Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Chris Galvin, President and CEO of Blu-ray XL. They discuss the evolution of the pool industry post-COVID, the innovative mineral-based products offered by Blu-ray XL, and the importance of sustainability in pool maintenance. Chris explains the science behind their products, debunks common myths about copper usage in pools, and shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges in building his company. The co...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 668
Text us a pool question! Summary: In this episode, Wayne and Steve discuss the importance of cost value association with clients and the necessity of raising prices to keep up with increasing costs. They emphasize the importance of making sure you're making enough money to cover expenses and not feeling guilty about raising prices, as it's a common practice even among manufacturers. They also share their holiday wishes and express gratitude to their listeners. Key Topics: Cost Value Association:...
Dec 26, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 667
Text us a pool question! Episode Highlights : Join Andrea and Paulette for a festive and entertaining Christmas Eve edition of the Talking Pools Podcast! In this lighthearted episode, the duo covers poolside trivia, holiday cheer, and some unexpected chlorine and Legionella-related news stories. What’s Inside : 🎄 Christmas Cheer : Andrea and Paulette share their holiday experiences, from customer tips to juggling pool service schedules during the festive season. 📰 Poolside News : A suspicious ...
Dec 24, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 666
Text us a pool question! Summary: Welcome back to another Mondays Down Under on the Talking Pools Podcast! This week, Peter and Lee delve into the chaos and comedy of managing pool service for rental properties. From tenants turning off equipment to dodgy property managers, they share hilarious anecdotes and battle-tested strategies for keeping your cool (and your business profitable) when handling rental pool service accounts. Shane is absent this week, but Peter and Lee hold down the fort with...
Dec 23, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 665
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the evolution of pool care, addressing critiques of industry podcasts and emphasizing the importance of education and adaptation in the field. He reflects on the historical context of pool service, the shift towards eco-friendly practices, and the cultural significance of gestures like the middle finger. The episode concludes with insights on upcoming events and a call to embrace sustainability in th...
Dec 20, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 664
Text us a pool question! Hosts: Wayne and Steve Episode Summary: In this episode, Wayne and Steve discuss the challenges of dealing with demanding clients, often referred to as "Karens," and share valuable tips on maintaining clear communication and documentation in the pool maintenance business. They also touch on the importance of capturing detailed records of service visits to ensure smooth business operations. Key Topics: Introduction and Weather Reflections Brief discussion on the current w...
Dec 19, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 663
Text us a pool question! Andrea and Paulette talk about swimming pool service and tell it like it is. Paulette hates a customer, Andrea is annoyed with chlorine-free tech, and more. CMAHC The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code promotes health & safety at public swimming pools Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Faceb...
Dec 17, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 662
Text us a pool question! In this festive episode of Mondays Down Under , Peter, Shane, and Lee bring their signature humor and insights to a special Christmas-themed discussion. The trio dives into the quirks and challenges of the holiday season for pool service professionals, reflecting on customer chaos, overbooked schedules, and the industry’s unique holiday pressures. The conversation begins with lighthearted banter as the hosts exchange festive greetings and discuss their own Christmas trad...
Dec 16, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 661
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz shares personal reflections on pet ownership and announces his upcoming speaking engagements at the NPC conference. He delves into the history and evolution of chlorine in pool sanitation, discussing its significance and advancements in water treatment. The conversation highlights the challenges and concerns associated with chlorine use, as well as alternative disinfection methods. Rudy emphasizes the importance of legal and regulatory co...
Dec 13, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 660
Text us a pool question! Hosts: Wayne and Steve Episode Summary: In this episode, Wayne and Steve dive into the importance of pH levels in pool maintenance. They discuss how different sanitizers, such as chlorine and bromine, have varying pH levels and how these affect pool maintenance. The hosts also touch on the relationship between pH and other factors in pool care. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction to pH in Pool Maintenance Importance of maintaining ideal pH levels. Impact of pH on pool wat...
Dec 12, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 659
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools Podcast , Andrea and Paulette take center stage on their signature Tuesday show to deliver a lively roundup of news ripped straight from the headlines, all with their trademark wit and expertise. From wild and wacky pool stories to serious industry developments, no topic is off-limits. They dive into global swimming pool news, touching on bizarre incidents like "No Girls Allowed" water park controversies, ongoing updates on the BioLab fir...
