The Pool Guy Podcast Show

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 layersJoin 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.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 laterJoin 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.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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: BRETTWe 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.comLearn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.Myfieldpay.com.you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 businessJoin 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.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 speedLearn more at Swimmipoollearning.com.If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, somethingpoollearning.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 rangeAre 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.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 overloadedLearn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 chlorineJoin 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.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 stackingLearn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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.  Click on the podcast icon.  you can learn more at pullgangcoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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.  If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.  If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, somebodypoollearning.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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.  If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 conversionsJoin 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.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 filterLearn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 distributionLearn 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.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 mattersJoin the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer can learn, definitely learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

One small lapse on a pool route can turn into a flooded yard, an angry phone call, or a liability nightmare. We get brutally practical about the most common pool service mistakes we've made ourselves, why they happen, and how to prevent them with simple policies and repeatable checks that hold up when you're tired and the day is hot.We start with the big one: filling a pool for the customer. Turning on a hose feels like good pool maintenance when water is low and equipment is at risk, but it's also one of the fastest ways to end up with an overflow and property damage. We talk through safer options like shutting the system down, using automation timeout mode, communicating clearly with homeowners or tenants, and using tools like a Pool Sentry when you're maintaining a vacant home.Then we move into pool equipment repair realities. A “simple” pump and filter replacement can explode into replumbing, access issues, missing unions, or problems that belong to a licensed plumber or electrician. We share how to evaluate an equipment pad before bidding, when to call in help, and why pride is expensive. We also cover operational slip-ups like forgetting to turn off a timer during a filter cleaning, leaving an automation panel in service mode, and treating algae and dirty filters too lightly until the pool turns into a week-later disaster.If you want fewer callbacks and a tighter pool service business, take these lessons and build them into your route. Subscribe, share this with a pool tech who needs it, and leave a review so more pros can find the show.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

One day a pool product feels like the future. The next day the app is gone, support is gone, and what you paid for becomes a paperweight floating in the deep end. We dig into the real-world side of pool industry acquisitions and “disappearing” brands, including what happens when big companies buy promising pool technology and the execution doesn't match the hype.We walk through Hayward's Fin smart pool monitor and why the marketing and user experience created problems for homeowners and pool service professionals alike. ORP and pH readings can be useful, but confusing “unsafe water” alerts, a recurring subscription, and a hard shutdown of app service can destroy trust fast. From there, we compare Sutro's more complete reagent-based pool water monitoring approach, then zoom in on the practical hurdles that can sink any smart pool monitor: cartridge logistics, calibration time, price point, and the brutal reality of pool seasonality in colder regions.Not every story is a loss. We talk about pool products that simply vanished despite working well, like the Skim Doctor 2.0, and how solar skimmers like Solar Breeze evolved into Ariel and related models while facing heavy competition. Then we get into acquisitions that reshaped the market, including the CMP salt cell system being effectively discontinued, versus buyouts that preserve goodwill, like Pentair keeping Pleatco alive and Fluidra leaving Taylor test kits largely intact.If you've ever wondered which pool brands survive, why great products get killed, and what that means for your pool route or your backyard, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a pool pro friend, and leave a review with the smartest pool product you've ever used.We break down pool industry buyouts and product failures that leave pool owners and pool pros stuck with discontinued gear and dead apps. We also highlight the acquisitions that keep brands intact and protect customer trust.  • Hayward's Fin smart monitor, ORP confusion, subscription pain, and a shutdown that strands users  • Why smart pool monitors still struggle to replace proper water testing  • Sutro's stronger readings with reagent cartridges, calibration time, and seasonal subscription problems  • The Crystal Water Monitor as a more robust evolution of the Fin concept  • Skim Doctor 2.0 as a rare skimmer add-on that worked but disappeared  • Solar Breeze, Ariel, Skimbot, and how competition and implementation shape survival  • Fluidra buying CMP salt cells then effectively discontinuing the full system  • Pentair and Pleatco as a model for keeping a brand alive  • Fluidra and Taylor test kits, what changes and what stays the same  Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

