Randy Canova, widely recognized as “PoolBoyInThaHouse” on TikTok, is proving that social media can be more than just a pastime—it can become a lucrative side hustle. As a pool repair technician with over 15 years of experience, Canova has built a significant online presence by sharing videos of his day-to-day tasks, from servicing equipment to tackling pool renovations. With nearly 480,000 followers, 8.5 million likes, and a staggering 80 million total views, Canova’s TikTok account has become a must-follow for both pool professionals and enthusiasts.
“I started creating videos just to keep myself entertained while working,” Canova shared in a recent interview. “It wasn’t something I planned, but people loved it, so I kept posting. Now, it’s like an archive of my work and a way to connect with others in the industry.”
A Natural Progression into Social Media
Randy’s journey into the pool industry began humbly. “I started as a helper, carrying tools for a man named Guy, doing commercial pool renovations,” he said. Over the years, he honed his skills, transitioning from cleaning pools to specializing in equipment installations and renovations. Today, he focuses entirely on commercial work.
Despite his busy schedule, Canova uses downtime between jobs to capture content. Armed with just his iPhone, he films snippets of his workday and edits them into engaging videos. His creativity shines in his “challenge videos,” like seeing how many chlorine tablets he can carry—a clip that earned him over half a million views.
@poolboyinthahouse
What Makes TikTok Work
Canova attributes his success on TikTok to consistency and understanding the platform’s quirks. “The first three seconds are critical,” he explained. “You have to grab people’s attention immediately. TikTok rewards consistent posting, but they’re also particular about the sounds you use. If it’s copyrighted, your video won’t get pushed.”
Interestingly, TikTok’s algorithm can be a double-edged sword. “Shadowbanning is real,” Canova said. “If you stop posting regularly, TikTok starts throttling your content. It’s frustrating, but I don’t let it get to me because creating videos is more of a hobby than a job.”
Finding success on TikTok is something many folks struggle with. A fact that isn’t lost on Canova, who has been approached by numerous pool professionals looking for tips on how to enhance their social media presence. After all, one of his videos has been watched over 44 million times and has over 100 years of watch time on it.
@poolboyinthahouse
Tips for Pool Pros Wanting to Go Viral
During our conversation, Randy shared his top tips for fellow pool professionals looking to make a splash on social media:
- Be Consistent
Consistency is key to building and maintaining an audience on TikTok. Canova emphasizes that regularly posting keeps your account active in TikTok’s algorithm, increasing the chances of your videos being seen by more viewers. “TikTok rewards you for consistency,” he explains. “Even if you don’t have time to make a long or elaborate video, posting short updates or behind-the-scenes clips can help keep your account active and your followers engaged.” Planning a content calendar or setting aside time each week to batch-create videos can help you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed. - Grab Attention Fast
The first three seconds of your video are critical—this is the make-or-break moment where viewers decide whether to keep watching or scroll away. “You need to hook people immediately,” Canova advises. Start your video with something visually striking, a compelling question, or an intriguing action that will make viewers want to stick around. For example, Canova’s popular challenge videos catch attention right away because viewers are curious to see how far he can go. Remember, every second counts on TikTok, so jump straight into the action to capture interest. - Educate or Entertain
Content that either teaches or entertains is what drives engagement on TikTok. Canova has found success by striking a balance between the two, sharing videos that are both informative and fun. “People watch my videos because they either want to learn something new about pool maintenance or because they enjoy seeing the unique way I do things,” he explains. Think about what your audience wants—are they looking for quick tutorials, satisfying transformations, or humorous moments? Tailor your content to meet those needs, and you’ll start to build a loyal following. - Mind Your Sounds
Choosing the right soundtrack can make a huge difference in how TikTok promotes your video. Canova notes that using trending sounds or soundtracks featured on the platform can significantly boost your video’s reach. “TikTok often pushes videos that use their trending sounds because they want to promote those tracks,” he says. To find trending sounds, check TikTok’s discovery page or explore the sounds used in popular videos. Just make sure the sound is TikTok-approved and not copyrighted, as this can affect how your video is distributed. When paired with engaging visuals, the right sound can elevate your video’s appeal and virality. - Focus Your Content
One of the most important aspects of growing your TikTok audience is finding your niche and sticking to it. “TikTok works like a TV channel,” Canova explains. “People want to tune in and see the same type of content every time.” For pool professionals, this might mean focusing on equipment tutorials, repair hacks, or creative ways to showcase your work. Consistency in your niche helps you build a recognizable brand and keeps your followers coming back for more. Avoid mixing unrelated topics, like hiking or car repairs, into your pool-focused channel, as this can confuse your audience and dilute your reach.
More Than Just Views
Beyond the metrics, Canova’s TikTok presence has elevated his professional profile. He frequently receives questions from pool owners seeking advice and has even used his videos to help educate fellow professionals.
His influence extends beyond TikTok. He’s been approached by manufacturers like Cyclone Filter Cleaner to promote their products and was nominated for Pentair’s prestigious Pool Pro of the Year award. “I’m honored to be a finalist,” Canova said. “The recognition means a lot, and I’m looking forward to the Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show, where they’ll announce the winner.”
A Side Hustle with Heart
For Canova, the real reward is the connections he’s made. His visibility on social media platforms has made him approachable, and as a result, has grown his professional network exponentially. “The friends I’ve made in the industry are incredible,” he said. “We help each other out, share advice, and just want to be better at what we do. The networking is priceless.”
Randy Canova’s journey shows that blending passion, expertise, and social media savvy can open new doors for pool professionals. Whether he’s making TikTok videos or helping others troubleshoot equipment issues, he proves that with the right approach, social media can be more than a side hustle or a time suck—it can be a game-changer that helps elevate and entertain others.
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Randy Canova (PoolBoyInThaHouse) on the Pool Magazine podcast.
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