Leaves don’t just make a mess, they steal your time, stress your body, and starve your margins. We break down a clean, repeatable system to handle heavy debris pools without burning out: what to avoid, what to automate, and where to invest so your route stays profitable even when the wind goes wild.

We start with selection strategy—why a mature business doesn’t need every account—and how saying no to chronic leaf traps can raise your average hourly return. Then we dig into gear that does real work between visits. The Pool Skim turns a return line into a secondary skimmer with a debris bag, pulling leaves off the surface before they clog the basket. Pair that with a reliable solar surface skimmer like the BETTA to keep the top clear all week. Together they stabilize flow, protect pumps, and reduce chlorine burn, making water balance easier and saving you emergency trips.

Next, we get tactical about the source: tree trimming. It’s not glamorous and trimming day can be messy, but the payoff is dramatic. We share the exact client framing that works—reduced equipment risk, fewer algae blooms, and more consistent clarity—and when to recommend it. From there, we set firm time caps per stop and outline how to price for debris-heavy service tiers. If a client wants pristine results after a storm, we show you how to quote it confidently and stick the landing without resenting the account.

Finally, we dive into tools that transform post-wind cleanups. Strong poles like Skimlite or Primate and large-mouth rakes like Purity Pool’s Red Baron or Gator handle bulk removal.

• choosing which pools to keep as you grow
• pool skim as a secondary skimmer on return lines
• solar surface skimmers for daily debris control
• tradeoffs in cost, looks, and reliability
• client education on tree trimming and equipment risk
• time limits, pricing tiers, and boundaries
• windstorm prep with strong poles and large leaf rakes
• cordless and cart-based vacuum systems compared
• ROI, route efficiency, and reducing strain
• links to m

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Saying yes to every pool is the fastest way to burn out your route and your margins. We break down a practical bidding system for weekly service, green pool cleanups, acid washes, and installs that protects your time, sets clear expectations, and helps you win the right work at the right price.

We start with the mindset shift: only bid work you’re ready to start. From there, we walk through a thorough site assessment that treats each pool like a home inspection—surface condition, equipment health, tree cover, access, and debris patterns all factor into time-on-site. You’ll hear why a strict no‑touch rule during bids prevents costly blame games, plus how to read client fit by talking through expectations before you ever pick up a pole.

Next, we get into pricing mechanics. Set a realistic baseline for an easy pool and scale up for gallons, complexity, and seasonal load. Ditch the “it evens out across my route” myth—each account must carry its true cost. We share a simple script for correcting an underbid without losing the client: own the mistake, explain the time gap, and offer a clear path forward. For green pools, we recommend tiered severity and a built‑in cushion to cover surprise revisits and chemical demand. For repairs and installs, use flat fees with adders for tight pads and re-plumbing so you get paid for both the job and the opportunity cost.

By the end, you’ll have the tools to bid with confidence, avoid troublesome accounts, and charge prices that reflect your expertise. If you’re landing every quote, you’re likely underpriced; aim to win fewer, better jobs that pay fairly and keep your schedule sane.

• committing to jobs you actually want
• assessing surfaces, equipment, debris, and access
• meeting clients and gauging fit
• no‑touch policy during bids to avoid liability
• building a baseline rate and scaling by time
• raising underbids with direct, honest language
• pricing green pools with a 20 percent cushion
• flat‑fee installs with adders for complexity
• focusing on opportunity cost and

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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
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Dust lines, cloudy steps, and second passes with a manual vac eat time and profit. We tackled the root problem—fine debris slipping through bags—and put the Bottom Feeder Cartridge Assembly Kit 2.0 to the test. The result is a portable vacuum that captures down to about 20 microns without losing thrust, letting us collect leaves and silt in one run while keeping maneuverability in tight spaces like spas and benches.

We break down why micron bags hit a wall as they load with dust, forcing water to bypass and spit from the bottom, and how a pleated cartridge changes the physics. The kit’s reverse-flow, fully sealed canister uses a Unicel C9405 element to lock debris in the core, so nothing escapes when you lift it from the pool or move to a spa. Its compact size keeps the cleaner balanced and easy to handle, yet it still holds around a pound of dirt—enough to handle multiple dusty pools before a rinse. For heavy leaf jobs, the threaded halo lets you swap from cartridge to bag in seconds, so you can adapt on the fly.

