Rudy Stankowitz

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...

Author

Rudy Stankowitz

Category

Education

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

Where to listen?

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Episodes

Lee's Rampage - Pool Business Banking 21.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee is mad. The hosts discuss the evolution of payment methods over the years, reflecting on the transition from traditional methods like checks and cash to modern electronic funds transfers and cashless transactions. They explore the implications of these changes for businesses and consumers, including the rising fees associated with banking...

90°F Water and The Dark Side of Pool Maintenance 18.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail Here's what we do differently when the pool water temp is up!!!  In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz delves into a chilling true crime story intertwined with the pool industry from his book, Blades of Glass available on Amazon.com.  The conversation shifts to industry insights, discussing recent trends and challenges in pool maintenance, particularly...

Photos, Follow-Ups, and Firing Clients 17.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the hosts, Wayne and Steve, discuss the importance of mentorship in the pool industry, the diverse roles professionals can take on, and the significance of communication and relationships with clients. They explore the complexities of pool chemistry, the necessity of understanding equipment, and the challenges of managing customer expectations. The conversation al...

What Happens When Gen Z Joins the Pool Industry? 16.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Andrew shares his journey into the pool industry, discussing his initial entry, training experiences, and the transition from service work to construction. He highlights the unique aspects of his role as a startup technician, the importance of customer interactions, and his career aspirations. The dialogue also touches on mentorship and the value of community...

The Water Turned Green and So Did Our Hearts 15.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Andrea and Paulette discuss their week in pool maintenance, including challenges faced due to rain and the importance of maintaining chlorine levels. They announce a design contest for pool-themed apparel and share tragic news about pool safety incidents. The conversation shifts to the skilled trades, highlighting the demand for pool builders and other careers in...

Work Life Balance & Background Checks 14.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail takeaways Weather can impact work conditions significantly. Hiring the right employee requires thorough background checks. It's crucial to switch off from work after hours. Finding a balance between work and personal life is essential. Taking time off is important for mental health. Engaging in hobbies can help relieve work stress. Establishing boundaries with clients is nece...

You’re Not Fighting Mustard Algae—You’re Feeding It 11.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail It’s Floc It Friday, and Rudy’s bringing the fire—along with borates, polyquats, and the brutal truth about mustard algae. In what might be our most packed episode to date, Rudy Stankowitz dives headfirst into the evolving mustard algae crisis in 2025—why your go-to treatment (sodium bromide) is now banned, how diatoms are getting smarter, and what you need to do to fight back. 🧪...

🛑 Ransomware Reloaded: The Cyber Threat That Won’t Cover Itself (Merlin Attack Pt. 2) 10.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss various topics related to pool maintenance, including the importance of reliable staffing, the impact of ransomware attacks on the industry, and the significance of effective water testing. They emphasize the need for strong cybersecurity measures, especially in light of recent attacks, and the importance...

I Hate DE Filters! Here's why 09.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Sarah the Pool Girl dives deep into the world of pool filtration, exploring the pros and cons of cartridge, DE (Diatomaceous Earth), and sand filters. With her signature blend of humor and hands-on know-how, Sarah breaks down the maintenance requirements, efficiency levels, and practical realities of each filter type. She clears up common misconceptions and shares...

Poolside Chats: Weekend Misadventures 08.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this lively conversation, Andrea and Paulette share their weekend experiences, focusing on pool maintenance challenges, unexpected wildlife encounters, and community events. They discuss the joys and frustrations of managing pools, including a memorable 4th of July pool adventure and a design contest announcement. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on pool safety and futur...

The Evolution of Skimmer Box Design 07.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss various aspects of fiberglass pools and skimmer boxes, including their design, safety features, and the challenges of installation and repair. They share insights on the importance of learning in the pool industry and emphasize the need for proper techniques and materials in pool maintenance. The conversation also tou...

