David Van Brunt

The Pool Guy Podcast Show

In this podcast I cover everything swimming pool care-related from chemistry to automatic cleaners and equipment. I focus on the pool service side of things and also offer tips to homeowners. There are also some great interviews with guests from inside the industry. 

Author

David Van Brunt

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

Engineering Excellence in the Pool Industry 03.10.2025

In this episode, I highlight some of the best-engineered products in the swimming pool industry—the tools and equipment that really get it right. From the PoolSkim that takes a simple idea and makes it incredibly effective, to the Pentair 4000 Series filter that’s built to last, to the Hayward PoolCleaner that just works day after day without drama—I’ll break down why these products stand out from...

Portable Vac Wars: Which Pool Vacuum Reigns Supreme? 02.10.2025

In this episode, I dive into a head-to-head comparison of two powerhouse portable pool vacuums: the WaterTech Precision V10 and the VacDaddy . Both promise to make pool pros’ lives easier, but they take very different approaches — one cordless with long battery life, the other corded with unlimited runtime and suction strength. I’ll break down the pros, cons, price points, and real-world use cases...

Do You Really Need to Vacuum That Pool? 01.10.2025

In this episode, I break down one of the most common questions pool pros face on the route: When should you vacuum a pool — and when is a skim or partial vacuum enough? I’ll share how to quickly assess debris levels, save time by choosing the right cleaning method, and keep pools sparkling without overworking your filter or wasting energy. From light leaf skimming to tackling post-storm disasters,...

When Walking Away Means Winning 30.09.2025

In this episode, I share why learning to say “no” can be one of the most powerful tools in your pool service business. Whether it’s an account that drains your energy, a customer who constantly asks for extra work without paying for it, or cleanup jobs that just aren’t worth your time, knowing when to walk away keeps your business strong and profitable. I’ll give you real-world examples from my ow...

DIY Pool Care Disasters (and How to Avoid Them) 29.09.2025

Today I break down the most common mistakes I see homeowners make when they try to take care of their own pool. From dumping in way too much chlorine to ignoring their filters or trusting test strips over a good kit, these errors can cost more in the long run than hiring a professional. I’ll explain the myths behind DIY pool care, why “clear water” doesn’t always mean safe water, and share simple...

Bob Lowry Meets Ben’s Best Guess Chart: Pool Chemistry Unlocked 26.09.2025

In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most important—and misunderstood—relationships in pool chemistry: free chlorine (FC) and cyanuric acid (CYA). Using Ben’s Best Guess Chart as a foundation, and layering in insights from Bob Lowry, I’ll explain how to find the sweet spot for chlorine levels so your pool stays safe and algae-free. This is pool chemistry demystified, and once you get it, your...

Doubling Income: The Pool Scaling Playbook 25.09.2025

In this episode, I’ll walk you through the systems, tools, and strategies that helped you expand, and I’ll also talk about scaling outside the business — investing in real estate, side hustles, and other ways to create long-term financial stability. If you’ve ever wondered how to move from just cleaning pools to building a true business and lifestyle, this episode is for you. Send us Fan Mail Supp...

Out of Business? What Happened to Sutro 24.09.2025

I just found out the Sutro Smart Water Monitor has been discontinued, and I want to dive into why this once-promising pool tech didn’t quite make it. In this episode, I’ll share what Sutro set out to do, where it went wrong, and what lessons we as pool pros and entrepreneurs can take away from its rise and fall. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  https://...

Myth vs. Math: The Economics of Pool Ownership 23.09.2025

Today, I’m tackling another set of myths: A pool doesn’t add value to your house. Or how about, It’s cheaper to do it yourself. And of course, Owning a pool is just too expensive to maintain. I’ll share the real numbers, the hidden benefits of professional service, and why these misconceptions keep floating around. If you’ve ever wondered whether a pool is worth it, this episode will give you the...

Pool Owner Misconceptions — Debunked 22.09.2025

On this episode, I’m diving into some of the most common myths that pool owners believe. You’ve probably heard these before: If the pool looks clear, it must be safe to swim in. Or maybe you’ve been told, You can’t add too much chlorine. And of course, the classic: A salt pool isn’t a chlorine pool. I’ll break down the truth behind each one, explain why these myths are misleading, and give you the...

Keep It Running: Prevent Pool Equipment Breakdowns 19.09.2025

In this episode, I talk about the most common pool equipment failures I’ve seen over the years—pumps that burn out, filters that leak, heaters that just won’t fire up. I’ll share real stories from the field and explain what caused the breakdowns, plus the steps I take now to prevent them. If you’ve ever wondered how to extend the life of your pool equipment and avoid costly repairs, this episode i...

When Pools Go Wrong: My Craziest Emergency Calls 18.09.2025

In this episode, I share some of the biggest pool emergencies I’ve faced in the field—from green water takeovers and sudden equipment breakdowns to dangerous chemical mix-ups and mysterious leaks. These aren’t just wild stories; they’re real situations with real solutions that every pool pro or pool owner should know. I’ll walk you through how I handled each one, what I learned, and how you can be...

