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

    Getting In WAY Over Your Head in the Pool Business!

    Some pool jobs are not hard because they are technical, they are hard because one mistake can wreck a surface, flood a schedule, or turn a “quick fix” into an all-day rescue. I’m sharing the moments where pool service pros end up in over their head and how to avoid that trap without stalling your growth. We talk through the Catch-22 of learning in the field and the simplest way around it: partner up and shadow someone experienced. Acid washing is a perfect example, where finesse matters and a seasoned tech can often predict results before the first drop hits the plaster. Pool and spa light replacement is another, especially combo setups where you need a second person to confirm which line you are pulling and to help you troubleshoot when things do not go smoothly. Then we dig into black algae treatment, including the real labor of knocking off heads, the risks of granular trichlor on certain finishes, and why cal hypo options can be a safer alternative on pebble or colored plaster. Finally, we zoom out to the business side: when to refer out big equipment installs, how referral commissions can still pay well, and why focusing on a clean, consistent pool route with a dedicated repair partner can be a strong and scalable model. If you want more practical pool service training and honest guidance from the field, subscribe, share this with a pool pro who needs it, and leave a quick review so more techs can find the show. We break down the pool service Catch-22 where experience is the only real teacher, but the wrong first job can cost you time, money, and a customer. We lay out a practical approach for growing skills safely by partnering, shadowing, and referring out repairs that do not fit your lane. • why some pool work is “learn by doing” but still needs guardrails   • partnering on acid washes to learn process, pricing, and outcomes   • why pulling pool and spa lights often needs two people   • black algae treatment basics, tools, and protective gear   • when granular trichlor is effective and when it can damage surfaces   • using cal hypo options for pebble and colored plaster pools   • recognizing equipment installs that are logistics-heavy and best referred out   • referral commissions and partnering to split bigger install jobs   • insurance limitations for new pool service pros and why they exist   • building a business model focused on maintenance with dedicated repair support   Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.   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

    Getting In WAY Over Your Head in the Pool Business!

  2. 1d ago

    Getting the Most Out of Your Pool Test Strips

    Your pool water test strip might be telling the truth, but your eyes might not be. We dig into why test strips often feel inconsistent, how lighting and subjective color matching can turn a “real” chemical reaction into a shaky guess, and what you can do to get more reliable results without slowing down your whole pool care routine.  We also talk about the growing world of digital test strip readers and smart pool testing devices, and why they’re trying to solve the biggest weakness of strips: interpretation. From there, we get practical about where strips fit in a serious pool water testing workflow, especially for busy pool service routes and homeowners who need fast answers for free chlorine, total chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity.  Then we hit the important nuances that can change your decisions. Test strips typically read total hardness rather than true calcium hardness, which matters for balance targets. Cyanuric acid is the surprise category where strips can actually help, especially when CYA climbs above 100 ppm and reagent tests get harder to read. We also cover “extra” tests where strips can be genuinely useful, like copper and iron, nitrates, borates, and phosphates, plus the one strip category we don’t recommend for saltwater pools: salinity. If you want clearer pool chemistry decisions with fewer bad readings, subscribe, share the episode with a pool owner or tech, and leave a review with your biggest testing frustration. We break down how to use pool test strips effectively without getting fooled by subjective color matching and wide reading ranges. We also share where test strips shine, where they fall short, and how to pair them with photometers or reagent kits for reliable pool water testing.   • the biggest limitation of test strips being interpretation not necessarily the strip chemistry   • why digital strip readers and smart testing devices can reduce guesswork   • how color matching can skew alkalinity and other borderline readings   • total hardness on strips versus true calcium hardness from titration tests   • why cyanuric acid strips can outperform reagent tests at high CYA   • using strips for copper iron nitrates borates and phosphates as quick field checks   • why salinity test strips are unreliable and when a digital salt meter makes sense   • when strips are ideal for fast route work and rainy-day testing   • using test strips to verify weird reagent or photometer results when reagents or tablets go bad   Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. From me, I'm a 35-year veteran in the industry. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, I've got the tools to help you succeed. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.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

