your service truck is not just transportation but a key part of route efficiency, comfort, and reliability.

Finally, I dig into customer service in the age of online reviews. I share a frustrating hotel story that reframed how I deal with complaints, pricing pushback, and tense conversations. The point is simple: winning the argument can mean losing the account. If you want your pool service business to last, build thick skin, stay professional, and make it easy for customers to feel taken care of. If this helps you, subscribe, share the episode with another pool pro, and leave a quick review so more techs can find it.

I go back to 1988 and share what I’d tell my 16-year-old self about running a pool route without driving myself crazy. The big theme is balancing pride in your work with practical habits that protect your time, your reputation, and your customer relationships.
• realizing most customers do not notice pool details like you do
• avoiding obsessive thinking while still keeping high standards
• cleaning with diligence instead of shortcuts that create next-week problems
• using modern spot-cleaning tools to keep pools polished
• treating your service truck as a reliability investment
• handling complaints without arguing to protect reviews and retention
Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer can learn more at poolcoaching.com.

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Big Industry News: HASA Buys Bio-Dex

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A chemical brand doesn’t survive since the 1960s by accident and Hasa’s acquisition of Biodex is a sign these formulas are sticking around for the long haul. We talk through why this partnership is a big deal for pool service pros, then get practical about the Biodex products that earn repeat use on real routes, not just on a spec sheet. If you’ve been hunting for reliable pool chemicals, proven stain removers, or safer ways to handle an acid wash, this one is built for you.

We start with Biodex Plaster White and Bright, an acid wash additive that changes the game by thickening the acid and water mix. That thicker, slow-moving coating helps you cover plaster more evenly, boosts brightening, and can reduce fumes while you work. We also share a straightforward mixing approach and how this small tweak can make an acid wash feel more controlled and consistent.

Next, we dig into Biodex Aquadex 50 Stain Off and the kinds of stains it can lift, from light brown discoloration to ugly streaks that can show up after adding certain salts with anti-caking additives. You’ll hear how to apply it, why brushing matters, and the biggest “don’t ignore this” warning: stain treatments can crush your free chlorine if you overdose, and pH in the low 7s can be the difference between mediocre and impressive results.

We also cover Biodex 300 Tile Cleaner and why it’s one of the strongest options for calcium scale, along with the handling cautions that protect decks, plaster, and even mosaic tile. We wrap with notes on algaecides, foam control, enzymes, and where to actually find Biodex products online without getting lost. Subscribe for more field-tested pool service tips, share this with a tech who fights stains, and leave a review with your toughest pool chemistry question.

We break down why Hasa acquiring Biodex is good news for pool pros and why these long-running chemicals still earn a spot on a service truck. We share the Biodex products we trust most, how we use them in the field, and the safety and water balance details that decide whether they work or backfire.
• why the Hasa and Biodex partnership matters for availability and product continuity
• Plaster White and Bright as an acid wash additive that thickens the mix for better coverage and fewer fumes
• Aquadex 50 Stain Off for metal and organic stains, including a real-world salt staining save
• the chlorine drop risk with stain removers and why correct dosing matters
• pH targets that improve stain treatment performance
• Biodex 300 Tile Cleaner strength, handling cautions, and when to keep it away from employees or delicate surfaces
• algaecide options including Skillet, plus foam and surface film considerations
• Foam Down use cases and the reminder to fix the cause of foaming, not just the symptoms
• where to find Biodex products online and how to navigate their product listings
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.

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The First-Year Mistakes Every Pool Service Owner Makes

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Underbidding can feel like the fastest way to grow a pool route, until you realize you are working harder for less money and dreading stops you used to feel excited about. We walk through the business-side rookie mistakes that quietly wreck a pool service business, starting with the most common trap: quoting a pool, cleanup, or service call without accounting for the real variables that drive time, chemical cost, and effort.

We get specific about what makes pricing tricky when you are new: pool size differences, heavy bather load, hidden debris from trees, and the true cost of green pool cleanups that require extra filter cleanings and a lot more chemicals than you expected. You will hear practical language for fixing an underbid the right way, including how to be honest with the customer, explain the reason for a rate change, and be willing to walk away rather than stay stuck in a bad deal that damages your mindset and your service quality.

We also share a simple framework for pool repair and equipment installs using a baseline hourly rate, realistic time estimates that include parts runs, and the “headache factor” for tight equipment pads and unexpected plumbing. Then we zoom out to route efficiency, covering why outlying pools and problem accounts can drain your day, and when dropping them is actually the move that increases profit per hour and makes the work feel fun again. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more service techs can price with confidence.

We break down the most costly rookie mistakes pool service pros make when building a pool route, especially pricing errors that quietly crush profit. We share practical ways to bid smarter, correct underbids without panic, and design a route that feels lighter and pays better.
• Underbidding weekly service and getting trapped at a low rate
• Spotting workload drivers during a bid like pool size, trees, and heavy use
• Fixing a bad bid by owning the mistake and giving the customer options
• Avoiding losses on green pool cleanups by pricing for time, chemicals, and filter cleanings
• Setting a baseline hourly rate for installs and repairs
• Adding a headache factor for tight equipment pads and surprise plumbing
• Dropping outlying pools to reduce drive time and tighten the route
• Letting go of problem accounts once replacement income is in place
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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Variable Speed Pump Sizing Made Simple

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Buying a variable speed pool pump should feel like an upgrade, not a guessing game, but most people get stuck on the biggest horsepower number and end up overspending. We walk through a simple approach that starts with what you already have: match the total horsepower of your current single speed pump within a reasonable range, then use VS programming to run the lowest RPM that still gives you clean water and solid circulation.

From there, we get specific about the two things that quietly control everything: voltage and plumbing. If you’re on 115V wiring, a dual voltage VS pump can’t deliver the same total output it would on 230V, so a “3 HP” label may not translate to real-world 3 HP performance. And if your pool has 1.5 inch suction and return lines, there’s only so much flow you can realistically push before you’re paying for power your system can’t use. That’s why many small pools, above-ground pools, and older pools are better served by a right-sized option like the Pentair SuperFlo VS class, while larger pools with attached spas and water features often justify stepping up to a true 3 HP VS pump so full-speed performance is available when you need it.

We also talk practical install reality: sticking with the same pump brand and footprint (Pentair, Hayward, Jandy, and compatible drop-in options) can save time, reduce plumbing headaches, and make a swap feel close to plug-and-play. We finish with smart use cases like putting a VS pump on a water feature or booster pump, plus why variable speed pumps tend to last longer, run quieter, and deliver major energy savings when sized correctly. If this helps, subscribe, share the show with a pool owner or service tech, and leave a quick review so more people can stop buying the wrong pump.

We break down how to choose the right variable speed pool pump for very small pools, older pools, and large pools without wasting money on horsepower your system cannot use. I share simple sizing rules tied to your current pump, your voltage, and your plumbing so you get good flow, strong features, and real energy savings.

• matching total horsepower to your existing single speed pump within a reasonable range
• why 115V wiring limits real horsepower on dual voltage VS pumps
• how 1.5 inch plumbing caps the usefulness of oversized pumps
• why downsizing too far can reduce spa jet force and water feature performance
• when a 3 HP VS pump is the logical choice for large pools around 20,000 gallons or more
• reliable smaller-pool options like the Pentair SuperFlo VS and when WhisperFlo VS fits better
• choosing the same pump brand to simplify plumbing alignment and installation
• using VS pumps for water features and booster pump replacements
• why variable speed pumps often last longer and save more energy than single speed pumps

Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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Pool Water Testing Explained: What Pros Actually Use

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Bad pool chemistry decisions usually start with one thing: a bad test. We walk through the real pros and cons of the tools most people rely on to test pool water, and why your “best” method changes based on whether you’re running 80 stops a week, bidding a new account, starting up fresh plaster, or managing commercial compliance.

We compare test strips, Taylor-style reagent test kits (including the popular K-2005 and K-2006), photometers like the Pool Lab 2.0 and ColorQ 2X Pro, and high-speed options like the LaMotte Spin Touch. You’ll hear where each method shines, where it can mislead you, and how factors like reagent shelf life, tablet handling, and simple user error can swing your readings. We also dig into why photometers are so powerful for accurate pH and chlorine numbers, plus how digital logging can support commercial pool records and customer trust.

To wrap it up, we share a practical “mix and match” approach for pool service businesses: use the affordable tools daily, verify weird results quickly, and pull out the precision gear when you’re balancing LSI or solving a stubborn problem. We also make the case for one digital tool that earns a permanent spot on your truck: a reliable TDS and salinity meter, while explaining why portable digital pH probes often create more hassle than value. If this helps, subscribe, share it with another pool pro, and leave a quick review with your go-to testing method.

We break down the four main ways to test pool water and explain why “best” depends on your route, your budget, and how precise you really need to be. We compare speed, cost, accuracy, and real-world use cases so you can stop guessing and start testing with purpose.
• four common methods: test strips, reagent kits, photometers, digital testers
• why Taylor reagent test kits stay the most affordable option for weekly service
• the biggest drawback of reagent kits: color matching and human interpretation
• how photometers work and why they deliver more precise digital readings
• when logging and documentation matter for commercial pools and startups
• why LaMotte Spin Touch is fast but expensive to run
• when test strips are accurate enough and when they are not
• using strips to verify odd readings and quickly confirm low chlorine
• which test factors you do not need to measure every week
• how user technique affects photometer accuracy with tablets and drops
• why a TDS and salinity meter is the most useful digital tool
• why portable digital pH probes often create more work than value
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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Should You Buy a Cheap Variable Speed Pool Pump?

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A $300 variable speed pool pump can feel like the smartest upgrade you’ll make all year, until you try to plumb it in, dial in the flow, or keep it running past the first season. We dig into the budget VS pump wave hitting Amazon and big box retailers, and I share what I’d want any pool owner or pool service pro to understand before betting their circulation system on a bargain listing.

We start with the unglamorous stuff that decides whether the install is easy or painful: equipment pad layout, inlet and outlet alignment, and why matching your existing pump family (Pentair, Hayward, or Jandy) often saves time and avoids surprise replumbing. From there, we get into the numbers that matter in real backyards. Horsepower ratings and “performance” claims don’t always translate to real head pressure, especially on complex pools with spas, water features, long plumbing runs, or higher resistance systems. If the pump can’t push water, everything downstream suffers.

Next, we talk reliability and total cost of ownership. Cheap variable speed pumps can work, but the components and the drive electronics are often where corners get cut, and reviews commonly point to early failures. We also cover practical deal breakers: finding replacement parts, getting someone willing to service an off brand pump, and whether a standalone VS pump will communicate with automation systems like EasyTouch or Aqualink. Finally, I lay out smarter alternatives, including mid priced brand name VS pumps and a budget friendly approach many people overlook: replacing just the motor and drive (Century or Nidec) while keeping a solid wet end.

If you’ve been tempted by a too good to be true price, listen all the way through, then subscribe, share it with a pool owner who’s shopping right now, and leave a quick review. What’s the lowest price you’d trust for the pump that runs your whole pool?

We break down the real pros and cons behind the $300 to $700 variable speed pool pumps showing up on Amazon and at big box stores. We walk through install fit, honest performance, drive reliability, and why the cheapest option can get expensive fast.
• why low cost variable speed pumps can still run
• equipment pad alignment and why the inlet matters
• horsepower and head pressure claims that may not match reality
• a real service story where flow problems exposed an off brand pump
• cheap components, short lifespan reviews, and total cost math
• limited replacement parts and the risk of no service support
• automation drawbacks with EasyTouch and Aqualink systems
• better alternatives like mid priced name brands and motor plus drive retrofits
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How to Actually Find the Source of Algae in Your Pool

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Algae can make you feel like you’re losing your mind: you raise chlorine, the pool looks better, and then the green haze or mustard dust is back next week. We’re breaking that loop by doing something most pool care advice skips, identifying the real source of algae in a swimming pool, not just treating the symptoms. Some pools are simply under heavier “environmental pressure” from pollen, wind, and nearby trees, while others grow algae because of shade, poor circulation, and those stubborn dead spots where sanitizer never truly reaches.

We also get practical about the equipment side of algae prevention. I walk through why a clean, working filter matters so much for chlorine distribution, how seasonal pump runtime often needs a big jump from winter to spring, and why over-backwashing a sand filter can actually hurt performance. If you’ve ever seen low chlorine readings that don’t make sense, worn cartridges or damaged DE grids may be part of the problem.

Then we tackle the chemistry that solves a huge mystery for pool pros and homeowners alike: the free chlorine to cyanuric acid relationship. Using the 7.5% guideline, I explain how a pool can show 10 ppm free chlorine and still grow algae when CYA is very high, especially when trichlor tablets keep pushing stabilizer upward. Finally, we cover prevention add-ons like phosphate remover, enzymes, borates to 50 ppm, and mineral systems like Pool RX, plus the simplest high-impact habit of all: consistent brushing.

If this helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who fights algae, and leave a quick review so more pool owners and service techs can find the show. What’s the one pool on your route that keeps growing algae no matter what you do?

Algae is not inevitable in every pool, so we focus on why certain pools on a route keep getting blooms while others stay clean. We walk through how to pinpoint the real source, then stack prevention tactics that make algae far less likely to return.
• environmental algae pressure from pollen, trees, and wind-driven debris
• shaded areas and circulation dead spots where chlorine does not reach
• filter condition and seasonal runtime as core algae controls
• sand filter backwashing based on a 10 psi rise
• the 7.5% free chlorine to cyanuric acid ratio and why “high chlorine” can still fail
• strategies to avoid runaway CYA from trichlor tablet use
• phosphate remover and enzymes as algae prevention tools
• borates to 50 ppm for long-term algistat protection
• mineral systems like Pool RX to prevent microalgae
• weekly brushing as a simple, high-impact habit for stubborn pools

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 Sumipoollearning.com.
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Bob Lowry on Pool Service Rookie Mistakes

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Algae every week even though the test kit shows plenty of chlorine? That headache usually isn’t bad luck, it’s bad math. We dig into the most common rookie mistakes new pool service pros make and show the chemistry behind why a pool can read “sanitized” while algae still wins. The big unlock is understanding cyanuric acid (CYA) and how it binds most of the chlorine in the water, leaving only a small active portion available to kill algae.

From there, we make the fix practical: stop guessing and start targeting free chlorine based on your stabilizer level. We walk through the easy field rule that free chlorine should sit around 7.5% of CYA, plus how adding borates at about 50 ppm can lower that requirement to roughly 5% in many pools. If you’re servicing trichlor pools with high CYA, this framework explains exactly why “6 ppm is high” can still be nowhere near enough.

We also shift from pure chemistry to water balance and operations. We talk about the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), what it’s designed to predict (scale forming vs corrosive water), and why “balanced” isn’t the same as “stable” when alkalinity and pH are constantly drifting. Then we hit a nuts-and-bolts issue that ruins otherwise good chemistry: filtration runtime. We explain turnovers, why one turnover only filters about 65%, why three turnovers is a smart target, and how low circulation creates dead zones where algae can grow.

If you want to tighten up your pool maintenance results, reduce call-backs, and run a more predictable pool service business, listen through and take notes. For more training, visit swimmingpoollearning.com and check out PoolGuyCoaching.com, then subscribe, share the show with a tech who needs it, and leave a review so more service pros can find it.

We break down the most common rookie mistakes that keep new pool service pros stuck in recurring algae, cloudy water, and constant chemical chasing. We show how to set smarter chlorine targets using the cyanuric acid ratio, when borates change the math, why LSI can mislead if you ignore stability, and how pump runtime and turnovers make or break circulation.
• misunderstanding how high cyanuric acid weakens effective chlorine
• using the 7.5% of CYA free chlorine target
• lowering the chlorine requirement with 50 ppm borates
• why “2 to 4 ppm chlorine” can fail for algae prevention
• what LSI predicts and what it does not
• choosing target ranges to make water stable week to week
• calculating turnovers from pool volume and flow rate
• why short runtimes create dead spots and let algae take hold

Learn more at swimming poollearning.com.
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Bob Lowry on Dialing in Free Chlorine the Right Way

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool can look fine on paper and still be losing the chlorine battle. We dig into the frustrating “problem pool” scenario where you’re pouring in gallons of chlorine and the free chlorine (FC) reading barely budges, then break down what’s really happening when chlorine gets consumed faster than you can add it. With Bob Larry’s help, we walk through how to think like a detective: look at the environment, the deck, landscaping, runoff, bather load, and even the odd stuff people don’t mention like rinsing tools or chemicals in the pool.

From there, we get practical about chlorine demand, including the idea of negative chlorine demand where your first big doses are basically paying off a hidden deficit. We talk through a proven cleanup strategy: raise FC to a strong level and keep it there for 24 to 48 hours so the pool actually finishes oxidizing contaminants and knocking out algae, instead of slipping back into the same cycle. We also touch on an underrated cost saver for commercial pools and busy backyards: getting swimmers to rinse off first can dramatically reduce what chlorine has to burn through.

Finally, we tackle the classic complaint: “My chlorine is 3 to 5 ppm but algae keeps coming back.” The missing link is cyanuric acid (CYA) and how it changes chlorine effectiveness. We explain the 7.5% of CYA rule for setting a reliable free chlorine target that prevents algae, plus why consistency between service visits matters so much in warm, sunny conditions. If this helped, subscribe, share the episode with a pool owner or tech, and leave a review so more people can stop wasting chlorine and start keeping water clear.

We troubleshoot the pool that burns through chlorine and still reads near zero, using a detective mindset to track down hidden sources of chlorine demand. We also explain why “normal” free chlorine targets can still allow algae, then land on a practical CYA-based chlorine rule that keeps pools clear.
• identifying real-world chlorine killers like yard debris, runoff, deck wash water, and heavy bather load
• spotting sneaky contamination from cleaners, solvents, and tool rinsing
• understanding early algae growth, biofilm, and why algae is mature when you finally see it
• recognizing negative chlorine demand when big doses barely move the test result
• holding a high chlorine level for 24 to 48 hours to fully oxidize organics and kill algae
• reducing chlorine usage by having swimmers rinse off before getting in
• using the 7.5% of CYA free chlorine target to prevent algae
• keeping free chlorine consistent between service days to avoid fast blooms
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 swimming poollearning.com.
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Bob Lowry Breaks Down TDS in Pool Water

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you’ve ever stared at a “perfect” test strip while the pool still acts weird, you’re probably missing one of the quietest drivers in pool water chemistry: TDS. We dig into what Total Dissolved Solids actually means, why a simple digital meter belongs on every service truck, and how TDS can swing your saturation index enough to change your real-world results. Along the way, we unpack the old-school truth behind TDS, what the meter is really reading (conductivity), and why it is still a valuable approximation for everyday pool maintenance decisions.

We also get specific about what’s building up in the water over time. Chlorine doesn’t just disappear, it becomes chloride. Many of the products you add carry sodium, and those ions stay behind. That matters even more in a saltwater pool, where you might be running 3,000 to 3,400 ppm salt before you count everything else. We talk through why a 5,000 to 6,000 ppm TDS reading can be normal with a generator running, but can turn into a chemistry headache when the cell is off and the salt is just along for the ride.

One of the biggest takeaways is a myth-buster: the saturation index can describe scale forming or plaster corrosivity, but it does not predict metal corrosion. Real corrosion shows up in places you can see, like salt splash-out that dries into concentrated salt on decks and equipment, or motors and hardware that fail even when the index looks “fine.” We also cover when high TDS is a drain-and-dilute conversation in non-salt pools (about 1,500 ppm over starting), plus the tricky world of color bodies, organic staining, and why chlorine alone sometimes cannot fix yellow or tinted water.

If you want fewer mystery problems and faster diagnoses, subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more techs start testing what actually builds up over time.

We break down what TDS really measures, why it affects the saturation index, and why so many pool pros still ignore it. We also clear up a costly myth: “balanced” water can still corrode metal, especially around saltwater pools.
• why TDS testing fell out of routine pool service and why it matters
• what a TDS meter actually measures through conductivity and why it is an approximation
• what builds TDS over time, especially chloride and sodium from common pool chemicals
• how saltwater pools push TDS higher and what happens when the generator is off
• why the saturation index describes plaster risk, not metal corrosion risk
• real-world clues of high TDS such as brackish taste, stubborn color, and “can’t fix it” water
• how color bodies and organics can stain plastics and cleaners and resist chlorine
If you're looking for other podcasts, just go to my website, swimming for learning.com. On the banner is a podcast icon. There'll be a drop down menu with over 1900 podcasts for you there to listen to at your leisure. And if you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.

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Bob Lowry on the Dangers of High CYA Levels

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool water can look “chlorinated” on a test and still be unsafe or algae-prone. The missing piece is cyanuric acid (CYA), the pool stabilizer that quietly binds most of your chlorine and changes how much active sanitizer you actually have working for you. We sit down with Bob Lowry, inventor of liquid pool conditioner, to get brutally clear on why high CYA is a real problem and how to fix it without guessing.

We dig into what cyanuric acid really does beyond UV protection, how the chlorine to CYA equilibrium works, and why the same free chlorine reading can mean totally different sanitizing power depending on your stabilizer level. Bob lays out an easy operating rule for pool maintenance: target free chlorine as a percentage of CYA, with different guidance depending on whether you use borates. If you’ve ever fought recurring algae, this is the chemistry that explains why.

We also connect the dots to the most common cause of runaway stabilizer: trichlor tabs. When CYA rises week after week, the required chlorine level rises with it, creating a vicious cycle that catches a lot of pools in midsummer. We cover practical ways to transition to liquid chlorine, plus simple feeding options that keep levels steady between service visits. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a pool owner who keeps battling algae, and leave a review. What’s your current CYA level and how are you chlorinating right now?

We break down why high cyanuric acid quietly weakens chlorine and forces you into higher and higher dosing just to prevent algae. Bob Lowry explains the real stabilizer to chlorine relationship, plus simple target ranges and practical ways to stop CYA from spiraling out of control.
• why cyanuric acid does more than block sunlight
• how CYA binds chlorine and slows sanitizing action
• the 7.5% of CYA chlorine target without borates
• the 5% of CYA chlorine target with borates
• recommended CYA ranges for outdoor pools and saltwater chlorine generators
• why trichlor tabs raise CYA and create a vicious cycle
• switching to liquid chlorine and options for midweek dosing
Are you a full service pro looking to take your business to the next level? 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.

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Bob Lowry: The Truth About Persistent High pH in Pools

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool pH isn’t “random” or “stubborn” and once you understand what’s actually driving the rise, you can finally stop the endless acid cycle. We dig into the real reason pH climbs week after week: CO2 off gassing. Total alkalinity controls how much carbon dioxide wants to escape, and when alkalinity is too high, the water is essentially overcarbonated. As CO2 leaves the water to reach equilibrium with the air, pH rises, and the problem repeats.

We also get honest about the pools that fight you the hardest: feature pools with negative edges, spillways, waterfalls, scuppers, rock cascades, spa jets, and blowers. All that aeration and turbulence accelerates CO2 loss, which means faster pH drift no matter how “perfect” your numbers look on paper. You’ll hear a simple spa-style experiment that makes the aeration effect impossible to ignore, plus the hard truth that some extreme designs may require a CO2 injection system if you want truly stable pH.

Saltwater chlorine generator pools add their own twist. We explain how SWGs raise pH through hydroxide production and continuous aeration inside the cell, then talk through practical ways to reduce generator runtime by cutting chlorine demand. That leads into borates, cyanuric acid strategy, and why dialing in free chlorine as a percentage of CYA can work better than a one-size-fits-all target. We also clear up a long-running pool chemistry myth: liquid chlorine and calcium hypochlorite don’t create a lasting pH rise after chlorine is consumed.

If you want fewer corrections, steadier readings, and a repeatable method for controlling rising pool pH, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a pool owner or pool pro who’s fighting pH, and leave a review with your biggest pH question.

We break down why pool pH keeps rising and why the real driver is often CO2 off gassing tied to total alkalinity and aeration. We share practical targets and field-tested fixes for salt pools, feature pools, and new plaster so you can stop chasing pH every week.
• total alkalinity controlling CO2 off gassing and pH drift
• why high TA makes pH rise faster and more often
• setting realistic TA targets and lowering TA to stabilize pH
• how waterfalls, spillways, negative edges, jets, and turbulence push pH up
• when a CO2 injector becomes the only realistic path
• saltwater chlorine generator effects including hydroxide production and aeration in the cell
• using borates to reduce chlorine demand and slow pH rise
• balancing cyanuric acid and free chlorine as a percentage strategy
• plaster hydration in new pools raising pH for months
• why liquid chlorine and cal hypo do not cause lasting pH rise after chlorine is spent
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All About Metals in Your Pool With Joe Laurino

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Metal stains are one of the fastest ways a pool can look “dirty” even when the water is balanced and clear. The tricky part is that metals like copper and iron can hide in plain sight as dissolved ions, then suddenly oxidize and plate onto plaster, steps, and fittings. That’s why we wanted a straight, practical conversation on pool metal removal that goes beyond quick fixes and old myths.

We’re joined by Joe Loreno, CEO and president of Puretic Products, the company behind Culator. Joe breaks down the chemistry in simple terms: why most pool filters cannot catch dissolved metals, how sequestering agents work (and what they can’t do), and how a polymer-based approach can physically bind metal ions so you can remove them from the pool without draining. We also cover real-world sources of metals, from fill water and equipment to runoff from landscaping and nearby metal roofs or gutters.

If you’ve ever debated whether a stain is organic or inorganic, you’ll love the field-friendly diagnostics: the vitamin C tablet test, what stain colors can suggest, and why metal testing can be confusing when a stain has already plated out or when a test only measures “free” metals. We also walk through a clear three-step workflow using ascorbic acid, citric acid, a strong sequestering agent, and the Culator 4.0, including how long it can take based on turnovers and why temporary cloudiness can be normal.

If this helps you troubleshoot a stubborn stain, subscribe for more pool industry deep dives, share the episode with a pool pro who’s battling metals, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

We talk with Joe Loreno of Puretic Products about where pool metals come from, how they turn into stains, and how to tell a metal stain from an organic stain without guessing. We lay out a practical no-drain workflow that lifts stains off the surface, protects the water while chlorine comes back, and then physically removes copper and iron from circulation.

• Joe’s chemistry background and why Culator exists
• How the Culator polymer binds metal ions without dissolving
• Differences between Culator 1.0 in the skimmer and 4.0 in the pump basket
• Why dissolved metals do not backwash out of DE, sand, or cartridge filters
• Common metal sources from fill water, equipment, plaster, chemicals, and runoff
• How to use a vitamin C tablet to confirm metal staining
• Why stain color helps but cannot fully identify the metal
• The testing gap between free metal readings and total metal load
• Three-step process: reduce stains, sequester ions, remove metals through circulation
• How long removal can take based on pump size and daily turnovers
• Why temporary cloudiness happens and why it clears as chlorine is restored

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Summer Pool Care Tips That Save Time And Money

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Summer doesn’t just make pools warmer. It makes them harder to manage, easier to mess up, and way more visible to the people paying the bill. We talk through what really changes once swim season arrives: heavier bather loads, more sunscreen and organics, faster chlorine loss, and a sharp rise in “can you come today?” customer calls before parties and weekends.

We also get practical about keeping water clear when conditions get extreme. You’ll hear our take on “chlorine enhancers” that help chlorine last longer by preventing algae and reducing what chlorine has to fight, including borates (around 30 to 50 ppm), mineral options like PoolRx (with key cautions around high chlorine when it’s dissolving), and the one-two punch of enzymes plus phosphate removal. If you’ve been chasing cloudy water, fighting recurring algae, or watching free chlorine disappear midweek, these tools can act like an insurance policy during peak heat.

Then we zoom out to the summer math: why the common “lose 1 ppm of free chlorine per day” idea can fall apart under a high UV index, warm water, and active swimmers, and how to use a CYA-based minimum target like the 7.5% guideline to stay ahead of problems. If you want stronger summer pool maintenance habits, better chlorine stability, and fewer emergency cleanups, this one is built for you.

Subscribe for more pool care and pool service pro tips, share this with a friend who’s battling summer water, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s the biggest problem you see every summer: algae, low chlorine, or customer pressure?

Summer pool care gets harder because swim season changes everything, from bather load to UV burn-off to how fast chlorine can drop. We share the practical tools we use to keep pools clear under pressure, including chlorine enhancers, smarter chlorine targets, and a mindset that expects more customer calls.
• swim season timing shifts and why that affects pool routes
• bather load as the biggest summer variable for water balance
• chlorine enhancers that help prevent algae forming
• borates at roughly 30 to 50 ppm as an algaestat and pH buffer
• PoolRx mineral technology and why high chlorine matters at startup
• enzymes plus phosphate remover as the one-two punch
• UV index, warm water, and long days accelerating chlorine loss
• the 7.5% free chlorine to CYA guideline and how borates can change the target
• why summer brings more complaints and last-minute party urgency
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Can a Pool Really Pop Out of The Ground?

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A drained pool looks harmless until you realize it can become a boat. We’re talking about pool pop-ups, the real-world risk behind the phrase “the pool can pop out of the ground,” and the simple physics that make it possible when groundwater rises under an empty shell.

We walk through what actually holds an inground plaster or concrete pool in place, including the massive weight of thousands of gallons of water, and what changes the moment you drain it for an acid wash or to lower high cyanuric acid. Then we get practical: how heavy rain, wet seasons, saturated clay soil, and even where you discharge water can raise the odds. If you’re servicing pools in higher-rain regions like parts of Florida or Louisiana, we also talk about hydrostatic plugs, what they’re designed to do, and the tradeoffs you should know.

Fiberglass and vinyl liner pools get their own warning label. Fiberglass shells are light enough that pop-up risk is much more real, and draining can also lead to wall bowing, cracking, or collapse. Vinyl liner pools can turn into an expensive disaster if the liner pulls out and tears, especially as the material loses elasticity over time. We explain safer partial-drain thinking and why calling the right specialty company can save your customer’s pool and save your liability.

If you found this helpful, subscribe so you don’t miss the next one, share it with a pool pro who’s been debating a drain, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

We break down what “pool pop-up” really means, why it happens, and why it’s far less common than the horror stories suggest for most concrete pools. We also lay out the big red flags when draining fiberglass and vinyl liner pools, plus how weather, groundwater, and soil type should guide every drain decision.
• how groundwater and buoyancy can lift an empty pool shell
• why heavy rain and clay soil increase pop-up risk
• practical timing rules for safer pool draining and refills
• why fiberglass pools are higher risk when drained
• how hydrostatic plugs work and when they matter
• why vinyl liner pools can tear when fully drained
• when to call a fiberglass installer or vinyl liner company
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Pool Skimmer Tips That Actually Work

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If your pool skimmer feels “lazy” and the surface never quite looks clean, the problem usually isn’t the leaves, it’s the setup. I walk through the most common skimmer performance issues I see in the field and the practical fixes that get debris moving in the right direction again. We even touch on infinity edge pools, where skimmers sometimes get skipped for aesthetics, and why I still think a skimmer plays a vital role in everyday pool care.

We start with circulation basics you can actually control: return jet direction, surface flow patterns, and the dead spots that let debris hover until it gets soaked and sinks. Then we go straight to the big lever for stronger skimmer suction: flow through the filtration system. A dirty filter can quietly kill skimmer pull, while a properly sized, clean cartridge filter, DE filter, or sand filter can make the skimmer come alive. I also cover the weir gate and other skimmer hardware that people don’t notice until it’s missing, stuck, or letting debris slip right back into the pool when the pump shuts off.

From there, we get into the tradeoffs that frustrate a lot of pool owners and pool pros: suction-side cleaners connected at the skimmer, side ports that still steal suction, and variable speed pumps running too low to skim well. I share options to supplement surface cleaning, including solar-powered surface skimmers and the PoolSkim return-jet attachment, plus the small tweaks that make them work better in real pools. If you want a cleaner surface all week, hit play, then subscribe, share the episode with a pool owner, and leave a review with the skimmer problem you want solved next.

We break down why your pool skimmer stops grabbing debris and how small system issues can make a clean pool look messy fast. We walk through the real-world fixes that boost surface skimming, from flow and filtration to weir gates and cleaner setups.
• why skimmers matter for surface debris before it sinks
• return jet direction to reduce dead spots and push debris
• filter cleanliness and filter upgrades to restore flow
• weir gate function and brand-specific missing skimmer parts
• how suction cleaners and low pump speeds reduce skimming power
• add-ons that help, including solar surface cleaners and PoolSkim
• why two skimmers often do not improve performance
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How to Know When a Pool Filter Is Done

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Filter problems love to disguise themselves as “chemistry issues” and that’s exactly how pool owners waste weekends and pool pros lose hours. We walk through the real decision that matters: do you simply need new filter media, or is it time to replace the whole filter body because the tank, clamp, or lid is worn out and headed toward failure.

We start with the basics in plain language: what “filter media” means for cartridge, DE, and sand systems, and why each has a different lifespan. Then we get practical with sand filters, including the signs that sand is no longer doing its job (weekly backwashing, rising pressure, poor flow, and water that never quite looks right). If you’re debating a pool filter upgrade, we talk through when a cartridge filter makes sense, when a sand filter is still the better choice in heavy dirt regions, and why large square-foot cartridge filters can deliver better circulation and more consistent filtration.

We also share the real-world replacement schedule that keeps service routes smooth: the three-year strategy for quad cartridges and DE grids, what happens when grids tear and DE leaks back into the pool, and the important exceptions where cost and build quality justify longer intervals. Finally, we cover when replacing the entire filter is the smart move, plus what changes when converting from DE to cartridge (including plumbing considerations and removing backwash hardware).

If you want fewer surprises, cleaner water, and better flow, subscribe, share this with a pool owner or pool tech, and leave a review with the filter type you’re running and the problems you’re seeing.

We break down how to decide between replacing pool filter media and replacing the entire filter, using real service-route triggers like pressure rise, flow loss, and stubborn water clarity issues. We also lay out practical upgrade paths from sand or DE to cartridge so you can reduce mess, improve circulation, and prevent mid-season failures.
• defining filter media across cartridge, DE and sand systems
• diagnosing sand filter performance using clarity, flow and backwash frequency
• weighing sand filter simplicity against water waste and lower filtration
• why large cartridge filters often outperform sand in everyday use
• setting a proactive replacement schedule for cartridges and DE grids
• spotting grid tears and deciding when to replace one grid vs all
• handling expensive cartridge exceptions and extending lifespan responsibly
• deciding when an aging filter tank should be replaced for safety and cost
• planning plumbing changes when converting DE to cartridge

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. Looking for other podcasts, you can go to my website, swimmingprolearning.com on the banner, click on the podcast icon. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.

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Before You Start a Pool Service Business, Listen to This

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Everyone loves the freedom of owning a pool service business until the scary questions show up: “What if I fail?” “What if I get sick?” “What about health insurance and retirement?” I walk through the most common negatives people bring up about the pool industry and give you the unfiltered reality, including the parts I can’t sugarcoat.

We start with the small business failure myth and why it’s often less about the industry and more about basics like experience, customer service, and having an actual plan. From there, I challenge the idea that a W-2 job automatically equals security. Layoffs, automation, and AI have changed the game fast, and I explain why hands-on service work like pool cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment problem-solving is far harder to replace than many “career” office roles.

Then we get into the real hurdles: self-employed health insurance costs, what happens if you’re injured, and how to think about retirement when you don’t have a 401k match or pension. I share practical ways to reduce risk, including building a six-month emergency fund, using monthly service billing to create breathing room, and setting pool service pricing that covers the true cost of running your business. If you’re thinking about starting a pool route or scaling your existing route, this is the mindset and strategy check that keeps you from overthinking and underpricing.

If this helped, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more service owners can find the show.

We name the biggest negatives people say about the pool industry and separate real hurdles from fear-based noise. We also share practical ways to protect yourself with pricing, savings, and long-term planning so pool service stays stable and scalable.
• why the “8 out of 10 businesses fail” stat misses what actually causes failure
• how competence, planning, and customer service change the odds fast
• why “no safety net” applies to most jobs now, including white-collar roles
• why service businesses like pool service are harder to replace with AI
• building a six-month emergency fund to reduce stress and risk
• the real downside of self-employed health insurance and how to price for it
• what to do if you get sick or injured, including scheduling realities with monthly billing
• replacing a pension mindset with consistent investing and scalable income
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
Join the pool guy coaching program.
you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.

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Residential vs. Commercial Pools: No Contest

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Commercial pool service can look like the fast lane to bigger revenue, until you realize how many forces you do not control. We walk through the real differences between residential pool care and commercial pool maintenance, starting with what “commercial” actually means: community-used pools like apartments, HOAs, hotels, the YMCA, and public facilities that live under health department oversight. That oversight changes your day, your paperwork, and your stress level in ways most new techs do not see coming.

We get specific about the operational realities: inspections, daily logs, and shutdown triggers tied to chlorine and pH ranges, plus the unpredictable stuff like user behavior that can close a pool even when you did your job. We also talk about the people side of the business, because commercial accounts often add management companies, approval delays, and the challenge of pleasing 30 or 40 voices instead of one homeowner. If you have ever felt stuck waiting on authorization while a motor is down and the water is slipping, you will recognize this problem instantly.

Then we dig into the money, the right way. Yes, commercial accounts can pay significantly more, but they usually demand three to five visits a week, higher insurance limits, and a “headache factor” you should price honestly. We also cover the risk of concentrating your income in a few large accounts and the cash-flow pain that can come with net-30 billing and slow payments. If you are deciding what kind of pool service route to build, this conversation will help you choose with open eyes.

If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave a quick review so more service techs can find the show.

We break down why residential pool care often beats commercial pool care for working pool pros, even when commercial accounts look more lucrative. We compare regulation, workload, pricing, risk, and the day-to-day realities that make one route easier to live with and easier to keep stable.
• defining commercial pools vs residential backyard pools
• health department regulation, inspections, and required logs
• certification differences like CPO requirements for commercial work
• dealing with management companies, approvals, and multiple stakeholders
• heavy bather load and why commercial water turns faster
• shutdown triggers and chemistry ranges that can get you closed
• pricing a commercial account, including the “headache factor”
• higher insurance requirements and building costs into bids
• time demands, service frequency, and why mixing routes is hard
• concentration risk when you lose a high-dollar account
• payment delays, net-30 billing, and the hassle of collections
Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. Learn more at swimming poollearning.com.

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EPA vs. Sodium Bromide: The Real Story Part 2 of 2

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A single line on a label can shake an entire trade, especially when that trade has been using the product for 30 plus years. We pick back up with Scott Hamilton, the CEO of United Chemical, to sort out what the EPA’s “not for use in outdoor pools” language is really responding to, and whether the bromate concern is being evaluated in a way that matches real pool conditions.

We get into the chemistry behind bromate exposure, including why some researchers argue it should not be assessed with a strictly linear model. Scott explains the case for looking at thresholds and real-world dose, plus the research showing how stomach acid can reduce a large portion of trace bromate back into bromide. We also talk about what makes the EPA process move slowly: protocol review, data acceptance, and the very real staffing and workload constraints that can turn a decision into a multi-year timeline.

Then we zoom out to the business and legal side of pool chemical regulation. Why do some products stop claiming they “kill algae” even when pros swear they work? Because pesticidal claims trigger registrations, state-by-state fees, and a compliance burden that can be brutal. We also address the fear factor directly, how to think about risk tolerance, and why transparency matters when the manufacturer has a stake in the outcome. If you want to judge the study for yourself, we point you to the download link.

Subscribe for more pool industry deep dives, share this with a tech who’s debating sodium bromide, and leave a review with your take: should outdoor pool labeling follow worst-case assumptions or field-relevant data?

We keep talking with Scott Hamilton about the EPA’s interim stance on sodium bromide labels and what the latest bromate data actually says about real-world risk. We weigh the science, the legal reality of pesticidal claims, and why transparency matters when pool pros have relied on a product for decades.
• how bromate exposure is being modeled and why linear risk assumptions may not fit real pool use
• what research says about stomach acid reducing trace bromate back to bromide
• how the EPA makes interim decisions and what it would take to revisit or reverse them
• why some manufacturers remove algae-kill claims and how registration fees shape labels
• how to think about risk tolerance alongside other common pool industry hazards
• why publishing methods and raw data helps the industry move past rumors

If you'd like to see a copy of the study, there's going to be a link in this podcast description for you.
You can download that study and read it for yourself.
If you're looking for part one, again go to my website, swimmingprolearning.com, click on the podcast icon, and open a drop-down menu of other podcasts that I've done before.
If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.

Download the full Sodium Bromide Study:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X6-1uJJ7MZugeRDpch0tpop2vg0hjPR0/view?usp=sharing

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EPA vs. Sodium Bromide: The Real Story Part 1 of 2

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The EPA’s sodium bromide relabeling decision didn’t just tweak a bottle panel, it pulled a familiar algae treatment tool out of the outdoor pool conversation overnight. We’re joined by Scott Hamilton, the CEO of United Chemical to explain what the EPA’s interim decision actually says, why “not for use in outdoor pools” now shows up on sodium bromide-based algaecides, and how that single change ripples through distribution when big suppliers decide they won’t stock the category at all.

From there, we get practical and technical. Scott walks us through worst-case outdoor testing designed to stress the chemistry: high pH, zero cyanuric acid (CYA), and heavy liquid chlorine dosing in above-ground pools. We talk bromate formation, why the EPA leans on conservative assumptions like 100% conversion, and what the real-world data shows instead, including the striking difference between treating a pool with active algae versus clean water. If you’ve ever wondered why timing matters, we dig into the “first hour” window where most bromate formation tends to occur and what actually drives the reaction.

We also zoom out to risk, regulation, and perception: how Prop 65 style warning logic shapes the conversation, how the EPA swim model estimates ingestion exposure over a lifetime, and the question every pool pro asks, why hot tubs still get a pass while outdoor pools don’t. Subscribe for part two, share this with a pool pro who’s navigating algae season, and leave a review with your take on the ruling.

We sit down with Scott Hamilton from United Chemical to unpack the EPA’s interim decision that forces sodium bromide products to remove outdoor pool use from their labels and triggers major supply chain fallout. We dig into bromate formation, what worst-case testing actually shows, and why the first hour after dosing becomes the key battleground in the chemistry debate.
• who the interim decision affects and why labels now read not for outdoor pools
• why Pool Corp and others stop carrying sodium bromide products
• how the EPA reaches decisions when it does not run its own controlled lab tests
• worst-case outdoor testing design using high pH, zero CYA, and heavy liquid chlorine
• what the data shows with algae present versus clean water
• why most bromate formation happens in the first hour
• how proprietary ingredients can suppress bromate formation
• how Prop 65 and linear risk models shape public perception
• why hot tubs get treated differently under the EPA exposure assumptions
Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at Swimmypoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at ProGuideCoaching.com.

Download the full Sodium Bromide Study:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X6-1uJJ7MZugeRDpch0tpop2vg0hjPR0/view?usp=sharing

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Nautis VSF Maintains Perfect Flow Automatically!

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool doesn’t care what RPM your pump runs at. It cares about flow. And most of the headaches we see as pool owners and pool service pros start when circulation quietly drifts away from what the pool actually needs. I sit down with Sean McDermott, Executive Vice President at H2 Flow Controls, to unpack the Nautilus VSF variable speed pool pump and the idea behind it: stop guessing speeds and start controlling real, measured gallons per minute.

We dig into adaptive flow, including constant flow mode and turnover mode, and why “set it and forget it” RPM schedules often fall apart as filters get dirty, plumbing conditions change, and water features or in-floor systems cycle on and off. Sean explains how the pump adjusts automatically to maintain the target flow rate, aiming for a pool that’s both energy efficient and operationally efficient. That means better circulation, more consistent chemical distribution, and fewer surprise problems that show up when flow drops over time.

We also get practical on features pool pros will appreciate: app-based monitoring in the Blue Sync app, a dirty filter warning tied to sustained RPM increases, boost mode for bather load or rough weather, and upcoming heater control through a two-wire fireman switch with flow settings that help protect gas heaters and optimize heat pumps. We wrap with what went into testing, American manufacturing and support, and how the pump lines up with common installs so replacement work is simpler.

If this helps you think differently about variable speed pumps, subscribe, share the episode with a pool pro friend, and leave a quick review so more people can find it.

We talk with Sean McDermott from H2 Flow Controls about the Nautilus VSF variable speed pump and why measuring real flow beats guessing RPM. We explain how constant-flow control can improve circulation, protect equipment, and reduce the pool problems that show up when conditions change.

• the business case for launching a new VS pump in a crowded pool equipment market
• constant flow vs fixed RPM settings and why pump curves and head calculations often miss reality
• adaptive flow setup using pool gallons and either constant flow mode or turnover mode
• automatic adjustment as filters load up, water features change, and systems drift over time
• water quality benefits of steady circulation for chemical dispersion and salt systems
• Blue Sync app monitoring plus a dirty filter warning based on sustained RPM increase
• boost mode to handle sun, rain, heavy use, and seasonal debris
• heater control using a two-wire fireman switch with heater-safe flow settings
• scheduling support for in-floor cleaning systems
• made-in-the-USA development and faster support through in-house assembly and R&D
• installation fitment notes matching common pump footprints and the available horsepower models

To learn more about the Nautus VSF Pump, go to h2flow.net. You can also hear more podcasts by going to swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in my coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.

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Coming Soon! The New PCTI Video Training Program

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A lot of residential pool techs learn water chemistry the hard way: a few rules of thumb, a few opinions from the internet, and a lot of costly guessing when something won’t clear up. We wanted to change that conversation, so we brought Terry Arko back on to share real news about a new training rollout that preserves Bob Lowry’s legacy while making it easier for today’s pool service pros to actually use.

We dig into why Bob Lowry’s Pool Chemistry Training Institute (PCTI) mattered so much for the backyard pool professional, especially in a world where CPO certification is aimed at commercial operations. Terry explains how HASA took on the responsibility of maintaining and expanding that residential pool care education, and how the growth of on-demand learning (including the influence of Orenda’s education approach) helped shape the new direction. The goal is simple: practical pool chemistry training that’s clear, relatable, and built for what you see on route.

Then we get into the big update: HASA is filming 14 short training videos based on Bob’s residential material, followed by a quiz and a certification. We also talk about the specific concepts that make this training worth your time, including cyanuric acid (CYA) and chlorine effectiveness, water balance and LSI for residential pools, the importance of free chlorine over combined chlorine, and how understanding buffering and source water can help you save chemicals while keeping pools more stable.

If you want smarter, simpler pool chemistry that you can apply immediately, listen through and keep an eye out for the video series dropping on the HASA site. Subscribe, share this with a tech who needs it, and leave a review so more pool pros can find the training they’ve been missing.

We share breaking news on a new HASA-hosted training series that brings Bob Lowry’s residential pool chemistry teachings back in a modern format. We also talk through why practical, poolside chemistry education matters and how techs can access certification-style learning again.

• the training gap between residential pool service and commercial certification paths
• Bob Lowry’s teaching style and why it resonates with backyard pool pros
• how HASA and Orenda help expand access to pool chemistry education
• why the condensed two-hour format works better for many techs
• what to expect from the 14 short videos, quiz, and certification
• the downside of overly theoretical instruction and the value of usable concepts
• key chemistry topics like CYA, free chlorine, combined chlorine, LSI, source water, and buffering

Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. Email Terry Arko at terryarko@hasa.com. You can also learn more about the coaching program they offer at PoolGuyCoaching.com.

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Summer Pool Survival Guide with Terry Arko

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Summer doesn’t “start” on a date for pool pros, it starts the moment the water warms and your easy week turns into a sprint. Terry Arco from HASA joins me to unpack what really changes when pools transition from spring to summer, and why the industry can feel like feast or famine depending on weather, bather load, and how prepared you are before the rush hits.

We get specific about summer pool care: how rising water temperature shifts LSI, why calcium becomes more likely to precipitate and form scale, and why algae goes from dormant spores to rapid growth. That chemistry shift is exactly why chlorine demand climbs so fast, and why a “coasting” route can suddenly require tighter testing, faster adjustments, and fewer missed visits. We also talk practical prevention: proactive shock treatments while pools are quieter, checking cyanuric acid (CYA) early, and getting ahead of phosphates, borates, and total dissolved solids (TDS) so you’re not stacking fixes later.

Then we zoom out to the real-world pressures pool service professionals face, including budgeting for 2x to 3x chemical use and navigating rising costs tied to fuel, transport, and labor. We also cover drought restrictions that can limit draining, which makes early-season drain and dilute decisions even more important. Finally, we get into pool tech safety: hydration that actually works (electrolytes, not just water), cooling strategies, and how to avoid the fatigue that can lead to dangerous mistakes on deck.

If you want a smoother, safer, more profitable summer, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review with your best preseason checklist tip.

We talk with Terry Arco from HASA about the spring to summer shift that makes pools change fast and forces pool pros to move from cruising to full speed. We break down what warm water does to balance, algae risk, and your workload, plus how to protect your body when heat becomes the biggest hazard on the route.
• seasonal weather swings that disrupt the old summer calendar
• warmer water driving LSI changes and increasing scale potential
• algae waking up as temperatures rise and chlorine demand spiking
• proactive shock treatments before heavy pool use starts
• managing CYA early and avoiding mid-summer drain surprises
• checking phosphates, borates, and TDS to reduce troubleshooting later
• budgeting for higher chemical spend and ongoing price increases
• drought restrictions affecting draining and dilution strategies
• hydration with electrolytes and practical heat-safety routines
Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.

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The Most Frustrating Part of Cleaning a Pool Filter

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Filter cleaning is where “simple maintenance” turns into stuck lids, mangled threads, mystery leaks, and the one moment on a job that can actually hurt you. We walk through the common pool filter problems that almost never get talked about, especially on D.E. filters and quad cartridge filters with metal clamps and spring barrel nuts, and we share the exact fixes we use when a filter top refuses to seat back onto the tank.

We get specific about the real culprit behind most hard-to-close lids: a worn or wrong O-ring, even when it looks perfectly fine. You’ll hear why brand-specific O-rings matter, how silicone spray and Magic Lube change the game, and what to do when the clamp hardware won’t thread or starts shedding metal because it’s cross-threaded. We also cover tightening and verification tips, including using a multi-torque socket and a rubber mallet to eliminate slack, because a clamp with gaps is not just a leak risk, it’s a safety risk.

From there we shift to other route realities: single cartridge filters with overtightened plastic rings, debris-packed threads, and the fastest way to break them loose without breaking equipment. We also talk about fiberglass filter tanks that leave your arms itching for days, plus simple protection steps like long sleeves and even wrapping the lid. To round it out, we dig into drain plug headaches, leaking drain plug O-rings, and backwash valve problems, including push-pull piston valve O-rings, multi-port spider gasket symptoms, and a temporary ball valve trick that can buy you time until the proper repair.

If this helps, subscribe so you don’t miss the next one, share it with a tech who’s fighting a filter clamp right now, and leave a review with your go-to filter cleaning tip.

We share the pool filter cleaning problems that blindside even experienced techs, from lids that refuse to seal to clamps that can become a real safety hazard. We also walk through practical tool-and-process fixes you can use on route to prevent leaks, reduce damage, and avoid painful mistakes.

• brand-specific filter O-rings and why “looks fine” can still fail
• silicone spray and Magic Lube methods to help lids seat and extend O-ring life
• safer filter cleaning by removing the pump lid to prevent pressure buildup
• spring barrel nut and clamp tricks when threads will not catch
• spotting cross-threading and when replacement is the only smart move
• freeing overtightened single cartridge rings with a rubber mallet
• preventing fiberglass tank itching with sleeves or saran wrap
• drain plug wrench options, leak risks, and spare drain plug O-rings
• push-pull piston valve symptoms and O-ring replacement guidance
• multi-port spider gasket failures and a temporary ball valve workaround

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're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.

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Pool Service Retention Strategies That Actually Work

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A cancellation can feel personal, but the real damage is mathematical: lost monthly recurring revenue, a broken pool route, and extra drive time that quietly drains profit. We dig into what actually makes pool service customers pull the plug, and it’s not the knee-jerk “they found someone cheaper” story most of us tell ourselves. Homeowners often tolerate bad pool maintenance longer than you’d expect, which means you usually have a window to recover service issues before they start shopping.

We also get into a sneaky, non-service reason you can lose a great account overnight: the house gets sold. If you can’t reach the buyer, your perfect weekly pool service can disappear at closing. We share practical, real-world ways to stay on the radar during escrow, from giving the seller a simple info packet for the new owner to leaving clear contact details near the pool timer or equipment pad so the buyer sees your name the first time they check the system.

Finally, we break down retention habits that consistently keep cancellations low: asking for the real reason when someone wants to quit, staying consistent with service day and time, using clear communication (including pool routing apps that send visit notifications), and being transparent about problems and price increases. If you want a stronger pool service business, better customer retention, and a route that stays full, listen through to the end, then subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more techs can find it.

Customer cancellations sting because they punch a hole in our revenue and our route, but most losses are preventable when we understand what actually drives homeowners to switch. We break down the real reasons pool service customers leave and the habits that keep retention high even when prices rise and life changes hit.

• homeowners often tolerate bad pool conditions longer than we expect
• cancellations create lost annual revenue plus inefficient gaps in a pool route
• home sales quietly cancel great accounts when we cannot reach the buyer
• proactive steps to recapture new owners using packets and equipment-pad contact info
• why price is rarely the true reason clients leave according to industry survey insights
• common cancellation triggers like poor communication and inconsistent service days
• how to respond when customers cut budgets or try DIY pool maintenance
• offering tiered service instead of discounting to protect profit
• asking the reason for cancellation to save accounts with simple fixes
• retention pillars like transparency, consistency, and swim-ready results

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.

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The Pool Recovery Playbook

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A pool doesn’t turn cloudy for no reason, and it rarely gets fixed by “just add more chlorine.” When water looks dull, hazy, or starts showing algae, we use a simple three-step reset that gets results fast because it treats the whole pool system: filtration, sanitation, and circulation.