The “single-speed pool pump ban” gets repeated so often it starts to sound like settled law, but the real story is more interesting and a lot more useful if you own a pool or service them. We break down what the Department of Energy (DOE) pool pump regulations actually do, how the Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) works, and why the rule feels like a ban even when it isn't written as a simple prohibition. The biggest shift is product availability: most manufacturers stopped making higher-horsepower single-speed pumps because they can't hit the required energy efficiency levels.We also dig into the part that doesn't get talked about enough: programming. A variable speed pool pump can still run at full RPM, so the regulation alone doesn't magically force lower energy use. The real savings come from smart run schedules that keep circulation steady at low speed, then step up only when you need more flow for a cleaner, spa jets, or water features. We share practical RPM ranges we use and explain why WEF-based savings assume lower-speed operation in the first place.If your current 1.5 or 2 HP single-speed pump fails, we walk through your best replacement options without guesswork: replacing the whole pump with a modern VS model, swapping in a variable speed replacement motor on the existing wet end, and why downsizing to 1 HP can backfire when the pool was built for higher demand. We also touch on commercial pool exemptions, turnover requirements, and what “compliance” looks like in the real world.If this helped clear up the confusion, subscribe, share the episode with a pool owner or pool pro, and leave a review so more people can find it. What pump are you running right now, and what's your biggest question about upgrading to variable speed?We tackle the myth that single-speed pool pumps are “banned” nationwide and explain what the DOE energy rules actually target through the WEF efficiency standard. We also get practical about replacement choices, VS pump programming, and why most homeowners save more by changing how the pump runs than by fighting for an old-style model.  • what DOE regulations really say versus what people assume  • how WEF energy efficiency ratings squeeze out most single-speed pumps above 1 HP  • why you can still buy some single-speed pumps and why big ones are getting scarce  • when a higher-horsepower single-speed might still be sold for water features  • why variable speed pumps can still waste power if programmed poorly  • realistic RPM ranges that balance turnover, cleaners, and lower electric bills  • why you should not downsize a 1.5 or 2 HP setup without understanding pool needs  • swap a VS motor onto an existing pump versus replacing the whole unit  • commercial pool turnover rules and why full-speed operation can still be required  • what to tell customers about longer run time with lower total energy cost  Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at Swimmipoollearning.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

Vacuuming shouldn't be the task that wrecks your whole pool service route, but for a lot of pool pros it's the biggest hidden time sink. We walk through the fastest way to vacuum a pool based on real-world service conditions, from dusty pools that demand deeper cleanup to neighborhoods where suction side cleaners handle most of the daily dirt. We also talk about a simple but powerful move for your service agreement: “vacuum when necessary,” and how that one line can change expectations, protect your time, and still deliver a clean, professional result.We get specific about methods. Manual vacuuming with a hose to the skimmer is still the most thorough option, but it's also the slowest and easiest to bog down with clogs from leaves and acorns. If your accounts already have an automatic pool cleaner, spot vacuuming becomes the faster play and we explain how to do it using the existing cleaner hoses, plus the drawbacks like reduced suction and hoses popping off. From there, we move into dedicated pool vacuum systems like the Bottom Feeder, Hammerhead, Riptide, and plug-in alternatives like the Vac Daddy, including what actually happens when you rely on vacuum bags to catch dirt.Fine dirt is where most “fast” vacuuming falls apart, so we break down micron bag choices (60, 75, 100 and beyond), why a pool can look good and then show dirt again two hours later, and how a cartridge filter assembly can vacuum to a much finer level for that polished finish. We also call out popular “shortcuts” like brushing everything to the deep end or main drain and why they usually fail in practice. If you want faster cleanings without sacrificing quality, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a pool tech friend, and leave a review so more pros can find the show.We break down the fastest ways to vacuum a pool without leaving behind fine dirt or creating callbacks on a busy pool service route. We compare manual vacuuming, spot vacuuming with cleaner hoses, and pro vacuum systems so you can choose the right method for your service area, staffing, and customer expectations.  • using “vacuum when necessary” in a service agreement to reduce wasted time  • why customers equate vacuuming with visible work  • why manual vacuum hose to skimmer is effective but slow  • spot vacuuming by converting automatic cleaner hoses  • when it makes sense to invest in Bottom Feeder, Hammerhead, Riptide, Vac Daddy  • choosing micron bags and why fine dirt returns after vacuuming  • how a cartridge filter assembly captures finer dirt  • why brushing to the deep end or main drain does not save time  • recommending more reliable “bulletproof” automatic cleaners for full coverage  Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in my coaching program, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

