Episode 179: Journey from Pool Tech to Expert on Heaters and Automation with Pat Burke of @poolin_aroundaz
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Google Podcasts, Youtube, or on your favorite podcast platform
Episode Summary
Today, we speak with electrical automation and programming specialist Pat Burke. He is the owner of Poolin’ Around, LLC, which offers pool and spa mechanical services in the Phoenix Metro Area.
We kick off the conversation discussing Pat’s first love before he got into the world of pools: BMX racing and, funnily enough, pool riding (which actually became the inspiration behind the name of his future company, Poolin’ Around).
Pat started cleaning pools in Tucson at the age of 19 and kept at it for a number of years before boredom eventually nudged him into the technical side of the pool industry.
The rest of our conversation centers around Pat’s expertise in electrical automation and programming, particularly when it comes to repairing heaters. He goes into common heater-related issues and what he looks for in and around the pool when commissioned to install a heater for the first time.
Finally, Pat talks about best practices when pricing your services, his go-to resources for pool education, and his tips for organizing your tools and equipment as a technician.
Topics Discussed
01:52 - How Pat got into BMX and pools
15:42 - Transitioning to servicing pools
18:29 - Pat’s life cleaning pools at 19
25:59 - Creating new income streams as a pool professional
28:41 - Moving on from cleaning pools to gaining technical expertise
32:56 - How Pat’s education evolved over the years
37:09 - Troubleshooting a heater
39:25 - Pat’s recent noteworthy heater repair
42:11 - Common heater-related issues
50:22 - How to price your services for efficiency and to maintain your customers’ trust
52:17 - What to look for when installing a heater with regards to the pool’s surroundings
57:35 - The best resources for pool education
1:03:35 - How to organize your tools and equipment while on the job
Connect with Pat
Resources Mentioned
Key Quotes From Episode
Pool service is difficult right now, for sure. But it’s just the revenue stream. Once you’ve got the revenue stream going, your expenses are paid for, and you can then tackle the projects where you can make more money. But I think pool services in the valley in general are due for a double.
Service is just the rapport. The work, whatever it may be, is where you make the profit.