We start where most people don’t: the filter. A dirty sand filter, DE filter, or cartridge filter can choke off flow, kill circulation, and trap the very debris you’re trying to remove. We talk about knowing your clean starting PSI, what high pressure is really telling you, and the real-world signs you’ll see at the skimmer or spillway when water isn’t moving. If you skip this step, you can shock all day and still watch the pool stay cloudy.

Then we get specific about shocking to the right level and why “err on the side of more” often makes sense when algae, combined chlorine, or heavy organic load is present. For saltwater pools, we cover when to hit boost or superchlorinate, when to dial output to 100%, and how a dirty or failing salt cell can quietly be the reason chlorine dropped to zero. Finally, we dig into the underrated move that ties everything together: running the pump 24 hours (sometimes 48), how to do it with an Intermatic timer or automation, and how to explain the electricity cost versus chemical cost to customers.

If you want a practical playbook for fixing cloudy pool water, improving pool circulation, and delivering better results as a pool service pro, press play. Subscribe, share this with a pool tech who needs it, and leave a review with your go-to method for turning a pool around.

We walk through the three-step process we use to turn a cloudy, algae-prone pool back to crystal clear blue without wasting chlorine. We focus on filtration, shock-level dosing, and nonstop circulation so the water actually has a chance to recover.
• Spotting early signs of poor pool water quality like cloudiness and algae
• Cleaning or backwashing first so flow and circulation recover
• Using filter PSI and visual flow clues to diagnose restriction
• Sand, DE, and cartridge filter actions that “move the needle”
• Shocking to the right free chlorine level based on severity
• Setting expectations with customers about no-swim windows
• Using salt system boost and turning output to 100%
• Troubleshooting why chlorine hits zero and preventing repeats
• Running the pump 24 to 48 hours using timers or automation
• Explaining electricity cost versus chemical cost to customers
Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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Smart Pool Owners Are Future Thinking Their Pool Cleaners

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A pool cleaner purchase is rarely just a purchase. It’s a long-term decision about repairs, downtime, and whether the “convenient” option becomes the most expensive option three seasons later.

We walk through the real-world tradeoffs between suction side cleaners, pressure side cleaners, corded robotic pool cleaners, and the ever-popular cordless robotic pool cleaner. I break down why suction cleaners remain the most economical and most repairable choice for many pool service routes, and why cordless robots can feel amazing right up until you have to deal with warranty claims, shipping a unit back, or paying for a battery and drive assembly that isn’t designed for an easy swap. We also talk about what to look for in brand support, including whether there’s a true U.S. repair center or if you should expect a mail-in exchange and possibly a refurbished replacement.

From there, we get practical about daily use. Corded robots can offer strong cleaning power and programmable weekly cycles, but the cord can be a hassle. Suction cleaners can run 24/7 with the pump and keep debris under control, yet hoses, swimmers, and solar surface skimmers can create friction. Pressure cleaners bring their own quirks too, especially when customers remove them and break quick disconnects or wall fittings. I share customer training tips that prevent common disasters, like leaving a suction cleaner on the deck while the system runs or exposing a skimmer opening after disconnecting hoses.

If you want a smarter way to choose the best pool cleaner for your pool or your customers, hit play, then subscribe, share the show with a pool owner or pool pro, and leave a review so more people can find it.

We break down how suction, pressure, corded robotic, and cordless robotic pool cleaners perform in the real world, not just on the box. We also get honest about warranties, battery repairs, service centers, and the customer habits that can turn a simple cleaner into a weekly problem.
• comparing cleaner price points and why suction stays the budget winner
• calculating cost per season versus long-term repairability
• understanding cordless robot battery design and why repairs get expensive
• checking for U.S. service centers and planning for shipping and refurbished replacements
• weighing corded robot power and programming against cord hassle
• using suction cleaners for week-long maintenance and spotting common annoyances
• handling pressure cleaner quick disconnects and avoiding broken wall fittings
• training customers on skimmer safety, baskets, and preventing pump air issues
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
you can learn more at coolguycoaching.com.

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Pool Chemistry Gone Wrong: Common Tech Mistakes Explained

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Eyeballing pool chemicals feels fast, but it can quietly wreck your results and your margins. I walk through the most common pool water chemistry mistakes I see on pool routes, starting with the habit of default dosing: “a quart of acid,” “half a gallon of chlorine,” and other shortcuts that ignore what the water is actually doing. With today’s chemical prices, accuracy matters, and the good news is it does not have to mean slow, complicated math. A simple dosing app like poolcalculator.com can get you to the right number in about a minute.

From there, we get into why “balanced water” is bigger than clarity and sanitizer. The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) helps you spot water that is corrosive (heater damage, staining risk, surface wear) or scale forming (tile line buildup, equipment scaling). I explain how tools like the Orenda app make LSI practical in the field and why ignoring it can turn routine acid additions into long-term damage.

We also talk about cyanuric acid (CYA) creep from trichlor tablets and how it snowballs through the season. As CYA rises, the free chlorine level required for effective sanitation rises too, which is why the 7.5% guideline matters. Finally, if you’re fighting algae, cloudy water, or chloramines, I explain why under-shocking often does almost nothing and how aiming beyond breakpoint chlorination can save you from repeat blooms next week.

Subscribe for more pool service and pool chemistry training, share this with a tech who still eyeballs doses, and leave a review with the chemistry mistake you want help fixing next.

We break down the pool water chemistry mistakes that waste chemicals, damage surfaces, and create repeat problems on a pool service route. I explain how quick dosing math, LSI awareness, and the right chlorine strategy make results more consistent and more profitable.
• relying on rules of thumb instead of calculating doses
• using dosing apps like poolcalculator.com to save time and money
• understanding LSI to prevent corrosive water and scale forming water
• recognizing cyanuric acid creep from trichlor tablets across the season
• applying the 7.5% CYA to free chlorine guideline to keep chlorine effective
• seeing how total alkalinity changes muriatic acid demand and pH drop risk
• avoiding underdosing when shocking for algae, chloramines, and combined chlorine
Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
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Pool Service Safety Tips That Matter

Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The fastest way to get hurt on a pool route is to treat “routine” like it means “safe.” We’re talking about the real hazards that show up behind the gate, the ones that don’t always look dangerous until the moment they are: the quiet dog watching you work, the safety net that has to be re-tensioned just right, the open gate you swear you’ll close “in a second.” I share the practical rules I use to reduce risk for myself and for any employee I’m training, because a single injury can take you off the schedule and a single mistake can turn into expensive property damage.

We dig into chemical safety from a pool technician’s point of view, including why muriatic acid leaks are so destructive, how drips happen off a service cart, and the habits that prevent stains on decks and driveways. Then we get blunt about the non-negotiables: never mix pool chemicals, don’t store incompatible products together, and don’t ignore how dangerous trichlor fumes can be when you open a chlorinator or when tablets get wet in a bucket. If you’ve ever caught a harsh “chlorine” smell and felt your lungs react, you already know this is not hypothetical.

We also hit electrical safety at the equipment pad, especially old Intermatic timers with missing safety shields that can leave live wires exposed. Wet hands, standing water, and a quick flip of a switch can become a shock in a heartbeat, so we talk about what to look for and what not to touch. I also flag the bigger business picture: liability, training, and why insurance is worth serious consideration.

If this helps you think differently about pool service safety, subscribe, share it with a tech you’re onboarding, and leave a review so more pool pros can find it. What safety rule has saved you the most trouble on your route?

We walk through real-world pool service safety risks that can hurt techs, damage property, and create liability for your business. We share practical rules for pets, pool barriers, chemicals, and electrical gear so you can train employees and protect yourself on every stop.

• treating backyard dogs as a serious jobsite hazard
• avoiding accounts where pets cannot be reliably secured
• understanding why pool safety nets add time and liability
• building the habit of closing and latching every gate
• preventing muriatic acid spills with better transport and tight lids
• securing all chemicals in the truck and on the cart
• wearing nitrile gloves to reduce chemical burns
• never mixing pool chemicals and separating incompatible products
• respecting trichlor fumes from chlorinators and wet tablet buckets
• watching for missing safety shields on Intermatic timers to avoid shocks
• considering liability insurance to reduce risk exposure

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're interested in my coaching program, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.

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Employee Onboarding That Actually Works

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

One rushed hire can undo years of hard-earned trust on your pool route. We break down how we train and onboard a new pool service employee so customers still get the same clean water, the same reliable routine, and the same professional experience they expect from us.

We start with a realistic training timeline (and why three to four weeks of ride-alongs is often the sweet spot), plus the mindset shift that saves your sanity: a new pool technician will have questions, forget steps, and need reminders, even if they seem sharp on day one. From there, we define “culture” in a pool service business, because the service standard you tolerate becomes the service your tech delivers, whether you run a volume route or a premium, detail-driven route.

Then we get practical about hiring in today’s market, where gig work competes for the same workers. We talk W-2 realities, pay structure options like hourly plus per-pool style bonuses, workers’ comp considerations, and the math you need to confirm you’re still profitable after payroll taxes. Finally, we outline a field-ready checklist: professional appearance, a consistent stop routine, key water chemistry tests, equipment checks, chemical safety, and the vacuuming standard that prevents the most common customer complaint. We close with a hard truth that matters: character screening can save you from a no-notice quit that leaves you holding the bag.

If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a pool pro who’s hiring, and leave a review so more service techs and owners can find the show.

We lay out a practical approach to employee training and onboarding that protects your pool route, your service quality, and the value of your business. We talk honestly about why new techs forget steps, how customer complaints start, and what systems keep things running smoothly.

• setting a realistic training timeline with ride-alongs and ongoing check-ins
• defining company culture and the service standard we expect
• hiring challenges from gig work competition and shrinking applicant pools
• planning pay structure, W-2 compliance, breaks, payroll records, workers’ comp
• presenting professionally with uniforms, truck signage, and basic conduct rules
• building trust while sharing the right amount of customer information
• teaching a repeatable pool stop routine from visual check to chemicals
• covering water chemistry priorities and what to test weekly versus quarterly
• inspecting equipment early to catch leaks, noise, and flow issues
• training chemical safety and preventing common trichlor mistakes
• setting a clear vacuuming rule to reduce customer complaints
• requiring fast reporting of problems before customers notice
• screening for character to reduce no-notice quitting risk

Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.
If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, sweetpoollearning.com on the banner.
And if you're interested in the coaching program I offer, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.

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Phosphate Removers Explained Simply

Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Algae that won’t quit is usually trying to tell you something, and a lot of the time that “something” is phosphates. We dig into the real role phosphates play in pool water chemistry, why they’re measured in parts per billion, and why they don’t simply disappear through evaporation or time. If you’ve ever had a pool that looks balanced but still blooms, or you watch chlorine vanish day after day, this conversation gives you a clean, practical way to diagnose what’s happening.

We break down the most common ways phosphates enter the water: fertilizer drift, organic debris, phosphate-containing soaps and cleaners, and especially fill water where orthophosphates can be added during municipal water treatment to protect copper pipes. From there, we get specific about when it makes sense to test, what “300 ppb” really means in the field, and which testing options are the easiest to rely on, from simple strips to pool store testing and tools like the Spin Touch.

Then we talk treatment without the drama: how to choose a phosphate remover based on strength, how to dose per 10,000 gallons, and why overdosing can trigger cloudiness, heavy filter loading, and rising PSI. We also connect the dots to prevention, including maintenance dosing and the critical 7.5% free chlorine to cyanuric acid ratio so algae doesn’t reappear and make customers doubt the whole process. If you want clearer pools, fewer repeat algae calls, and a better way to explain pricing, hit play, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review with your biggest phosphate or algae question.

We break down what phosphates are, why they act like algae food, and why they linger in pool water instead of disappearing over time. We also walk through how to test, when to treat, how to dose safely, and how to prevent the same algae cycle from coming right back.
• what phosphates are and why they feed algae
• common phosphate sources such as fill water orthophosphates, fertilizer drift, cleaners and sequestrants
• why phosphates build up instead of evaporating or breaking down
• when algae points to a phosphate problem and the 300 ppb rule of thumb
• practical testing options including strips, pool store tests and Spin Touch
• choosing a phosphate remover based on strength and phosphate level
• dosing guidance per 10,000 gallons and why overdosing causes cloudiness and high filter PSI
• cleaning the filter after treatment and using maintenance doses all season
• keeping algae from returning by holding free chlorine to the 7.5% FC to CYA ratio
• how to explain the process and price the added chlorine and labor
Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at Summicpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.

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SKIMMER: Build A Pool Business You Can Sell

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool service route isn’t just a weekly schedule, it’s an asset that can be worth real money if you can prove it. We sit down with Niki Acosta and Hal Denbar from Skimmer to get specific about what actually increases a pool service business valuation, and what quietly destroys it when a buyer starts digging. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can build something you can sell, this conversation lays out the practical path.

We get into what “due diligence” looks like when someone wants to acquire a pool service company: the buyer is really buying your people, your customers, and your data. That makes your pool service management software a core part of the deal. Clean service history, secure customer records, consistent invoicing, and organized routes don’t just make your life easier, they reduce risk for an acquirer and can materially raise what your business is worth. We also talk about the customer-facing side: modern communication and payments signal professionalism and help retention.

Then we zoom out to the bigger trend: private equity and consolidation moving into pool service. We unpack the real fears pool pros have about pricing and marketing, why big companies often end up charging more, and how that can actually give small operators room to raise rates. We also tie it to the “speed wins” reality in home services, where answering first can beat price and reviews, and where tools like routing, customer communication, and AI-assisted call handling can help you compete.

If you want to protect your route, grow smarter, and build a business that’s actually sellable, listen through to the end and take notes. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review with the biggest change you’re making to increase your company’s value.

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SKIMMER AI Phone - Never Miss A Lead!

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The fastest way to lose a new pool service customer is painfully simple: let the call go to voicemail while you’re out on route. I sit down with Niki Acosta and Hal Denbar from Skimmer to talk about a practical use of AI that actually earns its keep, an AI phone receptionist built specifically for pool businesses. We get into what AI should do for operators, save time, reduce interruptions, and stop real revenue leaks, instead of adding another shiny tool to the pile.

Niki breaks down how Skimmer’s AI Phone works day to day: answering during the hours you choose, asking the questions you design, and routing calls based on rules for existing customers versus brand-new leads. The system can collect contact info, address, service area details, and even pool type, then store the call data inside Skimmer and create a customer record automatically. We also talk about “custom knowledge” so you can embed troubleshooting steps and safety escalations, like when a caller reports smoke or a potential equipment hazard.

Hal zooms out on what this means for growth in the pool industry. Bigger companies used to win by default because they could always pick up the phone. If a small operator can answer every call with an AI voice agent, the playing field shifts. We also dig into how to choose pool service software the smart way: stability, security, business continuity, and the ability to integrate with the rest of your tech stack through APIs and webhooks. If you’re looking for pool route software, field service management tools, and a realistic approach to AI automation, this one delivers.

Subscribe, share this with a pool pro who misses too many calls, and leave a review with your biggest customer communication headache. What would you want an AI receptionist to handle first?

We talk with Niki Acosta and Hal Denbar from Skimmer about why missed calls quietly crush pool service growth and how an AI phone receptionist can fix it without adding office overhead. We also get honest about AI hype, what “real” time savings look like, and why software stability and security matter as much as flashy features.
• AI overwhelm and a simple test for value: does it reduce real work
• How Skimmer AI Phone answers calls and routes them by rules
• Capturing lead details automatically and creating new customer records
• Using custom knowledge for troubleshooting, escalations, and safety
• Why always answering calls changes the growth advantage of big companies
• Pricing, 30-day free trial, and what setup looks like in practice
• What to look for in pool route software: uptime, security, long-term support
• Building an integration ecosystem with APIs, webhooks, CRMs, and ERPs
• Making software simple for techs in the field and back office teams
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 want to try Skimmer for free, simply go to my website, swimmingpoollearning.com, and click on the skimmer banner that's on the home page of the website.
And if you want more podcasts, you can also go to that same site, swimmingpoollearning.com. On the banner, there's a podcast icon. Click on that, and there'll be over 1900 podcasts there for you to listen to at your leisure.
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The Point of No Return for Pools

Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Some pools look like they should be easy wins until you’re standing there with a tile brush, extra chlorine, and a customer who expects miracles. We get real about the “lost causes” every pool service pro eventually faces and how to handle them without wrecking your schedule or your reputation.

We start with calcium buildup on pool tile, where the honest answer sometimes is: you’re not brushing that off. I break down what can improve with topical cleaners, pumice stone, and elbow grease, and what’s so thick that glass bead blasting is the only practical path. We also talk through why certain surfaces like dark glass tile and porous stone make scale look worse, and why some spillways and flagstone features may never look perfect even after specialty cleaning.

Next we dig into pool leaks and why they’re different from normal evaporation. If a pool is losing one to two inches a week, you’re not just losing water, you’re losing chemistry. That’s why cyanuric acid, chlorine, salt, and calcium can keep dropping, turning your weekly service into a constant catch-up game.

We wrap with pool stains, acid wash expectations, and the reality of plaster “modeling” or mottling. Some stains lift if you catch them early, but older metal stains can become part of plaster or pebble surfaces. And modeling often isn’t dirt or a chemistry mistake, it’s a cosmetic variation in the plaster itself that can be permanent.

• when tile calcium can be brushed off and when thick scale needs bead blasting
• why some stone and spillways will always show mineral buildup
• how active leaks drain chlorine, cyanuric acid, salt, and calcium and why that makes weekly balancing harder
• when to refer leak detection and how to frame the cost vs long-term damage
• why old metal stains can become permanent in plaster and pebble surfaces
• how to talk about acid wash results as “better” not “perfect” and why waivers matter
• why plaster modeling is cosmetic discoloration and usually not a technician-caused issue
• what the zero alkalinity method is and why it’s mainly a newer-plaster play

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Pool Guy Knowledge Vol 6: Timers, Lube & Dish Soap!

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

One cheap tool upgrade can save you the most expensive thing on your route: time. We get practical about the small pool service choices that prevent “can you come back today?” calls, starting with something many homeowners overlook a usable telescopic pole and a real leaf rake. When customers can skim the surface, pull debris off the bottom, and clean up before a party, your weekly service holds better and your schedule stays intact.

From there, we dig into one of the most common pieces of pool equipment in the field: the Intermatic mechanical timer. We talk through what to listen for, what to look for, and why the tiny on and off trippers cause so many headaches when they bend, loosen, or drift out of position. If you service pools with variable speed pumps, we also cover a critical setup detail: when a VS pump is still wired through an old timer box, leaving trippers installed can shut the entire system down without warning.

We also hit a few “working tech” favorites that make pool maintenance faster and cleaner: syncing booster pump timers for Polaris style cleaners so they only run while the main pump is on, using RV grade silicone spray on filter tank O-rings to avoid mess and extend O-ring life, and improving visibility with polarized sunglasses. Then we share a simple trick some pool pros swear by a light spray of diluted dish soap on the water surface to cut glare and make debris easier to manage during inspection and cleaning.

• upgrading customers to a real leaf rake and a solid pole to reduce midweek mess and avoid callbacks
• checking Intermatic timers for ticking, gear movement, and properly set on and off trippers
• keeping Intermatic power constant for standalone variable speed pumps by removing trippers
• setting Polaris or pressure cleaner booster timers only within the main pump run time
• switching from messy lube to RV grade silicone spray to extend filter tank O-ring life
• using polarized sunglasses to see through glare and catch algae sooner
• spraying diluted dish soap on the surface to cut glare and pull debris to the sides

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Poolside Problems: Managing Difficult Clients Like a Pro

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A customer tells you “no” on a repair you know matters. Now what? We dig into the uncomfortable but real part of running a pool service business: handling resistant customers who don’t want to fix equipment, don’t want to spend money, or don’t understand the risk you’re trying to prevent. I walk through how I think about customer service in a safety-driven trade, and why the phrase “the customer is always right” can be dangerously incomplete when you’re dealing with pressurized systems, electricity, and chemicals.

We start with a scenario that every pool pro eventually faces: a cracked pool filter. What looks like a small crack can become a serious hazard under pressure, and I share a simple analogy that helps homeowners finally grasp the stakes. We also talk about the practical side of repairs, including why swapping only the top or bottom of a filter can be a bad bet, and why sometimes the only responsible recommendation is a full replacement.

Not every customer refusal requires you to walk away, so we contrast safety-critical issues with more flexible ones, like a dead salt cell on a saltwater chlorine generator. If the customer won’t replace it, we cover how to convert to a chlorine pool, what to watch for with salt levels and total dissolved solids, and how setting expectations up front can prevent surprises later. Then we zoom out to route management: the one-for-one rule, how to gracefully drop a difficult account, and why trees, debris, and ancient equipment can quietly destroy your schedule.

If you want clearer boundaries, better client conversations, and a stronger pool service route, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro who needs it, and leave a review with your toughest customer pushback story.

• why “the customer is always right” breaks down in pool service, plumbing, and electrical work
• how to explain a cracked pool filter as a serious safety hazard
• why replacing only the filter top or bottom often makes little sense
• when customer refusal forces you to discontinue service
• how to handle a dead salt cell by converting to a chlorine pool
• how to set expectations when selling a saltwater system, including salt cell lifespan and replacement cost
• using the one-for-one rule to drop unworkable accounts
• how untrimmed trees can make weekly maintenance unrealistic
• when old pumps and filters turn a pool into a time sink

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Behind the Pump Lid – Wet End Issues and Tips!

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A pump that won’t prime, a lid that won’t budge, and a pad visit that’s suddenly running long, this is where small, practical know-how saves the day. We walk through the real-world pool pump fixes that most techs only learn after enough scraped knuckles and repeat trips, and we keep it focused on what actually works when you’re standing in front of the equipment.

We dig into stuck pump lids on common pumps, including why they tighten up, how a simple rubber mallet technique can help, and when it’s smarter to use a dedicated pump lid removal tool for Hayward-style lids. From there we zoom in on one of the biggest causes of mystery air bubbles and “it ran fine yesterday” complaints: the pump lid O-ring. We explain how worn, dry, pinched, or missing O-rings create suction leaks, why homeowners opening the pump can trigger priming failures, and why carrying spare O-rings is one of the best low-cost moves a pool service pro can make.

We also talk pump baskets, impeller clogs, and what that low filter pressure reading is really telling you. You’ll hear how to check for cracked baskets, how to clear debris from the impeller safely with basic tools, and why ultra heavy-duty baskets can backfire if they get fully packed with debris. Finally, we cover priming best practices, including using a bucket, avoiding dry starts, and how large air relief assemblies on certain pool filters can make priming faster and easier. If this helped, subscribe, share it with another pool pro, and leave a review with your best pump troubleshooting tip.

• Removing tight pump lids with a rubber mallet instead of sore hands
• Using pump lid removal tools for Hayward Super Pump and similar lids
• Inspecting, replacing, and lubing pump lid O-rings to prevent air leaks
• Spotting missing O-rings after homeowners open the pump
• Why oversized pump pots and giant baskets cause real-world clogs
• Checking for cracked baskets that let debris reach the impeller
• Clearing impeller jams safely with a flathead screwdriver
• Choosing OEM baskets vs heavy-duty baskets and the trade-offs
• Preventing pump basket cleanouts with leaf traps and skimmer socks
• Priming correctly after opening the pump and using air relief valves

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Pool Guy Knowledge Vol. 5: Training Employees and More!

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool route can chew you up if you let it, and it usually starts with something you do every day without thinking: using your bare hands around chlorine and acid. I break down a hard lesson from early on when latex gloves made my hands worse by trapping chlorinated water against my skin, then share the simple switch that actually protects you long-term. We talk nitrile coated work gloves for handling trichlor tablets and muriatic acid, how to take them on and off between stops.

Then we get into a problem that feels harmless until it is not: ducks. If you service pools in the wrong neighborhood, a “cute” pair can turn the deck and water into a mess fast. I walk through humane duck deterrents that pool techs can actually deploy, starting with multiple floats like alligators and swans, then leveling up to reflective floating pond orbs when the usual tricks fail.

Finally, I shift to employee training and the costly mistakes that happen when you assume something is “obvious.” Tossing trichlor tablets into a pool can leave burns and stains, and the wrong granular chlorine can bleach vinyl liners. I explain what to teach about cal-hypo vs dichlor vs trichlor, why broken equipment must be reported immediately, and how consistent basics like basket cleaning, testing pH and alkalinity, and understanding LSI keep routes easier and techs from burning out

• switching from latex to nitrile coated gloves to prevent chemical irritation and trapped chlorinated water
• using long arm gloves for cold mornings plus safer acid and salt cell work
• treating gloves as essential PPE to prevent cuts during filter cleaning and equipment work
• why ducks quickly wreck pool cleanliness and water quality
• using alligator and swan floats as the first deterrent step
• using reflective floating pond orbs when floats fail
• training employees to never toss trichlor tablets into the pool
• avoiding vinyl liner damage by teaching the difference between cal-hypo, dichlor, and trichlor
• building a repeatable service routine: baskets, debris removal, chemical checks, and LSI basics
• requiring immediate reporting when pumps run dry or equipment is broken

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The Pool Has Been Sabotaged!

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool problems might not be a “bad product” or a “bad test kit” problem. Sometimes the real issue is simple: the homeowner is unknowingly sabotaging the pool between service visits. We walk through the patterns we see constantly in the field and how they snowball into cloudy water, stubborn algae, and chemistry that never seems to hold.

We start with pool filters, because filtration problems hide in plain sight. DE filters get opened with no diatomaceous earth at all, or they get overloaded with way too much DE. Cartridge filters go years without a replacement until the pleats are blown out and the element is basically done. We also talk sand filters, including what happens when someone never backwashes for years and why backwashing too often can actually reduce performance.

Then we hit the chemical trap: trichlor tablets and rising cyanuric acid (CYA). When customers run multiple floaters packed with tablets, CYA can climb so high the pool becomes impossible to manage with normal chlorine targets.

Finally, we cover the daily-operation sabotages that drive pool pros crazy: consistently low water levels and customers who cut pump runtime to two or four hours a day. We share tools like simple autofill options, plus real strategies to get buy-in, including linking poor circulation to higher chemical cost and even splitting timer schedules to reduce resistance.

• Customers cleaning filters without understanding DE dosing and basic filter function
• DE filters running with no DE or far too much DE
• Cartridge and DE grid replacement neglected for years, causing chronic poor filtration
• Sand filters ruined by never backwashing, plus why over-backwashing also hurts performance
• Excess trichlor tablet use driving cyanuric acid too high to manage normally
• Using the free chlorine to CYA relationship to explain why the pool needs more chlorine
• Recommending partial or full drains to reset CYA, TDS, and overall water balance
• Low water levels reducing skimming and circulation, plus simple autofill options
• Customers cutting pump runtime too far, leading to algae risk and higher chemical use

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Pool Filter PSI Decoded: Clean, Dirty, or Trouble?

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool’s pressure gauge can save you hours of guesswork, or it can trick you into cleaning the wrong thing at the wrong time. We walk through what pool filter PSI (pounds per square inch) actually means, why higher pressure usually equals more restriction and less circulation, and how that loss of flow shows up in real life: cloudier water, weak returns, a spa spillway that barely spills, and cleaners that stop moving like they should.

We also get specific about filter types. DE filters and sand filters often follow the classic rule of thumb where about a 10 PSI rise over clean pressure signals it’s time to backwash (and for DE, recharge). Cartridge filters are a different story. Small single-cartridge systems may show a clear PSI climb as they clog, but large quad cartridge filters can run for months with almost no gauge movement, so you need to pair the pressure reading with water quality, flow clues, and a consistent filter cleaning schedule.

Variable speed pumps change the whole PSI game because pressure depends on RPM. If the system is running low speed when you check it, the gauge may look “normal” even when the filter is loaded. We share the simplest way to get a meaningful reading: run the pump at full speed briefly and compare that number to your recorded clean PSI. Finally, we cover red-flag readings like near-zero PSI (broken gauge, low water, air, impeller issues) and sudden very high PSI (possible return-side blockage) so you know when it’s more than routine pool maintenance.

• defining PSI and why higher pressure usually means lower flow
• finding and tracking each pool’s clean filter pressure baseline
• spotting flow loss through spillways, water features, and cleaners
• knowing when DE and sand filters need backwashing
• understanding why large quad cartridge PSI often barely changes
• using full-speed readings to evaluate filters on variable speed pumps
• diagnosing near-zero PSI from dry running, air leaks, or impeller clogs
• treating sudden high PSI as a possible return-side blockage

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Why “Shocking” Your Pool Isn’t a One-Time Fix

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

“Shock the pool” is one of the most overused phrases in pool care, and it causes a lot of bad advice. We walk through what shocking really is: raising free chlorine to a level that actually matches the pool’s chlorine demand, then giving it time to work and verifying it with testing instead of wishful thinking. If you’ve ever added gallons of chlorine and still seen the test read zero, we explain why that happens and how to avoid the endless loop of underdosing and retreating.

We share real, field-friendly targets for green pool cleanup and mustard algae, including a simple ballpark ratio for severe cases and why many pros would rather push chlorine to 40 to 50 ppm than gamble on a “perfect” calculator number. We also cover swimmer safety, what level you need to drop to before the pool is safe again, and why the pool can look dramatically better while the chlorine reading crashes overnight.

Then we clear up confusion around non chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate): where it shines for pool parties, oils, and chloramine odor, and why it will not fix algae. Finally, we dig into the factor that quietly wrecks many shock attempts: high cyanuric acid (CYA), how it changes chlorine effectiveness, and why generic bag instructions can’t account for your water.

• why low chlorine leads to green water and algae blooms
• shocking as a process of reaching and holding a chlorine level
• a ballpark dosing rule for severe green pools and mustard algae
• why a zero reading can behave like “negative chlorine”
• when aiming for 40 to 50 ppm prevents underdosing
• swim safety and waiting until chlorine drops below 10 ppm
• what non chlorine shock is and when it actually helps
• why high cyanuric acid changes effective chlorine needs
• what to expect on day two after a heavy shock
• using phosphate remover, enzymes, PoolRx, and algaecide to speed cleanup

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Amaze Your Customer on Your Pool Route!

Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A green pool can make a customer feel defeated, but for a skilled pool service pro it can become the moment they finally trust you for weekly service. I’m breaking down the “amazing moments” that turn chaos into clarity, starting with the two green pool cleanup strategies that matter most: floc with aluminum sulfate when you can vacuum to waste, and shock and awe when you need a fast kill and strong filtration.

From there, I get practical about the hidden accelerator most techs overlook: the filter. If a cartridge filter is packed with old, crushed media, or a DE filter has torn and stained grids, your cleanup slows down no matter how much chlorine you add. I explain why swapping cartridges or grids during a cleanup can be the difference between “still cloudy” and “you can see the bottom,” and how that single decision can save days on a green pool recovery.

Then we move into route-changing equipment and workflow. Pro vacuum systems like Hammerhead, Riptide, Bottom Feeder, and the Shrimp cleaner can cut leaf cleanup time dramatically, especially after wind events, and I even cover a newer cartridge filter assembly that helps capture fine dirt down to roughly 10 to 20 microns. For surface debris, we look at PoolSkim and solar-powered skimmers like Betta, plus when each one makes sense for high-leaf pools.

• Shock and awe vs floc for green pool cleanup based on filter type and vacuum to waste access
• Using high chlorine to kill algae and organics fast
• Using aluminum sulfate floc to drop debris for vacuuming
• Replacing worn cartridge elements to accelerate clearing green water
• Replacing damaged DE grids to restore filtration during a cleanup
• Why pro vacuum systems beat leaf rakes and leaf baggers
• Simple math for funding a vacuum system through savings or small rate changes
• New fine-dirt cartridge filter assembly for Bottom Feeder and Shrimp
• PoolSkim setup notes and when it works best
• Betta and other solar skimmers for high-leaf pools
• Chlorine enhancers like PoolRx, borates at 50 ppm, phosphate removal plus enzymes

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Zero Chlorine: Why You Can’t Trust Breakpoint Math Alone

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Zero free chlorine is not a small problem, it’s the moment a pool can start compounding into cloudiness, chloramines, and an algae bloom. We break down what’s really happening when a pool “zeroes out,” why filtration can suddenly struggle, and how to bring sanitizer back fast without guessing and hoping for the best.

We start with the must-have testing mindset: total chlorine, free chlorine, and combined chlorine (chloramines). Once you know your combined chlorine level, breakpoint chlorination stops being a mystery and becomes a repeatable process. We also explain why under-dosing shock can actually make a chloramine problem worse, and why many pros intentionally overshoot breakpoint in the real world to account for heavy organic load, microalgae, and the “negative chlorine demand” that eats new chlorine immediately.

From there, we get practical about recovery tactics that actually move the needle: cleaning or backwashing the filter so the system can clear cloudy water, choosing smart helpers like phosphate remover and enzymes, and being cautious with products like PoolRx when chlorine is elevated. We also cover the aftercare that saves your week: longer pump run times for better circulation and a planned midweek check so the pool doesn’t crash back to zero before the weekend.

• common reasons chlorine hits zero on a route
• why zero chlorine often means combined chlorine
• using total chlorine and free chlorine to calculate chloramines
• breakpoint chlorination math and why under-dosing backfires
• why we err on the side of overkill
• the “negative chlorine” idea and what drives chlorine demand
• when to use phosphate remover and enzymes
• cautions with PoolRx at high chlorine
• adding borates only after balancing pH and alkalinity
• backwashing DE and sand filters for faster recovery
• cleaning cartridge filters to speed up clearing
• planning a midweek return visit to hold chlorine
• running the pump longer for better circulation

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Salt Cell Problems? Here’s What’s REALLY Going On

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your saltwater pool can look perfect on the surface while the sanitizer quietly drops to zero, and when that happens most people blame the salt level. I go straight to the real weak link: the salt chlorine generator cell. After 35 years in the pool industry, I’ve seen the same failure patterns repeat, from undersized cells that can’t keep up in summer to perfectly sized systems that still lose the fight because the pump isn’t running long enough.

We unpack why salt cells are expensive (titanium plates coated with ruthenium or iridium), why “bigger cell = longer life” isn’t as guaranteed as it used to be, and why I still prefer a higher gallon-rated cell for practical chlorine production headroom.

From there, it’s the stuff that actually trips up saltwater pool maintenance: cyanuric acid targets (including why many pros like about 80 ppm CYA for salt pools), phosphates and algae burning through chlorine, calcium scale blocking conductivity, and the cleaning mistakes that strip coatings and shorten cell life. We also cover cell lifespan (often about 10,000 hours), how to check remaining life, why a dying cell can throw false low-salt readings, and why adding more salt can create an even bigger problem.

• why I still like an oversized salt cell for production headroom
• chlorine output benchmarks for common Pentair IC and Hayward T-Cell models
• how pump runtime and output percentage control real-world chlorine production
• why algae, cloudiness, phosphates, and low CYA can overwhelm a salt system
• why many pros target about 80 ppm cyanuric acid for saltwater pools
• calcium buildup on plates and how it blocks conductivity
• Hayward AquaRite 90-day inspect cell reminder and how it can mislead
• safe salt cell cleaning and how too much muriatic acid ruins coatings
• typical salt cell lifespan in hours and what that means in years
• signs a cell is dying including false low salt readings
• why adding salt does not fix a dying cell and can oversalt the pool
• white flake blowback vs mushy flakes and what to try for each
• cooldown run strategy to reduce flakes after a hot run cycle

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Cal Hypo Tablets in Real Pool Situations

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

High cyanuric acid can turn a perfectly maintained pool into a weekly battle where chlorine “won’t hold” and algae feels one step away. I walk through a practical option many pool pros consider when CYA gets out of control: switching from trichlor tablets to cal hypo tablets. The promise is simple, no more stabilizer added with every tablet, but the decision is not as clean as it sounds.

We dig into the real chemistry behind both products. Trichlor’s convenience comes with a built-in byproduct that keeps stacking, while cal hypo avoids CYA but adds calcium hardness and tends to push pH up, which can increase muriatic acid use. I also explain why dosing is not one-for-one: cal hypo tablets are typically lower in available chlorine than trichlor, so you often need more tablets to maintain the same free chlorine level, and that can make the seasonal cost noticeably higher.

Then we get into the “field” problems that determine whether cal hypo works for your route or your backyard pool. Safety is critical: cal hypo and trichlor cannot be used in the same feeder. I also cover why hot-water regions can burn through cal hypo tablets in a day or two, leaving you with no slow-release sanitizer for the rest of the week, plus the current state of cal hypo feeders and floaters.

If you’re deciding between draining, staying on trichlor, switching to cal hypo, or blending tablets with liquid chlorine, this gives you a clear way to do the math and avoid surprises. Subscribe for more pool chemistry and service strategies, share this with a pool owner who’s fighting high CYA, and leave a review with the biggest water balance problem you want solved next.

• why trichlor tablets drive cyanuric acid higher than most people expect
• when cal hypo tablets make sense for high CYA pools
• why you must never mix cal hypo with trichlor feeders
• skimmer use versus dedicated cal hypo feeders and why flow matters
• why hot climates can dissolve cal hypo too fast for weekly service
• available chlorine differences and why dosing is not one-for-one
• cost realities plus added calcium hardness and higher pH
• why partial drains may still be needed with any approach

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Low-Chlo: The Future of Pools with Founder Todd Guarino

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Salt pools get marketed like a break from chlorine, but the truth is simpler: a salt system is still a chlorine factory, and many homeowners end up swimming in higher chlorine than they realize. We sit down with Todd Garino, founder of the Low-Chlo Sanitizer System, to talk about a different path, mineral-based pool sanitation designed to keep residential pools clear and safe while targeting low free chlorine levels around 0.5–1.5 ppm.

Todd explains where the technology came from, why it has been quietly used for years, and what changed to finally bring it to a wider market. We get into the real-world problems that pushed this forward: salt cells that don’t last like they used to, variable-speed pump run times that burn through cell hours, and the industry habit of treating “more chlorine” as the default answer. Then we break down the mechanics in plain language: how a vortex tank and mineral media create an electrolytic effect without electricity, why trichlor is used mainly for oxidation, and why the system is plumbed to help reduce chlorine exposure to heaters.

We also cover what pool pros care about most: install difficulty, maintenance time, chemical consumption, and customer confidence. If you’ve been looking for a low chlorine pool system, an alternative to a saltwater chlorinator, or a way to reduce chemical costs without risking water quality, this conversation gives you a grounded framework to evaluate it.

Learn more: https://low-chlo.com/

• what the Low-Chlo system is and why it is not new technology
• the origin story from a fiberglass pool builder solving fading and shell issues
• why salt cells fail sooner than people expect and how variable-speed pumps affect cell life
• how mineral media provides sanitation while trichlor is used mainly for oxidation
• what “low chlorine” targets look like in real pools and why more is not always safer
• cost comparisons versus saltwater chlorine generators and traditional chlorine programs
• maintenance steps including reversing flow and how frequency changes with hard water
• warranty basics and why water balance still matters

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Think All Pool Acids Are the Same? Think Again

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool pH keeps climbing, you add “the right” amount of acid, and nothing changes. That’s not always a mystery problem, it’s often a measurement problem. We walk through what muriatic acid strength really means, how Baumé ties to concentration, and why the same dose can work perfectly with 31.45% pool-grade acid but fall flat with weaker big-box products. If you’ve ever wondered why your pH won’t move, this breakdown gives you a cleaner way to diagnose it before you waste chemicals.

We also dig into the quiet powerhouse behind most stubborn pH issues: total alkalinity. I explain how alkalinity buffers the water, why higher alkalinity demands more acid to hit the same pH target, and why pH can rebound fast when buffering is strong. You’ll hear practical dosing examples for a 20,000-gallon pool and why tools like PoolCalculator help when you can set the exact acid percentage you’re using. This is the kind of pool chemistry clarity that makes water balancing feel predictable instead of random.

From there we get hands-on with alternatives and safety. We compare liquid muriatic acid to dry acid (sodium bisulfate), including why dry acid can be slower and more finicky at high alkalinity and why dissolving it matters for protecting plaster, vinyl liners, and other pool surfaces. We also talk about fumes, spill risks, deck damage, and safer habits like gloves, eye protection, and avoiding leaks. Finally, we cover Acid Magic as a lower-fume hydrochloric acid option that can shine for homeowners and salt cell cleaning, with an honest look at the price tradeoff.

• how Baumé and percent strength affect muriatic acid dosing
• why big-box store acid can require a much larger dose
• using PoolCalculator to match acid percentage and volume
• how total alkalinity buffers pH and causes pH bounce
• when sodium bisulfate dry acid helps and when it frustrates
• dissolving dry acid to avoid surface damage and staining
• handling cautions including burns, fumes, and eye protection
• preventing deck damage including leak awareness and the dip method
• Acid Magic as a lower-fume hydrochloric acid alternative plus cost tradeoffs

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Surprising Pool Chemical Reactions Every Pool Pro Should Know

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Pool chemistry gets called “simple” right up until a clear pool turns milky, a filter pressure gauge shoots up, or a perfectly good cartridge comes out feeling like it turned to stone. We move fast through the most common chemical misconceptions we see in the pool industry and explain the real reactions underneath, so you can prevent damage instead of explaining it after the fact.

We start with cyanuric acid (CYA) and the assumption that stabilizer only drops when you drain and refill. There’s more to the story: under certain conditions, bacteria can convert cyanuric acid into ammonia, and your CYA can crash, especially after winter. From there we hit calcium chloride and why it heats up aggressively, plus the practical rule that saves you from a cloud-out: don’t stack calcium additions right next to pH up or alkalinity increaser and accidentally spike the LSI.

On acid washing, we cover a simple basin tactic with soda ash that can prevent an ugly deep-end “burn ring,” and a small step to reduce rust staining from a submersible pump. We also clarify what phosphate removers really do, how lanthanum phosphate fallout clouds water, and why filter cleaning is part of the process. We close with the most important safety warning of all: never mix trichlor with cal hypo, especially in confined spaces like feeders or skimmers.

• cyanuric acid not always only lowered by draining, bacterial conversion to ammonia as a real cause of CYA loss
• calcium chloride as an exothermic product, burn risk and why timing matters
• avoiding LSI spikes by separating calcium additions from pH and alkalinity adjustments
• chlorine wash best practices, dilution and thorough rinsing to prevent alkaline film
• how poor rinsing after a chlorine wash can destroy DE grids and cartridge pleats
• acid wash basin protection, using a trichlor bucket lid under the pump to reduce rust staining
• preventing a deep-end plaster burn ring by loading the basin with soda ash
• phosphate removers as lanthanum chemistry, expected clouding, fallout, and filter pressure rise
• trichlor and cal hypo as a never-mix combination due to explosive gas risk

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The Ultimate Pool Route Start Checklist

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool route doesn’t fall apart because you “forgot something big.” It falls apart because you didn’t have the small, everyday essentials when a simple problem showed up at the worst possible stop. We break down what we keep on a pool service truck to stay fast, consistent, and ready, whether you’re starting pool service for the first time or tightening up an established route.

We dig into the core pool chemicals that make weekly maintenance smoother, including how much liquid chlorine and muriatic acid is practical to stock, plus why cal-hypo bags can be worth it for transport and flexibility. We also talk through smart backups like keeping trichlor tablets on hand for those moments when a customer runs out, and why carrying DE helps you recharge DE filters properly instead of cutting corners that hurt water clarity. You’ll also hear my take on raising pH with 20 Mule Team Borax, tile cleaning products that actually help with scale, and the simple value of silicone lube for O-rings and seals.

From there we move into the gear that saves your time and your body: a purpose-built pool service caddy, vacuum hoses and vacuum heads for spot cleaning, brush options for algae, and the poles, nets, and leaf rakes that make route work less painful. We finish with testing choices like Taylor test kits, the spare parts that prevent repeat trips, and when it’s time to step up to a true vacuum system like portable units or cart-style setups. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a pool pro who’s building a route, and leave a review so more techs can find the show.

• liquid chlorine and muriatic acid quantities that make daily service easier
• cal-hypo bags versus buckets and why carrying both helps
• trichlor tablets as a backup when customers run out
• DE for proper filter recharge and clearer water
• using 20 Mule Team Borax to raise pH with less clouding
• tile soap and silicone lube for faster maintenance and fewer leaks
• practical algae options and why some old products disappeared
• caddies and totes that fit real-world service workflows
• smooth bore vacuum hose and a durable vac head for spot work
• brush, pole, and leaf rake picks that reduce strain
• test kit recommendations and when to consider digital testing
• high-failure spare parts to keep on the truck, especially O-rings and timer trippers
• vacuum systems to save time, including portable and cart options

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Surviving Extreme Heat on the Pool Route

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The heat doesn’t just make pool work uncomfortable, it changes the job. When the forecast locks in at 105 to 110 degrees, your energy drops, your patience gets thinner, and your risk of mistakes climbs. We break down how to approach extreme summer pool service like a system: protect your body first, then redesign the route and the work so you’re not fighting algae, vacuuming forever, or standing in direct sun at the worst time of day.

We start with the reality of heat stress for pool technicians: why you can’t simply “mentally push through” a heat advisory, and why hydration and sun avoidance are non-negotiable for safety. From there, we get tactical about pool maintenance and algae prevention. Clean filters before peak season, then consider a seasonal water conditioner or algaecide-style charge that funds true summer helpers like PoolRx, borates at roughly 50 ppm, or an optional weekly program using phosphate remover and enzymes. The goal is simple SEO-friendly pool care: clearer water, steadier free chlorine, fewer emergencies, and less time wasted brushing algae in brutal weather.

Then we move to route planning strategies that actually work in the field: start as early as possible, eliminate morning slowdowns like gas and supply stops, and build shade into your late-day pools so you get real relief. We also talk about “minimum effective service” during a heat wave, when manual vacuuming and full lab-style testing may not be the best use of time.

• heat advisories as a real mental and physical drain
• hydration and avoiding direct sun to reduce heat illness risk
• stopping algae before it starts to avoid brutal brushing days
• cleaning filters before the season for better summer water clarity
• adding a seasonal charge for PoolRx or borates as chlorine helpers
• using phosphate remover and enzymes as an optional weekly booster
• starting at sunrise and removing morning delays
• planning stops around shade and using the truck AC to recover
• minimizing manual vacuuming during heat waves
• using test strips to speed up pool water testing
• staying locked on routine to prevent equipment mistakes in heat

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Green Pool: The Hidden Problems You Need to Spot

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A green pool can be the fastest way to add new customers or the easiest way to get burned. We walk through the decision making that separates a profitable green pool cleanup from a job that eats your time, chemicals, and patience, starting with the first question to ask on the phone: why did the pool turn green? That answer often reveals whether you are dealing with normal homeowner overwhelm, a recent home purchase, or a potential non payer situation.

Once you arrive to bid, we talk about reading the entire property and deciding whether you even want this client on your pool route long term. Heavy debris, oversized pools, awkward access, and aging equipment can turn a weekly stop into a constant struggle. We also cover two clean ways to walk away without drama: explaining you are overbooked for a multi visit cleanup, or bidding high so you are protected either way. Because you cannot see the plaster under green water, we explain why a green pool cleanup waiver matters for liability, stains, and pre existing damage that only shows up after the water clears.

On the technical side, we break down how filters impact your pool service pricing, including DE filters, cartridge replacements, and sand filter considerations, plus why getting money up front (or billing day one as its own invoice) can save you from a bad outcome. We compare the shock and awe method versus using flocculant like aluminum sulfate, and we close with the pricing mindset that prevents underbids.

• asking why the pool turned green as the first filter for client quality
• spotting property neglect that predicts payment and expectation problems
• treating green pool cleanups as a pool route growth strategy
• deciding if the pool is a good long term service fit based on debris, size, and equipment age
• using two clean exits: being overbooked or bidding high
• protecting yourself with a green pool cleanup waiver when you cannot see the surface
• inspecting filters and pricing for cartridges, grids, or repeated cleanings
• structuring upfront payments while staying compliant with local rules
• choosing between shock and awe chlorine dosing and the flocculant method

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Rainbow Chlorinator Tips and Tricks: Maintenance Made Simple

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

One wrong move with a tablet chlorinator can leave you coughing, gagging, and wondering what just hit you. We break down the Pentair Rainbow Chlorinator from a pool service pro’s point of view, including the safety habits that matter most when you open the lid and discover trichlor tablets that never fully dissolved.

We talk through the two common setups you’ll see on equipment pads: the offline Pentair Rainbow 300 series with black tubing and the inline Rainbow 320 series plumbed into the return line. You’ll learn how each style behaves, why placement after the heater is non-negotiable, and how small issues like trapped air or residue under a screen can turn into poor chlorine output and nasty fumes. We also get very clear on the biggest chemical compatibility rule in pool maintenance: these feeders are for trichlor tablets only. Cal-hypo in a trichlor chlorinator, or mixing residue between them, can create a dangerous reaction.

From there, we go hands-on with the fixes that keep these units running for the long haul: the offline check valve elbow that clogs and stops flow (and why replacing it beats trying to clean it), the stuck lid caused by a swollen O-ring, and the tools and lube that make servicing safer and faster.

• why the Rainbow chlorinator is a practical choice for pool service work
• why trichlor tablets only and why cal-hypo can cause an explosion
• offline 300 series vs inline 320 series and what tends to fail on each
• correct chlorinator placement after the heater to prevent corrosion damage
• how to open the lid safely and avoid toxic fumes when tablets are undissolved
• the offline check valve elbow as the main clog point and the R172061 replacement
• how to purge air on inline units and clean the bottom screen
• stuck lid causes, swollen O-ring diagnosis, and the R172009 replacement
• using large channel locks and lube to remove and prevent seized lids
• black tubing brittleness, leak risk, and replacing both lines with R172023
• stocking a rebuild kit R172064 and other spares to avoid being stuck mid-route

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Pool Service Knowledge Vol 4: Real-World Fixes & Lessons

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The fastest way to level up as a pool service pro is to steal the little “route truths” that only show up after years in the field. We walk through Pool Guy knowledge volume four with practical pool maintenance tips that cut callbacks, reduce equipment failures, and save real time every week.

We start at the skimmer because that’s where so many problems begin. Skimmer lids can hide surprises, including black widow spider nests in the recessed top area, so we talk about simple skimmer safety habits that protect you on route. Then we get tactical: how to identify skimmer brands by the lid markings, why older locking skimmer baskets can become a headache, and why skimmer baskets often float up when the pump shuts off.

From there, we focus on keeping debris out of the pump and avoiding unnecessary pump basket cleanouts. We break down the “river rock” trick to hold the basket down, why size matters for safety, and how skimmer socks (skimmer filters) can catch fine debris before it reaches the pump.

We wrap with equipment-room wins: an easier way to get large filter lids seated, why RV-grade silicone spray can outperform messy lubricants for filter tank O-rings, what to do when a lid still leaks, and how to protect your arms from fiberglass shards on aging filter lids using long sleeves or a simple plastic wrap barrier.

• spotting and avoiding black widows under skimmer lids
• identifying skimmer brands by the lid markings and carrying the right spares
• replacing older locking Waterway baskets with standard baskets to prevent jams
• stopping skimmer baskets from floating with a 2.5 to 3 inch river rock
• zip-tying PoolRx units so they do not get tossed during basket cleanouts
• reducing pump basket cleanouts with skimmer socks and better leaf canisters
• quick pump priming using a large filter air bleeder on compatible filters
• seating heavy filter lids using RV-grade silicone spray on tank O-rings
• handling older Hayward filter O-ring quirks and preventing leaks
• avoiding fiberglass itch with long sleeves and plastic wrap on worn lids

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Pool Finishes Explained: Which One is Best for You?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool finish isn’t just a color choice, it’s a long-term decision that affects durability, comfort, staining, and how forgiving your water chemistry will be. I walk through the most common pool surface types and explain what I see out in the field, including how regional trends shape what you’ll run into. If you’re shopping for a new build, planning a pool resurfacing project, or servicing pools professionally, this breakdown helps you choose a finish that fits your budget and your area.

We start with plaster pool finishes: why they’re still the go-to in many markets, why modern “pure white” plaster often shows mottling, and why tinted plaster can make uneven shading even more obvious. From there, I compare quartz pool finishes as a practical upgrade and then dig into Pebble Tech style aggregate finishes, the durability benefits, the real-world feel underfoot, and why calcium buildup in hard water areas can dull darker colors and create a hazy look over time.

Then we shift to fiberglass pools and vinyl liner pools, two options that can be great for a tighter budget and a smoother swim experience, but come with higher sensitivity to staining and chemical damage. I cover the difference between sprayed fiberglass coatings and one-piece fiberglass shells, why chlorine demand can feel lower on these surfaces, and a key maintenance warning: avoid trichlor tablets in a floater on fiberglass or vinyl.

eline option and why modern white plaster often mottles
• why adding pigment can make mottling stand out more
• Pebble Tech as the durability leader and why it can be a better long-term buy
• Pebble Tech drawbacks including roughness, calcium haze, and price
• quartz finishes as the middle ground for color consistency and longevity
• fiberglass pool types including sprayed gel coat vs drop-in shells
• stain and chemical burn risks on fiberglass and vinyl surfaces
• why to avoid trichlor tablets in a floater on fiberglass or vinyl
• vinyl liner lifespan plus tearing risks from sharp objects or pets
• dangers of draining vinyl and fiberglass pools
• tile pools as a luxury finish with grout staining concerns and high cost

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YT Pool Questions: Cleaner Stuck, Priming Speed & CircuPool

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool equipment is probably not “broken” the setup is. We dig into the kind of questions that hit my inbox all the time and give the field-tested fixes that actually save you hours: why a Phoenix 4X or Hayward Aquanaut suction side cleaner keeps going sideways, what that says about balance and hose length, and the one adjustment that usually stops the problem immediately.

Then we get into variable speed pump quality-of-life upgrades. If your VS pump screams at full RPM every morning during priming, you can often lower the priming speed and shorten the priming duration without losing reliability. I walk through the logic behind choosing a quieter priming RPM, why five minutes at max speed is often overkill, and how this simple change can cut noise and wasted energy for both homeowners and pool service pros.

