Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Rudy discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, including the challenges of maintaining pools on cruise ships, the importance of water quality management, and effective strategies for preventing and treating algae. They also delve into the role of phosphates in pool chemistry, the necessity of regular inspections, and the complexities of health department regulations. The conversation wraps up with insights ...
May 22, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 762
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Andrea and Paulette discuss their weekly experiences in pool maintenance, including challenges with a new pool, algae issues, and the importance of proper chemical balancing. They also delve into the pricing strategies within the pool service industry, emphasizing the need for fair compensation for quality work. The conversation highlights customer expectations and the frustrations faced by pool service professionals, concluding with an ...
May 20, 2025•20 min•Season 5Ep. 761
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss the journey of Algon, a company focused on recycling and sustainability in the pool industry. Founders John and Ted share their experiences in establishing a recycling program, the challenges they faced, and the positive impact on the environment and their business. They emphasize the importance of educating clients, building trust, and engaging the community in sustainability efforts. The conversation highlights the gr...
May 19, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 760
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the importance of mentorship in the pool service industry through the story of Chlorine Carl and his mentee Benny. The conversation transitions into an analysis of the latest industry reports from Aqua Magazine and Skimmer, highlighting economic insights, labor challenges, and the impact of technology on the industry. The episode concludes with a comparative analysis of the two reports, emphasizing t...
May 16, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 759
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss the significance of mentorship in the pool industry, the launch of the Mentor of the Year Award, and the importance of respect and empathy among professionals. They explore the challenges of navigating online communities, the value of building relationships, and the need for privacy in the digital age. The conversation emphasizes the role of mentorship in professional growth and encourages listeners to foste...
May 15, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 758
Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Andrea and her co-host Paulette discuss the challenges and inefficiencies in the pool service industry, particularly in Florida. They explore a post that suggests changing the tone around pool service to enhance respect and efficiency. The discussion covers various policies that could improve service, such as filter cleaning frequency and emergency cleanup fees. They also share personal experiences dealing with external factors like landscaping and ...
May 13, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 757
Text us a pool question! In this episode, the hosts discuss their recent travels, training experiences, and the importance of safety in pool maintenance, particularly regarding electrical hazards. They share insights from training sessions, feedback from participants, and personal anecdotes about dealing with customer inquiries and electrical issues in swimming pools. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper training, communication, and safety precautions in the industry. takeaways Travel...
May 12, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 756
Text us a pool question! This conversation delves into the Skimmer State of the Pool Service 2025 report, analyzing its findings and implications for the pool industry. Not everyone will like everything I say, but I shoot straight and share my honest evaluation of the collected information. It highlights the industry's growth, service professionals' challenges, and the importance of understanding data context. The discussion also covers marketing strategies, the impact of private equity, hiring ...
May 09, 2025•55 min•Season 5Ep. 755
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss the misleading marketing of pool products, particularly focusing on monoprosulfate. They explore the advantages and limitations of this chemical, its proper usage, and the common misconceptions surrounding it. The conversation also touches on the importance of accurate water testing and the historical context of monoprosulfate in the pool industry. In this conversation, the speakers discuss vario...
May 08, 2025•47 min•Season 5Ep. 754
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Andrea and Paulette discuss the challenges of preparing pools for the summer season in South Florida. They share their experiences with algae problems, customer expectations, and the importance of proper pool maintenance. The conversation also touches on customer interactions, misunderstandings regarding pool care, and the myths surrounding salt chlorinators. The hosts provide insights into their daily routines and the ...
May 06, 2025•25 min•Season 5Ep. 753
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss various topics related to the pool service industry, including the current weather conditions, a spike in equipment sales, and the upcoming federal election in Australia. They delve into workplace injuries, sharing personal stories and emphasizing the importance of safety protocols and PPE. The conversation also touches on the physical demands of the job, employer responsibilities, and the need for risk assessments. The...
May 05, 2025•35 min
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the pool industry, encouraging listeners to nominate their mentors for recognition at mentoraward.com He discusses innovations in pool safety and maintenance, highlighting the National Drowning Prevention Alliance's initiatives. The conversation shifts to industry trends and highlights from leading publications, before delving into the power of storytelling in busines...
May 02, 2025•25 min•Season 5Ep. 751
Text us a pool question! Welcome to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast ! Today, host Steve Sherwood welcomes special guests Kristy Riester, Executive Director of the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), and Dewey Case, Technical Director, to discuss the significance of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAC) and its impact on pool safety and regulations. Key Discussion Points: Introduction to the MAC – What it is and why it matters. Origins and Development – How the MAC came ...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 748
Text us a pool question! In this special edition of the Talking Pools Podcast, we're interrupting our regular Tuesday broadcast to bring you an urgent conversation about critical legislative threats facing Florida's pool industry. Pool Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Joe Trusty sits down with Dallas Deason, Chief Government Relations Officer for the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA), to break down the serious legislative challenges that nearly slipped through unnoticed — and what the industry ...
Apr 29, 2025•24 min•Season 5Ep. 747
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by seasonal changes, the importance of filter media, and the signs indicating when maintenance is needed. They also delve into the use of zeolite in filtration systems and share techniques for replacing filter media effectively. The conversation is light-hearted yet informative, with anecdotes and practical advice for pool service profess...
Apr 28, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 746
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz delves into the often misunderstood world of pool care, focusing on enzymes, phosphate removers, and clarifiers. He explains how enzymes work, their limitations, and the importance of proper dosing and water chemistry. The discussion then shifts to phosphate removers, clarifying their role in preventing algae growth and their effectiveness when used correctly. Finally, Rudy covers clarifiers, detailing how the...
