Talking Pools Podcast

Pool Pros text questions here This Friday episode blends industry culture, community engagement, and high-level water chemistry into one unapologetically direct conversation. Rudy challenges a foundational assumption in pool care—that water can be “captured” and tested as-is—and dismantles it by exposing the dominant role of temperature in every chemical interaction. Along the way, he introduces new listener giveaways, reinforces the importance of mentorship in the industry, and delivers a mix of humor and hard truth that defines the Talking Pools voice. 🎁 Listener Giveaways Announcement  New recurring giveaway: Talking Pools Podcast shirts (by Revved Up Apparel)   Format:  A hidden “buzzword” will be placed in select Friday episodes   Listeners must submit the buzzword when prompted on the podcast’s Facebook page   Winners selected at random   Previous winners and prizes included:  Sunglasses   Blu-ray XL product packs   Jack’s Magic swag  👉 Designed to reward loyal listeners and increase engagement within the community. 🏆 2026 Mentor of the Year Award  Nominations open now through May 15, 2026  Submit at: mentoraward.com  Focus: Recognizing individuals who have mentored and elevated others in the pool industry  Selection process:  Merit-based (not popularity-driven)   Top 10 finalists recognized   One winner receives a custom championship belt Sponsors include: Blu-ray XL (Title Sponsor)  Revved Up Apparel (Sponsor)  👉 Core message: The industry grows faster when knowledge is passed forward, not rediscovered. 🧠 Main Topic: The Temperature Illusion in Water Testing Key Thesis: You are not testing the pool—you are testing a changing sample removed from its original environment. 🌡️ Temperature: The Dominant Variable  Temperature doesn’t just influence chemistry—it redefines it  Every test result is condition-dependent  Once a sample is pulled:  Gas exchange begins immediately   Chemical equilibria shift   Results begin drifting  👉 The number you read is not what the water is—it’s what the water became ⚗️ Core Chemical Impacts of Temperature 1. Gas Solubility & pH Shift  Higher temp → lower gas solubility   CO₂ leaves water → carbonic acid drops → pH rises  This is not an error—it’s natural equilibrium behavior 2. Reaction Speed  Hot water:  Faster chlorine consumption   Faster oxidation   Cold water:  Slower reactions   “False stability”  👉 “Fast” doesn’t mean broken. “Slow” doesn’t mean stable. 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

Pool Pros text questions here This week on Talking Pools, Steve and Wayne deliver a brutally honest, real-world breakdown of what happens when subcontractors, miscommunication, and poor oversight collide on a job site. From a leak detection company altering valve positions and walking away, to costly chemical miscalculations by technicians, this episode dives into the operational chaos that pool professionals face—and how to protect your business from it. The conversation also expands into liability, insurance strategy, and the hidden risks of stepping outside your normal scope of work, especially when dealing with commercial properties or unconventional client use cases like pool rentals and swim instruction. 🔧 Key Topics Covered 💥 Subcontractor Nightmares  Leak detection company alters system valves and leaves them incorrectly set   Result: stagnant water, algae growth, and emergency return visits   Lesson: Always supervise or verify subcontractor work before they leave   The importance of being listed as additionally insured  🧪 Chemical Mismanagement & Costly Mistakes  Technician adds 12 gallons of chlorine + 6 gallons of acid without testing   Why “guess dosing” is financially reckless and chemically unsound   Real-world example of saving $30,000 annually through precise dosing   The overlooked value of acid demand testing (and why most pros ignore it)  📊 The Business of Precision  Why “what worked last week” is not a strategy   How small dosing errors scale into massive financial losses   The discipline of testing before treating—every time  ⚖️ Insurance, Liability & Risk Exposure  When to call your insurance agent before taking on new work   Commercial vs residential gray areas (multi-dwelling properties, Airbnb pools, etc.)   The legal exposure of pools used for business purposes (e.g., swim lessons, rentals)   “Hold harmless” agreements and their real-world limitations  💼 Commercial Accounts: Bigger Money, Bigger Problems  Payment delays, “payment freezes,” and cash flow risks   Understanding contract terms and insurance requirements before signing   Evaluating whether the risk is worth the reward  🧠 Key Takeaways  If you didn’t witness the work, assume it needs to be checked.   Never add chemicals without testing—precision protects profit.   Subcontractors can expose you to liability you didn’t create.   Insurance isn’t optional—it’s your last line of defense.   Every “small mistake” scales across a route—and drains your bottom line.  🎧 Listen & Subscribe Catch the full episode and stay ahead of the chaos:  Listen now on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. 📬 Have a Question or Topic Idea? Email the show: TalkingPools@gmail.com Your topic might be featured—and earn you a shoutout and a thank-you gift. 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

