The Pool Guy Podcast Show

David Van Brunt
  • 4.7 (133)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Daily

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

  1. 23h ago

    Dealing With Extreme Weather on Your Pool Route

    Weather can wreck a perfectly planned pool route in minutes. One moment the backyard is calm, the next you’re in a wind event where every pass with the net brings in more leaves, the power is out in nearby hills, and the safest move is to pack up and go home. That’s real pool service life, and we want you ready for it, not surprised by it. We break down the extreme weather situations pool technicians run into most: sudden windstorms like the Santa Ana winds, wildfire conditions that dump fine ash into the water, and heavy rain days that turn visibility and driving into a hazard. I share how I think about “workable” drizzle versus shut-it-down rain, why thunderstorms are never worth the risk, and how to communicate realistic recovery timelines when storms hit in waves. We also get practical about cleanup strategy after a fire: fine-bag vacuum options, why ash keeps settling, and why filter cleanouts become part of the weekly rhythm. To keep your business moving, we talk route strategy during multi-day forecasts: stacking pools, shifting days, and focusing on essentials when you simply cannot clean the way you want to. I also share the gear that helps me stay effective, from rainwear that keeps you mobile to cold-weather gloves and waterproof boots that save your hands and feet. If this helps, subscribe, share it with a pool pro, and leave a review so more techs can find the episode. Extreme weather changes everything on a pool route, so we focus on when to work, when to stop, and how to keep customers informed while staying safe. We walk through windstorms, wildfire ash, heavy rain, and cold snaps, plus the gear and route moves that help us get pools back without burning out. • deciding to stop cleaning during dangerous wind gusts • checking nearby accounts and essentials when wind makes cleaning futile • power shutoffs during wind events and the added fire risk • why wind recovery can take two to three weeks • how wildfires create ash problems that take weeks to fix • vacuuming ash with fine bags and accepting repeat settling • cleaning filters repeatedly as part of the ash cleanup process • separating drizzle from heavy rain when planning pool service days • skipping routes during thunderstorms and treating the pool pole like a lightning risk • handling weeks of rain with basic checks and overflow planning • teaching customers simple ways to drain down an overfilled pool • moving pools earlier in the week to avoid forecasted downpours • using cold-weather gloves to keep hands warm on early stops • choosing waterproof boots to avoid wet feet and improve safety Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support from me. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. And if you're interested in a coaching program that I'll learn more at poollightcoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits      [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

    Dealing With Extreme Weather on Your Pool Route

  2. 1d ago

    Wind Event Coming? Here’s How Pool Pros Should Prepare

    A windstorm can turn a clean backyard pool into a debris-filled mess in a single afternoon and if you service pools for a living, that mess multiplies across your entire route. We talk through what windy weather really means for a pool service business during Santa Ana wind events and other regional wind patterns, including why the first major storm of the season is often the most brutal. The goal is not perfection in one stop. The goal is a repeatable process that keeps circulation going, protects your schedule, and keeps you from wrecking your body trying to leaf rake every pool to the floor. We share the exact “wind policy” structure we use in our service agreement: start by cleaning the filtration system (skimmer basket, pump basket, restoring prime), then skim the surface, then tackle leaves on the bottom, and vacuum only when conditions and time allow. That order matters when baskets are jammed, pumps lose prime, and you’ve got 15 pools in similar shape. We also get into real-world storm hazards like patio chairs, umbrellas, potted plants, and even barbecues ending up in the water and why a simple pre-storm reminder to secure items can prevent hours of chaos. Then we go practical with equipment: why you should carry extra leaf rakes and a backup pole, and why a proper pool vacuum system is a game-changer during severe leaf and dirt events. We compare everyday options to heavier-duty vacuums designed for trashed pools, and we explain how customer education can help too, like leaving a pole and leaf rake onsite so homeowners can skim ahead of your service day without touching anything risky. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave a quick review so more service techs can find these storm-season strategies. We get real about how extreme wind events can wreck a pool route and why trying to “make it perfect” in one visit burns you out fast. We share the wind policy we use, the cleanup order that keeps pools running, and the tools and customer habits that make storm weeks survivable. • Santa Ana wind season expectations and why the first storm hits hardest • using a written wind clause to protect time and reduce complaints • prioritizing pump and skimmer basket cleanup to restore circulation • skimming first and treating bottom cleanup as a later step when needed • asking customers to secure patio furniture and loose yard items before storms • carrying backup leaf rakes and an extra pole for breakage • choosing a vacuum system that can handle heavy leaves and dirt • leaving a pool pole and leaf rake onsite so customers can help safely • handling pushback by explaining route math and daylight limits Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits      [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

    Wind Event Coming? Here’s How Pool Pros Should Prepare

  3. 2d ago

    Can You Service a Pool Without Doing Repairs?

