Steve’s Cautionary Tales, Leak Detection 101 & The Airbnb Insurance Trap

Pool Pros text questions here

This week, Steve flies solo again — but with good news: Wayne is on the mend and expected back very soon. Until then, Steve brings a full toolbox of stories, lessons, and a deep dive into one of the most-requested topics from pool pros: leak detection as a service.

🔥 Segment 1 — Cautionary Tales From the Field

Steve opens with some brutally honest stories from the last month on his route:

• Losing a couple clients — why it happened, what could’ve prevented it, and why sometimes letting a low-margin client go is actually a win.
• The dangers of overpromising on scheduling (the 8–12 weeks of missed Mondays story).
• Why setting expectations — and saying no when you must — is better than apologizing for 12 weeks straight.
• How daylight savings, shorter days, and rushed afternoons can wreck your rhythm if you don’t adjust.

Includes a quick detour into Tales From the Crypt, because of course it does.

🔥 Segment 2 — The Test Kit Incident (AKA: The Accidental Heist)

Steve recounts a hysterical-but-humbling event:

• One of his techs “borrowed” a client’s commercial test kit to refill reagents…
• … forgot it in the truck for DAYS…
• … which triggered a full internal investigation at a massive resort with security footage, engineer meetings, and finger-pointing.

The takeaway:
 Communication prevents chaos.
Even innocent mistakes look guilty on camera. Steve made it right, replaced the kit, and lived to fight another day.

🔥 Segment 3 — The Insurance Interlude (with Pat from California Pool Association)

Pat joins Steve to tackle a question EVERY pool pro needs to know:

“If my client is renting out their pool on Airbnb or Swimpley… does that affect MY liability?”

Key takeaways:

• Yes, they should absolutely tell you. It changes the risk profile dramatically.
• Some general liability policies do differentiate between residential/commercial use.
• Airbnb pools are statistically higher risk — more strangers, more alcohol, more incidents.
• If someone is hosting swim lessons, renting the house, or renting just the pool, call your insurance agent.
• Injuries, even small ones (like a teenager scraping their leg) can trigger six-figure claims.
• Acid washes, resurfacing issues, and sharp plaster? Document. Sign waivers. Photograph everything.

Talking Pools listeners get $100 off CPA general liability insurance — mention the podcast when you contact them.

🔥 Segment 4 — Tools, Training & Showing Up Prepared

Steve explains why you should never:

• Show up without channel locks
• Attempt

LaMotte Company
LaMotte Company is a leading manufacturer of water quality testing products & pool test kits

California Pool Association
Pool Industry Trade Organization

CMAHC
The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code promotes health & safety at public swimming pools

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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