Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz covers a wide range of topics that pool professionals won't want to miss. Rudy begins with a viral video involving pool vodka dosing, dissecting the science behind it and whether it holds any merit. He explains the concept of carbon dosing in aquariums, how vodka interacts with nitrite and nitrate levels, and whether similar techniques could be applied to pools. The episode then shifts to a fraud case inv...
Sep 13, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 595
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Wayne and Steve dive into the serious and often overlooked issue of electrocutions in swimming pools. They emphasize the importance of proper electrical safety measures in and around pools, explaining that faulty wiring, poor grounding, and outdated electrical systems can create life-threatening hazards. The hosts discuss common sources of electrical problems, such as defective pool lights and improper bonding of pool equipme...
Sep 12, 2024•55 min•Season 4Ep. 594
Text us a pool question! In this lively and unpredictable episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea and Paulette dive into a mix of wild stories, strange occurrences, and practical pool issues. The episode kicks off with Andrea venting about her ongoing battle with a difficult property manager. He constantly complains about a low salt light that, according to Andrea, has never actually been on. Despite adding a bag of salt, the pool’s salt levels still sit at a low 2600 ppm, leading Andrea to...
Sep 10, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 593
Text us a pool question! In the episode where Peter, Lee, and Shane discuss watching costs and hidden fees, they likely emphasize the importance of closely monitoring expenses in a pool service business. They might talk about how costs can quickly add up in unexpected ways, such as through hidden fees for parts, equipment, or services, like increased shipping charges, vendor markups, or fuel surcharges. These fees can chip away at profits if not carefully accounted for. The trio would probably s...
Sep 09, 2024•51 min•Season 4Ep. 592
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Rudy Stanowitz discusses oxidation reduction potential (ORP) and how it is used to gauge the effectiveness of water treatment in swimming pools. He explains that ORP measures the water's ability to oxidize or reduce substances, which directly relates to the pool's ability to keep contaminants at bay. Rudy also explores the factors that can influence ORP readings, such as chlorine levels, pH, cyanuric acid, temperature, organic contaminants, total dissolv...
Sep 06, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 594
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Wayne delves into the common misconception surrounding non-chlorine shock, specifically monopersulfate (MPS). He explains to Steve that the term "non-chlorine shock" is somewhat misleading because MPS is not powerful enough to break the nitrogen-chloride bond, which means it can't effectively eliminate combined chlorine from a swimming pool. However, Wayne emphasizes that MPS is still a valuable tool in pool maintenance as a ...
Sep 05, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 593
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea welcomes a special guest—her mother, Paulette—who brings a unique twist to the show by sharing some hilariously mean tweets about pools that she discovered on X (formerly Twitter). Paulette's lively commentary adds a dose of humor as they explore these sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek posts, giving listeners a good laugh. However, the mood shifts as Andrea transitions into a more serious discussion about the tragic news of r...
Sep 03, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 591
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Lee and Shane share their firsthand experiences from the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show with Peter. They dive into the latest trends, innovative products, and the overall vibe of the event. Lee and Shane recount their interactions with various vendors, highlight standout products, and discuss key takeaways from the educational sessions they attended. They also touch on the networking opportunities the trade show provided, ...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 591
Text us a pool question! Laci Davis, President of The Grit Game , discusses her role as a manufacturer rep firm in the pool industry and the unique approach they take. The Grit Game represents multiple manufacturers and focuses on empowering potential within the industry. They differentiate themselves by having a limited line card, allowing reps to have in-depth knowledge of each product line. They also operate on a national level, streamlining communication and making it easier for manufacturer...
Aug 30, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 590
Text us a pool question! In part two of the Talking Pools Podcast episode where Wayne and Steve discuss preparing a swimming pool for a major weather event like a tornado or a hurricane, the duo delves deeper into the specific steps pool service professionals and homeowners should take to ensure their pools are safeguarded. Key Points Discussed: Securing Pool Equipment: Wayne and Steve emphasize the importance of securing all pool equipment, such as pumps, heaters, and filters. They discuss meth...
