A customer drops a brand new “deal” pool cleaner into the water and suddenly you’re the bad guy because it doesn’t clean, doesn’t climb, and can’t be repaired. We dig into a problem every pool service business faces now that Amazon and online pool supply shopping are effortless: homeowners buying their own pool equipment and pool products without understanding compatibility, quality, parts availability, or long term cost. We walk through real examples that show how cheap pool cleaners can po...

Show Notes

A customer drops a brand new “deal” pool cleaner into the water and suddenly you’re the bad guy because it doesn’t clean, doesn’t climb, and can’t be repaired. We dig into a problem every pool service business faces now that Amazon and online pool supply shopping are effortless: homeowners buying their own pool equipment and pool products without understanding compatibility, quality, parts availability, or long term cost.

We walk through real examples that show how cheap pool cleaners can poison the whole idea of automatic pool cleaning in a customer’s mind, even when the right cleaner would work great. Then we shift into a practical approach that actually helps: sending customers direct links to the exact models we recommend, giving them a second choice, and clearly explaining what makes a “throwaway” cleaner versus a rebuildable unit with parts support.

From there we talk pool chemicals, especially trichlor tablets. Bucket size, season planning, and consistent sanitation matter, and buying the cheapest small bucket online can create mid season shortages and unstable chlorine levels. We also tackle the high risk request every tech hears sooner or later: “I bought a variable speed pool pump online, can you install it?” We cover warranties, performance differences, review red flags, and how to set expectations so you’re not stuck repeating the same install every few years.

If you’ve ever dealt with parts price pushback, OEM vs generic confusion, or customers comparing your invoice to online listings, this conversation gives you language you can use right away. Subscribe for more pool service tips, share this with a tech who needs it, and leave a review with your best strategy for handling customer supplied parts.

We break down why customer purchased pool gear often backfires, from bargain cleaners that barely move water to lookalike pumps with weak warranties. We share simple ways to guide online purchases, explain OEM value, and avoid endless price fights while keeping the pool running right.
• why ultra cheap pool cleaners fail and damage trust in automatic cleaning
• how to send recommended purchase links and offer a second best option
• trichlor tablet buying mistakes around bucket size, season planning, and consistency
• what to do when a customer asks you to install an Amazon variable speed pump
• warning signs in reviews and warranties and how to frame replacement costs
• handling parts markup pushback when Amazon shows lower prices
• tactics that reduce conflict like leaving old parts on site and letting customers source certain items
If you're looking for more podcasts, you can find those on my website, swimmingpoolearning.com, on the podcast icon. Click on that, there'll be over 2,000 podcasts for you to download and listen to. And if you're interested in the coaching program that I offer 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