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. The Simple Pool Cleaner That Just Keeps Working

    1h ago

    The Simple Pool Cleaner That Just Keeps Working

    Robotic pool cleaners get all the hype, but hype does not keep a pool clean on Tuesday morning when the wind kicks up and dirt drops to the floor. We walk through why the suction side pool cleaner is still the number one choice for a lot of pools and a lot of pool service pros, especially when you care about total cost, repairability, and how often the cleaner truly runs without anyone “remembering” to use it.  I break down the real world reasons suction wins: a lower price point than most pressure cleaners and almost every quality robotic pool cleaner, no booster pump energy penalty, and fewer complicated parts when something wears out. Then we get specific on the models that matter and why: Polaris Atlas and Polaris Maxx for avoiding hang ups on modern anti vortex main drains and for strong wall climbing without that loud waterline air-sucking behavior, plus the Hayward Aquanaut for long wear life and simple refresh kits, and the Hayward TracVac as another solid option. For vinyl liner and fiberglass pools, we also talk about diaphragm style cleaners like the Zodiac G3 and Ranger and why they can be a better fit.  We also keep it honest about drawbacks, like hoses in the water and how leaf piles, twigs, or rocks can stop a suction cleaner. Finally, I share my favorite “best of both worlds” strategy: keep the suction cleaner in all week for consistent daily pool maintenance, then use a robotic pool cleaner when you want that party day polish and a hose-free look.  If you found this helpful, subscribe for more pool maintenance and pool equipment guidance, share it with a friend who is shopping for an automatic pool cleaner, and leave a review with the cleaner you use and why. We make the case that suction side pool cleaners are still the most practical automatic cleaners, even with today’s cordless robotic pool cleaners everywhere. We share the specific models we trust, the trade-offs we see on real pools, and why “always running” beats “sometimes used” for most owners and pool service routes. • Pentair discontinuations and why competition reshapes cleaner choices • a short list of suction side cleaners worth knowing instead of ten options • Polaris Atlas and Maxx performance on anti vortex main drains and wall climbing • Hayward Aquanaut as a long life low maintenance workhorse • Hayward TracVac as a strong third option with tracked design • Zodiac diaphragm cleaners for vinyl and fiberglass pools • suction cleaner advantages on price point energy use and simple repairs • real limitations with leaf piles twigs and rocks • hose aesthetics complaints plus the reality that most people get used to them • spot vacuuming an attached spa using the existing hose setup • why robotic cleaners fail on routes when customers do not put them in • the best combo plan suction during the week plus robot for party day polish 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, you can learn more at poleguycoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y 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

    19 min
  2. Pool School: Chemical Safety, Hidden Leaks & Saltwater Tips

    1d ago

    Pool School: Chemical Safety, Hidden Leaks & Saltwater Tips

    One careless twist of a lid can turn a normal pool stop into a choking, lungs-burning emergency. We get real about the kind of “pool guy knowledge” you usually learn the hard way and how to build safer habits before something goes wrong on your route. We start with trichlor tablets and why unknown buckets, sealed feeders, and even closed-off floaters can become a concentrated chemical gas trap when water gets inside. I share what it feels like when it hits you, why it happens, and the simple precautions that matter most: slow down, open from a safer position, and treat any self-contained trichlor container like it could be compromised. If you service pools for a living, this is core pool service safety, not optional caution. Then we shift to saltwater pool maintenance and the springtime reality of salt pool startup. I explain why you should not trust the salt system reading on its own, how a digital salinity meter helps you dial in the real salinity level, and why pool salt purity matters when you are choosing bags from a supplier or big-box store. We also cover a classic communication failure that leads to too much salt: the customer adds bags after you mention it, then you add more the next visit. Finally, we tackle the call every pool pro gets: “I think my pool has a leak.” We break down normal evaporation during heat waves, the red flags that suggest real water loss, and a practical bucket test you can run before anyone spends serious money on leak detection. If this helps you, subscribe, share it with a tech on your team, and leave a quick review so more pool pros can find it. We share the pool tech lessons that are easy to miss until they hit you hard, from trichlor fumes to salt mistakes and leak calls. We walk through safer habits and simple tests that protect your lungs, your time, and your customer relationships.   • opening unknown trichlor buckets with caution and distance   • understanding how water in tablets can create dangerous fumes   • using proper respiratory protection around sealed chemical spaces   • being careful with inline and offline chlorinators that can trap gas   • avoiding surprises with floaters that customers close off   • adding salt at seasonal startup and verifying salinity independently   • carrying a digital salinity meter instead of trusting the system reading   • using only pool salt for purity to reduce staining risk   • preventing double-dosing by clearly telling customers you are adding salt   • explaining normal summer evaporation versus abnormal water loss   • spotting leak indicators through water level changes and chemistry shifts   • running the bucket test before recommending leak detection services   Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.   If you finish in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolcoaching.com.   Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y 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