Episode 2000 is a milestone, so we keep it personal and practical: a new coaching member sends a long list of questions, and we answer them straight from decades in the pool service industry. If you're starting a pool service business or trying to scale your pool route, this is the kind of nuts-and-bolts guidance that saves you months of trial and error.We start with the mistake that quietly drains more money than any broken pump: pricing too low. Then we sort profitable work from schedule killers, including why weekly service accounts win and why one-time cleanups and filter-cleaning-only jobs often don't move your business forward. From there, we break down service pricing structures that customers understand, including a hybrid model that includes a reasonable chemical maintenance dose while billing for tablets and specialty products.We also get into the real-world setup: the essential tools you need on day one, what purchases to delay until revenue is steady, and the training resources that actually help with residential pool care and algae control. On the marketing side, we talk Google Ads, door hangers, what to do about gated communities and no-soliciting areas, and why advertising usually beats referrals early on. We even close with a surprisingly important detail most people overlook: picking a pool company name you can live with.If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a pool pro who's starting out, and leave a review so more service techs can find the show.We celebrate episode 2000 by answering a new pool pro's real questions about pricing, services, tools, training, marketing, and building a profitable pool route. We share the hard lessons that cost money early, then lay out simple systems that keep customers happy while protecting your margin.  • pricing too low as the fastest way to lose profit  • weekly service accounts as the core of a sustainable pool route  • one-time cleanups and filter cleanings as low-value distractions  • three pricing models and why a hybrid structure works  • defining a chemical maintenance dose and billing above it  • setting expectations so customers avoid surprise charges  • using a simple service agreement to prevent disputes  • buying only essential pool service tools at the start  • training picks including residential courses and algae-focused education  • getting first customers with Google Ads, door hangers, and smart targeting  • why early growth usually comes from advertising over referrals  • choosing a business name that will not confuse customers  Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com  The coaching program that I mentioned is available at PoolaiCoaching.com  Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

A pool pole looks like a simple tool, until you're hauling it across tight side yards, squeezing it into a mid-size truck bed, and holding it for most of your workday. We get specific about what to buy and why, based on real pool service conditions: how short it collapses, how far it truly reaches, how fast it extends, and whether it's quiet enough for early-morning stops without waking neighbors or setting off every dog in the yard. We walk through the practical differences between three-piece and two-piece telescopic pool poles, including why a three-piece can be the best fit when space is limited and backyards are compact. You'll hear why the SkimLite Dually 9018 remains a dependable workhorse, how a little extra length can help you vacuum more of the pool from one side, and where bigger 24-foot options make sense for commercial accounts. We also dig into locking systems: cam locks that are quick and quiet but can wear, versus button-style poles like the SnapLite that click into place with consistent stops. Then we compare standout choices like the Piranha Pro Line Power Pole PPLV8 and the move to carbon fiber pool poles for lighter weight and better control. We talk Primate and Ultimate Pool Tools HyperPole differences, what “feel” really means in your hands, and the unglamorous downside of carbon fiber: theft risk from the back of a truck, plus smart ways to secure or stash your pole. If you want a setup that matches your route and your budget, this will save you time, frustration, and money. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review. What pole are you using right now, and what do you like or hate about it?We break down how to choose the right pool pole based on your truck, your routes, and the way you actually work day to day. We compare three-piece vs two-piece designs, button locks vs cam locks, and why carbon fiber can be a game changer if you plan for the cost and the theft risk.  • why a three-piece pole fits better in compact and mid-size truck beds  • maneuvering a shorter collapsed pole through tight side yards and crowded pool pads  • SkimLite Dually 9018 sizing, reach, and why extra length helps vacuuming  • SnapLite button pole feel vs cam lock speed and wear  • when a two-piece pole is faster and easier to manage  • Piranha Pro Line Power Pole PPLV8 as a premier two-piece option and why it's loud  • carbon fiber poles from SkimLite, Primate, and Ultimate Pool Tools and how they differ  • Primate lever lock feel, grip upgrades, and size lineup  • HyperPole comparisons, sizing, and availability timing  • theft prevention, cable locks, and why we keep an aluminum backup pole  Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  If you're looking for other podcasts, you just go to my website, swingprolearning.com.  And if you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

