Talking Pools Podcast

Ask a question hereWorkplace health and safety is not optional—especially when your team handles hazardous pool chemicals, works outdoors in extreme heat and enters unfamiliar equipment rooms every day.On this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury is joined by Shane Sneddon and Nick Day to discuss the safety practices every pool and spa business should have in place. From PPE, chemical segregation and spill containment to SDS registers, vehicle storage, staff induction and mental well-being, the crew examines the risks businesses often overlook until an accident or near miss exposes them.Nick explains how workplace safety became a non-negotiable part of his growing operation, while Shane discusses developing formal policies and procedures for his New Zealand service business. The conversation also covers toolbox meetings, heat exposure, wildlife hazards, confined spaces, first-aid supplies and the importance of documenting employee training.You do not need to create an entire safety system overnight—but you do need to start. Build one policy at a time, review it regularly and make safe practices part of how your company operates every day.In This EpisodeCleaning a 600-gram commercial salt cell safelyEmployer responsibilities and employee accountabilityMaking safety part of weekly toolbox meetingsPPE for chemical handling and outdoor pool workHeat stress, hydration, sun protection and wildlife hazardsCreating and maintaining an SDS registerSeparating incompatible pool chemicalsBunding liquids and containing chemical spillsSecuring chemicals inside service vehiclesSpill kits, first-aid kits and expiration-date inspectionsConfined spaces and equipment-room hazardsSafe-work procedures and employee inductionDocumenting training, inspections and safety meetingsProtecting employees' mental well-beingWhy safety policies must evolve with the businessThe takeaway is simple: workplace safety is rarely considered urgent until something goes wrong. Start with the tasks your team performs most often, document the proper procedure and build from there.This episode is brought to you in part by PoolBrain, giving pool professionals the tools to operate smarter, more efficiently and more profitably. Learn more at PoolBrain.com.Have a question or topic suggestion for the show? Email talkingpools@gmail.com and mark it for Mondays Down Under. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereThis episode is intentionally and unapologetically Gen X, slightly abrasive and definitely not safe for the easily rattled. Beneath the profanity and sarcasm is a serious discussion about accountability, professional communication and knowing the difference between telling an uncomfortable truth and simply acting like an asshole. Rudy takes on cancel culture, trigger warnings, political correctness and the challenge of communicating like an actual human being in a customer-facing industry.Pool professionals should never be afraid to correct dangerous work, challenge technical bullshit or tell a customer an uncomfortable truth. Facts do not stop existing because somebody dislikes the delivery. At the same time, “that's just how I am” is not a free pass to say whatever launches out of your mouth while wearing the company logo.This episode explores the increasingly narrow space between sanitized corporate nonsense and uncontrolled verbal chaos. Rudy discusses context, intent, accountability, social media outrage, abusive customers, generational differences and why being offended does not automatically make someone correct.The answer is not silence. It is judgment.Say what you mean. Know why you are saying it. Read the room. Stand behind the facts. Correct yourself when warranted. Refuse dishonest outrage. And occasionally, learn when to shut the fuck up.Also featured: an update on the 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Top Ten Pool Industry Mentor awards and the championship belt.Listener advisory: Explicit language, blunt opinions and enough 1980s Gen X references to make your Trapper Keeper nervous.In This Episode Cancel culture versus legitimate accountability  Why intent matters but does not erase impact  The difference between discomfort, offense and actual trauma  Protecting technical truth without becoming an inconsiderate jackass  How social media eliminated the boundary between personal and professional speech  Responding to complaints without performing a corporate hostage video  Setting boundaries with abusive customers  Leading younger employees without dismissing or indulging every complaint  Why communication is another tool on the service truck  Maintaining humor, honesty and personality while protecting your business Sponsored in part by PoolBrain, Service Industry News, Jack's Magic, AquaStar Pool Products and BlueRay XL. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereNatalie Hood continues her conversations with the 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Top Ten Mentors by sitting down with Jeff Hampe, a longtime pool professional known for his all-tile pools, artistic glass mosaics and uncompromising attention to detail.Jeff shares how he progressed from repairing hot tubs in New Jersey to cleaning pools, repairing equipment, performing leak detection and eventually becoming a licensed pool contractor and sought-after mosaic specialist. He also discusses the craftsmen who mentored him, why he freely passes that knowledge forward and the satisfaction of watching someone build a better life through a skilled trade.The conversation then shifts into Mythbusting Wednesday territory. Jeff explains why a tile labeled “pool rated” may still be the wrong choice, what he prefers for submerged applications and why translucent glass tile can become an expensive failure. He and Natalie also tackle waterproofing, calcification, efflorescence, thermal expansion, delamination and the limitations of cementitious installation products.Jeff closes with his growing interest in fully tiled fiberglass pools, why field experience remains essential and what would come packaged with the official Jeff Hampe action figure.In This Episode Jeff's journey from hot-tub repair to high-end mosaic and all-tile pools  How Jimmy Reed and Danilo Bonazza influenced his craft  Why Jeff considers attention to detail a professional advantage  Turning a landscaper into a highly skilled, well-paid tile installer  How mentorship spreads when students begin teaching others  Why “pool rated” does not automatically mean suitable for every pool  Jeff's preferred tile thickness and construction for submerged applications  The risks associated with translucent glass tile  How UV exposure and different expansion rates contribute to delamination  Why waterproofing alone does not eliminate calcification or efflorescence  The role of epoxy installation products in all-tile pools  What visible deposits along grout lines may reveal beneath the tile  Why hands-on jobsite experience cannot be replaced by classroom instruction  Learning from installation failures without lowering professional standards  The industry's reliance on traditional distribution  Why Jeff believes fiberglass deserves greater consideration  Crumbled Italian sausage, jet skis and the Jeff Hampe action figure Featured GuestJeff Hampe 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Top Ten Pool Industry MentorSponsored ByREVDUP Apparel, H2Flow Controls and PoolBrain.The technical opinions expressed during this episode reflect the guest's professional experience and installation practices. Product selection and installation requirements should always be verified for the specific application. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereWhat happens when a family emergency forces you to leave your business with almost no warning?This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee, Nick, and Shane reunite to discuss Shane's unexpected six-week absence and how his pool service business continued operating while he was overseas. From trusting an employee with 65 regular clients to managing emergencies across a 12-hour time difference, the conversation offers an honest look at delegation, communication, and building a company that does not depend entirely on its owner.The team also recounts a late-night equipment-room flood caused by a failed braided water hose, including the electrical hazards and chemical-storage risks created when water enters a pump room, warehouse, or pool shop.Lee shares highlights from her tour of the Australian Innovative Systems factory, where chlorinators and cells are manufactured, coated, tested, tracked, and inspected. The crew discusses AIS quality control, the economics of commercial salt chlorination, and why seeing how a product is manufactured can make a pool professional far more confident recommending it.Also in this episode:How loyal customers respond when business owners communicate honestlyWhy capable employees may surprise you when given real responsibilityThe danger of storing pool chemicals directly on the floorWhat a 12-year chlorinator-cell lifespan says about manufacturing qualityWhy an expensive commercial salt cell may quickly pay for itselfHighlights from the SPLASH! masterclassesUpcoming discussions on sanitization marketing claims and Australian Standard 3633If your company cannot function when you step away, you may not own a business yet. You may own a demanding job. Building reliable systems and developing trustworthy employees protects your customers, your company, and your own well-being.This episode is brought to you in part by Pool Brain, giving pool professionals the tools to operate smarter, more efficiently, and more profitably. Visit PoolBrain.com.Questions, topic suggestions, or suppliers you would like featured? Email talkingpools@gmail.com. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereTwenty-five years after the attacks of September 11, 2001, this special episode of the Talking Pools Podcast is presented without commercial interruption.Rudy Stankowitz remembers the 2,977 people murdered that day, the passengers and crews who fought back, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the survivors and recovery workers who carried the physical and emotional consequences home with them.The episode then examines Reflecting Absence, the two enormous memorial pools built within the footprints of the former World Trade Center towers. From nearly 1,400 feet of precision waterfall weir and more than a million gallons of water to thousands of granite panels, extensive automation, and demanding overnight maintenance, Rudy explores the extraordinary engineering required to make the machinery disappear so the meaning can remain.This episode doesn't reduce sacred ground to pumps, hydraulics, and water treatment. It is a pool professional's appreciation of the architects, engineers, fabricators, operators, and maintenance crews whose work protects the dignity of one of America's most important memorials.In This Episode:Remembering the victims, heroes, survivors, and recovery workers of September 11The meaning behind Michael Arad and Peter Walker's Reflecting AbsenceHow the massive waterfall weirs were adjusted to within one-sixteenth of an inchWhy published pumping and circulation figures must be interpreted carefullyThe difference between water-effect flow and treatment flowMore than 1,000 monitored operating points working behind the scenesThe challenge of maintaining dark granite beneath 400 surrounding treesWhy mock-ups, tolerances, automation, and maintenance access matterHow engineering and maintenance preserve the memorial's intended experienceTwo pools. Nearly two acres. More than a million gallons of water. Thousands of names.Today, we remember.#September11 #NeverForget #911Memorial #ReflectingAbsence #TalkingPoolsPodcast #PoolProfessionals #AquaticEngineering #WaterFeatureDesignMusic:We the People, written and performed by Alesandra Rosette https://youtu.be/AOV70hNcajI?si=1j1f9k2IizozsCQcHere are the official archived transcripts for all three presidential speeches used in the episode:President George W. Bush — Remarks to the Nation from Ellis Island, September 11, 2002 Source of the “September 11, 2001 will always be a fixed point in the life of America” passage. President Barack Obama — National September 11 Memorial Museum Dedication, May 15, 2014 Source of the passage about standing “in the footprints of two mighty towers, graced by the rush of eternal waters.” President Donald Trump — Flight 93 National Memorial Address, September 11, 2020 Source of the passage honoring the 40 passengers and crew who “rose up, took charge, made their stand.” Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereThis week on Thursdays with Wayne and Steve, Wayne climbs back onto his favorite soapbox: your skimmer is not a chemical-dispensing system. The guys break down the risks of feeding acid, calcium chloride, chlorine tablets, and other products through the skimmer—and discuss the limited situations where manufacturer directions may call for it.Steve also speaks with Pat from the California Pool Association about liability coverage for residential, commercial, and high-end aquatic facilities. They examine diving boards, slides, expensive equipment, property-damage extensions, revenue audits, and why landing a massive commercial account may require another conversation with your insurance agent.Then, a pool inspection involving five plaster defects exposes a much larger problem: calcium hardness at 750 ppm, corrected alkalinity at 60 ppm, and a service professional who had not tested calcium in more than a year. It is a reminder that clear water, loyal customers, and weekly visits do not prove a pool is being properly managed.Wayne and Steve also discuss:Why chlorine tablets should never be placed in a skimmerSafer ways to introduce powdered chemicalsUsing skimmer socks for cyanuric acidLiability exclusions involving diving boards and slidesCoverage for property you are actively working onInsurance considerations when pursuing large commercial accountsWhy a complete water analysis matters during every inspectionThe importance of periodically testing calcium hardness, CYA, and TDSEducating clients before assumptions become expensive problemsDefining a clear scope of work for commercial facilitiesWhy great pool service also requires communication and hospitalityThe bottom line: follow proper chemical procedures, know exactly what your insurance covers, test before reaching conclusions, and never assume the person who has maintained a pool for years has maintained it correctly. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereNatalie Hood welcomes 2026 Top Ten Pool Industry Mentor Peter Wiedermann for a conversation about his 31 years in the swimming pool industry, the people who shaped his career, and the technicians he helped develop along the way.Peter explains why a mentor should build independence rather than dependence, why trust is essential, and why challenging someone's thinking is sometimes the greatest help a mentor can provide. He also shares how recognizing burnout led him away from daily pool work and toward business networking and teaching people to use artificial intelligence more effectively.The conversation then turns to AI myths: whether it will replace pool professionals, why ChatGPT should never be mistaken for an expert, the danger of entering sensitive information into unsecured systems, and why every AI-generated answer still requires a knowledgeable human in the loop. Peter also explains why using AI resembles servicing a swimming pool—both involve complex systems, disciplined methods, and potentially serious consequences when the fundamentals are ignored.Plus, Peter reveals his preferred pizza, the