    19 min
  3. 37 Years Later: Advice I'd Give My Younger Pool Guy Self

    2d ago

    37 Years Later: Advice I'd Give My Younger Pool Guy Self

    If you could hop in a time machine and give your younger self one page of business advice, what would you say and what would you beg yourself to stop doing? I take that question seriously and go back to 1988 when I started pool service at 16. What comes out is a set of lessons that every pool technician, pool service pro, and pool route owner can use to build a calmer and more profitable business. First, I talk about a mindset shift that sounds risky but is actually freeing: most customers don’t care about their pool the way we care about their pool. They may not notice early plaster changes, small cosmetic issues, or the little things that can occupy our thoughts all week. That doesn’t mean we get lazy. It means we stop obsessing, stop carrying unnecessary stress, and focus our attention on the work that actually protects water quality, prevents algae, and keeps equipment running. Then I get practical about what not to do on a weekly pool maintenance visit. Cutting corners like skipping brushing, doing a half-vacuum, or assuming an automatic cleaner will finish the job often boomerangs into a worse pool next week and a customer who’s rightfully annoyed. I also share why your service truck is not just transportation but a key part of route efficiency, comfort, and reliability. Finally, I dig into customer service in the age of online reviews. I share a frustrating hotel story that reframed how I deal with complaints, pricing pushback, and tense conversations. The point is simple: winning the argument can mean losing the account. If you want your pool service business to last, build thick skin, stay professional, and make it easy for customers to feel taken care of. If this helps you, subscribe, share the episode with another pool pro, and leave a quick review so more techs can find it. I go back to 1988 and share what I’d tell my 16-year-old self about running a pool route without driving myself crazy. The big theme is balancing pride in your work with practical habits that protect your time, your reputation, and your customer relationships. • realizing most customers do not notice pool details like you do • avoiding obsessive thinking while still keeping high standards • cleaning with diligence instead of shortcuts that create next-week problems • using modern spot-cleaning tools to keep pools polished • treating your service truck as a reliability investment • handling complaints without arguing to protect reviews and retention Join the Pool Guy Coaching Program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer can learn more at poolcoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y 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

    20 min
  4. Big Industry News: HASA Buys Bio-Dex

    3d ago

    Big Industry News: HASA Buys Bio-Dex

    A chemical brand doesn’t survive since the 1960s by accident and Hasa’s acquisition of Biodex is a sign these formulas are sticking around for the long haul. We talk through why this partnership is a big deal for pool service pros, then get practical about the Biodex products that earn repeat use on real routes, not just on a spec sheet. If you’ve been hunting for reliable pool chemicals, proven stain removers, or safer ways to handle an acid wash, this one is built for you.  We start with Biodex Plaster White and Bright, an acid wash additive that changes the game by thickening the acid and water mix. That thicker, slow-moving coating helps you cover plaster more evenly, boosts brightening, and can reduce fumes while you work. We also share a straightforward mixing approach and how this small tweak can make an acid wash feel more controlled and consistent.  Next, we dig into Biodex Aquadex 50 Stain Off and the kinds of stains it can lift, from light brown discoloration to ugly streaks that can show up after adding certain salts with anti-caking additives. You’ll hear how to apply it, why brushing matters, and the biggest “don’t ignore this” warning: stain treatments can crush your free chlorine if you overdose, and pH in the low 7s can be the difference between mediocre and impressive results.  We also cover Biodex 300 Tile Cleaner and why it’s one of the strongest options for calcium scale, along with the handling cautions that protect decks, plaster, and even mosaic tile. We wrap with notes on algaecides, foam control, enzymes, and where to actually find Biodex products online without getting lost. Subscribe for more field-tested pool service tips, share this with a tech who fights stains, and leave a review with your toughest pool chemistry question. We break down why Hasa acquiring Biodex is good news for pool pros and why these long-running chemicals still earn a spot on a service truck. We share the Biodex products we trust most, how we use them in the field, and the safety and water balance details that decide whether they work or backfire. • why the Hasa and Biodex partnership matters for availability and product continuity • Plaster White and Bright as an acid wash additive that thickens the mix for better coverage and fewer fumes • Aquadex 50 Stain Off for metal and organic stains, including a real-world salt staining save • the chlorine drop risk with stain removers and why correct dosing matters • pH targets that improve stain treatment performance • Biodex 300 Tile Cleaner strength, handling cautions, and when to keep it away from employees or delicate surfaces • algaecide options including Skillet, plus foam and surface film considerations • Foam Down use cases and the reminder to fix the cause of foaming, not just the symptoms • where to find Biodex products online and how to navigate their product listings 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 https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y 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

