The Pool Guy Podcast Show

So which green pool clean-up method is better? Shock and Awe or the Floc method? I go over the pros and cons of each method and you can decide after …

After using Cal Hypo tablets for a season I can tell you without a doubt that they are a great alternative to Tri-Chlor tablets. There are so many good things about these tablets that the higher price point almost …

Those days when the temperature is over 100 degrees can pose a special challenge to you out on your pool service route. There are simple things you …

It might at first make sense to drain a green pool and just start over with fresh water. But there are some cautions with draining a green pool and …

Why is the pH going up in the pool each week and how can you combat it? I go over some reasons and ways to prevent rising pH in a pool. I also go …

This is not a which is the best type of podcast but I answer which one to use and when more or less. I also go over the pros and cons of each of …

Those annoy white flakes in Saltwater pools, what are they? Why are they there and how do you get rid of them? I go ver this and more and hopefully …

What are some of the things to look for when a cartridge filter cartridge is going bad? I go over some of the more common things to look for when …

One Commercial service account that is often overlooked is the HOA (Home Owner Community) pool and spa. These can be long-lasting accounts and easy …

I go over some common myths and misconceptions about 3” Trichlor tablets. I try once and for all to clear up some of the misunderstandings behind …

There a now a great many saltwater systems out there to choose from. Which one is the best and which one should you get for your pool? I go over this …

That cheap customer can drive you nuts. I mean, how can anyone be that cheap? They can be! Whether it is trying to get you to match an online price or trying to get you to return a product because it was too expensive, …

It is normal to get a little lazy out there on your pool route. Everything that I talk about in this episode I have been guilty of. But laziness will …

The drought is here on the West coast and it might be here to stay for years to come. Usually, a drought cycle will last 4-5 years and it affects …

There is nothing worse than a pool with a lot of surface debris. The skimmer gets impacted and much of the debris ends up on the pool floor. But …

The talk today is all about a pullback in the economy. The pool industry is somewhat recession-proof but you can actually take steps to insulate your …

Do you have everything in place to start your pool business? Or maybe you are already well on your way and have been in business for awhile but are …

It can be difficult sometimes to tell if your business is making a profit or not. With floating expenses and personal expenses are you truly making a …

If you haven’t been living under a rock for the last two years you know that the pool industry has seen inflation upwards of 120% on some products. …

If you are trying to turn a cloudy or green pool around the problem might be that you are not adding enough chlorine. How much chlorine do you need? …

This is probably the most asked question and one that is very difficult to answer because of all of the variables, some out of your control. But I …

You may buy into the idea that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But in reality that is what we all do. Make your first impression count. 

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There are basically two effective billing methods. A flat-rate white glove type method and a more itemized method where many things are billed to the …

How do generic branded robotic cleaners stack up against the big two in the industry? The big two are Polaris and Dolphin. I’ve tested many generic …

The Pentair IntelliFlo VS and the Sta-Rite IntelliPro VS pumps are probably the most popular VS pumps on the market today. I go over some tips and …

I have done a lot of Beta testing in my day and I film a lot of new products for my YouTube Channel as well. I go over some practical ways you can …

There is a logical limit to what you can do and when you should refer the job out to another pool company. I go over some common misconceptions for …

There are many things around your pool that are DIY projects. Some that are not. And the manufacturers are also trying to discourage you from doing …

I for one applaud any manufacturer that corrects and updates their product after getting customer complaints. The Betta 2.0 is the latest updated …

Besides some obvious reasons like debris being jammed in there, a suction side cleaner can sit dead at the bottom of your pool for several reasons. I …

There are some things to know about storage and care of your automatic pool cleaner. Many problems arise from improper storage and handling of the …

Don’t let the compact size of this filter fool you. It may have a small footprint in your equipment pad but it sure has amazing flow. I go over some …

Can you have an automatic cleaner of some type in every pool on your route? The answer is yes. In fact, you may even want to pass on pools without a …

If you have been doing pool service as long as I have you may remember the era where the bouncing type Kreepy Krauly cleaners dominated the market. …

With the new redesigned Polaris ATLAS XT & MAXX cleaners hitting the market you may be wondering how they compare with my go-to cleaner the …

The surface type of each of these pool types is the main difference. There are several surface types to choose from including tile, PebbleTec, …

Residential pools vs commercial pools, residential pools are the clear winner in my book. There are so many great aspects of servicing residential …

If you don’t bid on a Commercial pool correctly you will lose money. Period. So it is important to get the bid right the first time. I go over my …

If you are thinking of serving commercial pools, apartments, HOA communities, and the like, you need to think about the pros and cons of expanding …

When you have a plaster pool installed you should not have high expectations that the surface will be uniform and flawless. Same in some respects …

Presentation may not be everything in the pool service industry, but it can surely move the needle. The first impression a customer gets is usually a …

Your hourly service rate may be set to low in this high inflationary environment. With gas at $6.00 a gallon in my area and the cost of everything going up 10-25%, not raising your hourly and flat service rates can cost …

You see these scattered about on your pool route and if you don’t know some of the finer details of these chlorinators it could be downright …

If you have a pool that has a lot of Black Algae or aggressive algae on the surface and topical chemical treatment was ineffective, a drain and …

Acid washing a pool may seem like something you can do after watching a video or two. But the truth is the process has a lot of little details that …

Defective products are nothing new in the industry. They happen year in and year out. I touch on some past defects and talk about current known product defects including the Pentair Intelliflo VS pump losing …

Time is money even more so nowadays with the high inflation. The more work you can do and the less time you waste the better. Bidding a new service account or another type of service can be a big-time consumer. Here are …

You may think in today’s environment a website is not needed. You won’t get a lot of traffic but having a website is still essential for your pool …

Getting a pool of a Tri-Chlor is not a simple project unless of course you drain the water and start over from scratch. I go over some practical ways …

Technically there are six major types of chlorines on the market today but only four are in practical use. Each has its pros and cons and choosing …

Are a handful of service accounts using the majority of chlorine on your pool route? Simply dropping these accounts may be the only solution but …

Variable Speed pumps have a learning curve and if you are new to the industry or new to VS Pumps in general I touch on some of the very basics for you here. They are very different from your typical single-speed pump.

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Inflation in the industry seems like a runaway train. How can you weather this inflationary period without going out of business? There are no easy …

Everyone has probably heard that pool service is recession-proof. In a bad economy or a recessionary period, what can you really expect for your pool …

There is a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about using borates in a swimming pool. It is quite easy and simple and I go over adding …

My business model has always been to charge my customers for their 3” tablets. But is now a good time to implement this change? Find out why now may not be the best time to transfer that cost over to your customers. 

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I recently filmed the Nidec Neptune VS Motors and I must say that if you are looking for an affordable way to upgrade an existing pump to a VS pump this is the way to go. After all, it is the motor on the back that is …

Fluidra has finally come out with an updated version of the Zodiac MX8 Elite and they have launched it as the Polaris Atlas XT and Polaris Atlas …

I offer a level of sponsorship on my website and in my coaching program and in today’s podcast I highlight a few of the companies that will be at the …

If you have ever been to a museum and taken an audio tour, this will be something like that. I walk the Western Pool and Spa Show floor plan with you …

There are four major vacuum systems on the market today. You have the Riptide, the Bottom Feeder, The Power Vac,  and the Hammer-Head. I compare on contrast each of these systems for you on today’s podcast.

Leslie’s Pro: …

Parts of Texas and the surrounding states were hit by another Deep Freeze this year. That makes it two years in a row. Harold Evans also owns a …

With inflation off the charts in the swimming pool industry, one stopgap that many never think about is knowledge. Harold Evans touches on why …

Many in the industry discount or flatly ignore the Saturation Index (LSI). Does it really matter if a pool’s LSI is in range or out of range? Is it …

One of the keys to running a successful service business is treating your customer right and not taking advantage of your customer. This should be …

Just about everything from one state to another is different and swimming pools are not an exception. I go over some of the regional differences for …

I go over some hacks and tips on using the PoolRx+ with Fred Schweer of PoolRx Worldwide. Using the PoolRx+ is very easy to use but knowing …

A pool with very high CYA presents a number of problems. Can you safely use PoolRx+ as a pool with very high CYA? Fred Schweer goes over all the …

Using the PoolRx+ product is very easy and it should last a good 4-6 months in an average pool. But you may need the PoolRx Booster in some cases and …

PoolRx+ has been on the market for over a year now and it is basically an enhanced version of the PoolRx which has been part of the pool industry …

How do you know your pool filter needs to be cleaned? That is a question I am often asked by new homeowners and new pool techs alike. I go over some …

I can sum up this podcast in three words: Bigger is Better! There are some other common-sense things to note when you upgrade your pool filter. I …

There are a lot of myths about buying a swimming pool service route and no one would be better to clear this up than Scott Roberts of National Pool …

Scott Roberts of National Pool Route Sales (NPRS) offers his advice on managing your employees and recruiting employees for your pool route. He spent …

I sat down with Scott Roberts of National Pool Route Sales (NPRS) and we discuss the industry-wide inflation, the Mega Pool Companies coming into the …

If made some mistakes over the years servicing pools and lets just call them bloopers. Falling into a pool, done that. Leaving the pool on or off for …

The bidding process is something where you can add little things to set yourself apart from the competition. Adding a few of this tips to your bids …

If you are in the market for a service cart TDula was the only option back in the day. Advantage Manufacturing now makes several service carts and …

You can really bleed money in an ineffective advertisement campaign. Putting your ad dollars into specific marketing categories and platforms is …

The 2022 season is off to a record-breaking start as far as chlorine prices go. They are still way up from 2020 and we will not see an end to the higher prices anytime soon. I go over some ways to mitigate the higher …

The pool filter is one of the three pillars of your pool. Besides the pool run time and chemistry, the filter is the third part of keeping the pool …

Besides the bigger errors I run into out on my pool route, customers messing with their pool timer and VS pump is something I deal with on a regular …

I have probably seen everything out there in the field and every homeowner's mistake possible. These mistakes are very preventable just by educating your customers. Sit back and listen to some typical mistakes that you …

One way to save money on chlorine is to never shock your pool. Is that even possible to not have to shock a pool? It is but there are a lot of things …

We just had a massive wind event in my area with 100-year-old trees down everywhere. The pools were wrecked. But if you educate and even train your …

The slogan “Just Do it” has moved through popular culture over the years. I go over why this slogan is really bad for business and why “Just Do it” …