Your suction cleaner keeps getting jammed, stopping mid-week, and leaving the pool floor dirty? We dig into a tool that rarely gets the spotlight but can be the perfect fix for the right backyard: the Polaris 360 return-side pool cleaner. It behaves a lot like a pressure-side cleaner with a debris bag and a wider pickup path, but it runs off an existing return line, so you can get strong debris handling without adding a booster pump.We walk through the practical differences between a dedicated booster pump pressure cleaner and a return-side cleaner, then get specific about what makes the Polaris 360 succeed or fail. Return jet count and placement matter, and so does your ability to redirect flow by plugging a return or installing restrictor eyeballs. We also explain the “back pressure” reality: restricting returns can raise filter PSI a few points, which may be normal on a full-size DE filter, sand filter, or larger cartridge system, but it can be a deal-breaker on undersized filtration.You'll also hear the tradeoffs most listings never mention. Changing return flow can reduce the surface current that helps feed the skimmer, so you might see more surface debris unless you adjust your setup or add a surface solution. And because the Polaris 360 often runs as long as your pump runs, parts can wear faster than a booster-pump cleaner that only runs a couple hours a day.Finally, we share real examples where the Polaris 360 shines: bamboo leaves that fall in clusters and big pod-like debris that instantly clogs suction cleaners. If your pool matches the right parameters, this cleaner can be a night-and-day upgrade. Subscribe, share this with a pool owner who battles clogs, and leave a review with the debris type you're trying to beat.We break down why the Polaris 360 return-side cleaner is a sleeper pick for pools that chew up suction cleaners with heavy debris. We also share the real install requirements, the pressure and surface-flow tradeoffs to expect, and the pool types where this cleaner is an easy yes or a hard pass.  • why the Polaris 360 and TR36P fly under the radar  • pressure-side booster pump cleaners versus return-side cleaners  • return jet placement, plugging a return, and using restrictor eyeballs  • back pressure explained with real PSI examples and safe limits  • why full-size DE, sand, or large cartridge filters matter  • skimmer impact versus reduced surface circulation patterns  • faster wear from longer daily run times  • real-world wins with bamboo clusters and large seed pods  Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  and if you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

Pool service business growth doesn't require fancy spreadsheets or complicated “business math.” It requires seeing the few numbers that matter and pulling the right levers on purpose. We walk through simple, real-world pool route math using an easy baseline monthly service price, then show how tiny changes compound into big annual gains. If you've ever felt like you're working hard but the profit isn't moving, this breakdown will make the problem visible fast. We start with the most straightforward revenue driver: adding more recurring pool service accounts. Just five additional pools can add roughly five figures to your annual gross, and it often equals only one extra stop per workday. From there, we look at price increases done the smart way, including how a modest $10 monthly bump across a stable route can generate thousands without adding labor, and how combining new accounts plus pricing strategy can push the gains even further. We also talk through the reality of churn and why you should factor in the occasional dropped account when you run the numbers. Then we shift to the profit side: cutting expenses and plugging revenue leaks. We cover how small savings on chemicals and supplies add up when you buy in volume, and why missed billing for small parts quietly drains your bottom line. To keep everything clear, we recommend a simple profit and loss spreadsheet you will actually use, plus a practical framework for upgrading your route over time: the one for one rule, where a great new account replaces a bad one so you earn more and stress less. If you want more pool service income, better margins, and a cleaner route, subscribe, share this with another pool pro, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What number do you want to improve first: accounts, price, or expenses?We break down why pool service is one of the easiest businesses to run by the numbers and how small, repeatable moves can create a big annual profit swing. We share simple formulas to grow revenue, cut waste, and tighten billing so your route pays more without getting overwhelming.  • why recurring pool accounts make revenue math simpler than many service trades  • adding five service accounts and what that does to monthly and annual gross income  • using modest price increases to boost revenue without adding workload  • replacing low-paying accounts with better-priced work when it makes sense  • finding “fat” in expenses through bulk buying and small monthly savings  • tightening billing so parts and small repairs do not fall through the cracks  • using a basic profit and loss spreadsheet to track results  • applying the one for one rule to improve route quality while you grow  Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

