Floc Hard or Go Home: Greg Beard’s 35 Summers of Pool Wisdom

In the pool industry, where chemistry mastery meets entrepreneurial grit, few voices carry the weight of experience like Greg "The Beard" Beard. With 35 summers of pool wisdom under his belt, Greg has earned his stripes not just as a successful pool service professional, but as one of the industry's most respected mentors. Recently nominated as a top 10 finalist for the 2025 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award, Greg joined host Rudy Stankowitz to share insights that go far beyond water chemistry—diving deep into what it really takes to build a thriving pool service business and develop the next generation of industry professionals.

The Reality Check: Pool Service Isn't Just Playing in Water

Before anyone picks up their first pool net, Greg believes they need a serious reality check. The pool industry's biggest misconception? That it's easy work with flexible hours and decent pay for minimal effort. Greg has developed a simple test for anyone considering entering the field:

I always tell these guys, I said, Hey, tell me three reasons why you want to be a pool guy. And about the time you get the second answer, I always tell him, I said, sure about that? Because the third one that you're going to tell me, I'm going to look at you and say, you're a nut because people don't realize how hard we really do work. It is nonstop grinding, grinding, grinding.

— Greg Beard, Talking Pools Podcast

This isn't meant to discourage—it's meant to prepare. Greg emphasizes that successful pool professionals wear multiple hats: they're chemists, customer service representatives, equipment technicians, business managers, and people movers all rolled into one. The physical demands are real, the mental challenges constant, and the responsibility significant. Pool professionals hold the keys to expensive backyard investments and family safety.

For those considering the field, Greg's advice is simple: understand what you're signing up for. The rewards can be substantial—both financially and personally—but only for those willing to commit to continuous learning and genuine hard work.

Innovation on the Horizon: The Nitrate Removal Revolution

One of the most exciting segments of the conversation centered around an innovative solution that doesn't exist commercially yet: nitrate removal rigs. When a listener from Wilmington, Delaware asked about building such a system, Rudy dove into what could be the next game-changing service in the pool industry.

Nitrates present a unique challenge in pool chemistry—they can't be oxidized by chlorine, shocked away, or eliminated through traditional chemical treatments. Once they're in the water, they're there to stay unless physically removed, typically requiring costly and environmentally wasteful drain-and-refill procedures.

The proposed solution involves building mobile water treatment systems using either anion exchange resins or reverse osmosis technology. Here's what makes this revolutionary:

• Anion Exchange Systems: Use specialized resins like Purolite A520E to swap nitrate ions for chloride ions, offering targeted and highly effective nitrate removal
• Reverse Osmosis Rigs: Provide full-spectrum filtration, removing nitrates along with total dissolved solids through semi-permeable membranes
• Hybrid Systems: Combine both technologies for maximum effectiveness and extended membrane life

What makes this opportunity so compelling isn't just the technical innovation—it's the market positioning. As Rudy explained, this service could easily command $900-$1,500 per treatment, positioning forward-thinking pool professionals as problem-solvers rather than commodity service providers.

The Mentor's Philosophy: Building Industry Leaders

Greg's approach to mentorship goes beyond technical training. He focuses on developing complete professionals who understand both the craft and business sides of pool service. His philosophy centers on honest assessment, continuous support, and real-world preparation.

I think our industry needs more of this kind of stuff. We need more recognition for guys. We need more just people reaching out.

— Greg Beard, Talking Pools Podcast

What sets Greg apart as a mentor isn't just his technical expertise—it's his understanding that success in the pool industry requires more than knowing how to balance water chemistry. He emphasizes several key areas:

• Business Acumen: Understanding pricing, customer relationships, and profit margins
• Technical Mastery: Going beyond basic chemistry to understand equipment, troubleshooting, and advanced water treatment
• Customer Service Excellence: Building relationships that create loyal, long-term clients
• Continuous Learning: Staying current with industry innovations, regulations, and best practices

Greg's mentorship style involves asking hard questions and providing honest feedback. He's not interested in sugar-coating the challenges or overselling the opportunities. Instead, he focuses on preparing people for the reality of the industry while helping them develop the skills needed to thrive.

The Support System: Success Isn't a Solo Act

One of the most revealing moments in the conversation came when Greg acknowledged the often-overlooked support systems that make success possible. While the transcript was truncated, Greg began discussing the crucial role his wife plays in their business operations, highlighting an important truth about entrepreneurial success in the pool industry.

Successful pool service businesses aren't just about the technician in the field—they require strong operational support, customer service coordination, scheduling management, and financial oversight. Greg's recognition of his wife's contributions underscores the importance of building comprehensive support systems, whether through family involvement, strategic hiring, or business partnerships.

This perspective is particularly valuable for pool professionals looking to scale beyond single-truck operations. Understanding that growth requires delegation and systematic support helps explain why some pool businesses thrive while others remain stuck in the owner-operator trap.

Industry Innovation: From Traditional Service to Technical Solutions

The discussion of nitrate removal systems represents a broader trend in the pool industry—the evolution from basic maintenance services to sophisticated technical solutions. This shift offers significant opportunities for pool professionals willing to invest in education and equipment.

Consider the positioning advantage: while traditional service providers compete primarily on price and reliability, technical solution providers compete on expertise and results. A pool professional offering nitrate removal services isn't just another maintenance provider—they're a specialist solving problems that others can't address.

This evolution requires different thinking about business development:

• Investment in Technology: Sophisticated solutions require specialized equipment and training
• Educational Marketing: Clients need to understand problems they may not know they have
• Premium Pricing Models: Technical solutions command higher margins than commodity services
• Continuous Innovation: Staying ahead requires ongoing learning and system development

Practical Takeaways for Pool Professionals

Greg's conversation with Rudy offers several actionable insights for pool professionals at every level:

For New Professionals: Start with realistic expectations and a commitment to comprehensive learning. The technical aspects are just the beginning—successful pool professionals must also master customer service, business management, and continuous problem-solving.

For Experienced Professionals: Consider how emerging technologies and specialized services can differentiate your business. The nitrate removal concept exemplifies how technical innovation can create new revenue streams and competitive advantages.

For Business Owners: Recognize the importance of mentorship—both receiving it and providing it. The industry's future depends on experienced professionals sharing knowledge with newcomers, and successful businesses often benefit from ongoing mentorship and peer learning.

For the Industry: Support initiatives that recognize and promote mentorship. As Greg noted, the industry needs more recognition for professionals who invest time in developing others.

The pool industry stands at an interesting crossroads, where traditional service models meet innovative technologies and where experienced professionals like Greg Beard are shaping the next generation of industry leaders. Success requires more than technical competence—it demands business acumen, customer service excellence, and a commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

Greg Beard's 35 summers of experience offer a masterclass in what it means to be a complete pool professional: someone who not only masters the technical aspects of water treatment and equipment maintenance but also understands the business, serves clients excellently, and invests in the industry's future through mentorship. His recognition as a top mentor finalist reflects not just individual achievement, but the kind of leadership the pool industry needs to continue evolving and thriving.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Mentor Award Announcement
• 15:30 Listener Questions: Pricing and Nitrate Removal
• 28:45 Greg Beard Interview Begins
• 32:15 Reality Check: What Pool Professionals Really Do
• 35:20 The Importance of Industry Support Systems