Here's Why Algae is NOT the Pool Pros Fault

If you've ever been a pool professional dealing with green water and angry customers pointing fingers, this episode hits close to home. The reality is that algae outbreaks often stem from factors completely outside your control – and it's time both customers and fellow pool pros understood why.

The Perfect Storm: Why Pools Turn Green Despite Proper Service

Spring and early summer create a perfect storm of conditions that challenge even the most experienced pool professionals. As Andrea explains her recent struggles, it becomes clear that multiple environmental factors converge to make algae management incredibly difficult during seasonal transitions.

That's been my problem for a couple of weeks now. It's just been almost every pool's been getting algae. And it gets really frustrating because then people are like, oh, what are you doing wrong?

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

The frustration is palpable, and it's not just coming from customers. Other pool professionals can be equally judgmental, creating additional stress for technicians who are already dealing with challenging conditions beyond their control.

The Hidden Water Addition Problem

One of the biggest culprits behind unexpected algae blooms is unreported water addition by homeowners. This seemingly innocent act of topping off the pool can completely throw off carefully balanced water chemistry.

The problem is particularly acute in warmer climates where evaporation rates skyrocket, especially when homeowners continue running heaters despite rising outdoor temperatures. As Andrea notes:

So much evaporation right now. So, the homeowners are adding water. And then they're just adding water, adding water, adding water. And that's why your chems are off, too, because they're still here and adding water.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

This constant dilution of sanitizer levels creates an environment where algae can quickly take hold, leaving pool pros scrambling to explain green water to frustrated customers who don't understand the connection between their well-intentioned water additions and the resulting problems.

Environmental Challenges Pool Pros Can't Control

Beyond water additions, several environmental factors make spring and summer pool maintenance particularly challenging. Pollen loads increase dramatically, providing organic material that feeds algae growth. Rainy seasons dilute chemicals further, while increased temperatures accelerate both evaporation and algae growth rates.

Location matters too. Pools situated near beaches face additional challenges from salt air and higher temperatures, while properties with significant bird populations deal with constant organic contamination. These factors compound to create situations where even perfectly executed service routes can struggle with water quality issues.

Adjusting Your Approach for Seasonal Challenges

Successful pool professionals adapt their maintenance strategies to account for seasonal challenges. This means proactive adjustments rather than reactive responses to problems.

Key adjustments include:

• Increasing stabilizer levels slightly to account for dilution from water additions
• Running equipment longer to improve circulation and filtration
• Increasing pump RPMs for better water turnover
• More frequent filter changes during high-pollen seasons
• Proactive use of phosphate removers and enzymes

The bad thing about now is, okay, so April and May, I always try to change the filters, put new ones in. And I start, you know, doing the phosphate removers and making sure all my stabilizers are good because you got all the pollen and everything.

— Paulette, Talking Pools Podcast

Managing Customer Expectations and Education

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of dealing with seasonal algae issues isn't the technical side – it's managing customer relationships and educating them about factors that contribute to water quality problems.

Clear communication about the impact of water additions, weather conditions, and environmental factors helps customers understand that green water doesn't automatically indicate poor service. Setting expectations early in the season about potential challenges can prevent many conflicts later.

Some customers will be more receptive to education than others. The key is remaining professional and factual when explaining the science behind water chemistry and algae growth, even when customers become confrontational about issues beyond your control.

The Saltwater Pool Misconception

The episode touches on a common customer misconception about saltwater pools and chlorine. Many customers believe saltwater pools don't use chlorine, leading to resistance when pool pros need to add liquid chlorine to address problems.

First of all, he's knocking on my truck window... he's already like been a jerk about adding chlorine to his salt water. Cause the daughter's allergic to chlorine and la, la, la, la, la, la, la.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

This highlights the ongoing need for customer education about how saltwater systems actually work – they produce chlorine through electrolysis, meaning the sanitizer is still chlorine regardless of the generation method.

Practical Strategies for Challenging Periods

When facing difficult seasonal conditions, successful pool professionals implement several practical strategies:

• Proactive chemical adjustments: Slightly higher stabilizer levels and salt concentrations to account for dilution
• Equipment optimization: Longer run times and higher pump speeds for better circulation
• Enhanced filtration: More frequent filter changes and cleaning during high-contamination periods
• Preventive treatments: Regular use of phosphate removers, enzymes, and algaecides
• Customer communication: Clear explanations of seasonal challenges and their impact on water quality

The goal is staying ahead of problems rather than constantly reacting to them, which requires adjusting standard maintenance protocols to match seasonal conditions.

Standing Your Ground on Professional Standards

Sometimes maintaining water quality means standing firm on professional standards, even when customers push back. This might mean refusing to add salt to a leaking pool or insisting on proper chemical treatments despite customer preferences.

Professional integrity requires making decisions based on what's best for the pool and long-term water quality, not just what makes customers happy in the moment. This can create tension, but it's essential for maintaining professional standards and protecting both the pool and your reputation.

The key is explaining your reasoning clearly and professionally, helping customers understand why certain approaches won't work or could cause additional problems.

Seasonal pool maintenance challenges are inevitable, but they don't have to derail your business relationships or professional reputation. By understanding the environmental factors that contribute to water quality issues, adjusting your maintenance approach accordingly, and educating customers about the realities of pool chemistry, you can successfully navigate even the most challenging periods. Remember – green water during peak algae season often reflects environmental conditions, not service quality. Stay professional, stick to proven chemistry principles, and don't let uninformed criticism undermine your confidence in doing the job right.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Seasonal Preparation
• 05:30 Algae Problems and Customer Reactions
• 12:15 Water Addition and Evaporation Issues
• 18:45 Stabilizer and Chemical Management
• 25:20 Bird Contamination and Difficult Customers
• 35:10 Saltwater Pool Misconceptions