Some pool jobs are not hard because they are technical, they are hard because one mistake can wreck a surface, flood a schedule, or turn a “quick fix” into an all-day rescue. I'm sharing the moments where pool service pros end up in over their head and how to avoid that trap without stalling your growth.We talk through the Catch-22 of learning in the field and the simplest way around it: partner up and shadow someone experienced. Acid washing is a perfect example, where finesse matters and a seasoned tech can often predict results before the first drop hits the plaster. Pool and spa light replacement is another, especially combo setups where you need a second person to confirm which line you are pulling and to help you troubleshoot when things do not go smoothly.Then we dig into black algae treatment, including the real labor of knocking off heads, the risks of granular trichlor on certain finishes, and why cal hypo options can be a safer alternative on pebble or colored plaster. Finally, we zoom out to the business side: when to refer out big equipment installs, how referral commissions can still pay well, and why focusing on a clean, consistent pool route with a dedicated repair partner can be a strong and scalable model.If you want more practical pool service training and honest guidance from the field, subscribe, share this with a pool pro who needs it, and leave a quick review so more techs can find the show.We break down the pool service Catch-22 where experience is the only real teacher, but the wrong first job can cost you time, money, and a customer. We lay out a practical approach for growing skills safely by partnering, shadowing, and referring out repairs that do not fit your lane.• why some pool work is “learn by doing” but still needs guardrails  • partnering on acid washes to learn process, pricing, and outcomes  • why pulling pool and spa lights often needs two people  • black algae treatment basics, tools, and protective gear  • when granular trichlor is effective and when it can damage surfaces  • using cal hypo options for pebble and colored plaster pools  • recognizing equipment installs that are logistics-heavy and best referred out  • referral commissions and partnering to split bigger install jobs  • insurance limitations for new pool service pros and why they exist  • building a business model focused on maintenance with dedicated repair support  Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  You can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

Your pool water test strip might be telling the truth, but your eyes might not be. We dig into why test strips often feel inconsistent, how lighting and subjective color matching can turn a “real” chemical reaction into a shaky guess, and what you can do to get more reliable results without slowing down your whole pool care routine. We also talk about the growing world of digital test strip readers and smart pool testing devices, and why they're trying to solve the biggest weakness of strips: interpretation. From there, we get practical about where strips fit in a serious pool water testing workflow, especially for busy pool service routes and homeowners who need fast answers for free chlorine, total chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity. Then we hit the important nuances that can change your decisions. Test strips typically read total hardness rather than true calcium hardness, which matters for balance targets. Cyanuric acid is the surprise category where strips can actually help, especially when CYA climbs above 100 ppm and reagent tests get harder to read. We also cover “extra” tests where strips can be genuinely useful, like copper and iron, nitrates, borates, and phosphates, plus the one strip category we don't recommend for saltwater pools: salinity. If you want clearer pool chemistry decisions with fewer bad readings, subscribe, share the episode with a pool owner or tech, and leave a review with your biggest testing frustration.We break down how to use pool test strips effectively without getting fooled by subjective color matching and wide reading ranges. We also share where test strips shine, where they fall short, and how to pair them with photometers or reagent kits for reliable pool water testing.  • the biggest limitation of test strips being interpretation not necessarily the strip chemistry  • why digital strip readers and smart testing devices can reduce guesswork  • how color matching can skew alkalinity and other borderline readings  • total hardness on strips versus true calcium hardness from titration tests  • why cyanuric acid strips can outperform reagent tests at high CYA  • using strips for copper iron nitrates borates and phosphates as quick field checks  • why salinity test strips are unreliable and when a digital salt meter makes sense  • when strips are ideal for fast route work and rainy-day testing  • using test strips to verify weird reagent or photometer results when reagents or tablets go bad  Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. From me, I'm a 35-year veteran in the industry. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, I've got the tools to help you succeed. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

