Text us a pool question! Summary Social media can be a game changer for service-based small businesses when leveraged correctly. It can elevate your brand, attract new customers, and foster loyalty among existing customers. Each social media platform serves a different purpose, and it's important to tailor your tactics accordingly. Defining your goals, understanding your target audience, and creating a content calendar are essential for effective social media marketing. Visual content, storytell...
Jul 23, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 573
Text us a pool question! Mondays Down Under: Importance of Swimming Pool Inspections for Buyers Hosts: Peter, Shane, and Lee Episode Overview: In this enlightening episode of the Mondays Down Under show on the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Peter, Shane, and Lee dive into the crucial topic of swimming pool inspections for prospective home buyers. The episode is packed with expert insights and practical advice that pool service professionals and homebuyers alike will find invaluable. Key Topics Dis...
Jul 22, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 572
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Andrea and Rudy cover various pool maintenance topics and common misconceptions. They humorously explore the idea of Andrea "dying" on the show and branching into true crime podcasts. The discussion highlights pool-related incidents like stingray stings and stepping on sharp objects, emphasizing the hazards of pool maintenance. They debunk myths about black algae having roots and clarify the misconceptions about using muriatic acid to lower total alkalin...
Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Season 4Ep. 571
Text us a pool question! Hosts: Wayne and Steve Release Date: Thursday, July 18, 2024 Key Highlights: Introduction: Wayne and Steve kick off the episode with an engaging discussion about the importance of proper training for pool service technicians. They emphasize the impact of skilled technicians on business success and customer satisfaction. Training Methods: Wayne talks about the traditional methods of training, including hands-on apprenticeships and classroom-based learning. He highlights t...
Jul 18, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 570
Text us a pool question! Introduction to Lacey's Business Approach: Lacey describes their business environment as reminiscent of the Wild West, emphasizing a more intuitive, less numbers-driven approach. They rely on creating a comfortable, family-owned atmosphere in their retail store, which includes unique icebreakers like massage chairs to engage customers. Employee and Customer Interaction: Retail Strategy: The massage chairs serve as a great conversation starter, breaking down the usual sal...
Jul 16, 2024•17 min•Season 4Ep. 569
Text us a pool question! Episode Overview: Turning Down Dangerous Pool Jobs Hosts: Peter, Lee, and Shane Podcast Series: Mondays Down Under, Talking Pools Podcast In this eye-opening episode, Peter, Lee, and Shane delve into the critical topic of safety in the pool service industry. The trio shares their experiences and insights on situations where they had to turn down jobs due to severe safety concerns or hazardous pool designs. Key Discussion Points: Initial Inspections and Red Flags: The hos...
Jul 15, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 568
Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Andrea and Rudy discuss various topics related to pools, including Andrea's absence last week, the misconception about stingrays biting, and the concept of oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in pool water. They also share funny anecdotes and stories, such as the incident at the 2016 Olympics when the dive pool turned green. Overall, the conversation covers pool maintenance, chlorine levels, and the importance of understanding ORP. The conversation ...
Jul 12, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 567
Text us a pool question! Talking Pools Podcast - Thursday Episode Overview Hosts: Wayne and Steve Topic: In-depth Discussion on Saltwater Chlorine Generation Episode Highlights: 1. Introduction to Saltwater Chlorine Generation: Wayne and Steve kick off the episode with an engaging introduction, explaining the basic concept of saltwater chlorine generation. They dive into how these systems convert salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine through a process called electrolysis, providing a natural, con...
Jul 11, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 567
Text us a pool question! Episode Summary: Join Hot Dan Lenz on this Tuesday's episode of the Talking Pools Podcast as he dives deep into the world of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Designed specifically for swimming pool service professionals, apartment complex maintenance personnel, and hotel engineers, this episode aims to demystify KPIs and highlight their immense benefits. Key Segments: Introduction to KPIs: What Are KPIs? Definition and basic understanding of Key Performance Indicators....
