Every pool pad has that rusty metal time clock hanging near the pump—sometimes “weatherproofed” with an upside-down ice cream bucket. That little box is the birthplace of more bad advice than almost anything else in the pool industry, because it trained homeowners to chase “minimum hours” instead of water quality and system safety.

In this episode, Jason Davies (CPC1460695) explains why pump runtime advice is often superstition, how modern efficiency standards changed the equipment market, and why a pump swap isn’t a casual handyman job—especially on the suction side.

You’ll learn the real difference between Variable Speed (VS) and Variable Speed & Flow (VSF) pumps, why “slower and longer” can outperform “fast and short,” and how suction outlet safety ties directly into responsible pump selection and installation.

Key topics:

• Why time clocks created bad pump-runtime habits
• Variable Speed vs Variable Speed & Flow (gas pedal vs cruise control)
• Why filtration + mixing matter as much as sanitizer
• Florida residential code anchors referencing suction/pressure velocity and entrapment protection standards
• Why “worst-case full speed” matters even if you plan to run low RPM
• Remodel touchpoints: replaster, liner replacement, drain covers, and why safety components aren’t “trim”

Disclaimer: This episode is general education and not legal advice. Codes and enforcement vary by jurisdiction. Always follow manufacturer instructions and local requirements.

If you’ve ever watched a pool Facebook group long enough, you’ve seen the same two posts: the “new plaster day” celebration… and the “is this normal?” panic post with dusting, streaks, footprints, and blotchy spots. This episode is about why those outcomes are often decided before the pool is even filled—especially in the first 24–48 hours.

We break down plaster in homeowner language: what it is, what it’s doing while it’s still “young,” why strong acid on day zero is a shortcut with a price tag, and what “good” looks like when a crew respects the process—mixing discipline, crew size, bond coat, controlled exposure timing, and safe handling of corrosives.

This is general education. Always follow your finish manufacturer’s written startup plan and local rules.

Cash sounds simple. Skipping permits sounds faster. This episode explains how those shortcuts turn into fines, forced tear-outs, insurance headaches, and expensive fixes—sometimes years later, right when you try to sell.

Cash jobs and “no-permit needed” promises are everywhere. They sound like a shortcut. But they often turn into the most expensive kind of project: the one you pay for twice.

In this episode, we break down what really happens when work is done without permits (or when an “owner-builder” permit is used the wrong way). We talk about why permits matter beyond paperwork, how problems surface during inspections, insurance claims, and real-estate transactions, and what “getting caught later” can look like—stop-work orders, fines, failed inspections, and remediation that costs more than doing it right the first time.

If you’re a homeowner trying to save money, this is the episode that helps you spot the red flags early—before a “great deal” turns into a liability.

Not legal advice. This is general education about risk, safety, and common outcomes. Always verify requirements with your local building department and licensed professionals.

Need a second set of eyes? New clients start with a paid Safety & System Evaluation (no free quotes). Florida CPC1460695.
State of Texas TICL 1350
State of Texas RAIL 635643
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WI Electrical Contractor License: 1543940 - EC
WI Dwelling Contractor: 012100046 - DC
WI Dwelling Contractor Qualifier: 112001269 - DCQ