Show Notes
A windstorm can turn a clean backyard pool into a debris-filled mess in a single afternoon and if you service pools for a living, that mess multiplies across your entire route. We talk through what windy weather really means for a pool service business during Santa Ana wind events and other regional wind patterns, including why the first major storm of the season is often the most brutal. The goal is not perfection in one stop. The goal is a repeatable process that keeps circulation going, protects your schedule, and keeps you from wrecking your body trying to leaf rake every pool to the floor.
We share the exact “wind policy” structure we use in our service agreement: start by cleaning the filtration system (skimmer basket, pump basket, restoring prime), then skim the surface, then tackle leaves on the bottom, and vacuum only when conditions and time allow. That order matters when baskets are jammed, pumps lose prime, and you’ve got 15 pools in similar shape. We also get into real-world storm hazards like patio chairs, umbrellas, potted plants, and even barbecues ending up in the water and why a simple pre-storm reminder to secure items can prevent hours of chaos.
Then we go practical with equipment: why you should carry extra leaf rakes and a backup pole, and why a proper pool vacuum system is a game-changer during severe leaf and dirt events. We compare everyday options to heavier-duty vacuums designed for trashed pools, and we explain how customer education can help too, like leaving a pole and leaf rake onsite so homeowners can skim ahead of your service day without touching anything risky.
If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave a quick review so more service techs can find these storm-season strategies.
We get real about how extreme wind events can wreck a pool route and why trying to “make it perfect” in one visit burns you out fast. We share the wind policy we use, the cleanup order that keeps pools running, and the tools and customer habits that make storm weeks survivable.
• Santa Ana wind season expectations and why the first storm hits hardest
• using a written wind clause to protect time and reduce complaints
• prioritizing pump and skimmer basket cleanup to restore circulation
• skimming first and treating bottom cleanup as a later step when needed
• asking customers to secure patio furniture and loose yard items before storms
• carrying backup leaf rakes and an extra pole for breakage
• choosing a vacuum system that can handle heavy leaves and dirt
• leaving a pool pole and leaf rake onsite so customers can help safely
• handling pushback by explaining route math and daylight limits
Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.
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
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
Listen On
Also In Season 10
-
Can You Service a Pool Without Doing Repairs?
You don’t have to be a full-time mechanic to run a real pool service business. W -
Are You Building a Future—or Just Working for Life?
Your pool route might be profitable, but it also comes with a deadline most peop -
Can DIY Pool Owners & Pool Pros Coexist?
Your customer says they’re “pretty handy” and offers to handle the filter cleani