One of the bummers of being self-employed is that you have to pay for your own health insurance. This can cost you several hundred dollars a month …

There are several benefits in investing in a carry-along robotic pool cleaner. I go over them here as well as the three models that I prefer to use …

A lot of people have asked me if being self-employed makes it harder to purchase your first house. Or to buy a rental property. The short answer is yes, it is much harder to qualify for a loan. I go over some things you …

It sounds pretty basic but there are some ins and outs with the skimmer basket. I go over replacing and also some tips on making the skimmer basket …

It is easier than you think to become an elite pool service company. Very simple actually. All you need to do is master these three simple skills and …

Keeping the proper water level in your pool is one of the most critical things you can do to ensure the proper operation of your swimming pool. From …

It is common to encounter a pool pump that just won’t prime. Before you try anything complicated like blowing out the skimmer line check a few of the …

Networking in the pool service industry is not exactly like networking in other industries. You are not more or less trying to build your business by …

If you are in the market for pool routing software for your pool service business, paythepoolman.com is one very healthy option. Loaded with features …

Ever get a frantic call from a customer worried about their pool overflowing from heavy rain? You are not alone and in this podcast, I go over some …

Everyone does it across the board in other industries like fast food, furniture, and the like. As wholesale prices rise and the cost of operating a …

Running a small one-man pool service has its advantages. You are your own boss and you can also provide white-glove service to your customers. Learn …

Some of the fastest-selling homes on the market today are those with a swimming pool. If you are in the market to purchase a home with a swimming …

As larger service companies emerge like National Pool Partners and Franchise pool services are bought by big players, the landscape for the pool pro …

If you are thinking about stocking up on some chemicals for the 2022 season I would say that is not a bad idea. I go over the shelf life of certain …

We have probably all done it or at least been tempted to use Flash Testing. That is when you drop some Phenol Red and OTO into a pool and estimate …

There are problem pools and then there are problem pools because of the pool surface issues themselves. I go over painted pools, plaster pools with …

Rainy days are tough for many reasons and especially tough to gauge when to go out and when to stay home or pull the plug on the day. I go over some …

I am a big fan of saltwater generators and saltwater pools but before you decide to upgrade I go over some points to consider. The chemical shortage …

When you are starting out you probably need to take just about every account that comes your way. There are a few that fall into a category that …

I get asked often how many service accounts can you do each day? There are a lot of factors and I try my best to break it down for you logically so …

With pHin going offline you may question the future of these smart pool monitors. But the Sutro unit may have more staying power because it uses …

This is more than just a title to get your attention but I really don’t carry a pool vacuum hose on my service truck. Do I still manually vacuum my …

I recently did an equipment overview webinar with some of my group members and I condensed it down for this podcast. The YouTube version will have the PowerPoint slide show as well and for that video: …

Do you realize that 5% of your pools are causing you 95% of your headaches? I go over spotting these problem pools and ways to fine-tune your route …

Can you run a pool service company and never do any repairs? The answer is yes you can. I go over some ways you can start out or set up your business …

If you have a pool with very heavy debris and the suction side cleaner is always getting clogged up with debris, one solution is to take that cleaner …

I rarely go off topic but today I spend some time talking to you about real estate investing. This is one place where we put a lot of our extra resources and I go over the ins and outs of being a landlord and investing …

The Hayward pHin has been canceled by Hayward. All units will be shut down on Dec 20th, 2021 and no access to reading s will be available going forward. If you have the pHin it is now an expensive paperweight. So what …

If you never sit down to think about your business over the past year and set goals for the next year you are missing out on something that can make your business that much better. It is easy to do and I encourage you …

If you have ever gone to manually vacuum a pool and you find there is very little to no suction at the skimmer liner, this second batch of tips …

If you have ever gone to manually vacuum a pool and you find there is very little to no suction at the skimmer liner, this first batch of tips should …

I go over some tips on dealing with your pool or pools on your route that get hit by heavy winds. If you live in Southern California you will …

Taylor makes over 100 reagent test kits and if you go to their site you may be confused as to which kit to get. I have narrowed it down to just 3 of their kits for you. The K1005, the K2005, and the K2006. Listen to …

The Zodiac MX8 Elite, MX8, MX6 Elite, and MX6 are good choices for a cleaner with some good and bad points. And a couple of Ugly points as well. I give you an honest assessment of the Zodiac MX line-up.

Leslie’s Pro: …

This is the opposite of my last podcast and in this episode, I go over some services to offer as you are building up your service route. You will have more time as you expand, and you can fill that time with these …

As you are building up your pool service business you are of course putting a lot of hours in and taking on as much work as you can. But at what …

I  get asked often if you should leave your automatic cleaner in your pool all week or take it out? And what is the best way to store it? Or should …

There are many situations when adding salt to a pool is not necessary, but you think it may be. I go over some tips on when to add salt to your pool …

There have been a few interesting mergers in the pool industry of late and I go over some recent developments and mergers that have taken place in …

It’s tempting to offer FREE services to land a new account. I see nothing wrong with offering a few FREE things but some FREE services and offers …

It’s a pretty good idea to spend some time with your prospective new client once you land the service account to explain exactly what you will be …

When you are doing a bid, you are also making an honest assessment of the pool and equipment in general. You don’t know how specifically the …

Up until 2021, there was no real need to make predictions on the upcoming pool season. Everything was petty much the same old. That all changed in …

Bob talked at length and in many podcast recordings about the problem of high CYA in a pool. I revisit some of the things he talked about and expand …

In this best of Bob Lowry episode, Bob takes on two common pool myths. One is that a strong chlorine smell means the pool has too much chlorine in it …

Bob Lowry thought of pool chemistry as something ever evolving. We are all slow to change, even Bob admitted to this himself. But Bob’s Target Ranges …

Bob Lowry was passionate about many things, the least of which was the fact that balancing your pool water was something critical to the overall pool …

A true pillar of the pool service industry has passed and we are all saddened by the news that Bob Lowry has lost his battle with his fatal lung …

One way to know if you are making money out there is to compare your self-employed income with the hourly rate of other jobs out there. But how can you break down your self-employed income into an hourly rate? I give it …

I am always raving about these two cleaners because of the price point and what you get for that price. They are bargain cleaners for sure but they …

There are some misconceptions about writing off your service vehicle on your income taxes. We all have heard of the milage deduction but there ate other ways of deducting your vehicle and getting a tax break. I go over …

Thinking about taking a non-paying client to court or have you been threatened by a lawsuit from a customer? Learn the do’s and don’ts to avoid …

I think when you think of Tri-Chlor Tablets the first caution you often hear is that it will add Cyanuric Acid to the pool. We often don’t go beyond …

There are things you want to accomplish on your bid, namely you want to land the account and not waste your time. I suggest fine-tuning your bidding method and having a good script. Learn more in today’s podcast. 

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One device that is often overlooked or dismissed when you are thinking of something to help with a pool with heavy leaf debris is the PoolSkim. It …

Whether you have an in-ground vinyl pool or an Above Ground one there are certain do’s and don’ts with the vinyl surface. Learn how to protect your …

PebbleTec is a great pool surface type that is super durable and great looking. But like any surface type it is not without issues. I touch on a few …

Granted that these are all very different filtration types. And some filter better than others. But what are the real deciding factors between these 3 filter types and which one is the clear winner, or is there a clear …

A pre-filter can be a great idea under the right circumstances and let's face it, trapping 80% of the dirt before it reaches the filter is a good thing. But there are a few things to consider before you install one of …

There are really only four water testing methods available today for your pool and spa. Reagent test kits, photometers, digital testers, and test …

You may want to use a chlorine enhancer like borates or a mineral system in your pool to extend the life of the chlorine. A mineral system like …

With the Bio Lab factory still, offline the supply of 3” Tri-Chlor tablets will probably still be in short supply in 2022. Bob Lowry forecast the 2022 season and he touches on some safety tips as well as other ways to …

When the pool water starts to get cold there are some factors that are of course different than in the warmer Summer months. If you don’t completely …

There are usually three tiers or types of pool service. You have Chemical Only, Chemicals and Netting and then the Full Service. What exactly should …

If you are not raising your prices you may be going out of business soon. With inflation outside the industry at 9% and inside the industry at sometimes 100% on certain products, if you are not increasing your prices …

Filter cleaning time can be very time-consuming especially if you are doing your route and cleaning 4-6 full-size filters each day. There are some …

With the current labor shortage and rising wages, is it a good time to bring on an employee? It is probably not the best environment and there are things you need to be aware of when deciding to bring an employee on …

In this podcast, I go over if you should just replace your pool motor when it starts to go out or your entire pool pump. When is replacing one over …

As I wrap up this series on pool filters I focus here on the backwash valves and issues you can run into. I also cover charging a filter with D.E. …

In this part I cover issues with the pressure gauge as well as the tank O-ring. There can be a number of issues with both and if you do enough …

In this part, I go over some basics when it comes to knowing when the DE grids are worn out and when the cartridges are shot. Plus I go over some air …

In this part, I go over something to know about sizing a pool filter and cover some tips and tricks for Sand Filters, DE Filters, and Cartridge …

I sat down with Scott Webb who is the editor of Aqua Magazine for the last 20 plus years and we talked about the 2021 pool season, a year in review …

I go over the three top portable vacuum systems that should be added to your arsenal of pool cleaning equipment. I touch on the Bottom Feeder, the …

Taking a break to recharge and to spend time with your family is essential in any business. Maybe sometimes even more essential in ours after a brutal Summer of not enough chlorine and sky-high inflation. What a …

Providing excellent customer service is a bit  of an art form. This does not mean your prices are lower than everyone else or that you provide some free services. It just means that you show up and suit up everyday with …

I kind of go back and forth on Chemical Only service accounts. While I have a few of these I only have taken them on under very strict criteria. They can be a money maker but can also be money losers and a time drain if …

National Pool Partners (NPP) is an organization that is purchasing large pool companies in the Sunbelt and they are basically operating these …

One trait that I think you need as a business owner is  character. Or a better word would be integrity. Being a whole person. What are some aspects …

In this episode, I ask Bob the differences between a Commercial pool and a residential pool. If you are thinking about making the jump to Commercial …

In this final part of “What Would Bob Do?” I ask Bob Lowry what he would tell a customer who doesn’t want to run his pool pump for longer hours …

I asked Bob Lowry a series of “What would Bob do?” questions and in this episode, I ask him what he would do with 4” of rain predicted that week and …

