Beyond the Strip: Getting TDS Right

If you've ever stared at your TDS meter wondering whether those numbers actually mean anything for your pool's health, you're not alone. In this episode of Talking Pools Podcast, water testing guru Wayne Ivesick breaks down the mysteries of Total Dissolved Solids testing, while we also dive into crucial insurance considerations for growing pool service businesses.

The Truth About TDS Testing in Saltwater Pools

One of the most common misconceptions among pool professionals is that high TDS automatically means it's time to drain and refill. Wayne Ivesick addresses this head-on when responding to listener questions about proper TDS testing procedures.

You can't tell if the chemistry is good by looking at it. It wasn't clear yesterday!

— Wayne Ivesick, Talking Pools Podcast

The reality is that TDS readings need context. A saltwater pool with a TDS reading of 4,000 ppm might be perfectly fine if the water is clear and balanced, while a traditional chlorine pool with the same reading could indicate serious problems. The key is understanding what's contributing to those dissolved solids and whether they're affecting water quality or equipment performance.

When evaluating TDS in saltwater pools, consider these factors:

• Water clarity and overall appearance
• Presence or absence of algae issues
• Salt generator performance
• Bather comfort (burning eyes, skin irritation)
• Chemical demand patterns

Proper Testing Equipment and Calibration

The accuracy of your TDS readings depends heavily on proper equipment use and calibration. Wayne emphasizes the importance of understanding your testing equipment, particularly when dealing with electronic testers like the Lamont pocket testers mentioned in listener questions.

For calibration standards, proper storage is crucial. Most calibration solutions can be reused if stored properly in sealed containers, but always check manufacturer recommendations. The investment in quality testing equipment pays dividends in accurate readings and better service delivery.

When comparing different testing methods – whether it's electronic testers, salt generator readings, or retail store tests – expect some variation. The key is consistency in your methodology and understanding the limitations of each testing approach.

Insurance Realities: 1099 vs W2 Employees

As pool service businesses grow, the transition from 1099 contractors to W2 employees becomes inevitable in many states. This shift brings significant insurance implications that business owners must understand.

Generally speaking, I'm not going to make the mistake. One of my guys or gals is going to make the mistake. And at the end of the day, I'm the business owner. I'm going to be the one stroking the check to remedy it.

— Steve Sherwood, Talking Pools Podcast

The conversation with Pat Grignon from California Pool Association reveals important differences in insurance requirements and costs between states. While some states like Florida allow up to three employees without requiring workers' compensation, most states mandate coverage once you have W2 employees.

Key considerations for growing businesses include:

• Workers compensation requirements vary by state
• General liability policies factor in payroll and employee count
• The "load" of W2 employees adds approximately 10% to payroll costs
• Commercial auto insurance becomes critical when providing vehicles

Managing Employee Turnover and Insurance

One of the most practical concerns for pool service businesses is how employee turnover affects insurance coverage. The industry's notorious difficulty in finding and retaining good help makes this a critical consideration.

The policies are – that we have are all rated where you don't have to give, you know, somebody's name. It's not specific to an individual. You got four field techs. You got coverage for four field techs.

— Pat Grignon, California Pool Association

This flexibility in coverage structure eliminates the administrative burden of constantly updating policies as employees come and go. However, commercial auto policies require more specific information, including driver records and license verification.

The hiring process must now include insurance considerations. A candidate with an excellent work ethic but a poor driving record could become uninsurable, affecting your ability to provide them with a company vehicle.

Cost-Effective Insurance Solutions

Traditional insurance policies often involve complex auditing processes and variable costs based on revenue or payroll. However, innovative policy structures are emerging that simplify coverage for service companies.

The flat-rate approach mentioned in the podcast offers several advantages:

• Predictable monthly costs for budgeting
• No year-end audits or payroll verification
• Consistent pricing regardless of 1099 or W2 status
• Simplified administration for business owners

At approximately $800 annually for basic coverage plus $300 per field technician, these streamlined policies can provide substantial savings compared to traditional insurance that might cost $70-80 per employee per month through other associations.

Training and Risk Management

Perhaps the most important aspect of managing a growing pool service business is ensuring proper training and risk management protocols. As the podcast discussion reveals, business owners can't be present for every service call once they scale beyond a single technician.

I always tell everyone, like, you are not in the backyard with this guy. So you need to make sure that you hire people that you trust that they are going to do the job every time the same way.

— Steve Sherwood, Talking Pools Podcast

This reality underscores the importance of:

• Comprehensive initial training programs
• Standardized procedures and checklists
• Regular quality control visits
• Clear communication protocols with customers
• Proper documentation of services performed

The insurance coverage provides a safety net, but the goal should always be preventing incidents through proper training and procedures.

Whether you're trying to master TDS testing or navigate the complexities of business insurance, the key themes remain consistent: understand your tools, follow proper procedures, and don't hesitate to ask questions when you need clarification. The pool service industry's success depends on professionals who take the time to get the details right, from water chemistry to business protection.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
• 02:30 Insurance Interlude: 1099 vs W2 Employees
• 15:45 Workers Compensation and State Requirements
• 22:10 Managing Employee Turnover and Insurance
• 28:30 TDS Testing Questions from Debbie
• 35:20 Saltwater Pool TDS Guidelines and Best Practices