    You don’t have to be a full-time mechanic to run a real pool service business. We hear the same fear from new and growing pool pros all the time: “I can do weekly pool cleaning, but I don’t know repairs.” Here’s the surprise. Plenty of successful pool service companies build strong routes by focusing on weekly pool maintenance and outsourcing the heavy repair work, as long as they understand equipment well enough to diagnose symptoms, explain the issue clearly, and take smart next steps. We walk through what “enough knowledge” actually looks like in the field. You need to know how pool systems operate, what normal flow and pressure look like, and how to identify common problems like air leaks, cracked baskets, clogged impellers, and equipment that won’t start. You don’t need to rebuild everything yourself, but you do need to recognize the signs, read error codes when they show up, and communicate confidently with the customer. That competence builds trust and keeps your weekly route running on time. Then we get practical about outsourcing pool repairs. We compare partnering with another service company versus working with a repair-only tech, and we share ways to find reliable repair partners through suppliers, manufacturer warranty provider lists, and local reps. We also cover liability and billing decisions, including why direct-to-customer invoicing often protects your business. Finally, we draw the line between small repairs you can handle and major installs you should refer out, plus how to win new service accounts even when a pump is down or the pool is going green. If you want to grow your pool route, streamline your schedule, and cut risk without sacrificing professionalism, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a quick review so more techs can find it. We answer the question pool pros worry about most: can you run a pool service business without doing repairs. We break down the minimum equipment knowledge you need, how we outsource major fixes safely, and how this setup can help you scale a weekly service route. • Weekly service only as a viable pool service business model • Basic pool equipment knowledge needed to spot problems without fixing everything • Why repair-only partners reduce the risk of losing service accounts • Practical ways to find trusted repair-only techs through suppliers, reps, and warranty lists • Liability and billing setups that keep us out of the middle • Small fixes we should handle versus major repairs we should refer out • How we land new clients even when the pool needs repairs or a turnaround Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com. And if you're looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, swimmingprolearning.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits      [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

    Can You Service a Pool Without Doing Repairs?

  4. 3d ago

    Are You Building a Future—or Just Working for Life?

    Your pool route might be profitable, but it also comes with a deadline most people ignore until their knees, hands, or shoulders force the conversation. We get real about the physical wear of pool service and why “I’ll figure it out later” can turn into working longer than you ever planned, especially when inflation keeps raising the cost of everything from gas to groceries.  We walk through clear, practical retirement planning ideas for self-employed pool service pros: why cash sitting in the bank can lose value, how compound interest works over decades, and what a Roth IRA can do for your future taxes. We also talk about reinvesting profits back into your pool business for growth and deductions, while keeping an eye on the difference between active income and true passive income. And because Social Security may not carry as much weight for business owners, we dig into why outside guidance can help, including what you can learn from a financial advisor seminar.  Then we tackle real estate investing, including why some advisors downplay it, and why rental property can be a rare mix of “now” benefits and “later” benefits. We cover tax deductions like depreciation and mortgage interest, how higher interest rates change the math for investors, and why service-minded pool professionals can make strong landlords because they already understand customer service and problem-solving.  If you want a plan that helps you step back from the route on your terms, listen through to the end and pick one action you can take this week. Subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more people in the industry start planning earlier. We talk about why pool service can be a great career but a tough long-term job for your body, and why planning for retirement gets more urgent the longer you stay in the field. We break down practical ways to invest profits so inflation does not quietly erase your future options. • retirement stats and why many people feel behind • how inflation reduces purchasing power over time • why keeping too much cash can be costly • compound interest and long-term market investing basics • Roth IRA pros and the tradeoff of no tax break now • reinvesting in a pool service business versus building passive income • the physical wear of route work and planning around it • Social Security limits for self-employed business owners • meeting a financial advisor and learning from local seminars • real estate investing as income, deductions, and long-term asset growth • depreciation, interest, and expense deductions for rental property • starting early, adjusting saving and investing percentages by age • executing a plan now instead of “someday” Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits      [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

    Are You Building a Future—or Just Working for Life?