2026 is shaping up like a split-screen year for the pool industry: pool construction and remodeling cool off under higher interest rates, while the pool service business stays surprisingly steady because repairs and replacements don't wait for “better timing.” I walk through what I'm seeing across the market and why some manufacturers are feeling real pressure even when service pros are still busy in the field.We dig into how a soft building market creates a chain reaction: fewer new projects means fewer equipment orders, which leads to overstocked distributors and retail stores, and that eventually shows up in manufacturer numbers for major pool equipment brands. I also talk about the quieter forces that steer customer buying, like brand recognition from automatic pool cleaners and how product changes can ripple into pumps, filters, and other upgrades down the road.Then we get practical for pool service operators. Inflation, fuel, and chemical costs keep climbing, and while we can often pass costs on, there's a real price ceiling where customers push back or start shopping for discounted service. I share ways to protect profit without relying only on rate hikes, including trimming business “fat,” running tighter operations, and thinking about vehicles, debt, and efficiency like a larger company would.If you want more straight talk on pool industry trends and how to stay profitable in 2026 and beyond, subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more service techs can find the show.2026 brings a mixed picture for the pool industry: new pool construction slows under higher interest rates while pool service demand stays steady. I break down what manufacturer sales trends, retail overstock, and inflation mean for your pricing and your profit heading into 2027.• higher interest rates cooling pool building and remodeling budgets  • why manufacturers feel pain when distributors and retailers are overstocked  • how pool service techs drive equipment sales at the point of failure  • Fluidra, Hayward, and Pentair brand dynamics and the role of cleaners as a lead-in product  • post-COVID build numbers returning toward pre-COVID levels and why service remains insulated  • inflation, fuel, and chemical costs and how far price increases can realistically go  • practical cost cutting ideas to protect margin without lowering service quality  • treating a service company like a lean corporation instead of a household extension  If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find this on my website, smallingfullearning.com. Click on the podcast icon icon there on the banner. And if you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolaicoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA  REWARDS Apphttps://hasa.com/hasa-appThe 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 Support the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin 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/poolguycoachingLimits 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-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

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 impellersJoin the Pool Guy Coaching Program.Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Cartridge pool filters have a loyal fan base, and they also get hit with the same two critiques over and over: you cannot backwash them, and you cannot easily vacuum to waste. We take those arguments seriously and walk through what is actually true, what is overstated, and what you can fix with smarter equipment choices. If you have ever wondered whether you picked the “wrong” pool filter, this breakdown will help you decide with confidence.We start with backwashing. Sand filters and DE filters rely on backwash to restore flow and drop rising PSI, but cartridge pleats do not shed debris that way. The key detail most people miss is capacity: a large quad cartridge filter in the 400 to 500 square foot range can hold dramatically more dirt than smaller DE setups, and it often goes four to six months between cleanings in many areas. In dusty regions like the desert, cleaning is more frequent, but the job can still be faster and simpler than you might think.Then we tackle filtration myths and real-world water clarity. DE filters can filter smaller particles on paper, yet the difference between 3 microns and typical cartridge filtration is not something you can spot with your eyes when chemistry, circulation, and maintenance are dialed in. We also get practical about the “vacuum to waste” advantage of multiport valves, how to add a waste bypass to a cartridge system, and the gear pros use when a pool is trashed after a storm or during a green pool cleanup. We finish with ways to reduce cleaning frequency using a cyclonic prefilter like the Waterco MultiCyclone, plus an honest look at mess, safety, and how long cartridges and DE grids really last today.If this helped you think more clearly about cartridge filters vs DE vs sand, subscribe, share this with a pool owner or pool pro, and leave a review so more people can find the show.We break down the biggest complaints about cartridge pool filters and test whether they hold up in real pool service. We compare cartridge, DE, and sand filtration on backwashing, water clarity, vacuum-to-waste options, cleaning mess, and long-term costs.  • why cartridge filters cannot be backwashed and why that matters less with large quad cartridges  • how square footage affects PSI rise, flow, and cleaning intervals  • micron ratings and why water clarity looks the same between cartridge and DE  • when vacuuming to waste is genuinely useful and what cartridge owners can add to get it  • prefiltration with a Waterco MultiCyclone to trap dirt before the cartridge  • cleaning speed tradeoffs and tools that reduce bending and time  • DE cleanup downsides, mess around the pad, and health concerns with DE dust  • realistic lifespan and replacement costs for cartridges versus DE grids today  Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you also are interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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 cleanupAre you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. From me, I'm a 35-year veteran in the industry. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, I've got the tools to help you succeed. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Pool chemicals do not wait for a “big mistake” to hurt you. Most injuries and long-term health problems come from tiny shortcuts repeated every day: bare hands on trichlor residue, a loose muriatic acid cap in the truck, or a quick DE recharge with no mask because you are trying to move fast. We share the safety habits we rely on in the field, including why gloves that actually resist pool chemicals matter, how we think about eye protection without going overboard, and what to do when routine starts making you careless.We also get specific about common products pool service techs touch constantly. Trichlor tablets can leave potent residue that chews through the wrong gloves. Muriatic acid can splash from one small transport error, so we break down smarter storage in cases, why loose bottles are asking for leaks, and what immediate rinsing should look like. Then we zoom out to chemical compatibility and transportation, including why acid and chlorine should never share a case and how a rear-end collision can turn poor separation into a toxic problem.Some of the biggest risks are the ones people shrug off. Diatomaceous earth (DE) dust is an inhalation hazard tied to silica exposure, so we talk masks, low-dust DE, and alternatives like perlite. Even test kits are not automatically “safe” just because the bottles are small. We cover OTO reagent hazards and why checking the Safety Data Sheet (SDS or MSDS) helps you make better decisions for your health and your business. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a pool pro who needs it, and leave a review so more techs find practical pool chemical safety guidance.We walk through the real-world risks pool pros face when handling common pool chemicals and how simple protective habits prevent burns, splashes, and long-term exposure. We also spotlight overlooked hazards like DE dust and OTO test reagents, then share practical ways to store, transport, and use chemicals more safely.  • wearing nitro-coated gloves to prevent chemical burns and skin exposure  • understanding why trichlor tablet residue can be especially harsh  • preventing muriatic acid splashes with better storage and cap checks  • protecting eyes with consistent eyewear and safer handling routines  • separating acid from chlorine during transport and storage to avoid toxic reactions  • treating DE powder as an inhalation hazard and using masks plus low-dust options  • reading SDS sheets to understand hidden risks in everyday products  • reconsidering OTO-based test kits and handling reagents with more care  Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