Pool Pros text questions here Andrea shows up soaked, slightly unhinged, and absolutely done with your circulation system’s bullsh*t.  We’re talking pools so flooded they look like they’re trying to return to the ocean, equipment gasping for air, and homeowners acting like water movement is optional. 🫀 The Heart of the Pool (And Yours Is Probably Failing) You’ve got:  filtration (kidneys)   chemicals (liver)  …but today? 👉 We’re talking about the heart And if your circulation sucks… your whole pool is basically a stagnant, lukewarm petri dish with commitment issues. 🌊 Circulation: The Thing Nobody Talks About (Because It’s Not Sexy… Until It Breaks) Andrea breaks it down: 👉 Pumps move water  👉 Water movement = EVERYTHING  👉 No movement = congrats, you own a decorative swamp You can dump all the chlorine you want in there… If it’s not moving? 👉 It’s just sitting there like a drunk guy at a bar doing absolutely nothing useful. 🧠 Why Your Pool Keeps Looking Like Trash Dead spots. You know… those little areas where:  debris hangs out   algae sets up a summer home   and your dignity goes to die  If you keep seeing the same pile of crap every week? 👉 That’s not coincidence  👉 That’s your circulation system flipping you off 🤢 Let’s Talk About What’s Actually in Your Water Surface water = the nastiest part of the pool Andrea said it. Not me. That’s where:  body oils   sunscreen   spit (yeah… spit)   and whatever that kid just sneezed  all hang out together like a disgusting little party. And you’re swimming in it like:  👉 “Ahh, refreshing.” No.  No it’s not. ⚠️ Then It Gets Dark… Like REAL Dark We go from “dirty water” to: 👉 suction entrapment  👉 hair getting wrapped up like a horror movie  👉 limbs getting stuck  👉 and yeah… evisceration This episode goes from pool tech to:  👉 “why this industry should come with therapy” REAL fast. 🧰 Meanwhile, On Your Equipment Pad… Your pump is over there: 👉 screaming  👉 cavitating  👉 sounding like it swallowed a bag of gravel And you’re ignoring it like: “Eh… it’s probably fine.” It’s not fine. That’s your pump begging for help before it dies a violent, expensive death. 🧪 The Math You Hate But Need Turnover rates, flow rates, formulas… Andrea hits you with the reality: 👉 One turnover doesn’t clean sh*t  👉 You need multiple passes  👉 This is a PROCESS, not a one-night stand 🤬 Pool Owner Reality Check You don’t:  clean your baskets   check your flow   fix broken drain covers  …but you DO: 👉 complain about cloudy water  👉 question your pool tech  👉 and act shocked when things go sideways Pick a struggle. 💀 Final Thought This episode is a wake-up call. Your pool is not:  👉 self-cleaning  👉 self-circulating  👉 or magically maintained by vibes It’s a system. And if the heart isn’t pumping? 👉 Everything else is just slowly dying. 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

Pool Pros text questions here Welcome to the episode where three seasoned pool pros from opposite sides of the planet casually admit… 👉 nobody does floccing the same way  👉 everyone thinks they’re right  👉 and somehow… they all still get paid Yes, this is the “we’ve been doing this for 60+ years combined and still argue like it’s day one” episode.  🌏 What You’re Walking Into: Lee is holding it down in New South Wales, Nick is on vacation but somehow still talking shop, and Shane is over in New Zealand ready to throw powdered alum at anything that looks remotely green, brown, black… or emotionally unstable. There’s rugby rivalry. There’s mild political comparisons. There’s a toaster in a service truck.  Yes… a toaster. Priorities. 🧪 Today’s Topic: FLOCCING POOLS Or as this episode proves: “Three techs. Three methods. Same result. Total chaos.” 🧨 What Gets Unleashed:  Shane goes full “dump it in the skimmer and let God sort it out”  Nick mixes it like he’s crafting a potion in a backyard cauldron   Lee shows up with a watering can like she’s baptizing the pool into clarity And somehow… 👉 All of it works  👉 None of it matches the label  👉 The label contradicts itself anyway (Seriously… one product says pH 6.5–7… then immediately says 8.2. Pick a lane, chemicals.) 🧠 Key Takeaways (If You Can Call Them That):  Floc doesn’t care about your feelings… but it does care about pH, alkalinity, and whether your pump is garbage   Dead spots in circulation will ruin your day faster than a customer saying “it was clear yesterday”   You can underdose floc… or overdose it and create a science experiment that fights back   Sometimes the best method is:  👉 brute force  👉 blind scooping  👉 and emotional detachment  🧟‍♂️ Real Field Horror: One pool described as: “You couldn’t see your fingertip in it.”Another featuring: “a new species growing out of the skimmer.”Congratulations. You’re not a pool tech anymore.  You’re a biological researcher with a net. ⚡ Rapid Fire Chaos:  Floc floating instead of sinking? Congrats, you broke physics.   Cartridge filter + alum tablet? Enjoy your new brick.   Customer vacuuming after floc? Say goodbye to all your hard work.  🧬 The Unspoken Truth: There is no single “right” way. There is only:  👉 what works  👉 what you think works 👉 and what you’ll defend in a Facebook argument at 2AM 🏁 Final Thought: This episode isn’t about floc. It’s about the reality that in this industry: Experience beats instructions.  Results beat theory.  And everyone secretly thinks their way is the best… even when it’s not. 📬 Got a better method? Email it in. Rudy will route it to the appropriate host… …and they will absolutely argue about it on air. 🎧 Listen. Learn. Disagree aggressively. Welcome to Talking Pools. 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

