Pool service pricing has changed — and today we break down the number that decides EVERYTHING in your business: your true cost per pool and cost per stop.

In episode 275 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and Zac go deep into the financial side of running a profitable pool service business. We walk through the 5-minute cost-per-pool calculator, the expenses most pros overlook, how to calculate your real cost per stop, how drive time destroys profitability, and why understanding this number becomes your most powerful business tool heading into 2026.

Whether you're a one-pole operator or building a multi-truck operation, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to price correctly, protect your margins, grow profitably, and eliminate the guesswork.

If you’ve ever wondered “How much should I charge?” — THIS is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast

01:00 – The intro Edgar finally nailed after 6 years 😂

02:00 – Team updates, nervous presentations & personal branding training

05:00 – Customer retention challenges & why winter months are deceptive

07:00 – Pool guy holidays & California storm stories

09:00 – Price increases for 2026 & what the financial reports are showing

11:00 – Why most pool pros undercharge without realizing it

12:00 – The “aha moment” when you finally calculate your real costs

14:00 – Why small companies MUST learn their cost per pool early

15:00 – The real expenses pool pros forget to include

17:00 – Death by a thousand cuts: the sneaky costs killing your margins

19:00 – Why you don’t need to be a CPA to understand your numbers

20:00 – Step 1 of the 5-Minute Cost-per-Pool Calculator

23:00 – Step 2: Add ALL your expenses (no exceptions)

25:00 – Cost per pool vs cost per stop — and why both matter

28:00 – How cost per stop reveals the “leaks” in your business

30:00 – Why your emotional pricing is hurting your profits

33:00 – The hidden expense that steals thousands: drive time

37:00 – Fuel, maintenance, and the REAL cost of trucks

41:00 – Insurance: the fastest-rising expense in the industry

45:00 – Labor burden explained (your $22/hr tech REALLY costs $28–$30)

49:00 – Red flags to look for when reviewing your chemical spend

54:00 – Office & administrative costs most pros forget to calculate

59:00 – How non-billable hours crush profitability

01:04:00 – Why clarity is the most powerful business advantage

01:10:00 – What’s coming in Part 3: Pricing for 2026 & target margins

🙏 Thank You to Our Visionary Sponsors

A huge thank you to our podcast partners and sponsors who make education like this possible:

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  The SPPA –

  
  


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  BluRay XL – 

  
  


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  AquaStar Pool Products – 

  
  


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  Natural Chemistry – 

  
  


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  Raypak – 

  
  


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  Heritage Pool Supply Group

  
  


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  Hayward Pool Products – 

  
  


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  Poolside Tech – 

  
  


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  Pool Brain

  
  


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  NEC / US Motors – 

  
  

We appreciate your ongoing support and commitment to the pool industry.