The $6,500 Lesson of Dark-Bottom Pools and Tri-Chlor

One story I’ll never forget is when a pool tech dumped Tri-Chlor straight into a dark-bottom pool. Within days, the plaster was stained beyond saving. The homeowner ended up paying $6,500 out of pocket to re-plaster the pool. And that was back in 2010—imagine what it would cost today.

Dark plaster magnifies every mistake. Tri-Chlor settles fast, and when it sits on the surface, it bleaches spots that can’t be repaired. I’ve seen similar stains turn into full resurfacing projects that cost far more than most pros can afford.

That’s why I tell every tech I work with: never broadcast Tri-Chlor across the plaster. Pre-dissolve it, use feeders, and always add in front of a return line with the pump running. A five-minute conversation with your crew can save thousands of dollars down the road.

Another tip—document your chemistry. If you take over a pool and it already has stains, you need photos and logs to show those were pre-existing. Otherwise, you could end up paying for damage you didn’t cause.

It only takes one mistake to wipe out a week—or a month—of profits. Don’t let something as simple as chemical placement become your most expensive lesson.

I share more stories just like this one on the podcast. Listen to the full episode above!