The Pool Guy Podcast Show

A handshake can’t stop a chargeback, clean a windblown pool in one visit, or explain why you took a sick day. We dig into the real-world moments that turn friendly client relationships into friction, and show how a simple one-page service agreement replaces tension with trust. From setting owner responsibilities like maintaining water level and providing clear access, to outlining late fees, service pauses, and repair payments, we share practical language you can adopt today without turning y...

Ever wonder why a pool stays clear for months and then collapses in a heatwave despite “weekly shock”? We pull back the curtain on the most persistent pool chemistry myths and replace them with simple, durable rules you can use on every visit. This is a frank guide to working with stabilizer, choosing the right chlorine, and avoiding the subtle traps that turn easy weeks into green emergencies. We start by dismantling the calendar-based approach to shocking. Chlorine demand isn’t a date on y...

Air is the invisible enemy of a pool pump, and once it slips into the system, your prime is gone, your filter pressure dives, and your day gets longer. We zero in on the real reasons pumps refuse to prime and share the simple, reliable fixes working pros use to get water moving fast. We start with the most common failure point—the pump lid O‑ring—and explain how age, dryness, and missing gaskets break the vacuum seal. From there, we tackle heat damage: low water leads to dry runs, scalding h...

Customers don’t judge by jargon; they judge by what they see and how their pool performs after you leave. We dive straight into the habits that signal true professionalism on a pool route: a 30–40 second equipment scan, disciplined filter decisions, and a firm stance on water-level responsibilities that keeps you out of liability trouble. You’ll learn a simple checklist for catching leaks, reading filter pressure, and spotting a dirty salt cell before a homeowner does. We talk through the re...

Choosing a variable speed pump shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. We walk through a simple, field-tested way to size the right unit by matching your current single-speed horsepower to modern total horsepower (THP), accounting for plumbing size, distance, and voltage, and then using RPM control to hit your flow goals without wasting energy. No fluff—just practical rules you can apply the moment you step onto the equipment pad. We start by translating old-school horsepower labels into today’...

Some pools look profitable until they aren’t. We pull back the curtain on the accounts that drain time, money, and patience, and we map out the simple rules that keep your route safe and sustainable. From the backyard with a trained guard dog to the “easy” green pool with a dying pump, we show you how to spot trouble before you’re knee-deep in cloudy water and finger-pointing. First, we talk safety with real stories from the field and why “the dog will be put away” isn’t a plan. You’ll learn...

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I share how to spot and avoid bad customers. From late payers to micromanagers and unrealistic pool owners, I’ll walk you through the red flags I’ve learned to recognize over the years. I’ll also give you my strategies for setting expectations, protecting yourself with agreements, and knowing when it’s time to walk away. Not every account is worth keeping — and sometimes saying no is the smartest business move you can make. Send us a text Support ...

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I share how I’ve landed new accounts through networking with builders, realtors, and HOAs. These groups already have the trust of homeowners — and if you position yourself the right way, they can become your biggest referral sources. I’ll break down my personal approach. I’ll also give you some practical tips for building and keeping those relationships strong. If you’re tired of chasing random leads and want a smarter way to grow your pool busine...

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I’m exposing a scam that’s been making the rounds in our industry and costing pool pros real money. The setup sounds innocent — someone calls saying they’re moving in soon and want to hire you for pool service. They send you a check that looks legitimate, but it’s written for too much, and then they ask you to forward the extra to another “vendor.” By the time the bank flags the check as fake, you’re out hundreds or even thousands of dollars. I’ll...

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I’m sharing some of the biggest pool fails I’ve run into over the years. I’ll talk about the headaches of trying to get warranty coverage through a home warranty policy, why salt pools with dead cells can bring everything to a halt, and the hidden dangers of running your pool with low water. I’ll also dive into equipment rooms with terrible placement that make servicing nearly impossible, and the long-term disasters I’ve seen when trees are plante...

In this episode, I’m going to cover the main appearance problems that affect different pool surfaces — discoloration, mottling, and staining. Whether it’s plaster that develops blotchy mottling, quartz that fades unevenly, pebble finishes that pick up scale or stains, fiberglass that yellows, vinyl that wrinkles and discolors, or tile that shows calcium deposits, every surface has its own challenges. Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASA...

I’m diving into the essentials of pool care—what I personally test for each and every week to keep a pool sparkling and safe. From chlorine to pH, alkalinity to calcium hardness, I’ll share not only what to check but also why it matters. Think of this episode as your quick-start guide to building a weekly pool maintenance routine that actually works. Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https...

Let’s face it — no one wants to swim with bugs. In this episode, I talk with Terry Arko from HASA about one of the most common (and annoying) pool problems: bugs in your pool. From backswimmers to water boatmen, we cover what they are, why they show up, and most importantly — how to get rid of them and keep them from coming back. Terry explains how water chemistry, algae, and even lighting can attract bugs, and we share practical, real-world steps to reclaim your pool from the critters. Wheth...

In this episode, I’m joined again by Terry Arko from HASA to tackle a big topic in pool chemistry — phosphates. We talk about what phosphates are, how they get into your pool, and whether they’re really the enemy everyone says they are. Terry breaks down the science behind phosphates, algae growth, and why managing your sanitizer level is still the most important piece of the puzzle. We also clear up a few myths about phosphate removers and when you actually need them. If you’ve ever wondered...

In this episode, I sit down with Terry Arko from HASA to dive deep into one of the toughest pool problems out there — chlorine-resistant algae, including the dreaded black algae that laughs at your shock treatments. We talk about why some algae survive even in well-maintained pools, how biofilms protect them, and what steps actually work to beat them for good. Terry shares his expert insight from decades in the field, breaking down the myths and science behind stubborn algae blooms. If you’ve...