Apr 25, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 745
Text us a pool question! Welcome to the Talking Pools podcast with Steve and Wayne! In this episode, they dive into the intricacies of pool startups, offering a comprehensive guide to what works, what doesn't, and what makes for a successful startup procedure. Here's what you can expect: Recap of Last Episode: A brief revisit of the key topics covered last week, including pool openings and covers. Startup Procedures: Wayne and Steve highlight the importance of following proper procedures and sha...
Apr 24, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 744
Text us a pool question! In this episode, the hosts discuss various challenges faced in pool maintenance, including dealing with duck poop, customer service issues, and the complexities of leak detection. They share humorous anecdotes about their experiences with clients and wildlife encounters, while also providing insights into effective pool care solutions. takeaways Duck poop can be a significant problem for pool maintenance. Enzymes are preferred over chemical solutions for cleaning pools. ...
Apr 22, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 743
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss various aspects of running a pool service business, including personal updates, team structure, role hierarchy, employee training, and the importance of KPIs and accountability. They emphasize the need for flexibility within teams, the significance of employee engagement, and the necessity of having a clear onboarding process. The conversation wraps up with a focus on transparency and communication as key elements for b...
Apr 21, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 742
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz welcomes Rob Stewart, a pool industry expert and hot sauce entrepreneur. They discuss Rob's journey from pool openings and closings to creating his own brand of hot sauce, Rob's Revenge. The conversation covers the challenges of producing hot sauce, the importance of flavor and quality control, and the unique marketing strategies Rob employs. Listeners will gain insights into the entrepreneurial spirit an...
Apr 18, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 741
Text us a pool question! Hosts: Steve Sherwood & Wayne Ivusich Overview of seasonal pool maintenance, especially the critical "100 days of summer" for pool companies in the Northeast. Startup Procedures for Pool Service Importance of preparation from the previous season for a successful pool opening. Challenges faced with new clients and their equipment. Types of Pool Covers and Their Impact Comparison between solid and mesh covers: benefits and drawbacks. Introduction of super mesh covers f...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 740
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Andrea and Paulette discuss their experiences in pool service, sharing personal anecdotes about challenging days, communication issues with clients, and the intricacies of cleaning pools. They also touch on their upcoming barbecue plans and the joys of pet ownership, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various techniques for pool cleaning, the impact of proposed tariffs on the pool industry,...
Apr 15, 2025•45 min•Season 5Ep. 739
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Peter and Shane discuss the seasonal changes affecting pool maintenance, the challenges of servicing pools during the transition to winter, and the complexities of managing commercial versus residential pools. They delve into the risks associated with Airbnb pools, emphasizing the importance of understanding local regulations and safety requirements. The conversation also highlights the significance of swimming education and ...
Apr 14, 2025•23 min•Season 5Ep. 738
Text us a pool question! In this engaging conversation, Natalie Hood shares her extensive experience in the pool and hot tub industry, discussing significant shifts in certifications, the impact of the pandemic on education, and her aspirations for the future. She emphasizes the importance of quality training and the challenges faced by the industry, including market dynamics and tariffs. Natalie reflects on her relationships within the industry and offers valuable advice for pool service compan...
Apr 11, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 737
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Steven Wayne and Wayne Ivusich dive into the timely topic of tariffs and their implications for the pool and spa industry. They discuss how government-imposed tariffs on certain countries are affecting product availability, costs, and the overall industry landscape. From treatment chemicals to replacement parts, the hosts explore the ripple effects on businesses and customers alike. They also touch on strategies for navigating these challenges, including...
Apr 10, 2025•48 min•Season 5Ep. 736
Text us a pool question! In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, including personal experiences with pool challenges, customer interactions, and the impact of tariffs on the pool industry. They also touch on health and safety concerns related to pool maintenance and the importance of effective communication with customers. takeaways Follow us on our socials for updates. Pool maintenance can be unpredictable with equipment failures. Customer expectations can vary w...
Apr 08, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 735
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Peter, Shane and Lee discuss their experiences traveling along the Victorian coastline, touching on the beauty of locations like Warrnambool and the Twelve Apostles. They delve into the challenges of pool maintenance, particularly in relation to customer communication and the importance of understanding different cultural perspectives on pool usage. The conversation also highlights seasonal business strategies for maintaining staff...
Apr 07, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 734
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz welcomes Derrick Todd, the creator of Pool Boy Rubs. They discuss Derrick's journey from running a retail store to creating unique barbecue rubs, the inspiration behind his flavors, and the importance of flavor in life. Derrick shares insights on sourcing ingredients, customer feedback, and engaging with the community through contests. The conversation emphasizes the need for flavor not just in cooking but in ...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 733
Text us a pool question! In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of customer service in the pool industry, including the challenges of dealing with difficult customers, the importance of service industry experience, and the impact of online reviews, particularly Yelp. They share personal anecdotes about customer interactions, the significance of communication, and the role of attitude in both teaching and learning. The discussion also touches on the complexities of consulting and...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 5Ep. 732
Text us a pool question! RATED R FOR LANGUAGE In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Andrea and Paulette discuss various challenges faced in pool maintenance, including frustrations with clients and the impact of environmental factors on pool cleanliness. They also delve into new legislation aimed at improving pool safety to prevent drownings, particularly among children. The conversation touches on the responsibilities of Airbnb hosts regarding pool safety and the need for better r...
Apr 01, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 731
