Talking Pools Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Swimming Pool Leak Suspection refers to the initial stage of identifying and investigating potential water loss in a swimming pool system when there is reason to believe a leak may exist. In practical terms, it means a pool owner or service technician has observed indicators suggesting abnormal water loss—such as a consistently dropping water level, air bubbles in the return lines...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to a special edition of the Talking Pools Podcast . I’m your host, Rudy Stankowitz , and today we’re doing something a little different. My cohost, Andrea, doesn’t know it yet, but this episode is being recorded live with an audience. We’re opening the door to real-time interaction, bringing our listeners into the conversation as it happens. This episode isn’t just about s...

Send us Fan Mail  Welcome back to the Talking Pools Podcast — where the water’s clear, but the talk can get rough. I’m Kelli, here with the man who can smell bad plumbing from a mile away, Dan. This one’s from the vault , a throwback episode that still hits hard because, let’s be real — some things never change. We’re revisiting one of the biggest frustrations for pool techs everywhere: having to...

Send us Fan Mail In this bone-chilling Halloween episode, host Rudy Stankowitz dives headfirst into the haunted side of the pool world—where the ripples in the water might not be from your circulation pump. Beneath the calm shimmer of moonlit pools lies a darker current: ghost stories soaked in chlorine and mystery. Rudy takes listeners on a guided ghost tour through some of the most notoriously h...

Send us Fan Mail In this Halloween classic from the Talking Pools Podcast vault, Andrea and Paulette return to the mic with goosebump-worthy stories from the field — the kind that make your skin crawl and your test kit hand tremble. From murky green pools that seemed to breathe on their own, to mysterious ripples that moved when no wind blew, these two share the moments that made even veteran tech...

Send us Fan Mail This is the one where Wayne and Steve discuss the secrets behind the booths, the untold tales of Pool Industry Tradeshows. Also, What insurance do you need to conduct a pool inspection? 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

Send us Fan Mail This is the one where Andrea and Paulette discuss their go-to algaecides  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

Send us Fan Mail A look back at the first episode of the Talking Pools Podcast... In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Rudy Stankowitz and Andrea Nannini reflect on the challenges currently facing the pool industry, particularly focusing on the chlorine shortage and its implications. They discuss the panic purchasing behavior of consumers, the impact of the Texas freeze on supply ch...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Rudy Stankowitz gets into two powerful topics shaping the pool industry right now. First, we take a hard look at the federal government shutdown and how it’s creating ripple effects across small service-based businesses — including pool service companies. From stalled SBA loans and federal contract delays to the trickle-down impact on cash flow and customer p...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Steve and Wayne delve into the world of community theater and its impact on personal development, particularly in public speaking. They discuss the evolution of community theater, the decline of dinner theaters, and the intersection of their theater experiences with their work in the pool industry. The conversation shifts to the importance o...

Send us Fan Mail Andrea and Paulette go long on algae—the real science, the field diagnostics, and the no-nonsense remediation that actually works on a Tuesday in August when the phone won’t stop ringing. Pulling from training content and field notes, they break down how to tell algae from look-alikes (metals, pollen, fine dust), why water balance and sanitizer demand dictate outcomes, and how to...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss the busy pool season, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance to prevent costly clean-ups. They delve into the hiring process, sharing insights on training staff, crafting engaging job advertisements, and the diverse career opportunities within the pool industry. The conversation also covers effective interv...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Ron DeLoux from Big Blue Pool Service, exploring the evolution of the pool service industry, the importance of customer relationships, and the future of pool technology. Ron shares his insights on the shift from repair to replacement, the significance of pool chemistry, and the challenges faced by newcomers in the business....

Send us Fan Mail Keywords pool industry, CPO, instructor assessment, education, teaching skills, PHTA, pool classes, water chemistry, instructor program, professional development Summary In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne discusses his experiences and insights from being a member of the PHA Instructor Assessment Committee. He shares stories from a recent instructor class, the asse...

Send us Fan Mail Got mystery stains, teal-tinted water, or customers blaming your chlorine for their new “seafoam highlights”? Andrea and Paulette dive into high metal levels in pools—where they come from (source water, corrosion, “helpful” copper products), how to confirm what you’re dealing with (iron vs. copper vs. manganese), and the smartest ways to treat the water and the stain without turni...

Send us Fan Mail 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 front of...

Send us Fan Mail 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 mistak...

Send us Fan Mail 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 reputat...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 wisd...

Send us Fan Mail 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 importanc...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ser...

Send us Fan Mail 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 inspire...

Send us Fan Mail 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 th...