Fires, Pollen, and Witches’ Brew with Andrea and Paulette

Spring brings its own unique set of challenges for pool professionals—from dealing with pollen-induced health issues to navigating complex client relationships. In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Andrea and Paulette dive deep into the realities of pool service work, sharing everything from natural remedies for seasonal allergies to serious safety concerns about chemical storage and handling.

Natural Remedies for Pool-Related Pollen Allergies

Many pool professionals suffer from seasonal allergies, particularly when cleaning pools filled with pollen. Andrea shares her experience with a persistent cough that wouldn't go away despite trying various remedies.

I have had pollen in my pools and whenever I have pollen in my pools, I have an extra bad cough that won't go away no matter what I try. Except you know what worked? Well, this lady that... So I was cleaning a pool and this lady was like doing the landscaping around me. And she was like, ginger, lemon, honey, and garlic. And make a tea out of it.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

The landscaper's recommendation proved effective: a tea made from ginger, lemon, honey, garlic, and cinnamon. Andrea also learned an interesting tip about using jarred garlic instead of fresh garlic for medicinal purposes. According to her friend's advice from Barbados, jarred garlic works better because the oil it sits in becomes infused with the garlic, making it more potent for treating cough and allergy symptoms.

Other natural remedies discussed include Manuka honey, which can be expensive but offers superior health benefits. Andrea notes that while local honey options are available, authentic Manuka honey from Australia provides unique therapeutic properties worth the investment for serious health concerns.

Chemical Safety: Lessons from Biolab Fires

The podcast addresses serious safety concerns following multiple Biolab facility fires, particularly focusing on trichlor-related incidents. These events serve as crucial reminders for pool professionals about proper chemical storage and handling.

As Category 4 Hurricane Laura approached, Biolab took steps to remove chemical products from the facility via trucks. Because some trucks never arrived, however, over 1 million pounds of trichlor, as well as other chemicals, were left on site ahead of the storm.

— Paulette, Talking Pools Podcast

The 2020 Louisiana incident occurred when Hurricane Laura damaged buildings, allowing rainwater to contact stored chemicals. This water contact caused the trichlor and other chemicals to ignite, decompose, and react, creating a toxic chlorine gas plume that affected the surrounding community.

The hosts emphasize that while pool professionals often joke about wet chlorine buckets and tablets, the reality is much more serious. Water contact with certain pool chemicals can generate dangerous heat and potentially cause fires or toxic gas releases.

It's easy to become like, what's the word I'm looking for? Or like, you don't like, it never happens. You're like lazy about it. Yeah, you're like, sure. It's not going to happen. Oh, it's not that big of a deal. You know, oh, I mix it all the time and nothing bad ever happens. And it's like, well, just be careful because it does. It does happen.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

Navigating Difficult Client Relationships

Andrea shares a detailed account of her experience with a problematic property management company, illustrating the importance of maintaining professional standards and proper documentation in business relationships.

The situation involved a property manager overseeing two commercial pools who consistently created conflicts. When repair work was needed, the manager bypassed Andrea's reasonable estimate to hire a neighboring company, likely receiving kickbacks for the referral.

My estimate was to just install it because it was there and there was nothing wrong with this erosion feeder. They just ripped it out. And so when I got there on that Friday, I saw them there pulling this erosion feeder out of their truck. So I just did a U-turn and I said, fuck it. I'm done.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

The situation escalated when the replacement company, which had also handled the pool resurfacing, unnecessarily removed a functioning erosion feeder and then charged $1,400 to install a new one. Andrea's solution would have been a simple service call to reinstall the original equipment.

The property manager attempted to manipulate the situation by claiming Andrea was in breach of contract, but Andrea had maintained meticulous documentation. She provided the board members with email screenshots, proposals, and a detailed timeline proving her professional conduct throughout the ordeal.

The Importance of Documentation and Professional Standards

This client conflict demonstrates several crucial business lessons for pool professionals. First, written contracts with clear terms protect both parties. Andrea's contract required 30-day written notice from either party for termination, which she properly provided.

Second, the property manager's attempt to hide Andrea's competitive proposal from the board members shows why direct communication with decision-makers is valuable when possible. The board members were shocked to learn they never saw Andrea's significantly lower estimate.

The resolution came when board members requested that Andrea continue service if she didn't have to deal with the problematic property manager. They also asked for recommendations for a new management company, suggesting the manager faced termination for her unprofessional conduct.

Professional Growth Through Difficult Situations

These challenging client interactions, while stressful, often lead to better business practices and stronger professional relationships. Andrea's experience shows how maintaining professionalism, keeping detailed records, and standing firm on reasonable boundaries can ultimately lead to positive outcomes.

The property manager's poor reputation was evident from online reviews, with the company receiving only two stars and complaints about rude behavior. This reinforces the importance of maintaining professional standards and treating service providers with respect.

For pool professionals, this situation illustrates why it's sometimes necessary to fire clients who consistently create problems, even when it means short-term financial loss. The stress and time spent dealing with unreasonable demands often aren't worth the compensation.

Seasonal Challenges and Practical Solutions

The episode also touches on various seasonal challenges pool professionals face, from equipment issues to environmental factors like pollen and allergens. The hosts' discussion of natural remedies provides practical alternatives to over-the-counter medications for allergy sufferers.

The combination of health tips, safety warnings, and business advice reflects the multifaceted nature of pool service work. Professionals in this field must be knowledgeable about chemistry, equipment repair, customer service, and business management while maintaining their own health and safety.

These real-world experiences shared by Andrea and Paulette provide valuable insights for both seasoned professionals and those new to the industry. Their candid discussion of challenges and solutions helps create a supportive community within the pool service industry.

Whether dealing with seasonal allergies, chemical safety concerns, or difficult clients, the key themes remain consistent: prioritize safety, maintain professional standards, document everything, and don't be afraid to make difficult business decisions when necessary. These principles apply not just to pool service but to any service-based business where professionals must balance technical expertise with customer relations and business management.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Pollen Allergies
• 05:30 Natural Remedies for Pool-Related Health Issues
• 12:15 Client Relationship Challenges
• 18:45 Contract Disputes and Documentation
• 25:20 Biolab Fire Safety Lessons
• 32:10 Chemical Storage Best Practices