superpowers society desperately needs, and exactly how he plans to embarrass his children if he wins the Mentor of the Year championship belt.In This Episode:What effective mentorship looks likeThe difference between training and mentoringWhy arrogance prevents professional growthDeveloping technicians who can think for themselvesRecognizing burnout and changing directionHow AI can support pool businessesWhy AI cannot replace experience and judgmentProtecting customer and business informationKeeping the human in the loopWhy strong industry standards and education matter#TalkingPoolsPodcast #PeterWiedermann #PoolIndustryMentor #PoolProfessionals #ArtificialIntelligence #PoolService #IndustryEducation #Mentorship #BusinessGrowth Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereHiring new employees is only the beginning. If pool and spa businesses want knowledgeable technicians, loyal teams, confident customers, and fewer unqualified operators dragging down the trade, they must invest in professional development.On this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury, Nick Day, and Shane Sneddon welcome Rachel, General Manager of IR Learning—soon to return to the name SPASA Training—to discuss the education and qualifications available to pool and spa professionals across Australia and New Zealand.The group explores Recognition of Prior Learning, competency conversations, transferable skills, online education, industry-specific qualifications, and why experienced technicians may already possess much of the evidence needed to become formally qualified.They also discuss the responsibility carried by pool professionals. Today's technicians must understand water chemistry, hydraulics, electrical and plumbing systems, safety, automation, customer service, and business operations—yet the trade continues fighting for the recognition and funding it deserves.Training your employees is not simply an investment in them. Better-trained people provide better service, inspire greater customer confidence, strengthen staff retention, and build a better business.Topics discussed include: The transition from IR Learning back to SPASA Training  The Four Pillars of Pool Care training series  Recognition of Prior Learning for experienced technicians  Why competency conversations are not traditional exams  Turning everyday jobsite photos and videos into qualification evidence  How skills from sales, safety, and other industries may transfer  Building long-term career pathways within the pool and spa industry  Training opportunities for Australian and New Zealand professionals  Certificate III in Swimming Pool and Spa Service  Pool building, retail, business, leadership, safety-barrier, and aquatic-operator training  Why professional qualifications help separate legitimate businesses from industry cowboys  The continuing push for trade recognition, licensing, and training funding Learn more about available courses and qualifications at IRLearning.comThis episode is brought to you in part by Pool Brain, giving pool professionals the tools to operate smarter, more efficiently, and more profitably. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereA pool remodel is rarely as simple as replacing the tile and plaster. Once the old surface comes off and the ground is opened, contractors can uncover structural cracks, deteriorated rebar, undersized plumbing, missing hydrostatic relief, unsafe electrical work, and decades of questionable shortcuts.In this bonus episode, Kelli speaks with Jose Gonzalez of Adams Pool Solutions in Pleasanton, California. Jose grew up working alongside his father in the pool industry and has spent nearly 12 years with Adams, advancing from plaster and pebble application into field management, project management, and sales.Kelli and Jose dig into what really happens during a remodel, including the hidden conditions that can add thousands of dollars to a project. They discuss structural crack repair, hydraulic upgrades, permits, waterproofing, material selection, customer education, and why thorough documentation protects both the contractor and the homeowner.Jose also shares one unforgettable discovery: full-size pool lights installed without proper niches or grounding, held in improvised cavities with plaster and silicone.The lesson is simple: a successful remodel is not about hiding old problems beneath a beautiful new finish. It is about correcting those problems and building something that will remain safe, functional, and durable for years.In This Episode Jose's journey from helping his father as a child to managing and selling remodel projects  The difference between resurfacing a pool and performing a complete remodel  Why structural cracks appear more frequently than many contractors expect  Three approaches to crack treatment and when each may be appropriate  How deteriorated rebar can turn a surface crack into a major structural repair  Why contractors should discuss possible change orders before demolition begins  Hidden copper lines, undersized plumbing, and other hydraulic surprises  Missing or covered hydrostatic relief systems  Why modern codes can require upgrades to older pools  The value of preconstruction equipment inspections and signed documentation  When waterproofing