Talking Pools Podcast

Send us Fan Mail 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 busin...

Send us Fan Mail 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 cont...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ch...

Send us Fan Mail 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 alk...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 educati...

Send us Fan Mail 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 nu...

Send us Fan Mail 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: Why the “sweet spot” (7.2–7.6) is EVERYTHING 👌 How high pH = burning eyes, c...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ma...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Talking Pools, Lee and Shane discuss the significance of expertise in the pool service industry, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and training. They explore the growth of training opportunities available to professionals, the pros and cons of product-specific training, and the value of non-biased training. The conversation highlights the necessi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy interviews Maddy Van Diver from Pool Butler, discussing the importance of mentorship in the pool industry. They explore effective teaching methods for CPO classes, the significance of quality control in technician training, and the impact of advanced water treatment technologies. The conversation also delves into the nuances...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of the Talking Pools podcast reflects on the significance of September 11th, honoring the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on that day. It transitions into a detailed exploration of the engineering behind the 9-11 Memorial Pools, highlighting their design, operation, and the advanced technologies that maintain them as a symbol of remembrance. takeaways September...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Steve Sherwood discusses various topics related to the pool service industry with Pat of the California Pool Association, including the differences between W2 and 1099 employment structures, the importance of having the right insurance coverage, and the challenges of hiring and managing employees. Wayne Ivusich then takes the conversat...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Andrea and Paulette discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, focusing on the importance of taking time off, the misconceptions surrounding cyanuric acid, and the myth of chlorine lock. They emphasize the need for proper chemical balance in pools and the significance of charging for services rendered. The conversation also touches on pers...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Shane and Lee discuss the transition into the spring pool season, the impact of weather on pool maintenance, and the increasing presence of AI in the pool service industry. They emphasize the importance of human connection in business, especially in a field where personal relationships can significantly influence customer loyalty. The conversation highlights the n...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Shannon Wilson, a top mentor in the pool care industry. They discuss the importance of mentorship, safety, and training in pool management, as well as the role of enzymes in maintaining pool clarity. Shannon shares insights on accountability, learning from mistakes, and the significance of chemical knowledge in pool car...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne and Natalie Hood discuss the Grit Game, a rising player in the pool industry. Natalie shares her journey with the Grit Game, emphasizing their commitment to education, collaboration, and support within the industry. They explore the meaning behind the name 'Grit', the importance of manufacturer representation, and the g...

Send us Fan Mail Sarah (aka Sarah the Pool Girl) drops some big news—she and her husband Andrew are expecting a baby in February! The conversation takes a wild ride from pregnancy excitement to pool safety, splash pad water systems, childhood hamster revenge plots, and why puddle jumpers might not be the best option for teaching kids to swim. This episode is equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and e...

Send us Fan Mail The show kicks off with a bit of unexpected humor as Andrea’s scheduled guest ghosts her—leaving her to set the tone and carry the intro solo. The surprise absence creates a light but awkward opening that transitions smoothly into Rudy stepping in with a solid educational segment. He dives into Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), breaking down what they are, why they matter for pool wat...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lee and Shane discuss their recent travels to Kazakhstan, exploring the unique architecture and swimming pool facilities they encountered. They delve into the differences in pool maintenance and chemistry standards between Kazakhstan and New Zealand, highlighting the importance of community and learning within the pool industry. The conversation emphasizes the val...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Laci Davis from The Grit Game, discussing her journey in the pool industry, leadership, creativity, and the importance of purposeful marketing. A listener question on why phosphate removers often cloud water. Another where we lay it on the line - ALWAYS follow the advice of your local Pool Pro. Chlorine Lock...

Send us Fan Mail This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to one of the most talked-about episodes with Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood , two of the most respected educators and consultants in the pool industry. Between Wayne’s decades of experience leading water chemistry education at Taylor Water Technologies and Steve’s reputation as a seasoned inspector, consultant, and trainer, this epis...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, Sarah and Rudy explore a variety of topics ranging from the pool industry to 80s pop culture references. They share insights about their experiences in the field, discuss nostalgic catchphrases, and delve into the evolution of slang over the decades. The light-hearted banter and humor make for an entertaining and informative session that highlights t...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the most accidentally themed episode of Talking Pools , where we started with “fuck it, we’ll do it live” and somehow ended up knee-deep in pregnancy, chlorine jugs, and naming babies after pool chemicals. Don’t ask how we got here — we don’t know either. This week, Andrea & Paulette juggle barking dogs, clinking dishes, and a door-scratching pet apocalypse while an...