E-201 Pool Nation Podcast - Algae Attack: Mastering Pool Algae

When Pool Pros Call for Help: Tackling the Season's Biggest Challenges

Picture this: it's peak pool season, the weather has shifted from cool to blazing hot seemingly overnight, and your phone is ringing off the hook with frantic pool owners dealing with green, murky disasters in their backyards. Sound familiar? You're not alone. The Pool Nation Podcast recently brought together industry veterans to tackle one of the most persistent problems plaguing pool professionals everywhere: algae attacks and seasonal maintenance nightmares.

When host Edgar DeJesus and the team found themselves "bombarded with a lot of calls, with a lot of in-season problems," they knew exactly who to call – industry expert Alicia Stevens. As Edgar noted, Stevens "dropped everything that she was doing" to join the podcast and share her expertise during this critical time when pool professionals need it most.

The Perfect Storm: Weather, Timing, and Pool Problems

This season has been particularly challenging for pool professionals across the country. Co-host Zach Nicholas painted a vivid picture of the current situation, explaining how the transition from cool to warm weather creates a perfect storm of issues.

I feel like every time we transition from cool weather to warm weather, it's a rush of kind of re-getting things aligned and figuring that out. And so I've been jumping out in the field and trying to help out where I can. The guys have been going crazy.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

The weather hasn't been cooperating either. Nicholas mentioned dealing with "a tremendous amount of rain this year" and tropical storm systems that have created additional challenges for pool maintenance professionals. When pools are constantly being diluted with rainwater and then hit with intense heat and sunlight, it creates ideal conditions for algae blooms and chemical imbalances.

These weather patterns, combined with the seasonal rush, mean that pool professionals are working longer hours while dealing with more complex problems. It's no wonder that many in the industry are feeling overwhelmed during what should be their busiest and most profitable time of year.

Understanding Algae: The Green Menace

Algae problems are perhaps the most visible and frustrating issues that pool owners face, and consequently, they generate the most panicked calls to pool service professionals. Stevens, who jokingly mentioned she "saw the big green pool in the sky" when called to help, understands that algae issues require both scientific knowledge and practical experience to resolve effectively.

The challenge with algae isn't just about adding chemicals and hoping for the best. Different types of algae require different treatment approaches, and environmental factors like recent weather patterns can significantly impact how quickly and effectively treatments work. When pools have been subjected to heavy rains followed by intense heat, the chemical balance becomes more complex, and standard algae treatment protocols may need to be adjusted.

Pool professionals need to understand not just how to treat algae, but how to prevent it from recurring. This means looking at circulation patterns, filtration effectiveness, sanitizer levels, and environmental factors that contribute to algae growth.

The Reality of Emergency Calls and Client Expectations

One aspect of the pool service industry that often goes unrecognized is the pressure that comes with emergency calls and unrealistic client expectations. The podcast hosts shared a humorous but telling anecdote about receiving calls at inappropriate hours for issues that may not actually constitute emergencies.

John is out today. You got to call at 3 o'clock in the morning about a pool issue. And so he was... It better be dire for somebody to call me at 3 in the morning with a pool issue. And I just can't imagine what's that dire.

— Edgar DeJesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This highlights a common challenge in the pool service industry: the need to set appropriate boundaries with clients while still providing excellent service. Pool owners often don't understand the difference between a true emergency that requires immediate attention and an issue that can wait until normal business hours.

Successful pool professionals learn to educate their clients about what constitutes an emergency while also building systems that allow them to respond effectively when truly urgent situations arise. This might include having after-hours protocols, emergency contact procedures, and clear communication about service expectations.

Building Industry Expertise and Professional Development

One of the recurring themes throughout the podcast episode was the importance of continuous learning and professional development in the pool industry. The hosts' enthusiasm for bringing in experts like Stevens demonstrates their commitment to sharing knowledge and elevating the entire industry.

Stevens' willingness to "drop everything" to help fellow professionals speaks to the collaborative nature of the pool industry at its best. When experienced professionals share their knowledge freely, it benefits everyone – from seasoned veterans dealing with unusual problems to newcomers who need to build their foundational knowledge.

The podcast also highlighted upcoming industry events, including a Women's Summit that will feature presentations on various aspects of professional development, from technical skills to leadership and communication. These events serve as crucial opportunities for pool professionals to network, learn new techniques, and stay current with industry trends.

Practical Strategies for Managing Seasonal Challenges

While the podcast focused heavily on algae issues, the broader theme was about preparing for and managing the challenges that come with peak pool season. Successful pool professionals develop systems and strategies that help them handle the increased workload while maintaining service quality.

This includes having proper diagnostic tools and testing equipment, maintaining adequate chemical inventories, and building relationships with suppliers who can provide quick turnaround on specialty products. It also means having contingency plans for weather-related issues and understanding how environmental factors affect pool chemistry.

Communication becomes even more critical during busy seasons. Pool professionals need to manage client expectations, provide clear timelines for problem resolution, and keep customers informed about the steps being taken to address their concerns.

The Human Side of Pool Service

Despite dealing with technical challenges like algae blooms and equipment failures, the pool service industry is ultimately about people. The camaraderie evident among the podcast hosts, their appreciation for industry partners, and their genuine concern for helping fellow professionals succeed reflects the collaborative spirit that makes the pool industry special.

We love you just because you're Alicia, right? That's the first thing. But the fact that we called you and were like, hey, here's something that we want to do for you to just drop everything that you're doing and jump on a plane and come out here and spend some time with us. We really appreciate it.

— Edgar DeJesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This personal approach to business relationships creates a support network that helps professionals navigate challenges more effectively. When pool service technicians know they can reach out to experienced colleagues for advice or assistance, it improves outcomes for everyone involved.

The seasonal challenges facing pool professionals are real and significant, but they're also manageable with the right knowledge, tools, and support systems. By focusing on continuous learning, maintaining professional relationships, and staying prepared for common seasonal issues, pool service professionals can turn their busiest season into their most successful one.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcomes
• 02:30 Current Season Challenges and Weather Issues
• 05:45 Welcoming Alicia Stevens - Algae Expert
• 08:15 Emergency Calls and Industry Reality
• 12:00 Women's Summit and Professional Development
• 18:30 Deep Dive into Algae Problems