Charge Extra for Storm Cleanup

The Storm Cleanup Charging Debate: Why Pool Pros Must Value Their Time

After Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, pool service professionals across the region faced a familiar dilemma: should they charge extra for storm cleanup, or absorb the additional hours as part of their regular service? According to the hosts of Talking Pools Podcast, this shouldn't even be a question – and their passionate discussion reveals why so many pool pros are undervaluing their expertise.

The aftermath of major storms like Hurricane Milton creates massive cleanup challenges for pool service professionals. Debris removal, extended chemical treatments, and equipment repairs can easily triple normal service times. Yet surprisingly, many pool service providers hesitate to charge appropriately for this additional work, leading to heated discussions in industry Facebook groups.

Stop Undervaluing Your Storm Cleanup Services

The podcast hosts didn't mince words when addressing pool professionals who question whether to charge for storm cleanup. Their frustration with the industry's tendency toward undervaluation came through clearly:

You worked overtime. My light just went out. Yes, charge. Why I... It's so frustrating to see all the posts that I've seen about people asking whether or not they should charge. I know, my God, you're working overtime. It's extra.

— Paulette, Talking Pools Podcast

The logic is straightforward: when a job takes three times longer than usual, that's not regular maintenance – it's a specialized cleanup service. Pool professionals routinely charge initial cleanup fees for new customers with neglected pools, so why would storm cleanup be any different?

Andrea made a compelling comparison to other service industries: landscapers charge extra for storm debris removal, electricians charge premium rates for emergency repairs, and even streaming services like Netflix regularly update their pricing policies. Pool service providers deserve the same respect for their time and expertise.

The Fairness Factor: Protecting Yourself and Your Business

Many pool service providers worry about appearing to take advantage of customers during difficult times. However, the podcast hosts argue that not charging actually creates an unfair situation – for the service provider:

You know, I was saying to somebody like, yo, it's not fair to you because they were like, oh, I don't think it's fair to charge the customer... And I was like, dude, it's not fair to you. You know what I'm saying? You're taking advantage of yourself.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

This perspective shift is crucial for pool service professionals who struggle with pricing decisions. Offering services below cost doesn't help anyone long-term. It creates unsustainable business practices and ultimately leads to reduced service quality when providers can't invest properly in equipment, training, or fair wages.

The hosts emphasized that discounting is acceptable – service providers can choose their rates and offer reduced fees for loyal customers. The key is ensuring that extra work receives extra compensation, even if that rate is discounted from premium pricing.

Practical Strategies for Storm Cleanup Pricing

Rather than completing extensive storm cleanup in a single grueling session, the podcast hosts suggested breaking the work into manageable segments. This approach benefits both service providers and customers by:

• Preventing service provider burnout and schedule disruption
• Allowing pools to be functional more quickly with basic debris removal
• Spreading costs across multiple visits for customer budgeting
• Maintaining service quality through manageable work sessions

However, as Paulette pointed out, customers often resist this logical approach: "But they would have a stroke if you did that." This reaction demonstrates why clear communication and firm boundaries are essential for successful storm cleanup services.

Updating Your Service Policies

The discussion highlighted an important business practice: regularly updating service agreements to include storm cleanup provisions. Taking inspiration from subscription services that routinely update their terms:

Even when people have their pools pressure washed or their decks pressure washed... and they put all that shit in the pool, I charge extra for that. So, it's the same thing. And if you're afraid to do it, then you know how every, since, you know, the last few years, every freaking six months, you get something from Netflix. It's like, oh, we're updating our policy... Update your fucking policy and include it in there.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

This proactive approach eliminates awkward conversations after storms hit. When cleanup policies are clearly established upfront, customers understand expectations and service providers can focus on delivering quality work rather than justifying their rates.

Even for service providers who don't use formal contracts, having a clear written policy covering included and excluded services prevents misunderstandings. This documentation protects both parties and ensures professional relationships remain positive during stressful post-storm periods.

Industry Safety Concerns: The Biolab Chemical Fire Update

Beyond storm cleanup pricing, the podcast addressed ongoing concerns about chemical safety following a major fire at a Biolab facility in Georgia. The incident involved trichlor (trichloro isocyanuric acid), a common pool sanitizer, which created toxic fumes when exposed to firefighting water.

Georgia congressional representatives have now requested that the EPA add trichlor to the list of regulated substances under the risk management program. This potential regulatory change could affect how pool professionals obtain and use this essential chemical, possibly impacting both availability and pricing.

The fire occurred just after Hurricane Helene, when water from both the storm and firefighting efforts reacted with stored trichlor to produce dangerous chlorine compounds. This incident highlights the importance of proper chemical storage and handling – knowledge that professional pool service providers bring to every customer relationship.

Building a Sustainable Pool Service Business

The storm cleanup pricing debate ultimately reflects broader challenges in the pool service industry. Many professionals struggle to value their expertise appropriately, leading to unsustainable business practices and burnout.

Storm cleanup represents an opportunity to demonstrate value while building new customer relationships. As the hosts noted, responding to social media requests for storm cleanup can generate new business – provided the work is priced appropriately. This approach allows service providers to help their communities while building sustainable businesses.

The key is viewing storm cleanup as specialized service work, not charity. Professional pool service providers bring expertise, equipment, and efficiency that property owners can't match. During post-storm periods, when demand for these services peaks, appropriate pricing ensures that help remains available when customers need it most.

Conclusion: Respect Your Expertise and Charge Accordingly

Hurricane Milton's aftermath sparked important conversations about pricing and professionalism in the pool service industry. The message from experienced professionals is clear: stop undervaluing your time and expertise, especially during challenging periods like post-storm cleanup.

Whether dealing with hurricane debris, pressure washing runoff, or routine maintenance challenges, pool service providers deserve fair compensation for their work. By updating service policies, setting clear expectations, and maintaining professional standards, pool service businesses can thrive while serving their communities effectively.

The pool service industry continues evolving, with potential regulatory changes on the horizon and ongoing discussions about professional standards. Through it all, the fundamental principle remains: quality work deserves quality compensation. Storm cleanup is no exception to this rule.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and News Story
• 05:30 Storm Cleanup Charging Debate
• 12:15 Fairness and Business Sustainability
• 18:45 Service Policy Updates
• 25:30 Pool Water Level Mystery
• 32:00 Biolab Chemical Fire Update