Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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 (buzzsprout.com/110832/fan_mail/new)
Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!
HASA REWARDS App
hasa.com/hasa-app
The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100
store.thebottomfeeder.com
Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:
getskimmer.com/poolguy
Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA
Support the show (buzzsprout.com/110832/support)
Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:
Visit my Website: swimmingpoollearning.com
Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@SPL
Podcast Site: 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! 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
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 (buzzsprout.com/110832/fan_mail/new)
Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!
HASA REWARDS App
hasa.com/hasa-app
The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100
store.thebottomfeeder.com
Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:
getskimmer.com/poolguy
Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA
Support the show (buzzsprout.com/110832/support)
Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:
Visit my Website: swimmingpoollearning.com
Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@SPL
Podcast Site: 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! 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