Expect no noticeable power drop compared to a bag; the Bottom Feeder and Shrimp keep full pull, and the five-inch throat on the Shrimp pairs especially well with the cartridge on top. When you add up fewer repeat visits, no manual vac setups, and longer intervals between cleanings, the ROI is clear—and the water clarity your clients see is even clearer.

• fine dirt limitations of micron bags
• cartridge filtration down to ~20 microns
• Unicel C9405 compact specs and build
• reverse-flow sealed canister design
• capacity around one pound of dirt
• when to use bag versus cartridge
• maintenance tips and storage basins
• thrust, balance, and power retention
• price point, savings, and ROI
• how to buy and available discount

Use code DVB100 to save $100 on the Bottom Feeder or Shrimp at thebottomfeeder.com.

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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/

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Pool Guy Coaching Group

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Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs)

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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

Ever wish you could drop a problem account without triggering a one-star review? We dig into a step-by-step method for ending service gracefully, using clear language, respectful timelines, and smart psychology to leave on good terms and protect your reputation. If you’ve battled heavy debris, unpredictable seasonal leaf drops, or customers who won’t fix failing equipment, this guide lays out exactly what to say and when to say it.

We start with the real reasons pros let accounts go—bad access, nonstop leaves, heavy use, and chemical instability—and then show how to frame the exit around route consolidation instead of blame. You’ll hear why “I’m out of your area” backfires, how a simple 30-day notice cools emotions, and how giving space can nudge reluctant owners to finally replace worn-out pumps and filters. We talk through the psychology of timing, the difference between standards and excuses, and the surprising power of leaving the backyard spotless on your way out.

We also tackle sales and reputation risks most service businesses overlook. Ghosting leads and failing to deliver bids are magnets for angry reviews, so we share a clean solution: price high to reflect true effort when a pool isn’t a fit. If they accept, your time is covered; if they decline, your brand stays intact. Finally, we cover when to refer a pool, when not to, and how small account bundles can be sold responsibly to tighten your route.

If you’re a pool service pro aiming for fewer headaches and stronger reviews, this playbook will help you exit with confidence and keep referrals flowing. Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share with a fellow pro, and leave a review to tell us your smartest exit move.

• main reasons to drop an account
• consolidation as a respectful exit script
• avoiding “out of area” excuses
• handling customer neglect with timelines
• using pricing to filter unwanted bids
• answering calls and delivering bids to guard reputation
• giving 30 days’ notice and leaving the yard tidy
• when to refer, when not to, and why
•

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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/

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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)

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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

Driving less can be the biggest raise you give yourself. We dive into how to tighten your pool service route so every mile worked actually pays, from drawing smarter borders to pruning outliers and building compact days that feel smooth even when things go sideways. You’ll hear a clear framework to map clusters, create crossover paths for flexibility, and avoid the trap of taking “just one” out-of-area account that costs you twice in time and stress later.

We get specific about choosing corridors and neighboring cities that balance workload after winds or storms, so you don’t get crushed in one zone while another sits clean. You’ll learn how to handle sensitive account changes with simple, client-friendly language, and how to partner with nearby pros to swap or transfer accounts without burning goodwill. We also break down when it makes sense to buy a small, tight route inside your target area, then sell or let go of far-flung pools to compress your map fast.

To keep the pipeline aligned with your plan, we share practical tactics for targeted Google and Facebook ads, neighborhood canvassing, and a disciplined lead filter that protects your borders. The result is a schedule designed by intent, not chance: day-specific clusters, predictable drive times, and time saved that turns into higher margins or earlier finishes. If you want to earn more by driving less—and keep your sanity when the winds kick up—this conversation gives you the playbook. If it resonates, subscribe, share with a fellow pro, and leave a quick review to help others find it.

• mapping current accounts into clusters
• designing crossover days for flexibility
• setting borders and pruning outliers
• diversifying cities to balance wind and debris
• smooth client transfers without drama
• partner swaps and mini-route purchases
• targeted ads and saying no to bad-fit leads
• day-specific scheduling that saves time

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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/

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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

Ready to grow your pool business without adding long days or heavy labor? We break down a simple strategy to boost revenue using services already hiding along your route: hot tubs, water features, chemical-only tiers, and filter cleanings. With clear systems, tight pricing, and smarter routing, you can turn five- to seven-minute stops into reliable income and keep your energy high all week.