In this series, I ask Bob Lowry what would he do if he were out there riding along with you in your service truck. How would Bob handle a pool with …

If you have tried to buy equipment of any kind this season you probably have experienced long wait times and many of the most common pieces/parts of equipment were out of stock. How are things looking for 2022? Not so …

I was walking a group member through his new pool and things to do after the initial start-up and during the start-up process. I think these tips are …

It is hard to predict the future but if the 2022 season is anything like the 2021 season, chlorine will be  the one thing everyone will be on the look out for. I go over switching your primary sanitizer type as well as …

There are a lot of little things that can make you successful and of course on the opposite end missing these little things can also hurt your …

D.E. Filters can seem complicated and if you have never dealt with one it can seem downright daunting. I go over the ins and outs and the pros and cons of D.E. filters. I will cover everything from cleaning them, …

Sometimes it is hard to gauge if you are winning out there. Winning can look like a number of different things and in today’s podcast, I go over some …

The gardener can be enemy number one out on your pool route. I’ve had a number of pools trashed by the gardening service and I go over some …

Needing a part and having to go to your local supplier for it is a big waste of time and can be frustrating. I go over some things that you should …

I go over some of the essential pool care tools and equipment that you will need when you start your pool route. These are the basics and I think the …

The fall season is upon us or at least fast approaching. I go over some things to be aware of in the fall season and I offer some tips for fall pool …

In this podcast, I go over priming speeds and my preferred run speeds for Variable Speed Pumps. Since the DOE is mandating VS pumps in the coming years setting them up properly is now a much bigger priority as you will …

If your pool route has full-size DE and Cartridge filters which is just about all of us over on the west coast and throughout Texas, cleaning them …

After a rough 2021 where we saw double-digit price inflation, you may be tempted to change how you bill your customers and what to bill for. But is this a smart idea and will it cause confusion? I go over this and more …

I go over some of the things I look for in service accounts that are keepers. You really can’t keep every service account you start and I will point …

I am always trying new things and testing out products. Here are some of the things I learned this season about the white flakes in a salt pool, …

I go over two more common chemical myths with Bob Lowry in this episode: is Tri-Chlor the strongest chlorine on the market today? And how much …

I go over some common chemistry myths with Bob Lowry in this episode: Does evaporation lower a pool’s CYA level? Does liquid chlorine add too much …

In this “What if” episode I asked Bob Lowry the following questions: What if you smell “Chlorine” at the hotel pool you are staying at? What if a …

In this “What If?” episode I asked Bob Lowry the following questions: What if you add Cal Hypo and a big black stain appears? What if you ignore …

Since Marvel has a successful series of What If questions and I remember the original comics quite well, I decided to do a What if? Series with Bob …

Before jumping into a pool service business ask yourself this simple question: Can you handle it? I unpack some of the good and bad answers to this …

If you find your suction side automatic cleaner is not moving well, here are some tips and tricks to get it moving. I cover everything from adjusting …

I am often asked which La Motte photometer I prefer for pool service? I break down each of their three photometers here for you and give you my top …

There are a number of great pro poles out there so instead of choosing just one I picked a handful based on whether they are a 3-piece pole or a …

This is one of those corny-type things – if you could go back in time and tell yourself… so what would I go back and tell myself about running a pool …

So how many pool service accounts are you going to need to be viable and replace the income you are giving up? I go over an example here and offer …

If you are thinking about starting a pool service business there are some general things you may be asking. I cover these from licensing to health …

The Santa Ana Winds bring strong gusts to my area every year between October and March and there are some things to note in extremely windy conditions. I go over some things to do in high winds and some cleaning tips.

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There are a number of chemicals that can be safely added to the skimmer and of course a few that are just not safe to add directly into the skimmer. I go over some reasons to add chemicals directly into the skimmer and …

The Chlorine Armageddon of 2021 as I like to call it caused much frustration in the industry and a mad search for chlorine from one supplier to the next. HASA is one of the largest suppliers of liquid chlorine and …

I go over the pros and cons and ins and outs of bringing an employee on board to help you on your pool service route. As you expand your pool service …

Like Ford vs Ferrari the top robotic pool cleaners are made by Dolphin and Polaris. Dolphin of course has more models so I chose the Dolphin Proteus …

No one can argue that the 2021 season was the season of “not enough.” Whether it was chlorine or acid or equipment, there just didn’t seem to be …

There are four major players in the Vacuum System market, Hammer-Head, Power Vac, Riptide, and the Bottom Feeder. Which is the right one for you and …

A Lighter, Cleaner, and Faster Pool Vacuum Introducing the VacDaddy™, a portable pool vacuum system that combines power and lightweight to create a …

I talk a lot about high CYA in a pool and the effects on chlorine. But you can also have too little Cyanuric Acid in a pool and that also can have …

Believe it or not we have had weeks here in Southern California where it has rained for 2 to 3 weeks off and on and sometimes for two straight weeks …

We have all had a pool that looked murky or had algae and we could not put it together as to why that was so? I go over some common things to look …

If you never write down your income and expenses or do a simple profit and loss statement there is no way to know if you are actually making any money. Add to that your personal expenses and it can start to get very …

Water Tech has been making battery operated vacuums now for over 20 years. They have over 30 different models including ones made for the pool …

There are a lot of swimming pool products on the market today that contains copper. Is copper effective and safe for pool use? Bob Lowry goes over …

We talk a lot about high pH in a pool. Today we address low pH and some of the causes in a pool and spa. Bob Lowry also goes over the best way to …

You may have heard about Nitrates in a pool. Maybe not. I think for sure you have heard about Phosphates in a pool. I go over both of these with Bob …

Do you have a pool that is constantly zeroing out on you? What about a pool where the algae just won’t go away? We call these problem pools and it …

There are a lot of myths and of course new information about how Cyanuric Acid (CYA) affects the chlorine in a pool. From Chlorine Lock to the …

When I meet someone I know right away if they have that winning personality in business. There are a few quality traits that will make you a winner in your service business. The good news is that they can be easily …

Is it possible to have an automatic pool cleaner in every pool on your service route? The answer is yes. It can be done and I go over some ways that …

I think it is hard sometimes to refer work out or to know your limits out there in the field. I go over some reasons and ways to refer work out and why referring work out can make your business even better. 

Leslie’s …

Choosing the right size salt system sounds easy enough. You just calculate your pool’s size in gallons or liters and then you can find a salt water …

There is still a lot of misinformation out there about saltwater pools also known as saltwater generators or chlorine generators. I go over the main …

I have been running the Ariel in my pool now for over 4 months and I think after testing it that the Ariel is a solid choice for a surface cleaner.  …

If you don’t have a portable clean-up pump or a portable filtration system there are some very good reasons to get one. You can expand your services …

Wasting time on your pool route is the same as wasting money. You could be doing more pools or more work instead of wasting time doing things that …

Does it make sense to switch from a Pressure Side Cleaner or a Suction Side Cleaner to a Robotic Pool Cleaner? I go over some reasons it may make …

It looks like everything is out of stock in the swimming pool industry. Looking for chlorine? Good luck. How about equipment? Good luck also. How …

Sometimes you have to put on your detective cap in order to find out why a pool may have algae in it. Finding the source of the algae problem goes a …

Besides being attacked by a dog there are a number of issues that dogs can create for you. Dogs in the pool are a real problem and I go over this and …

There is nothing wrong with getting paid on the spot. When you go out to eat the restaurant doesn’t send you an invoice. A plumber who puts a water heater in expects payment the same day. There is no difference really …

The chlorine shortage is real and some are predicting it will go into the 2022 season which would be terrible. What can you do if you can’t find the …

If you are just getting started in the pool industry or just bought a home with a pool, there are a few common chemistry misconceptions that you …

There are some real shortages happening right now this season and some pretty big price increases as well. I give you a sort of road map on this and offer some ways to substitute chemicals and pass the cost onto your …

One very common issue in pool chemistry is that the pH can constantly be rising in a pool. No matter what you do it seems that you are adding tones …

If you are thinking about doing service on a short-term rental or Airbnb there are a few cautions that you should be aware of. I discuss these …

When you read a chlorine package you will see the available chlorine percentage. What exactly does that mean? I go over this with chemistry expert Bob Lowry and we also discuss how a saltwater generator makes chlorine …

So, what exactly is chlorine, and which is the best type of chlorine for your pool? Chemistry expert Bob Lowry goes over each type of chlorine for …

What makes a pool service route successful? And how do you grow your business? I discuss these aspects of the swimming pool industry with Scott …

What is the current state of the pool service industry? Is getting into this industry a good thing? I discuss this and more with Scott Roberts of …

How do you get the training you need after buying a pool route is one question you may be asking. Scott Roberts goes over this and more as we dig …

So what is a pool service route and what exactly are you buying? Scott Roberts goes into more detail about what it means to buy a pool service route …

There is a lot of mystery and maybe some misconceptions about purchasing a swimming pool route. Scott Roberts of National Pool Route sales (NPRS) …

In this podcast, I go over some of the common reasons why your suction side cleaner is not moving well in your pool. I also touch on different …

The statistics don’t lie. After 5 years almost 50% of all businesses that are started fail. How can you avoid being a business that fails and how can you set yourself up for success? I go over some of these in today’s …

Black algae is tough. No way around it. But it can be successfully treated and I have used many tried and true methods to rid a pool of it. Listen to …

Experts say doing something for 30-days will build a habit. I think building a habit or a routine is really important when it comes to your pool …

UC has a new sodium bromide mix called Yellow Treat² which is the only sodium bromide product that will leave a chlorine residual after use (with proper dosing). There has been a lot of debate in the industry on the …

Everyone is talking about the Tri-Chlor shortage and it is creating a bit of a panic in the industry. The worst thing you can do as a business person is of course panic. This leads to costly mistakes and a loss of …

There is a lot of gear that I wear out in the field to protect myself from injury. It may seem excessive but until you pull your back out or sprain …

There are 3 effective ways to add Borates to your pool or the swimming pools on your pool route. One is with 20 Mule Team Borax. The other ways are …

The goal of getting into your own business is of course being your own boss and setting your own schedule. A secondary reason may be to build wealth. …

Summer is upon us and it is a different ballgame really when you take care of a pool in the Summer vs other times of the year. The heat and the pool …

One of the pillars of pool care is the pool’s filtration. You can put a ton of chlorine in a pool but if the pool is not being filtered properly the …

Everyone has a problem pool or has had a problem pool on their route. I go over ways to spot one at the get go and some effective ways to get rid of …