    18 min
  5. The First-Year Mistakes Every Pool Service Owner Makes

    6d ago

    The First-Year Mistakes Every Pool Service Owner Makes

    Underbidding can feel like the fastest way to grow a pool route, until you realize you are working harder for less money and dreading stops you used to feel excited about. We walk through the business-side rookie mistakes that quietly wreck a pool service business, starting with the most common trap: quoting a pool, cleanup, or service call without accounting for the real variables that drive time, chemical cost, and effort. We get specific about what makes pricing tricky when you are new: pool size differences, heavy bather load, hidden debris from trees, and the true cost of green pool cleanups that require extra filter cleanings and a lot more chemicals than you expected. You will hear practical language for fixing an underbid the right way, including how to be honest with the customer, explain the reason for a rate change, and be willing to walk away rather than stay stuck in a bad deal that damages your mindset and your service quality. We also share a simple framework for pool repair and equipment installs using a baseline hourly rate, realistic time estimates that include parts runs, and the “headache factor” for tight equipment pads and unexpected plumbing. Then we zoom out to route efficiency, covering why outlying pools and problem accounts can drain your day, and when dropping them is actually the move that increases profit per hour and makes the work feel fun again. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave a review so more service techs can price with confidence. We break down the most costly rookie mistakes pool service pros make when building a pool route, especially pricing errors that quietly crush profit. We share practical ways to bid smarter, correct underbids without panic, and design a route that feels lighter and pays better. • Underbidding weekly service and getting trapped at a low rate • Spotting workload drivers during a bid like pool size, trees, and heavy use • Fixing a bad bid by owning the mistake and giving the customer options • Avoiding losses on green pool cleanups by pricing for time, chemicals, and filter cleanings • Setting a baseline hourly rate for installs and repairs • Adding a headache factor for tight equipment pads and surprise plumbing • Dropping outlying pools to reduce drive time and tighten the route • Letting go of problem accounts once replacement income is in place Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. Looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, it's awayfullearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at FoolGuyCoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y 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

    19 min
  6. Variable Speed Pump Sizing Made Simple

    Jul 2

    Variable Speed Pump Sizing Made Simple

    Buying a variable speed pool pump should feel like an upgrade, not a guessing game, but most people get stuck on the biggest horsepower number and end up overspending. We walk through a simple approach that starts with what you already have: match the total horsepower of your current single speed pump within a reasonable range, then use VS programming to run the lowest RPM that still gives you clean water and solid circulation. From there, we get specific about the two things that quietly control everything: voltage and plumbing. If you’re on 115V wiring, a dual voltage VS pump can’t deliver the same total output it would on 230V, so a “3 HP” label may not translate to real-world 3 HP performance. And if your pool has 1.5 inch suction and return lines, there’s only so much flow you can realistically push before you’re paying for power your system can’t use. That’s why many small pools, above-ground pools, and older pools are better served by a right-sized option like the Pentair SuperFlo VS class, while larger pools with attached spas and water features often justify stepping up to a true 3 HP VS pump so full-speed performance is available when you need it. We also talk practical install reality: sticking with the same pump brand and footprint (Pentair, Hayward, Jandy, and compatible drop-in options) can save time, reduce plumbing headaches, and make a swap feel close to plug-and-play. We finish with smart use cases like putting a VS pump on a water feature or booster pump, plus why variable speed pumps tend to last longer, run quieter, and deliver major energy savings when sized correctly. If this helps, subscribe, share the show with a pool owner or service tech, and leave a quick review so more people can stop buying the wrong pump. We break down how to choose the right variable speed pool pump for very small pools, older pools, and large pools without wasting money on horsepower your system cannot use. I share simple sizing rules tied to your current pump, your voltage, and your plumbing so you get good flow, strong features, and real energy savings. • matching total horsepower to your existing single speed pump within a reasonable range • why 115V wiring limits real horsepower on dual voltage VS pumps • how 1.5 inch plumbing caps the usefulness of oversized pumps • why downsizing too far can reduce spa jet force and water feature performance • when a 3 HP VS pump is the logical choice for large pools around 20,000 gallons or more • reliable smaller-pool options like the Pentair SuperFlo VS and when WhisperFlo VS fits better • choosing the same pump brand to simplify plumbing alignment and installation • using VS pumps for water features and booster pump replacements • why variable speed pumps often last longer and save more energy than single speed pumps Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at PogBankCoaching.com. 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 https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y 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