makes sense and when it may create bonding concerns  Why poor surface preparation can cause a new finish to delaminate  The long-term cost of cheap tile, coping, grout, and installation materials  When permits are essential and why some contractors refuse to proceed without them  Using renderings and physical samples to help homeowners visualize the finished project  Why licensed contractors, field experience, transparency, and realistic timelines matter  Jose's advice for pool professionals entering the remodeling business Featured GuestJose Gonzalez Adams Pool Solutions Pleasanton, CaliforniaKey TakeawayA trustworthy remodel contractor does not simply deliver the cheapest version of what a homeowner requests. They expose the problems, explain the options, document the decisions, and build the pool as though it were going into their own backyard.#TalkingPoolsPodcast #PoolRemodel #PoolRenovation #SwimmingPools #PoolConstruction #PoolContractor #PoolProfessionals #PoolDesign #PoolSafety #AdamsPoolSolutions Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereThis episode is intentionally abrasive.The pool industry wants the respect, credibility, and compensation of a skilled trade. But are we willing to establish, demand, demonstrate, and charge for skilled-trade standards?Rudy asked pool professionals what they believe is wrong with the industry, and the responses came flooding in: inadequate training, nonexistent licensing, bargain-basement pricing, oversized egos, unqualified technicians, social-media experts, bad installations, fragmented education, private equity, manufacturers selling around the trade, and customers who expect luxury service at Dollar General prices.The individual complaints may differ, but they point to the same contradiction: We demand professional respect while too often accepting mediocrity as normal.This episode examines why certification should be the beginning of professional development, not a declaration that someone never needs to learn another damn thing. Rudy challenges companies that send barely trained technicians into the field, veterans who mistake repetition for expertise, businesses that confuse pool count with profitability, and professionals who perform additional work for free and then wonder why customers do not value them.The pool industry has tremendous people, knowledge, innovation, and opportunity. What it lacks is consistent standards, clear career pathways, and enough professionals willing to say the three words most terrifying to an oversized industry ego:“I was wrong.”If the pool industry wants respect, it is time to earn the fucking thing.In This EpisodeWhy pool service should be treated as a legitimate skilled tradeThe difference between inexperience and unsupervised incompetenceWhy certification is only the beginning of professional developmentHow fragmented education leaves new technicians without a clear career pathWhy decades of repetition do not necessarily equal decades of experienceHow confidence and social-media visibility get mistaken for competenceWhy pool service companies chronically undervalue their workThe difference between revenue, profitability, growth, and craftsmanshipWhy staying small does not mean failingThe true cost behind professional equipment installation and serviceHow manufacturers, big-box retailers, franchises, and private equity affect the tradeWhy customer boundaries and clearly defined service agreements matterThe responsibilities companies, employees, customers, and professionals owe one anotherWhat the pool industry must do if it genuinely wants professional respectMemorable Line“The pool industry does not have a shortage of opportunity. It has a shortage of consistent standards and an oversupply of confidence.”#TalkingPoolsPodcast #PoolIndustry #PoolService #SwimmingPools #PoolProfessionals #PoolEducation #SkilledTrades #WaterChemistry #PoolBusiness #ProfessionalStandards Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question herePrivate equity has entered the pool industry, and companies looking to acquire thousands of service accounts are knocking on the doors of independent pool professionals.But what happens when they knock on yours?In this Insurance Interlude, Steve Sherwood and Pat Grignon discuss what pool company owners need to consider before selling their business, route, or customer accounts. Steve shares his own experience with an acquisition offer and explains why a bigger salary was not enough to convince him to surrender the freedom he spent a decade building.Pat breaks down several important issues that can follow a sale, including tail coverage, prior claims, non-compete agreements, non-solicitation clauses, and the danger of signing a contract without experienced legal representation.Selling the business may end your ownership, but it does not automatically eliminate your exposure. A claim connected to work performed before the sale could surface afterward. Depending on the policies and purchase agreement involved, the seller may be required to obtain several years of tail coverage.The buyer may also restrict where the seller can work, what services they can provide, and whether they can contact former customers or employees. That means the contract could affect far more than the