The heat is probably the number one complaint that you will get across the board from pool service pros. It can get unbearably hot out there and in …

In the past, the only way to vacuum out a pool was with a manual vacuum head attached to a hose and through the customer’s skimmer. Now there are …

Sigura is the only manufacturer that makes slow-release or slow dissolving Cal Hypo tablets. This makes the CCH® Endurance ideal for a direct …

Have you noticed a dramatic increase in the prices of everything in the pool industry lately? It is not your imagination. The price of everything is …

Adding chemicals to your pool seems pretty basic. But there are several things you need to know about chemical dosing and chemistry expert Bob Lowry …

Chemistry in a pool is also effected by the pool surface type. The chemistry in a vinyl pool is a lot different from the chemistry in a plaster pool. …

Something you probably don’t think about, but the pool is filled with water. I know, too basic right? But water is something pretty unique on the …

Pool Start-Ups can seem daunting at first. I mean you are dealing with someone’s $80,000 investment. It is like you have a job in valet parking and …

There are a ton of generic pool parts on the market today. Some look just like the OEM parts and you may be wondering if these knock-off parts or …

Getting sick or hurt is something you may not think about much, but it will happen. So what do you do in that case with your pool route if you need …

Taking pride in your pool service business can change your attitude as well as your customer’s attitude about you. I go over some simple things you …

One thing that can cost your pool service business money is simply not communicating things to your clients. If you miss a service day but make it up …

The Tri-Chlor shortage is causing pool service pros big headaches and of course, inflated chemical costs across the board. I go over some ways to …

If you have ever wondered if phosphate removers work, stay tuned as I go over some of my results from using phosphate removers on my pool route. 

…

Orenda is more than a chemical company and they are also on the leading edge on education. If you know the “why” of pool care you can understand how …

Do saltwater systems have their drawbacks? Harold Evans gives us his opinion on saltwater generators and discusses what those white flakes are …

The LSI (Langelier Saturation Index) is a key element in the Orenda Way of doing things. What is the LSI and how can you use it to balance a pool? …

In this podcast, I asked Industry expert Harold Evans his thoughts on the Tri-Chlor shortage, and in his opinion, this can bring positive change to …

So how do you sell a customer on forking over an additional $1,000 for what would have been a simple $500 motor swap out? I go over some ways to …

Certain noises that your pool pump and motor make can be an indicator of a problem. I go over some of the more common sounds you will hear and what …

Hayward is a  leading manufacturer of pool pumps and they have a wide variety of pumps and vs pumps available today. In this podcast, we go over some …

There are many misconceptions about the new DOE pool pump regulations and about Variable Speed Pumps in general. We unpack some of the most common …

Starting July 19th, 2021 the DOE will begin to regulate which pool pumps can be manufactured. Basically, any pump deemed to be not energy efficient …

Have you ever had a pool where the water color looked a bit off but it wasn’t for lack of chlorine nor are there metals in the water? It could be …

No one in the industry talks much about TDS. But TDS or Total Dissolved Solids should not be a reading that you totally ignore. There is only one way …

A pool with a leak can be a lot of work. Bob Lowry goes over some tell tail signs that your pool may have a leak. Listen to learn what to look for …

I think many are under the impression that once you add borates to your pool you are done with your pool care. Borates do make things much easier but …

So what is an algaecide and do you even need one to treat algae in your pool? What are some ways to prevent algae in the first place? Chemistry …

Polaris has always been the leader in the Robotic Pool Cleaner category since they broke into the market several years ago. They now have 12 …

I sat down with Terry Arko who is the Product Training and Content Manager for HASA. HASA makes a number of products but they are best known for their returnable liquid chlorine and liquid acid cases. In this episode, …

I sat down with Terry Arko who is the Product Training and Content Manager for HASA. HASA makes a number of products but they are best known for their returnable liquid chlorine and liquid acid cases.

In this episode, we …

I sat down with Terry Arko who is the Product Training and Content Manager for HASA. HASA makes a number of products but they are best known for their returnable liquid chlorine and liquid acid cases. In this podcast, …

I sat down with Terry Arko who is the Product Training and Content Manager for HASA. HASA makes a number of products but they are best known for their returnable liquid chlorine and liquid acid cases. With the price of …

Here are some things that the pool store salesman probably won’t tell you when you switch from another type of cleaner to a robotic cleaner. There …

One of my pet peeves is when I call or email and get zero response. Well, that company or person is off the list. One simple thing that can really …

When you do any type of bid for equipment install or for service, chances are you are not thinking that you will lose money on either at the end of the day. But if you make one of these mistakes you more than likely can …

The last thing you want is to get sued on your pool route. There are two very common errors or oversights that can get you in trouble out there. If …

In this episode, I sat down with Brian Agnew and Chad Christensen who heads up the Wholesale Department over at Leslie’s Pool Supplies. You may not …

Poor water flow can be caused by a number of different things. It could be simply a dirty pump basket or a dirty filter. I go over some ways to …

This may sound like a simple suggestion but it is often overlooked by many pool service pros, which is doubling up on your pool service equipment. I …

When you take over a service account from a DIY homeowner, most of the time they are doing a pretty good job. I do notice a common pattern and here are three of the most common things I find that a homeowner is doing …

There is no real rule of thumb of when a pool needs to be drained. But there are some obvious chemical indicators like high CYA and of course …

When you are young or relatively young and starting out you don’t think about getting old or really think about the next step in your pool business. …

In this podcast, I go over with Bob Lowry the hidden dangers of dogs swimming in a pool with you.

Bob Lowry is the author of over 23 books but this …

Ever wonder what it takes to do Apartment complexes, motels, hotels, and HOA community pools? I go over some tips with Bob Lowry on when to know when …

Test strips, reagent testers, or photometers. Which is the better testing method? Bob Lowry goes over the pros and cons of each of these methods. 

Bob Lowry is the author of over 23 books but this has to be one of his …

Adding a sequestering agent or stain removing product can negatively impact a pool’s chlorine level. It is not uncommon for pools to zero out when …

Ever wonder if all the hype behind UV and Ozone is true? Bob Lowry is an expert in the field and he gives us his unbiased opinion about these systems in today’s podcast. 

Bob Lowry is the author of over 23 books but this …

I go over the bidding process for a green pool clean-up in today’s podcast. There are many things to keep in mind when you are bidding on a green …

“How to Get Rid of and Prevent Swimming Pool Algae” with Rudy Stankowitz - White Water Mold, Racoon poop, and Black Algae are covered here. You don't …

“How to Get Rid of and Prevent Swimming Pool Algae” with Rudy Stankowitz - we go over mustard algae for you in the podcast.

Rudy Stankowitz is unique …

“How to Get Rid of and Prevent Swimming Pool Algae” with Rudy Stankowitz. We tackle Green Algae in today's podcast.

Rudy Stankowitz is unique among …

Rudy Stankowitz is unique among experts in the field as he has actual practical pool service experience. You can really see this in his new book, …

User error is unavoidable with any product and fortunately, there is not much that can go wrong with using PoolRx in your pool if you follow the …

There are a few adjustments to make when you use the PoolRx in a Green Pool or a pool with existing Algae. Fred goes over some steps you need to take …

Sizing the PoolRx for your pool is easy to do once you know your pool size and by referencing the chart on their website. Using the PoolRx is also …

There are many benefits of using PoolRx as we discussed in the first part of this series. Learn some tried and true sales techniques of selling …

I have done several podcasts with Fred Schweer who is the VP of Sales over at PoolRx Mineral Technologies. In this series of podcasts, we will really …

When you are starting out in the pool business I would classify you as a Budget Company. You may not have the premium equipment, maybe you are using …

I’ve been using the Riptide Pool Vacuum System since early 2017 and they are on their 4th version of the Riptide SL. Like Ironman’s suits they keep …

A Vacuum System is only as good as the bag you are using. Not exactly but I think you get my point. There are a wide range of micron ratings on the different manufactured bags. Anywhere from 25 microns up to 800 …

So you are servicing a non-functioning pool or are a homeowner with a pool that is down for the count and it will not be up and running anytime soon, …

When it comes to adding borates to your pool you have three good options. You can use Boric Acid, 20 Mule Team Borax, or a manufactured product like …

The Trade Grade products made by Natural Chemistry can be found exclusively at Leslie’s Pool Supplies. Chris Marcano who is the Director of Sales …

One thing that you may not know is that Natural Chemistry and SeaKlear now have the same parent company. Since SeaKlear is the premiere clarifier it makes sense to highlight this product of the NC brand clarifier. I go …

When pool products sound similar it can get quite confusing. For example, Natural Chemistry makes two very similarly named products in Phosfree Max …

Natural Chemistry has a lot of different pool and spa chemicals available. They do have some premiere chemicals and I think their newest blend called …

Ever wonder what exactly enzymes are and what benefit you get from adding them to your pool? Or wonder why phosphates are such a big deal now in the …

Hot Tubs can seem very daunting to a pool pro who doesn’t take care of one very often. They can be a challenge because of the small body of water and …

The term PPM is thrown around so much in the swimming pool industry that you may not even think about what it even means. But it is a standard …

With the looming Tri-Chlor shortage, it may be tempting to switch over to Cal Hypo tablets which is actually a great idea. There are some cautions though when you go from Tri-Chlor to Cal Hypo tablets and we go over …

Bob Lowry is the author of over 23 books but this has to be one of his most relevant and shortest books coming in at just 19 pages thick. But it is …

Besides balancing your pool water, the pool filtration system is another key factor in preventing poor water quality. I go over the different filter …

Are saltwater pools as hands-off or hands-free as some claim? You may be surprised to learn that having a salt pool is actually more work than when …

Ever wonder how an attached spa gets those air bubbles? There are basically 3 ways that this takes place and in this podcast, I will cover each in detail for you. Each is a little different and you will find one of …

The blue caddy you see in a lot of my  videos is the TK Pool Products “Original Caddy.” I go over the usefulness of my caddy and also touch on the …

In this podcast, I go over what test factors or water parameters as we used to call it in my day to test for each week. You really don’t need to do a …

I have been doing pool service since the first VS pumps hit the market and there has been a wide range of best practices over the years. I have …

Recharging a saltwater pool is something that is necessary but there is no set rule of thumb as to how much salt a pool will need. I go over the …

The recent deep freeze that most of the country experienced has wreaked havoc on swimming pools.  The standard procedure of setting the pool pump to …

If you are thinking about using test strips on your pool service routes, there are some pros and cons that you need to know about. There are some …

The simple answer to all of your pool care problems, “add more chlorine.” While most of the problems with your pool water quality will be from having …

Cal Hypo tablets have been around for some time and one of the major drawbacks is that they dissolve in one day. But Poolife has created a Cal Hypo …

Covers can be the bane of a pool pros life and there is nothing worse than solar pool blankets and safety nets. I go over some standards you can …

This saying goes way back to the 1800s and it is just as relevant in 2021. Going cheap on your pool equipment and pool service can cost you more …

If you are building up your pool service route and have extra time on your hands, pressure washing your customer's cement deck is a great way to earn …

With all of these different experts on the chemistry that I have featured from Bob Lowry to Harold Evans, I think sometimes my thoughts on chemistry …

This is something new that I thought I would try. The recording is longer than usual because I think the content is really applicable for those who …

Saltwater pools are becoming more and more popular every year. I talk in-depth with Bob Lowry about all aspects of a saltwater pool. Tune in to learn …

Is non-chlorine shock needed? Is even shocking a pool each week in the Summer necessary? I go over these two points with Bob Lowry in today’s …

There are four main chlorine products on the market today. You have liquid chlorine, Cal-Hypo, Tri-Chlor, and Dichlor. I go over the pros and cons of each of these sanitizers with Bob Lowry.