Aug 29, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 589
Text us a pool question! In this lively episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea is joined by her mother, Paulette, as they dive into a series of engaging and humorous pool-related stories. The episode begins with Andrea recounting her ongoing saga with property managers, including a particularly tricky situation involving a green pool and a malfunctioning skimmer. Paulette shares her own challenging customer interaction at a 55+ community, leading to a discussion about the unpredictable nat...
Aug 27, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 587
Text us a pool question! In this lively episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Peter from the Mondays Down Under show takes on the challenging task of explaining the metric system to Steve from the Thursdays with Wayne and Steve show. The conversation, which begins with Peter’s well-structured attempt to demystify the metric units of measurement, quickly spirals into a chaotic yet entertaining exchange as Steve veers off-topic. Steve shares a series of humorous and frustrating stories about the u...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 587
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz dives deep into the fascinating world of metal-based biocides, particularly focusing on zinc, copper, and silver, and their critical roles in swimming pool treatment. Rudy begins by explaining the biocidal properties of these metals, discussing how each one targets and eliminates harmful microorganisms like algae and bacteria in pool water. He outlines the specific mechanisms through which these metals op...
Aug 23, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 588
Text us a pool question! In part one of this two-part episode, hosts Wayne and Steve dive into the crucial steps for preparing and caring for a swimming pool in the event of a major weather event like a hurricane. They start by emphasizing the importance of early preparation, highlighting the need to secure loose items around the pool area to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles. Wayne and Steve then discuss the necessity of balancing the pool's chemistry ahead of the storm, particul...
Aug 22, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 587
Text us a pool question! Andrea's new Tuesday show on the Talking Pools Podcast brings a fresh and dynamic format to the airwaves, where she dives into pool news "ripped from the headlines." Each week, Andrea is joined by a different guest co-host, adding a unique perspective to the discussion. Together, they break down the latest and most relevant stories impacting the pool industry, offering insights, analysis, and sometimes a bit of humor. This show promises to keep listeners informed and eng...
Aug 20, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 586
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Peter, Shane, and Lee dive into a candid discussion about the importance of manufacturers being transparent and honest with pool service professionals. They emphasize the need for straightforward communication, free from exaggerations or attempts to deceive, as this builds trust within the industry. The hosts highlight how misleading claims can damage relationships and stress the value of integrity in product information and ...
Aug 19, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 586
Text us a pool question! Episode Summary: In this episode, Rudy kicks things off by discussing his recent projects, leading into an in-depth exploration of pH in pool water. He explains the concept of pH, the pH scale, and the critical role of maintaining the proper pH level in swimming pools. Rudy delves into the importance of pH buffers and pKa values, offering insights into how they stabilize pH levels in pool water. He provides practical tips for pool technicians on managing water chemistry ...
Aug 16, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 587
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Wayne and Steve dive into the topic of calcium phosphate in swimming pools. They start by explaining what calcium phosphate is and how it forms when calcium in the water combines with phosphate. The hosts identify common sources of phosphates in pool water, such as fertilizers, decaying organic matter, and certain pool chemicals. They discuss the potential damage calcium phosphate can cause, including scaling on pool su...
Aug 15, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 586
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea hosts a late-night solo session, humorously dubbed the "Andrea Solo-Solo." Recording from her car at 10 PM after her guest canceled, Andrea discusses the importance of chemical safety in pool maintenance, particularly in light of a recent hazardous chemical leak at the Great Wolf Lodge in Webster, Texas. Andrea reports on the incident where 16 people were hospitalized after a third-party contractor improperly mixed sod...
Aug 13, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 585
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Peter, Shane, and Lee dive into the gritty world of some of the dirtiest swimming pool jobs that pool techs encounter. They share stories and experiences from their time in the field, highlighting the challenges of cleaning pools that have been neglected, dealing with stubborn algae blooms, and tackling the aftermath of storms that fill pools with debris. The hosts discuss the importance of using the right equipment, ma...
Aug 12, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 584
Text us a pool question! NOTE: Rudy is a Pool Guy, Dammit! Not a labor law attorney or expert... That said - In this conversation, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the topic of how to pay swimming pool technicians. He explores the different methods of payment, including per pool, hourly, and piecework pay. Rudy explains the intricacies of piecework compensation and the guidelines set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). He emphasizes the importance of ensuring compliance with federal and state laws,...