Dec 10, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 659
Text us a pool question! Welcome to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast ! It’s Mondays Down Under, and today’s hosts are Lee and Shane, holding the fort while Peter is “under the pump” and unable to join. This episode dives into the festive season madness, the importance of family time, and the evolving role of technology in the pool industry. Highlights: A Festive Kickoff : Shane shares his experience of being transformed into Rudolph at his kids’ kindergarten Christmas party and remin...
Dec 09, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 657
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Flockit Friday podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the challenges faced in the pool service industry, emphasizing the importance of recognizing toxic customers and the need for resilience. He shares insights on pool discoloration, the science behind filtration, and personal challenges he has faced. The conversation also covers effective team building strategies, highlighting the significance of hiring, onboarding, and creating a positive company cul...
Dec 06, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 654
Text us a pool question! Introduction: Host welcomes listeners and introduces special guest, Richard LaMotte. Richard LaMotte is an author and marketing executive based in Chestertown, Maryland. He is renowned for his expertise on sea glass, having authored the award-winning book "Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems," which earned first place in Writer's Digest's thirteenth annual Self-Publishing Book Awards. This work has been featured in publications such as Parade magazine, Co...
Dec 05, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 653
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast , hosts Andrea and Paulette dive into the latest headlines shaping the swimming pool industry. With their signature mix of wit and insight, they tackle a variety of trending topics, offering their perspectives as seasoned professionals. Here’s a snapshot of what’s covered: Breaking News and Hot Topics : Andrea brings stories from around the globe, from the unusual to the controversial, shedding light on how these developments ...
Dec 03, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 652
Text us a pool question! Introduction: Peter welcomes back Lee and Shane, ribbing them for leaving him to go solo last week. Shane shares the Australian Phrase of the Day: "Running around like a blue ass fly," symbolizing the frantic pace of the busy season. The trio discusses the approach of "Hell Month," the peak of summer madness for pool service professionals. Key Topics Discussed: 1. Preparing for the Holiday Rush Advice for Regional Listeners: Order Christmas stock early as suppliers and f...
Dec 02, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 651
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the latest trends in the pool industry, including stock updates and the impact of Warren Buffett's investment in Pool Corporation. He emphasizes the importance of standing your ground as a business owner, particularly in customer service scenarios. The conversation also delves into the complexities of ionic strength in saltwater pools and concludes with a discussion on the necessity of contracts in the pool service industry to p...
Nov 29, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 650
Text us a pool question! Special Announcement: Hey everyone! Just a quick heads-up: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, we're bringing you this week's episode of the "Talking Pools" podcast a day early. Instead of our usual Thursday slot, you'll be able to catch Wayne and Steve on Wednesday this week. We hope you enjoy the episode and have a fantastic Thanksgiving! In this episode of the "Talking Pools" podcast, Wayne and Steve dive into the essential role trade shows play in the pool industry. The...
Nov 27, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 649
Text us a pool question! In this splashy episode, Andrea and Paulette dive into the age-old debate: should you clean a pool while people are still doggy-paddling around? Paulette takes a hard line, declaring, “If they’re not out in five minutes, I’m turning the vacuum into a torpedo!” Meanwhile, Andrea claims she’s perfected the art of precision vacuuming, confidently maneuvering around cannonballs and floating inflatables like a poolside ninja. IT IS THE FIRM BELIEF OF THE TALKING POOLS PODCAST...
Nov 26, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 648
Text us a pool question! Host: Lee (solo episode) Episode Summary: Lee takes the reins solo this week as Peter and Shane are busy dealing with the southern hemisphere’s pre-summer chaos. The episode focuses on critical topics that surfaced during Lee’s consultation with a pool business client: accountability, communication, and fostering team unity. Lee dives deep into strategies for maintaining a productive and cohesive workplace, even during the busiest times of the year. Listeners are treated...
