Consejo del día para los profesionales de la piscina!

The pool industry has long needed more resources for Spanish-speaking professionals, and now there's a dedicated space for that community. In this inaugural episode of the Spanish-language segment of Talking Pools Podcast, Pete the Pool Guy (Pedro Palo Alto) introduces himself and his mission to help Hispanic pool professionals grow their businesses and improve their skills through shared experiences and practical advice.

Meet Pete the Pool Guy: From Humble Beginnings to Pool Pro

At 42 years old, Pete brings a unique perspective to the pool industry. His journey wasn't linear – he's actually been in the pool business twice, with his current run starting in 2017. The first time around, he kept things simple, focusing only on pool cleaning. But when he returned to the industry, he was determined to expand his knowledge and services.

La primera vez era siempre simple y sencillo de limpiar albercas, es todo lo que hacía. Pero esa segunda vez me fui a clases para educarme, el YouTube también. Hombre, aprendí un chingo con el YouTube.

— Pete the Pool Guy, Talking Pools Podcast

Pete's commitment to education transformed his business. He went to classes, dove deep into YouTube tutorials, and expanded his services to include repairs, installations, green-to-clean transformations, and filter cleaning. His company, Coachella Valley Pools, now handles everything from basic maintenance to complex system installations.

The Power of Community and Mentorship

One of Pete's core beliefs is the importance of helping others succeed in the industry. He's not just building his own business – he's actively mentoring newcomers and helping them start their own pool service companies. This philosophy of abundance rather than scarcity sets him apart in a competitive industry.

He ayudado alberqueros empezar sus negocios. You know, Peter, ocupa un jalecillo. Pues, entra limpiar albercas conmigo. Y de ahí se agarran.

— Pete the Pool Guy, Talking Pools Podcast

Pete's approach to mentorship is hands-on. When someone needs work, he brings them along to learn the ropes. When they're ready to start their own business, he helps them get equipment and even refers clients. This collaborative spirit is what he hopes to bring to the podcast format.

A Comprehensive Education Platform for Pool Professionals

The podcast isn't just casual conversation – Pete has ambitious plans to create a comprehensive educational resource. The weekly Spanish-language episodes will cover multiple aspects of running a pool business:

• Technical Skills: Pool chemistry, equipment repair, system installations
• Business Development: Licensing, insurance, pricing strategies
• Marketing and Growth: Social media presence, networking, client acquisition
• Industry Connections: Interviews with manufacturers like Pentair and AquaLink

Vamos a estar haciendo el parque acá cada miércoles a media hora, platicando sobre el negocio, sobre las piscinas, sobre la química, sobre cómo mejorar, cómo agarrar más negocio, cómo agarrar más albercas, cómo hacer market, cómo hacer promote tu negocio, promover tu negocio.

— Pete the Pool Guy, Talking Pools Podcast

Pete plans to bring in experienced pool professionals to share their stories and expertise, ensuring listeners get diverse perspectives and proven strategies from multiple successful business owners.

Family Values and Building Legacy

What sets Pete apart is his family-centered approach to business. Married for 22 years with two teenagers, he regularly brings his children to work sites to teach them the trade. His philosophy is practical: while he supports his son's NBA dreams and his interest in becoming a doctor, he's also preparing him with a reliable Plan C.

Plan C. Por si en caso eso no funciona... Sabes que aquí va a estar el negocio del albergo. Aquí está. Va a estar... Aquí siempre vas a tener un trabajo.

— Pete the Pool Guy, Talking Pools Podcast

This multi-generational thinking extends to how he views business ownership. Pete sees pool service businesses as family enterprises that can provide stability and opportunity for children and grandchildren. It's not just about making money today – it's about building something lasting.

Bridging Language Barriers in Pool Education

Pete's decision to create Spanish-language content wasn't immediate. Initially, he planned to do the podcast in English since most of his daily interactions are in English, and much of the industry operates in that language. However, conversations with Rudy from the Talking Pools team opened his eyes to the opportunity.

Despite concerns about occasionally struggling with Spanish after speaking English all day ("me oigo bien pocho"), Pete recognized the critical need for quality educational content for Hispanic pool professionals. The pool industry has substantial Hispanic representation, but educational resources have been limited.

Pete's willingness to step outside his comfort zone demonstrates his commitment to serving the community. He's not claiming to be perfect, but he's offering his hard-earned experience and connections to help others avoid the mistakes he made early in his career.

What's Coming Next

Future episodes promise practical, actionable content. Pete plans to dive deep into pricing strategies, helping pool pros calculate their overhead and determine fair rates for different services. He'll break down the costs of chemicals – chlorine, acid, conditioner, alkalinity adjusters – and help listeners understand how to factor these into their pricing.

The podcast will also feature manufacturer representatives who can provide insider knowledge about equipment installation and troubleshooting. These connections can be invaluable for pool pros who find themselves stumped by new technology or unfamiliar systems.

Pete is setting up an email system for listener questions, promising to find answers even if he doesn't know them himself. This commitment to being a resource rather than just an entertainer shows his serious dedication to education.

Key Takeaways for Pool Professionals

This introductory episode reveals several important themes that will likely carry throughout the series:

• Never Stop Learning: Pete's transformation from basic pool cleaner to full-service technician came through continuous education
• Community Over Competition: Helping others succeed doesn't hurt your business – it strengthens the entire industry
• Family Integration: Pool businesses can be family enterprises that provide both income and valuable life skills
• Plan for the Long Term: Think beyond immediate profits to building lasting businesses and legacies
• Use All Available Resources: YouTube, manufacturer support, industry connections – take advantage of every learning opportunity

Pete's approach combines technical expertise with business acumen and strong personal values. His willingness to share knowledge freely, even with potential competitors, reflects a mature understanding of how industries grow and thrive.

For Spanish-speaking pool professionals who have felt underserved by existing educational resources, this podcast represents a significant opportunity. Pete's promise to share everything he's learned over the years, combined with his industry connections and commitment to practical advice, could be exactly what many pool service business owners need to take their operations to the next level.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 02:30 Pete's Background and Experience
• 08:15 Learning Through YouTube and Education
• 12:45 Helping Others Start Pool Businesses
• 18:20 Family Integration and Legacy Building
• 24:10 Future Podcast Plans and Topics
• 28:30 Closing Thoughts and Subscribe Reminder