We also talk saltwater chlorine generator choices beyond the usual big names. If you’re replacing an older AquaRite salt system and keep hearing “never heard of that brand,” I share why Circuit Pool salt systems are worth a serious look, how retrofit options can make the swap easier, and why ORP and pH automation with acid feeding can push your pool closer to truly hands-off water care. We wrap with suction plumbing tips around main drains, anti-vortex drain hangups, Polaris Atlas and Polaris Max cleaner fit, and vacuum bag upgrades for Bottom Feeder, Shrimp, and Riptide setups.

•Adding one or two hose sections to stop Phoenix 4X and Aquanaut cleaners from tipping sideways
•Why the four-wheel handle design can make a cleaner feel top heavy
•Changing variable speed pump priming speed and priming time to reduce noise and wasted energy
•Circuit Pool salt system pros, warranty value, and AquaRite retrofit compatibility
•Why diverting suction to the skimmer helps suction side cleaner performance
•Which cleaners get stuck on anti-vortex main drains and why Polaris Atlas and Max tend to avoid it
•Choosing longer-lasting vacuum bags, smarter micron sizes, and cartridge filtration alternatives
•Bottom Feeder or Shrimp portability vs Riptide cart vacuum power and presentation

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Pool Service Knowledge Every Tech Should Know – Vol 3

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A pool system can look “broken” when it really just needs a reset, and that one detail can save you a ton of time on a route. We break down a field-proven troubleshooting habit that fixes a surprising number of problems: shutting off power to automation and pumps, waiting, and bringing systems back up clean. We talk through why older automation like Jandy Aqualink can act stuck, how sub-breakers inside panels help, and what a longer hard reset can do for variable speed pump error codes. We also cover the sneaky breaker trip that doesn’t look tripped at all, plus the quick flip that can bring a “dead” motor back to life.

From there, we get practical about the stuff customers don’t always think about. Toys in the pool can stain surfaces, clog skimmers, kill suction, and slow circulation. We share what we’ve seen on real accounts, how to educate families without sounding preachy, and a simple safety message that helps customers take toy cleanup seriously, especially around small kids.

We also dig into liability habits that separate a casual route from a professional pool service business: always closing and checking gates, notifying customers when a latch is failing, and making parking choices that prevent expensive property damage. If you’ve ever dealt with muriatic acid drips, driveway stains, or chemical rings on pool decking, you’ll love the “dip method” for rinsing bottles and keeping residues off surfaces. If you want more pool maintenance tips, pool safety reminders, and pool service business systems, subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more techs can find it.

• power cycling automation panels and variable speed pumps to clear errors fast
• checking breakers that look on but are slightly tripped
• explaining how pool toys stain surfaces and block circulation
• skimming coins efficiently and why we keep them as a tip
• closing and verifying gates every time to prevent accidents and lawsuits
• alerting customers right away when a gate latch fails
• avoiding driveway parking to prevent acid stains, oil leaks, and damage
• using the dip method to rinse acid jugs and prevent decking rings

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How to Add Extra Work Without Losing Your Sanity

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A packed pool route can feel like success until you realize there’s no room left to grow. We walk through a practical way to add high-demand pool services like green to clean, one-time cleanups, filter cleaning, and acid washes without sacrificing your evenings or giving up your weekends. The big idea is simple: extra services should create more weekly pool service accounts, not create burnout.

We also get specific about pool service marketing that actually generates calls. Instead of pouring money into a truck wrap too early, we explain why clear magnetic signs can outperform expensive branding when you’re trying to land urgent, high-intent work. A homeowner with a green pool wants one thing fixed fast, and the best message is the one that names that exact service.

Then we get into scheduling and operations, because margin is everything. Green pool cleanup takes multiple visits, acid washes require careful timing, and draining rules can get you fined if you do it wrong. We share how to balance your pool route, stack stops during the week to free a day, team up on labor-heavy jobs, and even offer a small discount to close the deal when a customer agrees to ongoing weekly maintenance.

• using magnetic truck signs to advertise one specific service
• why blank trucks stop leads and growth
• why truck wraps look professional but rarely drive urgent calls
• building margin with a balanced pool route before adding extra work
• scheduling green to clean jobs as a multi-visit process
• planning acid washes with a second person for speed
• avoiding illegal street draining and finding a sewer line
• timing acid washes to reduce plaster risk in hot weather
• stacking pools earlier in the week to clear a dedicated day
• declining one-time jobs that will not convert to weekly service
• using filter cleaning as a low-time foot-in-the-door service
• offering a small discount to close a weekly service agreement

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Generic vs Premium Salt Systems: What You Need to Know

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Salt cell replacement should be a quick fix, but the pricing and quality gap between OEM parts and online “generic” options can turn it into a costly decision. We break down how we think about saltwater chlorine generator choices when you are looking at the big names like Hayward, Pentair, and Jandy, and when it actually makes sense to consider an off brand system or an aftermarket replacement cell without sacrificing reliability.

We talk about what the industry lost when CMP Power Clean was discontinued, then dig into two real alternatives that deserve attention: AutoPilot, a proven saltwater system with a strong following in parts of the East Coast, and Circupool, an online-first brand with long warranties, long rated cell life, and a price point that often beats the big three. We also touch on where saltwater pool technology is heading with more automation, including systems that pair ORP and pH monitoring with an acid pump to keep chlorine output and water balance steadier with less hands-on work.

If you are tempted by a $200 Amazon salt cell, we lay out the tradeoffs clearly, including review quality, expected durability, and what happens when the return window closes. For pool service pros, we get practical about managing risk: when to recommend OEM, when an aftermarket option like a Hayward-compatible Circupool replacement can be a smart play, and why we often have the customer buy non-OEM parts directly so warranty issues do not land on the service company.

• why CMP Power Clean cells earned trust and what changes after discontinuation
• AutoPilot as a proven alternative with strong regional support and commercial options
• Circupool systems as an off brand with long warranties and long rated cell life
• Core Control style automation with ORP and pH sensing plus acid feed
• Hayward AquaRite replacement options including the Circupool CIR-GEN9
• what to expect from generic Pentair IntelliChlor replacements on Amazon
• why Jandy TrueClear often makes OEM the simplest choice
• why wholesale suppliers rarely carry generic salt cells
• best practice for pool pros when customers want online parts

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Stop Wasting Time: Pool Route Optimization Guide

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool service route doesn’t have to feel like a daily sprint that ends in burnout. I walk through how I speed up a pool route the right way by protecting the golden rule: never move so fast that you sacrifice pool cleaning quality, water balance, or your business reputation. The real wins come from removing friction around the work, not cutting corners at the pool.

We get practical on route efficiency and time management for pool technicians: starting earlier, fueling at the right time, and staging your truck the night before so you can roll immediately. I also share how to stop losing chunks of your day to supplier runs by using delivery or sending orders ahead, plus why carrying a smart inventory of spare pool parts is a route-saving habit when you service common equipment like pumps, chlorinators, and pool cleaners.

Then we hit the biggest time thief of all: algae. I explain how a filter cleaning schedule before peak season, along with chlorine enhancers like borates, PoolRx, phosphate removal, and enzyme treatment, can keep pools algae-free and keep your weekly stops predictable. We also talk about keeping free chlorine aligned with cyanuric acid so you’re not stuck brushing and re-treating the same pool every week.

Finally, we cover how vacuuming expectations can quietly wreck a schedule. Putting “vacuum when necessary” in a pool service agreement, leaning on automatic pool cleaners, and investing in faster vacuum systems can cut major minutes without leaving a dirty pool behind.

• starting earlier to finish earlier without rushing
• fueling and staging the truck the night before
• reducing supply-house time with delivery or emailed orders
• carrying the right spare parts based on route equipment
• preventing algae with scheduled filter cleanings and chlorine enhancers
• using a minimum free chlorine to cyanuric acid approach to stay algae-free
• setting vacuum expectations with a service agreement
• leaning on automatic cleaners, spot vacuuming, and faster vacuum systems
• dropping time-sink pools that break the schedule

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The Smart Way to Offer Pool Service Options

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Flat monthly pool service pricing sounds simple until trichlor tablets jump in cost, gas hits $6+ a gallon, and you realize you’re absorbing every surprise the market throws at you. I walk through a smarter, more flexible approach: tiered pool service packages that protect your profit while staying clear and fair for customers. If you’ve been hesitant to change your pool service rates, this is the roadmap I’d use to modernize pricing without blowing up your route.

We get specific about what belongs in a base service rate versus what should be billed separately. I explain why many pros still include a predictable maintenance dose of liquid chlorine and muriatic acid, but stop bundling expensive consumables like 3-inch trichlor tablets. You’ll hear a practical way to roll out tablet charges over one to two years, including how to handle customers who will push back and how to keep communication simple.

From there, we build real tiered service levels you can sell: chemical-only pool service, chemical-only plus basket checks, and upgraded tiers that add skimming and brushing while leaving vacuuming as an on-demand upcharge. I also cover add-on revenue that keeps you protected when inflation spikes, including filter cleaning fees and salt cell cleaning for saltwater pools. The goal is a pool maintenance business model where each pool pays for what it truly needs, your invoices stay defensible, and your margins stop getting squeezed.

If you want more pool service business tips like this, subscribe, share the show with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more techs can find it.

• why standard rate service with all chemicals included no longer pencils out
• how to pass on 3-inch trichlor tablet costs over one to two years
• deciding between itemized billing and a stable monthly maintenance dose
• why filter cleaning should usually be a separate line item
• tiered service levels from chemical-only to near full service
• how to upsell filter cleans on chemical-only accounts
• when to charge for shock, vacuuming, and salt cell cleaning
• using add-on charges to offset sudden inflation spikes

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What Nobody Tells You About Starting Pool Service

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Pool service looks like a water job, but it’s really a people job, and that’s where most new pool techs get blindsided. We break down the unglamorous realities of starting a pool cleaning business: the long hours working alone, the emotional grind of complaints, and the customer service skills you must build if you want to keep accounts and earn steady referrals. If you’ve been in pool service for six months or you’re about to buy your first pool route, this is the mindset reset that keeps you from burning out or getting pushed out.

We also get blunt about bias and professionalism. Customers will try to pull you into politics, religion, and controversy, and the fastest way to lose business is to let those conversations shape your attitude. You never know which client is your “golden goose” who can send you 20, 30, or 50 new leads, so we talk about staying neutral, keeping your truck and branding clean, and focusing on what clients actually pay for: consistent service, clear communication, and a calm problem-solver in their backyard.

Then we shift into practical growth strategy: build your service route from scratch with pool service marketing like Google Ads, Yelp, Thumbtack, and HomeAdvisor, or buy a pool route for sale and grow faster with cash up front. We cover why banks won’t finance routes, what to look for in a seller, and how fast you can realistically ramp up when leads start flowing. If you want to shorten the learning curve on pool chemistry, equipment, and troubleshooting.

• handling complaints and tough customer moments without spiraling
• why sales and customer-facing backgrounds often win early
• personal biases showing up in business and how they cost you leads
• staying neutral with customers on politics and religion
• deciding whether to build a route from scratch or buy a pool route
• marketing for leads through Google Ads, Yelp, Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, and flyers
• why pool routes are usually cash purchases and how to vet a sale
• realistic timelines for learning pool chemistry, equipment, and troubleshooting
• using groups, coaching, and communities to avoid expensive mistakes

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Why Pros Install Automatic Cleaners on Every Pool

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you’ve ever hesitated to recommend an automatic pool cleaner because you’re worried the customer will think you’re “not doing enough,” this conversation flips that mindset fast. I walk through why automatic cleaners don’t replace professional pool service, they remove the most time-consuming part of the visit so we can deliver better weekly pool maintenance: tighter chemistry, better brushing, more equipment awareness, and fewer surprises between stops.

We get practical about choosing the right automatic pool cleaner for your market, including when a suction-side cleaner is the best match for fine dirt and dust, when a pressure-side cleaner makes sense for heavier leaf debris, and what to do when a homeowner refuses hoses entirely (robotic pool cleaner options, including cordless). I also share real-world selling points that land with customers: less debris sitting in the water means lower chlorine demand, fewer ugly “dirty floor” moments before swim time, and even less risk of staining after storms and muddy runoff.

Then we cover the day-to-day details that save headaches: what to tell customers when they want to swim, how to handle party weekends, and the big mistake that ruins performance over time (coiling hoses and creating “hose memory”). If you run employees, I also explain how to keep vacuuming standards consistent with quick spot-vac tools while still benefiting from cleaner-equipped pools.

If you found this helpful, subscribe for more pool service business tips, share the episode with a pool pro, and leave a review. What cleaner type are you standardizing on your route right now?

• common objections and why they fall apart
• how automatic cleaners change what you do on site
• suction-side vs pressure-side choices by debris type
• how cleaners can reduce chlorine demand
• preventing stains after rain mud and debris
• using route efficiency to justify stable pricing
• keeping pools swim ready between weekly visits
• what to tell customers about swimming and parties
• why coiling hoses ruins coverage and how to avoid it
• spot vacuum expectations for employees and spas
• robotic cleaner options when hoses are a hard no

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Pool Not Running? Start Here

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

You’re having a smooth route, then you open a gate and everything is wrong: no surface movement, debris sitting still, and water that looks like it hasn’t circulated in days. We break down how we troubleshoot a pool that’s not running without spiraling into guesswork, starting with the fastest visual clues and moving step-by-step through the equipment pad. If you service pools for a living, this is the kind of real-world diagnostic process that saves time, protects gear, and helps you explain the “why” to a customer on the spot.

We start with water level and skimmer behavior, including why newer skimmers with float diverter valves can hide the real story. From there we get hands-on with common pump startup failures: the classic hum-then-click that often points to a bad start or run capacitor, what to look for on the pump, and why carrying common capacitors can turn a disaster stop into a quick win.

Then we shift into pool electrical troubleshooting that actually works in the field: using a simple voltage tester, checking the equipment subpanel, flipping breakers that look “on” but are partially tripped, and tracking down a main panel that might be unlabeled, locked, or tucked inside a garage. We also cover why breakers trip in the first place, how failing bearings and overheating motors.

Finally, we get into the sneaky problems that fool even experienced techs: customers hitting the stop button on a variable speed pump, shutting the system off to save money, suction leaks from worn pump lid o-rings, heat-damaged threaded fittings, and even old-school kill switches that override the timer.

• spotting low water and skimmer problems fast
• understanding float diverter valves and why surfaces can mislead
• recognizing the hum-and-click pattern of a bad capacitor
• swapping a matching capacitor safely and quickly
• using a simple voltage tester to confirm power
• checking subpanels and main panels for partial breaker trips
• catching customer-caused shutdowns like VS pump stop buttons
• diagnosing lost prime from lid o-rings and suction leaks
• watching for heat damage to threaded fittings and using schedule 80

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How to Identify Unprofitable Pool Customers

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Some pool accounts don’t just take time, they take your peace. If you’ve ever pulled up to a stop and felt your stomach drop, there’s usually a reason: the customer is difficult, the pool is a nightmare to access, or the property is a leaf factory that turns every visit into a cleanup marathon. We break down the most common “bad fit” pool service accounts and how to spot them before they wreck your schedule, your margins, and your mood.

We start with customer red flags: the overly picky client who questions everything, the chronically frugal owner who refuses necessary pool equipment upgrades, and the person who never responds when you need approvals or payment. These patterns don’t just create annoyance, they create unpaid admin time, delayed repairs, and repeated callbacks that make your whole pool route less profitable.

Then we get into pool-specific dealbreakers. Think complicated pool builds with multiple pumps, water features, and confusing valve systems, plus designs that limit access with rocks or awkward layouts. We also talk about why large pools can be fine until a windstorm, equipment failure, or algae bloom hits, and why heavy leaf debris pools can fool you during bidding season thanks to seasonal tree behavior like eucalyptus shedding and oak pollen.

You’ll also get practical strategies for pool service pricing and route management: when to bid high, how to raise your monthly service rate when the workload changes, and a simple script for letting a customer go gracefully. We wrap with the “one for one rule” for upgrading your pool route without losing income. If you’re building a tighter, faster, more profitable pool service business, hit play, then subscribe, share the episode with a pool pro friend, and leave a review with the worst pool account you’ve ever had.

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The Small Details That Quietly Kill Pool Route Profits

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

One missed step can turn a profitable pool route into a week of unpaid catch-up. I’m breaking down the “small stuff” that quietly costs pool service techs real money: getting pulled out of your routine, forgetting chlorine tablets or a planned shock, and then paying for it later with algae brushing, extra chemicals, and stressed-out stops. After 35 years in the pool industry, I’ve learned that consistency beats hustle, especially in summer when distractions and heat make every stop blur together.

We also talk route efficiency and the hidden pay cut of outlier accounts. If you’re driving 15 to 20 minutes for one pool, you’re burning the time you could use to service two or three nearby pools. I explain how to tighten your territory with a simple one-for-one rule, when it makes sense to market a new pocket of town, and why “just one far account” is rarely worth it long-term.

Then we get practical about boundaries and billing: return visits for real emergencies versus “quick favors” that steal your day. I share a clear policy you can use, including a one-time courtesy invoice approach that sets expectations without picking a fight.

• sticking to a consistent stop routine to avoid missed chlorine and missed shocks
• adding chemicals at a deliberate point to reduce errors and fumes issues
• doing a final look-back to confirm floaters, baskets, and gear are set
• cutting outlier pools to reduce drive time and raise route efficiency
• using the one-for-one rule to replace far accounts with closer ones
• building a new service area only when you can cluster multiple pools
• setting an emergency-only return visit policy for non-essential requests
• using a one-time courtesy invoice credit to enforce future service charges
• logging every small part installed so inventory and billing stay accurate
• pushing back on Amazon price demands without selling below cost
• stocking the right spare parts to avoid downtime and extra trips
Learn more at Summingpoollearning.com.

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What’s Inside a Trichlor Tablet? (And Why It Matters)

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Chlorine tablets look simple: drop a few pucks in a floater or chlorinator and forget about it. But trichlor has rules, and if you don’t know them, you can end up chasing algae, fighting high stabilizer, or even staining a pool surface. I’m a long-time pool pro, and I walk through what trichlor tablets actually are, why they became so popular, and why “90% available chlorine” doesn’t mean they’re the right answer for every situation.

We dig into the chemistry that catches most people off guard: trichlor is a stabilized chlorine, which means it adds cyanuric acid (CYA) every time you use it. I explain how quickly CYA can build up over a season, why cyanuric acid doesn’t evaporate out, and what that does to real-world chlorine effectiveness. We also talk through the practical target that many pros use, keeping free chlorine at roughly 7.5% of your CYA level, and why a pool with high stabilizer can demand a much higher free chlorine level just to stay safe and clear.

From there, I get into the on-the-ground realities of pool maintenance: why trichlor dosing is so hard to “set and forget,” how water temperature and pump run time change tablet output, and the safety mistakes I want you to avoid. You’ll hear why tablets should never go in the skimmer, how floaters can burn steps, and why granular trichlor should be used sparingly to prevent staining, especially on vinyl and fiberglass pools where low pH can be brutal.

• what trichlor tablets are and why they dissolve slowly
• how trichlor became the most common sanitizer over time
• the Biolab fire impact on tablet supply and pricing
• cyanuric acid as the unavoidable trichlor byproduct
• simple math for how much CYA adds up fast
• why higher CYA demands higher minimum free chlorine
• practical ways to manage CYA with partial drains and dilution
• why tablet dosing changes with temperature and pump time
• why tablets never belong in the skimmer
• floater and surface damage risks plus how to prevent them
• granular trichlor use for tough algae with heavy caution

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Salt Water Pool Pros and Cons – Advice from Bob Lowry

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

“Salt pool, no chlorine” might be the most expensive misunderstanding in pool care. We walk through what a saltwater chlorine generator actually does, why it is literally making chlorine, and how that simple truth changes the way you test, dose, and explain water balance to customers. If you’re a pool service professional or a hands-on pool owner, you’ll leave with clearer language, better troubleshooting steps, and fewer surprises on Monday morning.

We also get into the parts that sales sheets skip: salt splash-out that dries on decks and hardware, the corrosion that shows up when salt is over-added, and why bonding and grounding matter more once your pool becomes an ionic solution full of metals.

Then we tackle the “flakes” problem and the myths that cling to it. We explain why flakes are usually calcium carbonate, how a hot cell after flow stops can trigger scale, and how a simple cool-down period plus a slightly negative LSI can reduce buildup.

• saltwater systems generating chlorine through electrolysis, same sanitizer as liquid or dry chlorine
• cell lifespan tied to total run hours, lowering output and run time when demand allows
• manufacturer salt targets around 3,000 to 3,500 ppm and why over-salting creates new problems
• salt splash-out leaving concentrated salt on decks and features, rinsing to prevent crust and damage
• galvanic corrosion risks, black deposits near metals, bonding and grounding pool equipment
• heater corrosion concerns and when a sacrificial zinc anode can help
• dealing with a failed generator, draining and refilling to reduce salt and high TDS, removing the cell housing
• verifying salt with an independent salt meter, not trusting onboard readings or a TDS meter alone
• preventing flakes with a cool-down period before flow stops and managing LSI slightly negative
• phosphate fears put in perspective, flakes usually calcium carbonate not calcium phosphate
• fixed-output chlorine production, recovery time after bather load spikes, supplementing with liquid chlorine
• “superchlorinate” misconceptions, running longer at 100% vs true fast superchlorination

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Bob Lowry Breaks Down the Most Powerful Chlorine for Pools

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

“Liquid chlorine is weak” might be the most expensive pool myth on the internet. We dig into the real meaning of “available chlorine” and why the percentage on the label can mislead you when you compare liquid chlorine to trichlor tablets, dichlor, or cal hypo. With Bob Lowry guiding the chemistry, we translate confusing terms like weight percent and trade percent into something you can actually use: how much usable chlorine you’re putting in the water.

We also talk about the hidden part of every chlorine choice: the byproducts. Liquid chlorine ultimately adds salt, cal hypo adds calcium, and dichlor and trichlor add cyanuric acid, and each of those can create problems if you don’t plan for buildup. If you’ve ever wondered why your pool chemistry “drifts” over time, this is the missing link between sanitizer choice and long-term water balance.

Salt water chlorine generators get a full reality check too. A salt pool still uses chlorine because the cell makes chlorine gas that becomes hypochlorous acid in the water. We cover output limits, why incorrect voltage or current can keep a system from producing enough chlorine, why salt residue can be corrosive after evaporation, and why bonding matters more than most people realize. We also clear up a common mistake: boost mode doesn’t shock a pool, so we explain what to do when you need chlorine fast.

• why chlorine percentages on labels don’t compare evenly across products
• weight-to-weight vs trade percent vs volume-based strength terms
• a simple rule of thumb for liquid chlorine strength per gallon
• why chlorine gas is used as the comparison standard
• how trichlor’s “available chlorine” number gets calculated
• what each chlorine type adds to the water: salt, calcium, cyanuric acid
• how salt water chlorine generators make chlorine gas in the cell
• why low voltage or wrong current reduces chlorine production
• salt level targets and why salt residue becomes corrosive after evaporation
• bonding and grounding to reduce electrolysis risk
• why pH rises in salt pools from sodium hydroxide and aeration
• why boost mode is not the same as shocking

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Bob Lowry Explains Why Some Products Kill Your Pool Chlorine

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Zero chlorine is one of those pool problems that feels impossible because you can do everything “right” and still watch your sanitizer disappear. We dig into the real reasons it happens, especially after adding stain removers and sequestering agents meant to solve metal stains and protect surfaces.

From there, we get clear about metal chemistry and a common misconception in pool maintenance: a sequestering agent doesn’t remove metals from pool water. It temporarily binds them, then sunlight and oxidizers break that binder down and the metal can stain again. We explore why product selection matters, how overdosing makes the problem worse, and why some treatments can raise phosphate levels that algae love. If you’re trying to protect new plaster or avoid dropping metals out of solution, this is where water care becomes a careful balancing act.

We also unpack a major source of “mystery” chlorine loss: sodium bromide based algae products. Add bromide and you can effectively turn a chlorine pool into a bromine pool, where every chlorine dose reactivates bromine instead of building a chlorine residual. That creates confusing test results, higher sanitizer targets, and fast sunlight burn-off because cyanuric acid doesn’t protect bromine the same way. We close with the non-negotiable safety message: a pool with zero sanitizer residual has no protection against waterborne infection risks, and “negative demand” can hide how much chlorine the water is actually consuming.

• stain removers and some sequestrants creating immediate chlorine demand
• overdosing metal treatment chemicals making chlorine loss worse
• phosphonate and phosphate breakdown raising algae risk
• why sequestering agents do not remove metals from water
• metal removal as an alternative to ongoing sequestration
• sodium bromide products converting chlorine pools to bromine pools
• test kit confusion when bromine reads like chlorine
• sunlight destroying bromine faster without cyanuric acid protection
• zero chlorine safety risks including infection transmission
• negative chlorine demand and why added shock can vanish

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Hot Tub Care Tips from Bob Lowry: Keep Your Spa Sparkling

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your hot tub can look crystal clear and still be one soak away from smelling “off.” We dig into the real reasons spa water goes sideways and what to do about it, starting with the question everyone asks: bromine vs chlorine. We talk through what bromine is great at in hot water, why bromamines don’t stink the way chloramines do, and the big catch that trips up most owners and techs: bromine disinfects, but it doesn’t oxidize the gunk we bring in on our skin.

From there we get specific about spa water chemistry and routines that actually work. We explain why sanitizer levels crash so fast in a 250 to 400 gallon hot tub, how bather load drives chlorine demand, and why “set it and forget it” usually fails unless you pair a steady feed with smart shocking. We also cover modern options like frog-style systems that add chlorine without cyanuric acid buildup, plus straight talk on liquid chlorine in spas and the industry myth that you can’t use it to shock a bromine tub.

We also break down UV sanitizer and ozone generators with real-world expectations. UV only treats what passes near the bulb and can lose effectiveness when the sleeve gets dirty, and ozone is powerful but short-lived, often working only near the return. The takeaway is simple: UV and ozone can help, but they don’t replace a residual sanitizer needed for person-to-person protection. Finally, we make draining non-negotiable, including the classic 90-day guideline and an easy bather-load way to decide when old water needs to go.

•Bromine strengths in hot water and higher pH
•Why bromine needs a separate oxidizer
•Post-soak shocking habits that prevent odor
•How fast chlorine or bromine gets used in a spa
•Frog-style systems as a low-CYA option
•Liquid chlorine in spas and the pH myth
•Why “don’t mix bromine and chlorine” is wrong
•UV limits due to contact time and dirty sleeves
•Ozone’s short lifespan and how to smell-check returns
•Drain schedules based on 90 days or bather load math

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Bob Lowry Explains Why Borates Are a Game-Changer

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool can be perfectly chlorinated and still feel like it’s fighting you every week, especially when pH keeps climbing for no obvious reason. We dig into one of the most useful “stability tools” in pool chemistry: borates. Along with industry expert Bob Lowry, we explain what it really means to add borates, why many pros treat them as a one-time addition, and how they help slow pH rise in pools with saltwater chlorine generators, spillovers, waterfalls, and other sources of aeration.

We also get practical about products and dosing. Boric acid tends to be the simplest path because it dissolves easily and causes minimal changes to pH and total alkalinity. We compare that with sodium tetraborate options like borax, which can spike pH and alkalinity and force a muriatic acid correction. You’ll hear why “once it’s in the water it acts the same,” but the setup work can be very different depending on what you buy.

Safety and compliance questions come up a lot, so we address borate ppm targets head-on: 35 vs 50 ppm, why recommendations shifted, and how to think about toxicity using simple parts-per-million math.

If you want steadier water, fewer pH surprises, and another layer of algae resistance to support good chlorine habits, this conversation will sharpen how you use borates on a service route.

• our field test of borates with low chlorine and what happened over three weeks
• borates as a one-time addition with infrequent testing
• how borates buffer pH rise in aerated pools and saltwater chlorine generator pools
• borates as an algostat and why they do not kill algae
• choosing boric acid for easier dosing and fewer pH and alkalinity adjustments
• what happens when you use borax style products and why muriatic acid is needed
• whether 35 ppm or 50 ppm makes a meaningful difference and why some brands picked 35
• the toxicity question, ppm math, and why borates do not bioaccumulate
• residential vs commercial considerations and why rules vary by state and health code
• why many distributors do not stock borate products and where else to source them

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Bottom Feeder vs Shrimp: Which Pool Vacuum Wins?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you’ve been staring at the Bottom Feeder and the Shrimp Cleaner wondering which cordless pool vacuum actually belongs on your pool service route, I break it down in practical, technician-first terms. These are both pro-focused, battery-powered pool vacuums that skip cords and external pumps, so the real question isn’t “which is cooler” it’s which one makes you faster and more consistent across the kinds of pools you clean every week.

We get into the details that change your workflow: size and weight, cleaning path width, and how each unit handles steps, spas, fountains, and tight spots. I also compare battery runtime and what that means in the real world, including why a shorter runtime can still be plenty when the vacuuming speed is high, and how truck charging with a basic power inverter can keep you moving. If you’ve been debating whether 1.5 hours or 2.5 hours matters more, you’ll like this perspective.

Filtration gets a deep dive too. We talk debris bags and microns, aftermarket bag options, and the cartridge filter assembly upgrade that turns a cordless vacuum into a fine-dirt solution for silt, dead algae, and DE powder. I also cover the newer magnetic on-off switch and the design differences in the throat opening and thrust that affect suction and feel.

If you want to stop guessing and buy the tool that matches your debris load and service style, hit play. Subscribe for more pool pro gear breakdowns, share this with a tech who’s shopping, and leave a review with what vacuum you’re running right now.

• why the Bottom Feeder stays the pro benchmark for fast full-pool vacuuming
• size, weight, and cleaning path differences that affect daily handling
• battery runtime vs real-world productivity on a service route
• charging speed plus how to charge in the truck with a power inverter
• debris bag micron options, including aftermarket bags
• cartridge filter assembly for fine dirt, dead algae, and DE powder
• magnetic on-off switch upgrade and why it matters
• throat size, thrust ring, and why the Shrimp can feel powerful
• when the Shrimp is the better spot vacuum tool for steps, spas, and fountains

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Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits

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Adding Salt to Your Pool? Don’t Make These Mistakes!

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you’ve ever converted a chlorine pool to salt and immediately regretted it, the problem usually isn’t the salt system. It’s the startup. We break down a practical, step-by-step salt pool startup process that helps you avoid the two headaches that wreck new installs: runaway pH and scale on the surface or inside the salt cell.

We start with timing, especially for new plaster, quartz, and pebble style finishes. Plaster keeps curing for months and creates heavy acid demand early on, so turning on a saltwater chlorine generator too soon can make pH control feel impossible. I share the real-world waiting window I prefer, what happens if a homeowner pushes for day-one salt, and how that decision can show up later as scaling and constant corrections.

Then we get into the numbers that make a salt pool conversion smooth: getting total alkalinity near 80 ppm and pH around 7.4 to 7.6 before the generator ever comes online, and using LSI guidance with tools like the Orenda app. We also talk about borates at 50 ppm as a smart add-on for pH stability, plus the safest way to add salt: test first with a digital salt meter, use pool salt only, add less than the bag math suggests, and recheck after 24 hours so you don’t end up draining water to fix an overshoot.

Finally, we tackle cyanuric acid (CYA) reality. If you’re coming from trichlor, CYA may be sky high, and your free chlorine target must match it using proven ratios like Bob Lowry’s guidance.

• waiting to turn on a salt cell on new plaster to reduce pH battles and scaling risk
• why saltwater chlorine generators raise pH through aeration and chemical reaction
• starting conditions that set you up for success: clear water, clean filter, balanced alkalinity and pH
• why high alkalinity buffers pH and makes acid less effective
• using LSI and tools like the Orenda app to avoid scale or corrosion
• adding borates to 50 ppm to stabilize pH and reduce drift
• using pool salt only to avoid staining from impurities
• testing salinity first with a digital salt meter and adding less salt than the calculation
• why over-salting forces a partial drain to fix

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5-Star or Bust: Protect Your Business Reputation

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A 3.8 rating can quietly kill your phone before you ever know why. When people search for a pool service, they do what we all do with restaurants and hotels: they sort by stars, skim a few reviews, and move on fast. That’s why your online reputation is not a vanity metric, it’s a lead generator or a lead blocker.

We walk through the real-world choices customers make on Google and Yelp, and how a pool service business can earn trust before the first appointment. I share practical ways to get review momentum, including building a simple web presence, using Google Ads to create early visibility, and asking for reviews at the right moment after a win like a green to clean or a new weekly start. We also talk honestly about Yelp, how it can drive serious growth for some service companies, and why you should understand the paid options and the platform’s review flow before going all in.

Then we get into what actually protects five-star reviews: returning calls quickly, preventing the “they never answered” one-star complaints, and showing up like a pro. Your uniform, your truck, and your attitude during a bid can shape the review you get later. I also explain a simple way to decline messy jobs without offending anyone, plus why staying neutral and avoiding criticism keeps you out of unnecessary review drama.

If you want more calls and better clients, start treating reviews like part of your weekly route. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro who needs it, and leave a review letting me know what most improved your customer ratings.

• why low star ratings get ignored in fast search decisions
• how “anomaly” one-star reviews happen and how to prevent them
• using a website and Google Ads to generate leads that become reviews
• setting up Google and Yelp listings and understanding Yelp’s paid options
• asking customers for a five-star review while inviting feedback early
• calling back missed leads quickly to avoid “never answered” complaints
• using uniforms and a clean truck to signal professionalism
• bidding high to walk away without insulting the customer
• staying neutral and avoiding criticism to protect your reputation

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Bottom Feeder Cartridge: Dirt Gone in Minutes!

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Manual vacuuming is one of those “just part of the job” tasks that quietly eats your day, especially when you’re chasing fine dust that keeps slipping through a vac bag. I’m revisiting a tool that’s been getting a lot of attention from pool service pros: the Bottom Feeder and Shrimp Cleaner cartridge filter adapter. After about three months of real use, I walk through what’s actually different this time, why the older cartridge-style attempts never became daily drivers, and what the new threaded halo design changes in the field.

We get into the real-world problem with vacuum bags and micron ratings: fine bags can clog fast, lose flow, and tear more easily, while standard bags let a lot of fine dirt pass right back into the pool. The cartridge assembly flips that script by capturing dirt down to roughly 10 to 20 microns while keeping strong water flow through the pleats. I also cover practical limits like how much dirt it can hold, what happens with leaf debris, and how to clean it quickly between stops so it stays efficient on a route.

Deciding between the Bottom Feeder and the Shrimp Cleaner, I share how the cartridge behaves on both, a simple battery positioning hack, and the option to expand filter area with the extension kit. I’ll also point you to where to buy the cartridge assembly and replacement cartridges.

• why new pool products get skepticism and how the older cartridge adapter fell short
• why vacuum bags struggle with fine dirt, low-micron wear, clogging, and suction drop-off
• how the threaded halo lets us switch between bag and cartridge in about 10 seconds
• how the cartridge performs on the Shrimp Cleaner versus the Bottom Feeder
• battery positioning hack to prevent interference with the cartridge
• realistic capacity for dirt and leaves plus when to switch back to a bag
• fast rinse-out cleaning method and the value of carrying spare cartridges
• compatible replacement cartridge models and the extension kit to expand filter area
• how the dirt stays inside the cartridge and why flow stays strong
• buying options and setup tips including the thrust ring note

To Order: https://thebottomfeeder.com/collections/all

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Wait… Is This Normal in Your Pool?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Your pool can look perfect and still be one bad day away from turning. We dig into the “normal vs not normal” moments that confuse pool owners and even trip up seasoned techs, starting with the big one: chlorine that disappears overnight. When free chlorine drops to zero in 24 hours, it’s rarely magic and usually chemistry. We talk through cyanuric acid (CYA) targets, intense UV exposure, early microalgae you can’t see yet, and why high phosphates can quietly increase chlorine demand so your pool can’t hold a residual.

Next, we tackle the most misunderstood red flag in pool care: the strong “chlorine smell.” That odor is typically chloramines and combined chlorine, created when sanitizer binds to sweat, sunscreen, and other contaminants. We explain how to test free chlorine vs combined chlorine, what breakpoint chlorination means in real life, and how non-chlorine shock can help restore comfort and effectiveness, especially during summer bather load spikes.

We also break down why pH rises every week in plaster, gunite, and Pebble Tec pools, why vinyl and fiberglass can drift down, and how alkalinity, borates, water features, and saltwater chlorine generators influence the trend.

• chlorine disappearing in 24 hours due to high CYA targets, UV, microalgae, phosphates, and low starting free chlorine
• why a pool should not smell like chlorine, plus what chloramines and combined chlorine mean for swimmer comfort and sanitation
• practical ways to reduce combined chlorine, including testing free vs combined chlorine and using non-chlorine shock
• why pH rises weekly in plaster, gunite, and Pebble Tec pools, plus why vinyl and fiberglass can drift the other direction
• how to slow pH rise with lower alkalinity targets, borates, and understanding aeration from water features and salt systems
• why salt levels change over a season, what counts as abnormal, and how rapid drops can hint at equipment issues or a leak
• when cloudiness after shocking is expected, how calcium hardness and pH spikes play a role, and why cal hypo clouds more than liquid

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Quick & Easy Pool Skimming Hacks You Need

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Leaves don’t just clutter the surface; they choke flow, stall cleaners, and push water chemistry off a cliff. We tackle the leaf problem at the source, sharing the exact tools and tweaks that keep debris moving into capture zones before it ever sinks. From a return-mounted secondary skimmer that threads into a 1.5-inch return to modern solar-powered surface bots that roam all day, we break down what actually works, how to install it, and the small details that make the big difference.

We start with the PoolSkim approach: how to bias flow with restrictor eyeballs or a plugged return, set the weir height at the waterline, and turn a leaf magnet into a quiet surface vacuum that protects circulation. Then we go hands-on with solar skimmers—what’s changed since the early Solar-Breeze units, why durability and motor design matter, and simple setup hacks like foam bumpers in the skimmer throat and hose weights on suction lines so the bots don’t get trapped. We even cover cord protection on robot cleaners and how to keep intakes clear.

Finally, we dial in the “free” gains: aim return jets to build a steady surface current into the skimmer, confirm the weir gate moves freely and seals when the pump shuts off, and explore aftermarket skimmer accelerators that sharpen intake velocity. Stack these steps and you’ll cut vac time, prevent clogged baskets, stabilize chlorine demand, and deliver the crisp, glassy surface clients notice first.

If you’re ready to turn a leaf-heavy headache into a low-maintenance system, hit play, take notes, and put these upgrades to work on your toughest pools. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, share it with a fellow pool pro, and leave a quick review so more techs can find it.

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Pool Questions Answered: Tricks, Tips & Truths

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Stuck with a pool that reads sky-high stabilizer and can’t be drained? We break down a step-by-step plan to bring control back fast: how to verify overrange CYA with simple dilution tests, when to abandon trichlor, and the exact chlorine targets that keep algae at bay while CYA slowly falls. You’ll hear the practical math behind Bob Lowry’s 7.5 percent rule and a weekly dosing rhythm that works for a typical 15,000-gallon pool without expensive gimmicks.

We also tackle metal management with a clear take on copper testing. Need a quick yes/no? Strips are fine. Need precision to avoid stains or diagnose issues? Photometers like PoolLab 2.0 and LaMotte ColorQ 2X Pro 9 are worth the investment. We call out a common pitfall with chelated minerals in PoolRx that make readings swing and explain what to watch instead so you don’t chase phantom numbers.

On the gear side, we solve the frustrations that waste your time. If a Polaris 280 tail is soaking your deck, the TailSweep Pro is the simple diffusion fix that ends the spray. Cracked unions on salt cells or filters? Split quick couplers snap over existing plumbing so you avoid cutting and long repairs. Wrestling with a Hayward Navigator that keeps eating parts? We lay out how to seat the A-frame correctly, tighten pods, and when to finally retire a parts hog that’s beyond saving. And for those dreaded seized wall fittings with broken tabs, we share a counterintuitive trick: insert the quick disconnect to fill the hollow, then twist with channel locks—clean removal without cracking the body, followed by fresh Teflon for a future-proof reinstall.

• Verifying high cyanuric acid with dilution tests
• Stopping trichlor and shifting to cal hypo plus liquid chlorine
• Holding 15 ppm free chlorine with high CYA using Lowry’s ratio
• Slow dilution via equipment spigot and autofill
• Copper testing: when strips suffice and when to use photometers
• PoolRx chelated copper and fluctuating readings
• Polaris tail spray fix with TailSweep Pro
• Split quick couplers to avoid cutting and replumbing
• When to retire a worn Hayward Navigator
• Removing seized wall fittings without cracking

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When the Pool Route Falls Apart

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Bad days on the route don’t send a calendar invite; they just show up. We’re pulling back the curtain on the moments that derail a service day and the practical systems that stop them from turning into disasters. From a pool left in spa mode for a week to a heater cranked to 95 after a party, we break down why these problems hit so hard and how to build an insurance plan that keeps water clear and clients happy.

We walk through a party-proof prep plan that actually works: how to raise free chlorine without irritating swimmers, when to use non-chlorine shock, and why borates, enzymes, phosphate control, and PoolRX-style solutions buy you precious time when circulation lapses. You’ll hear how utility gas alerts help catch a forgotten heater before it nukes the bill, and the one-minute tutorial every client needs so a quiet variable speed pump doesn’t stay off all week. We also get honest about the mistakes we make when routines break, and the simple habit shifts—like using timeout mode instead of service mode and running a final pad check—that prevent callbacks and keep the day on schedule.

Out on the road, the truck matters as much as your test kit. We share hard-won lessons on dead starters, weak batteries, and why a AAA membership with on-the-spot replacements protects your route margins. And yes, we tackle the spike of panic when a client’s dog slips the gate, with calm, humane tactics and a pocket treat strategy that turns chaos into control. If you run pools for a living, this is the field guide to staying ahead of algae, automation surprises, and backyard curveballs—without losing time, money, or your cool.

• traffic delays and planning buffers
• pools left in spa mode and algae risk
• chlorine enhancers as insurance
• party prep with shock and dosing kits
• heaters left on and utility alerts
• variable speed pumps stopped by clients
• avoiding service mode and using timeout
• route vehicle failures and AAA strategy
• routines to prevent chemical misses
• gate discipline and handling escaping dogs

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Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits

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The True Cost of Being a Pool Guy

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Ever been told, “You’re only here 15 minutes—why so much?” We pull back the curtain on what it truly costs to run a professional pool service and why a short visit doesn’t equal a small bill. From insurance layers to payroll math, this conversation gives you the numbers, the logic, and the language to price with confidence.

We start with the backbone of a mobile service business: commercial auto insurance and general liability. If you’re hauling chemicals or branded on the road, personal policies can fail you when it matters most. We dig into realistic premium ranges, how vetted groups can reduce liability costs, and why one uncovered incident can wipe out years of profit.

Health insurance gets the spotlight it deserves. For self‑employed pros, it’s not optional and not “personal.” It’s a monthly cost of staying able to work in a risky, physical trade. Add city licensing, accounting, chemicals, parts, tires, brakes, and fuel, and you have the true base cost of a “simple” stop. We walk through a clean calculation: total fixed overhead divided by active accounts to find the per‑pool surcharge you must recover before any profit. With a sample $2,000 monthly overhead and 100 pools, that’s a $20 baseline per account—before chemicals, labor, and wear.

You’ll leave with a clear script to explain rates to homeowners without sounding defensive: we carry commercial auto, liability, workers’ comp, payroll taxes, and health coverage so your pool stays safe and your property protected. We charge what we charge to stay in business. Whether you’re pricing your first route or recalibrating a mature book, this guide helps you set sustainable rates, avoid silent losses, and communicate value with calm authority.

• commercial auto insurance requirements and risks
• general liability coverage and vetted group savings
• workers’ comp needs and category strategies
• payroll services, employer taxes and true labor cost
• health insurance as a core operating expense
• licensing, accounting, chemicals and vehicle wear
• converting monthly overhead into per‑pool pricing
• clear language to explain rates to homeowners

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Pool Service Knowledge Every Tech Should Know – Vol 2

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The hardest pool problems aren’t always in the manual—they show up on the pad when the water won’t move, the lid won’t budge, and the cleaner sits still like a lawn ornament. We dig into the field fixes that save your day and your lungs, starting with the offline chlorinator that refuses to dissolve tablets. Learn how to open it safely, diagnose the clogged check valve elbow with the “little BB,” and stop hidden leaks by replacing brittle black tubing before it drains a pool dry. If you’ve ever fought a stuck lid, we explain why trichlor swells o-rings and how a fresh gasket turns a two-man wrestle into a one-minute job.

High PSI and poor prime can stall an entire route, so we share the quick backwash that drops pressure in 25 to 30 seconds and brings the system back to life. When your backwash runs oddly clear, we show you the toggle trick that shakes compacted DE loose. Then we tackle the age-old question of how much DE to add back, cutting through wet versus dry confusion with practical recharge amounts that protect grid life and maintain strong flow without overloading the filter.

Finally, we turn service into strategy with a cleaner plan that works. Drop in bulletproof demo cleaners like the Hayward Aquanaut or Polaris Max, set variable-speed pump RPMs correctly, and let spotless water sell itself. For budget holdouts, deploy refurbished spares—Navigators, Aquanauts, MX6s and MX8s—to prove the value over time. You’ll cut manual vacuuming, keep pools cleaner all week, and win more satisfied clients with less effort. Subscribe, share with a fellow tech, and leave a review telling us the one tip you’re trying on your next stop.

• why offline chlorinator tablets stop dissolving
• how to open chlorinators safely and replace the check valve elbow
• spotting brittle black tubing before it drains a pool
• freeing stuck lids by replacing swollen o-rings
• using a quick backwash to drop PSI and restore flow
• what to do when backwash water runs clear
• practical DE recharge amounts after backwashing
• demo strategies that sell cleaners without selling
• using refurbished spares to convert holdouts
• why every pool should run an automatic cleaner

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Lose a Few, Earn More: Smart Pricing Strategy

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Prices are rising, but your margins don’t have to suffer. We share a straightforward playbook for pool service pros to raise rates with confidence, keep client trust, and improve the health of your route. It starts with two paths: a respectful, optional price increase letter that invites customers to accept a set monthly bump, and a universal increase that risks a little churn but often delivers a bigger annual lift.

From there, we dive into national pricing data and what it does—and doesn’t—mean for your local decisions. Using a state-by-state service rate index, we talk about anchoring your monthly fee in the middle of your market, where perceived value is strongest and bids land more reliably. We also explore how to diagnose the tipping point in your area, avoid the race to the bottom, and justify your price with tangible outcomes: consistent clarity, reliable visits, and clean equipment that runs right through peak season.

Raising rates isn’t the only lever. We cover practical adjustments that protect margins without shocking clients: moving specialty chemicals like phosphate removers and algaecide to seasonal packages, billing fairly for heavy-use pools by placing chlorine on-site, and trimming accounts that drain time and inventory.
• framing an optional increase to boost acceptance
• universal vs opt-in raises and revenue math
• reading the national service rate index by state
• finding the local sweet spot for bids
• moving specialty chemicals to itemized or seasonal fees
• billing fairly for heavy-use pools and extra chlorine
• increasing filter cleanings for revenue and water quality
• trimming high-drain accounts and adding smart ones
• balancing profit, retention, and technician workload

Skimmer list of pool service rates by area and price increase template:

https://www.getskimmer.com/priceincreasetoolkit?

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Calcium Buildup: The Truth About Pool Tile Scale

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

White crust tracing your waterline or caking your spa spillway isn’t a mystery—it’s chemistry meeting heat and evaporation. We unpack what’s actually sticking to your tile, how to tell calcium carbonate from calcium silicate with a quick acid test, and why that difference changes everything for removal time, cost, and results. If you’ve ever cleaned for hours only to see the ring return, this is your field guide to fixing the source and not just the symptom.

We start with the real drivers: LSI balance, high pH and alkalinity, rising water temperature, and hard fill water. Then we map a decision tree for action. Light carbonate haze? Use topical tile cleaners like Biodex 300 or Hasa Geyser, brush often, and protect coping and plaster. Moderate buildup? Add chelation and sequestration with Orenda SC-1000 to bind calcium and metals, and consider EasyCare Buildup and Scale Tec on surfaces to lift deposits for easier brushing. Heavy crust or zero reaction to acid? It’s likely silicate—skip the endless scrubbing and plan for professional bead blasting or soda media blasting to restore the tile fast and clean.

We also get tactical about manual methods that actually work when used right. Pumice is slow but safe on porcelain. Sharp razor blades, kept wet, can peel thick spillway scale quickly. Fine 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper can level stubborn ridges, with a careful hand. Prevention ties it all together: keep LSI in a non-scaling range, dose SC-1000 for maintenance, and brush the waterline weekly. If chronic scale still wins in hard-water regions, a device like AquaRex can reduce adhesion by changing crystal formation, especially on hot, wet spillways.

• causes of scale from high pH, alkalinity, calcium and heat
• acid test to distinguish carbonate vs silicate
• light, moderate, heavy carbonate levels and fixes
• topical cleaners and safe handling cautions
• sequestrants and chelants for ongoing control
• manual removal with pumice, razors, wet sanding
• when to hire glass bead blasting
• balancing LSI for prevention
• tile material choices that resist scale
• devices like AquaRex as supplemental help
• realistic maintenance cycles and costs

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Pool Safety Alert: Chemical Hazards You Must Know

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A clean pool should never cost a pair of lungs or a blown-up skimmer. We take you straight into the chemistry that turns everyday products into hazards—how waterlogged trichlor creates choking fumes, why a puck in the skimmer sends an acid slug through your heater, and the exact mixes that can explode with shocking force. With clear examples from the field and a sobering real-world fatality, we unpack what causes these reactions and show you how small changes in habit prevent big emergencies.

We break down the most dangerous pairings—trichlor with cal hypo, trichlor with liquid chlorine—and explain safer dosing strategies that rely on circulation and dilution in the full pool, not the skimmer or a five-gallon bucket. You’ll learn why calcium chloride must stand alone or it will cloud and crust your surfaces, plus how clarifiers and metal sequestering agents clash to make water milkier, not clearer. We also cover phosphate removers, overdosing pitfalls that flatten chlorine levels, and the foaming mess that follows heavy-handed enzyme or certain algaecide use—along with fast fixes and better habits.

Safety extends beyond the waterline. We outline storage and transport rules that keep acid and liquid chlorine apart in your truck and shed, reduce spill risk, and meet local compliance requirements. From opening unknown trichlor buckets without taking a lungful, to spacing chemical additions and ventilating work zones, these are practical steps any homeowner or pool pro can follow to avoid injuries, fines, and costly repairs.

• trichlor fume risks in wet buckets, feeders, and floaters
• why tablets in the skimmer damage heaters and stain surfaces
• explosive reactions between trichlor and cal hypo or liquid chlorine
• safe handling of calcium chloride as a standalone addition
• clarifier and metal sequestering agent conflicts that cause cloudiness
• phosphate remover timing and avoiding overdosing
• enzyme and some algaecide foaming and how to fix it
• storage and transport protocols to separate acid and chlorine
• city compliance, permits, and avoiding fines
• best practices for dosing in the pool vs in a bucket or skimmer

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War, Oil Prices, and Your Pool Route

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

When fuel prices climb and headlines turn gloomy, every pallet of chemicals, o-rings, and test kits you buy gets more expensive—and that cost lands squarely on your route. We peel back the layers of how inflation really moves through suppliers, distributors, and delivery trucks to your invoice, then lay out a calm, practical plan to protect your margins without torching hard-won client trust.

We start by mapping the signals: oil spikes push freight costs up, distributors pass those increases on, and chemical prices rarely fall once they rise. Pulling from the hard lessons of 2008 and the unique distortions of COVID-era stimulus, we explain why waiting for prices to drop is a risky bet. Instead, we outline a measured approach: calculate your true per-stop costs, choose a single, modest rate increase that covers summer volatility, and communicate it in plain English with clear dates and a steady hand.

From there, we talk through what changes on the ground. Elective installs and remodels slow first, tightening the future service pipeline and making new customer acquisition tougher. Some clients try DIY, meet sticker shock at the pool store, and realize the time and skill it takes to keep water clear through heat and bather load. Your edge is reliability. We share efficiency plays—tighter routing, fewer emergency runs, digital billing, smart stocking of fast-moving essentials—so you cut waste, not service quality. You’ll also hear when to cull unprofitable accounts, how to negotiate with suppliers, and the simple metrics to watch weekly so you act early rather than react late.

If you’ve been wondering whether to raise rates, how much, and how to say it without losing good customers, this guide gives you a script and a strategy. Subscribe, share with a fellow pool pro, and leave a review telling us: are you implementing one increase now or waiting to see where fuel lands next month?

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Microns & PPM: The Invisible World Inside Your Pool

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Ever wonder why your pool still looks hazy even after a long vacuum session? We unpack the tiny measurements that control big results: microns, which decide what your filter or cleaner can actually catch, and parts per million, which reveals how little chemical is truly in the water. With clear examples and real‑world comparisons, we connect the dots between filtration performance and precise dosing, so you can stop guessing and start dialing in clarity.

We break down filtration by what it really removes. Sand typically captures 25–30 microns, cartridge around 10–20, and DE as fine as 1–3. That matters because the human eye only sees down to roughly 35 microns, so much of what irritates owners is invisible unless your equipment can trap it. You’ll hear practical guidance on vacuum system bags (60 vs 200 microns), why pollen and algae dust pass through the wrong bag, and how robotic canisters vary—from Polaris “ultra fine” ranges to Dolphin fine filters reaching about 20 microns. We also spotlight a cartridge‑equipped vacuum solution that filters to 10–20 microns, a real upgrade for routes with silt, DE dust, and heavy pollen.