Nov 25, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 647
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the latest trends in the pool industry, focusing on stock market performance, the importance of engaging Gen Z in pool careers, the science behind UV disinfection and quantum yield, and essential financial metrics for pool service businesses. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovation, environmental consciousness, and financial literacy to thrive in the competitive pool service market. takea...
Nov 22, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 648
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Wayne and Steve Podcast from the Talking Pools Podcast , the duo explores strategies for increasing revenue streams within the pool service industry. With Steve fresh off two weeks of fieldwork, he reflects on the physical demands of the job, offering a heartfelt shout-out to pool technicians who endure the grind daily. The episode shifts focus to expanding income beyond basic pool maintenance. Steve highlights the importance of offering high-end s...
Nov 21, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 647
Text us a pool question! In this lively and hilariously honest episode, Andrea and Paulette dive headfirst into the controversial topic of whether pool pros should give Christmas cards to their clients. Is it a warm gesture in the spirit of the season, or does it come off as a not-so-subtle nudge for a holiday bonus? The discussion is equal parts comedic and thought-provoking, as the duo weighs the pros and cons: Festive Cheer: Andrea argues that a simple Christmas card can spread goodwill, show...
Nov 19, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 646
Text us a pool question! Episode Highlights This lively episode dives into the challenges and strategies pool service professionals face during peak season, focusing on weather-related scheduling, managing customer demands, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With their signature humor and camaraderie, Peter, Lee, and Shane share personal anecdotes and practical advice, making for an engaging and insightful listen. Key Topics Discussed Weather Challenges in Pool Servicing Shane recounts...
Nov 18, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 645
Text us a pool question! In this Friday episode of Talking Pools Podcast , Rudy Stankowitz takes listeners through two important aspects of pool care that may seem unrelated but are essential to running a high-quality pool service business: advanced oxidation processes (AOP) and brand building. Rudy begins with a deep dive into AOP, focusing on oxidative stress and radical scavenging as powerful sanitation tools. He highlights the role of hydroxyl radicals—microscopic but mighty cleaners that br...
Nov 15, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 644
Text us a pool question! In this Thursday episode of the Talking Pools Podcast , Wayne and Steve dive into the essential role trade shows play in the pool industry. They explore educational opportunities that these events provide, highlighting seminars like the instructor’s course and water balance seminar, which can sharpen skills and deepen knowledge. Wayne and Steve emphasize the networking aspect of trade shows, discussing how these events are perfect for reconnecting with clients, meeting n...
Nov 14, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 643
Text us a pool question! In this wild ride of an episode, Andrea and Paulette dive into some of the strangest, funniest, and scariest stories in the pool world. First up, they talk about the Trevi Fountain in Rome, which has gone from world-famous attraction to what basically looks like a “concrete rectangle” as part of its construction facelift. Yep, tourists are still expected to toss coins into this glorified public pool, all while paying admission to do so. The duo gets into how Rome’s famou...
Nov 12, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 642
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools titled "Size Does Matter," Lee poses a crucial question to pool owners and service pros alike: "Is your pool too big for your equipment, or is your equipment too big for your pool?" The discussion dives into the importance of matching the right equipment size with pool dimensions, covering how improperly sized pumps, filters, or heaters can lead to inefficiency, wear, and poor water quality. Peter, Shane, and Lee break down how to assess ...
Nov 11, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 641
Text us a pool question! In the world of pool service, where precision meets power, there’s one company that stands above the rest when it comes to heating things up — Raypak. But behind the sleek designs and high-tech innovations lies a story of relentless ambition, industry secrets, and unexpected revelations. On this episode, Rudy Stankowitz, veteran pool professional, dives deep into the minds behind Raypak’s most cutting-edge products. What starts as a conversation with T.J. and Mark about ...
Nov 08, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 641
Text us a pool question! Here's an episode where Wayne & Steve discuss the following: Safety Emphasis : The speaker stresses the importance of safety, especially when dealing with potentially dangerous tools and situations. Future Education : There's a plan to revisit the topic of safety and provide more education on it in future episodes. Upcoming Events : The speaker will be at the International Show in Dallas next month, teaching a CPO instructor class and giving a talk on the Langley or ...
Nov 07, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 640
