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When It Rains, It Pours: Real Problems Pool Pros Actually Deal With
In this episode, hosts Wayne & Steve pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes of running a pool service company—because it’s not all crystal-clear water and perfectly balanced chemistry.
Fresh off a wedding weekend (and still recovering), Wayne passes the mic to Steve, who walks us through a week where everything that could go wrong… did.
And not in theory. In real, messy, business-impacting ways.
🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The Reality of Running a Pool Company
- Why even well-run operations still deal with constant “fires” The difference between working in the business vs. on the business How quickly things unravel when you step away—even briefly
Commercial Pools Are a Different Beast
- Managing multiple bodies of water, spas, and fountains at a single property The hidden workload behind automated systems and chemical feeders Why one small mistake (like an injector adjustment) can create a massive chemical imbalance
When Communication Fails, Everything Fails
- Warranty work getting completed… without anyone being notified Clients, contractors, and manufacturers all operating on different timelines How poor communication creates liability—even when the problem is fixed
Insurance, Liability & Covering Your Ass
- Why every subcontractor should be listed as additionally insured What happens when something goes wrong and no one takes responsibility How to protect your business when working with third parties—even one-time vendors
Documentation is Everything (No Exceptions)
- Why photos, timestamps, and records are your best legal defense Real-world example: proving service visits when clients think you “never showed up” How poor reporting—even from a good employee—can damage trust instantly
Employee Management & Operational Breakdowns
- The importance of consistent reporting—even on busy days Why “I know they were there” isn’t good enough without proof How small gaps in documentation turn into big client issues
Client Challenges You Can’t Avoid
- New management taking over and resetting expectations overnight Clients resisting necessary maintenance like draining pools High-demand pools with structural limitations that cannot be solved with chemicals alone
The Business Side No One Talks About
- Handling unpaid invoices and difficult clie
Pool Industry Trade Organization
LaMotte Company
LaMotte Company is a leading manufacturer of water quality testing products & pool test kits
CMAHC
The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code promotes health & safety at public swimming pools
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