Cleaning Pools or Flipping Burgers: Which Pays Better? 17.09.2025

In this episode, I dive into one of the hardest truths in the pool service industry—sometimes you’re working hard but not making a profit. I’ll share real strategies I’ve used to recapture lost income, from re-evaluating pricing to cutting hidden costs, and how to make sure your business is working for you, not against you. If you’ve ever felt like your route is running you dry, this episode will...

Starting a Pool Service Business: Lessons Learned the Hard Way 16.09.2025

In this episode, I share my personal journey of starting a pool service business from scratch—the wins, the mistakes, and everything in between. I talk about what motivated me to get into the pool industry, how I landed my first customers, and the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way. From underpricing my services to dealing with tough clients and learning the importance of good equipment, t...

Before You Dig: Remodeling Tips That Matter 15.09.2025

Thinking about remodeling your pool? In this episode, I’m sharing the real-life pitfalls and lessons learned from pool remodels gone wrong. I’ll cover the big things you need to consider before you start — from design choices and budget surprises to dealing with contractors. If a remodel is in your future, this episode could save you a ton of stress (and money). Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool G...

Behind the Buttons: Pool Automation Ins & Outs 12.09.2025

In this episode, I’m breaking down the world of pool automation. From smart controls and apps to pumps, heaters, and lights, I’ll walk you through what’s worth the investment and what might just drain your wallet. I’ll share my insider perspective on how automation can make pool ownership easier — and when it can actually complicate things. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponso...

Are Salt Pools Actually Cheaper in the Long Run? 11.09.2025

One of the biggest questions I get from pool owners is whether a salt water pool is better than a chlorine pool. In this episode, I’ll break it down in simple terms, go over the pros and cons of each system, and help you figure out which one really saves money and hassle in the long run. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  https://bit.ly/HASA The Bottom Fe...

Gear That Transformed My Route 10.09.2025

In this episode, I share the gadgets that have completely changed the way I run my pool service route. From tools that save me time to equipment that makes the job easier and more efficient, I’ll go over what’s actually worth having in your truck and what I can’t live without on the job. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  https://bit.ly/HASA The Bottom Fe...

The Hidden Headaches of Infinity Pools 09.09.2025

Infinity edge pools look incredible — they’re the kind of pools you see on Instagram or in luxury resorts. But as a pool pro, I can tell you they come with a unique set of headaches. In this episode, I’m going to share the real troubles that homeowners face with infinity edge pools — from water loss and high maintenance to expensive repairs and heating challenges. I’ll also give you some tips to h...

My Proven Solutions for High pH in Saltwater Pools 08.09.2025

Saltwater pools are amazing, but one thing nearly every pool owner runs into is rising pH. In this episode, I’ll explain why pH tends to drift up in saltwater pools, and more importantly, how you can control it. From aeration and salt cell activity to practical strategies like acid dosing, CO₂ systems, and borates, I’ll share the real-world fixes that actually work. If your pH feels like it’s alwa...

The Ultimate Showdown of Automatic Pool Cleaners 05.09.2025

Ever wonder which automatic pool cleaner is right for you? In this episode, I take a deep dive into the three main types—suction, pressure, and robotic. I’ll share how each one works, the pros and cons, and which situations they’re best for. I’ll also give you my personal top pick in each category so you can make a confident choice for your pool. If you’re tired of skimming leaves or vacuuming by...

Europe’s Hottest Pool Tool PoolWaterLab 2.0 (PoolLab 2.0) 04.09.2025

I’m excited to share my experience with the PoolLab 2.0 , a powerful water testing tool making waves in the European market. In this episode, I break down what it does, why it matters, and how it changes the game for accurate, on-the-go water testing. Whether you’re already in the industry or just curious about the latest tools, this is a look at where pool tech is headed. Buy Now: Claim Code 10%...

How to Prevent Burnout in Your Pool Service Business 03.09.2025

Running a pool service business can be demanding, but I’ve learned firsthand that burnout doesn’t have to be part of the journey. In this episode, I share practical strategies I use to keep energy, focus, and motivation high—so the business runs smoothly without running me down. From balancing workload to protecting personal time, this is all about staying sharp and sustainable in the long game. S...

Mindset Matters More Than Marketing 02.09.2025

I’ve seen how much a positive mindset changes not just my outlook, but my business results. In this episode, I dive into why attitude truly matters in customer service, leadership, and even in tackling daily challenges. I’ll share real stories and lessons that prove positivity is one of the strongest tools any pool service pro—or business owner—can have. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podca...

Blueprint for Pool Service Success 01.09.2025

Every strong pool service company starts with a clear plan—and I’ll walk you through what that really means. In this episode, I outline the key elements of a solid business plan, from route setup to budgeting, marketing, and scaling. This is the framework I wish I had when I first started, and it’s the blueprint you can use to build a thriving business from the ground up. Send us Fan Mail Support...

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