Fiberglass Startups and Unicorn Farts

Picture this: you take one day off for a public holiday, and return to find 23 frantic pool owners demanding their green, neglected pools be transformed into crystal-clear oases by Wednesday. Welcome to the reality of peak pool season, where preparation meets panic, and only the most skilled professionals can navigate the chaos with grace.

In a recent episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Australian pool pro Peter shared his wild experience during King's Birthday weekend, offering valuable insights into seasonal demand, professional challenges, and the technical expertise that separates successful pool businesses from the competition.

The Perfect Storm of Seasonal Demand

Peak pool season doesn't just arrive gradually—it hits like a tidal wave. Peter experienced this firsthand when temperatures jumped from the low-to-mid 70s Fahrenheit to a forecasted 93°F, triggering a mass exodus of homeowners to their neglected pools.

23 customer inquiries that day, 15 of whom were for new customers, all wanting their pools sorted by Wednesday. You see over here, temperatures have been low to mid-20s Celsius. That's about low to mid-70s Fahrenheit consistently for the last fair while. Wednesday was forecast as 34 Celsius, which is 93 Fahrenheit. So all these people saw the forecast, went out to their pools, took the cover off for the first time, saw that it had gone green, or saw that their equipment had packed up.

— Peter, Talking Pools Podcast

This scenario illustrates a critical business reality: customers don't plan for pool maintenance—they react to weather forecasts. The most successful pool professionals prepare for these seasonal surges by building strong teams, maintaining efficient processes, and setting realistic expectations with customers.

What made Peter's situation even more remarkable was the source of these inquiries. All 15 new customers came through referrals, demonstrating the power of reputation and quality service in the pool industry. This referral-driven growth is the gold standard for sustainable pool businesses, but it requires consistent excellence and professionalism.

The Concrete Jungle: Mastering Difficult Cleanup Jobs

Not all pool problems are created equal. Some of the most challenging and potentially profitable jobs involve cleaning up construction debris, particularly concrete dust and aggregate stones that settle in pools after nearby construction work.

Peter shared his experience with two dramatically different concrete dust cleanups that highlight why these jobs require expertise, patience, and flexible pricing strategies. The first job went smoothly, with 95% completion in a single visit. The second, however, presented unique challenges that transformed a routine cleanup into a complex restoration project.

I've never seen one like it. It's almost like the cement dust reset underwater. So there are chunks of cement that appear to be cement stuck to the surfaces of this pool, particularly steps, seats and floor. Fibre glass pool, so I can't pull out the stainless steel brush and have a go for risk of damaging the gel coat.

— Peter, Talking Pools Podcast

These challenging jobs require specialized knowledge and careful technique. With fiberglass pools, aggressive scrubbing can damage the gel coat, while vinyl-lined pools present even greater risks of puncture or tearing. The presence of stones, sealants, and underwater-hardened cement creates a puzzle that demands both technical skill and problem-solving creativity.

The cleanup process typically involves balancing water chemistry, adding aluminum sulfate to bind particles, and vacuuming to waste—but each situation is unique. Some jobs might require multiple pump replacements due to the harsh conditions, while others might need acid washing of the water line to remove stubborn residue.

Pricing Strategy: Why Hourly Beats Fixed Quotes

One of Peter's most valuable insights concerns pricing strategy for complex jobs. While many customers prefer fixed quotes, certain types of work simply cannot be accurately estimated without hands-on assessment.

When people say, oh, what's the price range? And I say, I've done some for a few hundred dollars. Some have gone to a few thousand. It really depends. How big is your pool? All the normal factors. You know, how big is your pool? How much gunk is at the bottom of it? How sticky is it? How many stones are there?

— Peter, Talking Pools Podcast

This honest approach to pricing protects both the service provider and the customer. Variables like pool size, debris quantity, material adhesion, and equipment wear make accurate upfront pricing impossible. Professionals who offer fixed quotes on these jobs either lack experience or risk significant financial losses.

The key is education and transparency. Peter explains the variables to customers upfront, helping them understand why hourly pricing is necessary. This approach builds trust and sets appropriate expectations, leading to better customer relationships and more successful project outcomes.

New Pool Startups: The Hidden Chemistry Challenge

New pool installations and resurfacing projects present their own unique challenges, particularly with water chemistry balance. Many pool installation companies focus on getting the job done quickly, often leaving behind improperly balanced water that can cause long-term problems.

Peter emphasized the importance of proper startup procedures, especially for fiberglass pools where installers might rush through the final stages. The visual appearance of crystal-clear water can actually be a red flag, indicating severely imbalanced chemistry that could damage equipment or create safety issues.

During new pool startups, water chemistry often shows extreme readings: pH around 7.0, alkalinity near zero (under 10 ppm), and hardness levels that vary dramatically. These conditions require careful, gradual adjustment to achieve proper balance without shocking the system or damaging new surfaces.

The startup process becomes more complex with resurfaced pools, where chemical reactions between new materials and fill water create unpredictable chemistry conditions. Professional oversight during these critical first days can prevent expensive problems and ensure optimal long-term performance.

Professional Excellence in a Competitive Market

The pool service industry faces a significant shortage of qualified technicians, yet some professionals still compete primarily on price rather than value. Peter's observations about this phenomenon reveal important insights about building a sustainable, profitable pool business.

I've got customers out there. They'll charge for a full service. They'll charge two thirds of what I charge and they'll include chemicals. How is that sustainable? Unless their car runs on unicorn farts or something rather than actual fuel that they have to pay for.

— Peter, Talking Pools Podcast

This race to the bottom hurts the entire industry. Some competitors operate without insurance, creating risks for themselves and their customers. Others provide substandard service while charging premium prices, damaging customer trust across the board.

Success in the pool industry requires continuous learning, professional presentation, fair pricing, and reliable service delivery. The most successful professionals invest in education—whether through podcasts, training programs, or industry resources—and charge appropriately for their expertise.

Building a referral-based business takes time and consistency, but it creates sustainable growth and allows professionals to be selective about their customer base. Quality work speaks for itself, and satisfied customers become the best marketing tool available.

Lessons from Down Under: Key Takeaways for Pool Professionals

Peter's experiences offer valuable lessons for pool professionals regardless of location. The seasonal surge in demand requires preparation and realistic capacity planning. Complex jobs need flexible pricing strategies that account for unknown variables. New installations and resurfacing projects demand specialized knowledge of chemistry and surface compatibility.

Most importantly, professional success comes from continuous learning, honest communication with customers, and fair pricing that reflects the true value of expertise and service. The pool industry needs more qualified professionals who understand both the technical and business aspects of the trade.

As pool season peaks around the world, these insights from Australia and New Zealand remind us that excellence in pool service requires much more than just skimming leaves and adding chemicals. It demands technical expertise, business acumen, and the professional integrity to educate customers and deliver consistent results—even when their expectations seem as unrealistic as cars running on unicorn farts.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Season Update
• 02:30 The King's Birthday Weekend Rush
• 08:45 Banking System Failures and Business Impact
• 12:20 Concrete Dust Cleanup Challenges
• 18:10 Pricing Strategies for Complex Jobs
• 22:35 New Pool Startup Chemistry Issues
• 28:50 Industry Professionalism and Competition