Pool Pros text questions here

In this holiday edition of Thursdays with Steve, Steve Sherwood checks in from a festive (and very on-brand) Hawaiian Christmas shirt and talks straight to the pros who keep pools running even when the calendar says “day off.” From commercial clients who expect service 365 days a year, to the reality of managing staff with families, to planning holiday schedules before the season hits—Steve breaks down how to protect your time, your team, and your business.

Then the episode pivots into a practical “Insurance Interlude” conversation with Pat of the California Pool Association about high-level pool inspections, protecting yourself from liability, and why general liability is not the same thing as professional liability. If you’re putting numbers in writing, making recommendations, or supporting insurance-related claims, this one is essential listening.

The episode closes with a reminder that your business doesn’t matter if your health falls apart—and Steve shares real talk on building more time off into your calendar, managing workload creep, and protecting your energy so you can stay in the game long-term.

Steve covers what pool pros actually deal with during the holidays—and how to make it easier next year:

Holiday service reality for commercial clients, and why some contracts quietly force you to work on sacred days. How to prevent that with better language and upfront communication, including shifting service times on holidays when possible and setting expectations months in advance.

How to plan time off like a real business owner instead of panicking the week of Christmas. Steve explains why the holiday conversation needs to happen before Thanksgiving, sometimes as early as October, especially when you have employees with kids or anyone traveling.

The “sweet spot” for single-operator pool pros. Steve shares his view that around 40–60 clients is the zone where an owner can still deliver high-level service without the wheels wobbling—while also keeping enough time for repairs, life, and sanity.

Time, money, and energy—the three currencies that actually run your business. Steve reinforces that if you can save even one of these without sacrificing quality, you’re building a company that lasts.

Why LA traffic is a business expense—whether you admit it or not. Steve talks about scheduling appointments during smarter time windows to avoid burning hours that you can’t bill for.

A holiday reminder about health and longevity. Steve encourages listeners to treat physical and mental health like a business asset, not an afterthought—because burnout doesn’t care how many clients you have.

California Pool Association
Pool Industry Trade Organization

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

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

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