We're not strutting the runways in Paris and Milan, but pool cleaners should dress with some style. I've seen plenty of my fellow pool technicians on the job, and let me tell you, none of them are in the running for the Best Dressed List. Basically, they're all in need of a crash course in fashion. Never one to shy away from a challenge, I figured I would answer the call of duty.

The first part of our lesson is called "what NOT to wear." While every pool tech puts their unique spin on it, I've found that most of us fit into one of two categories:

Mr. Fixit wears navy blue coveralls and a leather tool belt. He's got the whole handyman look going on – not that there's anything wrong with the way handymen dress. It's just a bit too stuffy for our line of work, that's all. Pools are fun. Swimming is fun. Getting paid to muck around in the water while you work on your tan is fun. Your work clothes should be a little more laidback, too. You can loosen up and relax a bit while still looking like a professional.     #2 Mr. "I Just Rolled Out of Bed" (or maybe even a cardboard box…)     Mr. "I Just Rolled Out of Bed" wears a holey, sweat-stained undershirt with the sleeves torn off, which he pairs with some fraying, paint-splattered jeans cut off into shorts. Even though we're not doing the 9 to 5 crunch, we're still professionals. Sometimes you can take the beach bum vibe a little too far and wind up just looking like a bum. True, you don't want to wear an Armani suit while you're working with chlorine and vacuuming sludge. But, you should still upgrade from what you wear to change the oil in your car.

Here's a quick rule of thumb: if you'd be too embarrassed to donate it to the Goodwill, then don't wear it to work.

Introducing…Mr. Right

Now, that we've covered the don'ts, let's look at the dos. A pool cleaner's signature look is simple: a nice pair of swim trunks and a surfer-style t-shirt with your company's name and/or logo on it. If you really want to go all out, put on a Kahuna hat and smear some blue Zinka on your nose.

Seriously, though, you don't have to look like you live in a Jimmy Buffet song. Your clothes will still have that "beachy feel," and you'll be cool and comfortable. The best part is that it's really pretty inexpensive. A sharp pair of swim trunks costs a whole lot less than dress slacks. Price around at some print shops, and you can get a good deal on t-shirts screened with your logo.

If a pair of shorts gets a tear or a t-shirt gets a bleach spot on the front, take it out of work rotation. Relegate it to your leaf-raking wardrobe, cut it up into rags…just don't let your clients see you wearing it.

Quick tip: Soft bodies don't sell! It always helps to keep yourself in good shape. Make an effort to stay fit and trim.