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz breaks down two industry staples—breakpoint chlorination and enzymes—and explains why what’s commonly taught doesn’t fully match the chemistry happening in your water. This isn’t about being wrong.  It’s about going one level deeper. ⚗️ Breakpoint Chlorination – The Reality  The 10x rule is not how breakpoint is defined in chemistry   True breakpoint is based on ammonia (as nitrogen), not combined chlorine   Pools measure combined chlorine (as chlorine) → not a direct match  👉 Result:  You’re applying a fixed rule to a variable system 💡 Key Insight  Oxidation starts immediately   Breakpoint is not a moment—it’s a process  Real demand depends on:  Organics   Nitrogen compounds   pH   reaction conditions  ⚡ Salt Systems Reality Check  Salt cells produce chlorine slowly  They are built to maintain, not spike 👉 In high demand situations:  External chlorine is often required  🧬 Enzymes – What Actually Happens  Enzymes break down organics (true)   But they are proteins in an oxidizing system 👉 Chlorine can chemically alter and deactivate them ⏱️ Why Enzymes Still Work It’s a competition for reaction:  Chlorine reacts with everything in the water   Enzymes survive temporarily because chlorine is “busy”  👉 They work within a limited time window  Higher chlorine = shorter window   Less time = less impact  🧱 Enzymes & Biofilms  Enzymes do not remove biofilms  They weaken the protective matrix 👉 This allows chlorine to penetrate more effectively  Best results require:  Proper chemistry   Physical disruption (brushing)  AquaStar Pool Products The Global Leader in Safety, Dependability, & Innovation in Pool Technology. POOL MAGAZINE Pool Magazine is leading up to the minute news source for Swimming Pool News and Pool Features. Ou the 'How to Get Rid of Algae' handbook The most comprehensive guide on algae prevention and remediation you will ever own. BLUERAY XL The real mineral purifier! Reduce your pool maintenance costs & efforts by 50% CPO Certification Classes Attend your CPO class with Rudy Stankowitz! Online Pool Classes The difference between you and your competition is what you know! Jack's Magic If you know Jack's you'd have no stains! Service Industry News 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: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Pool Pros text questions here What looks like algae… isn’t always algae.  And what looks like “clear but weird” water? That’s where things get expensive. In this episode of Talking Pools Thursdays, Steve and Wayne break down one of the most misunderstood issues in pool service: metals in the water—how to identify them, where they come from, and what actually works when you’re dealing with them in the field. It starts with a simple truth:  👉 Water has no color. So when it turns green, blue, brown, or something that just feels “off,” something else is driving that change—and metals are often the culprit. They walk through the key differences between algae vs. metals, including:  Why algae presents as cloudy, opaque, or “carpeted”   Why metals (like copper) often show up as clear, tinted water   A simple field test using your brush to tell the difference instantly  From there, the conversation goes deeper into where metals actually come from, including:  Source water (especially wells)   Heater corrosion and heat exchanger failure   Overuse of copper-based algaecides   Aging infrastructure and legacy municipal systems  They also cover the thresholds where metals become a real problem:  Copper above ~0.2 ppm   Iron above ~0.3 ppm   And how rising pH (above ~7.6) triggers precipitation, staining, and discoloration  Then comes the part most techs get wrong—treatment strategy. This episode breaks down the difference between: Sequestering agents (hide the metals, prevent staining)  Chelating agents (bind metals into larger particles for filtration/removal)   Why most modern products attempt to do both   And why you’re still often vacuuming to waste or cleaning filters after treatment  They also get real about the operational side:  Why chelation jobs can take multiple visits   Why sequestering requires ongoing maintenance dosing   And why metals are “not a problem… until they’re a problem”  There’s also a candid discussion on:  The risks and realities of acid washing   Why vinyl and fiberglass pools present different limitations   How improper dosing in small bodies of water (like spas) can trigger metal precipitation instantly   And why no two metal situations ever behave exactly the same  The episode wraps with a broader industry conversation on rising costs—fuel, materials, and equipment—and how those pressures are forcing service companies to rethink pricing, efficiency, and long-term profitability. Because whether it’s metals in the water or money in your business…  👉 Ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away. 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