A dog-friendly backyard can turn a routine pool stop into a safety problem, a chemistry problem, and a pricing problem all at once. We've both seen it: you open the gate with your hands full, a dog tries to bolt, and suddenly you're one misstep away from chasing someone's pet through the neighborhood. We share simple habits that prevent the chaos, including how a quick distraction (like a chew treat) can buy you time to get inside safely and keep the gate secured.Then we get real about the risk most pool techs don't want to talk about: even a “nice” dog can bite when it feels sick, threatened, or territorial. We walk through practical boundaries, what to watch for, and how to decide when an account is no longer worth it. We also cover tools some pros keep on the truck to create space and stay safe, plus why avoiding the incident in the first place is always the best plan.Finally, we tackle the elephant in the room: dogs swimming in the pool. If you've ever seen cloudy water, rapid chlorine loss, hair-packed skimmers, or a filter that looks like it swallowed a shedding machine, you know the struggle. We lay out a clear pool maintenance strategy using weekly enzymes, extra chlorine planning, longer pump run time, more frequent filter cleanings, earlier cartridge replacement, and “enhancers” like PoolRx paired with borates or phosphate remover. We also talk equipment that makes life easier, including suction-side cleaners with canisters and solar surface skimmers that keep dog hair from clogging baskets.If you service pools, this is the playbook for keeping dog pools manageable and making sure the customer pays for the extra load. Subscribe for more field-tested pool service advice, share this with a tech who needs it, and leave a review with your wildest “dogs on the route” story.We break down what dogs in the backyard really mean for pool service, from gate escapes and barking chaos to bite risk and account safety. We also lay out a practical plan for keeping dog-swimming pools clear, sanitized, and profitable with the right chemicals, equipment, and customer pricing.  • using chew treats to prevent dogs bolting through the gate  • staying alert because even friendly dogs can bite without warning  • recognizing when a dangerous dog makes an account not worth the risk  • carrying humane deterrents and safety tools for worst-case moments  • dealing with yard waste and what to do if it gets into the pool  • explaining why dog swimming drives cloudy water and fast chlorine loss  • adding weekly enzymes to reduce tile-line scum and buildup  • charging for extra chlorine and leaving customer-paid shock on site  • extending pump run time to support circulation and filtration  • cleaning filters more often and replacing cartridges sooner  • using PoolRx plus borates or phosphate remover for added protection  • upgrading cleaners and adding a solar surface skimmer for dog hair control  Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. Learn more at Summipoollearning.com.Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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 accountsLearn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Rain can turn a normal pool route into a week of damage control, but it doesn't have to. We walk through a practical rainy season plan built for pool service pros who want fewer missed stops, fewer angry calls, and fewer “mud pool” nightmares. The starting point is simple and overlooked: research your area's seasonal rainfall trends and compare them to current forecasts, so you're planning with data instead of vibes and news hype. From there, we get specific about what actually breaks pools during storms. We talk about backyard layouts that funnel dirt into the water, how elevated planters overflow onto the deck, and why even “a little” mud can lead to weeks of filtration issues and fast surface staining from metal-laden soil. We also share a straightforward response plan when mud does happen: filter cleaning, running the system, using clarifier when needed, superchlorination to prevent organic staining, and adding a metal sequestering agent to protect the finish. Overflow panic calls are another rainy season classic, so we cover how to educate customers and keep your day from getting hijacked. Most overfilled pools aren't emergencies, but some properties have grading and drainage problems that can push water toward doors. We explain two simple draining setups customers can use safely: a submersible pump staged at the equipment area or a hose spigot on the plumbing that drains while the pump runs, plus why preventative draining often backfires when forecasts miss. We also talk shop on when rain is simply too heavy to work in, how to shift your schedule using the 10-day forecast, and how to keep winter chlorine levels strong enough that a pool can survive a missed week without zeroing out. If you want a calmer rainy season and a smarter pool maintenance routine, listen now, subscribe, and share this with a pool pro who needs a better storm plan.We break down how rainy weather disrupts pool service and how to plan your route so you miss fewer stops and avoid turning small problems into expensive cleanups. We share practical ways to prevent mud runoff, handle overflow calls calmly, and keep winter chemistry strong enough to survive a missed week.  • checking five-year average rainfall and current season forecasts to build a game plan  • setting a written rain policy and clarifying what counts as a rainout  • walking backyards to spot planter overflow and slope runoff risks  • preventing mud pools that cause staining and filtration problems  • responding to mud with filter cleaning, clarifier, superchlorination, and metal sequestration  • educating customers about overflow and when it is not an emergency  • using a submersible pump or equipment-pad hose spigot to drain safely  • deciding how much rain is too much to work in and when to stop mid-route  • shifting route days around the forecast to avoid repeated missed services  • keeping winter chlorine levels higher so pools can handle a missed week  Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Salt systems are supposed to make pool care easier, so why do so many owners end up stuck at 100% output, watching pH climb, and dreading the next replacement salt cell bill? We walk through how to pick the right size salt cell for your pool so your saltwater chlorine generator can maintain steady free chlorine without overworking the equipment or creating water balance headaches.We also get real about what's changed: plenty of today's salt cells do not seem to hit their rated 10,000 to 15,000 hours, and replacement costs for some major brands have skyrocketed. That shifts the usual “just buy the biggest cell” strategy. We compare practical options for common pool sizes, including a detailed 15,000-gallon pool example, and explain why slightly oversizing can still help when it lets you run a lower percentage and keep room for quick superchlorination before heavy bather loads.Along the way, we cover brand considerations like Jandy TrueClear, Hayward T-Cell sizing, Pentair automation compatibility, and why warranties like Circuit Pool's prorated coverage can matter more than marketing numbers. We also simplify chlorine production math so you size for what your pool actually loses each day, not an unrealistic maximum output.If this helped, subscribe for more pool service tips, share it with a pool owner who's shopping for a salt system, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.We break down how to choose the right size salt cell so your pool stays chlorinated without living at 100% output or fighting constant side effects. We also talk honestly about modern salt cell lifespan, replacement cost, and why planning for the next cell matters as much as buying the system today.  • why our old “oversize it” advice changes as cells fail sooner than rated hours  • why running 100% output can drive pH up fast  • what white flake blowback looks like and why high output can increase the risk  • practical sizing for a 15,000-gallon pool using real chlorine production numbers  • brand-by-brand considerations including Jandy TrueClear, Hayward T-Cells, Pentair pricing  • why Circuit Pool's prorated warranty stands out for long-term value  • how to think about chlorine loss per day instead of chasing huge production  Learn more at Swimmipoollearning.com.  If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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.  If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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.  Find more podcasts at swimmingprolearning.com.  If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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.Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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  Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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 spotsJoin the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimming poollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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 storageJoin the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.If you're interested in the coaching program they offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.com.Looking for other podcasts, you can find those on my website, swimmingprolearning.com, by clicking on the podcast icon on the banner.Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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  Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. Learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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 superchlorinationJoin the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.Yes, it's www.seulater. That's c ula.com. Again, the website is seeulater.com.And if you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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 acidJoin 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.Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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.Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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  Learn more at swimming poollearning.com  If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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  Learn more at swimming poollearning.com.  If you have the coaching program that offer you can learn more at poolcoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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 rechargesLearn more at SwimmingPoolLearning.com  If you're interested in the coaching program there, can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.comSend us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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.Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

“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.  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

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.  Send us Fan MailSupport 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/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y