    Getting the Most Out of Your Pool Test Strips

  3. 4d ago

    Is the Pool Boom Over? What 2026 Means for Pool Pros

    2026 is shaping up like a split-screen year for the pool industry: pool construction and remodeling cool off under higher interest rates, while the pool service business stays surprisingly steady because repairs and replacements don’t wait for “better timing.” I walk through what I’m seeing across the market and why some manufacturers are feeling real pressure even when service pros are still busy in the field. We dig into how a soft building market creates a chain reaction: fewer new projects means fewer equipment orders, which leads to overstocked distributors and retail stores, and that eventually shows up in manufacturer numbers for major pool equipment brands. I also talk about the quieter forces that steer customer buying, like brand recognition from automatic pool cleaners and how product changes can ripple into pumps, filters, and other upgrades down the road. Then we get practical for pool service operators. Inflation, fuel, and chemical costs keep climbing, and while we can often pass costs on, there’s a real price ceiling where customers push back or start shopping for discounted service. I share ways to protect profit without relying only on rate hikes, including trimming business “fat,” running tighter operations, and thinking about vehicles, debt, and efficiency like a larger company would. If you want more straight talk on pool industry trends and how to stay profitable in 2026 and beyond, subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more service techs can find the show. 2026 brings a mixed picture for the pool industry: new pool construction slows under higher interest rates while pool service demand stays steady. I break down what manufacturer sales trends, retail overstock, and inflation mean for your pricing and your profit heading into 2027. • higher interest rates cooling pool building and remodeling budgets   • why manufacturers feel pain when distributors and retailers are overstocked   • how pool service techs drive equipment sales at the point of failure   • Fluidra, Hayward, and Pentair brand dynamics and the role of cleaners as a lead-in product   • post-COVID build numbers returning toward pre-COVID levels and why service remains insulated   • inflation, fuel, and chemical costs and how far price increases can realistically go   • practical cost cutting ideas to protect margin without lowering service quality   • treating a service company like a lean corporation instead of a household extension   If you're looking for other podcasts, you can find this on my website, smallingfullearning.com. Click on the podcast icon icon there on the banner. And if you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolaicoaching.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

    Is the Pool Boom Over? What 2026 Means for Pool Pros

  4. 5d ago

    The Best Small Tools for Pool Service

    Your pool route doesn’t get easier because you work harder, it gets easier because you work smarter with the right gear on your truck. We walk through the underrated pool service tools that consistently save time in the field, even though most techs don’t think to call them “essential.” If you’ve ever fought a filter clamp, wrestled a stuck pump lid, or lost minutes on a union that won’t turn, this one is built for you. We start with a high-quality rubber mallet and why it’s a game-changer for filter cleanings and stubborn pump lids, especially if you’re tired of using your palm as a tool. From there, we get specific about extra large channel lock pliers, including how they help with Rainbow chlorinator lids, salt cell unions (with a rag to protect the plastic), and even jammed telescopic poles. The practical angle matters here: leverage, balance, and repeatable techniques that reduce strain and prevent damage. Then we get into the “weird but brilliant” kit, like keeping a tennis ball for dual-skimmer suction control and for emergency situations when equipment is below the water line and water won’t stop pouring out. We also cover duct tape for temporary, water-resistant fixes, plus the right lubricants for O-rings: Magic Lube where it shines and RV-grade silicone spray when you want a cleaner, faster application. Finally, we talk filter speed tools like a multi-torque socket set, along with simple helpers for drain plugs and clearing impeller debris when flow drops. If you got value from these pool maintenance tips, subscribe, share this with a pool tech friend, and leave a review so more service pros can find the show. What’s the most underrated tool on your truck? We share the underrated pool service tools we reach for constantly and explain the real field problems they solve. From faster filter cleanings to stuck lids, tight unions, and tricky suction issues, we lay out a simple kit that saves time and protects your hands. • Rubber mallet for seating filter clamps and loosening tight pump lids • Extra large channel locks for Rainbow chlorinator lids and stubborn salt cell unions • Using two channel locks for leverage and balance on misaligned plumbing • Tennis ball trick to isolate suction on dual-skimmer pools • Tennis ball workaround when equipment sits below waterline and valves fail • Duct tape for short-term emergency patches on cleaner parts and missing bleeders • Magic Lube for pump lid O-rings and protecting clamp threaded rods • RV-grade silicone spray for cleaner, longer-lasting filter tank O-rings • Multi-torque socket set and drill method to speed filter clamp work • Button hook or long Phillips for drain plugs and clearing clogged impellers Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. you can 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