I recorded a 2nd series of …

It is pretty common knowledge that you lower pH with Acid, Muriatic Acid being the industry standard. But what is the best way to raise pH in a pool? …

Why is it so important to measure the pool’s pH each week? That is a question often asked and pH is one of the big three measurements that can affect …

I am often asked how much do I charge for a filter install? Or a pump install? The rates are of course region-dependent and I go over some ways to …

I recently did a podcast on compact and full-size trucks and I thought this would be a good follow-up. Leasing a truck can look very appealing but it …

The LaMotte Water Link Spin Touch is the test kit of test kits. But the price tag is close to $1,000 and the question begs to be asked. Is a $1,000 test kit worth the price? I go over the pros and cons of the Spin Touch …

In part two of my talk with Kelli Carrillo who spent some time talking about IPPSA on the previous podcast, we discuss being a pool gal in this male …

You may hear about IPPSA from other pool pros or from your local supplier but don’t exactly know what IPPSA is or you may have heard some …

I sat down with Joe Laurino who is the CEO and President of Periodic Products which is the parent company of the CuLator Metal Stain Eliminator and Stain Preventer products and we recorded a series of podcasts on meal …

I sat down with Joe Laurino who is the CEO and President of Periodic Products which is the parent company of the CuLator Metal Stain Eliminator and Stain Preventer products and we recorded a series of podcasts on meal …

I sat down with Joe Laurino who is the CEO and President of Periodic Products which is the parent company of the CuLator Metal Stain Eliminator and Stain Preventer products and we recorded a series of podcast on meal …

I sat down with Joe Laurino who is the CEO and President of Periodic Products which is the parent company of the CuLator Metal Stain Eliminator and Stain Preventer products and we recorded a series of podcasts on meal …

I sat down with Joe Laurino who is the CEO and President of Periodic Products which is the parent company of the CuLator Metal Stain Eliminator and Stain Preventer products and we recorded a series of podcasts on meal …

Selling products to customers takes a bit of strategy sometimes. I think when it comes to selling your clients on new D.E. grids or a set of new cartridges for their cartridge filter, there is a certain way t o do this …

I don’t mean that you should set a stopwatch and try to finish a pool in a set amount of time. Rather there are things that take up your time on your …

Cal Hypo tablets have been on the market for several years now. One clear benefit is that they do not contain any Cyanuric Acid. But there are some other things to be aware of when you are thinking of making the switch …

I have had many trucks over the years and when asked which truck size do I prefer I come down on the smaller compact truck size. Not for gas milage per say but there are a number of reasons why a smaller truck is more …

I recorded a series of podcasts with renowned chemistry expert Bob Lowry. Bob Lowry has created over 100 chemicals used in today's Pool & Spa …

I recorded a series of podcasts with renowned chemistry expert Bob Lowry. Bob Lowry has created over 100 chemicals used in today's Pool & Spa …

I recorded a series of podcasts with renowned chemistry expert Bob Lowry. Bob Lowry has created over 100 chemicals used in today's Pool & Spa …

I recorded a series of podcasts with renowned chemistry expert Bob Lowry. Bob Lowry has created over 100 chemicals used in today's Pool & Spa …

I recorded a series of podcasts with renowned chemistry expert Bob Lowry. Bob Lowry has created over 100 chemicals used in today's Pool & Spa …

I recorded a series of podcasts with renowned chemistry expert Bob Lowry. Bob Lowry has created over 100 chemicals used in today's Pool & Spa …

You may not have heard of Residential Pool Certification and it is not as familiar as the CPO course but it is something that I highly think you …

There are many reasons why you may want to consider taking on some above ground pools in your service area. You may have heard the stories that they …

What are the best speeds and runtimes to set for your variable speed pump? This is a question I am often asked and I go over some rpm or pump speed …

When upgrading your existing single-speed pump it can sometimes be challenging to decide on which Variable Speed Pump to upgrade to. Specifically …

It is good to know what you are putting into your pool each week. Typically you can find the chemical ingredients listed in the MSDS sheet that the …

I recently recorded a podcast on how showing up is half the battle. But what if the customers don’t know that you showed up or accuses you of not showing up? I offer some tried and true ways to help you “prove” you were …

Coldwater can offer some challenges to water testing especially if you use a Reagent Test Kit. I go over some things to look for when testing in cold …

This is the gross or darker side of pool service. Finding a dead critter in a customer’s pool. What do you do with the dead critter and how do you …

Is your pool service business making money? How would you know unless you did a year-end audit? I focus on three areas to look at, your income, your …

With July 19th, 2021 as the end date for sales of single-speed pumps for in-ground pools of more than 1- horsepower, it looks like Variable Speed …

Are you bringing the Industry down or is the way you do business bringing the Industry up? I think that being ignorant is not a bad thing and it opens you up to want to learn and get better. But remaining ignorant and …

Have spare parts on your service truck or van is critical and a great time saver. I go over some of the spare parts that I carry and I think the list is more or less regional. But you get the idea from my list.

Leslie’s …

Everyone has an opinion when it comes to filters and which filter type we think is best. I happen to lean heavily towards cartridge filters even …

I know the coming 3” Tri-Chlor Shortage has been talked to death already but I am focusing here in this podcast on some effective ways to use liquid …

In this episode, I sit down with the Founder of Sutor Ravi Kurani and the Head of Marketing Jarie Bolander as we go over some of the great features …

If you own a pool are service pools in areas where we don’t close the pool for the Winter, there are some things about cold water that you need to be …

The Spa Wand is a great device to use when cleaning Fiberglass spas, but it is a bit dated. I used one in the ’90s and in the year 2020, there are many great battery operated vacuums that will work more effectively and …

Duct tape is a sure sign that you are doing a Mickey Mouse fix it type job. But don’t dismiss Duct Tape entirely from your pool service. There are …

If you haven’t had a client stiff you or not pay you it will happen at some point. There are things that you can do to reduce the risk of getting stiffed and I will go over some of these for you. Getting burned is no …

Did you know that Leslie’s Pool Supplies Offers Wholesale pricing at all of their 900 plus locations? If you are a pool service pro-open an account …

Okay, is it even fair to compare a Leaf Vacuum (Leaf Bagger, Leaf Master) to a Vacuum System like the Riptide? I give it a shot here and if you know me you probably already know the winner. There are some similarities …

If you have a D.E. Filter the last thing you want to see is Diatomaceous Earth returning into the pool. I go over some common areas inside your D.E. …

One thing that is often overlooked is inspecting your pool equipment each week. This is something that you should do if you are a pool service pro …

The Holidays are upon us and it is time to show your customer’s that you appreciate their business and sometimes you will also receive a “thank you” …

Skimmer was one of the first pool routing and invoicing apps on the market. It is geared specifically towards the swimming pool service industry and …

I am a big fan of the gear type suction cleaners and there are a lot of them on the market. There are several of them on the market today including …

In a word the 2020 pool season was booming! Jamming! Exploding! Pick your big time adjective and that will describe the season so far. So many pools …

After 30 plus years the Polaris 280 is still the best selling pressure side cleaner today. So is it still the King of Pressure Side cleaners? Find …

I go over some of the ways you can classify an employee including as a 1099 employee or a straight on the books payroll employee. There are some …

I’ve reached podcast 500 which is a milestone for me. Almost 3 years of doing the podcast and I want to thank the listeners who encourage me to keep the show going. I hope I provide some relevant information on the …

If you don’t use an enhancer on your pool route you are missing out. These have been proven to be effective in reducing chlorine use and they also …

It is a given that a Salt Water Generator or Salt System is a great piece of equipment for your pool. It takes the effort out of adding chlorine to …

One of the most overlooked aspects of purchasing a robotic pool cleaner is the debris chamber. What type of debris can it pick up? Leaves, dirt, and …

When you are thinking about starting your pool service business one thing that is often overlooked is the levels of service you wish to provide. Some …

The Nature2 Mineral System is not a very widely-known product. You may see an old unit on a pool here and there and not know what exactly it does. In …

The obvious answer is to start when the pool season starts in your area. Starting in the off-season is possible and I go over this option also. There …

Chemical shortages are nothing new in the industry but going into the upcoming seasons I think it will become the norm. The predicted Tri-Chlor shortage is just a problem but there have been times when other forms of …

Owning a pool vacuum system has several advantages but you also need to be prepared in order to avoid not having it operational at your most needed …

Knowing when to replace your filters elements, that is the term for the cartridges in a Cartridge Filter and the Grids in a D.E. filter is a key to …

There are two main types of backwash valves on the market today, the push-pull piston type and the Multi-Port Valve. I go over each of these backwash …

If you own any kind of business a profit and loss chart is the only real way to know if you are making money or just “spinning your wheels.” I go over what you need to do to make sure you are charging enough for your …

I don’t think I have recorded a podcast breaking down Pool Vacuum System in detail. I go over how they work and the best use for them. If you know …

In this episode, I go over some does and don’ts with your suction side cleaner and also some tips for them getting stuck on the main drain or step areas. I also go over ways of fine-tuning your cleaner to get the best …

I am often asked which would be the best automatic cleaner choice for my pool? There are basically three types to choose from, a suction cleaner, a …