Then we translate PPM into plain language. One PPM is like one minute in two years: tiny. We show why five PPM of chlorine is not a chemical bath in 15,000 gallons, and how low pH—not chlorine—often causes irritation. You’ll learn why the industry anchors dosing to 10,000 gallons, how 8.34 pounds per gallon of water drives the math, and how this standard turns messy calculations into simple rules of thumb. We share easy dosing examples for alkalinity and stabilizer, and point you to calculators that tailor doses to any pool size without mental gymnastics.

• what a micron is and why it matters
• human eye limits vs filter capture
• sand, cartridge, and DE micron ranges
• vacuum bags for leaves vs fine debris
• robot canisters compared for fine capture
• when to use suction, pressure, or robots
• bottom feeder cartridge option for dust
• what PPM means in real pool doses
• why 10,000 gallons standardizes dosing
• simple alkalinity and CYA adjustments
• apps to calculate dosing by pool size

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Pool Heating Showdown: Gas, Electric, or Hybrid?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Want your spa hot in 25 minutes or your pool warm all season without crushing bills? We break down the real differences between gas heaters and heat pumps so you can pick with confidence. From wiring needs and gas line runs to BTU sizing and actual heat-up times, we translate specs into clear choices you can act on.

We start with the basics: why a gas heater delivers instant, on-demand heat while a heat pump pulls warmth from the air with far better efficiency. Then we look at the hidden costs of switching—dedicated 230-volt runs for heat pumps, new gas lines for heaters—and how those infrastructure moves can outweigh any small difference in utility rates. You’ll hear how climate shifts performance, too: gas stays consistent even in the 40s, while heat pumps shine in mild weather and can even chill overheated pools in summer.

If speed, recovery time, and cold-night spa sessions matter most, a properly sized 400,000 BTU gas heater is tough to beat. If steady comfort, solar integration, and long-term efficiency are your goals, a heat pump often wins on cost per degree. We also share practical notes on lifespan, maintenance complexity, footprint in tight pads, and noise. For anyone stuck between camps, we spotlight Pentair’s UltraTemp ETi High Performance Hybrid Heater—one cabinet with four modes: heat pump, gas, hybrid, and dual—so you get fast spa heat when you need it and efficient daily warmth when you don’t.

By the end, you’ll know which option fits your climate, budget, and space—and when a hybrid makes the decision effortless. If this helped you plan your next upgrade, subscribe, share the show with a pool owner who needs it, and leave a quick review to tell us your climate and what you chose.

• core differences between gas heaters and heat pumps
• installation needs for electrical lines and gas lines
• heating speed, BTUs, and real warm-up times
• operating costs, efficiency, and solar synergy
• climate impacts on performance and reliability
• footprint, noise, and recovery time on busy days
• regional patterns and practical recommendations
• hybrid heater modes and when to use each

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Why Some Pool Pros Choose Comfort Over Growth

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Growth sounds glamorous until the math, the hiring headache, and your calendar disagree. We dig into the real choices pool pros face: stay a sharp, profitable single poler or build a team and chase scale. Along the way, we unpack why the labor market has shifted toward gig work, how rising wages squeeze entry-level hiring, and what that means for route capacity, pricing, and your stress level.

I share the quiet obstacles that keep owners from adding a first tech—payroll setup, workers’ comp, trucks, scripts for client handoffs—and the fear that a new hire might walk, leaving you with 50 extra pools overnight. Then we pivot to a practical workaround used by savvy operators: partner with builders, service new pools for a year, and sell a partial route at a clean multiple. It’s a repeatable way to capture account equity, protect quality, and avoid the overhead of managing staff, all while keeping your book at a healthy size.

If your wiring favors systems and leadership, we also map a path to scaling well. That means hiring with a promise—training in a real trade, time off, competitive pay, and a future in repairs—so you can compete with Uber and Amazon Flex. With one solid tech you can double routes, with a second and a repair specialist you unlock higher-margin work and the chance to step back from daily skimming. Still, we’re honest about the tradeoffs of a multi-truck operation: more moving parts, quality drift risks, and the need for strong software, QA checks, and culture.

Whether you thrive with a tight 60-pool route and a side portfolio of real estate or dream of a 10-truck fleet, the win is clarity.

• labor market shifts to gig work and wage pressure
• barriers to hiring including payroll, comp and trucks
• income math for adding a tech and route capacity
• passing on new accounts versus smart partial route sales
• builder partnerships and one-year account valuation
• when personality fit favors staying small
• investing profits outside pool service
• how to attract hires with training and benefits
• benefits and strain of multi-truck scaling
• aligning goals, systems and local market

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The Dark Side of Pools: Black Algae Survival Tactics

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Black algae has a way of making even well‑kept pools look defeated. We dig into what it really is—cyanobacteria protected by a stubborn biofilm—why it laughs at normal chlorine levels, and how it burrows into plaster and Pebble Tec where a quick brush won’t touch the root. If you’ve spotted dime‑size black dots that keep coming back, this is your field guide to taking control without trashing your finish.

We share a step‑by‑step plan that starts with breaking the biofilm using the right tools: a small stainless steel brush for plaster and Pebble Tec, nylon on fiberglass, plus a stain eraser for tight spots. Then we layer in chemistry the smart way. Chelated copper (like PoolRx) provides steady background pressure, while targeted oxidizers finish the job. You’ll learn when granular trichlor is the fastest hammer on plaster, why it can burn colored finishes, and how to use calcium hypochlorite as a safer alternative—especially in cooler water where it lingers on the spot. We explain the tablet‑chunk method for cal hypo, why dichlor dissolves too fast, and how to broadcast without clumping to avoid stains.

For extreme infestations, we outline when a drain and chlorine wash beats an acid wash, the real‑world risks to aging plaster, and how commercial pools benefit from a full reset that also addresses high cyanuric acid. Prevention gets equal airtime: keep free chlorine from crashing to zero, hold 5 ppm or more during recovery, maintain chelated copper to deter regrowth, and stop cross‑contamination by dedicating brushes and nets to infected pools. We also highlight the early signs pros catch—pencil‑eraser dots on steps and crevices—so you can act before colonies spread.

• black algae as cyanobacteria with protective biofilm
• why worn plaster and crevices worsen colonization
• cross‑contamination from shared tools and how to avoid it
• copper as steady background pressure and limits
• trichlor granular for plaster and risks on colored finishes
• cal hypo as safer Pebble Tec option, tablet chunk method
• when to shock to 30–50 ppm and why
• extreme cases needing drain and chlorine wash, not acid wash
• prevention with chelated copper

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DE Filter Problems? Here’s How to Fix Them

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Tired of DE cleanings that turn into all-day projects and callbacks? We dive straight into the realities of servicing DE filters on a busy pool route and share a field-tested system that saves time, protects your back, and stops fresh powder from blowing straight back into the pool. If you’ve ever rebuilt a vertical grid assembly on a hot driveway and questioned your life choices, this one’s for you.

We start with the essentials: how DE captures down to about 3 microns and why that pristine clarity comes with real trade-offs. Then we map the filter landscape—quad-style elements, the common vertical grid assemblies from Pentair, Hayward, and Jandy, and the legacy horizontal units that still pop up. You’ll learn the crucial part differences, like the capped grids for Pentair’s 2000/4000 series versus standard open-top grids, so you order right and rebuild once.

From there, we get tactical. You’ll get a faster, cleaner method to service vertical grids: remove the top manifold, clean and inspect each grid one by one, flush the tank sockets as you go, and avoid the time sink of a full teardown puzzle. We also pinpoint the exact causes of DE blowback—missing or stretched stem o-rings, cracked manifolds, damaged air bleeders, mis-seated clips, and tiny tears that act like highways for fresh powder. Small rips aren’t harmless; they’re a guarantee of white clouds at the returns.

When it’s time to replace, we offer a clear plan. If three grids are torn, replace all eight. When manifolds look brittle or bleeder parts are missing, a complete grid assembly often costs about the same as piece-by-piece parts and installs in minutes.

• DE filtration advantages and messy trade-offs
• Quad vs vertical vs older horizontal designs
• Part differences between Pentair 2000/4000 and standard grids
• One-by-one grid cleaning workflow to prevent rebuild errors
• Risks of lifting the full wet assembly
• Causes of DE blowback and leak points to check
• When to replace torn grids and full sets
• Full grid assembly rebuilds for speed and reliability
• Three-year preventative grid replacement rule
• When to upgrade to a cartridge filter for easier service

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Best Tools for Pool Dirt Cleanup

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Dust doesn’t just cloud water; it wrecks schedules, clogs filters, and turns simple visits into expensive marathons. We break down three battle-tested ways to remove heavy dirt loads without touching the customer’s equipment, so you protect pumps, save water, and finish faster.

First, we put the Advantage Portivac 2.0 under the microscope. With a 1.5 HP pump and a 150 sq ft cartridge, this cart lets you vacuum to waste or safely recirculate back into the pool, keeping thousands of gallons on site across a season. It even doubles as temporary circulation when a pad is down. We outline real-world pros like strong, steady suction and huge dirt capacity, along with limits in leaf-heavy mixes and the light setup time you should plan for.

Next, we turn a leaf-focused vacuum system into a dust killer. The Bottom Feeder or Shrimp now supports a cartridge assembly that filters down to 20 microns. Start at 50 sq ft for about two pounds of dirt, or stack to 100 sq ft to tackle dust-storm loads over four pounds. The threaded mount makes swapping from cartridge to bag fast, so crews can move from silt to leaves without breaking stride. American-made Unicel media brings durability and predictable performance shift after shift.

Finally, meet the Vac Daddy with its vacuum-to-waste adapter, a compact setup that punches above its weight. Connect your discharge hose, set it on the deck, and move fine dirt out of the pool at remarkable speed without running through a filter. It runs corded or on a battery pack for tough access jobs, and while it’s not built for huge leaf piles, it shines for dust with minimal gear and maximum agility.

Choose Portivac for high-capacity recirculation and backup circulation, pick the Bottom Feeder cartridge kit to add true dust capture to your vacuum workflow, or deploy the Vac Daddy adapter when fast vac-to-waste is your edge. Prefer a discount? Call Advantage Manufacturing and mention David Van Brunt. If you want more practical tactics and support, subscribe, share the show with a fellow pro, and leave a review to help others find it.

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Scale or Corrosion: The Silent Destroyers of Pools

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Ever run your hand across pool coping and feel sandpaper? That texture tells a story about water that’s either starving for calcium or dumping it everywhere. We take you inside the Langelier Saturation Index—the tool that predicts whether your water will corrode metal and etch plaster or lay down crunchy scale on tile, heaters, and salt cells—and show you how to control it with confidence.

We start by anchoring the basics: calcium hardness sets the foundation, temperature shifts the baseline, and pH is your steering wheel. With live number walkthroughs, we show how a single quart of acid can flip a balanced pool into corrosive red, and how a high pH can nudge a system into scale even when everything “looks fine.” You’ll learn practical target ranges for plaster, fiberglass, and vinyl; why at least 150 ppm calcium is non-negotiable; and how to use alkalinity as a buffer to keep pH moves predictable. We also unpack TDS and salt’s quiet role in scale formation and why measuring them matters in real-world service.

If you handle startups, you’ll get a clear roadmap: set calcium early, keep alkalinity near 100 ppm, adjust pH in steps, and never add calcium chloride and soda ash or baking soda on the same day. We share field stories—from coral-like scale to rusted heat exchangers—that connect the dots between a drifting LSI and expensive repairs. Finally, we reset expectations: you don’t need a perfect zero. Aim for a safe green zone that rides seasonal changes without tipping into damage.

• why LSI predicts corrosion or scale
• calcium hardness as the baseline for balance
• temperature’s impact on the index through seasons
• using pH as the primary steering control
• safe targets for plaster, vinyl, and fiberglass
• live example calculations with app guidance
• startup priorities and minimum calcium levels
• alkalinity as a buffer and sweet spot near 100 ppm
• the danger of adding calcium and alkali the same day
• TDS and salt effects on scale risk
• field stories of etched plaster and crusted coping
• focus on ranges rather than perfect zero

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Pool pH Made Simple: Raise It, Lower It, Lock It In

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Fighting red eyes, cloudy water, or scale that keeps coming back? We unpack the exact chemistry that drives pool comfort and clarity, then give you a simple plan to control pH without wrecking alkalinity. You’ll learn why total alkalinity is the true pH buffer, how cyanuric acid and borates play supporting roles, and when to pick borax, baking soda, or muriatic acid to get fast, stable results.

We start with the essentials: what pH means for swimmer comfort, equipment protection, and chlorine strength. From there, we explain how high alkalinity blunts acid and traps you with rising pH, while low alkalinity removes the cushion and lets pH crash. We walk through smart targets for plaster, vinyl, and fiberglass pools, and show how trichlor tablets quietly push pH and TA in the background. If your salt pool drifts high, you’ll hear why turbulence from the cell accelerates pH rise and how borates at 50 ppm calm the swings while boosting chlorine performance.

Then we get practical. Skip the mess of soda ash and use 20 Mule Team Borax to raise pH cleanly with minimal impact on TA. Use baking soda only to raise alkalinity. When TA is sky-high, follow our proven cycle: create aeration with a submersible pump or water features, dose measured acid to lower TA, let turbulence lift pH back up without changing TA, and repeat until you’re in range. We also share dosing tips, why borates mean you’ll need a bit more acid, and how to set up a stable “buffer stack” that keeps water clear and comfortable.

• ideal pH targets for comfort and sanitizer strength
• corrosion risks at low pH and scaling at high pH
• alkalinity as the main pH buffer and target ranges
• cyanuric acid’s minor buffering and tablet effects
• borates at 50 ppm for pH stability in salt pools
• why muriatic acid lowers both pH and alkalinity
• why soda ash clouds water and spikes alkalinity
• borax as a cleaner way to raise pH
• baking soda for raising alkalinity only
• step-by-step aeration method to lower high alkalinity
• practical dosing notes and app recommendation

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Water Parameters That Actually Matter

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Your pool isn’t misbehaving—your targets are. We take you past vague “ideal ranges” and into precise numbers that keep water clear, equipment protected, and algae out for good. Starting with the seven essentials—pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature, TDS, cyanuric acid, and measured chlorine—we explain how each parameter supports the others and how to prevent scale or corrosion using the Langelier Saturation Index. You’ll hear why a steady pH of 7.5 and TA near 90 ppm form a stable base, how calcium should match your surface, and when TDS matters in both standard and saltwater pools.

The real unlock is the chlorine–CYA relationship. If you’ve ever watched algae bloom at 10 ppm chlorine, the missing link is cyanuric acid. We lay out Bob Lowry’s simplified approach: keep free chlorine at 7.5 percent of CYA for reliable sanitation, or 5 percent when borates are present. At 100 ppm CYA, that means aiming near 8 ppm FC; at 50 ppm CYA, about 4 ppm keeps water safer and clearer with less waste. Lowering CYA to around 50 makes daily control simpler, protects your budget, and avoids the trap of chasing “high” chlorine that still underperforms.

We also dig into borates as a practical upgrade. At roughly 50 ppm, borates act as an algistat, slow pH drift, and enhance clarity so chlorine lasts longer and works smarter. Pair borates with disciplined targets and an LSI calculator like the Arenda app, and you’ll stop reacting to blooms and start maintaining true balance. Whether you manage a service route or care for your own backyard pool, this walkthrough gives you a playbook: set firm targets, validate with LSI, align chlorine to CYA, and let borates shoulder the heavy lift against algae.

• pH at 7.5 for comfort and control
• Total alkalinity around 90 ppm to buffer pH
• Calcium hardness tailored to surface type
• Temperature and LSI to prevent scale or corrosion
• CYA at about 50 ppm for effective chlorine
• FC as 7.5 percent of CYA, or 5 percent with borates
• Borates at 50 ppm as algistat and pH buffer
• TDS as context, higher with salt systems

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The Truth About Liquid Pool Chlorine

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Sunlight, strength, and shelf life decide whether your chlorine dollars deliver crystal water or fade by Friday. We unpack the real-world playbook for using liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) as a primary sanitizer—what it is, how strong it should be, and why pairing it with the right stabilizer keeps free chlorine steady all week.

We start by clarifying the difference between commercial-grade liquid chlorine at 10 to 12.5 percent and household bleach at 5 to 8.25 percent. Then we get practical: how regional supply chains affect price and potency, why UV burns through unstabilized chlorine without 30 to 80 ppm of cyanuric acid, and how much FC you can expect to lose per day under ideal conditions. If you’ve ever shocked to 10 ppm and returned to a near-empty pool a week later, this explains it.

From there, we map clean strategies for pros and homeowners. Learn the advantages of using fresh liquid chlorine for fast, residue-free shock and algae control, plus where cal hypo and dichlor fit—and how their byproducts (calcium and stabilizer) change water balance over time. We show why sodium is the least disruptive contributor to TDS and how to handle saltwater pools when the cell is down. You’ll get clear storage guidelines to protect strength, buying tips to avoid old stock, and a simple hybrid plan: dose with liquid for control and use a few trichlor tablets to bridge the days between visits without spiking CYA.

• what sodium hypochlorite is and how it compares to bleach
• commercial strength vs household strength and why potency matters
• regional pricing, availability, and distribution effects
• unstabilized chlorine behavior and required CYA range
• weekly service limits and why chlorine fades between visits
• supplementing with trichlor tablets or a liquid feeder
• pros and cons vs cal hypo and dichlor byproducts
• shelf-life loss, storage best practice, and buying fresh
• algae control, shock tactics, and quick cleanup use cases
• the trichlor plus liquid approach to control CYA

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Myth vs. Reality: Pool Chemicals Edition

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Tired of pool rules that don’t add up? We peel back the layers on the industry’s most persistent myths and replace them with chemistry you can trust. From the “acid column” idea to the belief that liquid chlorine always drives pH sky high, we show where the logic sounds right and why the science says otherwise. You’ll learn how acid truly mixes on contact, why slugging can scar plaster and vinyl, and how to dose safely using circulation to your advantage.

We also tackle the big one: “chlorine lock.” Chlorine isn’t trapped; it’s either free, combined, or used. The real driver of effectiveness is the free chlorine to cyanuric acid ratio. Using the 7.5% guideline, you can set targets that outpace algae, save on unnecessary algaecides and shock, and keep water clearer with fewer surprises. We talk testing too—why relying on old OTO “flash” habits keeps you in the dark, and how FAS-DPD reveals what’s actually happening so you can correct fast.

Finally, we clear up confusion around safe swim timing. That 24-hour wait after adding chlorine? Not a rule of nature. It’s about how much you dosed, how well the water circulates, and where your CYA sits. Light dosing with proper CYA can be safe much sooner, while heavy shock may warrant patience. With muriatic acid, circulation and pH verification matter more than the smell—often making a 30–60 minute window reasonable for re-entry in large, balanced pools. Walk away with practical steps that protect surfaces, stabilize pH, and restore confidence in every service visit.

• acid column method risks surface damage and does not target alkalinity
• liquid chlorine raises pH briefly, then neutralizes as it oxidizes
• cal hypo truly raises pH, liquid chlorine trends near neutral net effect
• chlorine states: free, combined, and used chloride
• no such thing as chlorine lock, just high CYA slowing chlorine
• maintain free chlorine at ~7.5% of CYA for effectiveness
• accurate testing beats OTO flash tests for FC and CC
• safe swim timing depends on FC-to-CYA and circulation, not 24-hour rules
• acid disperses fast in running water; verify pH before re-entry

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Zero Chlorine? Here’s What’s Really Happening

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Chlorine keeps vanishing, the water looks fine, and your test kit keeps gaslighting you. We’ve all been there, and the fix isn’t “just add more.” I walk through the real reasons a chlorine pool refuses to hold a residual and the exact order to solve them: restore flow, clear the water, set cyanuric acid in the sweet spot, and only then fine-tune sanitizer. You’ll hear why torn DE grids, clogged cartridges, and starved runtime quietly turn your pool into a chlorine sink — and how a simple filter service can flip the script in 24 hours.

From there, we get into water quality and chlorine demand. Cloudy pools devour sanitizer until you shock, circulate, and clean the filter repeatedly. I unpack the CYA puzzle in plain language: too little and UV burns chlorine off by lunch, too much and chlorine goes sluggish. Using the 7.5 percent rule, we translate cyanuric acid numbers into real free chlorine targets, show when tablets push you past the line, and explain why a partial drain beats chasing a residual that won’t stick. We also spotlight the sneaky players: early-stage algae you can feel but not see, high bather load, phosphates that feed blooms, and nitrates that all but force a refill.

Finally, we cover real-world diagnostics that save time and chemicals. Learn the signs of a leak that keeps diluting your pool, why UV index changes how you plan runtime, and when to test for phosphates or nitrates before you waste another gallon of liquid chlorine.

• poor filtration and weak circulation causing rapid chlorine loss
• cloudy or green water driving extreme chlorine demand
• shock, continuous run, and filter cleaning restoring clarity
• cyanuric acid sweet spot and 7.5 percent rule
• high UV, low CYA, and fast burnoff
• high CYA making chlorine ineffective and when to dilute
• early-stage algae signs and decisive shocking
• bather load raising daily demand
• phosphates as algae fuel and removal strategy
• nitrates requiring drain and refill
• leaks diluting chemistry and tipping off with shifting levels

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No Chlorine From Your Salt System? Here’s Why

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Chlorine at zero and a control panel full of mixed messages can make any pool owner or service pro feel stuck. We break the problem apart step by step so you can restore steady saltwater chlorination with confidence, starting with the most common culprits and moving into the hidden faults that waste time and chemicals.

We start at the cell, explaining how thin scale films quietly choke production long before a “clean cell” warning appears, and the right acid‑wash ratios that protect plates. Then we put the panel’s salinity reading to the test with a handheld meter, outlining the true operating window of 2800 to 3500 ppm and why 3000 ppm is a practical sweet spot. You’ll learn how false low and high salt readings point to aging cells or sensors and what to expect from brands like Hayward and Pentair when their cells near end‑of‑life. Temperature gets its due as we show why most generators idle in the low 60s and how to bridge winter with a simple floater plan.

From there, we dig into hardware and hydraulics. Flow sensors, chewed wires, and bad switches can lock out generation, and a dirty filter or slow variable‑speed schedule starves the cell of activation flow. We share dependable RPM targets, filter habits, and placement tips to keep water moving through the cell safely. You’ll also hear a clear method to benchmark production: run one 24‑hour, 100 percent, high‑RPM cycle and measure the chlorine rise. That single test separates hardware failures from runtime math, letting you tune hours, RPMs, and output percentage to match pool size, sunlight, and bather load.

• dirty cell plates blocking current and how to clean safely
• verifying salinity with a meter and ideal ppm range
• recognizing false low and high salt readings
• temperature thresholds that shut down production
• expected cell lifespan and end‑of‑life signs
• failed sensors, chewed wires, and flow‑switch problems
• pump RPM, filter condition, and activation flow
• benchmarking output with a 24‑hour full‑power test
• dialing runtime and percentage to meet demand
• what to tackle next on water chemistry and stabilizer

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Best Tools for Pool Water Accuracy

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Tired of chasing the “perfect” pool water tester that does it all? We unpack the trade-offs behind the most trusted tools on a pro’s truck and show how to build a smarter testing system that saves time, reduces cost, and delivers accurate, defensible results.

First, we put the Lamotte SpinTouch under the microscope. It’s blazing fast and highly accurate across a wide panel of factors, making it ideal for commercial pools, startups, and tough problem jobs. We talk candidly about the price of the unit, single-use discs, and why it’s better as a specialty instrument than a daily driver. Then we compare practical alternatives—photometers like PoolLab 2.0 and ColorQ—highlighting their digital readouts, exportable logs, and dependable precision when you measure correctly.

Next, we move to the workhorse of most routes: Taylor reagent kits. We break down K‑2005 vs K‑2006, explain when higher chlorine ranges matter, and show how NSF-approved chemistry, low-cost refills, and quick workflows make these kits perfect for everyday pH, alkalinity, CYA, hardness, and chlorine checks. We also redeem test strips a bit: not as your core tool, but as a fast way to spot-check water and keep your day moving, especially for spas and quick visits.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, simple framework: use Taylor drops for daily baselines, deploy a photometer for monthly verification and recordkeeping, lean on SpinTouch for commercial compliance, startups, and problem diagnosis, and keep strips for rapid screening. This three-tool strategy balances accuracy, speed, and cost—and it strengthens client trust when you can show numbers, trends, and certifications to back your calls.

• the limits of a “perfect” water tester myth
• SpinTouch speed, accuracy, and cost trade-offs
• best use cases for SpinTouch on startups and commercial
• photometers as affordable digital accuracy with logs
• Taylor reagent kits for fast, daily baseline testing
• test strips for rapid screening and time savings
• NSF certification and why records matter for compliance
• a three-tool strategy to balance cost, speed, and precision
• how tool choice builds client trust and wins bids

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Algae Eating Your Profits? Fix It Fast

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Algae looks small, but it’s a budget killer. We pull back the curtain on how blooms steal minutes, erode customer trust, and rack up chemical costs across a route—and then we share a prevention playbook that keeps water clear and margins strong. From the real science behind sanitizer strength to practical field tactics, this episode is built to save you time and money while earning client confidence.

We start with the problem behind the problem: why algae shows up even when your free chlorine reads “good.” Using Bob Lowry’s guideline, we explain how cyanuric acid sets the true minimum for chlorine at 7.5% of CYA—and why high CYA quietly weakens sanitizer power. You’ll hear how pitted plaster, dead zones, and seasonal debris turn small lapses into recurring blooms, and how a consistent routine of weekly brushing, longer pump runtime, and clean filters locks down circulation so algae has nowhere to hide.

Then we get tactical with tools that punch above their weight. We compare three proven enhancer strategies: borates at 50 ppm to act as a natural algistat and boost chlorine efficiency, mineral technology like PoolRX to suppress blooms all season, and a one-two combo of enzymes plus phosphate removal to cut organics and starve algae. We also walk through pricing these as seasonal add-ons so clients fund prevention up front, while you reduce emergency shocks, callbacks, and frustration during peak heat.

To make the numbers real, we map the weekly and annual costs of fighting algae versus selling proactive protection, and we show how reclaimed time can add stops to your route. If you want fewer green surprises, clearer water, and happier customers, this guide will tighten your process and your profits.

• hidden costs of brushing, shocking and repeat visits
• customer trust risks when algae reappears
• why CYA sets the true chlorine minimum
• weekly brushing and targeting dead zones
• longer runtime and clean filters for circulation
• borates, mineral systems and enzyme plus phosphate control
• packaging enhancers as seasonal add‑ons
• cost math that justifies proactive prevention
• resources to deepen skills and scale routes

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Cal Hypo Explained: The Good, The Bad & The Calcium

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

What if your “quick shock” could bleach a liner, stain a step, or even trigger an explosive reaction in your feeder? We take a hard, practical look at calcium hypochlorite—cal hypo—and share how pros use it for powerful oxidation without piling on cyanuric acid. From real-world dosing to regional water chemistry, we map the choices that keep your pool clean and your surfaces safe.

We start with clarity on strength: why 73 to 78 percent cal hypo nearly matches a gallon of 12.5 percent liquid chlorine by output, and when that field rule of thumb—one pound to one gallon—makes sense. Then we get into the must-know risks: never mix cal hypo with trichlor or dichlor, don’t drop it on vinyl or colored fiberglass, and watch for copper-driven black stains on plaster when oxidation hits metals. You’ll learn how much calcium cal hypo adds, why pH temporarily rises, and how to think about LSI and regional hardness whether you’re in Southern California’s high-calcium zones or softer-water parts of Florida and Texas.

Because cal hypo is unstabilized chlorine, we set clear CYA targets—50 to 70 ppm—to protect it from UV burn-off. We compare cal hypo tablets to trichlor tabs, explain why they’re not one-to-one replacements, and detail the flow and temperature realities that make tabs dissolve too fast in hot markets. You’ll hear practical tactics: when to feed through the skimmer during a long run cycle, how to place broken tabs on stubborn algae in pebble or on step corners, and when to stage 25 or 50 pound buckets at the pad for easy, consistent care without hauling heavy jugs.

• comparing cal hypo strength to 12.5 percent liquid chlorine
• why mixing with trichlor or dichlor is dangerous
• calcium increase, pH impact, and regional hardness
• safe application by surface: vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, pebble
• metals and black staining risk with strong oxidation
• unstabilized chlorine strategy and ideal CYA levels
• cal hypo tablets vs trichlor tablets, feeders, and heat effects
• pro tips for algae on steps and in pebble crevices
• stocking, staging buckets, and practical route use

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Bob Lowry: Party-Ready Pools and Alkalinity Control

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Big bather load on the calendar and worried about cloudy water, itchy eyes, or a long recovery the next day? We brought in legendary chemist and educator Bob Lowry to map out a clean, simple plan that keeps your water clear and your sanity intact.

We start with the pre-party checklist: raise free chlorine a few ppm, add a measured dose of non-chlorine oxidizer, and keep the pump and filter running. Then comes the sleeper tactic that saves the most money and headache—pre-swim rinsing. Bob explains why sunscreen, deodorant, and lotions burn through sanitizer in the first minutes and how a quick rinse slashes chloramines, improves smell, and protects comfort.

The conversation then zooms into chemistry that often gets overlooked: cyanuric acid’s hidden impact on water balance. If trichlor is your workhorse, CYA climbs steadily, and your required free chlorine must climb with it—about 7.5 percent of CYA when you’re not using borates. Bob breaks down adjusted alkalinity (carbonate alkalinity), why you subtract about one-third of CYA from total alkalinity, and how a pool can be corrosive even when TA looks “perfect.” If CYA is sky-high, partial drain and refill beats chasing pH and TA forever.

Finally, we tackle a scary test result—pH near 5—and show the controlled fix: use soda ash to nudge pH, baking soda to build alkalinity, and aeration to finish the pH rise without clouding the pool or overshooting.

• Raising free chlorine and using non-chlorine oxidizer before guests arrive
• Keeping the pump and filter running during and after a party
• Why pre-swim rinsing slashes chloramine formation and chemical costs
• How trichlor drives cyanuric acid growth and chlorine demand
• Using 7.5% of CYA as the free chlorine target without borates
• Adjusted (carbonate) alkalinity and its impact on the saturation index
• Corrosion risks when CYA is high and TA looks “normal”
• Draining to reset CYA to a manageable range
• Lifting very low pH with soda ash, then building TA with baking soda
• Finishing pH rise with aeration to avoid overshooting
• Adding chemicals in thirds and retesting between rounds

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Bob Lowry Explains Trichlor Tablets and Pool Acid Cautions

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Think evaporation lowers cyanuric acid? Think again. We open the cover on persistent pool myths with help from the late Bob Lowry’s clear, data-driven explanations, and show how small assumptions can create big chemistry problems over a season.

First, we break down why CYA never leaves with evaporation—only pure water does. That means every trichlor tablet quietly stacks CYA week after week, often hitting 100 to 150 ppm in a single swimming season. We compare sanitizer byproducts in plain terms: trichlor and dichlor raise CYA, liquid chlorine nudges TDS via salt, and cal hypo increases calcium. You’ll hear practical numbers you can use on route, like how a gallon of liquid chlorine typically adds around 20 to 30 ppm salt depending on pool size, and how 65 percent cal hypo can add about 7 ppm calcium for every 10 ppm of free chlorine delivered.

Then we shift to acids. Muriatic acid remains the straightforward choice for lowering pH and alkalinity without adding sulfate. Dry acid, while convenient, introduces sulfate that can accumulate and lead to calcium sulfate scale—harder to remove than calcium carbonate and invisible to the LSI you rely on. We also cover why dry acid needs airtight storage due to deliquescence, how to approach dosing when total alkalinity runs high, and why older warnings about dry acid and salt systems don’t reflect current understanding, even if they persist in some manuals.

By the end, you’ll know how to choose the chlorine and acid strategy that fits your climate, hardness, and maintenance plan.

• evaporation removes only pure water, not CYA
• trichlor adds 6 ppm CYA per 10 ppm chlorine
• CYA rises 25 ppm per month at common usage
• water loss from draining or splash removes CYA
• liquid chlorine adds modest salt and TDS
• all chlorine types end as part of TDS
• cal hypo adds about 7 ppm calcium per 10 ppm FC
• dry acid introduces sulfate and hidden scale risk
• calcium sulfate scale does not show on LSI
• dry acid is deliquescent and needs tight storage
• high alkalinity often needs muriatic for easier control
• using dry acid with SWGs is acceptable per updated info

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Cal-Hypo and Black Pool Stains: Bob Lowry Explains

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

A black stain appears the moment cal hypo hits the floor—panic sets in. We unpack why that stain isn’t a new disaster but copper changing form, and how to turn a scary moment into a clean, controlled fix. With guidance from Bob Lowry, we break down the chemistry that matters, the tools that actually remove metals, and the habits that keep stains from returning.

We start with the copper story: how copper sulfate hides in plain sight until oxidation turns it into black copper oxide, and why ascorbic acid can lift the look without solving the load. Then we get practical. We compare sequestrants and chelants, explain why they degrade under chlorine, UV, ozone, and AOP, and outline two reliable removal paths: CuLator capture over days or a pre-filter loop that strips metals in hours. We also cover partial drain and refill strategies and the simplest operational safeguard—dissolving and distributing cal hypo instead of letting granules settle on the floor.

From there, we shift to living threats. Algae divisions add up fast, and by the time you can see it, a biofilm likely shields it from chlorine. We share a straightforward plan: brush to break the polysaccharide layer, raise sanitizer deliberately, and avoid the costly mistake of “waiting a week.” Finally, we tackle the health side that too many ignore: zero chlorine means no barrier against bather-to-bather disease transmission. People bring millions of bacteria into the water; residual sanitizer is the only real-time shield. If you do end up in water with no sanitizer, take a warm shower right away to reopen pores and rinse contaminants before they cause trouble.

• honoring Bob Lowry’s contributions to pool chemistry
• why cal hypo can turn hidden copper blue-green to black copper oxide
• pros and cons of ascorbic acid on stains
• how sequestrants work and why they degrade
• practical metal removal with CuLator and pre-filters
• safer cal hypo application and dosing tips
• algae growth math and biofilm protection
• brushing strategy to break polysaccharides
• risks of zero chlorine and disease transmission
• post-swim warm shower guidance for hygiene

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How the Pool Industry Can Lead in Water Conservation – Terry Arko

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The way we treat pool water is changing fast, and for good reason. Drought cycles, shrinking reservoirs, and tighter local rules are pushing the industry to prove it can deliver joy and safety while using far less water. We brought water expert Terry Arko back to chart a practical, field-tested path: smarter filtration, measured backwashing, proactive partial drains, and chemistry that prevents waste before it starts.

We start with the history many of us lived through—hosing decks, routine backwashes, full drains every few years—and track how modern droughts shifted the spotlight onto pools. Terry breaks down why a well-managed pool can actually use less water than the lawn it replaces, and how data helped the industry push back on blanket building bans. From there, we dive into the nuts and bolts: when to backwash based on pressure rise, why cartridges and multi-cyclone pre-filters extend cleaning intervals, and how recovery systems and RO trailers in hard-water regions preserve up to 90% of the water while resetting hardness, chloramines, and phosphates.

We also unpack a huge mindset shift—stop waiting for a crisis drain. Planned, partial water exchanges keep TDS and calcium in check and protect plaster, equipment, and budgets. On the chemistry side, we explore how overusing trichlor drives CYA up, forces higher chlorine demand, and speeds toward avoidable drains. Terry clarifies the softened water myth too: softeners don’t lower TDS, so balanced, softened fills can be safe and smart in hard-water markets. Add in smaller pool volumes where required and you get a blueprint that scales from a single backyard to millions of vessels nationwide.

• drought pressure shifting rules toward pools
• pools versus lawns on total water use
• new backwash standards and why they matter
• cartridge filters and pre-filters to cut waste
• recovery systems, ion exchange and RO trailers
• proactive partial drains to refresh water
• managing CYA, chlorine demand and TDS
• softened water myths versus TDS reality
• smaller pools and build restrictions
• stewardship mindset that protects the industry

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Bob Lowry’s Legacy In Every Backyard with Terry Arko

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The best pool chemistry advice is the kind you can use on your next route. We sit down with Terry Arco to share how Bob Lowry’s teachings are being refined into fast, field-ready training for residential service pros, plus a major update to the IPSA manuals that shaped a generation of technicians. If you’ve ever held chlorine at 3 ppm and still fought algae, or watched CYA granules sit on the floor in cold water, this walkthrough connects the dots between LSI, stabilizer, and free chlorine in a way that saves time and reduces callbacks.

Terry explains how a six-hour class became a tight, high-impact course based on Lowry’s 26-page Pool Chemistry for Service Pros. We unpack the three recurring challenges on most routes—water balance swings, misunderstood CYA behavior, and persistent algae despite “right” chlorine levels—and show how to solve them with clear targets and better testing. Expect actionable tips on managing LSI to avoid scale and corrosion, setting free chlorine relative to CYA and sunlight, and using aeration demos to see pH dynamics in real time.

We also highlight HASA’s stewardship of Bob’s work, including updated IPSA training manuals and a Spanish edition in progress, while honoring the way Bob bridged lab smarts with backyard realities. From liquid pool conditioner to phone calls returned, his legacy is practical chemistry that respects the craft and the clock. The 2026 schedule brings these condensed courses to major shows and regional events nationwide, so you can level up without losing a day on the route.

• Abridged course drawn from Pool Chemistry for Service Pros
• Focus on LSI for scale and corrosion control
• Practical CYA management tied to sunlight and chlorine strength
• Rethinking fixed free chlorine targets to prevent algae
• Demonstrations on aeration and pH behavior
• HASA stewardship of Bob Lowry copyrights
• IPSA manuals updated and Spanish versions in development
• 2026 training at Western, Southwest, Florida, Arizona, and Fresno events

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Upgrading Your Pool Tools for 2026

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Ready to make 2026 the year your route runs smoother, faster, and with less strain? We’re sharing the exact tools that pay you back in minutes saved and backs spared, plus how to pick the right version for your truck, your clients, and your local conditions.

We start with the true workhorse: your pole. Carbon fiber has become the smartest upgrade for daily service thanks to its lighter weight, stiffness, and durability. You’ll hear how Primate’s vertical lever locks and 3-piece reach let you cover most pools from one side while fitting comfortably in short beds. Then we break down the vacuum landscape. Riptide and Hammerhead remain the heavy hitters with reliable carts and power, but cordless heads like the Bottom Feeder and Shrimp now level up with a cartridge filter assembly that captures dirt down to fine microns while still gobbling leaves. If you want less setup and more clean, this change is a big win.

Next, we get practical about skimming and testing. The Piranha 2 quick-flip leaf rake edges out the Red Baron for its balanced lip and easy dumps that save precious seconds on every basket-empty day. For water chemistry, the LaMotte ColorQ 2X Pro 9 delivers photometer accuracy without Spin Touch pricing, and crucially adds copper and iron testing to diagnose staining and metals from fill water. We also cover a field favorite: the Multi-Torque socket set that turns stubborn filter lids into a quick drill job and keeps knuckles intact, plus the glove setup that protects hands year-round—light nitrile-coated pairs for daily work and long-cuff Atlas 772s for cold mornings.

• Carbon fiber poles with fast vertical locks and smart sizing
• Cart vacs vs cordless heads for debris and dirt pickup
• Bottom Feeder and Shrimp with cartridge filter assembly
• Leaf rakes compared: Piranha 2 quick-flip vs Red Baron
• Photometry: ColorQ 2X Pro 9 vs Spin Touch use cases
• Multi-Torque sockets for faster, safer filter service
• Hand protection: nitrile-coated gloves and cold-weather picks
• Discounts and part numbers to make buying easier
• Coaching and resource links for ongoing support

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Breaking Into Commercial Pool Service

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Ready to land commercial pool accounts without racing to the bottom on price? We break down exactly how to win bids with HOAs, apartments, and hotels while protecting your margins, your time, and your sanity. From first contact to long-term retention, this is a step-by-step guide to building a profitable commercial line that doesn’t drain your residential route.

We start with how decision-making works behind the scenes: HOAs need multiple bids, boards are volunteer-led, and property managers value reliable partners who make their jobs easier. You’ll learn why a concise, one-page proposal beats a 20-page packet, how to use SEO and targeted ads to get found for “commercial pool service” in your city, and what to say when you call management companies to be added to their bid lists. We also cover when to cold walk properties, how to read a neglected pool as your opening, and how to present outcomes—uptime, compliance, and clear communication—instead of just tasks.

Pricing is where most pros stumble. We explain the headache factor that should be baked into every commercial rate to cover inspections, chemistry logs, access issues, bather load spikes, late payments, and extra visits during heat waves. You’ll hear why HOAs are often more stable and faster to approve repairs than apartments, and how to set a hard price floor that keeps you out of unprofitable contracts. We dive into insurance and certifications too: typical two million liability requirements, when CPO is enough, when county certification is mandatory, and smart stopgaps if an inspector demands credentials on short notice.

• adding a headache factor to every commercial bid
• why HOAs pay more reliably than apartments
• how to get in via SEO, Google Ads, and cold calls
• using one-page bids for faster board decisions
• navigating two million liability limits and certificates
• county certification vs CPO and surprise inspections
• setting a price floor and when to walk away
• balancing visit frequency, capacity, and route design
• strategies for blind bidding and presenting value

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Why Verbal Pool Agreements Eventually Fail

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Confusion is expensive. We walk through the simple service agreements and targeted waivers that keep your pool business protected when jobs get messy, from green pool rescues to acid washes that carry real surface risk. Instead of relying on verbal promises, we show how a one-page agreement sets clear expectations, defines what’s included, and outlines billing, weather exemptions, and vacation pauses so surprises don’t turn into cancellations or chargebacks.

Green pools are a mystery until they clear, which is why a dedicated waiver matters. We break down language that covers pre-existing stains, partial stain removal, equipment failures under heavy runtime, and the reality that timelines vary. You’ll hear practical ways to avoid party-weekend disasters, plus a smart tactic: offer a small cleanup discount when the homeowner commits to ongoing service, aligning incentives and preventing post-cleanup algae callbacks.

Acid washes deserve special handling. We explain how to communicate risks like etching, streaking, roughness, and color variation, and why you must avoid hot or windy conditions. You’ll learn when to decline the work on cracked or fragile plaster, how to set honest expectations without guarantees, and how to protect your crew on tough weather days. We also outline when to move beyond waivers and hire a lawyer for HOA or commercial contracts, and how to keep residential paperwork simple, translatable, and effective—right down to optional price increase language tied to market shifts.

If you want fewer disputes and more trust, start with clear writing. Subscribe for more practical growth tips for pool pros, share this with a colleague who needs a template, and leave a review to tell us what clause you’d add next.

• reasons clear agreements reduce disputes
• how to introduce service agreements to existing clients
• green pool waiver terms that manage risk
• handling stains, equipment failure, and timing expectations
• acid wash risks, safe conditions, and no-guarantee language
• when to refuse an acid wash and recommend replastering
• when a true legal contract makes sense
• what to include in a basic service agreement

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The Truth About “Budget” Pool Customers

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Ever had a client say, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” while you stare at a rusted filter and a pump on life support? We’ve been there. This episode breaks down the real-world tactics we use to manage budget-conscious pool owners without sacrificing water quality, service standards, or our sanity. From aging equipment that “still runs” to two-hour runtimes in peak summer, we unpack where to accommodate and where to draw a hard line.

We start with the classic dilemmas: old pumps, rebuild-only requests, and short warranties that shift risk onto your shoulders. Then we move into strategy. We explain why automatic cleaners are a cornerstone of our business model, how they slash vacuum time and keep pools clean between visits, and what to offer when clients hate the look of hoses in a designer pool. We also tackle runtime math—why circulation beats chemical band-aids—and show you how to present costs and benefits in clear, simple terms that build trust.

We round it out with boundaries that protect both sides. You’ll hear our policy for DIY filter cleaning and how to handle missed cleanings without drama, plus the exact offboarding language we use when a client won’t align with the basics. The theme is simple: set expectations, document options, and know when to walk away. If 10 percent of your clients create 90 percent of your stress, pruning that 10 percent can make your route faster, cleaner, and far more profitable.

If you’re ready to streamline your pool service, reduce callbacks, and work with clients who value your expertise, this conversation lays out the playbook.

• defining budget-conscious clients and why they strain service
• examples of old equipment, rebuilds, and warranty limits
• bending where it helps versus where it harms
• runtime minimums and why chemicals can’t replace circulation
• automatic cleaners as a core business rule
• aesthetic objections and robotic alternatives
• DIY filter cleaning pitfalls and firm maintenance policies
• graceful offboarding scripts to avoid conflict
• the 10 percent rule for stress reduction

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Pool Route Tips You Can Use This Week

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Your route doesn’t have to be a grind. We unpack the simple habits that separate smooth, profitable days from chaotic ones, drawing on three decades of pool service experience to show how routine, timing, and smart planning eliminate headaches before they start. The heartbeat of the conversation is a reliable workflow: show up the same day and roughly the same time each week, then run the same sequence at every stop so nothing gets missed. We explain why dosing chemicals last prevents second-guessing, and how a quick look back for a chlorine floater catches mistakes. For safety, we share a small skimmer trick—run your hose over the deck into the skimmer so you won’t step into an open lid—and the mindset that keeps you from getting distracted in the first place.

We also talk timing strategy. Arriving while the pump is already running turns hidden problems into visible ones: slow leaks reveal themselves, cleaners that should be moving stand still, and cloudy water is obvious on sight. Starting early adds buffer and beats heat and wind, but it works best with respect for neighbors and homeowners. We cover quiet gear choices, like carbon fiber poles that won’t start a chorus of barking dogs, and route planning that avoids bedrooms and noisy yards at dawn.

Then we zoom out to route design and resilience. Build crossover so Tuesday and Thursday zones overlap, making last-minute checks or holiday stacking easy. Carry doubles of essential tools—two poles, two leaf rakes, two brushes—so a broken cam lock or a sunken vacuum head doesn’t stall your day.

• building a consistent weekly schedule clients can rely on
• creating a fixed on-site workflow with chemicals last
• preventing injuries around skimmers with simple safeguards
• arriving when equipment is running to spot issues fast
• starting early while avoiding noise and disturbances
• designing crossover in your route for flexibility
• doubling essential tools to avoid downtime
• timeboxing pump priming and troubleshooting to eight minutes
• resetting and returning with clarity to solve tough problems

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Pool Pro Pricing Guide: Are You Charging Enough?

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Prices are shifting, chemicals are spiking, and margins get squeezed fastest when your billing model hides the true cost of service. We unpack the 2026 State of the Pool Service Report from Skimmer and turn its data into moves you can make this week—clear regional benchmarks, smarter billing, and a simple plan to stop giving away chemicals.

For the full Skimmer 2026 Report: https://hubs.la/Q03_zvF80

We start with the numbers: average monthly service near 225 dollars in key Sunbelt markets, plus common rates for openings, closings, filter cleaning, and salt cell maintenance. Then we dig into why 76 percent of companies still prefer monthly billing and how it quietly stabilizes revenue compared with per stop invoicing. From there, we map a practical transition to a hybrid chemical model: tablets and shock billed to the client, specialty chemicals as pass-throughs, and a small maintenance dose included so most invoices stay steady while heavy-use pools pay their way.

Cash flow gets a boost with deposits on repairs and installs. You’ll hear why a 50 percent deposit or set booking fee reduces cancellations, funds equipment purchases upfront, and shortens the money gap on bigger jobs. We also share where pros are sourcing—Pool Corp and Heritage remain dominant thanks to price and availability—and how brand ecosystems differ by region, with Pentair leading in many Sunbelt markets and Hayward stronger on the East Coast.

We close with easy, low-friction price adjustments customers rarely fight: inch filter cleanings toward triple digits, align salt cell service with market averages, and keep monthly rates competitive for your area. If you want a resilient pool business, use data to guide your pricing, make billing transparent, and remove the profit leaks hiding in chemicals.

• Regional price benchmarks and what they mean
• Monthly billing versus per stop billing trade-offs
• When and how to charge for chemicals
• How to phase in tablet and shock billing
• Deposit policies that reduce risk
• Supplier and brand preferences shaping margins
• Smart, low-friction price increases

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The Real Benefits of Being a Self-Employed Pool Professional

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Ready to stop chasing every call and start running a business that serves your life? We dig into the mindset shifts and practical moves that help pool service pros say no to low-value work, set a four-day schedule, and price with real confidence. If you’ve ever wondered why your calendar is full but your bank account feels thin, this is the roadmap to flip that script.

We start by reclaiming time. Once you’re established, you can group stops, move misfit accounts, and even create a three-day weekend cadence that keeps you fresh. Then we get honest about pricing. Being the lowest bid doesn’t build a future; it builds fatigue. You’ll hear how to benchmark against your market, bid green pools without losing money, and align monthly rates with the true cost of service, travel, and expertise so every stop supports a healthy margin.

From there, we turn taxes from a headache into an advantage. Mileage vs. actuals, tools and chemical deductions, software and phone expenses, even qualified vehicle write-offs—paired with quarterly tax planning to avoid penalties and stabilize cash flow. We also break down why pro-grade gear and a dependable truck are not splurges but force multipliers that save your body, speed your day, and elevate client trust. Finally, we map out what to do with profit: reinvest to buy partial routes or bring on a tech, or diversify into rentals, index funds, or other small businesses that add passive income. The aim is simple—turn today’s hustle into tomorrow’s freedom.

If this conversation helps you think bigger about your route, your rates, and your future, follow the show, share it with a fellow pool pro, and leave a quick review to help others find it. Your next profitable decision might start here.

• shifting from all yes to selective work
• designing a four-day week with route changes
• pricing for margin not just volume
• tax benefits, deductions and quarterly payments
• investing in better tools and trucks
• turning profit into growth and passive income
• options to scale with employees or diversify

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Why Getting Paid Is Half the Job in Pool Service

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Cash flow shouldn’t depend on crossed fingers and polite reminders. We break down a practical system any pool service pro can use to get paid on time, reduce risk on green‑to‑clean jobs and equipment installs, and avoid the legal and reputation traps that sink small businesses. From the exact language to put in a one‑page service agreement to the moment you pause service on a delinquent account, you’ll hear a straightforward playbook you can apply today.

We dig into the limits of liens, why small claims can still leave you empty‑handed, and how aggressive collections can backfire with damaging reviews. Instead, we focus on prevention: deposits of 30–50% for installs and cleanups, card on file with clear authorization, and fast invoicing that closes the loop while goodwill is highest. You’ll learn why removing unpaid equipment can be illegal, how to negotiate partial payments without losing leverage, and where payment platforms differ on chargeback protection. Real‑world stories highlight the risks—stalled payments, reversed charges, and vanished pumps—and the simple policies that stop them.

Most importantly, we show how to read red flags before you start: properties in distress, unclear payers, landlords who won’t meet, and clients who can’t fund a deposit. With firm boundaries and consistent follow‑through, you protect your calendar, your margins, and your brand. If you’re ready to turn “I’ll pay soon” into predictable revenue, hit play, steal the templates, and get your time back. Subscribe, share with a fellow pro who needs stronger policies, and leave a review to tell us the payment rule you swear by.

• setting clear payment terms and a hard pause date
• why liens and small claims rarely return cash
• protecting online reputation while collecting
• using deposits of 30–50% to cover costs
• avoiding illegal removal of installed equipment
• choosing secure payment tools and fast invoicing
• reading red flags and trusting gut checks
• negotiating partial payments without losing leverage

Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com

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Can You Trust Pool Test Strips?

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Your pool test is only as good as the tool you choose—and the eyes reading it. We dive straight into the real-world trade-offs between test strips, reagent kits, and photometers, showing where “good enough” saves time and where precision protects plaster, budgets, and your reputation. You’ll hear how modern strips have improved, why big manufacturers now back them, and the simple reason human color matching still introduces error.

We walk through the key differences between ranges and exact numbers, using practical examples for chlorine, pH, and alkalinity. For everyday backyard pools, getting into the right band is often all you need to maintain clarity and comfort. For new plaster startups, commercial compliance, or tricky water, exact numbers matter—so we explain when to reach for a photometer like the LaMotte ColorQ or SpinTouch and how to weave precision checks into a weekly route without crushing your schedule.

Troubleshooting gets a spotlight. If chlorine keeps vanishing or algae won’t quit, phosphate and nitrate strips can surface hidden issues fast and point you toward the right fix. We also break down brand choices—AquaChek for easy readouts, LaMotte for range and pairing with meters, Taylor for consistency—and share tips on storage, reading technique, and smart timing. By the end, you’ll have a simple framework: use strips for speed and trend-checking, confirm with a photometer when stakes are high, and keep your workflow lean while your water stays dialed in.

If this helped sharpen your testing strategy, follow the show, share it with a fellow pool pro, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Got a testing hack or tool you swear by? Tell us and join the conversation.

• modern strip accuracy and human color limits
• ranges versus exact numbers for routine care
• when precision matters for LSI and compliance
• photometers as the gold standard for accuracy
• workflow: weekly strips with monthly precision checks
• problem-solving with phosphate and nitrate strips
• brand comfort: AquaChek, LaMotte, Taylor
• speed gains and practical storage and reading tips

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Salt, Stains, and Short Run Times: Pool Mistakes to Avoid

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Think a “low salt” alert means grab another bag? That assumption can wreck a salt system, corrode equipment, and leave you with a pool that won’t chlorinate. We break down the most costly mistakes we see on routes and at home—oversalting, starving circulation, and ignoring water levels—and share practical steps to keep water safe without wasting money.

We start with salinity. False low readings happen when cells are dirty, dying, or the water is cold. If the builder, startup tech, and homeowner all add salt without talking, levels can spike past 3400 ppm, shutting systems down and chewing through heaters and metal parts. Our fix: stop trusting panels and test with a digital salinity meter, document additions, and communicate clearly so no one double doses. Aim for 3000 to 3400 ppm and you’ll protect both water and gear.

