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!
Keywords
spa maintenance, water treatment, sanitization, pool care, spa treatments, bromine, chlorine, water balance, spa technology, pool service
Takeaways
Summer is approaching, and clients have varying perceptions of swimming temperatures.
Spa maintenance requires more frequent attention than regular pools due to their smaller size and higher usage.
Educating staff ...
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Rich Gallo, founder and CEO of Pure Swim. Rich shares his journey from growing up in a family of pool professionals to establishing a successful concierge-level pool service in Los Angeles. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the impact of fatherhood on his business philosophy, and the lessons learned from mistakes in customer relationships...
This week, Wayne and Steve are diving deep into the kind of stuff that separates pros from pretenders — communication, integrity, and the responsibility of owning your mistakes. Whether it’s a misread water test, a filter left in bypass, or a promise made too quickly, these two veterans talk about what it means to stand behind your word, make things right, and protect your reputation even when it costs you.
T...
If you thought pool care was boring, you clearly haven’t heard Sarah break it down. This week she dives headfirst into the bubbling, backwashing, beautifully chaotic world of pool chemistry — with zero filters and a full cup of caffeine. It’s educational, hilarious, slightly unhinged, and 100% Sarah.
She’s here to make sure you understand what’s really happening in that pool water — why your readings are off,...
Andrea kicks off the episode venting about her latest headache — a string of finicky customers inside a gated community who think pool service comes with mind-reading included. From access codes that don’t work to residents insisting their “pool smells too clean,” Andrea’s got stories that’ll make any tech feel seen. Paulette chimes in with her trademark humor and hard-earned wisdom, grounding the chaos with...
In this episode, Lee and Shane discuss the growing popularity of mineral pools in Australia, addressing a listener's inquiry about the benefits and drawbacks of mineral pools, particularly in hot climates. Steve pops in with Peter Lagaz of Bufferzone to talk PSS for a stint. Then back to minerals. They explore the differences between mineral and saltwater pools, the importance of maintaining proper pool...
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Tim Bolden of the Pool Butler. They discuss Tim's journey from the Navy to leading a successful pool service company, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of running a business during a pandemic. Tim shares insights on leadership, work-life balance, and the evolving pool industry, emphasizing the need for innovation and...
In this episode, Steve and Wayne—the Talking Pools Podcast’s own dynamic duo—compare notes on closing pools from coast to coast. Steve draws on his years of experience in New Jersey, where fall meant back-to-back closings, freeze guards, and a race against the first frost. Wayne, from his Florida base, shares stories of dealing with Northeastern clientele who expect winterized service—even when they’re hundr...
This week’s episode is a little bit of everything — industry insight, real talk, and a peek behind the curtain of what’s happening with the people who keep this trade moving forward.
We’re starting with something close to home: our Mentor Awards. You’ll hear from a few of the folks whose names carry serious weight in this industry — the people who have shaped, guided, and inspired so many pool pros. These con...
In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea and Paulette dive into the often-misunderstood world of chloramines—the compounds that cause everything from pool odor to swimmer irritation. They explore the science behind monochloramine, dichloramine, and trichloramine, explaining how each one forms, how they differ, and why they matter. The conversation goes deeper into the differences between organic ...
This week, Lee and Shane dive into one of the most frustrating—and head-scratching—realities of running a pool service company: employees who decide to quit right in the middle of peak season. From the “you’ve got to be kidding me” timing to the domino effect it has on routes, scheduling, and client relationships, they pull back the curtain on what it’s really like when your business takes a hit at the busie...
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz interviews John Poma, a prominent figure in the pool industry. They discuss the Alum-CyA removal method, John's background, his experiences in pool service and construction, and the importance of mentorship in the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by pool professionals, including controversies surrounding pool c...
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne delve into the complexities of pool staining, focusing on metal stains and their causes, including the impact of pH levels. They discuss the importance of maintaining balanced water chemistry and the challenges of closing pools for the season, including liability concerns. The conversation also covers effective chemical management, water tes...
In this conversation, Sarah and Andrew discuss the importance of alkalinity in water chemistry, particularly in pools. They explore the different types of alkalinity, how to manipulate it using bicarb and acid, and the seasonal changes that affect water chemistry. The conversation also highlights the significance of maintaining proper calcium levels and the consequences of low alkalinity, including patchy pl...
Hosts: Andrea & Paulette
Cameo: Rudy with Joe Trusty (Pool Magazine / PoolMarketing.com)
Sponsor: Revvdup Apparel
Andrea and Paulette kick off with shop talk, cooler temps, and a spike in phosphate readings. They unpack the long-running “are phosphates a thing?” debate, why South Florida sees big swings, and how phosphates intersect with salt systems, algae control, and filter life. Mid-show, Ru...
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Lee and Shane discuss the onset of spring and the busy season for pool maintenance. They explore the importance of heating solutions, sales strategies, and the role of preventative maintenance with specialty chemicals. The conversation emphasizes understanding customer pain points and the benefits of innovative solutions like variable speed pumps to enhance pool ...
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Kevin Post, CEO of Councilman Hunsaker, discussing innovative projects like the Plus Pool, the importance of mentorship in the aquatics industry, and the future of AI in pool management. Kevin shares insights on staying passionate in the industry, the significance of CMAHC membership, and the need for continuous education and leadership developmen...
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss various topics related to pool maintenance, safety protocols, and industry insights. They share a recent incident involving chlorine handling that highlights the importance of proper training and safety measures. The conversation also covers the significance of water testing, automation systems, and the nuances of workers' compe...
Okay fam, let’s get real—your pool’s pH isn’t just some random number you check because the test kit says so. It’s literally the gatekeeper for whether your water feels crisp and comfy 🌊 or turns into a chemical warzone.
In this episode, Host Sarah chats about why pH balance matters more than you think:
In this episode of Talking Pools, Andrea & Paulette discuss various topics ranging from cooking techniques to the chemistry of pool maintenance. They share a detailed recipe for cooking skirt steak, emphasizing the importance of not gatekeeping culinary knowledge. The conversation then shifts to pool chemistry, focusing on cyanuric acid, its effects on total ORP, and how to manage stabilizer levels effec...
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
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