Aqua Magazine is a great resource no matter what aspect of the pool industry you are part of. Be it service, retail, building, or manufacturing they …

Customer service is something that may not come naturally to you. If you have never worked in the Hospitality or retail environment, you will have a bit of a learning curve to overcome. I go over some of the basics in …

I am asked all the time how many pools can someone do in one day? I know the reason for this question as to the more pools you can do equals more …

If you do any type of pool service or are in the market for a new pool, you will encounter these five pool surface type choices. Plaster, Pebble Tec, …

If you do pool service chances are your service area will be affected by a major wind event. Here in California, we have what is known as the Sant …

Pool routing and invoicing software is something underused in the service industry. It is a great way to prevent things from falling through the …

Part of your business should be connecting with other pool guys and gal in your area and building up some goodwill. This means that you begin to …

There is a variety of vacuum bags on the market for your pool vacuum system. Each manufacturer makes OEM bags for each system but there are two …

If you have ever did a bid for a new service account chances are one of the issues that the customer has had in the past with their other pool …

If you own a pool with 2 skimmers you are familiar with the benefits and drawbacks of this type of setup. For the pool service pro, you may not have …

The SweepEase Sting Ray pool brush has been around for several years now and this is a truly revolutionary pool brush for many reasons. Of course, …

This is one I hear all the time out there and that is, “I have a Salt Pool and it is great because I don’t need to use chlorine.” But what is a …

Chlorine Lock is another term that is thrown around out their in pool forums and other groups but is it something that can really happen with really …

What is Rudy’s take on Borates? I personally love adding borates to a pool to bring the level to 30-50 ppm and it is always good to hear other …

If you have been in the industry long enough you have heard that if you pour a large amount of acid into the deep end it will lower the pH without lowering the Alkalinity. This is something that has been around for …

In part 1 of this 5 part recording with pool Industry Legend Rudy Stankowitz we introduce you to the CPO course and also Rudy’s method to lower down …

Since Pentair has a new leaf canister in there Pentair Leaf Trap 360476 (2.2 Liter Capacity) I thought it would be a good time to recap the different …

In this podcast series, I discuss various aspects of Swimming Pool Start-Ups with a panel of experts. In Part 4 we discuss what a good pool finish …

In this podcast series, I discuss various aspects of Swimming Pool Start-Ups with a panel of experts. In Part 3 we talk about some Warranty Issues …

In this podcast series, I discuss various aspects of Swimming Pool Start-Ups with a panel of experts. In Part 2 we discuss some bad Start-Ups and …

In this podcast series, I discuss various aspects of Swimming Pool Start-Ups with a panel of experts. In Part 1 we go over the various Start-Up …

Working outdoors in the blazing sun all day can be very damaging to your body and let’s not even talk about skin cancer. I go over some ways I protect myself out on the route and go over the gear I wear from head to …

Putting money back into your business is something a lot of companies fail to do. It is easy to just feel that everything is fine as it is but there is one sure-fire way to expand your business and to take it to the …

When you go to manually vacuum a pool, you can run into loads of issues like having too little suction from the pump and filter to having too much …

There are some tried and true methods of manually vacuuming a swimming pool. For example, I address what to do with pools with heavy debris and cover …

In this podcast, I go over using liquid chlorine to sanitize your pool and also go over the HASa Liquidator liquid chlorine feeder with Terry Arko of …

You can only do some much Monday through Friday in your pool service business. Doing too much can lead to losing accounts and cause you to burn out. …

Any pool surface can be damaged by adding the wrong chemicals or by something falling into the pool. Vinyl and Fiberglass pools are more prone to …

Using a Vacuuming System can be somewhat effective in a pool cleanup process if there is a lot of ash in the pool. It won't get all of the finer …

I am often asked is it better to manually vacuum every pool or use a Vacuum System. I go over the pros and cons of both methods here for you and …

Since the Bio-Lab factory explosion in Louisiana last month 3” Tri-Chlor Tablets have become harder to find and the price has jumped a good 25% already. The Bio-Lab factory produced over 2 million pounds of Tri-Chlor …

It may seem like a good marketing strategy to offer say, “1st month Free!” or other free services to get accounts. But discounts can come back to hurt you later and in this podcast, I go over some of the reasons you may …

Including an automatic pool cleaner as part of your service is not a bad idea. It may be costly upfront but there are some great benefits of having a …

Bad weather be it extremely hot temperatures, rainstorms, or wind storms as a pool service pro you have to deal with it. I go over some basic tips …

Dichlor is not a well-known sanitizer in the pool industry and I go over some of the pros and cons of using Dichlor in your swimming pool. I will …

I am often asked how long your pool equipment will last. I will be breaking this down for you in separate podcasts and today I will start with how …

Pentair was the first out on the market with their cartridge type D.E. filter about 8 years ago and now there are more choices on the market today. You have of course the Pentair Quad D.E. Filter, the Hayward DEP 500 …

If you are thinking about upgrading your pool filter in the near future, I go over some of the things to think about when moving from one filter type …

It is easy to make the mistake of taking on work you shouldn’t have. How do you know that you are doing something that you shouldn’t be doing? You …

Fire season has started early here in California and already this year more acres have burned than at any other time in the history of the state. With fire comes the wind and the ash. A lethal one-two punch for your …

Dry Acid is a solid choice when it comes to lowering the pH and Alkalinity in your pool or spa. It as long shelf life, is easy to use, has no toxic …

Over the years I have come up with some creative ways to get through my day faster without sacrificing the quality of my service. It is a combination of time-saving tricks as well as some basic things you can do to get …

Over the years I have picked up some tools that have really helped save me time out in the field. From the very simple and affordable Multi-Tork …

If you are like me hate to empty pump baskets then this podcast is for you. Maybe you have one of those giant pumps with the huge wet end (pump pot) and it is hard to get the lid back on each time. Or your pump sits …

From a combination of things starting with the COVID-19 virus and a Tri-Chlor factory shutdown earlier this year, Tri-Chlor Tablets are in high demand and were getting hard to get. Now with Hurricane Laura wiping out …

The Riptide Vacuum System has been around now for the better part of four years and it has really made a mark in the pool industry. I don’t think it …

I cover several aspects of dogs and your backyard swimming pool. From dogs swimming in the pool to dog waste in the pool and aggressive dogs, if you …

Having the pH rise in your pool is perfectly normal, but there are certain pools where the pH constantly rises and will rise to very high levels. I …

A Big Part of Commercial Pool Service is dealing with the County Health Inspector. Like any other public venue, a Commercial Pool is regularly …

It may seem basic to capture leads which of course are usually potential new customers calling you or emailing you. But there are some aspects of handling the communication that can make a difference between sealing the …

To lower the pH in your pool you would use acid and typically the most popular chemical to use to lower your pH is Muriatic Acid. But there are also …

There are basically two sizes of pool poles and then you have of course the outliers with some odd sizes. But the industry standard is a 2-piece 8 ft …

Marketing is a big part of growing your pool service business. But if you have never tried to market yourself in a business before it can be tough to …

Installing an Above Ground Pool is a great way to have the backyard pool experience on a budget. There is one thing that you can do right away after …

I have been using the Precision 2.0 for over 3 years now and this new revised version is the best one yet. The main upgrade is the Motor Box …

Borates are something often ignored in the Industry and the reasons why vary but part of it is that having borates in your swimming pool or spa is so …

If the pH in your pool is low, it could make the water very corrosive to the pool surface as well as the equipment. Raising it up will get it back in …

When you purchase your pool route, how do you successfully absorb the clients of the service accounts you have purchased. Fernando talks in-depth …

Employees are a big part of growing your business when you get above the single-pole threshold of 75-85 pools. I talk to Fernando about how he …

I spend some time with Fernando Encarnacion who is the owner of Five Star Pro Pools in Orlando Florida and we discuss his unusual method of growing …

Robotic Pool cleaners are now the top choice for an automatic pool cleaner for some good reasons. I go over some of the great features of a robotic …

Bidding or pricing a Commerical Service account can seem daunting. In this podcast, I break it down to a basic rule of thumb. I show you how to bid …

If you notice your Suction Side Cleaner struggling each week and getting clogged with debris, you may want to consider upgrading to a non-booster pump pressure side cleaner. There are three good ones on the market …

Have you ever played a Board Game and during the game realize that you have no chance of winning? In this podcast, I go over some situations with …

This is one thing I will readily admit that I am not very good at, paperwork and billing. The good news is that my wife excels at this so she …

Bio-Dex is a leading manufacturer of all types of pool chemicals and I discovered them when I started using two of their chemicals for my acid washes …

In my experience, there are two types of Commerical service accounts. Those that get killed each week with very heavy use and those that are not used at all. The majority of commercial accounts will fall into the heavy …

DE filters take some getting used and in this podcast, I go over some common issues you may run into when dealing with a DE Filter. I cover high filter PSI, damaged filter parts, and the like and offer tips on how to …

Communicating with your pool service customers in key on many levels. Whether you are the quiet type or the more extroverted type, knowing what to …

There are two parts to running a successful pool service business and part one of course is the cleaning and maintaining the pools each week. The …

Swimming pool stains are tough to deal with on many levels from identifying them to of course getting rid of them. I go over some of the common …

One of the things that can ruin your day is when the gardener/landscaper treats a pool on your route like a giant trash can. Not only does it irk you …

Demoing a cleaner in a customer’s pool is akin to a test drive of a new vehicle at a dealer. Unless they see it in operation and see the benefits of …

A dedicated vacuum port for your suction side cleaner is known in the industry as a side port and unless you deal with this day in and day out they can seem a little daunting and confusing. I go over the basic operation …

If you service pools you may start to think about getting into the Commercial Pool end of things with an apartment complex, hotel, or HOA community …

When it comes to pool product claims you may feel you are being sold on something based on hype rather than real-world experience. I have done …

So what is the best surface color choice for your pool? Whether you have a plaster or Pebble Tec pool choosing the right color is critical. Once the …

In this podcast, I go over the most common reasons to drain your pool and I also give you some cautions when draining certain pool types. There are …

I am asked often which 2-wheel cleaner is better? The Pentair Rebel or the Hayward PoolCleaner/AquaNaut/Phoenix – which are all the same with …

Many salt systems display the pool’s salinity level (salt level) while others indicate low or high salt levels with flashing lights. But either way, …

The formula is pretty simple but of course, there are lots of factors that can make it difficult. But to save time on your pool care or on the pools …

