Talking Pools Podcast
Forget chasing chlorine headaches and battling algae wars alone. The Talking Pools Podcast is your weekly escape from pool purgatory, where 250+ years of combined pro wisdom explodes into actionable hacks, mind-blowing tips, and secrets so ancient they make Poseidon jealous. Think of it as your weekly poolside braintrust, fueled by eight seasoned pros, each a rockstar in their own aquatic lane. Got a filtration fiasco? Chemical conundrum? Equipment enigma? No problem. We've got a host for that: The Tech Titan: Unravels the mysteries of pumps, filters, and gizmos that make pools tick (without the electrical shocks). The Chem Crusader: Your personal alchemist, whipping up potion-perfect water balance with a dash of science and a sprinkle of magic. The Maintenance Maverick: From tile tricks to algae assassins, he's got the lowdown on keeping your pool looking like a liquid emerald palace. The Customer Calmer: Smooths ruffled feathers faster than a pool noodle bouquet, turning hangry homeowners into poolside pals. But Talking Pools isn't just about technical wizardry. It's about camaraderie, the shared language of pool pros who've seen it all, from exploding filters to synchronized swimming squirrels (no, really, we had an episode!). Every week, you'll: Steal game-changing secrets: Learn pro-grade hacks to make you the "Pool Whisperer" in your market Laugh until you spit out your piña colada: These guys are as witty as they are wise, turning pool problems into poolside punchlines. Get ahead of the curve: Stay on top of industry trends and tech before your competitors even smell the chlorine. Feel the love (and the sunshine): Remember why you got into this business in the first place – the joy of creating backyard oases where memories are made. So, ditch the Drano, grab your headphones, and dive into the Talking Pools Podcast. It's your weekly dose of poolside wisdom, laughter, and community. We'll see you on the flip side! P.S. Subscribe now and you might just win a case of pool party essentials (floaties not included, sorry squirrels). P.P.S. Tell your pool-loving friends – sharing knowledge is like sharing sunscreen, it protects everyone!
Episodes
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Natalie Hood engages with Maddie Van Diver, a company trainer and maintenance supervisor at Pool Butler, to discuss the often-overlooked topic of aquatic leadership. They delve into common myths surrounding training and management in the aquatics industry, emphasizing the importance of tailored training programs that cater to individual learning styles ...
- Andrea dives into the essential aspects of pool maintenance, particularly focusing on filtration systems. sHe begins by addressing newcomers to the pool industry, encouraging them to share the episode with others who might benefit from the insights.Andrea introduces a unique analogy, comparing pool filters to kidneys, emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining clean and clear water. sHe outlines ...
In this episode of Mondays Down Under on the Talking Pools podcast, host Lee, along with Shane from Pukka Pools and industry veteran Peter Legaz, delve into the intricacies of transitioning from service-based businesses to retail in the pool industry. They share personal anecdotes about their journeys, highlighting the natural progression many businesses experience as they expand their service offerings...
In this conversation, Rudy Stankowitz delves into the complexities of pool chemistry, particularly focusing on the role of copper and hydrogen peroxide in water treatment. He revisits a previous episode on ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) and discusses the implications of misdiagnosing pool issues based on color alone. Stankowitz emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying chemical cond...
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss a range of topics related to pool maintenance, health concerns, and industry practices. Wayne shares his recent health challenges, including a hospitalization due to E. coli, which leads to a discussion on the importance of sanitation in pools, particularly concerning E. coli and Giardia. The hosts emphasize the need for proper ...
The conversation between Natalie Hood (The Grit Game) and Eric Nielson (The Western Pool and Spa Show) highlights the Western Pool and Spa Show's significance in education, networking, and community building within the pool and spa industry. The speakers debunk common myths about the show, highlighting its inclusivity and global reach. They discuss the importance of continuous education for profess...
In this episode of Mondays Down Under, the hosts discuss the challenges and successes of the past year in the pool maintenance industry, highlighting the benefits of BufferZone and its features. They also introduce pHloZone, a new software solution for commercial pools, and share insights on future developments and upgrades for both platforms. The conversation emphasizes the importance of customer servi...