Pool Pros text questions here This Myth-busting episode reveals how pool pros can maximize their relationships with manufacturer reps to grow their business, increase margins, and avoid costly mistakes. Laci Davis (Grit Game) shares practical tips on finding, evaluating, and leveraging reps effectively. Keywords pool industry, manufacturer reps, business growth, sales strategies, industry relationships Key Topics Types of industry reps and their roles How to identify a good manufacturer rep The importance of follow-up and relationship-building Strategies for leveraging reps to increase sales and margins Practical steps to find and connect with reputable reps Sound Bites "Good reps have real industry experience" "Follow-up shows a rep's diligence" "Don't treat reps like transactions" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Grit Game and Pool Pros 03:50 Understanding the Role of Reps in the Pool Industry 06:37 The Importance of Building Relationships with Reps 08:50 Identifying Quality Reps and Their Impact 11:32 Maximizing the Value of Reps for Business Growth 13:41 Finding and Connecting with Reps 15:07 Conclusion and Call to Action The Grit Game The Grit Game, is not just playing the game, we’re changing it. 500+ years industry experience, Revdup Apparel a custom apparel company built for the pool industry. Founded by pool professionals 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: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea wraps up her multi-part deep dive into pool chemistry with a no-BS breakdown of what actually matters when it comes to testing, dosing, and not screwing it all up. And yes… she’s cooking chicken while recording. 🔍 What This Episode Covers This isn’t textbook chemistry.  This is real-world, boots-on-the-ground pool service knowledge—the stuff that actually saves you from making expensive mistakes. 📊 Testing Frequency (What You Should Actually Be Doing) Andrea breaks down what needs to be tested—and how often: Weekly: Free chlorine, combined chlorine, pH, total alkalinity  Bi-weekly (max): Total alkalinity (don’t push it further)  Monthly: Cyanuric acid, calcium hardness, salt  As needed: Phosphates, metals, TDS  And one big reminder: If you’re not testing combined chlorine… you’re missing half the story. ⚠️ Test Kit Lies (Yes, They Lie) Ever get a reading that makes zero sense? It might not be you. This episode dives into: DPD bleaching → false zero chlorine readings  MPS interference → false high readings  High chlorine messing with pH tests Metals affecting calcium hardness results 👉 Translation:  Your test results can absolutely betray you if you don’t know what you’re looking at. 🧠 The Dilution Trick (That Most Techs Don’t Use) When your test maxes out… You don’t guess. You dilute. Andrea explains:  How to properly dilute samples   When to multiply results   Why guessing high readings is a mistake  Including real-world examples of CYA levels hitting 300+ ppm in Florida. 💣 Chemical Dosing (Where People Go Off the Rails) This is where things get dangerous—and expensive. Andrea walks through:  Proper dosing based on 10,000 gallons   Why dumping “a gallon of acid” is a terrible idea   How to actually adjust pH and alkalinity correctly  And the reality: Most chemical mistakes aren’t accidents… they’re impatience.⚙️ Feeders, Automation & Salt Systems From manual dosing to full automation, this episode covers:  Stenner pumps & peristaltic systems   Tab feeders vs erosion feeders   Ozone, UV, and gas systems   Salt cells and how they actually generate chlorine  Including a key reminder: 👉 Salt is not the sanitizer  👉 The cell produces chlorine gas → which becomes hypochlorous acid  🔥 The Real Problem with the Industry Andrea calls out a growing issue: Conflicting information between:  CPO materials   Manufacturers   Field experience  And the result? 👉 Confused techs  👉 Bad chemistry decisions  👉 Arguments in comment sections 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

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Talking Pools Podcast, the Mondays Down Under crew takes on a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough honest discussion: building a swimming pool from the perspective of the people who actually have to service it later. Because here’s the truth… 👉 Builders don’t always think like service techs  👉 And homeowners don’t always know what to ask That’s where things go sideways. 🔍 Inside This Episode Lee and Nick pull back the curtain on what really happens during pool construction—sharing real-world stories, mistakes they’ve seen firsthand, and the kind of advice that only comes from years in the field. From backward installations to impossible-to-service equipment setups, this episode highlights a simple but critical concept: Always think about the next person who has to work on it.⚠️ The Biggest Problems They See  Equipment installed with zero service access  Pumps and filters placed where maintenance becomes impossible   Chlorinators and plumbing configured so they can’t even be removed  Builders choosing products based on convenience—not performance  And the worst part? 👉 Many of these issues are completely avoidable. 🧠 Advice for Homeowners (and the Pros Guiding Them) If you’re building a pool—or advising someone who is—this episode delivers some of the most practical guidance you’ll hear: 💡 What matters most: Shape, size, and color → You can’t easily change these later   Equipment? You can upgrade that anytime  💡 What to question:  Filter type (cartridge vs media)   Plumbing size and flow design   Future upgrades (heater, automation, sanitation systems)  💡 What to avoid:  Choosing the cheapest builder without due diligence  Overcomplicated designs that create long-term headaches  🌊 Real Stories from the Field This episode isn’t theory—it’s reality.  A deck built directly over a filter… with no access   A pool with no skimmer and constant circulation issues   An infinity edge pool that drained a homeowner’s water supply—twice   A brand-new pool left untouched for weeks… resulting in severe scaling  These aren’t rare cases. They’re happening every day. 🔥 The Big Takeaway Building a pool is easy. 👉 Building one that works long-term? That’s the challenge. And if you don’t think about:  Maintenance   Hydraulics   Access   Water chemistry startup  You’re not building a pool… You’re building a future problem. 📩 Got a topic? Send it in: talkingpools@gmail.com Rudy will route it to the right host 👀 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