Next, we tackle runtime myths. Cutting a pump to two or three summer hours invites cloudy water, algae, and higher chemical bills. We explain how variable speed pumps save power at low RPM, why longer runs can be cheaper than short bursts, and how to reset the conversation around safety and clarity. If a client insists on a shorter schedule, set expectations up front: more risk, more maintenance, and potential extra charges for treatments.

Then we confront the quiet killer—low water. Pros shouldn’t fill pools due to liability and lost time. Instead, shut equipment down when levels drop and coach clients to keep water mid-skimmer or tile midpoint. Skipping top-ups can cook pumps, melt plumbing, and turn a simple visit into an emergency repair. Tie behavior to costs so homeowners see the real stakes and act before damage occurs.

Finally, dirt is not just dust—it stains. Soil carries metals and organics that etch plaster when left all week. A suction side cleaner protects surfaces by vacuuming daily, cuts manual labor, and keeps pools brighter between visits. We share a simple demo strategy that lets results sell the upgrade.

• Why panels show false low salt and how to verify with a digital meter
• Safe salinity targets and corrosion risks above 3400 ppm
• Communication tactics to prevent double salt dosing
• How to frame runtime around water safety and clarity
• Variable speed logic explained in simple terms
• Why pros shouldn’t fill pools and how to avoid liability
• The real costs of low water levels on pumps and plumbing
• Dirt’s staining properties and the case for suction cleaners
• Demo strategy to help clients see all-week cleaning benefits

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The Truth About Chem Costs and Pool Service Rates

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Prices at the supply house keep climbing, and chlorine isn’t bouncing back to 2016. We dig into the real reasons chemical costs surged 100–160% in just five years—pandemic shocks, the Biolab fire, transportation and regulatory pressures, payroll hikes—and why those forces keep a firm floor under today’s pricing. From tabs and liquid chlorine to cal-hypo and specialty products, we connect the dots between market dynamics and the margins on your route.

Then we get practical. You’ll hear how to stop absorbing chemical costs without alienating good clients: move trichlor tablets out of your monthly rate, bill a 50‑pound bucket upfront, or use a one-time halfway subsidy to transition. We outline when to charge for shock events, how to set a seasonal algaecide or conditioner fee for enzymes and phosphate removers, and how to document usage so problem pools don’t sink your profits. If a timer fails, a party trashes the water, or the system sits in spa mode, you’ll have a clear, fair policy ready to go.

Finally, we walk through the pricing math that calms nerves. A $10 monthly increase across an average route can more than offset one or two cancellations, and small annual bumps are easier for customers to accept than sporadic leaps. We share language for a simple rate letter grounded in facts—chemical inflation, fuel, payroll—and a framework for tracking costs per account so you know when to adjust. The result is a service business that stays profitable, transparent, and sustainable, even when chlorine keeps inching up.

• structural reasons chlorine prices stay elevated
• why bundling tabs and shocks destroys margins
• options to bill tablets upfront or split the first bucket
• when and how to charge for shock and specialty chems
• using a seasonal algaecide or conditioner fee
• the math and mindset for small annual price increases
• writing a clear, honest rate increase letter
• handling pushback and customer churn without panic
• tracking costs per account to spot problem pools
• links to more episodes and coaching resources

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Ask the Pool Guy: YouTube Q&A

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Tired of white dust on your dark pebble finish, shredded filter media, or the stress of a sudden cold snap? We dig into the practical, money-saving tactics that keep pools clear and equipment safe, backed by decades in the field and feedback from real service routes. You’ll hear exactly why pressure washers and cartridge filters don’t mix, plus the simple nozzle upgrade that speeds cleaning without wrecking pleats.

We unpack calcium scale on pebble interiors with a plan you can actually use: manage the LSI slightly on the corrosive side to limit scale formation, lean on the Orenda app to get the math right, and use a sequestrant like EasyCare Butech for added protection during new-surface break-in. When deposits set hard, we explain why acid washes disappoint and why professional media blasting is the dependable reset—along with realistic costs so clients aren’t blindsided.

Cold weather throws another curveball. Freeze protect typically kicks on around 37 degrees and can run pumps for days without harm, but power outages are the real danger. We share a simple emergency checklist—from opening drain plugs to pulling salt cells—and why a standby generator is the best insurance in deep freezes. We also spotlight a patent-pending cartridge assembly for the Bottom Feeder and Shrimp vacs that captures 20-micron debris, transforming fine-dirt cleanups. To cap it off, we clarify how to get the most from suction-side cleaners: leave them in, let variable speed schedules do the work, and avoid hose memory by storing lines straight during parties.

• why pressure washers damage cartridge filters and safer nozzle options
• how LSI management reduces scale on dark pebble finishes
• when to use sequestrants and when blasting is the only fix
• realistic costs and cadence for bead blasting pebble interiors
• how freeze protect works and what to do during power outages
• a cartridge add-on that lets portable vacs capture fine dirt
• best practices for leaving suction cleaners in and scheduling run time

Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and direct support. Learn more at Swimmypoollearning.com

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Why Your Pool Pump Isn’t the Problem — Your Filter Is

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Clear water starts with the right filter, not a monster pump. We dive into the real drivers of pool clarity and ease of maintenance, showing why filter sizing determines circulation, energy use, and how often you clean. If you’ve battled cloudy water, sluggish skimmers, or a cleaner that crawls, the culprit may be a filter that’s too small for your pool and conditions.

We break down how different filters behave under load. Large cartridge filters spread debris across big surface area, keeping PSI stable and flow strong for months. DE and sand deliver great clarity but show faster performance drop-offs as dirt builds, making the pressure gauge your best early warning. You’ll learn clean PSI baselines, the 10 PSI rule for action, and when a quick backwash can restore flow. We also map practical sizing: for around 15,000 gallons, a 300 to 400 square foot cartridge, a 60 square foot DE, or a 300 to 400 pound sand filter is a smart starting point.

Pump horsepower isn’t the hero for every filter. Sand filters often perform worse with oversized pumps, while large cartridges can take advantage of higher flow without choking. We share field stories, from a 15,000-gallon pool that ran beautifully for years on modest pumps thanks to a 420 square foot cartridge, to the chronic struggles of above‑ground kits saddled with tiny 25 to 50 square foot filters. The message is simple: size the filter generously for your gallonage and lifestyle, track your clean PSI, and prioritize circulation as much as filtration. Your reward is clearer water, less maintenance, and a system that’s far more forgiving during storms, parties, and heavy pollen weeks.

• why circulation matters as much as filtration
• how undersized filters choke flow and raise PSI
• cartridge vs sand vs DE behavior under load
• reading clean PSI and spotting 10 PSI rise
• when to backwash and when to clean
• recommended sizes for 15k and larger pools
• why sand dislikes oversized pumps
• tandem cartridges and large-pool strategies
• above‑ground kit pitfalls and upgrades
• bigger filter equals fewer service visits

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Cart vs Cordless: Which Pool Vacuum Is Best?

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Heavy leaves or fine dust—what’s slowing you down? We break down the real-world tradeoffs between the most popular pool vacuum systems so you can match the right tool to every stop and cut your cleaning time without cutting corners. Drawing on years in the field, we compare Riptide and Hammerhead cart rigs, the updated Power Vac handheld, and the ultra-portable Bottom Feeder and Shrimp. We also spotlight the Vac Daddy’s secret weapon for vacuum-to-waste jobs and explain how bag micron choices and cartridge filtration can completely change your results on dusty routes.

We start with carts and cords, looking at why Riptide’s intake shape delivers massive pull and how its rugged head and locking bags boost durability—while adding weight and tougher bag removal. Hammerhead counters with nimble balance and faster maneuvering thanks to its center wheel and lighter feel. From there, we explore battery options, cord lengths, and mounting solutions like T-bar receivers that let you carry multiple carts and gear without cramming the truck bed.

Then we get practical about portables. Bottom Feeder and Shrimp turn speed into a strategy: flip the switch, drop in, and clean routine pools quickly with no cord management. With the cartridge filter assembly grabbing down to fine dirt, these compact tools can outperform expectations on dusty pools and tight decks. We compare micron ratings across bags, share the sweet spot that balances leaves and silt, and lay out when a cartridge wins over a small-micron bag. Finally, we carve out space for the Vac Daddy, which excels as a lightweight vacuum-to-waste solution that can replace bulkier portable filtration when you need to bypass the filter fast.

• pros and cons of cart vacuums versus portable systems
• riptide power and durability trade-offs
• hammerhead balance and maneuverability
• power vac handheld update and availability
• bottom feeder and shrimp portability and runtime
• cartridge assembly for fine dirt capture
• bag micron choices and performance
• vac daddy use case for vacuum-to-waste
• recommended two-tool setups for full coverage
• how route conditions should drive the purchase

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Normal Pool Behavior vs Real Problems

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Ever heard a variable speed pump scream for a minute on a cold morning and wondered if the motor is toast? We dig into the real-world signs that separate normal quirks from costly failures, sharing field-tested ways to read noises, clouding, and pressure spikes without overreacting or replacing parts you don’t need.

We start with cold-start pump behavior and why grease viscosity makes a VS motor squeal briefly in chilly weather, then move to the mess that follows a season’s first rain. You’ll learn why that initial storm dumps more dirt and organics, how dilution erodes free chlorine, and the fastest way to recover with targeted shock, brushing, and filter management as PSI climbs. From there, we unpack the “DE sneeze” that can puff powder back through returns after a filter clean, what’s normal for quad DE designs, and how to protect sensitive hardware like pressure-side cleaners, salt cells, and in-floor systems by checking screens and flow paths.

Air in the pump lid gets its own spotlight. We explain the small bubble you might see at low RPM, how to test system tightness at full speed with the air relief open, and where suction-side leaks actually hide—lid O-rings, unions, valve stems, threaded fittings, and bleeder assemblies. You’ll get practical fixes to stop drain-back, improve priming, and extend motor life. Finally, we cover chemical odor safety. Acid and chlorine carry expected smells, but a wet trichlor bucket or feeder can create a dangerous gas mix. We outline safe opening steps, storage tips to keep tablets dry, and simple habits that protect your lungs and your route.

• Cold-start pump squeal that fades in minutes in low temperatures
• Cloudy water and debris spikes after first seasonal rain
• Shock levels to recover diluted chlorine and haze
• DE and cartridge “hiccup” on startup and how to manage it
• Protecting pressure-side cleaners and in-floor systems from blowback
• Air in pump lids at low RPM versus real suction leaks
• Diagnosing drain-back and hard-to-prime systems
• Chemical odor basics and trichlor gas hazards
• Practical steps for safer storage and opening unknown tablet buckets

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Why Dog Pools Are Never “Balanced”

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Clients adore their dogs, and many let them swim daily. We get real about what that means for your route: higher bather load, stubborn scum lines, clogged filters, and chlorine that seems to vanish overnight. Instead of fighting the habit, we show you how to build a resilient service plan that keeps water safe, controls algae pressure, and protects your margins without overpromising on crystal clarity that won’t last.

We break down three levels of dog use—from paw-dipping to full-on pack swimmers—and how each one shifts your approach. You’ll learn the practical deterrents that actually work when owners want fewer swims, like blocking step entry with a lounge chair or adding mesh barriers, plus the safety caveats around blankets and nets. Most importantly, we map out a chemistry toolkit tailored for canine-heavy pools: borates around 50 ppm to stabilize and slow algae, enzymes to chew through oils and reduce tile line buildup, and phosphate remover to cut algae fuel. If you’re considering mineral systems like PoolRx, we explain when to install them and why timing matters to avoid hair discoloration under high chlorine.

Expect shorter lifespans for cartridges and grids, tighter cleaning intervals, and messier tear-downs that justify premium pricing. We show you how to present these changes to clients with transparent scripts that align expectations, normalize extra charges for chemicals and cleanings, and keep relationships positive even when the water can’t stay showroom clear.

• defining levels of dog usage and impact
• simple ways to block step entry when owners agree
• setting a realistic visual baseline for water quality
• borates for stability and algae resistance
• enzymes and phosphate remover for oils and clarity
• timing mineral systems to avoid hair discoloration
• higher chlorine demand and on-site cal hypo
• accelerated filter cleaning and replacement cycles
• transparent pricing for added chemicals and labor
• resources for more training and support

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Pool Service Vacation Rules Every Pro Should Know

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Want a pool service schedule that actually lets you take time off without losing momentum or money? We break down a practical framework for solo operators and small teams to reclaim rest, reduce burnout, and keep customers happy year-round.

We start with the hard truth: summer time off is risky. Heat, bather load, and algae pressure make July and August the most fragile weeks on a route. Then we flip the script and show you how the 48-weeks model lets you plan four weeks off across the year while billing monthly with confidence. You’ll learn how to bank those fifth service days that pop up on the calendar, turn them into smart breaks, and present the logic clearly to clients who care about consistency and value.

From there, we get tactical. We outline how to build a four-day work week that preserves Fridays for repairs, filter cleans, and green-to-clears, giving you three real days of recovery. You’ll hear how to stack pools to engineer long weekends—moving Thursday and Friday stops earlier in the week—so every account still gets serviced and you still get away. We dig into customer communication, too: who needs a heads up when you shift a visit, who doesn’t, and how to avoid creating confusion with clients who only care that the water is clean.

Timing matters, so we map out the best windows for vacations in year-round markets: March and April, late September, and October, plus the low-attention week between Christmas and New Year’s. We also talk through holiday logic for the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day, and why weekends should be sacred to protect your mental energy.

• aligning time off with seasonal demand
• using a 48-weeks service model to bank days
• adopting a four-day route with a flex day
• stacking pools to create long weekends
• deciding which clients to notify and how
• choosing vacation windows in spring and fall
• handling holidays with simple logic
• avoiding weekend work to prevent burnout
• setting annual schedules and service terms

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The Right Way to Clean Heavy Debris Pools

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Leaves don’t just make a mess, they steal your time, stress your body, and starve your margins. We break down a clean, repeatable system to handle heavy debris pools without burning out: what to avoid, what to automate, and where to invest so your route stays profitable even when the wind goes wild.

We start with selection strategy—why a mature business doesn’t need every account—and how saying no to chronic leaf traps can raise your average hourly return. Then we dig into gear that does real work between visits. The Pool Skim turns a return line into a secondary skimmer with a debris bag, pulling leaves off the surface before they clog the basket. Pair that with a reliable solar surface skimmer like the BETTA to keep the top clear all week. Together they stabilize flow, protect pumps, and reduce chlorine burn, making water balance easier and saving you emergency trips.

Next, we get tactical about the source: tree trimming. It’s not glamorous and trimming day can be messy, but the payoff is dramatic. We share the exact client framing that works—reduced equipment risk, fewer algae blooms, and more consistent clarity—and when to recommend it. From there, we set firm time caps per stop and outline how to price for debris-heavy service tiers. If a client wants pristine results after a storm, we show you how to quote it confidently and stick the landing without resenting the account.

Finally, we dive into tools that transform post-wind cleanups. Strong poles like Skimlite or Primate and large-mouth rakes like Purity Pool’s Red Baron or Gator handle bulk removal.

• choosing which pools to keep as you grow
• pool skim as a secondary skimmer on return lines
• solar surface skimmers for daily debris control
• tradeoffs in cost, looks, and reliability
• client education on tree trimming and equipment risk
• time limits, pricing tiers, and boundaries
• windstorm prep with strong poles and large leaf rakes
• cordless and cart-based vacuum systems compared
• ROI, route efficiency, and reducing strain
• links to more podcasts and coaching resources

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Pool Service Bidding Rules Every Pro Must Follow

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Saying yes to every pool is the fastest way to burn out your route and your margins. We break down a practical bidding system for weekly service, green pool cleanups, acid washes, and installs that protects your time, sets clear expectations, and helps you win the right work at the right price.

We start with the mindset shift: only bid work you’re ready to start. From there, we walk through a thorough site assessment that treats each pool like a home inspection—surface condition, equipment health, tree cover, access, and debris patterns all factor into time-on-site. You’ll hear why a strict no‑touch rule during bids prevents costly blame games, plus how to read client fit by talking through expectations before you ever pick up a pole.

Next, we get into pricing mechanics. Set a realistic baseline for an easy pool and scale up for gallons, complexity, and seasonal load. Ditch the “it evens out across my route” myth—each account must carry its true cost. We share a simple script for correcting an underbid without losing the client: own the mistake, explain the time gap, and offer a clear path forward. For green pools, we recommend tiered severity and a built‑in cushion to cover surprise revisits and chemical demand. For repairs and installs, use flat fees with adders for tight pads and re-plumbing so you get paid for both the job and the opportunity cost.

By the end, you’ll have the tools to bid with confidence, avoid troublesome accounts, and charge prices that reflect your expertise. If you’re landing every quote, you’re likely underpriced; aim to win fewer, better jobs that pay fairly and keep your schedule sane.

• committing to jobs you actually want
• assessing surfaces, equipment, debris, and access
• meeting clients and gauging fit
• no‑touch policy during bids to avoid liability
• building a baseline rate and scaling by time
• raising underbids with direct, honest language
• pricing green pools with a 20 percent cushion
• flat‑fee installs with adders for complexity
• focusing on opportunity cost and sustainable margins

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Stop Chasing Fine Dirt: Bottom Feeder Cartridge Filter Assembly 2.0

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Dust lines, cloudy steps, and second passes with a manual vac eat time and profit. We tackled the root problem—fine debris slipping through bags—and put the Bottom Feeder Cartridge Assembly Kit 2.0 to the test. The result is a portable vacuum that captures down to about 20 microns without losing thrust, letting us collect leaves and silt in one run while keeping maneuverability in tight spaces like spas and benches.

We break down why micron bags hit a wall as they load with dust, forcing water to bypass and spit from the bottom, and how a pleated cartridge changes the physics. The kit’s reverse-flow, fully sealed canister uses a Unicel C9405 element to lock debris in the core, so nothing escapes when you lift it from the pool or move to a spa. Its compact size keeps the cleaner balanced and easy to handle, yet it still holds around a pound of dirt—enough to handle multiple dusty pools before a rinse. For heavy leaf jobs, the threaded halo lets you swap from cartridge to bag in seconds, so you can adapt on the fly.

Expect no noticeable power drop compared to a bag; the Bottom Feeder and Shrimp keep full pull, and the five-inch throat on the Shrimp pairs especially well with the cartridge on top. When you add up fewer repeat visits, no manual vac setups, and longer intervals between cleanings, the ROI is clear—and the water clarity your clients see is even clearer.

• fine dirt limitations of micron bags
• cartridge filtration down to ~20 microns
• Unicel C9405 compact specs and build
• reverse-flow sealed canister design
• capacity around one pound of dirt
• when to use bag versus cartridge
• maintenance tips and storage basins
• thrust, balance, and power retention
• price point, savings, and ROI
• how to buy and available discount

Use code DVB100 to save $100 on the Bottom Feeder or Shrimp at thebottomfeeder.com.

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When “One More Pool” Isn’t Worth

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Ever wish you could drop a problem account without triggering a one-star review? We dig into a step-by-step method for ending service gracefully, using clear language, respectful timelines, and smart psychology to leave on good terms and protect your reputation. If you’ve battled heavy debris, unpredictable seasonal leaf drops, or customers who won’t fix failing equipment, this guide lays out exactly what to say and when to say it.

We start with the real reasons pros let accounts go—bad access, nonstop leaves, heavy use, and chemical instability—and then show how to frame the exit around route consolidation instead of blame. You’ll hear why “I’m out of your area” backfires, how a simple 30-day notice cools emotions, and how giving space can nudge reluctant owners to finally replace worn-out pumps and filters. We talk through the psychology of timing, the difference between standards and excuses, and the surprising power of leaving the backyard spotless on your way out.

We also tackle sales and reputation risks most service businesses overlook. Ghosting leads and failing to deliver bids are magnets for angry reviews, so we share a clean solution: price high to reflect true effort when a pool isn’t a fit. If they accept, your time is covered; if they decline, your brand stays intact. Finally, we cover when to refer a pool, when not to, and how small account bundles can be sold responsibly to tighten your route.

If you’re a pool service pro aiming for fewer headaches and stronger reviews, this playbook will help you exit with confidence and keep referrals flowing. Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share with a fellow pro, and leave a review to tell us your smartest exit move.

• main reasons to drop an account
• consolidation as a respectful exit script
• avoiding “out of area” excuses
• handling customer neglect with timelines
• using pricing to filter unwanted bids
• answering calls and delivering bids to guard reputation
• giving 30 days’ notice and leaving the yard tidy
• when to refer, when not to, and why
• selling small account bundles realistically
• psychology that reduces review risk

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Stop Driving, Start Earning: Building a Tight Pool Route

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Driving less can be the biggest raise you give yourself. We dive into how to tighten your pool service route so every mile worked actually pays, from drawing smarter borders to pruning outliers and building compact days that feel smooth even when things go sideways. You’ll hear a clear framework to map clusters, create crossover paths for flexibility, and avoid the trap of taking “just one” out-of-area account that costs you twice in time and stress later.

We get specific about choosing corridors and neighboring cities that balance workload after winds or storms, so you don’t get crushed in one zone while another sits clean. You’ll learn how to handle sensitive account changes with simple, client-friendly language, and how to partner with nearby pros to swap or transfer accounts without burning goodwill. We also break down when it makes sense to buy a small, tight route inside your target area, then sell or let go of far-flung pools to compress your map fast.

To keep the pipeline aligned with your plan, we share practical tactics for targeted Google and Facebook ads, neighborhood canvassing, and a disciplined lead filter that protects your borders. The result is a schedule designed by intent, not chance: day-specific clusters, predictable drive times, and time saved that turns into higher margins or earlier finishes. If you want to earn more by driving less—and keep your sanity when the winds kick up—this conversation gives you the playbook. If it resonates, subscribe, share with a fellow pro, and leave a quick review to help others find it.

• mapping current accounts into clusters
• designing crossover days for flexibility
• setting borders and pruning outliers
• diversifying cities to balance wind and debris
• smooth client transfers without drama
• partner swaps and mini-route purchases
• targeted ads and saying no to bad-fit leads
• day-specific scheduling that saves time

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You’re Driving Past Profit: Hidden Revenue on Your Pool Route

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Ready to grow your pool business without adding long days or heavy labor? We break down a simple strategy to boost revenue using services already hiding along your route: hot tubs, water features, chemical-only tiers, and filter cleanings. With clear systems, tight pricing, and smarter routing, you can turn five- to seven-minute stops into reliable income and keep your energy high all week.

We start by sizing the opportunity around hot tubs and share a practical spa maintenance system: program consistent circulation, choose a primary sanitizer you can replicate at scale, and use compact cordless vacs for quick debris removal. You’ll learn why a mineral plus bromine floater pairs well with occasional liquid chlorine shocks, how to set a filter rinse cadence, and what to charge for standalone spas versus pool-and-spa bundles. For technical breakdowns like heaters and leaks, we explain how to partner with local specialists so you stay focused on maintenance and margins.

From there, we move to water features and fountains—another fast, visible win. We cover vacuum tools that work in shallow basins, why dichlor plus liquid chlorine beats trichlor in small systems, and how to price by size and time. Then we map out chemical-only service tiers clients love: from pure chemistry checks to baskets, skimming, and brushing. These short visits slot neatly between full-service pools, smoothing your day while lifting revenue per hour. Finally, we show how filter cleanings can be marketed as stand-alone work that often converts into full-service accounts, with fair pricing for quad-cartridge and DE systems and simple upsells when parts are worn.

• sizing the hot tub market and standardizing spa care
• setting spa runtime and picking a sanitizer system
• fast service flow, vacuum choices, and filter rinse cadence
• pricing standalone spas and bundling with pool service
• partnering with specialists for spa repairs
• adding water features with dichlor and liquid chlorine
• building chemical-only tiers to smooth the route
• selling filter cleanings that convert to weekly accounts
• route design to avoid out-of-area stops and wasted time

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Small Truck: When Going Compact Makes Sense

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The truck you drive can either protect your margin or quietly drain it, and most pros overestimate how much vehicle they really need. We walk through a practical, field-tested approach to choosing a pool service rig that balances chemical safety, daily ergonomics, and total cost of ownership. From compact cars with hitch carriers to mid-size workhorses and full-size comfort machines, we talk through what actually matters when you’re loading chlorine, parking in tight neighborhoods, and making 20 stops before lunch.

We dig into the real math on electric trucks versus gas and hybrids, including purchase price gaps, charging costs, and how route mileage affects payback. You’ll hear why an open bed often beats a van for chemical service, when a van still wins for repairs, and how to avoid carrying excess liquid that degrades in the sun. We compare fuel economy between popular models, call out the surprise benefits of lower bed rails and shorter wheelbases, and share tips for keeping your truck organized without hauling a rolling warehouse.

Reliability can swing more by model year than by badge, so we share a simple research process: check year-specific issues, confirm recall work, and look for warranty extensions on known components. Brands like Toyota and Honda often lead on dependability, but you should still verify the exact year you’re buying. By the end, you’ll have a clear checklist for test drives, load planning, and making a smart buy that fits your route, budget, and body. If this helped you think differently about your work truck, follow the show, share it with a fellow pro, and leave a quick review so others can find it.

• weighing compact, mid-size, and full-size trucks for route work
• pros and cons of vans for chemical service
• using personal vehicles with dry chemicals and carriers
• true cost of electric trucks versus gas and hybrids
• realistic cargo needs and safe chemical storage
• parking, ergonomics, and bed height for daily efficiency
• reliability by model year, recalls, and warranty extensions
• brand perceptions versus actual dependability on route
• final checklist for test drives and research

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Dive In: Season 10 Starts Now

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Two truths shape modern pool care: the fundamentals haven’t changed, and expectations never stop rising. We dig into why pool service remains resilient through recessions, how green pools trigger vector control action, and why owners treat upkeep like insurance when a basic build can top $130,000. From chemistry that still works to routines that keep gear alive, we connect the dots between steady craft and smart business.

We also unpack the big shifts you’re seeing on the pad. Cartridge filters are outpacing DE thanks to regulation and better media, and automation is moving toward closed ecosystems where matching brands across controllers, VS pumps, and salt systems avoids painful integrations. With supply back to normal and prices stable—if not cheaper—you can quote confidently and prevent surprises. The real pressure point is labor: gig work pulled talent away, so we talk through hiring realities, training paths, and route design that keeps drive times short and margins strong.

Speed now wins the lead. We share practical ways to answer faster without burning out: call routing, message templates, and route apps that send service photos and notes before a client asks. You’ll hear why instant feedback reduces churn, how to market without getting lost in trends like truck wraps, and what to focus on if you want cleaner pools, happier clients, and a healthier bottom line in 2026. If you value no‑fluff advice, tight operations, and clear takeaways, you’ll feel right at home.

• resilience of pool service during downturns
• impact of vector control and green pool risks
• stable chemistry targets and long‑term fundamentals
• cartridge filters overtaking DE on new builds
• proprietary automation ecosystems and brand matching
• post‑COVID pricing stability and supply realities
• workforce shortages and gig economy effects
• faster response expectations for leads and clients
• route apps, photos, and communication systems
• practical operations, tight routing, and marketing focus

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Balance or Bust: Finding the Ideal pH with Eric Knight

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Forget the old rule that outdoor pools must live at 7.4 pH. We dig into why cyanuric acid, not pH, is the dominant force behind chlorine strength in the sun, and how reframing your strategy around the FC-to-CYA ratio can reduce algae, cut costs, and protect your surfaces. With insights from industry committee work and modeling, we explain why a 20:1 CYA-to-free chlorine ceiling matters, why 30–50 ppm CYA often hits the sweet spot, and how to choose targets that keep chlorine working without drifting into overstabilized territory.

We also tackle a costly habit: aggressive acid dosing. Most techs are using far more acid than needed to move from 8.0 to 7.5, and that overcorrection hammers the Langelier Saturation Index, etches plaster, and invites oxidation. We walk through accurate acid calculations, the importance of pre-dilution, and circulation techniques that avoid “acid plunges” to the floor. Along the way, we separate the roles of pH and alkalinity, show how alkalinity drives acid demand, and spotlight calcium hardness as the quiet anchor that stabilizes LSI so your system doesn’t whiplash week to week.

Finally, we compare outdoor and indoor realities. Without CYA, indoor pools follow the classic rule where pH directly sets chlorine strength. Outdoors, stabilizer changes the game—so stop chasing numbers that don’t deliver. The payoff is fewer algae battles, stronger sanitation, and longer-lasting surfaces through a measured, data-first approach. If this perspective helps, subscribe, share the show with a colleague, and leave a quick review so more pros can rethink their chemistry playbook.

• Why eye pH claims mislead
• How CYA binds chlorine and alters strength
• The 20:1 CYA-to-free chlorine ceiling
• Targeting 30–50 ppm CYA for balance
• Acid overuse, LSI crashes, and surface damage
• Pre-diluting acid and correct dosing amounts
• Alkalinity as buffer and its components
• Calcium hardness as the quiet LSI anchor
• Indoor pools without CYA follow classic pH rules
• Why pH “bounce” often comes from bad acid technique

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Pool Chemistry Truths: Chlorine, pH & CYA with Eric Knight

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Most pool pros have heard it for years: lower the pH to make chlorine stronger. That’s true in non-stabilized water, but once cyanuric acid enters the picture, the rules change. We sit down with Eric Knight to unpack why the FC-to-CYA ratio, not pH, governs chlorine’s effective strength in outdoor pools—and how that insight can save you time, money, and a lot of acid.

We break down the chemistry in plain language. You’ll hear how chlorine splits into hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion, why that balance matters indoors, and how CYA binds most chlorine outdoors to form isocyanurates. With typical CYA levels, the effective kill speed stays nearly the same between pH 7.0 and 8.0, which means chasing an ultra-low pH for “stronger chlorine” is a dead end. Instead, use pH to manage balance on the Langelier Saturation Index, contain its rise with smart alkalinity and calcium hardness, and aim for a CYA level that keeps your free chlorine target achievable.

We also talk real-world strategy: the pitfalls of overstabilization, how high CYA inflates contact times, and why partial drains are sometimes the only fix. To sharpen your program, support chlorine with enzymes to trim oxidant demand, control phosphates to lower growth pressure, and consider secondary oxidation where it fits. The goal is a stable chain: CYA in range, free chlorine matched to that CYA, pH contained for LSI, and demand reduced so sanitizer can do its job.

• FC-to-CYA ratio as the primary driver of chlorine effectiveness in outdoor pools
• Why pH control matters for LSI balance more than sanitization with CYA present
• The equilibrium of HOCl and OCl− in non-stabilized water contrasted with CYA-bound chlorine
• Practical CYA ranges and why levels above 50 ppm complicate free chlorine targets
• Overstabilization risks, longer contact times, and when to drain and dilute
• Using enzymes, phosphate control, and secondary oxidizers to reduce oxidant demand
• Containing pH with LSI strategy instead of forcing low numbers that rebound
• Clear differences between sanitization and balance and how to manage both

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PoolRx Boosters: When, Why, and How—According to Fred Schweer

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Clear water without the constant chlorine chase starts with getting the minerals right. We sat down with Fridge Tweer from PoolRx to unpack how proper sizing, clean filters, and smart booster timing keep mineral levels in the sweet spot so chlorine stays low and algae stays gone. From backyard pools to large commercial bodies of water, we walk through the exact steps that improve clarity, reduce chemical costs, and shave time off weekly service.

The conversation digs into the real-world variables that affect longevity: gallons, filtration, initial water quality, and dilution from backwashing or splash-out. You’ll learn the telltale signs that your mineral level has dipped—rising chlorine demand, dull water, or that first hint of algae—and how to fix it fast with the right booster. For saltwater pools, we outline simple moves that pay off: lower pH to 7.2–7.4 on install, then dial SWG output down to 30–40 percent as chlorine holds longer. A touch of zinc in the formula helps scale resist sticking to salt cells, meaning less acid use and fewer cleanings.

We also cover compatibility so you can streamline your kit: PoolRx plays well with UV, ozone, enzymes, phosphate removers, and borates, while avoiding bromine, sodium bromide, biguanides, and other copper-based algaecides. If you use Cal Hypo granular, dissolve and dilute in a bucket first to prevent instant oxidation stains; tabs and other chlorines are fine. With DE filters, consider recirculating on install or place the unit in the far skimmer and start at the beginning of a run cycle to help minerals dissolve into solution. Variable-speed setups benefit from longer initial run times to finish the dissolve.

• lifespan drivers and why clean filters matter
• signs you need a booster and which size to choose
• commercial and large-pool scaling options
• saltwater pool setup, pH targets, and SWG output
• zinc’s descaling benefits on salt cells
• compatible products and what to avoid
• Cal Hypo dilution to prevent oxidation stains
• DE and variable-speed pump install timing
• practical ways to cut chlorine demand and acid use

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High CYA & High Metals: Fred Schweer’s Fix-It Formula

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Algae that won’t quit, stains that appear out of nowhere, and chlorine that seems to do less the more you add—if that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We sat down with Fred Squeer of Pool RX to unpack the chemistry hiding beneath clear water: dissolved metals and high cyanuric acid. Together we map a straightforward plan to reduce chlorine use, prevent algae, and avoid oxidation events that create brown iron spots or purple copper dust.

We start with the truth about metals. Well water, aging copper heat exchangers, and copper-based algaecides can push copper and iron above safe thresholds. Before installing Pool RX, a quick metal test can save you from stains and headaches. Fred explains why Pool RX’s chelated minerals are protected while unchelated, existing metals are not—and how increasing chlorine activity can drive those metals past saturation. We dig into proven removal paths like CuLator polymer capture, alum floc, and when sequestering agents make sense, along with why they need reapplication.

Then we tackle cyanuric acid. CYA helps chlorine last but makes it kill slower, which is exactly where Pool RX shines by targeting microalgae so chlorine can focus on clarity and sanitation. We break down adjusted alkalinity—how high CYA can make your alkalinity reading look fine when it’s effectively low—and show how to keep pH, alkalinity, and calcium in the sweet spot. If purple dust appears, we explain copper cyanurate, why it forms, and the fast path to resolution by lowering CYA and restoring balance.

• why testing for copper and iron before install matters
• how chelation protects Pool RX minerals but not existing metals
• sources of metals and safe target ranges
• proven metal removal options including CuLator and alum floc
• high CYA slowing kill rate and how Pool RX helps
• adjusted alkalinity with high CYA and practical ranges
• identifying and preventing purple copper cyanurate
• raising alkalinity with sodium bicarbonate dosing
• cutting tabs, using liquid chlorine, and slowing CYA rise
• extending water life and easing seasonal CYA reduction

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Fred Schweer: The Science Behind PoolRx+ and Cleaner Water

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Clear water shouldn’t require a chemistry degree, a mountain of tabs, or weekly emergencies. We sit down with Fred Schweer, VP of Sales at PoolRX, to unpack how a chelated mineral system—copper, silver, and zinc—eliminates algae and frees up chlorine so your pools stay cleaner with less effort and expense. If you’ve battled microalgae, chased phosphate numbers, or watched high CYA slow your sanitizer to a crawl, this conversation reframes your approach with simple, reliable steps.

We break down what “chelated” really means and why it matters for safety, stain prevention, and long-lasting effectiveness. Fred explains how PoolRX’s unique chelation keeps minerals active for up to six months, even under pH swings and heavy oxidation, and why standard copper tests won’t read chelated copper accurately. With algae out of the picture, chlorine becomes more active, clarifiers and extra shocks fade from the routine, and many pros find they can maintain 0.5 to 1 ppm free chlorine while holding crystal clarity.

If you want to cut costs, reduce shocks and clarifiers, and keep customers happy with clear water week after week, this is a must-listen. Subscribe for more deep dives, share this episode with a fellow pro who needs a win, and leave a quick review to tell us your biggest algae headache—we’ll tackle it in a future show.

• EPA-registered, NSF-certified mineral system that prevents all algae
• Chelation that protects minerals, reduces staining risk, and confuses copper tests
• Phosphates reframed as algae food, not a chlorine consumer
• Lower chlorine targets with stable clarity and safety
• Practical tips to cut tabs, shocks, and clarifiers
• Sizing guidance for blue, black, red, orange, and spa units
• Overdose symptoms and how to correct them
• Strategy for clearing mustard and green algae pools
• Managing high CYA and regional challenges
• Steps for simple setup, clean filters, and six-month performance

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Bob Lowry on Surface Cautions Every Pool Pro Should Know

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Pools don’t fail just from age or weather; they fail when chemistry, circulation, and surface type don’t match. We dig into the real-world differences between vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, and pebble finishes, showing how each material changes your approach to water balance, sanitizer levels, and maintenance. From ground prep that keeps nutgrass from piercing vinyl to the warranty risks of using trichlor tablets with fiberglass, we share the practical moves that help surfaces last and water stay clear.

We talk through why vinyl and fiberglass often hold pH more steadily than plaster, and how colored plaster’s mottling can be an installation issue, not a chemistry fix. For pebble and exposed aggregate pools, we explain why texture invites calcium scale and algae, how diamond polishing reduces crevices, and why circulation time and brushing frequency matter more than quick, short filter cycles. If your above‑ground kit shipped with a tiny filter, a weak pump, and no timer, you’ll learn why upgrading equipment is the fastest path to clarity and chemical efficiency.

Our central takeaway: set free chlorine based on cyanuric acid, not a fixed chart. Aiming at 7.5 percent of CYA offers reliable algae control even in high‑stabilizer water, and adding borates to 50 ppm makes it harder for algae to start in the first place. Pair this with thoughtful calcium targets—lower for vinyl and fiberglass, higher for plaster—plus consistent pH control and solid circulation, and you’ll prevent stains, scale, and blooms before they begin.

• Prep and support for vinyl liners, including nutgrass control
• Why acid damages vinyl color and trichlor tablets stain fiberglass
• How vinyl and fiberglass differ from plaster in pH and alkalinity behavior
• Target calcium levels: lower for vinyl and fiberglass, higher for plaster
• Undersized equipment in above‑ground kits and smart upgrades
• Pebble challenges with calcium and algae and how polishing helps
• Circulation time, brushing and robotic cleaners to stop footholds
• Chlorine as 7.5 percent of CYA for reliable algae prevention
• Using borates at 50 ppm to inhibit algae growth

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Commercial vs Residential: Bob Lowry Explains the Big Differences

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The calm of a backyard pool and the chaos of a hotel deck look similar from the waterline—but they run on different rules. We pull back the curtain on why commercial water turns volatile under heavy bather load, how chlorine gets consumed faster than you can pour it, and what it really takes to keep guests safe and inspectors satisfied. From oxidation priorities to daily logs, this is a candid look at the work behind a compliant, open-for-business pool.

We talk through the core chemistry differences between residential and commercial service, showing how algae and bacteria drive decisions at home while bather waste dominates in public settings. You’ll hear why limited testing once a week works in a backyard but fails in a busy facility, and how ORP and pH automation provide continuous control and defensible data. We unpack the strengths and gaps of CPO training, where facility operations meet code, and where deeper chemistry knowledge fills the holes—covering sanitizer behavior, breakpoint chlorination, combined chlorine, and the pH leverage you need to keep water stable.

Then we get practical about business realities: interacting with health inspectors, documenting everything, handling fecal incidents, and responding to late-night calls that can decide whether a pool stays open. We weigh insurance requirements, true pricing for time and risk, and why mixing dozens of residential stops with a few commercial accounts can strain your schedule and cash flow. If you’re thinking about adding hotels, apartments, or HOAs, you’ll leave with a clearer view of the workload, the liability, and the systems that make it sustainable.

• core chemistry goals in residential vs commercial pools
• limits of CPO for deep chemistry and where it helps
• daily testing, logs, and inspector expectations
• using ORP and pH automation for control and proof
• fecal incident response, uptime pressure, and liability
• pricing for risk, insurance needs, and hassle factor
• choosing a business model and on‑site operator support
• why advanced chemistry training complements certification

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Bob Lowry’s Start-Up Science for Every Pool Surface

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Fresh plaster only gets one chance to cure right, and most problems start before the first cannonball. We dive straight into the real-world startup decisions that determine whether your pool finishes smooth and stain‑free or inherits permanent issues. With veteran insights from chemical expert Bob Lowry, we compare the big methods—barrel, traditional, and acid—and map clear rules of thumb for when each one makes sense based on source water and surface type.

We get practical fast: test the fill water before you open the hose, set calcium to at least 150 ppm on day one, and decide how to handle metals the smart way. You’ll hear why hose‑end pre‑filters beat sequestering agents, how to use skimmer removal media effectively, and why sequestering alone fails as it breaks down under sunlight and chlorine. We also unpack the plaster dust problem, showing how a slightly low pH keeps dust soluble without risking surface burn, and why cartridges outperform sand when you need to capture fines.

New plaster is fragile, so we outline the non‑negotiables: never stop the initial fill, protect the surface from hose damage, keep wheels and robots off for weeks, and keep pets and people out until balance stabilizes.

Whether you’re a service pro scaling up or a homeowner protecting a six‑figure investment, this guide gives you the steps, targets, and tools to start clean and stay clean. If this helped you sharpen your startup playbook, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review so more pool owners and pros can find it.

• why startups shape the life of the surface
• barrel vs traditional vs acid methods and where each fits
• testing fill water for calcium, alkalinity, copper and iron
• hitting 150 ppm calcium on day one for balance
• removing metals with pre‑filters and skimmer media
• limits of sequestering agents and why they degrade
• managing plaster dust with controlled pH and filtration
• new plaster cautions: continuous fill, no wheels, no pets
• recovery steps when builders skip startup
• record‑keeping with printed guides and mobile apps

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The Low pH Danger Zone: Bob Lowry Breaks It Down

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ever wonder why a pool can look fine one week and show stains, rough plaster, or a failing heater the next? The culprit is often low pH—water that turns aggressive, dissolves metals, and etches surfaces long before the damage is obvious. We walk through how acidic water behaves, where metals come from, and why stains show up only after the water hits its saturation point.

We dig into real-world service scenarios: vinyl and fiberglass pools that trend acidic because they lack buffering minerals, spa tubs that swing wildly depending on chlorine type and use, and the risky combo of low pH with cheap test kits that feed bad decisions. You’ll hear why investing in a reliable photometer that reads copper and iron saves you from surprise stains and equipment corrosion, plus a clear plan for when to use soda ash, borax, or baking soda. We also share a fast spa recovery routine: raise alkalinity first, then aerate to lift pH without overshooting.

Along the way, we challenge old chlorine wisdom. With cyanuric acid in play, the classic HOCl charts don’t tell the whole story. The smarter approach is keeping free chlorine appropriate to CYA while holding pH near 7.5 for swimmer comfort and stable balance. We cover borates as a pH buffer, how they affect alkalinity readings and the saturation index, and why soda ash lifts pH and alkalinity more strongly than bicarb when both are low.

• why low pH makes water aggressive
• etched plaster, corroded components, invisible metals
• saturation points leading to staining
• value of accurate copper and iron testing
• vinyl and fiberglass pH drift and tablet use
• spa chemistry, aeration, and quick rebalancing
• comfort thresholds for bathers around pH 7.5
• choosing borax, soda ash, or bicarb by goal
• borates’ impact on readings and stability
• chlorine effectiveness with cyanuric acid
• practical dosing plans and test habits

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Bob Lowry’s Borate Blueprint for a Better Pool

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Algae pressure, drifting pH, and vanishing chlorine can make pool care feel like a tug of war. We sat down with renowned chemist and educator Bob Lowry to map out a cleaner, calmer path: use borates the right way, match your CYA to your chlorine needs, and stop fighting the water. The conversation cuts through marketing myths to show why boric acid at 50 ppm stabilizes pH and supports sanitizer performance without turning your maintenance plan upside down.

We start by reframing borates as a tool, not a cure-all. Bob explains the simple pairing that drives clarity: free chlorine maintained at about 5 percent of CYA with a minimum of 2 ppm. For most outdoor pools, that points to 40–50 ppm CYA; for salt water chlorine generators, 70 ppm often works better because it protects fresh chlorine produced at the cell and near the sunlit surface. Expect steadier weeks with fewer spikes, not a set-and-forget miracle.

Product choice matters. Boric acid barely changes pH or alkalinity, while borax-based products can push pH near 9 and add roughly 115 ppm to total alkalinity, demanding large acid corrections and risking scale if calcium is high. Bob details how pre-balancing and LSI awareness prevent cloudy water, plus practical dosing math and the limited but workable testing options. Field experience and historical research converge on 50 ppm as the effective algaestat level, with 70 ppm a smart ceiling for SWGs seeking extra stability and clarity.

If you want water that holds its balance, sparkles in the sun, and uses chlorine more efficiently, this guide lays out the steps: choose boric acid, set CYA with intent, maintain a real chlorine residual, and top off borates only when water leaves the pool.

• borates as a pH buffer and algaestat at 50 ppm
• chlorine set at 5% of CYA with a 2 ppm floor
• CYA targets of 40–50 ppm and 70 ppm for SWGs
• boric acid vs borax forms and acid demand
• LSI risks when TA, CH and pH run high
• dosing math and maintenance dosing over seasons
• limited testing options and practical workarounds
• reported benefits of sparkle and smoother feel

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The Clear Choice: How Cartridge Filters Outshine Sand & DE

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Crystal-clear water means more than fine micron ratings; it means steady flow, low pressure spikes, and a filter you can actually live with. We dive into the real-world reasons cartridge filters outperform DE and sand for most pools, from massive surface area that keeps PSI stable to a simple cleaning routine that skips the gray dust and regulatory headaches of diatomaceous earth.

We walk through how pleated media provides 7x the surface area of common DE setups, why that matters for circulation, and how stable flow prevents dead zones, improves skimming, and reduces algae risk. You’ll hear practical comparisons: DE at 3–5 microns, cartridge around 10–20, sand near 40—and why your eye won’t notice the difference between 5 and 15 microns, but your spa spillway will notice the flow. We also cover where sand or DE still makes sense, especially in high-dust regions where backwashing is a lifeline, and for homeowners who need the simplest possible maintenance routine.

If you run a variable speed pump, this conversation is a must. Cartridges pair naturally with higher throughput, keeping performance consistent at elevated speeds and making the most of modern 3 HP total-rated motors. We break down service realities—DE recharging, grid tears, cracked manifolds, and messy burps—versus the straightforward hose-and-go workflow of cartridges. Then we talk replacement cycles, brand recommendations for elements, and why most new builds default to cartridges because of both performance and local DE disposal rules.

• Why cartridge surface area preserves flow and reduces PSI rise
• Micron ratings vs what the human eye can see
• When high-dirt regions may favor sand or DE
• Variable speed pump compatibility and throughput
• Cleaning workflows and mess: DE recharging vs quick cartridge rinse
• Common failure points in DE and sand that cartridges avoid
• Cost and replacement cycles for grids vs cartridges
• Sizing guidance using 420–520 sq ft examples
• Builder trends and local DE disposal rules

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Campfire Chronicles: True Pool Pro Field Stories

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ever walked up to a job and found the pool equipment living inside a freshly finished bedroom? We have—and that’s just the start. This story-driven episode shares the funniest, strangest, and most useful moments from decades on the route, each one paired with practical takeaways you can use today.

We start with access and liability: a garage converted to a mother-in-law unit, complete with D.E. filter and heater behind a tenant’s door. It sparked a frank look at boundaries, ventilation and code concerns, and why a professional sometimes has to walk away. From there we row—literally—into a pool with a center island only reachable by raft, and talk about how design choices create recurring labor costs. We break down builder mistakes that make equipment unserviceable: pipes over pump lids, heaters mounted above baskets, and filters wedged against walls. You’ll get a fast bid checklist to catch these issues early, and language you can use to recommend fixes before they become weekly headaches.

Then we move to the living, barking variables. Dogs on route can be sweet companions or sprinting escape artists. You’ll hear a Doberman sprint, the small-dog chase you never want, and simple rules that prevent escapes and protect your schedule. We also cover pricing when pets use the pool and the quiet grief of losing a familiar yard companion. Finally, we tackle the roadside chaos: a tire punctured by pliers, starters that die mid-route, and the tools that save your day. We share the tap-the-starter trick, why a compact jump pack like a NOCO Boost GB40 belongs in every truck, and how AAA can swap a battery while you keep working.

• garage conversion creates unsafe equipment access and liability
• island pool requires raft access and sets service limits
• inaccessible equipment from poor plumbing and tight pads
• practical bid checks to catch design flaws early
• pet policies, dog escapes, grief and pricing for pet use
• roadside chaos, blowouts and the starter tap trick
• jump starter picks, why AAA is worth it
• links to more podcasts and coaching resources

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From Trucks to Borates: Pool Service Questions

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ever wonder why a product that makes your job easier somehow never shows up on store shelves? We tackle that head-on with borates: how 50 ppm boric acid helps tame rising pH in saltwater pools, reduces chlorine and acid use, and even cuts down on algaecide. We walk through where to buy it online, how to test it accurately, and why some retailers avoid stocking it despite clear demand. The bigger takeaway: when you meet customers where they are, you win more than a single sale—you win the relationship.

From the pad to the pickup, we get practical about business decisions that compound. Thinking about a new service truck? Mileage and condition beat brand loyalty when your route adds 15–20k miles a year. We share real thresholds for when to buy, what to avoid, and why the smartest investment isn’t always the shiniest one on the lot. Then we dive into vac systems with a pro’s eye: carts like Riptide and Power Vac deliver speed in heavy debris, while cordless options like the Bottom Feeder trade thrust for zero-cord convenience and rapid deployment.

Client optics matter too. A short, visible vacuum pass can transform how customers perceive value, even when the water looks clean. We offer a simple framework: keep “vacuum as needed” in your agreement, default to a quick cordless pass when feasible, and train your team for consistency. Finally, we break down generic versus OEM parts for popular cleaners like the MX6 and MX8—what’s worth the savings, what can backfire, and how manufacturer contracts shape what local stores can carry. The goal isn’t to pick sides; it’s to protect uptime, margins, and trust.

• why borates stabilize pH and reduce chemical demand
• why many stores don’t stock boric acid and how to buy it
• how to test for borates with reliable strips
• business logic of stocking what customers want
• how to pick a service truck by mileage and condition
• cordless vs cart vac systems and when each wins
• whether to vacuum every visit for better optics
• using “vacuum as needed” while showing visible work
• generic vs OEM parts for MX6 and similar cleaners
• brand protection, contracts, and practical risk management

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Full Service Pool Routine: What Pros Actually Do

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Stop overdelivering for free and start running a cleaner, faster, more profitable route. We break down a practical pool service system that scales, from smart service tiers to a weekly workflow that keeps quality high and labor tight. You’ll learn how to set expectations with chemical-only, mid-tier, and full-service offerings, and when to upgrade a client based on debris load, pool size, and their appetite for DIY.

We share a simple order of operations that saves minutes at every stop: visual scan, equipment check, surface clearing with a light soap mix or a purpose-built surface cleaner, a thorough skim pass, tile cleaning with the right product for the surface, efficient vacuuming, and a final brush that prevents algae and polishes the finish. Along the way, we compare tile cleaners and how to handle acid safely, and we explain why pushing dirt to the main drain or brushing everything to the deep end leaves pools looking half-done.

Vacuuming strategy is where routes win or lose time. We cover when “vacuum when needed” belongs in your service agreement, how to spot vacuum using an existing cleaner hose, and why tools like Riptide, Bottom Feeder, VacDaddy, and Water Tech units help employees deliver consistent results without wrestling hoses. Then we get into the money: time caps by pool size, recovery plans after windstorms or trimming days, and pricing that reflects volume and debris realities in markets with larger pools.

If you’re ready to tighten your workflow, reduce callbacks, and protect margins without compromising on crystal-clear water, this guide is your playbook. Subscribe, share this with your team, and leave a review with your best time-saving tip—we’ll feature our favorites on a future show.

• building tiered services from chemical-only to full service
• visual inspection and equipment checks every visit
• surface clearing with soap or surface cleaner
• tile care options and safe acid handling
• vacuuming strategy and service agreements
• brushing technique to prevent algae
• tool choices for faster vacuuming
• time limits, pool size pricing, and margin protection

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The Pool Tech Trap: Doing More Than You’re Paid For

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ever feel like your best service is eating your profits? We dig into the quiet ways pool pros lose time and money—free return visits, marathon storm cleanups, and “courtesy” chemicals—and share practical scripts and policies that keep clients happy while protecting your margins. The core idea is simple: set fair expectations, price for real effort, and stop projecting your standards onto customers who just want the pool blue, clean, and running.

We start by reframing the customer mindset and why obsessing over perfection can backfire across a full route. Then we get tactical. You’ll hear the courtesy-invoice method that ends free midweek trips, the go/no-go rules for locked gates and blocked access, and the 25-minute time cap that saves your day after windstorms or messy tree work. We also walk through rate tiers for heavy-debris accounts, clear communication for multi-visit recoveries, and straightforward language that resets expectations without friction.

Chemicals and equipment maintenance get their own spotlight. Learn when to pass through shock and algaecide for high-use pools, how to leave cal hypo or liquid chlorine onsite and bill retail, and why it’s often smarter than raising monthly rates. We also break down filter cleaning fees for DE and quad-cartridge systems, the pros and cons of charging for salt cell cleanings, and how local norms influence your model. By the end, you’ll have a clean list of policies, prices, and scripts that turn great service into a sustainable business.

• why most clients think “blue and fine” is enough
• return visit rules and courtesy invoice tactics
• handling locked gates and blocked access
• time caps after windstorms and tree work
• route health vs spotless one-stop cleanups
• tiered pricing for heavy debris pools
• passing through shock, algaecide, and tablets
• when to charge for filter and salt cell cleaning
• area norms and how to communicate fees
• simple scripts that retrain client expectations

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Scaling Up: How to Build a Bigger, Better Pool Route

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Growing a pool service business comes down to clear choices and honest math: buy a route, build organically, or blend both. Each path has tradeoffs in cash, time, and risk. Buying through a trusted broker can deliver instant revenue and a safety net, but it requires real capital and commitment. Building through ads and local outreach can be cheaper per account, but it demands relentless effort and tight tracking. The right choice depends on your market’s competition, your cash access, and how quickly you need dependable monthly revenue.

