Here's What's in Steve's Pool Toolbox

Every pool professional knows the frustration of arriving at a job site only to realize they're missing a crucial tool. After two decades in the pool industry, Steve from the Talking Pools Podcast has assembled what he calls his essential pool toolbox – a carefully curated collection of tools and techniques that can handle whatever challenges arise in the field. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, having the right equipment can mean the difference between a smooth service call and a costly return trip.

The Foundation: Smart Approach to Pool Service

Before diving into specific tools, it's important to understand the philosophy behind effective pool service. Steve emphasizes a principle that guides all his equipment choices and service methods:

I always say that to all my employees and all the people that take the CPO class with me. I always tell them that I'm always going to talk about time, money, and energy. And if I can save myself time, money, and energy, it really, really helps. And also, if I can just make my job easier and work smarter and not harder.

— Steve, Talking Pools Podcast

This approach influences everything from tool selection to service methodology. The goal isn't just to get the job done – it's to do it efficiently, professionally, and profitably. Steve also uses a memorable analogy to emphasize the importance of proper preparation:

I always say it like, if you're going to a gunfight, you want to bring a gun, right? You don't want to have a knife at a gunfight. It probably isn't going to go too well for you. So again, you have to have the right jobs, the right tools for the job.

— Steve, Talking Pools Podcast

Essential Wrenches and Grip Tools

At the heart of Steve's toolbox are several specialized wrenches that handle the unique challenges of pool equipment maintenance. The star of his collection is a ratcheting wrench that has proven indispensable over the years:

One of the tools that has helped me the most throughout my career is literally this little like ratcheting wrench. And I have two of them because I keep one in my toolbox and I keep one at home because it's that handy.

— Steve, Talking Pools Podcast

This tool, originally called the Robo Grip, is particularly effective for the screws that go in and out of pumps. Steve likes it so much that he keeps backup units both at work and at home.

For those hard-to-reach areas, particularly the drain plugs on FNS plus filters and cartridge filters, Steve recommends an oil filter wrench from any home improvement store. This $10 tool opens to two inches and can grab virtually anything, making it perfect for those tight spaces that would otherwise require contortion or multiple trips to the truck.

For stubborn unions and older equipment, large channel locks are essential. However, Steve offers an important caveat: manufacturers typically want connections hand-tight only. If you must use the channel locks for final tightening, limit it to less than a quarter turn to avoid damaging seals or threads.

Specialized Cleaning and Maintenance Equipment

Vacuum equipment forms a crucial part of any pool service toolkit. Steve recommends having both a standard blue vacuum hose with concrete head and a triangular vacuum head, which he believes actually performs better than the traditional concrete version for regular cleaning.

For spot cleaning and detailed work, Steve swears by what he calls a "cheater vacuum" – a specialized tool that connects to your hose and pole, allowing you to suction debris directly without the full vacuum setup. This tool is particularly valuable for commercial accounts with unusual spa areas or when you need to do quick touch-ups after brushing.

Beyond vacuum equipment, Steve emphasizes the importance of having a dead blow hammer or rubber mallet. Unlike regular hammers, these tools allow you to tap filter tops and pump lids without risking damage to plastic components. This seemingly simple tool can save hundreds of dollars in replacement parts over time.

Power Tools and Electrical Equipment

Modern pool service has been revolutionized by power tools, and Steve considers both an impact drill and a regular drill essential equipment. These tools shine when working with multi-torque systems for filter maintenance:

And it makes your life a hell of a lot easier. I used to, you know, hand do this and use like a ratchet and different things like that. And my service manager, he actually, you know, when I first met him, I was like, how did you get that off already? I was like, I just went to the truck and he was, he just showed me the drill. And I was like, and the light bulb just went off in my head.

— Steve, Talking Pools Podcast

The efficiency gains from using power tools extend beyond filters to heater maintenance, where removing 20+ screws for deep cleaning becomes much more manageable with the right equipment.

Even for professionals who don't do electrical work, Steve recommends carrying wire strippers and a basic multimeter. Often, equipment failures result from simple wiring issues – a loose connection or damaged wire – that can be fixed on the spot rather than requiring a return visit with parts.

A comprehensive set of screwdrivers is also essential, including both Phillips head and flat head varieties in multiple sizes. Steve particularly values the small screwdrivers often given away at trade shows, which are perfect for working with control systems and moving wires during equipment maintenance.

Chemical Tools and Testing Equipment

While Steve and his co-host Wayne have extensively covered testing equipment in previous episodes, he emphasizes that the specific test kit matters less than understanding its capabilities and limitations. The key is using equipment that gives you the best chance of maximizing profitability by providing accurate readings.

For chemical transport, Steve recommends specialized containers that can hold multiple gallons of different chemicals safely. Some technicians create custom cart systems for their trucks, but the goal remains the same: professional appearance and safe transport that doesn't risk spills on client property.

One specialized product Steve keeps on hand is Surface Magic from Jack's Magic – a biodegradable surfactant that helps disperse debris like pollen and small leaves to the pool edges for easier removal. This is preferable to dish soap, which shouldn't be introduced to swimming water.

Net Selection and Debris Management

Proper debris removal requires having the right nets for different situations. Steve recommends carrying two types: a standard net for regular debris and a silk net with fine mesh and double bagging for smaller particles that would pass through standard netting.

The key is matching the net to the situation – using the silk net for fine debris but switching to the standard net for large leaves to avoid overwhelming the finer mesh. This simple strategy can significantly reduce cleaning time and improve results.

Steve also emphasizes the importance of presentation and organization. Carrying multiple gallons of chemicals and various tools requires planning to maintain a professional appearance. Whether using commercial chemical carriers or custom solutions, the goal is to arrive at each job site prepared and organized.

The tools in Steve's collection represent years of field experience and continuous refinement. Each item serves a specific purpose and has proven its value through real-world use. From the humble ratcheting wrench that's earned a permanent spot in both his work and home toolkits to the specialized vacuum attachments that handle unique cleaning challenges, every tool contributes to the larger goal of working smarter, not harder.

Success in pool service isn't just about technical knowledge – it's about having the right equipment, using it efficiently, and maintaining the professional standards that keep clients satisfied and businesses profitable. Steve's toolbox represents a practical blueprint for achieving those goals, developed through two decades of hands-on experience in the pool industry.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Pool Professional Toolbox
• 05:30 Testing Equipment and Water Chemistry Tools
• 12:15 Essential Wrenches and Grip Tools
• 18:45 Vacuum Equipment and Cleaning Tools
• 25:20 Power Tools and Electrical Equipment
• 32:10 Chemical Management and Specialized Products
• 38:00 Net Selection and Debris Removal Strategies