Text us a pool question! In this lively conversation, Andrea and Paulette share their weekend experiences, focusing on pool maintenance challenges, unexpected wildlife encounters, and community events. They discuss the joys and frustrations of managing pools, including a memorable 4th of July pool adventure and a design contest announcement. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on pool safety and future plans. takeaways The importance of regular pool maintenance and monitoring. Unexpected wil...
Jul 08, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 792
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss various aspects of fiberglass pools and skimmer boxes, including their design, safety features, and the challenges of installation and repair. They share insights on the importance of learning in the pool industry and emphasize the need for proper techniques and materials in pool maintenance. The conversation also touches on the significance of teamwork and communication in the trade. takeaways Fiberglass po...
Jul 07, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 791
Text us a pool question! Pentair just dropped a bombshell on pool pros: effective immediately through August 31, 2025, they’re capping purchase orders at 30% above your July–August 2024 levels . Anything above that? Denied. Pentair caps your buying power. The EPA quietly bans sodium bromide. And bonding? Finally, some clarity. In this episode, we tackle three major updates shaking the pool industry. First, Pentair announces a sudden cap on purchase orders—effective immediately, you're limited to...
Jul 04, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 790
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and his co-host discuss their personal lives, including upcoming vacations and wedding plans. They delve into the challenges of client communication in the service industry, emphasizing the importance of setting expectations and maintaining open lines of communication. The conversation also touches on product development in the pool industry, highlighting the need for common sense and practical input from users. T...
Jul 03, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 789
Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Sarah discusses the recent regulatory changes affecting pool chemicals, particularly sodium bromide, and its implications for pool maintenance. She shares insights on effective algae treatment techniques, the importance of managing metal levels in pools, and the role of chlorine in controlling algae. Sarah also introduces innovative solutions for metal removal, emphasizing the need for proper pool care and maintenance practices. takeaways Sodium bro...
Jul 02, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 788
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Andrea and Paulette welcome Don Douglas from Revd Up Apparel. They discuss the evolution of Don's apparel company, which specializes in custom, chemical-resistant clothing for pool professionals. The conversation also touches on a design contest for listeners, safety tips for pool ownership, and the importance of hair care for swimmers. Additionally, they share insights on the dangers of mixing cleaning chemicals and th...
Jul 01, 2025•46 min•Season 5Ep. 787
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss the challenges and solutions related to older fiberglass pools, particularly focusing on the issue of black spot. They explore the causes of black spot, the evolution of fiberglass pool technology, and the importance of proper maintenance and treatment. The conversation also touches on insurance claims related to pool damage and the integrity of professionals in the industry. The episode concludes with an invitation for...
Jun 30, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 786
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz is interrupted with breaking news on a malware attack that has left an industry manufacturer paralyzed. He also addresses common myths and misconceptions that plague the industry, as well as how Podcasts and Trade Magazines are the only reliable sources of information for Pool Service Professionals. He discusses the importance of understanding pool chemistry, the role of various chemicals, and the significance...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 5Ep. 785
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne & Steve discuss various challenges faced in the pool service industry, including legal issues, the importance of documentation, and compliance with safety regulations. They share personal experiences with subpoenas and lawsuits, highlight historical legal cases that have impacted the industry, and emphasize the significance of the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. The conversation also touches on the necessity of safety me...
Jun 26, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 784
Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Sarah discusses the common causes of algae growth in swimming pools and provides practical advice on how to prevent it. She emphasizes the importance of proper pump operation, filter maintenance, and managing chemical levels such as phosphates and CYA. Sarah also addresses common pool issues and offers solutions to ensure a clean and healthy swimming environment. takeaways Running your pump for 12 hours a day can help reduce algae growth. Stagnant w...
Jun 25, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 783
Text us a pool question! Andrea and Paulette talk about the pools they don't want as customers Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com...
Jun 24, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 782
Text us a pool question! In this episode, the hosts celebrate a personal milestone for one of their own while welcoming Rainbow Morris, a professional in the pool industry. Rainbow shares her journey into the industry, emphasizing the diverse opportunities available, especially for women. The conversation delves into the importance of pool safety, compliance regulations, and emerging trends in pool design. The hosts also discuss the significance of inspections and the moral responsibilities of p...
Jun 23, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 781
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy delves into the challenges faced by pool professionals, with a particular focus on the often misunderstood cyanobacteria, commonly referred to as black algae. He discusses the importance of accurate identification and treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for education and proper water testing. Rudy also explores innovative solutions, such as aluminum sulfate and the potential of living concrete infused with cyanoba...
Jun 20, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 780
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne delve into the critical topic of water balance in pools, focusing on the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and its importance in maintaining pool health. They discuss the key parameters that affect water balance, the significance of regular testing, and the challenges faced by pool professionals in calculating and maintaining proper water chemistry. The conversation also touches on the differences between...
Jun 19, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 779
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Sarah discusses the importance of managing phosphates in swimming pools, explaining how they contribute to algae growth and how to effectively treat and prevent phosphate issues. She emphasizes the role of landscaping and maintenance practices in keeping pools clean and algae-free, providing practical tips for pool owners. takeaways Phosphates in pools lead to algae growth. The ideal phosphate level in pools is zero. Phosphates can be beneficial for hair...