Pool Pros text questions here 🔥 Episode Breakdown This episode cuts through one of the biggest misconceptions in pool chemistry—and then zooms out to what’s really happening across the industry right now. 🧪 180 ppm CYA – What Actually Happened No—nobody said to run pools at 180 ppm. That number came from ratio-based chemistry, not a recommendation.  CYA doesn’t sanitize  HOCl does  Higher CYA can work if chlorine is increased proportionally Problem? 👉 Most people won’t maintain the ratio correctly  That’s why the industry stayed conservative. 🧠 Chlorine Misunderstood (Again) Available Chlorine ≠ % chlorine in the bucket Active strength ≠ oxidizing power Free chlorine ≠ active sanitizer 👉 HOCl is all that matters Controlled by pH and CYA equilibrium—not guesswork. ⚠️ March Reality Check  Drownings labeled “accidents”   Safety barriers missing   Suction injuries still happening despite the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Nothing shocking—just constant failure. ⚖️ Lawsuits & Industry Pressure Hayward Holdings facing reported legal pressure   Market slowdown hitting Fluidra and Pentair  Shift to repairs and service 👉 Pressure rolls downhill—to you. 🧯 BioLab – Still Not Over The situation in Conyers, Georgia isn’t resolved. It just stopped making headlines. 🏆 Mentor of the Year Someone helped you in this industry. Nominate them:  👉 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award 🎯 Final Thought Nothing changed… Except expectations, liability, and attention. And if you’re still operating like it’s 2019— You’re already behind. 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

Pool Pros text questions here What starts as a routine pool inspection can turn into a liability nightmare—fast. In this episode, Steve breaks down a real job where fire-damaged fencing, questionable decking, and one simple question—  👉 “Will insurance cover this?” —pushed the inspection way outside its lane. ⚖️ The Core Issue Where does your responsibility actually end?  You’re there to inspect the pool  Not the fence   Not the deck   Not the insurance claim  And that line matters more than most people realize. 🚧 The Rule 👉 Just because you see it… doesn’t mean it’s your responsibility. Your job:  Identify pool-related conditions  Flag safety hazards  Recommend a licensed professional And then… Stop. ⚠️ The Exception If something creates a direct safety risk to the pool (like a compromised fence):  Document it   Recommend repair   Do NOT price it or manage it  💰 The Trap Giving quotes for insurance work can:  Turn you into the contractor   Invite scrutiny from insurers   Kill your credibility as an independent expert  🧠 The Takeaway You don’t need every answer. You need to know:  What’s yours   What’s not   And when to stay in your lane  Because the moment you step outside your expertise… 👉 You’re not helping anymore.  👉 You’re exposing yourself. 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

Pool Pros text questions here The myths just keep coming… and in this one, they don’t stand a chance. In Part 2 of Natalie Hood’s Myth Busting series, industry veterans George Williams and Ken Rognar step in and do what most people in this industry won’t—tell the truth. Not the sales version.  Not the “it depends” version.  The real version. From the idea that pools don’t add value… to the belief that social media is the only way to grow… to the quiet damage done when service pros choose profit over trust—this episode pulls apart the assumptions that are quietly shaping bad decisions across the industry. And here’s what becomes clear: 👉 Pools aren’t just features anymore—they’re environments  👉 Marketing matters—but it’s not the foundation  👉 Trust is still the most valuable asset you have  👉 And the wrong service decision can cost you a customer forever If you’ve been in this industry long enough, you’ve heard these myths. If you’re new… you’ve probably believed a few. Either way—this episode resets the conversation. ⚠️ MYTHS WE DESTROY IN THIS EPISODE“Pools don’t add value to a home.” → In the Sunbelt? Not having one might cost you buyers.  “Leads come from social media and ads.” → Helpful? Yes. → The reason people choose you? Not even close.  “Replace the pump—it’s better for business.” → Short-term profit. Long-term damage. Trust doesn’t come back.  “Weather doesn’t affect the pool industry.” → Hurricanes, freezes, heat waves… they literally drive demand.  “Vinyl liner pools dominate the Northeast forever.” → That was then. Fiberglass and concrete changed the game.  🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS A pool isn’t just a feature anymore—it’s part of a lifestyle environment   Geography matters: what’s optional in one region is expected in another   Social media amplifies—but reputation closes   The fastest way to lose a customer is to recommend what benefits you, not them   Weather doesn’t just influence demand—it can create entire revenue cycles   The industry evolves… but trust is still the constant  🔥 THE REAL TALK MOMENT“If you can save a customer a few hundred dollars… and you don’t…  you didn’t just make money. You made a short-term decision  that cost you a long-term relationship.”  🎧 WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERSBecause bad information spreads faster than good service. And in this industry, myths don’t just sit there… They cost people money.  They cost companies customers.  And they quietly shape how the next generation does business. This episode fixes that. 📲 LISTEN NOW🎧 Apple Podcasts  🎧 Spotify  🎧 All major platforms 👉 Follow the Talking Pools Podcast for more episodes that keep things wet, wild, and wonderfully honest 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