In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the complexities of pool chemistry, emphasizing the importance of understanding chlorine's role, the significance of stain identification, and the kinetic nature of chemical reactions in pool maintenance. He shares personal reflections on grief and loss, providing a heartfelt context for the conversation. The episode highlights the need for patience in che...
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Steve Sherwood discusses various challenges faced in pool consulting, including the importance of proper tax management, navigating pool temperature issues, and the role of communication in managing client expectations. He also delves into the significance of general liability insurance and the trends shaping the pool industry in 2026. The conversation ...
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Natalie Hood and Casey McGovern discuss the critical topic of water safety and drowning prevention. They address common myths surrounding swim lessons, the importance of early education, and the need for constant supervision around water. Casey shares her personal journey as a mother of a drowning victim and her advocacy work with Every Child a Swimmer. The ...
Andrea and Paulette walk through how to troubleshoot circulation problems, filtration issues, heaters, automation quirks, and equipment that technically powers on but doesn’t actually do its job. They talk about why symptoms lie, why homeowners unintentionally sabotage diagnostics, and how skipping fundamentals leads to repeat service calls.
The Breaking News segments explore documented reports of ghost ...
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Lee and Shane discuss strategies for expanding pool service businesses in 2026. They explore the transition from residential to commercial pools, the importance of qualifications and insurance, and the need for proactive maintenance and testing. The conversation also highlights the significance of utilizing existing databases, creating innovative service pac...
In this episode, Rudy discusses the complexities of pool chemistry, focusing on the importance of understanding oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and its implications for effective pool management. He emphasizes the need to shift focus from merely adding chemicals to understanding the real-time capabilities of water, particularly in relation to pH and cyanuric acid. Through a case study of the Olympic...
Steve Sherwood kicks off the New Year’s Day conclusion of the holiday two-parter with a no-fluff reminder: if you’re not doing chemical dosing calculations, what are you even doing out there? This episode is a practical, field-first toolbox talk—equal parts profitability and liability prevention.
Steve breaks down why measuring accurately (liquid and dry) isn’t “extra,” it’s literally the difference betw...
In the conclusion of Natalie Hood’s conversation with Ryan Walker, the focus shifts from “selling pool stuff” to selling outcomes: experience, lifestyle, confidence, and trust. This episode pulls the curtain back on what’s really happening in today’s retail and builder sales environment—homeowners aren’t shopping locally anymore. They’re shopping globally through TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, then w...
This week, Andrea and Paulette pull back the curtain on one of the most uncomfortable truths in pool service: you don’t need to be reckless to get seriously hurt. You just need to be casual. From cracked buckets rolling around in the back of trucks to “I’ve done it this way for years” shortcuts, this episode explores the many real-world ways pool professionals can poison themselves, gas homeowners, or t...
In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Lee and Shane reflect on the past year in the swimming pool industry, discussing significant changes in leadership, the recognition of the trade, and the importance of planning for the future. They emphasize the need for work-life balance and personal growth as they look forward to 2026 and the upcoming Splash trade show.
takeaways
- The swimming pool industry has...
It’s the day after Christmas, and Rudy is not here to sing carols—he’s here to correct one of the most common (and most expensive) field habits in pool service: measuring dry chemicals like you’re baking cookies. The “two cups equals a pound” rule gets dragged into the sunlight, and then the episode pivots into a full chemistry fundamentals reset that separates pool-water reality from industrial-label m...
In this holiday edition of Thursdays with Steve, Steve Sherwood checks in from a festive (and very on-brand) Hawaiian Christmas shirt and talks straight to the pros who keep pools running even when the calendar says “day off.” From commercial clients who expect service 365 days a year, to the reality of managing staff with families, to planning holiday schedules before the season hits—Steve breaks down ...
In this episode, Natalie Hood sits down with Ryan Walker to unpack how retail sales in the pool industry have evolved over the last two decades—and what dealers, builders, and retailers need to understand to stay competitive today.
From the rise of online shopping and social media influence to changing homeowner expectations and shifting economic realities, this conversation challenges long-held myths ab...
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