Advertise on podcast: The Pool Guy Podcast Show

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 p Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 clari Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 swimmingpool Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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, Tay Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 resour Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 prog Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 tri Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 m Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits