E-192 Pool Nation Podcast - Taking Over Accounts, Equipment Inspections & Terms of Service

The Foundation of Professional Pool Service: More Than Just Nets and Chemicals

Running a successful pool service business goes far beyond the basics of "netting and jetting" or "splashing and dashing." In episode 192 of the Pool Nation Podcast, hosts Edgar DeJazuz, John "JJ" Flau-Lis, and Zach Nicholas break down the sophisticated approach required to properly acquire and service pool accounts. Their discussion reveals that true pool professionals must master equipment inspections, establish clear terms of service, and understand the intricate relationship between water chemistry and equipment preservation.

This isn't your typical pool maintenance conversation. Instead, it's a deep dive into the business acumen and technical expertise that separates seasoned professionals from weekend warriors in the pool service industry.

The Five-Point System for Account Acquisition

John Flau-Lis, owner of JJ Flau-Lis Pool Service in La Quinta, California, outlined their systematic approach to taking on new customers. While the hosts didn't reveal all their trade secrets in this episode, they emphasized the importance of having a structured evaluation process.

We're getting into the nitty gritty again, talking about the nuts and bolts of business and some of the technical stuff when it comes down to properly acquiring new accounts. We've had some pretty neat questions that have been shot to us.

— John Flau-Lis, Pool Nation Podcast

The discussion centered on five critical points that their company prioritizes every time they pick up the phone or acquire a new customer. This systematic approach helps ensure that both the service provider and the customer have clear expectations from the start, reducing conflicts and improving service quality down the line.

The hosts emphasized that proper account acquisition isn't just about saying yes to every potential customer. It's about evaluating whether you can provide the level of service needed and whether the customer's expectations align with your business model and capabilities.

Equipment Inspections: The Foundation of Professional Service

One of the most critical aspects discussed was the importance of thorough equipment inspections when taking over new accounts. This isn't simply a cursory glance at the pool equipment – it's a comprehensive evaluation that serves multiple purposes.

First, inspections help identify existing problems that could become costly issues if not addressed promptly. Second, they establish a baseline condition for all equipment, protecting the service provider from being held responsible for pre-existing damage. Finally, they demonstrate professionalism and technical expertise to the customer, justifying premium pricing.

The inspection process should cover all major components including pumps, filters, heaters, automation systems, and plumbing. Documenting the condition of each component with photos and detailed notes creates a paper trail that protects both parties and helps track equipment degradation over time.

Water Chemistry's Impact on Equipment Preservation

The podcast delved deep into a topic that many pool professionals overlook: the direct relationship between water chemistry and equipment longevity. John Flau-Lis, who will be teaching an advanced water chemistry class, emphasized that understanding this connection is crucial for professional pool technicians.

Too many times we do something in the backyard and we don't see an immediate issue from it but over time it becomes... at the end of the day if we can do something to prevent or to like I say preserve the equipment, it's our responsibility as a professional that they hire to do so.

— John Flau-Lis, Pool Nation Podcast

The discussion highlighted how improper water balance can slowly destroy expensive equipment. Corrosive water conditions can cause irreversible damage to heat exchangers, pump components, and other metal equipment. Unlike scaling, which can often be reversed, erosion from acidic conditions is permanent and costly.

This understanding allows professional pool technicians to position themselves not just as cleaning services, but as equipment preservation specialists who save customers thousands of dollars in premature equipment replacement costs.

Advanced Training and Continuing Education

The hosts announced an upcoming Raypack Boot Camp scheduled for May 17th in Oxnard, California, emphasizing the importance of continuing education in the pool industry. This particular class is described as a "201 level" course, meaning it's designed for professionals who already have foundational knowledge and want to advance their skills.

This is a live heater class and in this environment in their hot room they're going to have live heaters they have water run through them they are on and so this is an advanced class that they're going to go through a lot of diagnostics they're going to pull out the heat exchangers out of these heaters and you're going to completely tear those things apart.

— Edgar DeJazuz, Pool Nation Podcast

The hands-on nature of this training represents the level of technical expertise that modern pool professionals need to develop. Working with live equipment in a controlled environment allows technicians to gain experience with scenarios they might not encounter frequently in the field, but need to be prepared to handle when they arise.

John's upcoming water chemistry class will focus on real-world applications rather than textbook theory, addressing the gap between classroom learning and practical field experience.

Building a Professional Service Business

Throughout the episode, the underlying theme was the importance of approaching pool service as a professional business rather than a casual side hustle. This means developing systems, maintaining standards, and continuously improving technical knowledge.

The hosts discussed how proper documentation, clear communication, and technical expertise all contribute to building a reputation that allows for premium pricing. Customers are willing to pay more for service providers who demonstrate professionalism and can explain the technical aspects of pool maintenance in understandable terms.

I'm a big proponent of Bob Lowry and his teachings I 100% believe in LSI but I also believe that there's a better way of doing it and target chemistry is one of them and I'm briefly going to be focusing and talking about target chemistry and how if as a pool professional in the backyard if you understand that and you focus on that it will make your life a lot easier.

— John Flau-Lis, Pool Nation Podcast

This level of technical knowledge and the ability to communicate it effectively to customers is what separates professional pool service companies from competitors who compete solely on price.

Conclusion: Elevating the Pool Service Industry

The Pool Nation Podcast continues to push the envelope in terms of professionalizing the pool service industry. This episode's focus on systematic account acquisition, thorough equipment inspections, and the technical aspects of equipment preservation demonstrates the level of sophistication required to build a successful pool service business in today's market.

The key takeaway is that successful pool professionals must be part businessperson, part chemist, and part equipment specialist. They need systems for evaluating and acquiring customers, deep technical knowledge about water chemistry and equipment, and the communication skills to convey their expertise to customers.

As the industry continues to evolve, those who invest in continuing education, develop professional systems, and focus on technical excellence will thrive, while those who stick to basic "splash and dash" service will find themselves competing solely on price in a race to the bottom.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Banter
• 05:30 Account Acquisition Strategy Overview
• 12:15 Equipment Inspection Fundamentals
• 18:45 Water Chemistry and Equipment Preservation
• 25:20 Raypack Boot Camp Announcement
• 32:10 Advanced Training Discussion
• 38:00 Professional Business Development