Jul 09, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 566
Text us a pool question! Title : Mondays Down Under Hosts : Peter, Shane, and Lee Topic : Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) in Pools Overview : In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Peter, Shane, and Lee delve into the intricacies of Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) and its vital role in pool water chemistry. They start by explaining what ORP is—a measure of the water's ability to break down contaminants through oxidation. ORP is a crucial parameter for maintaining clean and safe po...
Jul 08, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 565
Text us a pool question! Summary In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz discusses responsible dosing of pool chemicals. He provides tips and best practices for accurate dosing, including standardizing measures, calibrating measuring cups, and using a food scale. Rudy also explains how to create a density-based conversion chart and emphasizes the importance of using consistent suppliers. He suggests using prepackaged doses and digital scales for more precise measurements. Rudy demonstrates the calculat...
Jul 05, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 564
Text us a pool question! In this week's Thursday episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Wayne takes the reins solo as his cohost Steve embarks on a thrilling kite surfing adventure in the Red Sea. Without missing a beat, Wayne dives into a crucial topic for all pool professionals: the essential water tests needed to maintain a swimming pool properly. Wayne breaks down the key water tests that every pool technician should prioritize, emphasizing their importance in ensuring a safe, clean, and bala...
Jul 04, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 563
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Dan Lenz delves into the transformative power of technology in the pool service industry. With his wealth of experience, Dan shares insights on how adopting advanced technology has significantly boosted the expertise of his team. He covers various tools and software that have streamlined operations, enhanced customer service, and improved overall efficiency. Dan also discusses the learning curve involved and offers pract...
Jul 02, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 562
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Peter and Lee from Australia and Shane from New Zealand dive into the nitty-gritty of training new hires during the off-season winter months. They share insights and practical tips on how to effectively onboard and train new employees when the pool service industry is typically slower. Peter and Lee emphasize the benefits of utilizing the winter months for comprehensive training sessions. They discuss how this period al...
Jul 01, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 561
Text us a pool question! Summary In this conversation, Andrea and Rudy discuss Andrea's experiences rescuing dogs from drowning in pools. They also mention a new podcast called Poolside Perspective and share what they've been listening to in the pool industry. The conversation then shifts to the topic of mustard algae and its prevalence in Flint, Michigan. Rudy explains the history of the water crisis in Flint and how it relates to the growth of mustard algae. He also discusses the Saharan dust ...
Jun 28, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 560
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Wayne dives into the details of distinguishing between green water caused by algae and green water resulting from high copper levels. Here's a brief summary: Episode Highlights: Visual Cues: Wayne explains that algae typically causes water to appear cloudy or murky with a green tint, often accompanied by slimy surfaces in the pool. In contrast, green water due to high copper levels usually looks clear but has a distinct brigh...
Jun 27, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 559
Text us a pool question! In this intriguing episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, listeners are treated to a pre-recorded meeting of the Virtual Chapter of IPSSA, presided over by Rudy Stankowitz. As the chapter president, Rudy kicks off the session by extending a warm invitation to everyone to join this innovative virtual trade association chapter. The real highlight of the meeting, however, is the guest speaker, Michelle Kavanaugh, the esteemed president of M.K. Consulting. Michelle leads an e...
Jun 26, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 558
Text us a pool question! Tips for pool service professionals, diving into several key topics: Dan's Protocol of Care : Dan outlines his comprehensive approach to maintaining pristine pool conditions. He discusses the importance of regular maintenance, monitoring chemical levels, and addressing common pool issues promptly. Adding Non-Chlorine Shock Weekly : Emphasizing the benefits of using non-chlorine shock, Dan explains how it helps keep pools clear and safe without the harsh effects of chlori...
Jun 25, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 557
Text us a pool question! being a pool service technician is one of the most physically demanding jobs out there. Imagine this: you're out in the scorching sun, lifting heavy equipment, handling hazardous chemicals, and navigating slippery surfaces—all while maintaining the pristine condition of swimming pools. It's like being a modern-day Hercules, only with less mythology and more chlorine. Your muscles are always in action, whether you're scrubbing tiles, hauling pool covers, or balancing on t...
