But realize that taking on a new account puts you in a unique position of authority.

“Typically, when clients start with a new company, it’s a new slate and their philosophy is ‘let’s bring the pool to where [it should be],” says Mark Pifer, owner of Royal Pool Management in Venice, Fla. “Unless they’re just changing for the price, they’re dissatisfied with something else and they want to do what’s right for the pool.”