Route purchases can be a smart investment when you treat them like an asset, not a gamble. Most brokered routes trade near 12 times monthly billing, which implies a one-year payback if retention holds. You’re not waiting a year to see money—cash flow starts day one—but mentally assigning that revenue to repay the purchase keeps you disciplined. Brokers add value with short safety periods and seller training, which matters when some sellers vanish after closing. If you finance with a home equity line of credit, understand you’re “all in.” Buying a partial route can de-risk your entry, letting you learn which pools to keep, which to swap, and how to manage density without overextending.

We share a practical roadmap to grow a pool service business with real numbers, clear tradeoffs, and field-tested plays. From buying a partial route to building a referral engine and partnering with builders, we map the paths that scale without wasting cash.

• when buying a route makes sense and why broker safety nets matter
• financing realities, payback math, and retention risks
• organic growth via Google Ads, Yelp, HomeAdvisor, and Thumbtack
• door hangers and targeted mailers that lower cost per account
• market differences that favor partial route purchases
• referral rewards that convert and sustain growth
• builder partnerships and NPC startup methods for easy wins
• simple metrics for route density, churn, and margins

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Dive Into Wealth: A Pool Pro’s Guide to Investing

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The work is honest, the sun is relentless, and the clock on your knees is louder than you think. That reality sparked a straight‑talk conversation about converting today’s pool service income into tomorrow’s durable, low‑friction cash flow. We dig into three realistic paths—scaling your route into a managed operation, investing in the markets, and building a real estate portfolio—and break down the mindset, mechanics, and tradeoffs of each, without hype.

We start with a Rockefeller‑style principle: reinvest in what you understand. If you love building systems and leading people, a multi‑truck, manager‑led service company can move you out of the field and into an owner’s seat where cash flow compounds.

Then we get practical about real estate, the lane many service pros naturally excel in. Rentals offer a potent trio—appreciation, monthly cash flow, and significant tax advantages—while turning your local knowledge into an investing edge. You already read neighborhoods, solve problems in the field, and navigate city rules; those same skills transfer to finding solid properties, managing turns, and hiring vendors. We talk candidly about vacancies, repairs, and what “passive” really means, along with why buying within an hour of home often beats chasing distant deals. The through‑line is simple: start sooner, keep it simple, and let time do the heavy lifting.

• why pool work is finite and planning matters
• Rockefeller’s reinvesting mindset applied to service routes
• pros and cons of scaling a multi‑truck operation
• crypto, gold, and market returns in plain terms
• how compounding works and when it pays out
• why rentals fit service pros’ skills and lifestyle
• appreciation, cash flow, and tax advantages explained
• what “passive” really means in property management
• using local knowledge to choose neighborhoods
• starting early and building momentum with systems

Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com
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The Filter Game Plan: Clean, Track, Repeat

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Most routes bleed time and money during filter season, not because the work is hard, but because the system behind it is fuzzy. We break down a simple framework that keeps your margins healthy, your schedule predictable, and your clients happy: when to clean, how to price, what to replace, and which tools shave minutes off every stop.

We start with the big decision: include filter cleaning in your monthly price or bill it separately. For regions running full-size cartridge and DE filters, separating the charge boosts accountability and keeps your bids competitive. From there, we compare four-month and six-month schedules.

Next, we go tactical. Learn how batching by filter type reduces on-truck inventory and speeds decisions, what spare parts to carry for common DE and cartridge models, and how a three-year replacement cycle for grids and quad cartridges prevents messy mid-summer failures. We talk through efficient upsells, when a full grid assembly swap pays off, and why pairing salt cell cleaning with filter service saves steps. Maintenance timing matters too: rebuild backwash valves during shoulder seasons to prevent leaks and headaches in July. For pure speed, we share the small tools that make a big difference, from multi-torque socket sets for clamps to the Orbit Sunmate 58361N nozzle and low-dust DE that keeps lungs and trucks cleaner.

• charging separately for filter cleaning to increase accountability and margin
• regional differences between single-cartridge systems and quad or DE filters
• four-month versus six-month cycles and why seasonal timing wins
• pairing salt cell cleaning with filter service and choosing whether to bill
• pricing strategy to keep monthly rates competitive while itemizing cleanings
• batching routes by filter type and stocking only needed parts
• three-year replacement cycle for cartridges and DE grids, longer for select systems
• adding backwash valve maintenance during off-season windows
• time-saving tools including multi-torque sockets and high-pressure nozzles
• choosing low-dust DE and simple truck-protection hacks

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Bonded or Busted: Pool Motor Electrical Safety

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Electricity and water don’t forgive small mistakes. We walk through the real hazards hiding at the equipment pad and show how two simple safeguards—proper bonding and a working GFCI—stop shocks, fires, and scary surprises before they start. From tracing that lone copper wire to pressing the GFCI test button, we share the steps pros use daily and the stories that make those habits stick.

You’ll hear why a missing bonding lug can turn a wet pad into a danger zone, how stray voltage creates that telltale tingling in the water, and where older deck hardware can still bite. We break down what GFCI protection actually does in milliseconds, how to test it, and when to call an electrician. We also unpack rare but real failure chains—bad capacitors, overheating motors, and tired breakers—that can end in a burned-up pump, plus the quick checks that break that chain long before it gets hot.

• why bonding prevents stray voltage and shocks
• where to find the bonding lug and wire
• how wet pads and old deck plates add risk
• what a GFCI does and how to test it
• rare fire chains from capacitor and breaker failure
• warning signs of overheating motors
• dry-running pumps, boiling water, and burn risks
• safe handling and discharge of capacitors
• the minimal safety checklist for every service call

Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support from me. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com
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The Danger Zone: Why Filter Cleaning Requires Real Safety

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Pressure doesn’t look dangerous—until the instant it is. We take you right to the two moments that matter most in filter service—when the lid comes off and when it goes back on—and show you how to turn a risky task into a safe, repeatable routine.

We start by reframing the filter as a pressure vessel, not a harmless canister. Sand filters are usually one-piece and lower risk; cartridge and DE filters come apart, rely on clamps or locking rings, and can fail if misaligned or under-tightened. You’ll hear why modern safety designs like the Aquastar Pipeline’s interlock are so effective and how to apply the same logic on any system: power down, bleed air, drain, and verify zero pressure before loosening hardware.

From there, we share practical safeguards that work in the field. Put automation in service mode, move Intermatic trippers, or cut the subpanel, but don’t stop there—remove the pump lid so the system can’t prime even if a glitch starts the motor. We talk through clamps in detail: reading spring-barrel nuts, preventing cross-threading with a touch of lube, knowing when a clamp is cosmetic-ugly yet structurally sound, and when to replace hardware for peace of mind. On restart, we step back, open the air relief, and wait for water before approaching. A spiking gauge is your red flag for a blocked return or a clogged salt cell; shut down fast, clear the path, and protect the tank.

• treating the filter as a pressure hazard
• relative risks of sand, cartridge, and DE filters
• turning off power and automation service mode
• removing the pump lid as a fail-safe
• bleeding air and safe startup distance
• clamp types, tightening until spring coils meet
• avoiding cross-threading and when to replace clamps
• spotting dangerous pressure spikes and return blockages
• quick priming tips and avoiding automation glitches
• training techs to follow a standard safety checklist

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Thanks for listening to this podcast. Have a great rest of your week and God bless.

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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 ]

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Rain Rules For Pool Pros

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Storm clouds don’t just bring water—they rewrite your entire pool route. We dive into a practical, low-drama system for handling rain without wasting chemicals, damaging equipment, or risking your safety. From the first messy storms of the season to those frustrating back-to-back rainy Tuesdays, we share how to protect margins and maintain clean, clear water with decisions based on forecast patterns, yard conditions, and a simple service policy that sets the right expectations.

We walk through when pre-storm superchlorination makes sense and when it’s just expensive overkill. You’ll hear why adjusting pH during active rain backfires, how to keep free chlorine steady through debris spikes, and which pools benefit from targeted dosing. Overflow panic? We explain why pre-draining is rarely needed, then outline safe, technician-tested ways to lower water after the rain: equipment hose bib with the pump running, submersible pumps on the first step, multiport waste mode, and a Pentair air bleed workaround—plus why to avoid DE push-pull backwash for draining to protect grids.

• why first rains dump debris and stress chemistry
• targeted superchlorination for debris-heavy pools only
• skip pH adjustments during active rain
• why pre-draining is rarely needed
• safe ways to drain after storms without harming DE grids
• quick-stop rainy-day workflow focused on chemicals
• how to shuffle routes for back-to-back rain weeks
• mindset shift and simple rain policy customers accept
• essential rain gear and where to find it

Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support from me. Email me at David at Swimmingpoollearning.com for the one-page service agreement. Find more at swimmingpoollearning.com and poolguycoaching.com

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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

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The Pool Tech Knowledge Guide – Volume 1

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ever opened a pump lid and watched the pool start emptying onto the pad? We’ve been there, and today we map out the simple field habits that stop the flood, speed up service, and keep clients happy. From spotting below-waterline equipment to shutting down both sides of the system, we share practical, low-cost tricks that save a service day—think tennis balls in skimmers, expanding chamois in return stubs, and a checklist that prevents air leaks and lost prime.

We also dig into cleaner selection with real-world guidance that cuts through confusion. On plaster and pebble, geared suction units like the Hayward PoolCleaner or Polaris Atlas/Max deliver reliable coverage, with wide-body options gliding over tall anti-vortex main drains. On vinyl and fiberglass, bouncing diaphragm cleaners shine, climbing walls and handling slopes where geared units often stall. If pressure is your plan, know the plumbing: most Polaris pressure models require a dedicated booster pump; the Polaris 360 is the rare return-side exception that runs without one when returns are set up correctly.

To round it out, we clarify the heat pump vs gas heater puzzle. A heat pump needs a dedicated 220–230V electrical circuit and real amperage headroom; a gas heater needs a properly sized gas line and, often, an upgraded meter from the utility. Retrofitting either after a build adds cost and complexity, so we lay out what to check before promising a swap. The goal: fewer surprises at the pad, better system performance, and faster visits that impress clients.

• Identifying equipment set below the waterline
• Shutting both suction and return before opening lids
• Using tennis balls and chamois rags to stop flow
• Managing dual skimmers for vacuuming and cleaners
• Choosing cleaners for plaster, pebble, vinyl and fiberglass
• Navigating anti-vortex main drains with wide-body units
• Understanding pressure cleaners and booster pumps
• Differentiating heat pumps and gas heaters requirements
• Estimating real costs for electrical and gas line runs
• Verifying gas meter sizing for reliable heater performance

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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 ]

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Level Up Your Route: Scaling Like a Pro

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ready to earn more without adding more hours to your week? We break down three practical paths pool pros use to scale: hiring your first tech with clean pricing and standards, selling select accounts for lump‑sum cash, and building passive income that compounds over time. You’ll hear the exact numbers, the customer conversations that make handoffs smooth, and the realistic headaches to expect so you can plan around them.

We start with a readiness check: if your monthly rate can’t support wages, payroll taxes, workers’ comp, chemicals, and admin while leaving a margin, hiring will backfire. From there, we map a ride‑along training plan, why a company truck reduces risk, and how to prep clients so they’re comfortable with a new face on the route. We run conservative math: paying a tech per pool using a 4.3-week multiplier, estimating a $50 net per account at 50 stops, and showing how that can conservatively add ~$30,000 a year. Scale that approach with density and QA, and you understand how larger firms turn process into profit.

If you’re allergic to payroll, try the route-cycling strategy. Partner with builders, grow to ~90 stops, then sell a 15‑pool package each year—often worth close to 10–12 months of revenue—dropping a sizable check into the business while you reset to a tight 75 and rebuild. It’s a simple loop that improves route quality and protects your time. We also look beyond the backyard: small multifamily with DSCR loans, or cash‑heavy businesses like coin laundries, can provide tax advantages and durable cash flows that don’t depend on your daily schedule.

• Readiness checks for hiring and pricing
• Per‑pool pay math using a 4.3 multiplier
• Customer prep and selective handoff strategy
• Training plans, trucks, insurance, and QA
• Conservative profit scenarios and scaling logic
• Annual route‑sale model with builders
• Real estate and DSCR loans for passive income
• Tax advantages, deductions, and CPA guidance
• Mindset of stewardship and sustainable growth

Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. You can learn more at poolgatecoaching.com

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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 ]

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Insurance in the Deep End: How UPA Keeps You Afloat

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A runaway hose, a rooftop spa, and a driveway that cost $90,000 to fix—small choices can turn a routine stop into a six-figure claim. We dive into the three risks that quietly drain profits for pool professionals: water damage, chemical spills, and water chemistry mistakes. Along the way, we share hard-earned stories and the simple, repeatable habits that keep clients happy, claims rare, and premiums steady.

We break down why adding water seems helpful but often backfires, especially on elevated pools where gravity turns overflows into mudslides and property losses. You’ll learn when to say no, how to reset expectations with homeowners, and why a straightforward “no fill” policy protects both your route and your reputation. For draining, we walk through practical risk controls—drain waivers, documented owner instructions, city code checks, and a named person assigned to shut pumps off—so you’re never guessing eight stories up.

Sign up for UPA Insurance here:

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If you want fewer claims and better retention, this is your playbook for risk management that actually fits a busy route: tighter habits, smarter paperwork, and a culture that screens for pros who care. Subscribe for more practical insights, share this with a fellow pool tech who needs it, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

• water damage as the top loss driver
• overflow stories from elevated pools and rooftop spas
• drain waivers and shifting responsibility to owners
• city code differences and discharge pitfalls
• chemical spill risks on stained and stamped concrete
• the $90k driveway claim and truck policies
• slowing down on pristine properties and using containment
• water chemistry management and LSI discipline
• documentation for warranties and claim defense
• how screening and education keep rates flat
• ways to join chapters or enroll virtually for coverage

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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 ]

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Insurance Horror Stories: Scared Straight! With Sean Reardon UPA

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A pool route looks peaceful from the curb, but the work sits where chemistry, electricity, plumbing, and customer trust collide. We brought on Sean Reardon, the insurance broker serving the United Pool Association, to unpack the real risks pool technicians face and why generic coverage so often misses the mark. From the UPA’s origins as a mutual support network to the evolution of group policies built for technicians, we explore how smart coverage, good training, and honest reporting can turn worst-day scenarios into manageable claims.

We walk through claim stories that stick. A heater installation near a shared wall led to alleged carbon monoxide poisoning when someone powered it up before venting was complete—an expensive reminder that pollution exclusions can swallow a “normal” pool tech job unless your policy is modified. A veteran pro mixed the wrong chemicals and triggered leaks across a skimmer line, proving that one rushed moment can mean weeks of remediation. A new hire “frisbeed” trichlor tabs into a dark-surfaced pool and branded it with round stains. And in a painful mix-up, chlorine meant for a dirty fountain ended up in a koi pond, wiping out prized fish within an hour.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRQjHJGFLIOqZVzHm4_PNUz8Tokl_InR0wjyp5ahO93h3Z0Q/viewform?usp=send_form

• UPA’s origin as chapters covering routes and sick leave
• Why group insurance tailored to pool techs saves money and risk
• Pollution exclusions and how endorsements change outcomes
• Carbon monoxide claim and the importance of duty to defend
• Chemical handling errors and skimmer line damage
• Training gaps leading to “hockey puck” stains
• Koi pond chlorination loss and rapid response
• Cameras, transparency, and reporting incidents early
• Practical habits to avoid co-mingling and mislabeling
• How to join UPA and find the sign-up form

The easiest way to find the sign-up form for UPA is to go to my website, swimmingpoollearning.com. Again, that's swimmingpoollearning.com.

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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 ]

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Is Copper a Friend or Foe in Your Pool? – Bob Lowry Explains

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Copper promises a cleaner pool with less work, but the chemistry tells a different story. We walk through what copper really does well—suppressing algae at low levels—and where it falls short, especially on fast disinfection and heavy oxidation. If you have ever wondered why water looks clear but still isn’t truly safe, or why blond hair turns green after a weekend swim, this conversation connects the dots and gives you a plan you can trust.

We break down mineral and ionizer systems on the market, the narrow gap between effective copper dosing and staining, and why non-chlorine oxidizers struggle with complex sunscreen molecules. You’ll hear why the EPA still requires chlorine alongside ionizers, how low residuals collapse under bather load, and the simple, reliable workflow for killing algae with 25 ppm chlorine held for 24 hours. Then we go practical: how sequestrants work, why they degrade in sunlight and under shock, and how to remove metals instead of endlessly binding them.

For pools already battling stains, we outline a step-by-step in-water remediation: lift discoloration using ascorbic or citric acid, capture dissolved metals with skimmer media or a dedicated canister loop to speed removal, and only then resume strong chlorination. We also help you find the source—copper algaecides, acidic tablets in the skimmer, heater corrosion, high-velocity erosion, fill water, or even iron-bearing pebbles in new surfaces—and share the surprising fix for localized rust spots.

• copper’s effect on algae and bacteria
• limits of ionizers and the need for oxidation
• green hair caused by copper, not chlorine
• sequestrants’ benefits and degradation over time
• chlorine-first method for algae removal at 25 ppm
• in-water stain removal using acids and metal media
• faster metal capture with a canister and aux pump
• tracing metal sources from equipment and surfaces
• pebble finishes with iron and spot remediation
• learning path with guides, books, and courses
• links to podcasts and coaching resources

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More Rookie Pool Chemistry Mistakes Pt.2 – Bob Lowry

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Think a four-hour pump schedule is “good enough”? We put that myth to rest with clear math, real-world examples, and a simple plan for dialing in filtration so you stop chasing cloudy water and recurring algae. With Bob Lowry in the chair, we unpack why three turnovers is the sweet spot for clarity and safety, how to measure true flow instead of guessing, and what happens to sanitizer when circulation goes quiet for twenty hours a day.

We also get honest about bather load. A backyard pool can hit zero free chlorine minutes after seven adults or a pack of energetic kids jump in. That’s not scare talk—it’s demand math. We walk through why “keep chlorine low” backfires in stabilized pools, how cyanuric acid changes your targets, and the exact pre-party and post-party steps to protect swimmers and keep callbacks off your weekend. You’ll hear practical guidance on variable-speed settings, placing a flow meter, and setting run times around gallons per minute, not habit.

Training ties it all together. Quick seminars often isolate one idea—like higher CYA—without showing the trade-offs for pH control and chlorine strength. We share why full-scope chemistry education builds confidence, speeds decisions on route, and helps you explain choices to cost-sensitive homeowners with data they can trust. You’ll learn where to find live and online pool chemistry certification, how to access technical bulletins, and how to turn testing-first into a repeatable, profitable workflow.

• three turnovers as the target for clarity and safety
• how to calculate turnover using actual flow rate
• circulation’s role in stopping biofilm and algae
• bather load math that crashes free chlorine
• why “keep chlorine low” is bad advice with CYA
• simple pre-party and post-party dosing plans
• full-course training versus one-hour seminars
• where to find certifications and tech bulletins
• daily workflow: test first, then dose with purpose

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Rookie Pool Chemistry Mistakes Pt.1 – Bob Lowry

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Algae keeps coming back even when your test reads “plenty of chlorine”? Here’s the missing piece: cyanuric acid quietly ties up most of your free chlorine, leaving only a small slice as active HOCl. We dig into the real chemistry behind clear water, then translate the math into one simple rule you can use on every stop.

We walk through the practical percentage target that actually prevents algae: set free chlorine to 7.5% of your CYA, or drop that target to 5% when you run borates at 50 ppm. You’ll hear why pools with 150–200 ppm CYA can still turn green at 6 ppm FC, how pH shifts HOCl to weaker OCl−, and why weekly shock isn’t a strategy. If you’ve ever fought a trichlor-heavy pool through summer and wondered why “within range” fails, this conversation gives you the framework to fix it.

We also unpack LSI fundamentals to predict scale and corrosion, then explain why balance on paper isn’t enough if the pool won’t stay put between visits. Targets beat broad ranges: tune alkalinity to control pH rise, maintain appropriate calcium hardness, and let borates smooth pH swings so sanitizer stays effective. By focusing on stable set points instead of chasing numbers, you protect plaster and equipment, reduce callbacks, and keep water reliably clear.

• CYA binding lowers active chlorine and HOCl
• The 7.5% of CYA free chlorine rule
• Borates at 50 ppm reduce the FC target to 5%
• High CYA pools need higher FC despite “good” tests
• LSI as a prediction tool, not a cure-all
• Targets for stability versus chasing ranges
• Balance that holds week to week, not just on paper

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. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com

The Pool Guy Podcast Show is teamed up with UPA to bring you affordable, reliable liability insurance starting at just $64 a month. Sign up with UPA today by clicking the link in the podcast description

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Bob Lowry Explains: Cold Weather Pool Care Made Simple

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Cold water changes everything. As temperatures slide, algae take a back seat, chlorine demand dips, and the Langelier Saturation Index tilts toward corrosive—quiet shifts that can quietly chew through plaster and equipment if you are not paying attention. We sit down with industry legend Bob Lowry to map a simple, reliable winter playbook that protects the vessel, extends gear life, and saves money when demand is low.

We start with the biology: algae reproduction slows around 55°F, which means you can safely run lower free chlorine. But that win comes with a catch—temperature drags LSI downward, so water gets hungrier for calcium. Bob explains how a small bump to pH and total alkalinity can stabilize balance without chasing numbers, and why calcium hardness targets still matter even in the off-season. We talk through the practical side, from long gauntlet gloves that make cold work bearable to smarter run-time choices. If you are tempted to run the pump two hours “just because,” hear why that middle ground is worse than a proper turnover.

Cyanuric acid gets special attention. After a summer of tabs, winter is the perfect time to lower CYA with a partial drain and refill. Bob also shares why CYA may drift down on its own—and in rare cases crash—due to specific bacteria when chlorine is low. The takeaway is simple: even in winter, test with intent, keep CYA in the 30–50 ppm sweet spot, and nudge LSI back to balanced as temperatures fall.

• Cold water reduces chlorine demand and slows algae growth
• LSI drops with temperature, raising corrosion risk
• Open vs closed pool choices by climate and power reliability
• Salt generators underperform below about 60°F
• Effective winter circulation strategies and freeze protect
• Partial drain to reduce high CYA from summer tabs
• Rare bacteria can consume cyanuric acid in low-chlorine pools
• Preventing stains, rings, and surface damage during dormancy
• Practical tweaks: raise alkalinity with bicarb, monitor pH and calcium
• Cost control in winter with lower chemical usage

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Is It Time to Ditch Trichlor? Bob Lowry Weighs In

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ever wondered why your chlorine test reads fine but algae still shows up? We pull back the curtain on the hidden math behind tablets, explaining how cyanuric acid quietly slows chlorine and why a “set-and-forget” trichlor program can turn into a chemistry treadmill. You’ll learn the simple 5% rule—keep free chlorine at roughly five percent of your CYA—and see how that single ratio restores predictability and keeps water safe.

We dig into the side effects most people miss: trichlor’s low pH and its impact on alkalinity, the need to correct for CYA when calculating carbonate alkalinity, and the way weekly consumption can add around 25 ppm CYA per month. Then we tackle a critical safety topic: switching to calcium hypochlorite tablets. Mixing cal hypo with trichlor—even residue in a feeder—can create heat, toxic gases, and an explosion within minutes. We share real-world incidents, what causes them, and the exact precautions pros use to avoid disaster. You’ll also get practical storage and handling tips to prevent gassing from humid buckets and stagnant feeders, plus clear steps to open containers safely.

• why trichlor’s CYA load weakens chlorine
• the 5% chlorine-to-CYA rule for clear water
• the feedback loop that drives CYA higher
• trichlor’s acidity pushing down pH and TA
• correcting alkalinity by subtracting a third of CYA
• hazards of mixing trichlor and cal hypo
• safer handling, storage, and opening practices
• feeder gas risks and how to avoid them
• cost and availability trends for trichlor
• building a stable, low-drift maintenance plan
• resources, classes, and coaching for pros

Join the Fool Guy Coaching Program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support from me. Learn more at swimming poollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com

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Lessons from Other Trades: What Pool Pros Can Learn

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What if the fastest way to grow your pool service isn’t a new ad, but a missed call you never return? We walk through the simple, repeatable habits top plumbers, HVAC techs, and landscapers use to win business—and show exactly how to apply them to pool care. The playbook is straightforward: answer quickly, look professional, write clear bids, and respect the clock. Do these well and you’ll close more estimates, earn better clients, and build a referral engine that compounds.

We start with responsiveness because it’s the real gatekeeper. When a homeowner is shopping, they call until a human picks up. A quick reply—by phone or text—keeps the lead alive and signals reliability from day one. We share low-friction systems to capture calls during business hours, including using a spouse, assistant, or simple auto-texts to acknowledge inquiries. Then we dig into presentation: clean, branded trucks, tidy uniforms, and name tags that build instant trust at the curb. Image isn’t vanity; it’s proof of care.

If you’re ready to turn small habits into a big advantage, this conversation gives you the framework and the tools to start today. Subscribe, share this with a fellow pool pro, and leave a review to tell us which habit you’ll upgrade first.

• learning from plumbers, HVAC, and landscapers
• answering calls and texts within minutes
• using a spouse or assistant to capture leads
• presenting clean trucks, uniforms, and name tags
• sending typed, detailed bids and invoices
• using a one‑page service agreement for clarity
• scheduling realistic windows and arriving on time
• building trust that supports higher pricing
• compounding small habits into market advantage

Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support from me. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com
You can find more podcasts at swimmingpoollearning.com; click the podcast icon for over 1800 episodes
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Power Up Your VacDaddy: Introducing the NEW Battery

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Tired of wrestling with outlets and extension cords just to vacuum a pool? We dig into the new battery that turns the VacDaddy’s 55 GPM suction into a truly portable solution and lay out exactly where this tool shines: routine service, storm cleanups, shallow features, and green pool recoveries. Without sacrificing power, the battery removes the biggest friction point—finding a plug—while keeping what pros already love: bag-based debris capture that keeps fine dirt out of the customer’s filter system.

We break down real-world specs that matter on a route: roughly 15 pounds, about three hours to charge, and close to two hours of runtime at full power thanks to safer ternary lithium chemistry. That swap also streamlines the loadout by replacing heavier transformers, making weight nearly apples to apples and the workflow simpler. Then we go deeper into the VacDaddy’s modular design. The vacuum-to-waste adapter turns the unit into a focused cleanup pump in minutes, ideal for post-windstorm debris or settling after an algae treatment. A shallow water adapter unlocks fountains and water features by letting you submerge the unit and vacuum with a short hose and manual head.

If you’re ready to make your route faster and more flexible, give this breakdown a listen, share it with your team, and tell us where a portable 55 GPM vac would save you the most time. Subscribe for more pool service insights, leave a review to help others find the show, and send us your questions for a future Q&A.

• what makes VacDaddy different from vac systems and small battery vacs
• bundles, pricing, and core specs
• outlet limitations and why portability matters
• battery weight, charge time, and runtime
• transforming into a vacuum-to-waste cleanup tool
• how the discharge and bag filtration work
• shallow water adapter for fountains and features
• who should use it across teams and routes
• bag micron options and realistic limits
• future-friendly ideas like a compact cart
• links to resources and our coaching support

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The 2026 Pool Season: What You Need to Know

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Forecasts only matter when they help you make better moves. We lay out a clear-eyed view of the 2026 pool season: modest 2–3% industry growth, a slowdown in new builds, and a steady shift toward service demand—especially across apartments, HOAs, and townhome communities where shared pools are now standard amenities. If you’ve wondered whether to raise rates, chase commercial accounts, or lean into software, this conversation connects the dots with straightforward guidance you can use.

You’ll hear a practical plan for communicating price increases, using data from last year’s costs to set fair, sustainable rates. We cover regulatory currents—from single-speed pump restrictions to shifting 1099 employment rules—and how to adapt without drama. Along the way, we spotlight tools like modern routing and service apps that streamline reporting, build client trust, and strengthen proposals for upgrades. The message is steady and actionable: protect margins, seek reliable commercial revenue, and use technology to deliver consistent, transparent service.

If this helped you get your 2026 plan in shape, subscribe, share the show with another pool pro, and leave a quick review to help others find it. Got questions or want the price increase template? Email David at swimmingpoollearning.com and let’s dial in your strategy.

• industry growth normalising at 2–3 percent
• AI shifting workers into trades, raising competition
• commercial pool opportunities expanding with multi-family builds
• service resilience through convenience and complexity
• strategic annual price increases to offset inflation
• simple math for rate changes and retention
• incremental tech gains in routing, reporting and automation
• gradual regulations on pumps, 1099 hiring and drought rules
• tariffs and overseas costs sustaining equipment and chemical prices
• practical planning for 2026 budgets and business reviews

Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com
If you want the price increase template, email me at David at swimmingpoollearning.com

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When Your Saltwater Pool Takes a Winter Nap

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Cold water doesn’t just chill your pool—it changes how your salt system works. We break down what really happens when temperatures drop, why most cells throttle or shut off around 50 to 60 degrees, and how to keep water clear without burning through gear or cash. If you’ve ever wondered whether to pull the cell, which sanitizer to lean on, or how to set yourself up for an easy spring, this walkthrough gives you a step-by-step plan.

We start with freeze protection and the simple move that prevents expensive damage: remove the cell and install a dummy cell when hard freezes or power outages are possible. From there, we map out a winter sanitizing strategy built around trichlor tablets in a floater—not the skimmer—to deliver slow, steady chlorine while topping up cyanuric acid. You’ll hear practical tablet dosing for 15,000 to 20,000 gallon pools, why cold water slows dissolution, and how a modest tablet plan can place your CYA near the 70 to 80 ppm sweet spot for salt systems once the sun returns.

When storms zero out your chlorine, we explain why liquid chlorine is the best fast-acting boost for salt pools in winter. Its byproduct is sodium, so you avoid adding calcium that can scale up your cell plates.

• freeze risk to salt cells and dummy cell use
• why cold water reduces electrolysis and output
• heated pool exception to winter shutdown
• trichlor tablets as winter sanitizer backbone
• avoid skimmer placement and use a floater
• tablet dosing by pool size in cold water
• winter CYA top-up strategy to target 80 ppm
• liquid chlorine boosts without calcium byproduct
• verify salinity with a digital meter in spring
• switch off tablets and reactivate the generator

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Clean Like a Pro with THE Shrimp KIT by The Bottom Feeder

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Looking for a faster, lighter way to vacuum pools without hauling a cart? We break down the new Shrimp kit and stack it against the trusted Bottom Feeder to help you decide what actually fits your route, your pools, and your budget. From first impressions to field use, we get specific about size, throat diameter, runtime, handling, and durability—so you can choose based on results, not hype.

We start with why compact vacuums are trending and where plastic mini units fall short for pros: limited lifespans, hard-to-find parts, and hidden replacement costs. Then we dig into the Shrimp’s pro-grade build—LiFePO4 battery rated for 1,500 to 2,000 cycles, about 2.5 hours of runtime, a sealed magnetic switch designed to beat water intrusion, stainless threaded parts, and brass-plated connectors. You’ll hear how a five-inch throat keeps suction feeling strong, why the smaller footprint is a win on steps, spas, fountains, and water features, and what changes when you pull backward with a lighter head.

If you’ve relied on the Bottom Feeder, you’ll appreciate the context. Its wider head covers more with each pass and stays planted, making it a great match for routes with moderate to heavy debris. The Shrimp trims size without losing effectiveness, trading coverage for agility and making quick spot vacs painless. We also cover runtime versus charge time, the included 120-micron bag, the carry handle and 20-foot pole extension, and the current $1,199 price point—plus when that investment beats a cycle of disposable plastic vacs.

• compact versus coverage and how size affects speed
• battery tech, runtime, and charge times
• magnetic switch design and durability gains
• handling differences on forward and back strokes
• ideal use cases for steps, spas, and features
• why plastic compact vacs cost more over time
• pricing, what the Shrimp kit includes, and longevity
• how to choose based on debris level and route needs
• where to buy and pickup options in Las Vegas

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Choosing The Right Pool Vacuum System For Your Route

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

If you clean pools for a living, the vacuum system you choose can either speed up your route or slow you down at every backyard gate. We break down cart-based workhorses like Riptide and Hammerhead and match them against cartless contenders including the Bottom Feeder, Shrimp, Power Vac’s relaunch, Riptide XP, and the Hammerhead Remora. You’ll hear clear pros and cons on power, maneuverability, durability, price, and real access issues—stairs, narrow side yards, and HOA choke points that make or break your day.

We start with first principles: how a cart changes your workflow, the real benefits of carrying chemicals and accessories in one trip, and the headaches of transport racks, tailgate access, and rear visibility. Then we get practical about mounting: class III receivers, T-bar configurations, swing-away solutions, and anti-wobble plates that keep your setup solid. From there, we shift to non-cart freedom—why a 12-pound Bottom Feeder with no cords can outpace heavier systems on most routes, and when the compact Shrimp becomes a durable replacement for disposable plastic spot vacs.

• cart advantages, access limits, and transport racks
• T-bar mounts, swing-away options, anti-wobble plates
• Bottom Feeder portability and Shrimp use cases
• coquita alternatives and durability trade-offs
• Power Vac relaunch, Riptide XP, Hammerhead Remora
• maneuverability on vinyl, spas, and steps
• power comparisons across brands and heads
• mixing systems for heavy debris and tight yards
• micron bag choices for dust vs leaves
• practical buying tips and vendor sources

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. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com

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The Breakup Episode: When Customers Say “We’re Done”

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Tired of losing accounts to low-price flyers or “I’ll handle it in winter” cancellations? We share a practical retention system that keeps clients loyal by focusing on what they feel at home: fast replies, reliable visits, crystal water, and billing they can trust. No fluff—just the habits that stop churn before it starts.

Water quality makes or breaks loyalty, so we outline a preventive playbook: sustaining proper chlorine levels, using enhancers like borates or phosphate/enzyme programs, brushing every visit, and staying on top of filter maintenance. One bloom can be forgiven—repeat blooms are a deal‑breaker—so we show you how to document, communicate, and correct issues fast. Finally, we tackle billing transparency: notifying clients before parts are replaced, leaving old parts for inspection, photographing work, and giving clear price‑increase notices. When charges make sense, trust rises.

Whether you’re a solo operator or running a team, this episode gives you a proven framework to keep customers happy all year. If you found value, follow the show, share it with another pool pro, and leave a review to help more service teams build retention that lasts.

• balancing owner‑operator vs team expectations
• fixing slow or missing communication with photo updates
• building consistent day and time windows
• educating on winter debris, stains and year‑round pricing
• preventing algae with chemistry, brushing and filter care
• documenting parts and clarifying invoices before charging
• using routing apps for logs, photos and follow‑ups

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How A 45-Pool Route Nets Real Money After Taxes

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Ever wonder what the numbers really look like behind a pool service route? We pull back the curtain with a clear, practical breakdown of a 45-pool operation charging $185 per month, then map the journey from gross revenue to true take-home pay. You’ll hear how recurring service, tight expense control, and smart tax choices can turn a four-day workweek into roughly $5,000 in monthly net income without 12-hour days or constant upsells.

The best part is scalability. Once your processes are dialed, adding accounts or a technician can grow revenue faster than your personal hours. Route density, predictable billing, and bulk purchasing create leverage that many service trades struggle to match. If you’re weighing a jump into pool service or deciding how to price and structure what you already run, this breakdown gives you the numbers, the strategy, and the confidence to build a durable, profitable business.

If this helped you see the business more clearly, follow the show, share it with a fellow pro, and leave a quick review—then tell us the one number you most want to improve next.

We model a 45-pool route with realistic pricing, expenses, and taxes to reveal true take-home pay and why this service business scales so well. Along the way, we weigh mileage vs actual vehicle costs, entity choices, audits, and how a CPA can boost your net.

• 45-pool route at $185 monthly per account
• Mileage deduction compared with vehicle expenses
• LLC vs corporation vs sole proprietor considerations
• Building the expense stack and tracking receipts
• Estimating net profit and tax burden
• Scheduling, workload, and route density
• Reasons to report income and avoid audit risk
• CPA strategies for purchases, payroll, and quarterly taxes
• Scalability through hiring and smarter operations
• Where to find more episodes and coaching

Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and direct support from me. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you’re looking for my coaching program, go to PoolGuyCoaching.com

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The Spare Parts Episode: Be Ready for Anything

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ever finish a stop, glance at the truck, and realize you’re down to one gallon of chlorine with six pools to go? That pit-in-the-stomach moment is avoidable, and we walk through a field-tested system to keep your route moving without last-minute supplier runs or apologetic reschedules. Our goal is simple: turn your truck and garage into a lean, reliable inventory that protects your time and your bottom line.

We start with emergency essentials that punch above their weight. A 50-pound bucket of dichlor is the ultimate backup chlorine: stable on the shelf, easy to dose when pre-dissolved, and clutch when liquid stock runs low. Pair that with a spare pole and leaf rake so a broken net or a forgotten tool never derails your day. Then we get into power—a spare battery for Riptide or Bottom Feeder covers windy days, charging mishaps, and heavy debris, keeping you on schedule when it matters most.

The real difference-maker is habit. Use one, reorder one. Label buckets. Audit monthly. Avoid hoarding while making sure the must-haves never run out. Over time, this approach reduces supplier trips, cuts drive time, and boosts client trust because you finish jobs on the first visit. If you want a smoother route, fewer emergencies, and more profit per hour, this episode is your playbook.

• carrying dichlor to avoid chlorine shortages
• keeping a spare pole and leaf rake for breakages and losses
• adding backup batteries for Riptide and Bottom Feeder
• organizing parts in buckets and labeled zones
• stocking area-specific O-rings, lids and baskets
• keeping timer trippers and chlorinator wear parts on hand
• carrying a spare suction cleaner and hoses
• restocking immediately after use to avoid gaps
• balancing inventory without hoarding
• limiting supplier trips to planned reloads

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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

Winter Is Not a Vacation for Your Pool

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Cold weather doesn’t put a year‑round pool on pause—it rewrites the playbook. We walk through the real rules of winter care for open pools in warmer regions, showing you how to keep water clear, equipment safe, and surfaces protected when temperatures drop. From algae myths to smarter chemistry, you’ll get a practical framework you can use the same day.

First, we tackle the big misconception: cold water doesn’t kill algae, it only slows it. That’s why a steady 3–5 ppm chlorine residual still matters, especially if you fire up an attached spa for winter soaks. We explain how to prevent cloudy water and organic stains from leaves, bugs, and runoff, and we share a simple routine for skimming, vacuuming, and keeping your cleaner productive when debris spikes.

Next, we dig into chemistry that actually changes with temperature. Using the Langelier Saturation Index, we show why cooler water allows a higher pH target—often 7.8 to 8.0—to avoid corrosive conditions. You’ll learn when to dose acid lightly, how to balance alkalinity and calcium hardness, and why small adjustments protect plaster and metal components. We also cut through pump confusion: yes, you can run the system less than in summer, but not zero. A thoughtful 5–6 hour schedule maintains circulation, filtration, and cleaner coverage without wasting energy.

• definition of winterizing versus year‑round care
• why algae slows but still survives in cold water
• maintaining sanitizer for clarity and spa safety
• increased debris load and stain prevention
• adjusting pH and LSI targets in cold water
• essential pump runtime for circulation and cleaning
• practical gear tips for cold mornings
• client education and winter service value

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. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. Again, go to the bottom and get your gloves there.

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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

When a Handshake Becomes a Headache

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A handshake can’t stop a chargeback, clean a windblown pool in one visit, or explain why you took a sick day. We dig into the real-world moments that turn friendly client relationships into friction, and show how a simple one-page service agreement replaces tension with trust. From setting owner responsibilities like maintaining water level and providing clear access, to outlining late fees, service pauses, and repair payments, we share practical language you can adopt today without turning your business into a legal minefield.

We walk through a lean wind policy that lays out the exact cleanup sequence and sets a realistic timeline of up to three weeks for full recovery after severe weather. You’ll hear how vague-but-useful phrasing preserves flexibility while still creating clarity. We also compare monthly vs weekly billing so clients understand why five-service-week months or missed visits don’t trigger endless debates. The focus is on alignment: when clients know what you do, what they do, and how exceptions work, your schedule, sanity, and cash flow improve.

We make the case for putting pool service agreements in writing, from wind policies to billing and late fees. We share practical wording, how to roll it out to existing clients, and why one page can save weeks of headaches and unpaid labor.

• reasons to use a written service agreement
• how to introduce agreements to current clients
• key owner responsibilities like water level and access
• late fee rules and when service pauses
• clear wind policy and multi-visit cleanup timeline
• monthly vs weekly billing expectations
• vacation and sick day coverage explained
• using waivers for green pools and acid wash
• spotting red-flag clients early with paperwork
• presenting as a professional, credible service

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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

Mythbusters: Pool Chlorine Edition

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ever wonder why a pool stays clear for months and then collapses in a heatwave despite “weekly shock”? We pull back the curtain on the most persistent pool chemistry myths and replace them with simple, durable rules you can use on every visit. This is a frank guide to working with stabilizer, choosing the right chlorine, and avoiding the subtle traps that turn easy weeks into green emergencies.

We start by dismantling the calendar-based approach to shocking. Chlorine demand isn’t a date on your route sheet; it’s a relationship with cyanuric acid. Using the 7.5% FC-to-CYA guideline, we show how to set smart targets, when breakpoint chlorination makes sense, and how to avoid dumping gallons that don’t move the needle. From there, we explain why trichlor, liquid chlorine, and cal hypo are not interchangeable. Each has a job, a byproduct, and a best-use scenario—understanding that is the difference between controlled, predictable water and chasing problems.

High CYA gets a hard look. Yes, some techs maintain clear water at 150 to 200 ppm CYA, but they pay for it with higher chlorine demand and slower kill rates. We outline practical ways to cap stabilizer—dilution plans, mixed dosing strategies, and seasonal resets—so you’re not stacking tablets all summer. We also revisit the old habit of weekly algaecide and how modern enhancers like borates and phosphate enzyme blends can help without becoming crutches. The priority remains constant: solid FC/CYA targets, clean filtration, good circulation, and consistent brushing.

• weekly shock myth versus measured breakpoint
• FC targets tied to CYA at 7.5 percent
• trichlor, liquid, and cal hypo roles and byproducts
• high CYA management, limits, and dilution strategy
• algaecides versus enhancers and prevention basics
• saltwater generators as continuous chlorine supply
• testing, filtration, and circulation as first principles

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[ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ]

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Prime Suspect: Why Your Pump Won’t Start

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Air is the invisible enemy of a pool pump, and once it slips into the system, your prime is gone, your filter pressure dives, and your day gets longer. We zero in on the real reasons pumps refuse to prime and share the simple, reliable fixes working pros use to get water moving fast.

We start with the most common failure point—the pump lid O‑ring—and explain how age, dryness, and missing gaskets break the vacuum seal. From there, we tackle heat damage: low water leads to dry runs, scalding housings, warped baskets, and tiny leaks at threaded fittings and unions that are almost impossible to see. You’ll learn practical detection tricks, why high-heat fittings matter, and when a quick temporary wrap can confirm the diagnosis before you re‑plumb.

Then we walk through two priming methods that save routes. If you’ve got an attached spa, use spa suction to pull a quick prime and feather the valve back to pool without losing it. No spa? A drain bladder floods the skimmer line so the pump catches a full water column. We also cover low PSI caused by clogged impellers, how to free debris with a long screwdriver, and when to pull the motor for a proper clean. Add in diffuser wear, telltale turbulence, and the often-overlooked Jandy valve O‑ring, and you’ve got a complete field checklist that solves 95% of priming headaches.

• checking the pump lid O‑ring and proper lube
• finding heat‑warped fittings and union leaks
• using plastic wrap or tape to confirm air leaks
• spa suction feathering to restore prime
• drain bladder flooding for skimmer lines
• clearing clogged impellers with a screwdriver
• inspecting diffusers and wear rings for turbulence
• choosing and using lid removal tools safely
• diagnosing worn Jandy valve O‑rings and debris
• knowing when to stop and return with time

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. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com

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Competence Counts: The Pool Pro’s Edge

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Customers don’t judge by jargon; they judge by what they see and how their pool performs after you leave. We dive straight into the habits that signal true professionalism on a pool route: a 30–40 second equipment scan, disciplined filter decisions, and a firm stance on water-level responsibilities that keeps you out of liability trouble.

You’ll learn a simple checklist for catching leaks, reading filter pressure, and spotting a dirty salt cell before a homeowner does. We talk through the real cost of “I’ll clean the filter next week,” why a quick backwash rarely saves the day, and how to protect your margins by doing the hard work at the right moment. We also get practical about safety and optics—why you should avoid driveways, how to handle muriatic acid without scarring a brand-new deck, and the small presentation cues (uniforms, tidy trucks, clear logos) that build trust long before test strips touch water.

We break down the habits that prove competency on a pool route, from fast equipment assessments to firm water-level boundaries that prevent liability. We also cover pro presentation, customer communication for parties, and the smarter way to handle filters, chemicals, and parking.

• scanning equipment in 30 to 40 seconds for leaks, pressure, and salt cell status
• avoiding the filter clean delay that leads to algae and callbacks
• setting clear rules for water level to prevent overflow and property damage
• turning systems off and documenting low water with photos and messages
• parking off driveways, securing acid, and protecting decks from stains
• preparing for parties with shock, higher chlorine, and cleaner removal
• uniforms, clean vehicles, and first impressions that win trust
• using service agreements to define roles and reduce risk

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[ $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

The Pool Pro’s Guide to Pump Sizing Smarter

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Choosing a variable speed pump shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. We walk through a simple, field-tested way to size the right unit by matching your current single-speed horsepower to modern total horsepower (THP), accounting for plumbing size, distance, and voltage, and then using RPM control to hit your flow goals without wasting energy. No fluff—just practical rules you can apply the moment you step onto the equipment pad.

We start by translating old-school horsepower labels into today’s THP ratings and explain why you can safely choose equal or slightly higher THP and run it slower for quiet, efficient filtration. You’ll hear how pipe diameter, elbow count, elevation, and equipment distance shape total dynamic head, and why most backyard pools don’t need elaborate TDH calculations. We compare VS and VSF pumps, demystify how auto-flow control can handle minor resistance changes, and outline clear ranges: what to buy if you’re replacing a 1 HP, 1.5 HP, or 2 HP single-speed. We also unpack voltage realities on older 120 V systems so you don’t overbuy a pump that can’t deliver its full potential.
We break down how to size a variable speed pump by matching total horsepower to your existing single-speed, factoring in plumbing, distance, and voltage, and ignoring noise metrics that don’t move the bill. Clear steps, practical ranges, and brand tips help you buy once and set it right.

• matching single-speed HP to VS total horsepower
• when TDH matters and when it does not
• pipe size, distance, elevation as key resistance factors
• voltage limits on older 120 V systems
• VS vs VSF and why auto flow can help
• practical THP ranges for 1, 1.5, and 2 HP replacements
• why WEF differences are marginal for cost
• using a flow meter to set RPM and GPM
• brand consistency for easier install and automation

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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

Nightmare Pools: True Stories from the Route

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Some pools look profitable until they aren’t. We pull back the curtain on the accounts that drain time, money, and patience, and we map out the simple rules that keep your route safe and sustainable. From the backyard with a trained guard dog to the “easy” green pool with a dying pump, we show you how to spot trouble before you’re knee-deep in cloudy water and finger-pointing.

First, we talk safety with real stories from the field and why “the dog will be put away” isn’t a plan. You’ll learn practical deterrents and, more importantly, when to pass on a property altogether. Then we dig into green pool rehab: how to read a yard before you quote, equipment red flags that predict failure, and the true cost of running unreliable systems 24/7. We share what to check, how to price honestly, and the exact moments to walk away.

We share the hard-won rules that keep a pool route safe, profitable, and sane, from avoiding aggressive dogs to spotting green pools that won’t clear. We also unpack seasonal tree traps, heavy-use backyards, and how to price, pass, or replace bad accounts.

• assessing risk where dogs are present and why deterrents are not enough
• identifying green pools and equipment red flags to refuse work
• reading customer mindset from property condition on arrival
• recognizing tree species and planning for peak debris seasons
• diagnosing heavy-use residential pools that act like commercial loads
• setting rates, surcharges, and boundaries or replacing accounts
• knowing when Airbnbs and vacation rentals are not worth it
• using experience-based filters to build a stable, profitable route

Protect your business and your peace of mind. Sign up with UPA today by clicking the link in the podcast description

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The Five Types of Customers I Avoid at All Costs

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I share how to spot and avoid bad customers. From late payers to micromanagers and unrealistic pool owners, I’ll walk you through the red flags I’ve learned to recognize over the years. I’ll also give you my strategies for setting expectations, protecting yourself with agreements, and knowing when it’s time to walk away. Not every account is worth keeping — and sometimes saying no is the smartest business move you can make.

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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 ]

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The Secret Referral Network Every Pool Pro Should Tap Into

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I share how I’ve landed new accounts through networking with builders, realtors, and HOAs. These groups already have the trust of homeowners — and if you position yourself the right way, they can become your biggest referral sources. I’ll break down my personal approach. I’ll also give you some practical tips for building and keeping those relationships strong. If you’re tired of chasing random leads and want a smarter way to grow your pool business, this episode is for you.

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[ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ]

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Scam Alert: What Every Pool Pro Should Know

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I’m exposing a scam that’s been making the rounds in our industry and costing pool pros real money. The setup sounds innocent — someone calls saying they’re moving in soon and want to hire you for pool service. They send you a check that looks legitimate, but it’s written for too much, and then they ask you to forward the extra to another “vendor.” By the time the bank flags the check as fake, you’re out hundreds or even thousands of dollars. I’ll walk you through exactly how this scam works, the red flags to watch out for, and how you can protect yourself so you don’t fall victim.

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From Salt Cell Deaths to Root Damage: Fails

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I’m sharing some of the biggest pool fails I’ve run into over the years. I’ll talk about the headaches of trying to get warranty coverage through a home warranty policy, why salt pools with dead cells can bring everything to a halt, and the hidden dangers of running your pool with low water. I’ll also dive into equipment rooms with terrible placement that make servicing nearly impossible, and the long-term disasters I’ve seen when trees are planted too close to pools and the roots start causing damage.

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From Blotchy to Spotty: Pool Surface Problems Explained

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m going to cover the main appearance problems that affect different pool surfaces — discoloration, mottling, and staining. Whether it’s plaster that develops blotchy mottling, quartz that fades unevenly, pebble finishes that pick up scale or stains, fiberglass that yellows, vinyl that wrinkles and discolors, or tile that shows calcium deposits, every surface has its own challenges.

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Testing Smarter, Not Harder: Weekly Pool Care

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I’m diving into the essentials of pool care—what I personally test for each and every week to keep a pool sparkling and safe. From chlorine to pH, alkalinity to calcium hardness, I’ll share not only what to check but also why it matters. Think of this episode as your quick-start guide to building a weekly pool maintenance routine that actually works.

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The Pool Bug Survival Guide with Terry Arko

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Let’s face it — no one wants to swim with bugs. In this episode, I talk with Terry Arko from HASA about one of the most common (and annoying) pool problems: bugs in your pool. From backswimmers to water boatmen, we cover what they are, why they show up, and most importantly — how to get rid of them and keep them from coming back. Terry explains how water chemistry, algae, and even lighting can attract bugs, and we share practical, real-world steps to reclaim your pool from the critters. Whether you’re a homeowner or a service pro, this episode will make you rethink what’s really living in your water.

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Phosphates Demystified: A Conversation with Terry Arko

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m joined again by Terry Arko from HASA to tackle a big topic in pool chemistry — phosphates. We talk about what phosphates are, how they get into your pool, and whether they’re really the enemy everyone says they are. Terry breaks down the science behind phosphates, algae growth, and why managing your sanitizer level is still the most important piece of the puzzle. We also clear up a few myths about phosphate removers and when you actually need them. If you’ve ever wondered why your pool keeps turning green even when your chlorine looks good — this episode will clear things up.

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Resistant Algae and the Science Behind It with Terry Arko

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I sit down with Terry Arko from HASA to dive deep into one of the toughest pool problems out there — chlorine-resistant algae, including the dreaded black algae that laughs at your shock treatments. We talk about why some algae survive even in well-maintained pools, how biofilms protect them, and what steps actually work to beat them for good. Terry shares his expert insight from decades in the field, breaking down the myths and science behind stubborn algae blooms. If you’ve ever felt like your chlorine isn’t doing its job, this one’s a must-listen.

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Don’t Blow It: Pool Filter Survival Guide

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I’ve seen it all when it comes to pool filters—from the catastrophic blowouts that send water blasting across the yard, to the minor little drips and leaks that slowly waste water and drive you crazy. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the full range of filter issues: how to spot them early, what causes them, and most importantly, what to do before they turn into expensive repairs. Whether it’s a cracked tank, a leaky O-ring, or just poor water flow, I’ll share real-world stories and practical tips so you can keep your pool running smoothly without surprises.

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Filter Smarter, Not Harder: Pool Clarity Made Easy

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m talking about how to filter your pool smarter, not harder. I’ll cover when and why you should replace filter elements, how long you really need to run your pool for proper circulation, and the big benefits of adding a Waterco MultiCyclone pre-filter to cut down on maintenance. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your pool crystal clear while saving time, energy, and money.

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Sand, Cartridge, or DE? Let’s Filter It Out

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Today I’m diving into the world of pool filters and breaking down the three main types every pool owner should know: sand, cartridge, and DE filters. I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each, share what works best for different pool setups, and help you figure out which one is right for your backyard oasis. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident choosing a filter that keeps your pool sparkling clean with minimal hassle!