It is a tricky thing, doing a green pool clean up or installing equipment and making sure you get paid for the work. In most cases that is never an …

As a DIY homeowner or a pool service tech, we tend to spend way to much time on a problem before we throw in the towel and refer the job out. I go …

It may not seem like a big deal but there is a lot that is involved in backwashing a D.E. filter. From how much D.E. to add back into …

One of the things that I think is important in anything you do in your pool service business and especially important when doing a green pool clean …

I spend the first 5 minutes re-introducing myself as this is podcast 400 and a milestone as podcasts go. Then I focus on the most important aspect of …

I recently put a Hayward pHin in my pool and in this podcast I go over some of the things I like about the pHin. I was able to verify the reading …

When you are starting out in the business you will struggle in many areas as you are learning the ropes. I go over some common issues you may …

If you have a pool route one thing that is often overlooked is a Service Agreement. This is not a legal and binding contract but a simple form that …

I go over why most charts set the ideal pH at 7.4-7.8 and why this may be something that is not set in stone with new evidence and also when you …

There are a number of reasons why your pool may be struggling to hold chlorine each day and I touch on the more common issues. These range from not …

In this podcast, I go over the time-honored Free Chlorine chart that you see everywhere online. The old 1 ppm to 3pmm recommendation and I touch on …

I conclude my interview with Joe Wilmot who is the creator of the Pool Trader app and we discuss how using the APP can save you time and money. We …

In this podcast, I continue my discussion with Joe Wilmot the creator of the Pool Trader app. This app allows you to buy and sell your pools as a …

In this podcast I interview Joe Wilmot who is the creator of the Pool Trader App. This app is a revolutionary way of putting pool pros in contact …

Industrial Test Systems (ITS) makes some of the best photometer test kits and digital water testers on the market today. With their innovative eXact® …

The Pool & Spa industry is rife with confusion and nothing is more perplexing than which company owns or makes which product. There is a lot of …

You may notice that even if you are using 3” Tri-Chlor Tablets you are still adding chlorine to your pool each week. Or if you do pool service you …

The new ColorQ 2x Pro7 is LaMotte’s latest update to the ColorQ Pro7 photometer and it is a significant upgrade. Now the ColorQ 2x is Bluetooth …

So your saltwater generator appears to not be working. You have cleaned the cell, and all of the lights indicate that it should be producing chlorine …

If you are in the Industry or a savvy homeowner with a pool you probably have come across the ideal chemistry chart online or in a pool care book. …

I think you will be surprised by the basic equipment list I go over to start a pool service business. This is also good for the homeowner taking care …

If you have a specific budget for a robotic pool cleaner I can help you narrow down the price point of a good cleaner based on the features. The more …

In this podcast, I cover the basic care of a robotic pool cleaner. Here are some things to be aware of and I answer the typical questions like, “can …

Having a General Liability Policy is a must for the pool service pro. This will protect you from any errors or omissions, basically, those oops out …

The use of Enzymes in pools and spa is really catching on and it is becoming an Industry-wide accepted treatment for pools and spas. Not only are …

I don’t often suggest watching a video of me taking apart a cleaner before you purchase one to see what can go wrong in advance. That seems like a …

I will admit that I was of the Old School group that just used chlorine and Sodium Bromide to keep the pools algae free. But over the last few years …

Cleaning a D.E. Filter offers all kinds of challenges. You need to know more or less what you are looking for to prevent D.E. from leaking back into …

Ducks can be a real nuisance for swimming pool owners. If you have ever had them visit your pool or a pool or your service route you know that they …

I wouldn’t rule out the bouncing type suction side cleaners when looking to invest in a good automatic pool cleaner. Yes, they are less smart than …

One of the hardest lessons to learn when you are first starting out is that treating algae is a serious business. It is easy to think a small amount of algae is not a big deal, but not aggressively treating algae in a …

If you have older incandescent pool and spa lights or if your pool service customers are asking to upgrade to LED lights check out the PAL EvenGlow …

Purple Dust or Copper Cyanurate is a known industry issue and it is formed when high CYA levels in the pool react with high copper levels, typically …

In this podcast I interview Steve Jones who is a Product Manager at Fluidra which is the parent company of Jandy. We go over each of the Jandy Variable Speed Pumps specifically and after listening to this podcast you …

In this podcast I interview Steve Jones who is a Product Manager at Fluidra which is the parent company of Jandy. We discuss how Jandy is helping …

One thing I am asked all of the time is will this cleaner pick up oak leaves or which cleaner picks up pine needles? Choosing a cleaner based on what type of debris it can pick up is an important purchasing factor and …

If you have a brother or sister you probably were not a fan of when your parents dressed you alike. When it comes to pool equipment, having matching …

Going out on a bid for a new service account is exciting and often there are perils we cannot see at the time. Maybe a pool has an existing stain but …

If you have a saltwater pool or service some saltwater pools you may notice some white skin like blowback in your pool or piles of white flakes …

Now that you have a new Saltwater System known also as a Saltwater Generator (SWG) I will go over how to set the proper chlorine output. If you do …

The 3” Tri-Chlor Tablet has been around for over 40 years and it is an industry-standard for the primary pool sanitizer in many regions of the …

Using granular Tri-Chlor is not something that is simple and easy and you can easily stain a pool surface if you use it incorrectly. I go over some …

It can be hard to know how long to run your pool pump so that you are not wasting energy by running it too long or on the flip side running it to …

I am a big fan of robotic pool cleaners and each year there is always a newer and better model on the market. That is just the nature of technology …

If your thinking about putting in a Saltwater Generator (SWG) to convert your pool to a saltwater system I give you an honest look at some of the …

My 12-year old son coined this phrase whenever he comes to my office to interrupt me. “Hey, Bug Bro is here.” I thought it was an apt term and you …

In this episode I go over how to add salt to your pool to convert it over to a saltwater pool once you have your saltwater generator installed. It is …

There are many ways to heat your swimming pool during the season and I have found that the best way is the tried and true method of using your pool …

Maybe you are thinking about installing a Natural Gas Heater or a Heat pump or just upgrading your existing heater. Here are some things to know …

In this entertaining podcast, I go over the features of the Bottom Feeder Professional Grade Battery Powered Swimming Pool Vacuum System with the …

There are a few things that can give your saltwater pool a false low salt reading. Before you add more salt to your pool you may want to check a few …

In this podcast, I go over using a Vacuum System vs using a Manual Vacuum when you clean a pool. If you are on the fence about purchasing a Vacuum …

When you are starting out and building your route you are running around and doing anything you can to make money and make ends meet. When you start …

I am a big YouTube DIY guy and have put in and repaired many things based on watching a YouTube video. But there comes a time when you are thinking …

In this podcast, I interview Terry Arko of HASA who an expert in the field and is someone who knows a thing or two about liquid chlorine. We go over every aspect of using liquid chlorine as your primary sanitizer in …

Purchasing a pool route is one way to get into the industry in a quick fashion. But there are some pitfalls to be aware of and one of those is that …

In this podcast, I go over the currently available models of Solar Powered Surface Skimmers. There are three currently in production with a fourth in …

In this podcast, I interview Aaron Trapp from Certol the makers of the Acid Magic product. We go over some of the pool and spa uses for Acid Magic …

One of the trending ways to get solid insight and information on pool care and on your pool business is through Industry Facebook Groups. There are a …

If you have a suction side or pressure side pool cleaner, you can technically keep rebuilding them until the body just completely falls apart. I …

Offering Chemical Only Service on your pool route can be very lucrative if it is done correctly. There are some things you need to be aware of if you …

While there is nothing inherently wrong with using test strips to get the chemistry reading  in your pool or spa, using test strips only could prove …

Getting educated is the key to a well balanced and safe pool. Whether you are a homeowner or a pool service tech caring for their own pool, you will …

In this episode, I continue my discussion with Eric Knight on the ideal pH level and how it may not be cost-effective or productive to keep chasing the low pH that we have all been taught. The CYA level has a direct …

It is well known that the lower the pH the more effective the chlorine is in a pool. Keeping your pool pH at 7.4-7.6 has always been the ideal range. …

One thing that is often overlooked when you are starting out or if you have been doing this for awhile is letting your customers know when you have …

In this podcast I go over the different types of suction side cleaners for your pool and touch on the differences between a geared cleaner and a …

The manufacturers make some specific suction side and robotic cleaners for the above ground pool market. These are usually very similar to their …

It has been a boom time for the last 12 years and if you are new to the pool service business you probably have never gone through a losing year. I …

In this podcast I interview Megan Kendrick the Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of Pool Pro Magazine and we discuss some of the fundamentals of the …

This is something that should never happen but it does happen more than you think, running out of chlorine. When you are new to the business and …

It can be hard to determine of your D.E. filter grids are worn out and in this podcast I go over some of the signs to look for. These of course include obvious tears and rips but there are some more subtle signs that …

I get this question all the time. When should I replace the cartridge inside my pool filter? There is no set rule but there are many signs of when …

A Recession can be a tough time for any business and a Pool Service is not immune to the effects of an economic slowdown. When money is tight it gets …

The scale on your pool surface is a big issue in the pool industry. In this podcast, I conclude the water quality issues series with Harold Evans of …

The LSI Index (Langelier Saturation Index) is a method that was developed to identify if your swimming pool water in scale forming or corrosive. I …

Cyanuric Acid has been a big issue that has recently been debated in the swimming pool industry and I continue my series on water quality issues with …

I continue the series with Harold Evens of Orenda Technologies and in this podcast, we go over how the use of enzymes can enhance your chlorine and …

Phosphates are a much talked about subject in the industry and in this podcast I continue the series on water quality issues with Harold Evans of …

I spent some time recording this podcast series with Harold Evens of Orenda Technologies and I think you will find it one of the most comprehensive …

I can’t tell you how many people email me with photos of their valves and ask me what this valve does or that valve does. Typically you will have Jandy Valves before your pump and in the return line and if you have an …

You can run into poor water quality issues because of both low and high Conditioner (Cyanuric Acid) levels in your pool. If there is too little …

One thing that can eat up a lot of time when you are new is when you run into a problem at an account. This will lead to much frustration and consume your time and energy. But it doesn’t have to be this way and I give …

In this podcast I go over the pros and cons of using either the Granular Conditioner or the Liquid Pool Conditioner to add Cyanuric Acid to your …

I recently did a sanitizer survey on my YouTube Channel and the results were very surprising. In fact, liquid chlorine came out on top by a slight …