  5. 6d ago

    Can DIY Pool Owners & Pool Pros Coexist?

    Your customer says they’re “pretty handy” and offers to handle the filter cleanings to save money. Sounds reasonable until the filter doesn’t get cleaned for weeks, the water starts sliding toward algae, and you discover the clamp was reinstalled wrong. Now it’s not just a service problem, it’s a safety and liability problem. That DIY crossover is getting more common, and we’re breaking down where it helps and where it can seriously hurt your route. We talk through why DIY pool maintenance has always been a major part of the industry, and how modern pool automation and chemical automation make homeowners feel even more capable. ORP systems, acid feed, salt systems, and app-controlled equipment can reduce day-to-day effort, but they don’t remove the need for correct maintenance and consistent oversight. When “helpful” tasks are done late or done wrong, the pool suffers and the pro often gets blamed. You’ll hear real examples of what goes wrong when homeowners clean cartridge or DE filters, including improper assembly and dangerous clamp issues, plus common pump basket and skimmer basket mistakes that can cause loss of prime or equipment damage. We also dig into when chemical-only pool service can be a smart offering for experienced DIY clients, and how to set clear rules so the pool stays clean and everyone stays safe. If you found this useful, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave a review with your own boundary rule you won’t bend. DIY pool care is normal, but shared responsibilities can quickly create safety problems, bad water, and finger-pointing. We draw a hard line around high-risk equipment tasks and explain when a chemical-only pool service can actually work. • why DIY homeowners still make up a big part of pool care • how pool automation and chemical automation change the workload • why customers want to clean their own filter and why it fails • filter cleaning risks: timing, poor cleaning, dangerous reassembly • real-world DE filter mistakes: no DE and far too much DE • why homeowners should not touch pump baskets or skimmer baskets • what DIY tasks are genuinely helpful: skimming, brushing, watching the water • when chemical-only pool service fits and how to screen for the right client Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer to learn more at poolguidecoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits      [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

    Can DIY Pool Owners & Pool Pros Coexist?

  6. Oct 1

    Pool Surface Problems I’ve Seen Over the Years

    That “simple stain” on the pool floor might be permanent, and that fresh coat of pool paint might be a countdown to peeling, cloudy water, and filters packed with chalky dust. We walk through the surface issues we see most often across plaster pools, Pebble Tec finishes, fiberglass pools, and vinyl liner pools, with real-world examples that help you diagnose what you’re looking at before you promise a miracle fix.  We get honest about painting plaster pools: why it became popular as a cosmetic solution, what proper epoxy pool paint prep actually takes, and why the second round is so much harder than the first. We also talk about the most common plaster defects like step-area chipping, deep-end flaking, and rust marks caused by metal objects or chemical burns from trichlor tablets, plus why some “rust stains” are really rebar bleeding through the plaster and need a patch repair, not more acid.  From there, we shift to Pebble Tec calcium haze that makes the finish look foggy, and the surprising rust spots caused by metal in individual pebbles that usually require a builder or warranty visit to chip out the source. We also cover fiberglass gel coat wear that shows up as white powder when you brush, and why fiberglass and vinyl are so easy to stain with tabs, granules, and metals. If you want fewer callbacks and cleaner service bids, you’ll leave with clear warning signs to watch for and smarter ways to set expectations.  Subscribe for more pool service advice, share this with a tech who keeps inheriting “mystery stains,” and leave a review with the pool surface issue you want us to break down next. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits      [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

    Pool Surface Problems I’ve Seen Over the Years

  7. Sep 30

    Pool Tile Covered in White Build-Up — Can It Be Removed?

