Talking Pools Podcast
If you’ve ever stared at a test kit like it personally insulted your family… welcome home. Talking Pools Podcast is the pool industry’s “pull up a chair” show—part shop talk, part field manual, part therapy session—built for people who actually live on pool decks: commercial operators, service techs, builders, facility managers, and anyone responsible for water that can’t afford to go sideways. The network was created to level up the pool industry with real-world conversations on water chemistry, filtration, troubleshooting, construction, safety, and the business side of keeping pools open and budgets intact. Here’s the hook: it’s not theory-first. It’s experience-first—a roster of seasoned pros (with 250+ years of combined “been there, fixed that” wisdom) turning complicated problems into practical moves you can use the same day. And it’s not one voice, one vibe, one corner of the industry: it’s a network of shows designed to reflect how diverse this work really is—different regions, different specialties, different personalities. Also worth saying out loud: women aren’t “special guests” here—they’re on the mic as hosts, from the beginning, with an intentionally balanced roster. That matters, because the best ideas in this industry don’t come from one lane—they come from the whole road. If you want a podcast that can make you laugh and make you better at what you do—without pretending the job is easier than it is—Talking Pools is the one you queue up before the first stop, and keep on when the day starts getting weird.
Episodes
In this episode, Heidi Weeks from Peppermint HR shares expert insights on HR best practices for small businesses, especially in the pool industry. Topics include compliance, structuring, connection, and practical tips for building a strong HR foundation.
keywords
HR, small business, pool industry, compliance, employee engagement, HR policies, team management, HR tips
key topics
- HR compliance and ...
On this episode of Floc It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz dives headfirst into one of the most overlooked realities in the swimming pool industry: your pool truck may legally qualify as a hazardous materials transport vehicle. Rudy breaks down how everyday pool chemicals like liquid chlorine, muriatic acid, trichlor, cal hypo, cyanuric acid, and even improperly labeled buckets can place pool professionals directly under fe...
hosts Steve Sherwood and Pat Rignyan from the California Pool Association take a deep dive into one of the busiest and most overlooked risk seasons in the pool industry: commercial and student housing pools. As pool professionals across the country juggle openings, CPO classes, hotels, HOAs, and large commercial accounts, Steve raises an important question many service companies never stop to ask until it’s too late...
Natalie Hood (the Grit Game) explores the diverse roles and responsibilities of Coast Guard aviation professionals with Nicholas L. Gavin. This includes, but is not limited to myths about AMTs, AETs, and ASTs, and gain insights into their training, missions, and career paths.
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Coast Guard, aviation, AMT, AET, AST, rescue missions, military careers, aviation maintenance, rescue swimmer, car...
Andrea shares practical tips for pool maintenance and storm preparation, emphasizing water chemistry, cleaning protocols, and hurricane readiness to ensure safe and clean pools during the summer season.
keywords
pool maintenance, storm prep, water chemistry, pool cleaning, hurricane season, Florida pools, pool chemicals, salt systems, pool cleaning tips
key topics
- Pool water chemistry and cleanin...
This episode covers the challenges and opportunities of pool service businesses during winter, including cost management, database maintenance, and team engagement strategies. Learn practical tips to streamline operations, enhance professionalism, and maximize revenue in the off-season.
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pool service, winter business tips, database management, team engagement, cost control, pool maintenance
key topics...
This week on Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz rips into one of the most misunderstood topics in pool chemistry—cyanuric acid. Starting with a hard truth most pros overlook, the EPA-required label on chlorine products caps free chlorine at 4 ppm… and that’s not a suggestion, it’s law. From there, the episode dismantles the industry’s oversimplified “stabilizer” narrative and replaces it with what’s actually hap...
Thursdays with Steve & Wayne
“The Price of Doing Business”
🧠 Overview
This week on Talking Pools Podcast, Steve and Wayne break down the reality of running a pool service company—where one service call can derail your entire day and expose bigger industry problems.
👨🔧 From the Field
A commercial emergency turns into a full-blown headache involving:
- Faulty flow meters
- Leaking high-pressure filters
- Multiple s...
In an industry where misinformation spreads faster than wildfire, this episode pulls no punches.
Natalie Hood sits down with Matt Doll, CEO of American Fire Products, to dismantle some of the most persistent—and dangerous—myths surrounding fire features in outdoor environments. From DIY disasters to misunderstood gas systems, this conversation is a wake-up call for builders, service pros, and homeowners alike.
Because...
🎙️ Making Social Media Work for You (Without Letting It Take Over Your Route)
In this episode of Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea breaks down a question she’s been hearing more and more from pool pros in the field:
👉 “How are you posting so much… and still getting your pools done?”
What follows is a real-world, no-BS look at how to use social media as a tool—not a second job.
This isn’t about going viral.
This isn’t...
In this continuation of their conversation, Lee, Shane, and Nick are joined again by industry expert Spiros from Next Gen Experts to break down a topic that’s generating serious noise across the pool industry right now: proposed workplace exposure changes and what they actually mean.
This isn’t a surface-level chlorine conversation. It’s a deep dive into how regulations, standards, and real-world operations collide—a...
In this powerhouse roundtable, returning host Kelli Clancy leads a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood—and most critical—topics in the pool industry: insurance and risk management. Joined by members connected to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Service Committee and industry insurance professionals, this episode breaks down what pool pros think they’re covered for… versus what actually protects their ...
This episode explores the complexities of pool chemistry, legal considerations, industry trends, and the importance of understanding over following instructions blindly. Rudy Stankowitz shares insights on how industry control, product formulation disputes, and safety regulations impact pool professionals and consumers.
Keywords
pool chemistry, pool industry, pool safety, chemical regulation, pool maintenance...
In this episode, Steve Sherwood interviews Pat Grignone from California Pool Association to explore how pool service professionals can optimize their business operations, partnerships, and insurance strategies to grow profitably and sustainably.
Keywords
pool service, business growth, partnerships, insurance, pool renovation, subcontracting, liability, pool industry
Key Topics
- Business capacity a...
This episode busts common water chemistry myths, explores the science behind pool maintenance, and discusses the future of industry education. Featuring Eric Knight from Watershape University, it offers practical insights for professionals seeking to improve their water management skills.
Keywords
water chemistry, pool maintenance, water shaping, pool industry education, pool myths, chlorine, pH, alkalinity,...
In this episode, industry expert Spiros De Sarkis shares insights on professionalizing the swimming pool and spa industry, emphasizing safety, legislation, and business growth strategies. Discover how to elevate industry standards, manage risks, and build a credible, compliant business.
keywords
Swimming Pool Industry, Business Safety, Legislation, Professional Development, Industry Standards, Risk Managemen...
Andrea discusses the intricacies of pool circulation systems, focusing on total dynamic head, valves, piping, and the importance of proper maintenance to ensure safe and efficient pool operation.
keywords
pool circulation, total dynamic head, pool valves, water flow, pool maintenance, water hammer, filtration, pool system design
key topics
- Total dynamic head calculation and importance
- Types of poo...
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 o...
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 busines...
In this week’s Myth Busting Wednesday, Natalie Hood sits down with Don Douglas, President and Owner of Rev'd Up Apparel, to dismantle one of the most overlooked—and misunderstood—topics in the pool industry:
👉 What your team wears… and why it matters more than you think.
From first impressions and customer trust to team morale, durability, and built-in marketing, this episode breaks down the myths surrounding br...
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