E-249 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Pro Lawsuits Acid Fails & Million Dollar Mistakes

Picture this: You've been in the pool service business for 25 years without a single insurance claim. You're confident, experienced, and think you've seen it all. Then one routine pool draining job changes everything – flooding a customer's house and leaving you facing thousands in damages. This isn't a horror story; it's a reality that many pool professionals face every day.

In a recent episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, industry veterans Edgar De Jesus, John JJ Flawless, and Zach Nicholas sat down with insurance experts Danielle and Laurel from the SPPA (Service Professionals Pool Association) to dive deep into the world of pool industry insurance claims. What they uncovered reveals just how quickly a routine service call can turn into a financial nightmare – and more importantly, how to prevent it.

The Reality Check: When 25 Years of Experience Isn't Enough

The conversation began with a sobering real-world example that illustrates why even the most experienced pool professionals aren't immune to claims. Edgar shared the story of a colleague who had built a spotless reputation over decades:

It was one of the guys in our UPA chapter that had been in business 25 years, never had a claim. He went over to empty a pool in Santa Ana and he put it into the, and it was on the right P trap for the house, but I guess it was a very old house and some trees had grown roots through it and it flooded the house.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This incident highlights a crucial reality in the pool service industry: sometimes claims happen despite doing everything right. The pool professional followed proper procedures, but unforeseen circumstances – in this case, tree roots blocking old plumbing – created a situation beyond anyone's control.

The psychological impact of such incidents can't be understated. As Edgar noted about his colleague's reaction: "Did I ever think that this was going to happen to me? Absolutely not. No, especially after 25 years. You don't think it's going to happen to you." This false sense of security can leave experienced professionals unprepared for the financial and emotional toll of an unexpected claim.

The Hidden Dangers Pool Pros Don't See Coming

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the discussion was the revelation that many common pool service procedures carry hidden risks that most professionals never consider. The pool draining incident raises an important question about industry practices and risk assessment.

During the podcast, Edgar posed a question that many pool professionals have probably never asked themselves: "How do you determine whether or not there's, do you camera that before you were to put the water down the clean out? Is that something, how do you find out if there's a blockage in there?"

The honest answer reveals a gap in standard industry practices. Most pool professionals don't camera lines before draining pools, and for good reason – it would add significant time and expense to routine service calls. However, this creates a blind spot that can lead to costly surprises.

This example illustrates several types of risks that pool professionals face daily:

• Infrastructure risks: Old or damaged plumbing systems that aren't visible
• Environmental factors: Tree roots, shifting soil, or weather-related damage to drain systems
• Property-specific hazards: Unique characteristics of older homes or properties with previous undisclosed work
• Scope creep risks: When routine maintenance uncovers or triggers larger property issues

The Relationship Factor: When Good Customers Turn Bad

Perhaps one of the most disheartening aspects of insurance claims in the pool industry is how they can transform positive customer relationships. Even long-term clients can become adversarial when property damage occurs, regardless of fault.

It's unfortunate, right? When it comes to claims and stuff like that, how things can get very ugly very quickly, even with customers that you have a good relationship with. I think people tend to just try to throw whoever under the bus and kind of protect themselves, which is what happens.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This shift in customer behavior often catches pool professionals off guard. A homeowner who has been friendly and trusting for years can suddenly become litigious when faced with property damage, even if the pool professional followed all proper procedures.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for several reasons:

• Emotional preparation: Pool pros need to understand that claims can damage relationships permanently
• Documentation importance: Proper paperwork becomes even more critical when relationships sour
• Communication strategies: Knowing how to handle the immediate aftermath of an incident professionally
• Insurance as a business necessity: Not just financial protection, but relationship preservation

Beyond General Liability: The Complete Protection Picture

While the podcast focused heavily on general liability claims, the conversation touched on the broader spectrum of protection that pool businesses need. The hosts emphasized that protecting a pool business goes beyond just covering property damage incidents.

One of the things that we wanted to talk about and talk to pool pros and business owners about setting up their businesses for success from every aspect to it, right? There's a lot of that's not always talked about and that's obviously protecting your business, protecting your family, right? And that goes into a lot of different things, whether it's general liability, whether it's life, whether it's disability.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This comprehensive view of business protection includes several often-overlooked areas:

• Personal protection: Life and disability insurance for business owners
• Business interruption coverage: Protection when claims or incidents force temporary business closure
• Professional liability: Coverage for advice or recommendations that lead to problems
• Equipment and vehicle coverage: Protecting the tools of the trade
• Workers' compensation: Essential for businesses with employees

Learning from Industry Veterans: The Value of Shared Experience

The Pool Nation Podcast's approach to discussing insurance claims represents something valuable in the pool industry: experienced professionals sharing hard-won knowledge with their peers. The hosts' willingness to discuss uncomfortable topics like claims and business failures provides crucial learning opportunities for newer professionals.

The episode highlighted how industry associations like the SPPA play a vital role in educating pool professionals about business risks. Through partnerships with insurance experts like Danielle and Laurel, these organizations help bridge the gap between hands-on pool knowledge and business acumen.

This educational approach benefits the entire industry by:

• Raising awareness: Helping professionals understand risks they might not have considered
• Sharing best practices: Learning from others' experiences without having to make the same costly mistakes
• Building professional networks: Connecting pool pros with insurance and business experts
• Establishing industry standards: Creating consensus around professional practices and requirements

The Peace of Mind Factor: Why Coverage Isn't Just About Money

Throughout the discussion, one theme emerged repeatedly: the psychological benefit of having proper insurance coverage. The pool professional in Edgar's story expressed relief that he could "sleep at night" knowing his insurance would handle the claim.

This peace of mind extends beyond just financial protection. Proper insurance coverage allows pool professionals to:

• Take on challenging jobs: Without excessive worry about potential risks
• Focus on quality service: Rather than constantly worrying about liability
• Grow their businesses: Confidence to expand services and take on larger projects
• Maintain professional relationships: Insurance can help preserve customer relationships during difficult situations
• Sleep better: Knowing that unexpected incidents won't destroy their financial future

And he's like, did I ever think that this was going to happen to me? Absolutely not. No, especially after 25 years. You don't think it's going to happen to you. And it does. It does to a lot of people... And so he was like, I am so glad that I have coverage. I could sleep at night.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

The episode serves as a wake-up call for pool professionals who might be operating without adequate coverage or who haven't fully considered the range of risks they face daily. It's a reminder that insurance isn't just a business expense – it's an investment in professional longevity and peace of mind.

As the pool industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, the wisdom shared by experienced professionals like those on the Pool Nation Podcast becomes increasingly valuable. Their willingness to discuss the uncomfortable realities of claims and business risks helps create a more informed, better-prepared pool professional community – one that can continue serving customers while protecting their own financial futures.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Welcome and Introductions
• 02:30 Rodeo Adventures and Personal Updates
• 08:15 Pool Nation Events and Industry Updates
• 12:45 Real-World Insurance Claims Discussion
• 15:20 The 25-Year Veteran's Unexpected Claim
• 18:30 Hidden Risks in Pool Service Operations
• 22:00 Customer Relationships and Claims Impact