Running a Smarter Pool Business

Send us Fan MailThis week on Talking Pools Thursdays, Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood cover everything from the newest generation of robotic pool cleaners to protecting your business from costly mistakes, distributor pricing, chemical accountability, inspection reports, and why good documentation may be the most valuable tool you own.The episode opens with congratulations for Andrea Nannini on her new position with Gorman Company and a reminder that the 2026 Talking Pools Mentor Award Top 10 Finalists will soon be announced, recognizing professionals who go beyond technical knowledge by investing in others.Steve then dives into his latest experiences with cordless robotic pool cleaners, comparing different Polaris Freedom models, discussing battery life, runtime, commercial versus residential applications, and whether today's wireless robots are finally ready to replace traditional corded units. The hosts also discuss the limitations every technician should understand—including ladders, handrails, steps, main drains, and unusual pool shapes that can confuse even premium robotic cleaners.The conversation shifts into one of the least discussed ways pool companies lose money: inventory control. Steve explains how improperly tracked chlorine deliveries, returnable containers, pricing discrepancies, and purchasing habits can quietly cost companies thousands of dollars. The discussion explores building relationships with distributors while still shopping intelligently, negotiating prices, and understanding where business owners must verify every invoice themselves.During the Insurance Interlude, Steve and Pat Grignon tackle a topic many service professionals eventually face: inspection reports that may become evidence in litigation. They discuss when an inspection remains simply an inspection, when it crosses into expert witness territory, how to protect yourself through documentation, why objective reporting matters, and why keeping complete records—including the exact report you submitted—can become your best legal defense.The episode also explores one of the most overlooked skills in pool service: knowing the actual volume of water you're treating. Steve explains how calculating chlorine dosage correctly can dramatically reduce chemical waste while improving consistency. Drawing from years of managing multiple service crews, he shares how accurate calculations and field verification once reduced chlorine consumption by tens of thousands of dollars over a single season. Wayne adds practical insight into why textbook volume calculations often underestimate actual system water once plumbing and equipment are considered.To close the show, Wayne clears up several common misconceptions about potassium monopersulfate (MPS), often marketed as "non-chlorine shock." He explains what the product actually does, what it does not do, why it does not eliminate existing combined chlorine, how it can help prevent new chloramine formation, proper dosing considerations, testing interference, and why it is most commonly found in heavily used indoor aquatic facilities rather than residential pools.In This EpisodeCongratulations to Andrea Nannini on joining Gorman CompanyPreview of the 2026 Talking Pools Mentor Award finalistsCordless vs. corded robotic pool cleanersCommercial applications for robotic vacuumsCommon obstacles that interfere with robotic cleanersManaging distributor relationships and pricingPreventing costly inventory and chlorine lossesWhy every pool company needs stronger chemical accountabilityInspection reports, expert witnesses, and legal liabilityDocumentation practices that protect your businessCalculating true pool volume for accurate dosingReducing chemical waste through better mathPotassium monopersulfate explainedCombined chlorine myths and oxidation factsBest practices for indoor pool oxidationConnect with Talking PoolsHave a question or topic you'd like covered on a future episode?Email: [email protected] wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss another episode of Talking Pools. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: [email protected]