The Price of Doing Business - Steve & Wayne

Ask a question here

Thursdays with Steve & Wayne

“The Price of Doing Business”

🧠 Overview

This week on Talking Pools Podcast, Steve and Wayne break down the reality of running a pool service company—where one service call can derail your entire day and expose bigger industry problems.

👨‍🔧 From the Field

A commercial emergency turns into a full-blown headache involving:

•  Faulty flow meters 
•  Leaking high-pressure filters 
•  Multiple supply runs 
•  Hours of downtime 

👉 The takeaway: In commercial service, failure isn’t an option.

⚙️ Equipment Issues

•  Traditional flow meters and gauges are often unreliable 
•  Installation standards don’t match real-world conditions 
•  More pros are switching to better-performing alternatives like FlowVis-style meters 

💸 The Pricing Problem

Steve uncovers a major issue:

•  Distributor price: ~$700 
•  Online price: ~$500 
•  Knockoff: ~$200 

👉 For the first time: “I couldn’t sell this in good conscience.”

🌐 The Internet Changed Everything

Today’s customers:

•  Check prices instantly 
•  Know what things cost 
•  Question everything 

👉 And honestly? We all do the same thing.

🧪 Bigger Industry Concern

•  Equipment failing too quickly 
•  Warranties getting harder to process 
•  Manufacturers losing control of pricing 

👉 If cheaper works the same… what are we paying for?

📣 Get Involved

Seen this in your business?
 📧 [email protected]

🏆 Mentor Award

Nominate someone who shaped your career:
 👉 cpoclass.com

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.

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: [email protected]