We start by sizing the opportunity around hot tubs and share a practical spa maintenance system: program consistent circulation, choose a primary sanitizer you can replicate at scale, and use compact cordless vacs for quick debris removal. You’ll learn why a mineral plus bromine floater pairs well with occasional liquid chlorine shocks, how to set a filter rinse cadence, and what to charge for standalone spas versus pool-and-spa bundles. For technical breakdowns like heaters and leaks, we explain how to partner with local specialists so you stay focused on maintenance and margins.

From there, we move to water features and fountains—another fast, visible win. We cover vacuum tools that work in shallow basins, why dichlor plus liquid chlorine beats trichlor in small systems, and how to price by size and time. Then we map out chemical-only service tiers clients love: from pure chemistry checks to baskets, skimming, and brushing. These short visits slot neatly between full-service pools, smoothing your day while lifting revenue per hour. Finally, we show how filter cleanings can be marketed as stand-alone work that often converts into full-service accounts, with fair pricing for quad-cartridge and DE systems and simple upsells when parts are worn.

• sizing the hot tub market and standardizing spa care
• setting spa runtime and picking a sanitizer system
• fast service flow, vacuum choices, and filter rinse cadence
• pricing standalone spas and bundling with pool service
• partnering with specialists for spa repairs
• adding water features with dichlor and liquid chlorine
• building chemical-only tiers to smooth the route
• selling filt

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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/

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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.

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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 truck you drive can either protect your margin or quietly drain it, and most pros overestimate how much vehicle they really need. We walk through a practical, field-tested approach to choosing a pool service rig that balances chemical safety, daily ergonomics, and total cost of ownership. From compact cars with hitch carriers to mid-size workhorses and full-size comfort machines, we talk through what actually matters when you’re loading chlorine, parking in tight neighborhoods, and making 20 stops before lunch.

We dig into the real math on electric trucks versus gas and hybrids, including purchase price gaps, charging costs, and how route mileage affects payback. You’ll hear why an open bed often beats a van for chemical service, when a van still wins for repairs, and how to avoid carrying excess liquid that degrades in the sun. We compare fuel economy between popular models, call out the surprise benefits of lower bed rails and shorter wheelbases, and share tips for keeping your truck organized without hauling a rolling warehouse.

Reliability can swing more by model year than by badge, so we share a simple research process: check year-specific issues, confirm recall work, and look for warranty extensions on known components. Brands like Toyota and Honda often lead on dependability, but you should still verify the exact year you’re buying. By the end, you’ll have a clear checklist for test drives, load planning, and making a smart buy that fits your route, budget, and body. If this helped you think differently about your work truck, follow the show, share it with a fellow pro, and leave a quick review so others can find it.

• weighing compact, mid-size, and full-size trucks for route work
• pros and cons of vans for chemical service
• using personal vehicles with dry chemicals and carriers
• true cost of electric trucks versus gas and hybrids
• realistic cargo needs and safe chemical storage
• parking, ergonomics, and bed height for daily efficiency
• reliability by model year, recalls, and warranty extensions
• b

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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/

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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

Two truths shape modern pool care: the fundamentals haven’t changed, and expectations never stop rising. We dig into why pool service remains resilient through recessions, how green pools trigger vector control action, and why owners treat upkeep like insurance when a basic build can top $130,000. From chemistry that still works to routines that keep gear alive, we connect the dots between steady craft and smart business.

We also unpack the big shifts you’re seeing on the pad. Cartridge filters are outpacing DE thanks to regulation and better media, and automation is moving toward closed ecosystems where matching brands across controllers, VS pumps, and salt systems avoids painful integrations. With supply back to normal and prices stable—if not cheaper—you can quote confidently and prevent surprises. The real pressure point is labor: gig work pulled talent away, so we talk through hiring realities, training paths, and route design that keeps drive times short and margins strong.

Speed now wins the lead. We share practical ways to answer faster without burning out: call routing, message templates, and route apps that send service photos and notes before a client asks. You’ll hear why instant feedback reduces churn, how to market without getting lost in trends like truck wraps, and what to focus on if you want cleaner pools, happier clients, and a healthier bottom line in 2026. If you value no‑fluff advice, tight operations, and clear takeaways, you’ll feel right at home.

• resilience of pool service during downturns
• impact of vector control and green pool risks
• stable chemistry targets and long‑term fundamentals
• cartridge filters overtaking DE on new builds
• proprietary automation ecosystems and brand matching
• post‑COVID pricing stability and supply realities
• workforce shortages and gig economy effects
• faster response expectations for leads and clients
• route apps, photos, and communication systems
• practical operations, tight routing, and marketing focus

Send us a text

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The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100
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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