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1776 and the Pool Industry Revolution

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m exploring the revolutions that have shaken up the pool industry over the years. From breakthroughs in pool design and construction to next-level filtration, eco-friendly chemicals, and smart automation, these changes have transformed how we build, maintain, and enjoy our pools. I’ll break down the big innovations, share stories from the trenches, and give you a peek at what’s coming next in the world of pools.

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Diving Into Dollars and Cents

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Running a pool service is more than cleaning and balancing water—it’s running a business. In this episode, I’m diving into the importance of proper accounting. I’ll share how separating business and personal finances saved me a major headache at tax time, why tracking every chemical, part, and mile driven matters, and how simple tools like QuickBooks or even a spreadsheet can keep your cash flow crystal clear. Accounting may not be glamorous, but it’s the difference between just getting by and building a profitable pool business.

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Chemical Chaos: When Pool Fixes Backfire

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I dive into what happens when chemical usage in pools goes wrong. From overdosing chlorine that strips liners to shortcuts with chlorine that leave stains, I’ll share real stories and practical advice on avoiding these mistakes. I’ll also break down the science behind why these mishaps happen and how you can fix them before they spiral into costly problems.

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Safe & Sound: Protect Yourself and Your Customers

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I’ve learned the hard way that rushing through a pool service job can be risky—for me and my customers. In this episode, I’m talking about simple safety habits that protect everyone: checking gates, watching out for pool toys, and never sacrificing care for speed. Safety doesn’t have to slow you down—it just makes your job smarter and your clients happier.

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Fast Tracks: Speeding Up Your Pool Route

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I’m always looking for ways to make my pool route more efficient without cutting corners, and in this episode, I’m sharing my favorite tips to save time and energy. From tightening up your route to keeping spare parts on hand, these tricks will help you get the job done faster so you can enjoy your evenings instead of running around like a maniac.

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The Weather-Proof Pool Route: How I Handle Harsh Conditions

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Running a pool service in normal conditions is one thing, but throw in extreme weather—whether it’s desert heat, heavy rains, or freezing winters—and the challenges multiply fast. In this episode, I share how I’ve learned to adapt service routines to keep safe out there and when to cut and run.

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The Worst-Engineered Pool Products Ever Made

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Not every product in the pool industry hits the mark. In this episode, I call out some of the worst-engineered pool products I’ve run across over the years. From the awkwardly placed Pentair drain plug that turns a simple job into a wet mess, to the unreliable Hayward NorthStar pump, to costly and failure-prone in-floor cleaning systems, I’ll break down why these products cause more headaches than they solve.

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Engineering Excellence in the Pool Industry

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I highlight some of the best-engineered products in the swimming pool industry—the tools and equipment that really get it right. From the PoolSkim that takes a simple idea and makes it incredibly effective, to the Pentair 4000 Series filter that’s built to last, to the Hayward PoolCleaner that just works day after day without drama—I’ll break down why these products stand out from the rest.

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Portable Vac Wars: Which Pool Vacuum Reigns Supreme?

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I dive into a head-to-head comparison of two powerhouse portable pool vacuums: the WaterTech Precision V10 and the VacDaddy. Both promise to make pool pros’ lives easier, but they take very different approaches — one cordless with long battery life, the other corded with unlimited runtime and suction strength. I’ll break down the pros, cons, price points, and real-world use cases so you can decide which tool fits your business best. Whether you’re running a fast-moving residential route or handling heavy-duty commercial pools, this episode will give you the insights you need before making the investment.

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Do You Really Need to Vacuum That Pool?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I break down one of the most common questions pool pros face on the route: When should you vacuum a pool — and when is a skim or partial vacuum enough? I’ll share how to quickly assess debris levels, save time by choosing the right cleaning method, and keep pools sparkling without overworking your filter or wasting energy. From light leaf skimming to tackling post-storm disasters, I’ll give you practical strategies to make your cleaning routine more efficient and effective.

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When Walking Away Means Winning

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I share why learning to say “no” can be one of the most powerful tools in your pool service business. Whether it’s an account that drains your energy, a customer who constantly asks for extra work without paying for it, or cleanup jobs that just aren’t worth your time, knowing when to walk away keeps your business strong and profitable. I’ll give you real-world examples from my own route and practical ways you can politely say “bye” without burning bridges.

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DIY Pool Care Disasters (and How to Avoid Them)

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Today I break down the most common mistakes I see homeowners make when they try to take care of their own pool. From dumping in way too much chlorine to ignoring their filters or trusting test strips over a good kit, these errors can cost more in the long run than hiring a professional. I’ll explain the myths behind DIY pool care, why “clear water” doesn’t always mean safe water, and share simple tips that can save homeowners time, money, and frustration.

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Bob Lowry Meets Ben’s Best Guess Chart: Pool Chemistry Unlocked

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most important—and misunderstood—relationships in pool chemistry: free chlorine (FC) and cyanuric acid (CYA). Using Ben’s Best Guess Chart as a foundation, and layering in insights from Bob Lowry, I’ll explain how to find the sweet spot for chlorine levels so your pool stays safe and algae-free. This is pool chemistry demystified, and once you get it, your pool care will never be the same.

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Doubling Income: The Pool Scaling Playbook

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’ll walk you through the systems, tools, and strategies that helped you expand, and I’ll also talk about scaling outside the business — investing in real estate, side hustles, and other ways to create long-term financial stability. If you’ve ever wondered how to move from just cleaning pools to building a true business and lifestyle, this episode is for you.

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Out of Business? What Happened to Sutro

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I just found out the Sutro Smart Water Monitor has been discontinued, and I want to dive into why this once-promising pool tech didn’t quite make it. In this episode, I’ll share what Sutro set out to do, where it went wrong, and what lessons we as pool pros and entrepreneurs can take away from its rise and fall.

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Myth vs. Math: The Economics of Pool Ownership

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Today, I’m tackling another set of myths: A pool doesn’t add value to your house. Or how about, It’s cheaper to do it yourself. And of course, Owning a pool is just too expensive to maintain. I’ll share the real numbers, the hidden benefits of professional service, and why these misconceptions keep floating around. If you’ve ever wondered whether a pool is worth it, this episode will give you the truth you need.

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Pool Owner Misconceptions — Debunked

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

On this episode, I’m diving into some of the most common myths that pool owners believe. You’ve probably heard these before: If the pool looks clear, it must be safe to swim in. Or maybe you’ve been told, You can’t add too much chlorine. And of course, the classic: A salt pool isn’t a chlorine pool. I’ll break down the truth behind each one, explain why these myths are misleading, and give you the facts you need to keep your pool healthy and safe.

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Keep It Running: Prevent Pool Equipment Breakdowns

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk about the most common pool equipment failures I’ve seen over the years—pumps that burn out, filters that leak, heaters that just won’t fire up. I’ll share real stories from the field and explain what caused the breakdowns, plus the steps I take now to prevent them. If you’ve ever wondered how to extend the life of your pool equipment and avoid costly repairs, this episode is for you.

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When Pools Go Wrong: My Craziest Emergency Calls

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I share some of the biggest pool emergencies I’ve faced in the field—from green water takeovers and sudden equipment breakdowns to dangerous chemical mix-ups and mysterious leaks. These aren’t just wild stories; they’re real situations with real solutions that every pool pro or pool owner should know. I’ll walk you through how I handled each one, what I learned, and how you can be better prepared when the unexpected happens.

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Cleaning Pools or Flipping Burgers: Which Pays Better?

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I dive into one of the hardest truths in the pool service industry—sometimes you’re working hard but not making a profit. I’ll share real strategies I’ve used to recapture lost income, from re-evaluating pricing to cutting hidden costs, and how to make sure your business is working for you, not against you. If you’ve ever felt like your route is running you dry, this episode will give you practical steps to turn things around.

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Starting a Pool Service Business: Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I share my personal journey of starting a pool service business from scratch—the wins, the mistakes, and everything in between. I talk about what motivated me to get into the pool industry, how I landed my first customers, and the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way.

From underpricing my services to dealing with tough clients and learning the importance of good equipment, this episode is packed with insights for anyone thinking about starting a pool service company. Whether you’re brand new to the industry or looking to grow your existing route, these lessons can help you avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success.

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Before You Dig: Remodeling Tips That Matter

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Thinking about remodeling your pool? In this episode, I’m sharing the real-life pitfalls and lessons learned from pool remodels gone wrong. I’ll cover the big things you need to consider before you start — from design choices and budget surprises to dealing with contractors. If a remodel is in your future, this episode could save you a ton of stress (and money).

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Behind the Buttons: Pool Automation Ins & Outs

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m breaking down the world of pool automation. From smart controls and apps to pumps, heaters, and lights, I’ll walk you through what’s worth the investment and what might just drain your wallet. I’ll share my insider perspective on how automation can make pool ownership easier — and when it can actually complicate things.

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Are Salt Pools Actually Cheaper in the Long Run?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

One of the biggest questions I get from pool owners is whether a salt water pool is better than a chlorine pool. In this episode, I’ll break it down in simple terms, go over the pros and cons of each system, and help you figure out which one really saves money and hassle in the long run.

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Gear That Transformed My Route

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I share the gadgets that have completely changed the way I run my pool service route. From tools that save me time to equipment that makes the job easier and more efficient, I’ll go over what’s actually worth having in your truck and what I can’t live without on the job.

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The Hidden Headaches of Infinity Pools

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Infinity edge pools look incredible — they’re the kind of pools you see on Instagram or in luxury resorts. But as a pool pro, I can tell you they come with a unique set of headaches. In this episode, I’m going to share the real troubles that homeowners face with infinity edge pools — from water loss and high maintenance to expensive repairs and heating challenges. I’ll also give you some tips to help manage these issues if you already own one, and what to watch out for if you’re considering building one. Sometimes the "wow factor" isn’t worth the hidden headaches — unless you go in with your eyes open.

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My Proven Solutions for High pH in Saltwater Pools

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Saltwater pools are amazing, but one thing nearly every pool owner runs into is rising pH. In this episode, I’ll explain why pH tends to drift up in saltwater pools, and more importantly, how you can control it. From aeration and salt cell activity to practical strategies like acid dosing, CO₂ systems, and borates, I’ll share the real-world fixes that actually work. If your pH feels like it’s always on the rise, this episode is your go-to guide.

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The Ultimate Showdown of Automatic Pool Cleaners

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ever wonder which automatic pool cleaner is right for you? In this episode, I take a deep dive into the three main types—suction, pressure, and robotic. I’ll share how each one works, the pros and cons, and which situations they’re best for. I’ll also give you my personal top pick in each category so you can make a confident choice for your pool. If you’re tired of skimming leaves or vacuuming by hand, this one’s for you!

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Europe’s Hottest Pool Tool PoolWaterLab 2.0 (PoolLab 2.0)

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I’m excited to share my experience with the PoolLab 2.0, a powerful water testing tool making waves in the European market. In this episode, I break down what it does, why it matters, and how it changes the game for accurate, on-the-go water testing. Whether you’re already in the industry or just curious about the latest tools, this is a look at where pool tech is headed.

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How to Prevent Burnout in Your Pool Service Business

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Running a pool service business can be demanding, but I’ve learned firsthand that burnout doesn’t have to be part of the journey. In this episode, I share practical strategies I use to keep energy, focus, and motivation high—so the business runs smoothly without running me down. From balancing workload to protecting personal time, this is all about staying sharp and sustainable in the long game.

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Mindset Matters More Than Marketing

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I’ve seen how much a positive mindset changes not just my outlook, but my business results. In this episode, I dive into why attitude truly matters in customer service, leadership, and even in tackling daily challenges. I’ll share real stories and lessons that prove positivity is one of the strongest tools any pool service pro—or business owner—can have.

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Blueprint for Pool Service Success

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Every strong pool service company starts with a clear plan—and I’ll walk you through what that really means. In this episode, I outline the key elements of a solid business plan, from route setup to budgeting, marketing, and scaling. This is the framework I wish I had when I first started, and it’s the blueprint you can use to build a thriving business from the ground up.

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Balancing Pools Like a Pro with James Smith

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

On today’s episode, I’m joined by James Smith, Registered Nurse, Certified Pool Operator, and the mind behind the Pool Pro Training Course at Homestead Pool Services. James brings a unique background—combining years of clinical nursing with hands-on pool care—to teach pros how to truly understand water chemistry.
We talk about why so many pool techs struggle with pH, alkalinity, LSI, and borates, and how his 2-hour online crash course distills advanced science into simple, practical solutions for the field. James also shares why he offers a double-your-money-back guarantee, how he helps pool pros troubleshoot in real time, and what makes this program stand apart from everything else out there. If you’ve ever wanted to sharpen your chemistry game and save money while delivering perfect water, this is the episode to listen to.

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The Wild World of Pool Service with Terry Arko of HASA

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This one’s just for fun! Terry Arko and I swap some of the funniest pool service complaints we’ve ever heard, along with a few downright scary horror stories from the field. From the outrageous requests to the unbelievable situations we’ve walked into, you’ll laugh, shake your head, and maybe even feel better about your own service calls.

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Is Biofilm Killing Your Chlorine? with Terry Arko of HASA

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Terry Arko on Biofilm
In this episode, Terry Arko helps me unpack the mystery of biofilm: what it is, where it hides, and why it makes pool care such a challenge. I share some real-world stories about how biofilm has popped up in pools I service and the problems it causes—from cloudy water to sanitizer lock-up. If you’ve ever felt like your chlorine just isn’t working, biofilm might be the culprit.

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LSI on Salt: Balancing Act in a Salty World with Terry Arko of HASA

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Terry Arko on LSI Water Balancing in High CYA Pools and Saltwater Pools
Today, I dig into one of the trickiest balancing acts we face: keeping the LSI in range when dealing with high CYA levels and saltwater systems. Terry Arko joins me to explain why these pools behave differently, what adjustments we need to make, and how to keep everything in balance without going crazy. This one’s a must-listen if you’re fighting the stabilizer monster or managing a salt pool.

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Bringing Balance to the pH Chase; The LSI and Disinfection with Terry Arko

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Terry Arko on why the LSI is different from Pool Water Safety
In this episode, I sit down with Terry Arko to clear up a common mix-up: the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) versus pool water safety. LSI is all about protecting the pool surface and keeping the structure healthy, while water chemistry balance for safety is all about protecting swimmers. I share how understanding both helps me care for pools more effectively and give my clients both beautiful surfaces and safe, healthy water.

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Blown Away: Dealing with Windy Day Disasters

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The wind doesn’t just blow — it blows everything into your pools. I just had one of those brutal wind events that turned half my route into green soup overnight. In this episode, I’ll walk you through my clean-up plan after a windy day, what I do before the storm hits, and how I talk to customers when their pools are trashed. Whether it’s leaves, palm droppings, or just desert dust, I’ve got strategies to save your time and your filter pressure.

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The Route to Ruin: Injury-Proofing Your Pool Career

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Let’s be real — this job is hard on the body. In this episode, I’m talking about the injuries I’ve faced over the years running a pool route — from pulled backs to tweaked shoulders — and what I’ve learned about working smarter. I’ll share my daily habits, tool swaps, and simple adjustments that’ve helped me stay in the game without wrecking my body. If you’ve ever limped home after a long route, this one’s for you.

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YouTube Q& A Vol 24: Fix Your Pool Pumps, Salt Cells & Cleaner Parts—Answered!

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I'm diving into the questions you left me on YouTube. From clogged impellers and pumps that won’t prime to figuring out if your Truclear salt cell is the right size and whether aftermarket cleaner parts are worth it—I’m giving you straight answers, pro tips, and a few things most pool pros don’t talk about. If you’ve got a pool problem, chances are I’ve answered it today!

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VacDaddy or Bottom Feeder — Which One Sucks Better?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I’m diving into a showdown I’ve been asked about a lot lately — VacDaddy vs. The Bottom Feeder. If you're a pool pro, you know how much time and energy your vacuum can save… or waste. I’ve used both of these power vacuums in the field, and I’ll break down what I like, what frustrates me, and which one makes more sense depending on your route and budget. Whether you're dealing with leaves, fine dust, or just sick of dragging cords, you’ll want to hear this one before making your next purchase.

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Dirt — Here's How I Actually Clean It Up

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ever look at your pool and wonder how that much dirt even got in there? I do too—and in this episode, I break down the smartest, fastest, and most effective ways to get that junk out and get your pool looking crystal clear again. I share exactly what I do, what tools I use (and avoid), and why some of the newest tech just doesn’t cut it when it comes to heavy debris. Whether you're a pool pro or a weekend warrior, this one’s got the tips you need.

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Stain Science with Bob Lowry

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Today, I talk with Bob Lowry about a common and frustrating problem: metal staining in swimming pools. Whether it’s iron, copper, or manganese, stains can make even the cleanest pool look neglected. Bob breaks down where these metals come from, how to identify the stains, and—most importantly—how to treat and prevent them.

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When Chemistry Collides: Sequestrants and Chlorine

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk with Bob Lowry about something many pool owners and pros overlook: how certain pool products—like metal sequestrants—can destroy your chlorine level. Bob explains how these common additives, often used to treat stains or metal issues, can rapidly lower or eliminate free chlorine. We dig into how to identify these products, when it’s okay to use them, and what to do to maintain sanitizer levels when you do.

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Pool Party Cleanup, CYA Alkalinity, and Low pH—Solved

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Bob Lowry is back to answer three smart—and super common—pool care questions: What should you do after a pool party? How do you adjust carbonate alkalinity when CYA is extremely high? And how can you safely raise very low pH levels without overshooting? These are practical, real-world scenarios, and Bob gives clear, actionable answers.

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The Slippery Slope of High CYA with Bob Lowry

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Bob Lowry joins me to explain why high cyanuric acid (CYA) isn’t just a small issue—it’s a major one. We get into the science of how CYA affects chlorine performance, why it causes algae and sanitizer failure, and what you can actually do about it. If you’ve ever heard “high CYA” tossed around and didn’t get the fuss, this is the episode you need.

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Guessing Is Not a Strategy with Bob Lowry

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I sit down with Bob Lowry to talk about something so basic, yet so commonly misunderstood: chemical dosing. It all starts with knowing your pool’s volume—because if you don’t know how much water you're treating, you're just guessing. Bob shares his tips, tricks, and why accurate math is critical for safe, effective pool care.

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Skimming Profits: What to Do When Clients Don’t Pay

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode, I’m diving into a topic every pool pro faces sooner or later — collecting past-due money. We’ve all had that one client who ghosts us when it’s time to pay up. I’ll share the systems I’ve put in place to stay ahead of overdue invoices, tips on how to communicate professionally (without sounding desperate), and ways to prevent getting stiffed in the first place. From clear billing practices to strategic late fees and auto-pay setups, this episode is your toolkit to get paid on time — every time

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Powder Wars: Choosing the Right Filter Media

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Let’s settle the media war! In this episode, I compare diatomaceous earth, perlite, and cellulose — the three big names in DE filter alternatives. I cover the pros, cons, costs, and filtration power of each, plus when it might make sense to mix or switch. If you use a DE filter, this is a must-listen.

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Behind the Pleats: What Makes a Quality Cartridge?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I dive into a common question I get from pool pros: are all cartridge filter replacements created equal? Spoiler alert — they’re not. I break down the quality differences, filtration capacity, and what makes some cartridges last longer (or fail faster). If you’ve ever wondered whether OEM really matters, this one’s for you.

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The Turf War: Pool Techs vs. Landscapers

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m talking about a battle we’ve all faced at some point: pool pros vs. landscapers and gardeners. Whether it’s broken vacuum lines, blown leaves into a freshly cleaned pool, or just bad timing on service days, I’ve seen it all. I’ll share stories, some hard-earned lessons, and ways you can set boundaries and communicate better with the other folks working the same properties. Because the only thing worse than green pool water... is green turf drama.

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Tree-mendous Headaches: Top Offenders Around Pools

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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Rolling in the Right Rig!

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I’ve driven everything from compact trucks to full-size trucks in my pool route—and I’ve got thoughts. In this episode, I dig into what really matters when choosing your service vehicle: fuel economy, cargo space, reliability, branding, and comfort. Whether you're team Maverick, F-150, or even minivan curious, I’ve got you covered.

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Rise of the Cordless Machines

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I’ve been watching the explosion of cordless pool robots lately—and let me tell you, this isn’t just a trend, it’s a shift. In this episode, I break down what’s driving the cordless craze, the pros and cons versus traditional cleaners, and which models are actually worth your money. If you're wondering whether now’s the time to go cordless, this one's for you.

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The People-Pleaser Pool Pro

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ever let a client slide on payment… just once? Or kept doing that one extra thing “just to be nice”? I’ve been there—and paid the price. In this episode, I talk about how being too nice on your pool route can cost you time, money, and your sanity. I’ll share how to set boundaries without being a jerk, and why saying “no” can be the most professional thing you do.

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Critter Clean-Up Crew

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Let’s get real—every pool pro has found something floating that made them question their life choices. In this episode, I dive into what to do when you find a dead raccoon, bird, frog, or worse in a client’s pool. From safety protocols to dealing with squeamish homeowners, I cover how to handle it professionally—and safely—without losing your lunch.

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Finding the Invisible Drip

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ever chase down a mysterious pool leak that turned out to be something totally unexpected? Yeah, me too. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the different types of leaks I’ve encountered—plumbing, shell, equipment—and how I’ve learned to rule things out fast. I’ll also share the tools I trust, the common myths that waste your time, and why sometimes, it’s not a leak at all.

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Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

The Summer Sizzle Survival Guide for Pool Pros

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

It’s brutal out there! In this quick solo episode, I share some practical ways to stay safe and cool during extreme heat while servicing your route. From hydration hacks to time-saving tricks, this one’s all about keeping your cool when the temperature’s anything but.

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One Mistake Could Sink You — Are You Covered?

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Accidents happen — and when they do, general liability insurance can save your business and give your customers peace of mind. In this episode, I explain what general liability really covers, how it protects you personally, and why it’s not just for big companies. I also share why UPA’s plan is a fantastic, affordable option for pool pros.

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Tiny but Mighty: Meet the Shrimp Cleaner from the Makers of the Bottom Feeder!

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I’m back with Glen Heffernan for part two of our deep dive into the future of pool cleaning. We cover the brand-new Shrimp cleaner, talk product safety, and look at smart design updates like the new handle, the mystery of the thrust ring, and how you can charge right from your truck.

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Sucking Up the Future: The Bottom Feeder’s Next Big Moves with Glen Heffernan

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I sit down with Glen Heffernan, the creator of The Bottom Feeder, to dive deep into how this incredible pool vacuum keeps evolving. We talk about the fascinating history behind it and break down all the latest features — from the brand-new cord connector and magnetic switch to upgraded wheels, flaps, and smart solutions for battery and motor issues. We even discuss ways to extend the 1.5-hour run time, adding a second battery pack, the option to plug it in for unlimited run time, and the game-changing Bottom Feeder backpack. If you’re a pool pro or just a gear nerd, you’ll want to hear every minute of this!

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The pH Paradox: Why 8.0 Might Be Just Fine

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Everyone talks about aiming for that perfect 7.4 pH—but what if a pH of 8.0 isn’t actually too high? In this episode, I break down how LSI (Langelier Saturation Index) changes the conversation. We’ll look at how water balance isn't just about one number, and how a slightly higher pH might be healthier for your pool—and maybe even easier to manage long-term.

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What Lies Beneath: The Truth About Pool Surfaces

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I'm diving into the world of pool surface types—plaster, pebble, quartz, fiberglass, and vinyl. I break down the real-world pros and cons of each, from durability and aesthetics to maintenance needs and cost over time. Whether you're a pool owner deciding on a resurfacing option or a service pro looking to better understand your clients’ surfaces, this episode gives you the inside scoop.

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Too Acidic to Swim – Fixing Low pH Fast

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m tackling very low pH in swimming pools—what causes it, how it affects your swimmers, pool surfaces, and equipment, and most importantly, how to fix and prevent it. Whether it's rain, overuse of acid, or just imbalance, low pH is more common than you'd think. I’ll also share how I use 20 Mule Team Borax as part of the solution.

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Grip. Lock. Extend. Meet Gen 2 Primate Pole!

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m excited to introduce the 2nd Generation Primate Pool Tools carbon fiber poles. I’ll walk you through what’s new, what’s been improved, and why these American-made tools are worth a serious look — especially if you’re in the field every day like I am. From Apex Grips to backwards compatibility with Gen 1, this is the gear evolution we’ve been waiting for.

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Powder or Pour? Cal Hypo vs. Liquid Chlorine

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Today I’m putting two heavyweights head-to-head: Calcium Hypochlorite vs. Liquid Chlorine. Both can sanitize your pool, but their differences might surprise you — from shelf life and dosing to calcium hardness and cloudiness. I’ll share when I use each, and what pool pros often don’t tell you.

cal hypo, calcium hypochlorite, liquid chlorine, pool shock types, chlorine strength, pool sanitizer options, calcium hardness, pool cloudiness, liquid vs powder chlorine, pool service podcast

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Chlorine Smackdown: Tablets vs. Liquid

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m diving into the age-old battle of Liquid Chlorine vs. Trichlor tablets. I’ll break down the pros and cons of each, what they add to your pool, and why one might be slowly sabotaging your water balance. If you’re relying on tabs alone, you’ll want to hear this before your next trip to the pool store.

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Brush, Net, Repeat: The Essentials You Can’t Skip

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

If you’re just starting out on your pool route—or even just curious what it takes to clean a pool right—this episode is for you. I break down the basic tools I’d never leave home without: the brush, the net, the pole, the vacuum head, and a reliable test kit. I’ll share my own starter setup from when I first began, and a few must-have extras that make your job faster and easier. No fluff, just the essentials you’ll actually use. If you’re new and overwhelmed by gear choices, this is your jumpstart guide to getting route-ready.

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The Little Pump That Couldn’t

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Let’s be honest—some of the equipment we run into on route looks like it’s been holding on since the '80s. In this episode, I’m talking all about undersized and outdated pool equipment—how to work around it, when to push for an upgrade, and how to communicate the value of modernizing without sounding pushy. Whether it’s an old single-speed pump or a tiny filter choking a 25,000-gallon pool, I’ll share tips I’ve picked up in the field to make these tough setups a little easier—and help you build trust with your customers while nudging them toward a better system.

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Cal Hypo Caution: Tablets With a Twist

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I dive into the surprising downsides of Cal Hypo tablets—a pool chemical that seems like a powerhouse at first glance, but can quietly cause some big headaches. I’ll walk you through how Cal Hypo adds calcium to your pool, why that matters more than most people think, and the hidden risks if you’re not careful with storage or feeder compatibility. If you're considering making the switch, or already using Cal Hypo, don’t miss this quick breakdown of what to watch out for.

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Why I Walked Away from Commercial Service

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Let’s get honest—are commercial pool accounts really worth the effort? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on commercial service from a small business perspective. I’ll talk about the pros, the major pitfalls, and why I’ve chosen to focus on residential work instead. From low margins to endless inspections and payment delays, this is the real talk I wish someone had given me when I started out.

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It’s About Time: Mastering Intermatic Timers

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I'm cracking open one of the most iconic tools in the pool service world—the Intermatic mechanical timer. Whether you’re staring at a stuck dial, trippers that won’t trip, or a silent motor, I’ll walk you through how these timers work, what commonly goes wrong, and how to fix it fast. I’ll also share a few pro tips to keep them running smooth and avoid those annoying callbacks.

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Bob Lowry’s Battle of the Algaecides

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ever wonder whether adding borates at 50 ppm is really better than using a mineral system or an algaecide for algae prevention? I asked Bob Lowry—and his answer was clear, science-based, and surprisingly strong. We unpack the pros and cons of both strategies.

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Start-Up Screwups with Bob Lowry

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this follow-up chat with Bob Lowry, we shift gears from methods to mistakes. From plaster damage and scaling to cloudy water and chlorine crashes, Bob walks me through the most common problems that happen during a new pool start-up—and how to avoid them before they turn into costly headaches.

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Bob's Blueprint for New Pool Startups

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In part one of our deep dive, Bob Lowry shares the latest techniques for starting up new plaster pools. From traditional approaches to cutting-edge best practices, we break down how to give every new pool the cleanest start possible.

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Bob Lowry’s Chlorine Smackdown

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this Best of Bob Lowry, I sat down with the legendary Bob Lowry to uncover the truth behind which chlorine type packs the biggest punch. Spoiler alert: it’s not what most pool pros think! We compare Cal-Hypo, Trichlor, Dichlor, Liquid Chlorine, and more—this one might change how you treat your pool.

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Flakes, Fails & Frustration: Real Salt System Issues

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Saltwater pools may sound like the low-maintenance dream, but in this episode, I talk about the real-world problems I see every week with saltwater chlorine generators (SWGs). From customers who refuse to replace failing cells to mysterious white flake blowback, I unpack the chemistry, the challenges, and how I manage expectations in the field. If you work with salt pools or own one, this is a must-listen.

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Summer Savior: Terry Arko Talks Borates

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Tired of chasing pH, battling algae, and burning through chlorine in the summer? In this episode, I talk with Terry Arko of HASA about one of the most underused tools in pool water chemistry: borates. Terry explains how borates can stabilize pH, reduce chlorine demand, improve water clarity, and even make the water feel better. If you’ve been on the fence about using them—or if you’ve never even considered it—this is your guide to what borates can really do for your pools.

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Water Wars: The Real Story About Pools and Drought with Terry Arko

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I sit down with Terry Arko from HASA to talk about the hot topic on everyone’s mind—droughts and water usage. Are pools really water wasters? Terry breaks down the real numbers and explains why a well-maintained pool might actually conserve water compared to a traditional lawn. We also dig into the evolving drought restrictions and what they mean for pool pros in the field. This one’s full of eye-openers—and a few stats that will surprise you.

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YouTube Q&A Volume #23 – Sunken Treasure, Boric Acid & PoolRx & More

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m answering your YouTube questions! From the popular Sunken Treasure Tablet Holder to how and why I add boric acid to pools, and even a few clarifications around PoolRx—we're covering a wide range of pool service topics. This is a great listen for anyone who wants real-world answers from the route. If you’ve asked a question in the comments lately, this one might be for you.

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Shock Therapy: When Your Pool Actually Needs It

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Is shocking your pool every week really necessary—or just chlorine overkill? In this episode, I break down when you actually need to shock your pool, how to tell if it’s time, and why doing it too often can backfire. I’ll share what combined chlorine really means, how to reach breakpoint chlorination, and how to avoid wasting money on unnecessary chemicals. Whether you’re a weekend pool warrior or a new owner trying to decode that “chlorine smell,” this one’s for you.

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The Gross Truth: Scum and Foam Demystified

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ever walked up to a pool or spa and thought, “What is that gross film on the water—and why is it foaming like a bubble bath?” In this episode, I’m diving into the sticky truth behind scum lines and foam. I’ll break down what causes them, how to fix them, and most importantly—how to prevent them from showing up in the first place. Whether you’re a pool tech or just trying to keep your spa guest-ready, this one’s packed with practical advice and a few stories from the field.

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Safety First (No, Really): Pool Pro Essentials

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Let’s be honest—how many of us actually wear all the safety gear we should out on the pool route? In this episode, I’m opening up about the safety tools I used to ignore, the gear I swear by now, and the lessons I’ve learned (some the hard way). From eye protection and gloves to sun gear and steel-toe boots, I’m breaking down what works, what’s overkill, and what might save you from a trip to urgent care. If you're out in the field every day, this one’s worth a listen.

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One Rule for the Route: A Cleaner in Every Pool

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

What if every pool you service had an automatic cleaner? In this episode, we dive into the game-changing benefits of installing a cleaner in every pool on your route. From shaving hours off your weekly schedule to reducing manual vacuuming and debris headaches, we share how these little machines can mean quicker days, happier customers, and even less wear and tear on your back.

You'll learn how to demo cleaners the right way—without being pushy—and how to use your spare or refurbished units as trial tools in key problem pools. It's not just about selling; it's about showing your clients how automation equals better results. Whether you service 10 pools or 100, this strategy can make a serious difference to your bottom line.

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The Dirty Truth: Pool Accounts That Aren’t Worth It

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Every pool tech has that account—the one with vicious dogs, unpaid invoices, or a swamp of leaves bigger than your net. In this episode, we dive into the red flags that signal it's time to cut and run from a bad client. Learn how to protect your business, your sanity, and your bottom line by identifying the warning signs early and making the clean break when needed. From chronic late-payers to pool-sized nightmares, we’re giving you the real talk on when to walk.

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Clean Sweep: Vacuum Strategies That Actually Work

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Vacuuming: love it, hate it, or charge extra for it—every pool pro has a take. In this episode, we’re breaking down your vacuuming options on route: when to vacuum manually, when to use a Vacuum System, and when to skip it altogether. Learn how to set client expectations, avoid time-wasting pool traps, and charge appropriately for extra labor. Whether you’re dealing with a leaf jungle, fine dust, or oversized monsters, this episode will help you clean smarter—not harder.

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Hot Tub Hustle: Spa Service That Pays

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Thinking about adding spa service to your pool route? In this episode, we break down the essentials of above-ground spa care — from chemical routines to common maintenance pitfalls — and how to price it profitably. Whether you're servicing fiberglass spas on decks or plug-and-play units, this episode will help you avoid undercharging and overworking. Tune in and soak up the knowledge!

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The Rookie Look: Pool Pro Mistakes, Pt. 2

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In Part 2 of our “Pool Pro Mistakes” series, we shift from physical blunders to professional polish. We’re talking poor communication, sloppy appearance, and chemical dosing disasters. Learn why looking sharp, speaking clearly, and measuring twice can make or break your reputation — and how to fix these mistakes before they cost you clients

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Deck Stains, Pool Dunks, and Rookie Moves Part 1

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Every pool tech has a story — and some are better left untold. In Part 1 of our “Pool Pro Mistakes” series, we dive into the early-career missteps that actually happened: staining a client's deck, forgetting to shut off a fill line, and yes — falling in the pool. Laugh, learn, and level up your awareness so you don’t become the next cautionary tale.

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Starting Strong: Onboarding New Pool Clients Right

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Taking over pool service after a home changes hands isn’t just business as usual—it’s a fresh start with a brand-new client who likely has no idea what goes into keeping their water safe and clean. In this episode, I walk through the key things I always cover with new homeowners—setting expectations, reviewing equipment, updating the service agreement, and making sure we’re aligned from day one. A solid start sets the tone for a long, smooth service relationship.

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Don’t Lose the Pool with the House

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

When one of my service properties changes hands, I don’t just watch the truck roll out—I see an opportunity roll in. In this episode, I talk about how I turn new homeowners into loyal service clients before they even unpack. From welcome packets to smart follow-up after escrow closes, I’m sharing the strategies I use to make sure I keep the account and build trust from day one

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Late Checks & Low Patience: Poolside People Problems

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Every pool pro has them — the late payers, the chronic complainers, the ones who “know a guy” who’ll do it cheaper. In this episode, we dive into the world of tough pool service customers and how to handle them without losing your mind (or your margins). From setting clear boundaries to dealing with price hagglers and managing expectations, this is your survival guide to keeping your cool — and your business — afloat.

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Kreeped Out: Saying Goodbye to a Pool Icon

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Dive into the surprising tale of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly — the iconic pool cleaner that defined backyard maintenance for decades. In this episode, we explore how it rose to fame, why its reign is ending, and what comes next in the world of automatic pool cleaners. Whether you loved it, loathed it, or just watched it slowly creep across the deep end, this is the end of an era you didn’t know you needed to mourn.

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Silver Linings & Other Algae Killers

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Algae doesn’t stand a chance when you bring out the silver, polymers, and even ammonia-based reinforcements. In this episode, I take a closer look at silver-based algaecides like Nature2, polymeric options like PolyQuat 60, Skill-It, and the ever-controversial Yellow Out, which uses ammonia chemistry to supercharge your chlorine. Some are subtle, some are powerful—but each has a role in your pool care toolkit.

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Going for the Copper: Algae Control That Shines

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

If bromide's out, copper is definitely in. I’ll walk you through the copper-based lineup—from traditional copper algaecides to the PoolRx mineral system, and even the Remington Solar Sun Shock, a unique floating ionizer that releases copper into your water. Whether you're looking for long-term algae prevention or an alternative to chemical overload, copper might just be your new best friend.

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Breaking Up with Bromide: Smarter Algae Prevention

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Sodium bromide may be off the market for outdoor pool use, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. In this episode, I dive into two powerful allies in the fight against algae: borates and phosphate removers. While they’re not technically algaecides, they make your water a whole lot less inviting for algae to move in. If you're looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to manage your pool—this one's for you.

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Ugly Pools, Part 2: When It’s Not the Water—It’s the Run Time

Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We’re continuing the ugly pool conversation with some of the most overlooked issues: short pump run times, timers being shut off by customers, and high phosphate levels that feed algae even when the chemistry looks perfect. I’ll also touch on some classic user errors and things we forget to check that keep a pool stuck in the ugly zone.

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Ugly Pools, Part 1: The Ones That Just Won’t Turn Around

Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m breaking down those stubborn, frustrating pools that refuse to clear up—no matter how much chlorine you throw at them. We’ll look at three major culprits: poor filtration, sky-high CYA levels, pool leaks, and the sneaky role of nitrates. If you’ve ever had a pool on your route that just won’t cooperate, this one’s for you.

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The Service Secret Sauce: What Pool Owners Expect and Respect Part 2 of 2

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Part 2 of our SKIMMER 2025 Pool Owner Report breakdown explores the key to standing out in a competitive market: exceptional service. We’ll cover the growing importance of charging for chemicals separately (and transparently), how to handle auto billing feedback, and ways to turn service quality into a customer loyalty engine. Learn how to refine your operations while boosting your bottom line—and why the best pool pros are doing more than just maintaining water clarity.

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Diving Into Value: What Pool Owners Will Pay For Part 1 of 2

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In Part 1 of our special series on the SKIMMER 2025 Pool Owner Report, we take a deep dive into what truly matters to today's pool owners—value, price point, and cost expectations. We’ll unpack the data on what people are really willing to pay for, how perceptions of “fair pricing” are shifting, and how service companies can leverage this to add real value to their business. If you're looking to sharpen your competitive edge and build trust through transparency, this episode is for you.

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Algae? Not on My Watch!

Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Algae outbreaks are every pool pro’s nightmare—time-consuming, frustrating, and completely avoidable with the right habits. In this episode, I share my go-to strategies for keeping algae out of your clients' pools before it ever takes hold. From circulation tricks to chemistry tips, it’s all about prevention. Trust me—stopping algae before it starts is way easier than fighting it later!

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Pressure Points: DE Filter Headaches, Part 2

Fri, 23 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In Part 2 of my DE filter troubleshooting series, I’m talking about the pressure side of things — literally. If your filter pressure is running high, this episode’s for you. I break down what high PSI is really telling you, when it’s time to backwash or tear down the filter, and how to properly recharge it with DE powder. I also get into backwash valve problems — from sticky slide valves to internal bypass leaks that throw everything off. If your filter’s under pressure, let’s figure out why.

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Leaky Business: DE Filter Troubleshooting, Pt. 1

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ever noticed cloudy water or DE powder blowing back into your pool after a backwash? In this episode, I dig into why DE ends up where it shouldn’t — in your pool instead of on your filter grids. I’ll walk you through the common internal failures that cause this, like torn grids, cracked manifolds, or broken air bleeds. I also talk about where and how to properly clean your DE filter so you can inspect everything without missing the sneaky stuff. This is Part 1 of my troubleshooting series — and it starts right inside the tank.

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Pull the Plug: Draining Done Right

Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey everyone, in this episode I’m diving into everything you need to know about draining your swimming pool — when to do it, how to do it safely, and most importantly, where all that water should actually go. I’ll share tips to avoid damaging your pool, protect your landscaping, and stay on the right side of city codes. Whether your

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Balanced by Design: The Combo Approach to Trichlor

Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m diving into how to use Trichlor tablets the smart way—as part of a combination approach. Yes, they’re powerful and convenient, but relying on them 100% can cause issues with CYA buildup and pH drops. I’ll walk you through how to blend tabs with liquid chlorine, cal hypo, or even a salt system to keep your pool balanced, clear, and healthy all season long. It’s all about using the right tool for the job—at the right time.

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The Chlorine Conundrum: Trichlor Exposed

Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode, I’m talking all about those little white tablets we toss into floaters and feeders—Trichlor tablets. They’re super convenient, pack a powerful punch of chlorine, and they’re easy to use—but they’re not without their baggage. From skyrocketing CYA levels to pH issues, I’ll break down the good, the bad, and what you need to watch out for if you're relying on Trichlor to keep your pool crystal clear.

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The Bug Stops Here

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ever wonder why your crystal-clear pool still ends up with bugs doing the backstroke? In this episode of Bugs in Your Pool, I’m diving into the creepy crawlers that show up uninvited—like backswimmers, water boatmen, wasps, bees, and more. I’ll break down why they show up, what attracts them, and the exact steps you can take to get rid of them fast. Whether you're just starting your route or you're a seasoned tech, this one’s packed with practical tips to keep both your pools and your clients bug-free.

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Chemical Reactions: RN to Pool Pro

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We dive into the unique journey of James Smith, founder of Homestead Pool Services, who swapped stethoscopes for skimmers and never looked back. James shares how his background as a Registered Nurse gave him an unexpected edge in the pool industry—especially when it comes to chemistry. We explore his path from healthcare to pool care, and his latest project: a Zoom-based Chemistry Course for Pool Pros, designed to demystify water balance and give techs the confidence to diagnose and dose like pros. Whether you're a seasoned pool tech or just curious how medical training translates to crystal-clear pools, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and hands-on tips.

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The Deep End of Opportunity: Why the Pool Industry is Booming

Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Guest: Scott Roberts, National Pool Route Sales (NPRS)
Is the pool industry still worth diving into? Scott Roberts returns to discuss the current state of the pool business and why it remains one of the most accessible and resilient industries for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

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Buy Smart, Sell Right: Pool Route Pitfalls and Power Moves

Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Guest: Scott Roberts, National Pool Route Sales (NPRS)
Thinking of buying or selling a pool route? Scott Roberts from NPRS shares essential do’s and don’ts from both sides of the deal. Learn how to spot red flags, ask the right questions, and avoid common (and costly) mistakes in your pool route transaction.

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Cracking the Code: Understanding Pool Route Sales

Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Guest: Scott Roberts, National Pool Route Sales (NPRS)
What exactly is a pool route sale? In this episode, Scott Roberts of NPRS demystifies the process. From how these sales work to who’s buying and why, this episode lays the foundation for anyone curious about entering or exiting the pool service business.

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Price Shock: Tariffs and Your Pool Biz with Terry Arko of HASA

Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this timely episode, Terry Arko breaks down how tariffs on imported goods—from chlorine to equipment—could impact the swimming pool industry. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and why staying informed could be your biggest business advantage this season.

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The Clarity Code: Mastering Pool Water Quality with Terry Arko of HASA

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Terry Arko returns to explain what really affects water clarity—and to talk about his history in the industry, writing technical bulletins and articles. Dive into the science of clean water, common clarity myths, and how to troubleshoot problem water conditions.

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Ashes to Algae: Post-Fire Pool Safety With Terry Arko of HASA

Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this eye-opening episode, Terry Arko of HASA breaks down what pool pros need to know when wildfires hit close to home. From ash fallout to water contamination, we explore how fire affects pool chemistry and whether that water is truly safe to swim in. A must-listen for anyone servicing pools in fire-prone areas.

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Polished & Professional: Conduct That Builds a Better Pool Business

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m talking about something that can seriously make or break your pool business—professional conduct and how to talk to your customers the right way. I’ll share what’s worked for me out on my route, from setting clear expectations to handling tough conversations with confidence and respect. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your communication skills, this episode is packed with real-world tips to help you build stronger relationships and a better reputation.

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The Self-Cleaning Fantasy: Saltwater Pools Still Need You

Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest myths I hear from homeowners: “Saltwater pools are maintenance-free.” Not even close! While salt systems are a great alternative to traditional chlorine, they still need regular love—like checking salt levels, cleaning the cell, and keeping an eye on pH and scaling. I’ll break down what you really need to know so your salt pool doesn’t end up costing you more than it should. Let’s clear the water on this salty subject!

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The Show Must Go On: How I Handle Injuries and Sick Days

Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I share my personal experience navigating the challenges of injuries and sick days while managing a pool route. I'll talk about how I handle unexpected setbacks, what strategies have worked for me in staying on track, and how I ensure my business keeps running smoothly even when I'm not feeling 100%. Whether it's dealing with a sprain or catching a cold, I’ve got some practical tips to help you stay afloat during tough times.

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Smart Pool Tech: In-Depth Comparison of Today’s Water Monitors

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m comparing some of the top smart pool water monitors on the market. I’ll break down the pros and cons of each, share my personal experiences using them out in the field, and help you figure out which one might be the best fit for your route or your own pool. If you’ve ever wondered whether these devices are worth the investment, or which one actually delivers on its promises, this episode’s for you.

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The PoolRx+ Playbook: Duration, Boosting, and Big Results

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

How long does PoolRx+ actually last—and when should you reach for a booster? In this episode, Fred Schweer of PoolRx joins us once again to clear the water (and the confusion). Fred breaks down the 4–6 month lifespan of the PoolRx+ unit depending on pool conditions, and explains how the booster keeps your system in the kill zone without needing to replace the entire unit. Plus, we revisit the powerful benefits of PoolRxIf you’re looking to fine-tune your maintenance game, this is essential listening.

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When CYA’s Too High and Metals Creep In: The PoolRx+ Strategy

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

High cyanuric acid (CYA) and metal contamination can wreak havoc on pool water—and on your sanity. In this episode, Fred Schweer of PoolRx returns to talk about how PoolRx+ handles the tough stuff. We dive into what happens when CYA levels are sky-high, and how metals like copper and iron sneak in from source water or equipment. Fred explains how PoolRx+ can help manage algae and sanitizer demand even when CYA is elevated, and why it works without adding to the metal problem. If you're struggling with chlorine lock or staining issues, this episode’s got the solutions.

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Mineral Magic: Fred Schweer on the Power of PoolRx+

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we chat with Fred Schweer of PoolRx to get the full scoop on PoolRx+. Learn how one unit properly sized to your pool can cut your chlorine use by up to 50%, while eliminating all types of algae—green, mustard, even black. Fred breaks down how PoolRx+ works, the importance of sizing it right, and why it's a smart addition for residential and commercial pools alike. If you’re looking to simplify maintenance and boost clarity, this is one you don’t want to miss.

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Tech-Savvy Pool Care: Digital Water Testing

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I'm diving into the world of digital pool water testing! Digital testing tools make it easier than ever to get accurate readings in seconds. I’ll walk you through the different types of digital testers, how they work, and why some are “must have” while others you may want to pass on. If you’re tired of trial and error and want fast, reliable results, this episode is for you!

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Pump Up the Efficiency: VS Pool Pump Run-Time Hacks & Scheduling Secrets

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Wondering how to get the most out of your VS (Variable Speed) pool pump? In this episode, I’ll share my top tips for setting the right run time and scheduling your VS pump for maximum efficiency. From understanding your pool’s needs to saving on energy costs, I’ll walk you through how to determine the best run times for low and medium speeds, and how to set up a schedule that works for you. Whether you’re looking to reduce your electricity bill or extend the lifespan of your pump, this episode will give you the insights you need!

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Mastering Pool & Spa Water Testing: Test Strips, Reagent Testers, and Photometers Explained

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Testing your pool and spa water doesn’t have to be a hassle. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the best ways to test your pool and spa water, focusing on the most effective methods: test strips, reagent testers, and photometers. Whether you’re a DIY pool owner or just looking for accurate results without the guesswork, I’ll break down how each method works, their pros and cons, and which one suits your needs the best. So, if you want to keep your water in top condition and avoid costly repairs, this episode is for you!

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Balancing Chlorine: Mastering FC, CC, TC & Breakpoint Chlorination

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I dive deep into the essentials of chlorine chemistry—breaking down the roles of Free Chlorine (FC), Combined Chlorine (CC), Total Chlorine (TC), and the all-important concept of Breakpoint Chlorination. Learn how to keep your water crystal clear, safe, and odor-free by mastering the delicate balance that keeps your pool running smoothly. Whether you're a new pool owner or a seasoned pro, this is your guide to smarter, more effective chlorine management.

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Balancing Act: The Chemistry of Perfect Pool Water

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of pool chemistry—everything from essential chemical ranges to adjusted alkalinity and the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI). Whether you're a new pool pro or a seasoned service tech, you'll find practical tips to keep water safe, balanced, and crystal clear. Learn how each element works together, what to watch for, and how to fine-tune your chemistry for long-term success. It's all about balance—so let’s break it down, test by test.

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Paw Patrol: Navigating Dogs on Your Pool Route

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Dogs—they’re lovable, loyal, and sometimes the wild card on your pool route. In this episode, we talk about what pool pros need to know when working around our four-legged friends. From the escape artist pups who bolt through open gates to dealing with dog waste and shedding in the pool, we cover it all. Plus, tips for staying professional while protecting yourself, your gear, and the pool’s chemistry. Whether you’re a dog lover or just trying to keep the route running smooth, this one’s for you.

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Pool Pro Perks: The Hidden Benefits of Running Your Own Business

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Being a pool service business owner isn’t just about skimming leaves and balancing chemicals—it comes with serious perks! From setting your own hours to scaling your income, this episode dives into the benefits of entrepreneurship in the pool industry. Whether you're looking for more freedom, better work-life balance, or financial growth, we’ll break down how to make the most of being your own boss.

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Answering Your YouTube Questions Vol. 22

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I dive into another round of your YouTube questions! We’ll break down Mikey’s Quick Couplers and why they’re a game-changer, explore what muriatic acid is used for in pool care, compare the Pentair SuperFlo VS pump programming options, and discuss vacuum system battery sizes to help you make the best choice for your setup. Lots of great questions this week—let’s get into it!

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Borates 101: The Secret Ingredient for a Perfect Pool

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Thinking about adding borates to your swimming pool? In this episode, we cover everything you need to know! We’ll discuss popular borate products, how to dose them correctly, the best testing methods, and the many benefits—from improved water clarity to better algae resistance. If you want softer water and a more stable pH, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

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Crystal Water Monitor: The Smart Way to Monitor Your Pool

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Crystal Smart Water Monitor, an innovative device designed to keep your pool's water chemistry in check with real-time updates and automated tracking. I’ll share my thoughts on its features, usability, and whether it's worth the investment for pool owners looking to simplify maintenance. Is this the future of hassle-free pool care? Tune in to find out!

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Outdated & Overdue: When Customers Won’t Replace Old Pool Equipment

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Tired of battling old, failing pool equipment that customers refuse to upgrade? In this episode, we discuss how to navigate these tricky conversations, set realistic expectations, and protect your business from the headaches of aging systems. Learn when to push for replacements, how to offer solutions, and when it’s time to walk away. Don’t let outdated gear sink your business—tune in now!

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Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits

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Recession-Proof Pools: Keeping Your Service Business Afloat

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we dive into how economic downturns impact the pool service industry and what you can do to stay profitable. From smart pricing strategies to cost-cutting without compromising quality, we cover the best ways to retain customers, streamline operations, and keep your business thriving—even when times get tough. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these tips will help you recession-proof your pool service.

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The Deadly Danger of Mixing Pool Chemicals! (With Terry Arko of HASA) Part 3 of 3

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A tragic accident recently took the life of a pool pro who unknowingly mixed the wrong chemicals. In this must-listen episode, Terry Arko of HASA and I discuss the real dangers of chemical mixing, how it happens, and what every pool pro must know to stay safe. This episode could save a life—don’t miss it!

Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/16893426

Part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/16893458

Part 3: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/16893466

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The Ultimate Guide to Beating Pool Algae! (With Terry Arko of HASA) Part 2 of 3

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Algae problems? Not anymore! In this episode, Terry Arko of HASA shares the most effective ways to prevent and eliminate algae in swimming pools. From the best chemical treatments to smart maintenance tips, we cover everything pool pros need to know to keep water crystal clear all season long!

Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/16893426

Part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/16893458

Part 3: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/16893466

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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

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The Sodium Bromide Mystery – Why It's Disappearing! (With Terry Arko of HASA) Part 1 of 3

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ever wonder why sodium bromide is so hard to find? In this episode, Terry Arko of HASA joins us in unraveling the mystery behind the shortage. We dive into regulations and what this means for pool pros moving forward. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion!

Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/16893426

Part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/16893458

Part 3: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/16893466

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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

The Pool Pro Files: When Customers Don’t Help Part 2

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ever felt like your customers are working against their own pools? In this special two-part series, we dive into the everyday frustrations of pool professionals dealing with customers who just don’t help themselves. In Part One, we’ll tackle classic mishaps like not running the pump long enough, leaving toys in the pool, and throwing massive parties without considering the aftermath. Then, in Part Two, we get into the real headaches—pools left half-empty, dogs turning the water into a pet spa, and unexpected tree-trimming disasters. If you’ve ever managed a pool (or a customer), you won’t want to miss this!

Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/16872370

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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

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The Pool Pro Files: When Customers Don’t Help Part 1

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/episodes/16872387

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Suck It Up: Vacuum Systems vs. Portable Pool Filtration

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

When it comes to tackling heavy debris and fine particles in a pool, choosing between a vacuum system and a portable pool filtration system can make all the difference. Vacuum systems are great for quick, targeted debris removal—perfect for post-storm cleanups or heavy leaf loads. But if you’re dealing with cloudy water, algae blooms, or fine sediment, a portable filtration system is the way to go. Instead of just moving dirty water around, it actually filters out contaminants, helping restore water clarity without overloading the pool’s main filter. Each tool has its place, and knowing when to use which one can save time, effort, and wear on your client’s equipment. So, which one’s in your truck?

