Buffett, Brine, and Badass Boundaries: Pool Biz Gets Salty

Ever wonder what Warren Buffett, pool chemistry, and business boundaries have in common? They're all essential ingredients for success in the pool industry, and this week's Talking Pools Podcast serves up a compelling mix of all three. From Wall Street making waves to the nitty-gritty of chlorine chemistry, plus some hard-earned wisdom about standing your ground as a business owner, this episode is packed with insights that every pool professional needs to hear.

Wall Street Gets Wet: Pool Industry Stocks Make a Splash

The pool industry is making serious waves on Wall Street, and the numbers are looking better than a crystal-clear pool on a summer day. The biggest news? Warren Buffett himself has added Pool Core to Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio, signaling serious confidence in the industry's growth potential.

Wall Street got wetter than a spectator at a cannonball contest today as the pool industry stocks made a huge wave, leaving investors scrambling for their swim trunks and margaritas.

— Host, Talking Pools Podcast

Pool Core hit $364.36, up $3.18 for a solid 0.88% increase. But the real surprise came from Leslie's, which jumped 3.62% to $2.87 a share after previously treading water. According to industry insiders, panic buying of chlorine tablets by concerned customers fueled much of Leslie's recent success.

The podcast also mentioned Ray Pack's launch of the Avia HD with Nitec, a heavy-duty pool heater designed for modern pool professionals. With winter approaching and water temperatures dropping, innovations in heating solutions couldn't come at a better time.

Chemistry Class: Understanding Available Chlorine Content

If you've ever been confused by chlorine labels and percentages, you're not alone. The podcast breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in pool chemistry: Available Chlorine Content (ACC).

Available chlorine content or ACC is perhaps the most confusing concepts to grasp. The term was created as a means of comparing the bleaching and disinfecting power of the different chlorine compounds.

— Host, Talking Pools Podcast

Here's the key insight: ACC is simply a comparison tool that measures how different chlorine compounds stack up against chlorine gas, which is always rated at 100%. It's not about how much chlorine is actually in your bucket – that's the "active strength" percentage.

Let's break down the three main types:

• Trichlor (Tablets): 90% available chlorine content, greater than 99% active strength. 15 oz adds 10 ppm of free chlorine to 10,000 gallons but also increases cyanuric acid by 6 ppm. Has indefinite shelf life.
• Sodium Hypochlorite (Liquid Chlorine): 10-12% trade percent available chlorine. One gallon adds 12 ppm to 10,000 gallons. Short shelf life – drops to 8% ACC within weeks.
• Calcium Hypochlorite: 48-72% ACC. 20 oz per 10,000 gallons adds 10 ppm but increases calcium hardness by 8 ppm. Lasts about 3 years before losing potency.

Understanding these differences helps you choose the right chlorine for each situation and properly dose your pools.

The Business Owner's Stand Your Ground Law

Beyond the technical aspects, this episode delivers some tough-love advice about running a pool service business. The host introduces the concept of a "stand your ground law" for small business owners – knowing when and how to say no to unreasonable customer demands.

Standing your ground as a small business owner is not an act of defiance. It's a declaration of self-preservation. Some customers don't actually know what the fuck they want until you've lost your sanity. So it's okay to say no.

— Host, Talking Pools Podcast

The podcast identifies several problematic customer types that pool professionals encounter:

The Discount Damsel in Distress: Armed with sob stories and expecting free extras, these customers mistake your professional service for a fast food condiment counter. The key is remembering that discounts aren't birthrights, and your time and expertise have value.

The Deadline Neglecters: These customers disappear for weeks, then resurface demanding immediate service with phrases like "I need it yesterday." They expect you to be a magician, not a professional with a schedule and process.

The Scope-Creeping Sasquatch: Midway through jobs, they emerge with laundry lists of "simple" changes that often defy the laws of physics. This is where contract clarity becomes your superhero cape.

Setting Boundaries That Protect Your Business

The most valuable customers aren't always the ones who pay the most – they're the ones who respect your expertise, processes, and boundaries. The podcast emphasizes that some customers simply aren't your customers, and that's perfectly fine.

Your boundaries are not an act of cruelty. They're the scaffolding that keeps your business upright, preventing it from collapsing under the weight of every extra whimsy.

— Host, Talking Pools Podcast

Recognizing when to walk away is crucial. Whether it's the chronic negotiator quoting fictional competitors ("The bloke down the road said he'll do it for half the price") or the perpetually dissatisfied patron whose primary joy seems to be your misery, some relationships aren't worth the stress they create.

The podcast suggests responding to lowball competitors with confidence: "Awesome! You go do that! Give him my regards when he inevitably ends up botching that job." This shows confidence in your value while letting problem customers self-select out of your business.

Seasonal Challenges and Winter Preparation

With hurricanes behind and winter approaching, the episode touches on the seasonal challenges pool professionals face. Cold water means different working conditions, and the host asks a practical question many can relate to:

The water's cold. The water's freezing. What are you guys doing? How are you guys doing? Are you guys wearing gloves? Hey, I'm a little bit on. Let's get some hypothermia. How do you guys do it, man?

— Host, Talking Pools Podcast

This seasonal reality check reminds us that pool service isn't just about chemistry and customer service – it's about adapting to changing conditions while maintaining service quality. Whether it's investing in proper cold-weather gear or adjusting service schedules, successful pool professionals plan for seasonal challenges.

Industry Innovation and Equipment Updates

The episode highlights several industry innovations, including Ray Pack's new Crosswind V heat pump and the Avia HD with Nitec heater. These aren't just product announcements – they represent the industry's response to evolving customer needs and professional demands.

Modern pool heaters now feature advanced control systems, easier installation processes, and improved serviceability. For pool professionals, this means less time troubleshooting equipment and more time focusing on customer relationships and business growth.

The podcast also notes regulatory changes in Oklahoma, where new public swimming pool regulations are causing concern among professionals due to unclear requirements and potentially burdensome compliance measures. This serves as a reminder that staying informed about local regulations is crucial for any pool service business.

Key Takeaways for Pool Professionals:

• Understand the difference between available chlorine content and active strength – it affects dosing and customer education
• Set clear boundaries with customers and don't be afraid to enforce them
• Not every potential customer is worth having – some will cost you more in stress and time than they'll ever pay
• Stay informed about industry innovations and regulatory changes in your area
• Plan for seasonal challenges and invest in proper equipment and gear

The pool industry continues to evolve, from Wall Street recognition to technical innovations to professional service standards. Success requires mastering not just the chemistry and equipment, but also the business relationships that sustain long-term growth. As the Talking Pools Podcast demonstrates, the most successful professionals combine technical expertise with strong business boundaries and a commitment to continuous learning.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Stock Market Updates
• 05:30 Industry News and Warren Buffett Investment
• 10:15 Understanding Available Chlorine Content
• 20:45 Chlorine Types: Trichlor, Sodium Hypochlorite, and Calcium Hypochlorite
• 30:20 Business Boundaries: The Stand Your Ground Law
• 40:10 Dealing with Difficult Customer Types
• 50:00 Seasonal Challenges and Winter Preparation