Jun 18, 2025•23 min•Season 5Ep. 778
Text us a pool question! Andrea and Paulette deliver the Swimming pool-related news from top headlines across the globe. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com...
Jun 17, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 776
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, including seasonal challenges, the impact of clothing on chlorine levels, and the importance of safety in pool maintenance. They delve into the chemistry of pool water, exploring how temperature and chemical interactions affect chlorine demand. Unique pool issues and solutions are shared, along with insights on the effects of pets on pool chemistry. The conversation emphasizes the need fo...
Jun 16, 2025•48 min•Season 5Ep. 776
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the importance of operational leverage in the pool business, emphasizing the need for systems and processes that allow for efficiency and profitability. He explores various strategies for streamlining operations, optimizing routes, and managing client relationships. The conversation also delves into innovative solutions for pool maintenance, particularly focusing on nitrate removal, challenging tradi...
Jun 13, 2025•28 min•Season 5Ep. 775
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss their recent travels and experiences with pool maintenance, particularly focusing on the differences in pool care across regions. They delve into the importance of well point systems for commercial pools, especially in areas prone to erosion, and provide insights for newcomers to the pool industry, emphasizing the need for knowledge and networking. This conversation delves into the intricacies of...
Jun 12, 2025•53 min•Season 5Ep. 774
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Sarah shares her journey in the pool industry, detailing her experiences from starting as a helper to navigating the challenges of apartment complex pools and eventually returning to residential pools. She discusses various maintenance techniques, the importance of chemical management, and humorous anecdotes from his work. Sarah emphasizes the responsibilities of homeowners in maintaining their pools and offers practical tips for effective pool care. tak...
Jun 11, 2025•24 min•Season 5Ep. 773
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Paulette and Andrea discuss their recent alligator rescue from a pool, share insights on pool safety and regulations, and highlight the importance of chemical safety in pool maintenance. They also touch on the risks associated with pool rentals through platforms like Swimpley and emphasize the need for proper supervision of children around water. The conversation wraps up with a call for listener engagement and feedback. takeaways The ho...
Jun 10, 2025•28 min•Season 5Ep. 771
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss various challenges faced in pool maintenance and construction, particularly in relation to weather conditions, tenant responsibilities, and design flaws. They explore the implications of insurance and liability issues, the risks associated with DIY pool installations, and the importance of proper tools and techniques for maintenance. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication be...
Jun 09, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 771
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the importance of building a solid business model in the pool service industry, emphasizing smart scaling and effective systems. He introduces a new voice to the podcast, shares insights from industry news, and delves into the chemistry of pool maintenance, particularly focusing on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and the four key parameters of water chemistry: pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and TDS. The ep...
Jun 06, 2025•45 min•Season 5Ep. 770
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Wayne Ivusich shares his recent experiences traveling to Fiji and on a cruise through the Southern Pacific islands. He discusses the cultural aspects of Fiji, the quality and maintenance of pools and spas at resorts, and the practices observed on cruise ships. Rudy reflects on the importance of public health standards in pool maintenance, especially in the wake of COVID-19, and the impact on tourism in island nations. He concludes with t...
Jun 05, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 769
Text us a pool question! Andrea & Paulette, with special guests Sarah and Andrew Bero, share a variety of humorous and serious stories related to pool maintenance, including encounters with dead animals, challenges faced in the industry, and the importance of safety. They discuss the bizarre situations that arise in their line of work, from unexpected injuries to management issues, and highlight the need for proper maintenance and care in pool services. The conversation also touches on heroi...
Jun 03, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 768
Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss the significance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the context of aquatic facilities and service businesses. They emphasize the need for consistency, compliance, and the empowerment of staff through well-documented procedures. The discussion also touches on the role of technology and AI in developing SOPs, the importance of detailed procedures, and the necessity of personalizing SOPs to reflect the business's c...
Jun 02, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 767
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz addresses the pressing issues within the pool industry, including illegal practices and the importance of understanding key business metrics. He emphasizes the need for customer retention, satisfaction, and effective technician training. The discussion also covers profitability, sustainability, employee retention, and competitive intelligence, urging pool service professionals to track essential metrics to dri...
May 30, 2025•55 min•Season 5Ep. 766
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz and Steve discuss various challenges and innovations in the pool industry, focusing on chemical management, service agreements, and the importance of mentorship. They explore the significance of accurate chemical dosing, the role of insurance in risk management, and the latest advancements in water testing technology. The conversation also touches on personal projects and the importance of treating employees well in a growing business. ta...
May 29, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 765
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Lee and guest host Peter Legaz discuss significant changes in the pool industry, including leadership transitions within Spasa and the impact of these changes on the industry. They explore the importance of community engagement, the challenges of staff management, and personal experiences that shape their business insights. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability and the value of personal connections in business. The conversation delves int...
May 26, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 764
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy discusses a significant industrial safety incident at the Biolab Chemical Plant in Conyers, Georgia, highlighting the implications for community health and the pool industry. He also provides a weekly roundup of developments in the pool and spa industry, including legislative concerns and new safety standards. The episode further delves into the state of the pool industry through various reports, analyzing insights and t...
May 23, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 763