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Green Pools & Legal Tools: Protecting Yourself on the Job

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Today, we're diving into a topic that every pool pro needs to take seriously—protecting yourself when tackling a nasty green pool clean-up. We all know these jobs can be unpredictable. One minute you're skimming algae, and the next, you're dealing with broken equipment, hidden structural damage, or even a frustrated homeowner who forgets what they signed up for.

That’s why having a solid waiver in place is a game-changer. Before I even dip my test kit in the water, I make sure my client signs off on exactly what to expect. A green pool is never a one-and-done situation—it takes time, multiple treatments, and sometimes unexpected repairs. A waiver protects you from liability and sets clear expectations.

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Chlorine Hack: Make It Last Longer & Work Smarter!

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ever feel like you're constantly adding chlorine to your pool, only for it to disappear overnight? In this episode, I break down the biggest chlorine killers and share my best tricks to make it last longer—saving you time and money. From stabilizers to shocking schedules, I’ve got the inside scoop on keeping your pool crystal clear with less hassle.

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Dealing with Cheap Customers: Get Paid What You're Worth!

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We’ve all been there—customers who want top-notch service at bottom-dollar prices. In this episode, I talk about how to handle price hagglers, set firm boundaries, and make sure you’re not underselling yourself. If you’re tired of people undervaluing your work, this one’s for you!

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Time Management Myths Pool Pros Believe

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Are you losing hours every week on inefficiencies? In this episode, I dive into the biggest time-wasters on your pool route and how to fix them. From smarter scheduling to eliminating unnecessary delays, I’ll show you how to work less and earn more. If you’re ready to take control of your time, this one’s a must-listen!

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Focus on What Makes Money in Pool Service

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Not all pool services are created equal—some bring in solid profits, while others barely cover costs. In this episode, I break down the services that actually make money, how to price them for maximum profit, and where many pool pros waste time on low-margin work. From premium maintenance plans to high-value upgrades like automation and filter replacements, I’ll share the strategies I use to keep my business efficient and profitable. If you want to work smarter, not harder, this episode is for you!

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Frustrating Pool Filter Cleaning Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As a pool pro, I know that what should be a routine filter cleaning can quickly turn into a frustrating job. Maybe the tank lid won’t seal properly, the clamp won’t tighten just right, or the backwash valve starts leaking the moment you put it back together. In this episode, I break down the most common problems we run into when servicing pool filters and share the best techniques I’ve learned to troubleshoot and fix them fast—without wasting time or risking a callback.

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Why I Prefer Cartridge Filters Over DE

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Itused to be all about DE filters, but over the years, I’ve come to appreciate why cartridge filters are the smarter choice for both me and my clients. No more messy DE clouds, fewer parts to break down, and less hassle with city backwash restrictions. In this episode, I’ll explain why I’m recommending cartridge filters more than ever when they make the most sense and how switching my clients over has saved me time and increased customer satisfaction.

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Aiper Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaners: How Do They Stack Up?

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Aiper has made a splash with its cordless robotic pool cleaners, but how do they compare to the competition? In this episode, we break down Aiper’s latest models, explore their strengths and weaknesses, and see how they measure up against other leading brands. Are they worth the investment? Tune in as we dive deep into the world of pool automation!

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Pool Tech’s Guide to Business Growth

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Work smarter, not harder! Discover how to streamline your pool service business, increase efficiency, and boost profits while cutting down on unnecessary tasks. We’ll dive into strategies for optimizing your service routes, automating tasks, and focusing on high-value services that bring in more revenue with less effort. Learn how to set up a system that minimizes wasted time and maximizes customer satisfaction—so you can grow your business without burning yourself out. If you're a pool service pro looking to improve operations, this episode is for you!

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Rain or Shine: Pool Service and the Rain

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Rain or shine, pools still need maintenance! Learn how to manage your pool service schedule during bad weather, keep customers happy, and maintain efficiency when storms roll in. We’ll discuss how rain affects water chemistry, why skipping service can lead to bigger problems, and how to adjust your workflow when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Get expert tips on rescheduling, chemical balancing, and customer communication so you can keep your business running smoothly—no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

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Pool Equipment: Must-Haves vs. Not-Must-Have

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Not all pool equipment is created equal! In this episode, we break down the must-have gear for every pool owner and separate the essentials from the unnecessary add-ons. We’ll cover the key components that keep your pool clean, safe, and running efficiently—including pumps, filters, heaters, and automation systems. Learn which upgrades are worth the investment and which products you can skip. Whether you’re a pool owner or a service professional, this episode will help you make informed decisions and avoid wasting money on unnecessary gadgets.

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Getting Your Pools Ready for Springtime

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to get pools prepped for the busy season ahead! In this episode, I go over the must-do steps for clearing out winter debris, balancing water chemistry, and making sure equipment is running at peak performance. Whether you’re a pool pro or just maintaining your own pool, these tips will help you start the season off right.

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Ducks in Your Pool? Here’s How to Keep Them Out!

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Cute? Yes. A pool problem? Absolutely! If ducks have taken over your pool, don’t worry—I’ve got the best solutions to keep them out for good. Tune in to learn why they love your water, what problems they cause, and the easiest ways to send them packing!

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Are All Cartridges Created Equal?

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Not all replacement filter cartridges are made the same, and using the wrong one can seriously impact your pool’s water quality. In this episode, I compare different brands, discuss key factors like filtration media, pleat count, and lifespan, and share which ones I trust to keep pools crystal clear. If you're looking to get the most out of your pool filter, this one's a must-listen!

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W2 Employee vs. a Pool Service Pro

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Thinking about making the switch from a W2 job to running your own pool service business? I’ve been there. In this episode, I weigh the pros and cons of both paths—steady paycheck versus independence, benefits versus business expenses—and help you decide which one fits your goals. If you're on the fence about diving into the pool industry, this one’s for you.

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Ultimate Pool Tools Titan Aluminum Pole Compared to Other Brand Poles

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I've put the Ultimate Pool Tools Titan Aluminum Pole to the test against other brands, and let me tell you—there's a clear winner. In this episode, I break down the durability, functionality, and overall feel of the Titan Pole compared to the competition. If you're in the pool service industry or just looking for the best pole for the job, you won’t want to miss this one!

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Saltwater vs. Chlorine Pools – Which One is Better?

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Thinking about switching to a saltwater pool, or just wondering which option is better for you? In this episode, I break down the key differences between saltwater and traditional chlorine pools, including maintenance, costs, water feel, and overall performance. I’ll also debunk some common myths and help you determine which system best fits your lifestyle and budget. If you've ever wondered about the pros and cons of salt vs. chlorine, this episode has the answers!

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Leaky Equipment Pads? Here’s How to Fix Them!

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Equipment pad leaks are more than just an annoyance—they can lead to major repairs if left unchecked. In this episode, I go over the most common leaks found on a pool equipment pad, from pump seals to filter connections, and how to identify and fix them before they cause bigger problems. Whether you're a pool service pro or a homeowner looking to stay ahead of maintenance, this episode has the tips you need to keep your pool equipment in top shape!

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Cool Pool Tools – The Hyper Pole & More!

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The right tools can make all the difference when it comes to pool service, and today, I’m diving into some of the best ones out there! From the Ultimate Pool Tools Hyper Pole, designed for strength and flexibility, to other innovative tools that help pool pros work smarter, I cover everything you need to know. If you're looking to upgrade your gear or just curious about the latest and greatest in the industry, this is the episode for you!

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The True Cost of Owning a Pool – Chemicals, Maintenance & More

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Owning a pool is a dream for many, but do you really know the full cost? From the ongoing expense of chemicals to routine maintenance, equipment upkeep, and unexpected repairs, I break down everything that goes into keeping a pool running smoothly. Whether you're thinking about getting a pool or just want to budget better for the one you have, this episode will give you a clear picture of what to expect!

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Avoid These Common Pool Service Liability Issues!

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Liability issues can be a huge risk for pool service pros, and avoiding them is all about being proactive. In this episode, I discuss some of the most common liability pitfalls in pool maintenance—like chemical mishaps, equipment failures, and even customer disputes—and how to protect yourself and your business. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you operate safely and avoid costly mistakes.

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How UPA Liability Insurance Protects Pool Pros – with Steve Homer

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 01:00:00 -0500

Running a pool service business comes with risks, and having the right insurance is essential. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Homer from UPA to talk about liability coverage, how UPA protects pool professionals, and why affordable, reliable insurance can make all the difference. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your coverage, this conversation will give you the insights you need to keep your business protected.

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Can You? What Really Works in Pool Care and Equipment Upgrades

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Can you lower CYA by switching sanitizers? Can you convert an old single-speed pump to a variable-speed motor without replacing the whole unit? In this episode, I break down what pool upgrades and fixes actually work—and which ones might not be worth the effort. Whether you’re thinking about changing your filter type, upgrading your pump, or improving water chemistry, I’ll help you decide what’s doable and effective.

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Why Does My Saltwater Pool Have Zero Chlorine? (Part 2)

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Still struggling with zero chlorine in your saltwater pool? In this follow-up episode, I go beyond the basics and dive into some less common reasons your salt system might not be working. I’ll cover the 24-hour salt cell test, hidden equipment issues, and other troubleshooting steps you might not have tried yet. If you've checked your salt levels and your cell is working but your pool still has no chlorine, this episode is for you!

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Why Does My Saltwater Pool Have Zero Chlorine? (part 1)

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ever tested your saltwater pool only to find zero chlorine? You're not alone! In this episode, I dive into the common reasons why a saltwater system might not be producing enough chlorine and how to troubleshoot it. From low salt levels to a failing salt cell, I’ll walk you through the key issues and simple fixes to keep your pool crystal clear. If you own or service a saltwater pool, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

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Selling Saltwater Systems Effectively – How to Close the Deal

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Saltwater pools are in high demand, but are you positioning them the right way to your customers? In this episode, I break down the key selling points of saltwater systems, how to address common objections, and the best strategies to close the deal. From cost savings to lower maintenance, I’ll show you how to highlight the benefits in a way that resonates with pool owners. If you want to boost your sales and confidence when pitching salt systems, this episode is for you!

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Overdoing It on Your Swimming Pool Design – When More Isn’t Better

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

I get it—when designing your dream pool, it’s easy to go overboard with every feature imaginable. But is that massive waterfall, tanning ledge, infinity edge, and oversized spa really worth it? In this episode, I dive into the common pitfalls of over-designing a pool, the hidden costs that come with it, and how to strike the perfect balance between luxury and practicality. Whether you're planning a new build or a remodel, this is the episode you don’t want to miss!

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Saltwater Generator Troubleshooting by Brand

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Not all saltwater generators are created equal, and each brand comes with its own set of common issues. In this episode, we dive into troubleshooting tips for top manufacturers like Hayward, Pentair, Jandy, AutoPilot, and more. Whether you’re dealing with low salt warnings, cell scaling, or error codes, we’ve got you covered with brand-specific solutions to keep your system running smoothly.

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Saltwater Pool Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Saltwater pools are a great alternative to traditional chlorine pools, but they come with their own set of challenges. In this episode, we break down the most common saltwater pool issues—low chlorine, high salt, cell scaling, and more. Learn how to diagnose and fix these problems to keep your pool running smoothly all season long!

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Avoid These Pool-Building Mistakes: Equipment & Design Pitfalls

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Building a new pool? Avoid costly mistakes! In this episode, we break down the most common pool equipment and design errors that homeowners and contractors make during a new pool build. From choosing the wrong pump size to poor placement of drains, skimmers, and decking, we cover what you need to know to get your dream pool right the first time. Whether you're planning a DIY project or working with a builder, this episode will help you make informed decisions and avoid regrets.

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Infinity Edge Pools: Stunning Beauty, Hidden Risks

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Infinity edge pools create breathtaking views and luxurious experiences, but are they as safe as they seem? In this episode, we dive into the hidden risks of these architectural wonders, discussing real-life concerns, safety measures, and what you should know before taking the plunge. Whether you're a pool owner, designer, or just an admirer of these stunning structures, this episode will give you a deeper perspective on the balance between beauty and safety.

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Salt Water Generators – A Basic Overview

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Thinking about switching to a saltwater pool? In this episode, we break down the basics of salt water generators—how they work, their benefits, maintenance requirements, and whether they’re the right fit for your pool. We’ll clear up common misconceptions and help you decide if making the switch is worth it. Whether you’re a pool owner or a service pro, this episode will give you the insights you need!

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Common Swimming Pool Chemistry Myths – Featuring Bob Lowry (Part 2 of 2)

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this Best Of Podcast we’re back with industry expert Bob Lowry for the second part of our deep dive into common swimming pool chemistry myths! In this episode, we tackle misconceptions about alkalinity, stabilizers, and shocking your pool—separating fact from fiction. Whether you're a pool owner, technician, or just passionate about pool care, Bob’s expert insights will help you maintain a cleaner, healthier pool with confidence. Don’t miss the conclusion of this myth-busting series!

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Common Swimming Pool Chemistry Myths – Featuring Bob Lowry (Part 1 of 2)

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this Best of Podcast get ready to debunk some of the biggest myths in swimming pool chemistry! In this two-part series, we’re joined by industry expert Bob Lowry to tackle the misconceptions that might be impacting your pool’s health and your wallet. In Part 1, Bob dives into myths about chlorine, pH levels, and pool sanitization—revealing the truth behind the science. Whether you're a pool owner, technician, or enthusiast, you won’t want to miss these insights!

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Branding Your Pool Business to Dominate Your Market

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In today’s competitive pool service industry, standing out is everything. In this episode, we dive into the essentials of branding your pool business for success—how to craft a strong identity, build customer trust, and position yourself as the go-to expert in your area. From logo design to marketing strategies, we cover the key steps to making your business unforgettable. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you dominate your market!

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Swimming Pool Solar Surface Skimmers – Are They Good?

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Swimming Pool Solar Powered Surface skimmers are becoming a staple in pool maintenance, but are they as effective as they seem? In this episode, we dive into how pool surface solar-powered skimmers work, their benefits, potential drawbacks, and whether they’re the best option for keeping your pool crystal clear. Tune in as we break down the pros and cons.

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Lessons from the Future: What I’d Do Differently in My Pool Business

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Running a pool service taught me more than just keeping water clean—it gave me life lessons on investing smarter and working more efficiently. In this episode, I dive into what I’d change if I could start over: upgrading to a reliable truck, investing in a vacuum system sooner, and focusing on multi-family real estate to build wealth. Tune in for practical tips and reflections to inspire your entrepreneurial journey!

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Robot Pool Cleaners and Your Pool Service Accounts

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Discover how robot pool cleaners can revolutionize your pool service business. In this episode, I explore the benefits of using robots for efficiency, cost-saving, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Learn how to incorporate these cleaners into your service with some clear guidelines on which models to invest in and how to set up the account with a robotic pool cleaner to be successful.

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Dive Into the Future – The Polaris Freedom Cordless Robotic Cleaner

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on the Polaris Freedom Cordless Robotic Cleaner—the game-changer we’ve all been waiting for in pool maintenance. Imagine no cords, no tangles, and a sleek design that makes cleaning a breeze. I’ll break down its features, performance, and why it’s a must-have for pool owners looking to simplify their routine.

If you’re curious about upgrading your pool care game, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!

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First Impressions Matter – Setting the Tone for Your Pool Service

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I’m diving into why first impressions are everything in the pool service business. From your first conversation with a client to how your team presents themselves on the job, those initial moments can make or break a lasting relationship.

I’ll share tips on how to create a professional image, communicate effectively, and leave a lasting positive impression that keeps customers coming back. Let’s make sure your pool service company stands out for all the right reasons!

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Spotlight on the Polaris MAXX & ATLAS Suction Side Cleaners

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Dive into this episode, where we spotlight two powerhouses in pool cleaning technology: the Polaris MAXX and ATLAS. These innovative cleaners are designed to tackle debris, dirt, and grime precisely and efficiently. These cleaners deliver unmatched performance to keep your pool sparkling clean.

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How NOT to Clean a Swimming Pool

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we’re diving into the common mistakes pool service companies make that can leave your clients frustrated and your reputation tarnished. From cutting corners on cleaning to ignoring important maintenance tasks, we’ll explore the actions that could cost you business and damage trust.

Learn what to avoid, and make sure your pool service stands out for all the right reasons. Tune in for some eye-opening insights on how to improve your service and keep your clients happy!

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Maximizing Efficiency: Effective Ways to Carry Your Pool Equipment

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the best practices for transporting pool equipment with ease and efficiency. Whether you're a pool professional or a homeowner maintaining your own oasis, lugging around heavy tools can be a hassle. We’ll discuss clever ways to organize, carry, and even upgrade your equipment setup to save time and energy at each stop. Tune in for tips on proper storage, lightweight gear, and how to make the process smoother so you can focus on the fun part—keeping your pool in perfect condition!

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YouTube Q&A Volume #22: Answering Your Pool Questions

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we answer some of your most pressing pool maintenance questions. Learn how to safely remove a Polaris or Pentair Wall Fitting without breaking it off. I’ll also dive into the Volt FX8-Li’s leaf capacity, exploring how its impressive performance can make pool cleaning a breeze. Plus, we’ll discuss the Hayward TracVac ranking and what makes it a top contender for pool cleaning - maybe. And, we’ll give you expert advice on when to change your pool filter cartridges to ensure your system is running at peak performance.

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Spare Parts for Your Pool Service

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of pool service: spare parts. Having the right parts on hand can be the difference between a quick fix and a costly return trip. From o-rings and pump seals to common fittings and valves, we’ll dive into the must-have items every pool tech should carry on their route. Tune in for tips on organizing your inventory, stocking smart, and saving time. To get the list emailed to you, send a message to me at david@swimmingpoollearning.com

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Dealing with Picky Pool Customers

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

We’re diving into the tricky world of picky pool customers. Whether it’s water temperature, cleaning schedules, or equipment preferences, some clients seem to have a never-ending list of requirements. But don’t worry—handling these requests effectively is all about clear communication, setting realistic expectations, and offering tailored solutions. We’ll discuss strategies for keeping customers happy without compromising your professionalism or business.

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Pump Basket Tips and and Troubleshooting

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Keep your pool running smoothly with our ultimate guide to pump basket maintenance! In this episode, we share essential tips and tricks for cleaning, inspecting, and maximizing the efficiency of your swimming pool pump basket. Learn how to prevent clogs, extend the life of your pool equipment, and save time and money with simple maintenance hacks.

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Charge What for What in Your Pool Service

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we dive into one of the most crucial aspects of running a successful pool service business—setting the right service rates. We’ll walk you through how to assess your costs, factor in your expertise, and remain competitive while ensuring you’re charging what your services are truly worth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to adjust your pricing strategy, this episode offers valuable tips to help you get it right.

Tune in and learn how to price your pool services for profitability and success!

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The Plague of Black Algae!

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we tackle one of the toughest pool problems—black algae! Learn how to identify this resilient invader and discover effective treatment strategies to restore your pool to its sparkling best. From brushing techniques to the right chemicals, we’ll cover everything you need to know to tackle black algae head-on.

If you’re dealing with this stubborn algae, this episode is your guide to a cleaner, healthier pool. Tune in now!

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Webinar Sneak Peek – Building Wealth and Creating an Exit Strategy for Pool Service Pros

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Join us as we gear up for an exciting upcoming webinar designed specifically for pool service professionals. Learn how to build lasting wealth, grow your business strategically, and craft a smart exit plan when it’s time to move on. We’ll share insider tips on scaling your business, maximizing profits, and ensuring your legacy endures beyond the pool industry.

Sign up here for the Webinar Scheduled for January 28th, 2025, at 1 -2 pm PST.
https://bit.ly/40rjqls

Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for the next chapter, this webinar is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

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Eliminating Frustration on Your Pool Service Route

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

On today’s episode, we’re diving into simple, effective ways to reduce stress and frustration on your swimming pool route. From optimizing your schedule and organizing your tools to handling tough customers with ease, we’ll share tips to keep your days running smoothly and your mindset positive. Tune in and make your pool service days a breeze!

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Dealing With Pool Stains

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

On today’s episode, we’re tackling the tough topic of swimming pool stains—what causes them, how to address them, and most importantly, how to protect your service business. Learn how to set clear expectations, document pre-existing stains, and keep your customers informed to avoid misunderstandings. Tune in for practical tips to handle stains and safeguard your reputation!

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Rising from the Ashes: Fire Zone Relief & Cleanup Tips with Terry Arko

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Terry Arko from HASA to dive into a truly impactful conversation. Together, we explored the relief efforts aimed at helping those affected by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area. Terry shared insights into how the pool and spa industry is stepping up to assist fire zone communities and provided invaluable tips on post-fire cleanup to help restore normalcy in affected areas.

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Commercial Pool Service: Difficulty with the County Health Department

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Navigating the Health Department's regulations for commercial pool accounts can be a real challenge. From unexpected inspections to ever-changing compliance standards, staying on top of it all can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Today, we’ll talk about the common hurdles pool businesses face with the Health Department and how to stay compliant, avoid penalties, and build a smoother relationship with regulators.

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Turn Your Pool into a Fire-Fighting Resource: Portable Fire Pump!

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Did you know your swimming pool could be your first line of defense in a wildfire? In this episode, we dive into the life-saving potential of a portable fire pump. These gas-powered devices use your pool water and give you the power to fight small fires before they spread. While they’re not a substitute for firefighters or evacuation orders, they’re a great tool to have in your emergency kit. Tune in to learn how this pump works, its limitations, and why preparation is key in fire-prone areas. Stay safe, stay informed!

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[ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ]

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Multi-Tork Speeds Up Filter Cleaning!

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Tired of struggling with stubborn filter lid clamps and wasting time? This episode is your go-to guide for unlocking the power of Multi-Tork filter socket sets. We’ll explore how these innovative tools simplify pool filter maintenance, save you time, and protect your equipment from unnecessary wear and tear. Whether you’re a pool professional or a DIY enthusiast, learn how Multi-Tork can streamline your routine and keep you stress-free.

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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

Severe Wind and Fire Cleanup for the Pool Service Pro

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Wind storms can wreak havoc on pools, leaving service professionals with a daunting cleanup task. In this episode, I share essential strategies to manage post-storm recovery efficiently and keep your clients happy. Learn how to set realistic expectations, streamline the cleanup process, and leverage tools like vacuum systems and portable filtration units. Plus, we’ll discuss ways to involve your clients in the initial cleanup to save time and effort. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable tips to tackle even the toughest wind storm mess!

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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

ColorQ VS Taylor Test Kit

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ever wondered which pool testing method reigns supreme? In this episode, we pit the high-tech ColorQ photometer testers against the time-tested Taylor reagent kits. From pinpoint accuracy and ease of use to costs and durability, we dive deep into the pros and cons of these pool chemistry champions. Whether you’re a backyard pool owner or a professional technician, we’ll help you choose the best tool to keep your water crystal clear.

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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

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You Owe Me Money!

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I tackle one of the most frustrating yet essential aspects of business: collecting money from unpaid customers. From missed payments to ghosted invoices, we’ve all been there. But it doesn’t have to be the end of the line. I uncover proven strategies and game-changing tips to reclaim what’s rightfully yours. Learn how to approach customers diplomatically without burning bridges and get paid!

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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

Basic Marketing Plan

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Boost Your Pool Business with Basic Marketing! In this episode, I’ll dive into simple yet effective marketing strategies to grow your pool service. Learn how to attract new clients, build customer loyalty, and stand out from the competition. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand, these tips will help you make a splash in your local market!

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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

Toxic Chemicals Safety Alert!

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Dive into Pool Safety! This episode unpacks the hidden dangers of toxic pool chemicals and how to handle them safely. From avoiding common mishaps to protecting your health, I am giving you the must-know tips to keep yourself safe out there.

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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

The 2024 Season in Review and the 2025 Swimming Pool Season Preview

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The Pool Industry in 2024 laid the groundwork for trends and advancements that will continue to shape the industry in 2025. Looking back, it's clear that 2024 was a pivotal year in many ways, foremost in providing some stability from the COVID-19 years.

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[ $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

Carbon Fiber Poles VS Aluminum Pool Poles

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this podcast, I dive deep into one of the hottest debates in the pool service world: Carbon Fiber Poles vs. Aluminum Pool Poles. If you're in the pool industry or just curious about the tools of the trade, this is the episode you don’t want to miss! I’ll break down the key differences between these two popular choices and explore everything from durability to weight to cost-effectiveness. Are carbon fiber poles worth the extra investment, or do aluminum poles hold their ground as the trusty, budget-friendly option?

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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

Answering Your YouTube Pool Questions Volume #21

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this podcast episode, I tackle some of your toughest swimming pool questions and dive deep into the comments you’ve shared. Whether it’s troubleshooting a tricky pool problem, explaining the science behind pool maintenance, or offering tips to make your pool care easier, I’m here to provide answers and insights. No question is too tough, and no comment is too small—I’m covering it all!

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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

Swimming Pool Skimmer Basket Tips & Tricks

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

I take a deep dive into one of the unsung heroes of pool maintenance: the swimming pool skimmer basket. This small, simple device plays a crucial role in keeping your pool clean and healthy, and I’ll explain exactly why it’s so important. From catching leaves, bugs, and debris before they clog up your system to improving overall water circulation, the skimmer basket is more than just a basic accessory—it’s a key player in your pool care routine.

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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

Dead Pool Products

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Dive into a fascinating journey through the history of swimming pool products as I explore the ones that have come and gone over the years. In this video, I’ll uncover the stories behind products that didn’t stand the test of time, examining why they failed to make a lasting impact. From innovative ideas that couldn’t quite deliver to trends that faded away, I’ll break down the challenges and missteps that led to their downfall.

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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

Introducing my New Sponsors, HASA, The Bottom Feeder & Skimmer!

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

You probably know these sponsor companies if you have been in the industry for a while. But I go behind the scenes and talk about areas you may not be familiar with. I don’t discuss their products in this podcast much, but I have a long history with each and go into detail on that aspect.

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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

Is Taking that Job or Account Worth It?

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

There are many pool service accounts and jobs that you bid on that you may not be able to take. I go over how you can tell this is a job you should pass on.

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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

The Pool Industry is the Best Industry!

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Pool service is one of the best service industries, in my opinion. The people are great at all levels of the industry, and it is a business that can be scaled successfully. I go over some reasons why you should become a swimming pool service professional.

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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

Why a Swimming Pool is Not Holding Chlorine Part 3 of 3

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

A frustrating aspect of swimming pool maintenance is when the chlorine level drops or doesn’t hold well. It may zero out, and you can struggle to clear your swimming pool. This is part 3 of a 3-part series.

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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

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Why a Swimming Pool is Not Holding Chlorine Part 2 of 3

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

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Why a Swimming Pool is Not Holding Chlorine Part 1 of 3

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

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Reasons Not to Become a Pool Service Pro

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This is not a knock on the industry, nor am I saying the pool service industry is bad. On the contrary, it is an excellent business to get into. But it is not for everyone, which is something you should know before diving into the industry.

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Suction Side Cleaner Question and Answers

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Suction side cleaners are very popular in my area but still can be mysterious to some. I go over how they operate, their benefits, and some common limitations.

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Money Saving Tips in Your Pool Service Business

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

I offer some time-tested ways to save money in your pool service business without cutting corners or compromising service. These are simple to implement and effective in making your business more profitable.

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Robotic Pool Cleaners Questions and Answers

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

I’m often asked about robotic pool cleaners and if they are something that you should consider as a primary cleaner for a swimming pool. I am also asked about repairs and common issues and I cover most of that here for you today.

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Real World Savings on a VS Pool Pump

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Variable-speed (VS) pool pumps are a game-changer for energy efficiency, offering significant cost savings compared to traditional single-speed pumps. By adjusting their speed to match your pool's needs, they use far less electricity while keeping your water crystal clear. But do they save you money?

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Raising Rates and Losing Customers is Not All Bad

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

When you raise rates there is always that fear of losing customers. But what if I told you it is not a bad thing if one or two customers cancel service?

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Lazy Pool Service

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Being lazy and not getting things done properly can develop into a bad habit and it can also affect your busienss in a very negative way. Creating more work rather than less work.

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Large Pool Care Tips

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Large pool care is much different than small to medium pool care. I go over some of the pitfalls of taking care of a really large pool on your route.

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Reduce CYA in a Swimming Pool

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Here are some effective ways to reduce the CYS level in your swimming pool. There are many methods but one is tried and true.

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Cold Weather Pool Service Tips

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this podcast I go over some ways to service pools in the Winter in those areas like mine where we leave the pools open all year. Dealing with cold weather is something that is very different than Summer pool care.

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Swimming Pool Vacuum System Limitations

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

What are some of the limitations of vacuum systems and if you do pool service do you need one? I answer these questions for you today.

Leslie’s Pro: Pool Service Pro, open a Wholesale account today! Customer referrals, free cleaner repairs, free water testing, open 7-days a week. It is fast and easy to become a Leslie’s Preferred Pool Care Provider. https://lesliespool.com/commercial-services.html/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=spll&utm_campaign=spll

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Pool Service Accounts That Make No Sense

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

If you're keeping certain pools on your pool route that you know you should drop, it makes no sense to keep them. I review several pool types you should not have on your current route.

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Answering Your Tough YouTube Swimming Pool Questions Volume #20

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this podcast, I cover questions on why the Piptide Vacuum System has no hoses, whether you can start a pool route after you get out of your full-time job, and more!

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Business Mistakes that Cost You Money on Your Pool Route

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Some business mistakes don’t cost you anything except maybe some embarrassment. Others can cost you some money, and some might even cost you your online reputation. Here are some mistakes that you should try to avoid.

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Best Variable Speed Pump of 2024

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

What is the best VS pool pump of 2024? Is it the Jandy Flo Pro VS Speed Set the Pentair Intelliflo 3 or another VS pump? Tune in to find out and maybe be surprised at the same time.

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Best of Bob Lowry – Which Chlorine Type is the Strongest

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

So which chlorine type is the strongest? I sat down with Bob Lowry and we discussed this exact question!

Bob Lowry passed away on November 17th, 2021, and a true legend has left the pool and spa industry. He was the author of over 23 books, but this has to be one of his most relevant and shortest books, just 19 pages thick. But it is packed with many essentials on residential pool chemistry that you will want a copy to carry in your service truck. Bob Lowry has been in the industry for over 47 years and is the Lead Consultant at Lowry Consulting Group, leads the Pool Chemistry Training Institute, and has created the Certified Residential Pool & Spa Certification Program.

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Bob Lowry’s Last Recorded Podcast November 2021

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this Best of the Pool Guy Podcast Show, I showcase Bob Lowry’s last podcast recording done on November 5th, just several days before he passed away peacefully and is now at peace in heaven.

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Best of Bob Lowry – Using Copper in Your Swimming Pool

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Can you safely use copper in your pool to control algae? Bob Lowry answers this and more for you today.

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Best of Bob Lowry Very Low pH

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

What happens if the pH in my pool gets too low? How do I correct that and what is the problem anyway? Bob Lowry goes over a pool with a very low pH.

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Best of Bob Lowry Balancing Your Pool Water

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Bob Lowry discusses why you need to balance your swimming pool water on a weekly basis.

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Pool Start-Ups and Balancing Your Pool Water with Joe Laurano

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This is a Best of the Pool Guy Podcast Show and I sit down with Joe Laurano of Periodic Products and we discuss some of the issues in a pool start-up as well as balancing your pool water to prevent metal staining.

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Pool Metal Staining and Solutions and Metal in Your Fill Water with Joe Laurano

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This is a Best of the Pool Guy Podcast Show and I sit down with Joe Laurano of Periodic Products and we discuss some metal staining issues and how to handle them with your customers. We also discuss fill water with metals in it.

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Swimming Pool Metal Stain Removal & Tinted Pool Water with Joe Laurano

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This is a Best of the Pool Guy Podcast Show and I sit down with Joe Laurano of Periodic Products and we discuss the metal stain removal process and how to treat water that is tinted green.

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Swimming Pool Metal Staining Overview with Joe Laurano

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This is a Best of the Pool Guy Podcast Show and I sit down with Joe Laurano of Periodic Products and we discuss some of the basics of Metal Staining.

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D.E. Filters VS Cartridge Pool Filters

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

What is better, a D.E. or a Cartridge filter? I list the pros and cons of each for you here today, and of course, you can decide for yourself.

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Single-Speed Pool Pumps are Evil!

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The Department of Energy (DOE) banned all single-speed pumps over 1 hp in July of 2021. But what does the ban mean, is it being enforced, and are single-speed pumps evil?

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Speed up Your Filter Cleaning on Your Pool Route

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Speed is everything when cleaning 60-70 pool filters every 4-6 months. I review some ways I speed up my filter cleaning out on my pool route.

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Dog Attacks Pool Pro!

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Should you take on a service account with a vicious or trained-to-attack guard dog? Nope. I will go over dog attacks on today's podcast for you.

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Don’t Take These Pool Service Accounts

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

There are some service accounts and some jobs that you probably should not take. I go over some accounts that you probably should avoid and pass on.

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Setting Your Pool Pump Run Time In the Winter Months

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Is setting your pool run time different in the Summertime and Wintertime? I go overtips on setting the best run time for the seasons.

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Real Estate Investing Made Easy for Pool Service Pros

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

One way for you to retire early or at least exit the industry and have great cash flow and appreciating assets is with real estate investing. It’s never been easier now with the DSLR loan package.

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Plan Your Exit Strategy

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

While working, you don’t think too much about how you will exit the industry and retire comfortably. I go over some key exit strategies for you.

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Easy Pool Equipment Installs and Upgrades

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

There is an easy way to do pool equipment and upgrades. I review some simple ways to change equipment and make everyone happy.

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Taking 4-Week Off on Your Pool Route

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

How do you get a solid 4-weeks off every year? I review some effective strategies for you here and the best way to ensure you are taking time off.

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Why Doesn’t My Salt System Work in the Winter?

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

If you didn’t know it, your Salt Water Generator will stop working in the Winter when the pool water temperature drops below a certain level. In very cold water, the SWG can’t produce chlorine.

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Answering Your YouTube Questions Volume #19

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I am answering some of your tough YouTube questions, including how to test for chlorine over 10 ppm, the best way to connect a stand-alone VS pump, and more!

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Offering Discounts on Your Pool Route, Are They Effective?

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I go over some discounts that can be effective and a lot of discounts that are not effective. Discounts are a part of life today, but you also have to balance them with your bottom line and overall image.

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What Truck Should You Use for Pool Service?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I will review the different service truck options for you here and discuss which truck I prefer for pool service. You have many options, and everyone has a different idea of the best service truck.

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Best Way to Deal with Messy Gardeners!

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

One of the main issues you will have on your pool route with gardeners is how messy they make the pools when making the yard look beautiful. I go over some ways to deal with messy gardeners and landscapers.

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Why I Like Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaners

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Suction side cleaners have been around now for over 40 years and the ones on the market today are some of the best. I will go over why I like suction side cleaners the most.

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Sales Tips on Selling New Pool Equipment

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Sales can be the hardest part of the pool service business to master. I will review some tried and true sales techniques for you here today.

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Time Management on Your Pool Route

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I’m big on effective time management. I think a lot of time is wasted on your route, and many ways exist to save and reclaim that time. Here are a few basic tips for you.

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Losing Pool Service Accounts Hurts

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

When you lose a service account, it can hurt in more ways than financially. I go over some common reasons you may lose an account and some ways of preventing loss on your route.

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Basic Business Skills Everyone Should Have

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Basic skills are lacking out there in many businesses, and there are skills that you be equipped with. I review some of the basic skills needed to run a pool service business successfully.

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Avoiding Liability with Your Swimming Pool & Service Company Tips

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

No one likes the thought of being sued, and of course, one way to avoid this is to limit your liability. Whether you are a homeowner or a service company, there are some steps you can take to limit your liability, and I touch on these for you.

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When to Cut & Run Out on You Pool Service Route

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Time is ticking out on your pool route, and it is a good idea to have some rules for how much time to “waste” at each stop. I will go over some hard and fast rules for you here today.

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Unreasonable Hospitality and Your Pool Business

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Pool service is, after all, a service business, and you should put customer service first. I go over ways to go the extra mile in your business and provide unreasonable hospitality!

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How Closely Should You Watch the Economy?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Watching the business news can make you worry about things. Everyone is predicting a downturn in the economy or some crisis. But how much does the economy affect the swimming pool service?

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Acid Wash Fail Points

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Here are some fail points in an acid wash. Avoid doing these things at all costs!

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Acid Wash Do’s and Don’ts

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Here are some acid wash tips for you. I put together the best acid wash methods and some things to avoid.

Leslie’s Pro: Pool Service Pro, open a Wholesale account today! Customer referrals, free cleaner repairs, free water testing, open 7-days a week. It is fast and easy to become a Leslie’s Preferred Pool Care Provider. https://lesliespool.com/commercial-services.html/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=spll&utm_campaign=spll

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Best of Bob Lowry: Pool Not Holding Chlorine

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this Best of Bob Lowry episode, I talk to Bob about a pool not holding chlorine, and he offers some great suggestions to cure this problem.

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Best of Pool Guy Podcast: Buying Pools to Build Your Route!

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Best of Pool Guy Podcast: Buying Pools to Build Your Route!

I spent some time with Fernando Encarnacion, the owner of Five Star Pro Pools in Orlando, Florida, and we discussed his unusual method of growing his pool route. He started by purchasing 57 pools 4 years ago and has a route today of close to 400 pools. Fernando explains his growth method in part one of this three-part series.

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Swimming Pool Stain Removal Tips

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I touch on identifying pool stains and some effective ways to treat them with realistic expectations.

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Swimming Pool Pressure Side Cleaners 101

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I go over what a Pressure Side Cleaner does and why they are an effective option in certain areas of the country.

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Effective Ways to Lower Very High Alkalinity

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Dealing with high alkalinity in a pool is a real pain. The pH is hard to balance, and you constantly add muriatic acid. I go over some easy ways to lower a pool’s alkalinity effectively.

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Every Other Week Swimming Pool Service: is it Worth it?

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Is it worth doing pool service every other week or bi-monthly? I go over some of the reasons why I don’t do this.

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When to Add Chlorine Enhancers

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I speak a lot about the advantages of chlorine enhancers, but when should you add them to a pool? There is an ideal time, and I will talk about that in today’s podcast.

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Ash Clean-Up After a Fire

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

After a fire, things can be very messy, especially with ash in the pools on your pool service route. I got some tips on cleaning up the ash and step-by-step cleaning procedures.

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What About Chem Only Pool Service Accounts?

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I will review why you may want to start doing chemical-only pool service accounts. These might be very lucrative for you with the right system in place.

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Photometer Water Testers 101

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I will review the pros, cons, and ins and outs of the photometer pool and spa water testers. Which one is right for you, and why you may want to invest in a photometer tester?

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Pool Service Scam Calls To Beware Of!

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There is a pretty sophisticated service scam where someone claims to be an out-of-state buyer moving into a pool home and wants to establish service with you. Beware of this scam!

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PORTAVAC 2.0 HAMMERED Review

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I go over some of the new features of the PORTAVAC HAMMERED and compare it to a vacuum system and the VacDaddy.

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Leaf Debris Clean Up Tips

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Leaves in a pool can be a real pain. I review some of your best removal methods and some expensive solutions.

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All About Using Cal Hypo Tablets

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Cal Hypo tablets are a great product that has not quite caught on in the industry. I’ll touch on why that is and also give you the pros and cons of using Cal Hypo tablets.

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Episode 1500! A Recap of My History in the Industry

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This is one of those milestone episodes where I have passed 7 years of podcasting, and I recap some of the things I am currently working on and briefly recap my history in the industry.

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Keep a Problem Pool or Drop It?

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

It might be an automatic reflex to drop a problem pool. However, some problems can be overcome, and some pools can go from being a problem pool to having a decent service account.

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Some Things to Avoid Doing on Your Pool Route

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

You should avoid doing some things out on your pool route to avoid problems and potential liability. I go over some of the most common ones here for you.

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Solving a D.E. Filter Leak

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Arriving at a pool with D.E. on the floor or a cloudy pool because D.E. is blowing out of the return lines can be frustrating. I go over some common sources of a D.E. leak.

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Getting Paid and Collect Money Owed

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Late payers are a big problem for your business. Also, getting stiffed on a large payment can be very painful for your bottom line. How do you collect late payments and prevent not getting paid for your work?

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Should You Service Vinyl Liner Pools?

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

On the West Coast, in-ground vinyl pools are not very common, and servicing above-ground pools is not something every company is prepared to do. I go over some ins and outs of vinyl pool service.

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Those Scary Moments Out on Your Pool Route

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Since today is Friday the 13th, I reviewed some “scary” things that can happen on your pool route. Prepared to be scared out of your mind or at least mildly amused.

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Dead Animals in Your Customer's Pool

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There is nothing worse than a dead critter in your swimming pool. I reviewed some steps to take and the common dead critters I have encountered over the years.

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Employee Issues & Recruiting Successfully

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Finding an employee is just as hard as keeping one in today's highly competitive environment. I go over both getting and keeping an employee in today’s podcast.

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Buying and Selling a Partial Route

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There are some good reasons to purchase a small partial route and some good reasons to sell a portion of your pool service route. I go over both options in detail for you here.

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Common Pool Filter Issues

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Besides high and low filter PSI, several things can go wrong with your swimming pool filter. I cover some common issues as well as the overall filter lifespan.

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Taking Your Foot Off the Gas in Your Business

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I don’t have a good off or pause switch built into my brain if you are like me. I am wired to keep going at top speed pretty much all the time. This is generally a problem with business owners, so I go over some reasons you may want to slow things down.

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Answering your YouTube Questions Volume #18

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Today, I answered more of your YouTube questions, including why my copper level went up after using PoolRx. Which is better, the VacDaddy or the Water Tech Precision V10? Can you adjust the priming speed on a VS pump? And more!

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Motorized Pool Covers and Solar Blankets

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Automatic covers are great for safety and keeping the pool clean. Several things can go wrong, as well as liability issues. I also address how to handle a pool with a solar blanket on top.

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Tough Customer and Some Solutions

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Several customers fall into this category, from those who always price-checks on you to those who have you on a stopwatch timer.

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Common Swimming Pool Mistakes to Avoid

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

What are some of the common mistakes I see pool owners make with their pool care, and why is it important not to make these mistakes? I go over these common errors for you here in today’s podcast.

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My Go-To Automatic Cleaners That I Demo For My Customers

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I like to demo cleaners in my customer’s pools, specifically for new service accounts that don’t already have an automatic cleaner. These are my go-to demo cleaners that I use on my pool route.

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Pool Salt Cell Sizing Explained

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I talk about salt cell sizing, and today, I break down some practical reasons to pick the correct salt cell size for your pool or your customer’s pool.

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Best Way to Pay Your Employees

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

What is the best method of paying an employee? 1099 or W-2? I will go over the pros and cons of both methods for you here today.

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Why Using Profanity Hurts Your Business

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

If you have listened to the show before, you know I am completely against profanity in every sense, especially in the professional business sense. I go over some reasons why not using profanity will really take your business to the next level.

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What is Causing Low Pool Filter PSI

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Several reasons can cause low filter PSI, and I will go over the most common ones for you here today. It’s a problem every pool pro runs into, and use this as a practical guide while troubleshooting a pool.

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A Practical Guide to a Business Plan

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

What exactly are some elements of a solid business plan? I will go over some of these for you and how to easily create one that you can actually follow.

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Overcoming Discouragement in Your Business

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Having a bad day out there on your service route is normal. It’s not ideal when that turns into discouragement. I go over ways to turn things around in your head, at least.

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Are You Ready for Commerical Pool Service?

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There are a lot of details you need to be aware of before you start to get commercial accounts. I go over some of the more important prep details here for you.

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Answering your YouTube Questions Volume #17

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Here, I tackle why a pool turns cloudy once swimmers enter the water, baking soda is clogging up my filter, closing the plumbing when you empty the pump basket and can leave a corded robotic pool in my pool all Summer long.

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The #1 Cause of High Filter PSI

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Just a few things can cause your filter pressure or PSI to run high. The main culprit is the thing the filter gauge is sitting on top of. The filter itself.

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The Deep End Pool Podcast Interview Part 3 of 3

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this podcast, I was a guest on The Deep End Pool Podcast hosted by Frank Disher. We talked about current industry issues as well as California-specific issues. Here is part one of three. To listen to the Deep End Podcast: https://thedeependpoolpodcast.com/

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The Deep End Pool Podcast Interview Part 2 of 3

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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The Deep End Pool Podcast Interview Part 1 of 3

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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Pool Chemicals That Have Not Caught On

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Many pool chemicals just are ignored by most consumers and pool service professionals. I go over some of these and the reasons for that.

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Equipment Suggestions for New Pool Build or Remodel

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I go over what I consider essential pool equipment if you are having a swimming pool built or remodeled. It is always easier to add everything at the build than later.

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Swim Check Fix Phosphate Slow Dissolving Phosphate Remover

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This is a new phosphate remover in the form of slow-dissolving tablets. Each tablet will remove 500 ppb of phosphates in 10,000 gallons of water. It’s a pretty effective and easy-to-use product.

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Water Tech Line-up of Battery Pool & Spa Cleaners

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Talking about the Precision V10 I decided to expand on the other models that Water Tech makes for the consumer and prosumer. They have a bunch, so follow along as I go through their models in rapid fire.

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Water Tech Precision V10 Now With a Fully Enclosed Rechargeable Battery!

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This is Water Tech's latest professional vacuum with a completely sealed rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so there is no need to worry about water getting in and shorting out the motor. It has a 2-hour run time and great suction power!

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Controlling pH in a Saltwater Pool

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Rising pH is a common problem that is a byproduct of the salt cell producing chlorine in a pool. Can it be controlled? Yes, in some way, it can.

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Saltwater Pool Issues & Solutions!

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Several issues cause your saltwater pool to be a real headache for you. I identify the most common issues and solutions for you here today.

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Best of Terry Arko: High CYA

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

High CYA in a swimming pool is a common problem. Terry Arko unpacks some ways to manage high CYA in a swimming pool.

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Best of Terry Arko: Using Liquid Chlorine Effectively

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk to Terry Arko about the benefits of using liquid chlorine on your pool route. What makes liquid a good choice over other chlorine types?

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How to Treat Metals in a Swimming Pool with Alicia Stephens & Brian Trenck of KIK/BioLab

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I sat down with Alicia Stephens & Brian Trenck of KIK/BioLab and we discussed metals and metal treatment in your swimming pool.

Leslie’s Pro: Pool Service Pro, open a Wholesale account today! Customer referrals, free cleaner repairs, free water testing, open 7-days a week. It is fast and easy to become a Leslie’s Preferred Pool Care Provider. https://lesliespool.com/commercial-services.html/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=spll&utm_campaign=spll

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Cloudy Pool Water Causes and Cure with Alicia Stephens & Brian Trenck of KIK/BioLab

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I sat down with Alicia Stephens & Brian Trenck of KIK/BioLab and we discussed cloudy pool water in detail. We offer some good solutions as well!

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Phosphates 101 with Alicia Stephens & Brian Trenck of KIK/BioLab

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I sat down with Alicia Stephens & Brian Trenck of KIK/BioLab, and we discussed phosphates and phosphate treatment in detail. You will learn a few new things about phosphate treatment in a swimming pool.

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Pool Surface Type Differences

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

What are some differences between a fiberglass pool and a plaster pool? Which surface type is the best for you? I go over this and more for you.

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What is a Chlorine Enhancer?

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I speak about chlorine enhancers often, but what exactly are they, and why would you want to use one? I go over the most popular types and compare them side by side.

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Best Use of Chlorine

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

What is the most effective way to use chlorine in a swimming pool? What is the best chlorine type? I answer this and more for you.

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Should I upgrade to a Robotic Pool Cleaner

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

If you currently have a suction or pressure side cleaner, is it wise to upgrade to a robotic cleaner? Sometimes, it is, and I will go over why you may want to upgrade to a robotic cleaner.

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Swimming Pool Equipment Lifespan

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

How long does a pool filter last? Or how long does a pool pump last? That depends on many factors. I go over some average equipment lifespans for you.

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Start Planning or Plan to Fail

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Having a plan is important in many respects, but none more than planning a secure future where passive income replaces your current income. Unless you plan to work forever.

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The Best Pool Service Vehicle Category

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Which is best, a pool service truck or a van? And what is the best size truck? I will go over some pool service vehicle choices here for you.

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More Green Pool Clean-Up Fails

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Green pool clean-ups can fail, and usually, it is because of a step that wasn’t followed to completion. I go over some common green pool fail points.

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What to do When you Get Sick On Your Pool Route

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Getting sick is no fun, and it is even less fun when you get sick when you have to clean multiple swimming pools or do repairs that week. I go over some ways to handle sick days and injuries.

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Pool Surface Debris Help

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There are more ways to clean a pool than just using a leaf rake and manually skimming to the surface. I review some automated ways and some things you can do to make your skimmer more effective.

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How I Carry My Stuff To My Service Accounts

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

You can use various methods to carry your supplies and equipment back to your service accounts. I go over some tried and true ways here for you.

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Vacuum to Waste Methods

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There are several obvious ways to vacuum a pool to waste like using the Mutli-Port valve and putting it in “waste mode.” But there are many other ways as well.

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All Pool Robots Are Not Created Equally

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Not all robots are created equal, corded, and cordless notwithstanding. Some have better programs, and others have better features. Learn what to look for when choosing a robotic pool cleaner.

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Answering YouTube Questions Volume #16

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I answer more of your tough YouTube questions, including whether I can use Tri-Chlor tablets in a vinyl pool, how many scoops of DE the Alladin scoop is, and much more.

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Must-Have Pool Tools

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Here are some must-have pool tools and equipment for your swimming pool route that cost under $20 and up to $2,000. All are good besides the price point.

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Add More Chlorine to Fix Everything!

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

It’s partly true that adding more chlorine can fix many problems on your swimming pool route. I go over some of those and unpack this more completely as well.

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Gas Heater Ban in California

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The Nanny state has done it again, and this time, it is a ban on gas pool heaters in 2027-2029, with all new homes in 2030 going gas-free. That leaves a heat pump as your only option, creating many drawbacks.

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Are You a Good Fit for the pool Industry?

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

You need to have many things in place before you even think about starting a pool service business. I go over some prequalifications for you.

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Best of Bob Lowry Adjusted Alkalinity

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Adjusted Alkalinity shouldn’t be a mystery, but there are aspects of it that only an expert like Bob Lowry can explain.

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Curing a Cloudy Swimming Pool

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There are many reasons why a pool may be cloudy, but I have narrowed things down to the top reasons for you and offer ways to cure a cloudy pool as well.

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Best of Bob Lowry Short Term Rental Tips

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this Best of Bob Lowry, I talk to Bob Lowry about his take on short-term rental pool service. He has some wise insights on Air BnB pool service.

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Best of Bob Lowry Pool Surface Types Care and Cautions

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this Best of Bob Lowry, We discuss different surface types and the cautions when dealing with one surface type and another.

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Best of Bob Lowry Different Water Testing Methods

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this Best of Bob Lowry, we discuss the different pool water testing methods and which would be best for you.

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Best Of Bob Lowry All About Nitrates & Phosphates

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this Best of Bob Lowry, I talk to Bob Lowry about Nitrates and Phosphates in a swimming pool.

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Automatic Pool Cleaner Overview

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There are four types of automatic cleaners, and I go over them here for you. Each type is more or less regional, but you should know all four types if you do pool service. This is a general overview.

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Black Algae Treatment & Prevention

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Black Algae can be very scary to deal with. If left untreated, it can spread quickly in a pool and is very unsightly. I go over some treatment methods for Black Algae.

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Spot Algae Treatment

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Some pools will develop a small amount of algae no matter what you seem to do. I have some reasons for this and ways to treat spot algae in a pool.

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Focusing Your Skills to Maximize Your Pool Service Business

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Using your business skills effectively can mean a more focused business and a more profitable one as well. Learn some ways to turn your skills into money effectively.

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Landing Bids Effectively

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

What are the best ways to land a bid and ensure you are not wasting time? I go over some effective ways to land almost every bid.

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Common Swimming Pool Misconceptions

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There are quite a few myths and misconceptions about swimming pool care. I unpack some of the more common ones for you here.

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Some More Common Newbie Mistakes to Avoid

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Here are more things you want to avoid doing on your pool route. Already made these mistakes? Join the club.

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Answering Yout Tough YouTube Questions Volume 15

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Is the Aiper Scuba S1 Pro the best cordless cleaner on the market today? What happened to the Hayward Trivac 500? Why does my Intermatic Timer die after only 2 years now and more?

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Is the Primate Carbon Fiber Pole The Best Pool Pole?

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

With some new improvements with their P3X Pole, specifically the Lever lock Retro Fit Kit, is Primate Pool Tools the top for carbon fiber poles? It’s a matter of debate, but you can’t go wrong with buying a Primate Pole.

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Common New Pool Pro Mistakes to Avoid

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Being new to the industry means you will make a lot of mistakes. I will review some common mistakes to avoid in the field and your overall business plan.

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Controlling and Adjusting pH in a Swimming Pool

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I just finished a video on this, and I thought it would be good to expand on some of the simplified material from the video. Controlling pH and adjusting it up and down is complex and challenging.

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Chemical Handling and Storage Safety Tips

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

You can get injured or, at the very least, get a whiff of some very toxic chemicals if you are not careful out in the field. Improper storage can also lead to a lot of problems. Listen to learn how to stay safe when working with pool chemicals.

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Do the Math – You May Be Surprised

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

It takes a bit of effort, but doing some math on everything related to your business can be eye-opening, and you can actually see where sometimes thousands of dollars are lost.

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Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs)

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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 ]

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Are Corded Robotic Cleaners a Thing of the Past?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Corded robotic pool cleaners will still have a decent market share because they still offer features not found in cordless cleaners. But that is for you to decide and is case by case really.

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Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA

Support the show

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

An Explosion of Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaners

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There are so many cordless robotic pool cleaner choices now, with more coming out every year and, in some cases, every month. Which ones are good, and is it time to pick one up if you have been on the fence?

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Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!

HASA REWARDS App
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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

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