    That bright white crust on the waterline and spa spillway can make a pool look old overnight, especially on darker tile. We walk through what’s really happening when water evaporates and leaves minerals behind, why hard water makes it worse, and how to identify the kind of scale you’re dealing with before you waste time scrubbing. If you’ve ever wondered why one pool cleans up fast while another seems permanently “chalked,” the chemistry and the deposit type are the missing pieces. We get practical about removal options, from acid-based tile soap and consistent weekly brushing to more aggressive methods like careful scraping and sanding. We also explain why those approaches may help with calcium carbonate but often fail against calcium silicate, the thicker, stubborn scale that can cling to tile for years. When you need a true reset, we talk about professional glass bead tile cleaning, what the process looks like, and how to frame the recommendation so customers understand the cost and the payoff. Then we zoom out to prevention and pool water chemistry. Using LSI (Langelier Saturation Index) and tools like the Orenda app, we show how water temperature can flip the same pool from balanced to scale forming, why summer is a constant battle, and how a slightly negative LSI can reduce scaling pressure without risking corrosive damage. We also share scheduling tricks like running spillways longer or shutting off after sunset to reduce sun-driven calcification. If pool tile calcium buildup, spa spillway scale, and LSI balancing are ongoing headaches in your route, hit play, subscribe, and share this with a pool pro who’s tired of explaining “that white line.” After listening, leave a review and tell us what tile and water conditions you’re fighting right now. We break down why white calcium buildup shows up on pool tile lines and spa spillways, and why regular weekly service usually can’t erase heavy staining. We share the safest ways to clean it, when to recommend glass beading, and how LSI and water temperature decide how fast scale forms. • evaporation and splash-out leaving dissolved minerals behind • spotting hard water clues on sinks, shower heads, and toilets • calcium carbonate vs calcium silicate and why it matters • when tile soap works and when it won’t touch the buildup • scraping and sandpaper options plus damage and liability risks • using acid-based tile cleaners and gel products more safely • pump run-time tricks to keep spillways from drying out • tracking LSI with the Orenda app and adjusting pH without going too corrosive • setting customer expectations and explaining scale as a natural process Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poleguidecoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits      [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

    Pool Tile Covered in White Build-Up — Can It Be Removed?

  8. Sep 29

    Before You Start an Acid Wash Don’t Make These Mistakes!

    Draining a pool sounds simple until the plaster starts chipping, the customer expects miracles, or someone asks the one question that never goes away: “Will my pool pop out?” We break down the real-world judgment calls behind pool drains, acid washes, and chlorine washes, with a focus on timing, surface risk, and clear customer communication. We talk about why the off-season is the sweet spot for a drain and clean, and why high air temps and direct sun can turn a routine job into cracked plaster, flaking steps, and permanent damage. You’ll hear how we think about full drains versus partial drains for high cyanuric acid (CYA), plus the situations where an acid wash is the wrong answer because the surface already has chips or cracks. From there, we compare acid wash vs chlorine wash for pool stain removal, including when a chlorine wash is the better choice for organic staining, algae, and black algae. We also cover jobsite safety and chemistry: why chlorine and muriatic acid must never mix, how thorough rinsing protects you, and why straight liquid chlorine can leave caustic residue that can wreck a filter. Finally, we share a practical business lens: when these labor-heavy jobs make sense, and when to pass unless it leads to ongoing pool service. If you want the acid wash waiver, email David@Swimmingpoollearning.com, then subscribe, share the episode with a pool pro, and leave a review so more techs can avoid expensive drain-day mistakes. We walk through how to time a pool drain, acid wash, or chlorine wash so you do not damage plaster, trigger cracks, or create a headache you cannot undo. We also talk about setting expectations, choosing the right wash for the stain, and protecting your business from avoidable risk. • why the off-season is the safest time for drains and washes • deciding between a full drain and a partial drain for high CYA • avoiding hot-weather drains that can chip and crack plaster • refusing acid washes on already damaged plaster or pebble surfaces • managing customer expectations and avoiding overpromising • choosing a chlorine wash for organic stains and black algae • explaining hydrostatic pressure and when pool pop-out risk rises • preventing toxic fumes by rinsing thoroughly between chlorine and acid • diluting liquid chlorine to avoid caustic residue and filter damage • using soda ash to neutralize acidic water in the sump basin • making drain and wash jobs fit a smart pool service business model Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!  HASA  REWARDS App https://hasa.com/hasa-app The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100 https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days: https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Support the show Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you: Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/ UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching Group Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business. Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs) $59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits      [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ] $50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

    Before You Start an Acid Wash Don’t Make These Mistakes!
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    David Van Brunt
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    2K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Pool Guy Podcast Show
  • Show Website
    The Pool Guy Podcast Show

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