    The Best Small Tools for Pool Service

  5. 6d ago

    The Hidden Downsides of Cartridge Pool Filters

    Cartridge pool filters have a loyal fan base, and they also get hit with the same two critiques over and over: you cannot backwash them, and you cannot easily vacuum to waste. We take those arguments seriously and walk through what is actually true, what is overstated, and what you can fix with smarter equipment choices. If you have ever wondered whether you picked the “wrong” pool filter, this breakdown will help you decide with confidence. We start with backwashing. Sand filters and DE filters rely on backwash to restore flow and drop rising PSI, but cartridge pleats do not shed debris that way. The key detail most people miss is capacity: a large quad cartridge filter in the 400 to 500 square foot range can hold dramatically more dirt than smaller DE setups, and it often goes four to six months between cleanings in many areas. In dusty regions like the desert, cleaning is more frequent, but the job can still be faster and simpler than you might think. Then we tackle filtration myths and real-world water clarity. DE filters can filter smaller particles on paper, yet the difference between 3 microns and typical cartridge filtration is not something you can spot with your eyes when chemistry, circulation, and maintenance are dialed in. We also get practical about the “vacuum to waste” advantage of multiport valves, how to add a waste bypass to a cartridge system, and the gear pros use when a pool is trashed after a storm or during a green pool cleanup. We finish with ways to reduce cleaning frequency using a cyclonic prefilter like the Waterco MultiCyclone, plus an honest look at mess, safety, and how long cartridges and DE grids really last today. If this helped you think more clearly about cartridge filters vs DE vs sand, subscribe, share this with a pool owner or pool pro, and leave a review so more people can find the show. We break down the biggest complaints about cartridge pool filters and test whether they hold up in real pool service. We compare cartridge, DE, and sand filtration on backwashing, water clarity, vacuum-to-waste options, cleaning mess, and long-term costs.   • why cartridge filters cannot be backwashed and why that matters less with large quad cartridges   • how square footage affects PSI rise, flow, and cleaning intervals   • micron ratings and why water clarity looks the same between cartridge and DE   • when vacuuming to waste is genuinely useful and what cartridge owners can add to get it   • prefiltration with a Waterco MultiCyclone to trap dirt before the cartridge   • cleaning speed tradeoffs and tools that reduce bending and time   • DE cleanup downsides, mess around the pad, and health concerns with DE dust   • realistic lifespan and replacement costs for cartridges versus DE grids today   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 also are interested in the coaching program, 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

    The Hidden Downsides of Cartridge Pool Filters

  6. Aug 11

    Black Algae: Can You Accidentally Infect Another Pool?

    Black algae can turn a clean pool into a never-ending battle, and the worst part is you might be spreading it yourself without realizing it. We dig into what “black algae” really is (often cyanobacteria), why it clings so stubbornly to plaster, and why the usual quick shock routine often fails unless you do the one step most people skip: aggressive brushing to break the protective heads so chemicals can reach what’s underneath. We also get specific about transmission and cross contamination. Spores can hitch a ride on anything wet, from a bathing suit that went from the ocean to the pool, to the damp tools riding in the back of a service truck. We talk through the biggest culprits, including nets, leaf rakes, bags, and especially stainless steel brushes, plus how low free chlorine levels make the next pool far more likely to “catch” black algae after exposure. Then we lay out a practical pool maintenance plan for black algae treatment and prevention: how to approach superchlorination safely, when topical products like granular trichlor or broken cal-hypo tablets can help, and how copper options (including chelated systems like PoolRx) fit into longer-term control without creating staining issues. If you want fewer callbacks, fewer route-wide outbreaks, and a clear plan for stopping black algae from coming back when chlorine dips, this one is for you. Subscribe for more pool service training, share this with a tech who needs it, and leave a review with your toughest black algae question. We break down why black algae is so hard to kill, why it often comes back, and why it is more like cyanobacteria than typical pool algae. We also explain how black algae can spread from pool to pool through damp tools and low chlorine, plus the practical steps we use to treat it and prevent cross contamination. • What black algae is and why it resists normal shocking • How spores can hitchhike on wet suits, towels, and pool tools • Why brushing the heads off is nonnegotiable for treatment • When superchlorination works and why circulation matters • Granular trichlor and cal-hypo tablet options for topical killing • Copper approaches like PoolRx and dosing cautions to avoid staining • Dedicated nets, rakes, and stainless brushes to stop route-wide spread • The “never let chlorine hit zero” rule after a black algae cleanup Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. From me, I'm a 35-year veteran in the industry. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, I've got the tools to help you succeed. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can 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

    Black Algae: Can You Accidentally Infect Another Pool?