Pool Pros text questions here Mondays Down Under – Featuring Lee Salisbury, Shane & Nick Something is happening in the pool industry right now… and if you’re not paying attention, it’s going to cost you. Quietly…  Gradually…  Then all at once. PVC prices jump 30%.  Salt cell materials skyrocket.  Fuel costs ripple through everything. And suddenly the quote you sent two weeks ago? 👉 It’s already wrong. In this episode of Mondays Down Under, the crew breaks down what’s actually happening behind the scenes—from raw material price explosions to freight increases—and what it means for pool professionals trying to stay profitable in a market that’s shifting in real time. But this isn’t just doom and gloom. This episode is about control. 👉 What you can still control  👉 How to quote smarter  👉 And how to avoid losing money on jobs you thought were profitable Because right now? The difference between a good business and a struggling one…  might come down to how you write a quote. ⚠️ WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENINGPVC prices jumping fast → 30% increases already… more expected  Salt cell costs exploding → Key materials like ruthenium up over 100%+ year-over-year  Freight costs rising → Minimum orders increasing just to qualify for delivery  Everything is connected → Fuel → materials → manufacturing → YOUR pricing 🔥 THE BIG REALIZATION“This isn’t just a price increase problem…  this is a quoting problem.” Because if your pricing doesn’t adapt… 👉 You eat the cost  👉 You lose the margin  👉 And you don’t even realize it until the job is done 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS Prices are no longer stable—quotes need expiration dates   You should quote what you can control… and estimate what you can’t   Always build in allowances for unknowns (labor, access, conditions)   Shorter quote validity windows protect your margins   Templates and systems prevent repeated mistakes   Customers are getting smarter—you need to be sharper   Deposits, surcharges, and terms need to be clearly defined upfront  💡 PRACTICAL STRATEGIES (THAT ACTUALLY MATTER)1. Stop treating quotes like guarantees → Use estimates for variables you can’t control 2. Shorten your quote window → Two weeks might be safer than 30 days right now 3. Add clauses like: → “Subject to supplier price increases” 4. Separate scope clearly → What IS included vs what is NOT included 5. Build in buffer → Labor overruns, hidden obstacles, weird jobsite surprises Because as one story proves… You don’t know a job is a nightmare  until you’re stuck under a house…  on your back…  with pipe in your face.  ⚠️ THE HARD TRUTHYou’re not just competing on price anymore. You’re competing on: 👉 Accuracy  👉 Risk management  👉 And how well you protect your business from things you can’t control 📲 LISTEN NOW🎧 Apple Podcasts  🎧 Spotify 👉 Follow the Talking Pools Podcast for real-world conversations that actually prepare you for what’s coming next. 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

Pool Pros text questions here This episode starts where most pool problems actually begin—not in the chemistry… but in the math. Rudy breaks down why inconsistent dosing is quietly wrecking pools everywhere, how “close enough” turns into repeat problems, and why scooping chemicals like you’re baking cookies is one of the biggest operational failures in the industry. From there, the conversation escalates into real chemistry—chlorine demand, the science behind oxidation, and why chlorine never just “disappears”… it reacts. Then we get into the controversy everyone keeps asking about:  Is sodium bromide coming back? Rudy explains what’s really happening behind the scenes with regulatory restrictions, what the EPA is actually concerned about, and why this has nothing to do with whether bromine works—and everything to do with what might happen under worst-case conditions. ⚠️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode  Why most pool problems are not mysterious—they’re bad dosing and inconsistent inputs   The critical difference between volume vs. weight and how bulk density quietly sabotages your results   How underdosing fuels contamination—and overdosing creates new problems   Why chloramines (not chlorine) cause smell and irritation   The real reason your pool “won’t hold chlorine” (hint: it’s not magic)   Why “chlorine lock” is not a real chemistry term—and what’s actually happening instead   How sunlight, ammonia, organics, and biofilms all compete for chlorine simultaneously   The role of hypochlorous acid vs. hypochlorite ion and why pH changes everything   What chlorine demand really is—and how to diagnose it correctly  🧬 The Bromine Conversation (What Everyone’s Asking)  Why sodium bromide was restricted in outdoor pools   What the EPA actually said (and didn’t say)   The real concern: potential bromate formation under certain conditions AquaStar Pool Products The Global Leader in Safety, Dependability, & Innovation in Pool Technology. POOL MAGAZINE Pool Magazine is leading up to the minute news source for Swimming Pool News and Pool Features. Ou the 'How to Get Rid of Algae' handbook The most comprehensive guide on algae prevention and remediation you will ever own. BLUERAY XL The real mineral purifier! Reduce your pool maintenance costs & efforts by 50% CPO Certification Classes Attend your CPO class with Rudy Stankowitz! Online Pool Classes The difference between you and your competition is what you know! Jack's Magic If you know Jack's you'd have no stains! Service Industry News 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: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Pool Pros text questions here Andrea is back. Alone. Unsupervised. And apparently powered by battery backups and unresolved rage toward misinformation. In this episode of Andrea Unfiltered, she dives headfirst into pool chemistry fundamentals—except instead of reading you a boring textbook, she drags bad pool advice into the street and fights it like it owes her money. This is Part One of her “Cool Chemicals” series (yes, she named it herself, and yes, she’s proud of it). Expect a crash course in sanitizers, water balance, and why your pool isn’t broken—you just don’t understand it. Also… somehow Jimmy Dean sausage complaints make an appearance. Because of course they do. 🔥 What You’ll Learn (Whether You’re Ready or Not) 💀 Salt Systems: Stop Lying to Yourself 🧠 The Human Body Analogy You Didn’t Ask For (But Now Can’t Unhear) 🧼 Disinfection vs Sanitization (AKA Killing Germs vs Making Them Regret Existing) ⚖️ Water Balance: Your Pool is Either Dissolving Itself or Turning into a Cave 🧪 Chemical Chaos & “Oops, It’s Snowing in the Pool” Moments 🧬 Chlorine vs Bromine: The Family Feud Nobody Asked For ⚡ Advanced Systems (AOP, UV, Ozone, PHMB… aka The Avengers of Overcomplication) 📉 pH, Alkalinity, and Why Your Weekly Acid Dump is Ruining Lives 🧾 Test Kit Truth Bombs Example of Price increase letter: Dear Mr. Pool Owner, The cost of maintaining a swimming pool has increased across the board. Chemicals, equipment, fuel, insurance, and labor have all risen significantly over the past few years, while the level of service required to properly care for your pool continues to grow. We have absorbed these increases for as long as possible to avoid impacting you. However, continuing to do so would compromise the quality and reliability of the service you expect. For that reason, we will be implementing a rate adjustment effective [insert date]. This change allows us to maintain consistent service, use high-quality products, retain skilled technicians, and address issues before they become costly problems. Our goal is not to cut corners—but to continue doing the job the right way. We understand that increases are never ideal, but maintaining your pool properly requires it. Our commitment to you remains the same. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for your continued trust. Sincerely, [Your Name / Company Name] 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