The Quiet Bromide Ban, the Sudden Pentair Cap, and the PIC Bond That Could Save You 04.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail Pentair just dropped a bombshell on pool pros: effective immediately through August 31, 2025, they’re capping purchase orders at 30% above your July–August 2024 levels . Anything above that? Denied. Pentair caps your buying power. The EPA quietly bans sodium bromide. And bonding? Finally, some clarity. In this episode, we tackle three major updates shaking the pool industry. First...

Navigating Client Communication in the Pool Industry 03.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and his co-host discuss their personal lives, including upcoming vacations and wedding plans. They delve into the challenges of client communication in the service industry, emphasizing the importance of setting expectations and maintaining open lines of communication. The conversation also touches on product development in...

Sodium Bromide, Silver Bullets, and Poolside Science 02.07.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Sarah discusses the recent regulatory changes affecting pool chemicals, particularly sodium bromide, and its implications for pool maintenance. She shares insights on effective algae treatment techniques, the importance of managing metal levels in pools, and the role of chlorine in controlling algae. Sarah also introduces innovative solutions for metal remova...

Cobalt - The Other Black Spot 30.06.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss the challenges and solutions related to older fiberglass pools, particularly focusing on the issue of black spot. They explore the causes of black spot, the evolution of fiberglass pool technology, and the importance of proper maintenance and treatment. The conversation also touches on insurance claims related to pool damage and...

Ransomware, Myths, Facts, & Pool SH!T! 27.06.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz is interrupted with breaking news on a malware attack that has left an industry manufacturer paralyzed. He also addresses common myths and misconceptions that plague the industry, as well as how Podcasts and Trade Magazines are the only reliable sources of information for Pool Service Professionals. He discusses the imp...

The Importance of Documentation in Pool Operations 26.06.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne & Steve discuss various challenges faced in the pool service industry, including legal issues, the importance of documentation, and compliance with safety regulations. They share personal experiences with subpoenas and lawsuits, highlight historical legal cases that have impacted the industry, and emphasize the significance o...

Preventing Algae in Your Pool: Essential Tips 25.06.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Sarah discusses the common causes of algae growth in swimming pools and provides practical advice on how to prevent it. She emphasizes the importance of proper pump operation, filter maintenance, and managing chemical levels such as phosphates and CYA. Sarah also addresses common pool issues and offers solutions to ensure a clean and healthy swimming environm...

Leaky Pools and Fiberglass Dreams 24.06.2025

Send us Fan Mail Andrea and Paulette talk about the pools they don't want as customers 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

Safety & Compliance 23.06.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the hosts celebrate a personal milestone for one of their own while welcoming Rainbow Morris, a professional in the pool industry. Rainbow shares her journey into the industry, emphasizing the diverse opportunities available, especially for women. The conversation delves into the importance of pool safety, compliance regulations, and emerging trends in pool design...

Black Algae: Headache or Hero 20.06.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy delves into the challenges faced by pool professionals, with a particular focus on the often misunderstood cyanobacteria, commonly referred to as black algae. He discusses the importance of accurate identification and treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for education and proper water testing. Rudy also explores innovative s...

Understanding the Langelier Saturation Index 19.06.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne delve into the critical topic of water balance in pools, focusing on the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and its importance in maintaining pool health. They discuss the key parameters that affect water balance, the significance of regular testing, and the challenges faced by pool professionals in calculating and...

The Hidden Dangers of Phosphates in Pools 18.06.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Sarah discusses the importance of managing phosphates in swimming pools, explaining how they contribute to algae growth and how to effectively treat and prevent phosphate issues. She emphasizes the role of landscaping and maintenance practices in keeping pools clean and algae-free, providing practical tips for pool owners. takeaways Phosphates in pools lead to alg...

Gett'N Revvd Up Poolside 17.06.2025

Send us Fan Mail Andrea and Paulette deliver the Swimming pool-related news from top headlines across the globe.  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

The Chemistry of Clean Pools 16.06.2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, including seasonal challenges, the impact of clothing on chlorine levels, and the importance of safety in pool maintenance. They delve into the chemistry of pool water, exploring how temperature and chemical interactions affect chlorine demand. Unique pool issues and solutions are shared, along wit...

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