  7. Aug 10

    The Right Way to Handle Pool Chemicals

    Pool chemicals do not wait for a “big mistake” to hurt you. Most injuries and long-term health problems come from tiny shortcuts repeated every day: bare hands on trichlor residue, a loose muriatic acid cap in the truck, or a quick DE recharge with no mask because you are trying to move fast. We share the safety habits we rely on in the field, including why gloves that actually resist pool chemicals matter, how we think about eye protection without going overboard, and what to do when routine starts making you careless. We also get specific about common products pool service techs touch constantly. Trichlor tablets can leave potent residue that chews through the wrong gloves. Muriatic acid can splash from one small transport error, so we break down smarter storage in cases, why loose bottles are asking for leaks, and what immediate rinsing should look like. Then we zoom out to chemical compatibility and transportation, including why acid and chlorine should never share a case and how a rear-end collision can turn poor separation into a toxic problem. Some of the biggest risks are the ones people shrug off. Diatomaceous earth (DE) dust is an inhalation hazard tied to silica exposure, so we talk masks, low-dust DE, and alternatives like perlite. Even test kits are not automatically “safe” just because the bottles are small. We cover OTO reagent hazards and why checking the Safety Data Sheet (SDS or MSDS) helps you make better decisions for your health and your business. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a pool pro who needs it, and leave a review so more techs find practical pool chemical safety guidance. We walk through the real-world risks pool pros face when handling common pool chemicals and how simple protective habits prevent burns, splashes, and long-term exposure. We also spotlight overlooked hazards like DE dust and OTO test reagents, then share practical ways to store, transport, and use chemicals more safely.   • wearing nitro-coated gloves to prevent chemical burns and skin exposure   • understanding why trichlor tablet residue can be especially harsh   • preventing muriatic acid splashes with better storage and cap checks   • protecting eyes with consistent eyewear and safer handling routines   • separating acid from chlorine during transport and storage to avoid toxic reactions   • treating DE powder as an inhalation hazard and using masks plus low-dust options   • reading SDS sheets to understand hidden risks in everyday products   • reconsidering OTO-based test kits and handling reagents with more care   Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.   If you're interested in the coaching program, 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

    The Right Way to Handle Pool Chemicals

  8. Aug 7

    How to Handle Dogs on Your Pool Route

    A dog-friendly backyard can turn a routine pool stop into a safety problem, a chemistry problem, and a pricing problem all at once. We’ve both seen it: you open the gate with your hands full, a dog tries to bolt, and suddenly you’re one misstep away from chasing someone’s pet through the neighborhood. We share simple habits that prevent the chaos, including how a quick distraction (like a chew treat) can buy you time to get inside safely and keep the gate secured. Then we get real about the risk most pool techs don’t want to talk about: even a “nice” dog can bite when it feels sick, threatened, or territorial. We walk through practical boundaries, what to watch for, and how to decide when an account is no longer worth it. We also cover tools some pros keep on the truck to create space and stay safe, plus why avoiding the incident in the first place is always the best plan. Finally, we tackle the elephant in the room: dogs swimming in the pool. If you’ve ever seen cloudy water, rapid chlorine loss, hair-packed skimmers, or a filter that looks like it swallowed a shedding machine, you know the struggle. We lay out a clear pool maintenance strategy using weekly enzymes, extra chlorine planning, longer pump run time, more frequent filter cleanings, earlier cartridge replacement, and “enhancers” like PoolRx paired with borates or phosphate remover. We also talk equipment that makes life easier, including suction-side cleaners with canisters and solar surface skimmers that keep dog hair from clogging baskets. If you service pools, this is the playbook for keeping dog pools manageable and making sure the customer pays for the extra load. Subscribe for more field-tested pool service advice, share this with a tech who needs it, and leave a review with your wildest “dogs on the route” story. We break down what dogs in the backyard really mean for pool service, from gate escapes and barking chaos to bite risk and account safety. We also lay out a practical plan for keeping dog-swimming pools clear, sanitized, and profitable with the right chemicals, equipment, and customer pricing.   • using chew treats to prevent dogs bolting through the gate   • staying alert because even friendly dogs can bite without warning   • recognizing when a dangerous dog makes an account not worth the risk   • carrying humane deterrents and safety tools for worst-case moments   • dealing with yard waste and what to do if it gets into the pool   • explaining why dog swimming drives cloudy water and fast chlorine loss   • adding weekly enzymes to reduce tile-line scum and buildup   • charging for extra chlorine and leaving customer-paid shock on site   • extending pump run time to support circulation and filtration   • cleaning filters more often and replacing cartridges sooner   • using PoolRx plus borates or phosphate remover for added protection   • upgrading cleaners and adding a solar surface skimmer for dog hair control   Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support. Learn more at Summipoollearning.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

    How to Handle Dogs on Your Pool Route
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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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