Pool Pros text questions here 🎙️ The Chemical Illusion: What’s Really Behind Your Pool That chlorine tablet in your feeder?  It likely came from one of only a handful of chemical plants in the world—and when one goes down, the entire industry feels it. This episode pulls back the curtain on a truth most pool pros never think about: The pool industry doesn’t control its chemical supply chain… it depends on a global one.From cyanuric acid and triazine chemistry to chlorine production and international shipping routes, Rudy connects the dots between your customer’s backyard and a massive industrial ecosystem driven by: Global manufacturing Energy markets Freight logistics Geopolitical pressure points When that system gets disrupted—like the 2020 BioLab plant shutdown—prices spike, supply disappears, and chaos follows. 💥 This Week in Pool News (The Real Story) No big headlines—but everything is changing: Big money and tech are reshaping the industry Customers want transparency, not just clean water Chemical scrutiny is rising Costs are squeezing everyone You’re no longer just cleaning pools.  You’re running a business inside a shifting system. 🧠 The Takeaway Boron, lanthanum, chlorine—all come from different global supply chains…  yet they all end up in the same place: Your route. The pros who understand that bigger picture adapt faster, price smarter, and stay ahead—while everyone else wonders why things keep getting harder. 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

Pool Pros text questions here Fresh off a European honeymoon and rocking a brand-new, beard-free look, Steve returns to the mic alongside Wayne for a Thursday episode that’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and unexpectedly real. The episode opens with a moment of humility as Wayne issues a public correction—giving overdue credit to industry innovators Que Hales and Kim Skinner for their groundbreaking work on chemically calculating pool volume. It’s a reminder that even seasoned pros own their mistakes—and that respect runs deep in the pool world. From there, things take a turn into life beyond the waterline. Steve shares highlights from his honeymoon across Switzerland and Norway—think snow-covered peaks, ultra-luxury ski towns, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience chasing the Northern Lights. But beneath the travel stories is a grounded message about health, as both hosts open up about sun exposure, dermatology visits, and the realities of working outdoors year-round. Back in the trenches of pool service, the conversation shifts to the business side—where not all clients are created equal. In a brutally honest (and relatable) segment, Steve breaks down the difference between clients who drain your time and those who build your business. From a year-long text-message marathon with a tire-kicker to a dream client who generates referrals and respects boundaries, the lesson is clear: knowing when to say no is just as important as showing up. The episode also features an “Insurance Interlude” with expert insight into one of the industry’s riskiest services—acid washing. What starts as a simple question turns into a deep dive on liability, safety, and why even experienced pros are walking away from it altogether. By the end, what emerges is more than just a pool podcast—it’s a candid look at relationships, reputation, and the fine line between hustle and burnout. Whether you’re in the field or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode delivers a mix of humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom. 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