Jun 24, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 556
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz goes solo as his co-host, Andrea Nannini, is out managing pool maintenance after some severe storms. Rudy dives into one of Andrea's pet peeves: the use of the word "shock" in the pool industry. He explores whether "shock" should be used as a noun or a verb and discusses the industry's terminology. Rudy clarifies that "shocking" a pool is an action, primarily aimed at achieving breakpoint chlorination to elimi...
Jun 21, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 555
Text us a pool question! Welcome to another exciting episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! Today, your favorite hosts Wayne and Steve are diving deep into the world of pool sanitizers. Whether you’re a seasoned pool professional or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights to keep your pools sparkling clean and safe. From traditional chlorine to the latest in saltwater systems, Wayne and Steve are here to break down all the types of sanitizers available for swimming poo...
Jun 20, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 554
Text us a pool question! Welcome to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! I'm your host, Dan Lenz, and today we're diving into a crucial topic for any business owner or manager in the pool industry: the art of motivating employees. In this episode, we'll explore how the journey to a motivated and dedicated team begins right at the interview stage. We'll discuss the importance of finding the right fit from the get-go and share strategies for building a team culture where everyone feels li...
Jun 18, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 553
Text us a pool question! Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! We've got a packed show today with our incredible co-hosts sharing their latest adventures and insights from the world of pool service. First up, we have Peter, who recently had an unexpected turn of events and broke his leg. But Peter being Peter, he didn't let a little thing like that slow him down. Instead, he's been using his recovery time to dive into some fascinating educational classes. He'll s...
Jun 17, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 552
Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Andrea and Rudy discuss various topics related to pools and pool maintenance. They talk about cleaning pools in a tornado, the use of seawater in cruise ship pools, the conversion of pools to bromine pools, and the use of yellow out and chloramines. They also touch on the topic of cities lying about water treatment methods. Overall, the conversation covers a range of pool-related subjects and provides insights into pool maintenance practices. In thi...
Jun 14, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 551
Text us a pool question! Welcome to another exciting episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! We have an invaluable session lined up for all you pool service professionals out there. Joining us are our resident experts, Wayne and Steve, who will be diving deep into the crucial topic of conducting pool inspections for home sales. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting in the industry, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights on how to perform thorough and effective pool inspec...
Jun 13, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 550
Text us a pool question! Welcome back to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! I'm your host, Dan Lenz, and today we're diving into an essential topic for every pool service professional: fine-tuning your flow rate to maximize reductions in electrical consumption. In this episode, we'll explore how optimizing your pool pump's flow rate can lead to significant savings on energy costs, effectively showing how quickly the investment in a variable speed pump can pay for itself. I'll guide yo...
Jun 11, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 549
Text us a pool question! Talking Pools Podcast Overview: "Down Under Hosts Peter and Lee Discuss Generic vs. Name Brand Pool Products" Episode Summary In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Peter and Lee delve into the ongoing debate between using generic and name brand chemicals, equipment, and other pool-related products. Drawing from their extensive experience in the pool industry, they provide a comprehensive guide on when it's acceptable to opt for off-brand products and when s...
Jun 10, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 548
Text us a pool question! Andrea and Rudy discuss various topics including work, a haunted house experience, a Rolling Stones concert, and a controversial pool product ad. They also delve into a past incident involving a pool-related photo that sparked controversy in a Facebook group. The conversation covers a range of topics including a pool incident, the hiring process of a pool company, and the use of chemicals in water treatment. It also delves into the role of a CPO, the impact of silicates ...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 547
Text us a pool question! In a riveting episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Thursday hosts Wayne and Steve dive deep into the topic of natural pools, expressing their strong opinions and sparking a lively debate within the pool enthusiast community. This episode stands out not only for its informative content but also for the hosts' candid expressions of their disdain for natural pools. A Closer Look at Natural Pools Natural pools, also known as swimming ponds, have gained popularity in recent ...
Jun 06, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 546
Text us a pool question! Welcome to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! I'm your host, Dan Lenz, and today we dive deep into a critical issue facing our industry: the state of education and the accuracy of information circulating within the pool community. In recent years, we've seen a surge of self-proclaimed experts on social media platforms. While many have good intentions, the reality is that misinformation is rampant. This poses a significant challenge for pool owners and professi...
Jun 04, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 545
