When a Handshake Becomes a Headache

The Pool Guy Podcast Show

Content provided by David Van Brunt. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by David Van Brunt or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

3d ago 18:47

MP3•Episode home

A handshake can’t stop a chargeback, clean a windblown pool in one visit, or explain why you took a sick day. We dig into the real-world moments that turn friendly client relationships into friction, and show how a simple one-page service agreement replaces tension with trust. From setting owner responsibilities like maintaining water level and providing clear access, to outlining late fees, service pauses, and repair payments, we share practical language you can adopt today without turning your business into a legal minefield.
We walk through a lean wind policy that lays out the exact cleanup sequence and sets a realistic timeline of up to three weeks for full recovery after severe weather. You’ll hear how vague-but-useful phrasing preserves flexibility while still creating clarity. We also compare monthly vs weekly billing so clients understand why five-service-week months or missed visits don’t trigger endless debates. The focus is on alignment: when clients know what you do, what they do, and how exceptions work, your schedule, sanity, and cash flow improve.
For higher-risk work, we explain how targeted waivers—green pool cleanups and acid washes—document pre-existing stains and set honest limits on outcomes. These agreements rarely need legal muscle; their presence alone prevents most disputes. Best of all, using professional paperwork elevates your brand. Pest control, plumbers, contractors—they all use clear documents because they work. Adopt the same tools to screen out problem clients, serve good ones better, and stand out as a credible, reliable pool service.
Ready to upgrade your route with clear policies and less stress? Subscribe, share this episode with a fellow pro, and leave a review to tell us which clause you’re adding first.

We make the case for putting pool service agreements in writing, from wind policies to billing and late fees. We share practical wording, how to roll it out to existing clients, and why one page can save weeks of headaches and unpaid labor.
• reasons to use a written service agreement
• ho

Send us a text

Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!
HASA
https://bit.ly/HASA
The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100
https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/

Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:
https://getskimmer.com/poolguy

Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA

Pool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Support the show

Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:
Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPL
Podcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/

UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA

Pool Guy Coaching Group

Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business.

Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs)

$59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoaching

Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits

[ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ]

$50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road

Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits

Chapters

1. When a Handshake Becomes a Headache (00:00:00)

2. Why Written Agreements Matter (00:01:53)

3. Overcoming Pushback From Existing Clients (00:02:34)

4. What To Include In A One-Page Agreement (00:04:01)

5. Water Level, Access, And Late Fees (00:05:18)

6. Paused Service And Repair Payments (00:07:16)

7. Vacation, Sick Days, And Weather Policies (00:09:08)

8. Windstorms And The Three-Week Cleanup Plan (00:10:31)

9. Billing Methods And Expectations (00:13:26)

10. Using Agreements To Screen Clients (00:15:53)

11. Professionalism, Waivers, And Risk Protection (00:17:17)

12. Final Resources And Coaching Invite (00:19:04)

1794 episodes

#Business #David Van Brunt #Entrepreneur #Gardening #Lifestyle #Swimming Pool Care #Basic Pool Care #Pool Help #Podcasting Education #Pool Service Tips #Pool Service Pros