Aug 09, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 583
Text us a pool question! Talking Pools Podcast Episode Overview: The Stagnation in Water Testing Methods In this insightful episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Wayne and Steve dive into a pressing issue within the swimming pool industry: the troubling lack of advancement in water testing methods for monitoring pool water parameters. Despite the rapid technological advancements in various fields, Wayne and Steve lament the stagnation seen in the tools and techniques available for pool wat...
Aug 08, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 582
Text us a pool question! Ensuring Pool Safety: Beyond Swimming Lessons - A Deep Dive into Andrea's Monologue on the Talking Pools Podcast In the latest episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea delivers a compelling monologue emphasizing the critical importance of water safety. However, her focus extends beyond the typical advice of learning to swim, diving deep into the often-overlooked aspects of pool and pool equipment safety. Here, we unpack Andrea's detailed discussion on the barriers of...
Aug 06, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 581
Text us a pool question! Talking Pools Podcast: Mondays Down Under Episode Overview: The Start-Up Process of New Pools in Australia and New Zealand In this insightful episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Peter, Shane, and Lee delve into the intricate start-up process of new swimming pools, with a special focus on the curation of plaster in Australia and New Zealand. They share their expertise on ensuring a flawless start-up, highlighting best practices and common pitfalls to avoid. Key To...
Aug 05, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 580
Text us a pool question! I'm a Pool Guy, Dammit! I'm not a Labor Law Attorney...The conversation discusses whether employees should be classified as W-2 employees or 1099 contractors. The Department of Labor has introduced a new final rule that outlines the criteria for determining worker classification. The rule focuses on factors such as the nature and degree of control over the work, the worker's opportunity for profit or loss, the skill required for the work, the permanence of the work relat...
Aug 02, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 579
Text us a pool question! Talking Pools Podcast Episode Overview Hosts: Wayne & Steve Episode Highlights: Kite Surfing in the Olympics: Wayne and Steve dive into the thrilling news of kite surfing being added to the Olympic roster. They discuss the sport's growing popularity, its exhilarating nature, and what this inclusion means for both athletes and fans. The hosts share their excitement, speculate on the potential medal contenders, and reflect on how this dynamic sport might evolve on the ...
Aug 01, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 578
Text us a pool question! Talking Pools Podcast Episode Overview: Andrea Nannini Takes Over Tuesdays: Discussing Phosphate Removers with Joe Trusty of Pool Magazine In this engaging and informative episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea Nannini steps in for the Tuesday show and brings her dynamic presence to the forefront. Joining her is the knowledgeable Joe Trusty of Pool Magazine. Together, they dive deep into the world of phosphate removers, a crucial yet often misunderstood aspect of p...
Jul 30, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 577
Text us a pool question! Talking Pools Podcast: Mondays Down Under with Peter, Shane, and Lee Episode Overview: In this engaging episode of Mondays Down Under, hosts Peter, Shane, and Lee dive into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of pool service management: handling employees on rainy days. They share practical tips and strategies to keep your workforce productive and motivated, even when the weather doesn't cooperate. Handling Rainy Days: When the skies open up, it doesn't mean business ...
Jul 29, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 576
Text us a pool question! In this insightful episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Andrea welcomes Kevin Stempien of X-Pert Pool Service as a special guest. Kevin steps in for the regular host, Rudy, who is away for this session. The focus of the conversation revolves around the critical topic of calcium problems in swimming pools. Key Highlights: Introduction and Greetings: Andrea starts the episode with a warm welcome and introduces Kevin Stempien to the listeners. She provides a brief bac...
Jul 26, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 575
Text us a pool question! In this insightful episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne dive into the crucial topic of selling safety equipment as a dual strategy to enhance both profits and pool safety. With their extensive experience and knowledge in the pool service industry, they offer valuable advice and practical tips for pool service entrepreneurs looking to expand their business offerings while prioritizing customer safety. Key Discussion Points: Importance of Pool Safety...
Jul 25, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 574