    18 min
  7. Pool Water Testing Explained: What Pros Actually Use

    Jul 1

    Pool Water Testing Explained: What Pros Actually Use

    Bad pool chemistry decisions usually start with one thing: a bad test. We walk through the real pros and cons of the tools most people rely on to test pool water, and why your “best” method changes based on whether you’re running 80 stops a week, bidding a new account, starting up fresh plaster, or managing commercial compliance. We compare test strips, Taylor-style reagent test kits (including the popular K-2005 and K-2006), photometers like the Pool Lab 2.0 and ColorQ 2X Pro, and high-speed options like the LaMotte Spin Touch. You’ll hear where each method shines, where it can mislead you, and how factors like reagent shelf life, tablet handling, and simple user error can swing your readings. We also dig into why photometers are so powerful for accurate pH and chlorine numbers, plus how digital logging can support commercial pool records and customer trust. To wrap it up, we share a practical “mix and match” approach for pool service businesses: use the affordable tools daily, verify weird results quickly, and pull out the precision gear when you’re balancing LSI or solving a stubborn problem. We also make the case for one digital tool that earns a permanent spot on your truck: a reliable TDS and salinity meter, while explaining why portable digital pH probes often create more hassle than value. If this helps, subscribe, share it with another pool pro, and leave a quick review with your go-to testing method. We break down the four main ways to test pool water and explain why “best” depends on your route, your budget, and how precise you really need to be. We compare speed, cost, accuracy, and real-world use cases so you can stop guessing and start testing with purpose.   • four common methods: test strips, reagent kits, photometers, digital testers   • why Taylor reagent test kits stay the most affordable option for weekly service   • the biggest drawback of reagent kits: color matching and human interpretation   • how photometers work and why they deliver more precise digital readings   • when logging and documentation matter for commercial pools and startups   • why LaMotte Spin Touch is fast but expensive to run   • when test strips are accurate enough and when they are not   • using strips to verify odd readings and quickly confirm low chlorine   • which test factors you do not need to measure every week   • how user technique affects photometer accuracy with tablets and drops   • why a TDS and salinity meter is the most useful digital tool   • why portable digital pH probes often create more work than value   Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.   Looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, swingingpolearning.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 https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y 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

    18 min
  8. Should You Buy a Cheap Variable Speed Pool Pump?

    Jun 30

    Should You Buy a Cheap Variable Speed Pool Pump?

    A $300 variable speed pool pump can feel like the smartest upgrade you’ll make all year, until you try to plumb it in, dial in the flow, or keep it running past the first season. We dig into the budget VS pump wave hitting Amazon and big box retailers, and I share what I’d want any pool owner or pool service pro to understand before betting their circulation system on a bargain listing. We start with the unglamorous stuff that decides whether the install is easy or painful: equipment pad layout, inlet and outlet alignment, and why matching your existing pump family (Pentair, Hayward, or Jandy) often saves time and avoids surprise replumbing. From there, we get into the numbers that matter in real backyards. Horsepower ratings and “performance” claims don’t always translate to real head pressure, especially on complex pools with spas, water features, long plumbing runs, or higher resistance systems. If the pump can’t push water, everything downstream suffers. Next, we talk reliability and total cost of ownership. Cheap variable speed pumps can work, but the components and the drive electronics are often where corners get cut, and reviews commonly point to early failures. We also cover practical deal breakers: finding replacement parts, getting someone willing to service an off brand pump, and whether a standalone VS pump will communicate with automation systems like EasyTouch or Aqualink. Finally, I lay out smarter alternatives, including mid priced brand name VS pumps and a budget friendly approach many people overlook: replacing just the motor and drive (Century or Nidec) while keeping a solid wet end. If you’ve been tempted by a too good to be true price, listen all the way through, then subscribe, share it with a pool owner who’s shopping right now, and leave a quick review. What’s the lowest price you’d trust for the pump that runs your whole pool? We break down the real pros and cons behind the $300 to $700 variable speed pool pumps showing up on Amazon and at big box stores. We walk through install fit, honest performance, drive reliability, and why the cheapest option can get expensive fast.   • why low cost variable speed pumps can still run   • equipment pad alignment and why the inlet matters   • horsepower and head pressure claims that may not match reality   • a real service story where flow problems exposed an off brand pump   • cheap components, short lifespan reviews, and total cost math   • limited replacement parts and the risk of no service support   • automation drawbacks with EasyTouch and Aqualink systems   • better alternatives like mid priced name brands and motor plus drive retrofits   Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.   If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at Pool PoolGuyCoaching.com. Send us Fan Mail Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/ Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy  Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y 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

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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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