Pool Pros text questions here Myth, Memory, and the Real Story Behind the Water A Conversation with Eric Herman | Talking Pools Podcast Some voices in an industry don’t simply report the story — they shape how the story is told. In this episode of Talking Pools, host Natalie Hood, Director of Education and Network Development for The Grit Game, sits down with one of the most influential storytellers the aquatic industry has ever produced: Eric Herman, Vice President of Communications for Watershape University and longtime editor of the legendary publication WaterShapes Magazine. For more than four decades, Herman has documented the evolution of pools, fountains, spas, and aquatic design — not merely as a trade reporter, but as a historian of water itself. His work spans the early days of modern pool construction journalism at Pool & Spa News, the groundbreaking launch of WaterShapes Magazine in 1999, and today’s digital continuation of that legacy through watershapes.com, a library containing more than 5,000 articles chronicling the craft, science, and culture of water. But this episode isn’t just about history. It’s about myths — the assumptions, half-truths, and inherited wisdom that circulate through the pool industry and public perception alike. And in a conversation that moves effortlessly between science, storytelling, and cultural memory, Herman and Hood begin dismantling some of the most persistent myths surrounding swimming pools, safety, and water chemistry. A Journalist in the Deep End Eric Herman’s journey into the aquatic world began not with pools, but with curiosity. His first published article in 1986 — for Orange Coast Magazine — examined the emerging microbrewery industry. Within three years, that curiosity would lead him to an interview in Los Angeles with pool industry pioneer Jim McCloskey, then editor of Pool & Spa News. The result was a career that has now stretched 40 years. At Pool & Spa News, Herman covered everything from service techniques and plaster science to drowning prevention — topics that would later shape the direction of aquatic education and professional training across the industry. When Herman and McCloskey launched WaterShapes Magazine in 1999, they intentionally broadened the conversation beyond swimming pools. The publication examined water as a design medium. Pools, fountains, ponds, streams, water parks, hot springs, landscape architecture, and hydrological design all found a home in its pages. The result was a publication that changed how aquatic professionals thought about their craft. Today, that legacy continues through the digital platform watershapes.com, publishing twice monthly and maintaining one of the most comprehensive archives of aquatic design knowledge anywhere in the world. Myth Busting Begins Hood frames the conversation around a theme she frequently explores on the show: myths in aquatics. But Herman begins by reframing the idea of myth itself. Traditionally, he explains, myths weren’t falsehoods. They were symbolic stories meant to communicate deeper truths. The modern use of the word — describing something widely believed but factually incorrect — is almost the opposite. Wit 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

Pool Pros text questions here This episode covers essential winter preparation tips for pool service professionals, including equipment maintenance, marketing strategies, and safety regulations. Learn how to turn winter into a profitable season and ensure safety compliance. Keywords pool service, winter preparation, pool maintenance, safety regulations, marketing strategies, pool covers, leaf skimmers, pool cleaning Key Topics Winter pool maintenance strategies Pool safety regulations and compliance Effective marketing for off-season pool services Sound Bites "Heavy leaf litter can stain your pool." "Plan your winter marketing early." "Turn winter into a profitable season." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Seasonal Pool Maintenance 01:36 Equipment Spotlight: Robotic Pool Cleaners and Skimmies 03:22 Using Winter Covers and Debris Covers Effectively 06:56 Safety Regulations and Pool Fencing Requirements 11:04 Seasonal Business Planning and Marketing Strategies 18:00 Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Insights 23:42 Preparing Your Business for Winter Challenges 26:13 Promoting Safety and Compliance to Clients 28:41 Closing Remarks and Next Steps 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

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Flock It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz revisits the topic of borates in swimming pools, exploring the chemistry behind them, the regulatory history, and why recent geopolitical tensions have brought boron compounds back into the conversation. Recent instability in key shipping corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal has raised concerns about global freight movement. Since Turkey holds the world’s largest boron reserves and supplies a significant portion of the global market through its state-owned producer Eti Maden, disruptions in shipping routes could tighten the supply chain that delivers boric acid to the U.S. market. The chemistry itself hasn’t changed—the mines are still operating—but the logistics that move industrial minerals around the world can shift quickly. Rudy then breaks down the science behind borates. In pool water, boron compounds typically exist as boric acid and borate ions, forming a secondary buffering system that helps resist pH drift, especially in pools with saltwater chlorine generators, where aeration accelerates carbon dioxide loss and causes pH to rise. Most pools that use borates maintain concentrations between 30 and 50 ppm. Below that range the buffering effect becomes minimal, and above it there is little additional benefit. Once added, borates remain stable in the water and are only removed through dilution, splash-out, backwashing, or water replacement. Borates are often described as algistatic, meaning they may inhibit algae growth, but they should not be considered a primary algaecide. Chlorine remains the primary sanitizer responsible for algae control. The episode also touches on the regulatory evolution surrounding borates. Following the introduction of NSF/ANSI Standard 50 Annex R in 2015, many niche pool chemical additives—including borate products—were not pursued for certification under the updated framework. As a result, borates largely disappeared from modern certification listings, though they remain widely used in residential pools where certification is not required. The bigger takeaway is that the chemistry hasn’t changed—but the systems that deliver pool chemicals have. In today’s global economy, the most complicated part of pool chemistry may not be the reactions happening in the water, but the international supply chains that bring those chemicals to the pool service professional. 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