Andrea Debunks the Chlorine Lock Myth

Picture this: It's Labor Day, you're a pool professional, and your phone is buzzing with service requests. Do you answer the call and sacrifice your well-deserved break, or do you set boundaries and protect your time? In a recent episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Andrea and Paulette tackle this exact scenario while sharing valuable insights about running a successful pool business without burning out.

The Labor Day Dilemma: To Work or Not to Work

The episode kicks off with a relatable scenario that many pool professionals face during holidays. Andrea shares her experience with a persistent customer who couldn't respect boundaries:

I had a customer text me on Saturday, wants me to go give her an estimate on a pool... So I texted her back, and I said, thank you for the referral, but I will not be back to work until Tuesday. She's still freaking texting me today. All day. All day. And I ignored her.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

This situation highlights a common challenge in the service industry: customers who don't understand that service providers deserve time off too. Andrea's firm stance demonstrates the importance of setting clear boundaries and sticking to them, even when it means potentially losing a customer.

The hosts express sympathy for pool professionals who feel compelled to work on holidays, understanding that business owners face difficult decisions about maintaining service levels versus personal time. However, they strongly advocate for taking breaks when possible.

Smart Strategies for Holiday Coverage

Rather than working through holidays or doubling up on routes the following days, both hosts share practical approaches to managing holiday schedules. Andrea explains her method for solo operators:

So what I do is on any holiday week, my twice a week pools only get done once. And then I don't mind doubling up a little bit here and there if I need to. But I also take vacations and nobody gets done except for my commercial pools.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

For larger companies, Paulette describes a more systematic approach where customers are simply informed that service will be delayed, and only urgent issues are addressed on a case-by-case basis. This method prevents the stress and burnout that comes from trying to cram multiple days' worth of work into an already packed schedule.

The key insight here is that most pool maintenance can wait a day or two without catastrophic consequences. By managing customer expectations upfront and being consistent with policies, pool professionals can maintain their sanity while still providing quality service.

Charging What You're Worth

One of the most important topics discussed in this episode revolves around proper pricing and not giving away services for free. Andrea encounters a real estate professional who expects detailed pipe labeling and system identification at no charge. Her response is firm and instructive:

I'm texting her in the morning, and I'm like, I hope you realize that you're going to be... This is a service call, and you're going to be charged... Like, you're making money on this, and so therefore I'm going to make money on this.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

This scenario is incredibly common in the pool industry, where other professionals (real estate agents, property managers, etc.) often assume that pool technicians will provide complex services as a courtesy. The hosts emphasize that if someone else is making money from your expertise, you should be compensated appropriately.

The conversation also touches on the broader issue of undercharging in the pool industry. When discussing professionals who work holidays to avoid getting behind, the hosts suggest a simple solution: charge more so you can afford to take time off and maintain a reasonable workload.

The Power of Taking Real Breaks

Paulette shares her experience of taking a 10-day vacation where she completely disconnected from work responsibilities. Her approach to vacation time offers a masterclass in truly stepping away:

My goal was to not have to be anywhere at any specific time for any specific reason that was not my choosing... I didn't make any plans where I had to rush. I didn't have to be on someone else's schedule. I didn't have any like times to beat or deadlines to meet or anything like that. I just did whatever the hell I wanted.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

The results speak for themselves: she returned refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle her work with renewed enthusiasm. Moreover, having competent coverage meant zero emergency calls or problems during her absence, proving that proper systems and training can make extended breaks possible even in service industries.

This approach contrasts sharply with the "always available" mentality that many service professionals adopt. The hosts demonstrate that setting boundaries and taking real breaks isn't just beneficial for personal well-being—it's essential for long-term business sustainability.

Building Systems for Success

Throughout the episode, both hosts emphasize the importance of having reliable systems and backup coverage. Paulette's experience with having three qualified professionals cover her route during vacation illustrates how proper planning and training can make time off worry-free.

The discussion reveals several key elements of successful pool business management:

• Clear communication: Setting expectations with customers about holiday schedules and service delays
• Flexible scheduling: Adjusting service frequency during holiday weeks rather than trying to maintain impossible schedules
• Proper pricing: Charging appropriately for all services, including consultations and diagnostic work
• Boundary setting: Maintaining professional limits on availability and scope of work
• Quality coverage: Having trained professionals who can maintain service standards during absences

These systems don't just happen overnight—they require intentional development and consistent implementation. However, the payoff in terms of work-life balance and business sustainability is enormous.

The Bigger Picture: Industry Standards and Professional Respect

The conversation touches on broader issues within the pool industry, including the tendency for professionals to undervalue their services and expertise. The hosts advocate for a shift in mindset where pool professionals recognize their worth and demand appropriate compensation for their knowledge and time.

This includes understanding that diagnostic work, consultations, and system evaluations are valuable services that should be charged accordingly. Too often, pool professionals provide these services for free, hoping to secure maintenance contracts or equipment sales, but this approach devalues the entire industry.

The episode also highlights the importance of customer education. Many clients don't understand the complexity of pool systems or the expertise required to maintain them properly. By clearly communicating the value of professional services and maintaining firm boundaries, pool professionals can elevate both their businesses and the industry as a whole.

Conclusion: Sustainable Success in the Pool Industry

This Labor Day episode of Talking Pools Podcast delivers a powerful message about the importance of work-life balance and professional boundaries in the pool industry. The hosts demonstrate that taking time off, charging appropriately for services, and maintaining clear boundaries isn't just possible—it's essential for long-term success.

The key takeaways center around building sustainable business practices that prioritize both quality service and personal well-being. By implementing proper systems, setting clear expectations, and valuing their expertise appropriately, pool professionals can create thriving businesses that don't require constant sacrifice of personal time and energy.

Most importantly, the episode reminds us that taking breaks and setting boundaries ultimately benefits everyone involved. Well-rested professionals provide better service, make fewer mistakes, and maintain the enthusiasm and expertise that their customers value. It's not just good business practice—it's essential for building a sustainable and fulfilling career in the pool industry.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Labor Day Discussion
• 05:30 Holiday Work Policies and Boundaries
• 12:15 Vacation Coverage and Systems
• 18:45 Charging for Professional Services
• 25:20 The Importance of Taking Real Breaks
• 32:10 Building Sustainable Business Practices