Chlorine for the Soul

Winter pool maintenance isn't just about balancing chemicals and skimming leaves – it's about surviving the elements while keeping your customers' pools pristine. For pool professionals in warmer climates like Florida, even a dip into the 40s can feel brutal when you're knee-deep in pool work at 8 AM. But for those in northern states? They're dealing with snow, ice, and temperatures that would make most of us hang up our nets for the season.

In this episode of Talking Pools Podcast, mother-daughter duo Andrea and Paulette dive into the reality of cold-weather pool maintenance, sharing hard-won wisdom about gear, mindset, and the eternal struggle of staying warm while keeping pools clean.

The Cold Weather Pool Professional's Dilemma

Every pool professional has been there – standing poolside in the early morning chill, watching your breath fog up while you contemplate whether that debris really needs to be netted out today. The contrast between regions becomes stark during winter months, as Andrea discovered when she posted about working in Florida's version of "cold."

Sometimes I post about how I hate vacuuming and it's really cold. And then some guys from like the northern states will jump in on my comment section and be like, I was vacuuming in the snow yesterday. I had to hammerhead my pool and there was snow all over the place.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

While northern pool professionals deal with legitimate snow and freezing conditions during pool closures, even those in warmer climates face their own cold-weather challenges. The key difference is expectation – when you're used to Florida sunshine, 40-degree mornings feel like arctic conditions.

Essential Cold Weather Gear That Actually Works

The conversation quickly turned to practical solutions, with both hosts sharing their recent gear purchases and what works in real-world conditions. The consensus? Cheap gear often does the job just as well as expensive alternatives, especially when you're likely to get chlorine on everything anyway.

Andrea's recent Walmart find – waterproof gloves for around $15 – proved that you don't need to break the bank for functional cold weather protection. Meanwhile, Paulette invested in Ridgecut gloves from her part-time retail job, praising their water resistance and durability.

I bought these cheap ass gloves. They were like 15 bucks, but they're like fake leather, supposedly waterproof. And then it had like the extra little cushy on the arms, you know? Like to keep you warm.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

The footwear discussion revealed another practical solution: waterproof socks paired with Crocs. While this combination might not win any fashion awards, it solves one of the most persistent problems pool professionals face – wet feet from morning dew and splashing.

The Wet Grass Problem Every Pool Pro Knows

If you've ever serviced pools, you know the feeling: that first step onto dew-soaked grass that immediately soaks through your shoes, leaving you with soggy socks for the entire day. It's one of those occupational hazards that clients never think about but can make or break a technician's comfort level.

The thing that I hate the most, I don't know if you hate this as well. I hate walking through wet grass. God, wet grass in the morning is the worst. Cause if you have gym shoes or whatever shoes, well, especially if you have gym shoes and socks, your feet just stay wet the entire day.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

The solution isn't just about waterproof boots – though Andrea's Black Friday Sperry duck boot purchase shows promise. It's about creating a system where you can stay dry during the wet parts of the job and adapt as conditions change throughout the day.

Layering Strategies for Changing Conditions

One of the biggest challenges in pool maintenance is dealing with rapidly changing conditions. You might start at 7 AM in 40-degree weather, but by noon, it could be 75 degrees and sunny. The key is strategic layering and having gear you can easily remove and store.

Both hosts emphasized the importance of having dedicated work clothes – items you can get chlorine on without worry. This mindset shift is crucial for new pool professionals who might be hesitant to invest in gear that will inevitably get damaged by chemicals.

The conversation about Hey Dudes illustrated this perfectly – cute shoes that lasted exactly one pool service before getting bleached by chlorine spillage. The lesson? Save the fashion statements for after work.

The Reality Check: Northern vs. Southern Pool Maintenance

The episode highlighted an interesting divide in the pool industry – the vastly different experiences of professionals in different climates. While southern pool pros complain about 40-degree mornings, their northern counterparts are dealing with legitimate winter conditions during pool closings.

This isn't just about toughness – it's about different business models and seasonal expectations. Northern pool companies build their entire business around seasonal closures, while southern companies operate year-round with different challenges and equipment needs.

I think that Florida should close pools and only have a couple of them open... Then we all get winters off like everybody else.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

While said in jest, this comment reflects a real consideration many year-round pool professionals have – the appeal of a true off-season for rest, equipment maintenance, and business planning.

Practical Tips for Cold Weather Pool Maintenance

Beyond gear recommendations, the episode provided several actionable strategies for making cold weather work more bearable:

Start Later When Possible: If your schedule allows, starting even an hour later can make a significant difference in temperature and dew levels.

Prepare Your Gear the Night Before: Keep gloves, extra layers, and waterproof gear in your truck so you don't forget them at home.

Invest in Quality Base Layers: Waterproof socks and moisture-wicking base layers can make cheap outer gear much more effective.

Have a Gear Transition Plan: Bring lighter alternatives for when the day warms up, and know where you'll store heavier gear.

Accept the Chemical Damage: Don't use expensive gear that you'll be heartbroken to ruin with chlorine spills.

Building Client Understanding

The humorous story about Andrea being photographed in her winter gear by a surprised retirement community resident highlights an important point – clients often don't realize the physical demands of pool maintenance. These moments can be opportunities to build understanding and appreciation for the work being done.

Educating clients about the challenges pool professionals face, especially regarding weather conditions and chemical exposure, can lead to better working relationships and potentially more flexible scheduling during extreme weather periods.

Winter pool maintenance doesn't have to be miserable, but it does require preparation, the right gear, and realistic expectations. Whether you're dealing with Florida's version of cold or genuine northern winter conditions, the key is finding equipment and strategies that work for your specific situation and budget. Remember, expensive doesn't always mean better – especially when chlorine will eventually claim most of your gear anyway. The goal is staying comfortable enough to do quality work while building a sustainable business that accounts for seasonal challenges.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Weather Complaints
• 05:30 Cold Weather Gear Shopping
• 12:15 Waterproof Socks and Boot Solutions
• 18:45 The Hey Dudes Disaster Story
• 22:30 Regional Differences in Pool Maintenance
• 28:00 Practical Cold Weather Tips