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, servi...

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...

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 b...

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...

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 y...

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 safet...

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 kee...

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 relationshi...

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...

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...

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 challeng...

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 Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast S...

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 at...

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 clea...

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...

I’ve seen it all when it comes to pool filters—from the catastrophic blowouts that send water blasting across the yard, to the minor little drips and leaks that slowly waste water and drive you crazy. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the full range of filter issues: how to spot them early, what causes them, and most importantly, what to do before they turn into expensive repairs. Whether it’...

In this episode, I’m talking about how to filter your pool smarter, not harder. I’ll cover when and why you should replace filter elements, how long you really need to run your pool for proper circulation, and the big benefits of adding a Waterco MultiCyclone pre-filter to cut down on maintenance. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your pool crystal clear while saving time, energy, and money. Sen...

Today I’m diving into the world of pool filters and breaking down the three main types every pool owner should know: sand, cartridge, and DE filters. I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each, share what works best for different pool setups, and help you figure out which one is right for your backyard oasis. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident choosing a filter that keeps your...

In this episode, I’m exploring the revolutions that have shaken up the pool industry over the years. From breakthroughs in pool design and construction to next-level filtration, eco-friendly chemicals, and smart automation, these changes have transformed how we build, maintain, and enjoy our pools. I’ll break down the big innovations, share stories from the trenches, and give you a peek at what’s...

Running a pool service is more than cleaning and balancing water—it’s running a business. In this episode, I’m diving into the importance of proper accounting. I’ll share how separating business and personal finances saved me a major headache at tax time, why tracking every chemical, part, and mile driven matters, and how simple tools like QuickBooks or even a spreadsheet can keep your cash flow c...

In this episode, I dive into what happens when chemical usage in pools goes wrong. From overdosing chlorine that strips liners to shortcuts with chlorine that leave stains, I’ll share real stories and practical advice on avoiding these mistakes. I’ll also break down the science behind why these mishaps happen and how you can fix them before they spiral into costly problems.  Send us Fan Mail Suppo...

I’ve learned the hard way that rushing through a pool service job can be risky—for me and my customers. In this episode, I’m talking about simple safety habits that protect everyone: checking gates, watching out for pool toys, and never sacrificing care for speed. Safety doesn’t have to slow you down—it just makes your job smarter and your clients happier.   Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy P...

I’m always looking for ways to make my pool route more efficient without cutting corners, and in this episode, I’m sharing my favorite tips to save time and energy. From tightening up your route to keeping spare parts on hand, these tricks will help you get the job done faster so you can enjoy your evenings instead of running around like a maniac. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show...

Running a pool service in normal conditions is one thing, but throw in extreme weather—whether it’s desert heat, heavy rains, or freezing winters—and the challenges multiply fast. In this episode, I share how I’ve learned to adapt service routines to keep safe out there and when to cut and run.    Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  https://bit.ly/HASA The...

Not every product in the pool industry hits the mark. In this episode, I call out some of the worst-engineered pool products I’ve run across over the years. From the awkwardly placed Pentair drain plug that turns a simple job into a wet mess, to the unreliable Hayward NorthStar pump , to costly and failure-prone in-floor cleaning systems , I’ll break down why these products cause more headaches th...