If you struggle with your pool each season, the answer could be a very simple one. Your pool filter is too small, not running correctly or a …

There are many uses for a portable clean up pump and you can build one yourself for about $300. You can also get a completely portable system with a pump and filter on a cart and I go over building one yourself and the …

If you plan on cleaning your own pool, I go over the basic cleaning equipment you will need to clean your swimming pool each week. You don’t need a …

Having gone through one of the most serious Recessions in 2008 and making it through it intact, I can shed some light on how the current economic …

Now that the weather is warming up it is time to get ready for another swim season. If you are new to owning a pool, there are a few things to get …

Leslie’s Pool Supply has a growing Wholesale Division and if you have a pool service company you can easily open a Wholesale Account at any of their …

One of the most overlooked products in the Industry is the Water Tech Battery Operated Cleaners. They may look and sound like toys, but they work very well. With the upgrades like lithium-ion batteries and many of the …

This is a fun podcast where I go over some of the questions submitted by my group members regarding some of the odd issues that can come about while using the Taylor test kits and the reagents. We cover somethings that …

I continue my 3 part interview with Wayne Ivusich of Taylor Technology and we go acceptable free chlorine levels, phosphates, nitrates, and the new …

In this interview with Wayne Ivusich of Taylor Technology, we tackle some of the tougher chemistry issues you may face with your pool including high …

Variable Speed pumps have a huge upside in energy efficiency and of course, they can save your customer a ton of money each year on energy cost because of that. But how do you approach your customers and overcome the …

The last thing anyone wants is to be sued for any type of liability. When you are learning the business and starting out, you may not know what to …

The title hopefully does not imply that the Taylor Test Kits were not accurate or good for Commercial pool use before the NSF Certification. Taylor …

If you notice that the gauge on top of your filter is showing really low filter PSI it could be a number of reasons ranging from air getting into the …

A common issue that you will run into at one time or another is a very high pool filter PSI. The gauge on top of your pool filter is designed to …

When you are starting out or adding new services to your pool service, it can be hard to know what to charge for services. How much do you charge for …

Often times it can be unclear on what to charge the customer for outside of the monthly service charge. Do you charge for salt cell cleaning? Or 3” …

Whether you are just starting out or have been cleaning pools for some time, we are always looking for ways to speed up our day on our pool routes. …

With the new laws in California and other states soon to follow, a Variable Speed Pump may be your only option when you go to upgrade your existing …

Cloudy pool water is caused by just a handful of things and I go down the list in the first half of the podcast. I then go over the steps to clear up …

The dust from D.E. - Diatomaceous Earth is a known health hazard and is classified as an Industrial Carcinogen. It is the Silica in the powder that is the hazard, and even though it is just in a trace amount of less …

In this last part of the four-part series on PoolRx Fred Schweer the VP of Sales at PoolRx goes over the dosage size of the different PoolRx units as …

I continue my interview with Fred Schweer the VP of Sales at PoolRx and we change gears a little in this podcast as we talk about how to effectively …

I continue my interview with Fred Schweer of the VP of Sales at PoolRx as we touch on using PoolrX in pools with very high Cyanuric Acid levels (high …

I interview Fred Schweer the Vice President of Sales at PoolRx and we go over the product in great detail in this episode. PoolRx is the premier …

Once your pool route gets large enough to start turning a profit, the one for one rule is a very effective way to fine-tune and expand your business …

Testing your swimming pool water is essential but there are some factors that can cause user error. When you test the water, where the water sample …

The Polaris Quattro Sport was released in 2019 and has quickly become the premiere pressure side pool cleaner on the market today. It doesn’t look …

Whether you are just starting out in the pool service business or been around a while, you will soon encounter a customer who balks at the filter …

Saltwater pools known by their saltwater generators (SWG) have now been around for well over 20 years. But there is still a lot of mystery …

I know I didn’t preface the title with a why making the title more of a statement of fact. Between the 3 swimming pool cleaner types, I personally …

I don’t sell any products directly so I can speak to you from an unbiased position. The one cleaning tool that you need for service is a Pool Vacuum …

If I had to choose the best D.E. filter for a pool I would put the cartridge type D.E filters like the Pentair Quad D.E. Filter, the Hayward DEP 500 …

Emptying your swimming pool’s pump basket seems simple enough, but it really is not. There are many things that can go wrong if you empty it …

When Fluidra and Zodiac Pool Systems merged the Aqaubot brand was split into two separate companies at the request of the European Commission. They …

The Dolphin brand of robotic pool cleaners by Maytronics is always in the top tier of reviews. You know when you purchase a Dolphin cleaner you are …

There are many common things that you can do as a new service provider for your clients that will make your efforts stand out. I am not talking about discounts or free services but little things that will make the …

If you have an automatic pool cleaner chances are you had to order replacement parts. One thing that can be shocking is how expensive these OEM – …

In this new series, I will cover the most common errors that new pool owners make. A pool can be complicated to take care of, and mistakes can easily …

I call this the Traditional Method of pool care because it has been the industry standard for a few decades now. It is a combination of a sanitizer …

Does your swimming pool have a very high CYA (Cyanuric Acid -Conditioner) level? Do those products that lower down the CYA really work? What is the …

Testing your swimming pool water weekly is highly recommended by those in the pool industry. But what exactly do you need to test for each week? What …

If you have just had a pool built or remodeled and there is a Salt Water Generator, when do you add the salt? This is a common question and I think …

With the passage of AB 5, the 1099-employee will be completely eliminated in California. If it proofs successful, this year other states will soon be …

Starting up a plaster pool is loaded with potential problems that could cause staining, discoloration and damage to the new pool surface. There are …

If you work in the industry long enough or have taken care of your backyard pool for years, you are aware of the health hazards of many of the …

Like any job after awhile you put things on cruise control and are often not aware of if you did something or forgot to do something. A pool route …

I really like the SweepEase pool brush and use it as my go to pool brush.  It is specially designed to create more force as you brush the pool walls …

Everyone knows how easy it is to check prices online. Often the price online will be close to the actual wholesale price that we will pay for an …

One thing that can happen is that metals can enter your swimming pool water. Copper is the most common metal and it can enter through the fill water, …

Does it make sense to purchase 10 to 15 pools to quickly expand your current pool route? It may or may not depending on your market and if you are …

I like any product that will enhance your pool skimming ability. But does the Skim doctor 2.0 really work? I think it does what it is supposed to do …

Whether you are a pool service professional or a DIY homeowner 2020 is probably the best time ever to own and service pools. There is just so much …

The robotic pool cleaner is huge for the residential sector of the market. But when it comes to Commercial pools that market is flat. Part of it is …

Servicing pools requires high-quality equipment and there are many manufacturers who make Professional Grade Pool tools. As a homeowner using these …

It is tough to know how much to bid for pool service even when you have some experience. Imagine how tough it is when you are just starting out and …

I am a big fan of automatic pool cleaners. Here are some of the tactics I use to sell automatic pool cleaners to my customers. Whether you are a pool …

Tired of your Pressure Side Pool Cleaner? But what should you replace it with? I go over the benefits of replacing it with a suction side cleaner and …

You can’t do it all in your pool service business. What is the best way to refer work out on your pool route? Do you hire someone and pay them …

There are bad pool products out there, that is for sure. There are also defective pool products on the market. But user error is also a big part of …

This may sound simple on the surface but when should you manually vacuum a swimming pool and when is it futile to do so? Another word when will …

Everyone who does pool service has run into a heavy debris pool at one time or another. Or several of them as in my case. Should you even take the …

If your pool filter PSI is spiking even after you just cleaned the filter, these are some things to look for. It is not normal for the pool filter …

After the training period is over you are now the proud owner and operator of your own pool route. Congratulations and good luck. If it were that …

One tool that will make your pool care easy is an automatic pool cleaner. Whether you purchase a suction cleaner, pressure cleaner or a robotic pool …

After a heavy rain event, your pool may be negatively affected in many ways. The water level may be coming over the pool coping and flooding your …

The Bottom Feeder Professional Cordless Vacuum System is a great system that is truly underrated. Now that it comes with a pole adapter where the …

This is, of course, a regional question and you will be spending less time at a screened-in pool in Florida than in a Texas-size 40,000 service …

Many pool brokers will place a limit on the time period where you can make changes to your newly purchased pool route. Typically the probation period …

If your pool filter has reached the end of its lifespan or if you just want to upgrade to a larger filter, here are some practical tips for you. I …

Christmas and the Holidays are a great time of the year to connect with your customers and also to thank them for allowing you to service their pool …

Getting the correct test factors for your pool and spa takes some skill and there are also variables that can cause you to get the wrong test …

There are a few things that are very common with most heaters them not to turn on. Usually, there is an ERR code displayed on the panel but not always. It is also common for the heater to go into Service mode with a red …

If you are purchasing a pool route there may be some pools included in the purchase that are suspect. In other words, the pools themselves may have …

It is easy to overlook your pool care in the Winter months in those regions where we leave our pools open all season long. Here are some common …

Since all three filters are different in just about every way, it is hard to get a good gauge of size when you are swapping out a Sand Filter for a D.E. filter. Or a D.E. Filter with a Cartridge Filter. I go over some …

If you haven’t cleaned a D.E. Filter before, prepare yourself for a real mess. There is just no sure-fire way to clean a D.E Filter without making some type of mess. In this podcast, I go over some ways that I clean a …

Here is part 4 of the series the Swimming Pool Service business with Michael Setterington of The Blue Pools, LLC (thebluepools.net). We wrap things …

Here is part 3 of the series the Swimming Pool Service business with Michael Setterington of The Blue Pools, LLC (thebluepools.net). We talk about …

There is a difference between the usage of a Portable Filtration System and a Pool Vacuum System. One is designed more for regular leaf debris and …

Here is part 2 of a series focused on the Swimming Pool Service business with Michael Setterington of The Blue Pools, LLC (thebluepools.net). We …

I sat down and recorded a series of Podcast focused on the Swimming Pool Service business with Michael Setterington of The Blue Pools, LLC …

There are several ways to test your pool or spas Chlorine or Bromine level. I go over using test strips, OTO and DPD and FAS-DPD in this episode. …

When you purchase a pool route there is potential to make instant income but does that mean you are actually making a profit. In this podcast, I …

Everyone talks about the benefits of a Salt Water Pool, a Salt Water Generator known also as a Sal System. But should you upgrade your pool to make …

Buying a Swimming Pool Vacuum System is a big investment and I am often asked if it is better to purchase it with or without the cart. I think it …