final purchase price.Pat's strongest advice is simple: hire an attorney experienced in business acquisitions. Not your uncle who handles divorces. Not your buddy who once fought a traffic ticket. Hire someone who understands deals and can identify exactly where the buyer is receiving the wins while the seller assumes the risk.In This EpisodeWhy private equity is targeting pool service companiesSteve's experience receiving an acquisition offerWhy a higher salary may not replace the freedom of ownershipWhat pool company owners should do before considering a saleHow tail coverage may protect against claims reported after closingThe difference between occurrence-based and claims-made coverageWho typically pays for tail coverageWhy tail coverage can be surprisingly expensiveHow non-compete and non-solicitation clauses differRestrictions that could prevent you from returning to the pool industryWhy selling your route does not necessarily end your liabilityThe importance of carefully reviewing every restrictive covenantWhy every seller needs an experienced acquisition attorneyHow to avoid accepting a one-sided purchase agreementThe Bottom LineDo not become hypnotized by the purchase price.Before selling the business you spent years building, determine what liabilities remain, what insurance must stay in place, what professional activities will be restricted, and what happens if you later regret the deal.Get the insurance advice. Get the legal advice. Read the contract. Then read it again.This episode is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Laws, policy terms, and enforceability vary by jurisdiction and circumstance. Consult qualified legal and insurance professionals before selling a business.#TalkingPoolsPodcast #InsuranceInterlude #PoolBusiness #PoolService #PrivateEquity #BusinessAcquisition #SellingABusiness #PoolRoute #TailCoverage #BusinessInsurance #RiskManagement #PoolProfessionals #CaliforniaPoolAssociation #SteveSherwood #PatGrignon Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereWhat does nearly 50 years in the swimming pool industry teach you? According to Jerry Wallace, there are no shortcuts, you never stop learning, and sometimes you need to show up with a rolling suitcase full of textbooks.Natalie Hood sits down with Jerry Wallace, president of Swim Chem and one of the 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Top Ten Pool Industry Mentors. Jerry shares how he entered the family business as a teenager, the mentors who shaped his career, and why mentoring is about leaving the industry better than you found it.Then Jerry puts his decades of water chemistry, plaster, and expert-witness experience to work busting some persistent myths about calcium nodules. Are they caused by excessive calcium hardness? Are they simply another form of scale? Can adjusting the water chemistry stop them?Jerry explains why calcium nodules are typically associated with voids, delamination, pinholes, or cracks beneath the plaster surface, not a pool professional's failure to maintain the water. His message to service professionals is blunt: educate yourself, document your work, demand an explanation, and stop allowing people to steamroll you.Jerry also discusses why manufacturers need to listen more closely to service professionals, what younger professionals bring to the industry, and the three groups every successful business must protect before looking at the profit-and-loss statement: family, employees, and customers.And, because this is Talking Pools, Natalie settles the critically important question of whether pineapple belongs on pizza.In This Episode How Jerry entered the pool industry at age 16  The mentors who helped shape his career  Why mentorship is about life lessons, not merely technical knowledge  How to recognize when someone is no longer coachable  Why there are no shortcuts to long-term success  The difference between calcium scale and calcium nodules  Why high calcium hardness does not selectively create isolated nodules  How voids, delamination, cracks, and pinholes contribute to nodule formation  Why changing the water chemistry treats the symptom, not the underlying problem  How service professionals can defend themselves against unsupported blame  Why pool professionals must become experts in their trade  What manufacturers misunderstand about real-world equipment retrofits  Why the industry needs stronger communication between engineers and field professionals  What younger generations are bringing to the pool industry  The three priorities Jerry's father used to measure a successful year  Jerry's controversial but unwavering defense of pineapple on pizza Jerry's Message to Pool ProfessionalsDo not assume a calcium nodule is your fault simply because someone points at the water chemistry. Test the water, investigate the surface, document the evidence, ask for the actual mechanism, and make the person assigning blame show their work.If you are going to work as a pool service professional, become an expert and stand up for yourself. Nobody else is going to do it for you.#TalkingPoolsPodcast #PoolIndustry #PoolService #SwimmingPools #PoolChemistry #CalciumNodules #PoolPlaster #Mentorship #PoolProfessionals #WaterChemistry #PoolEducation #SwimChem #JerryWallace #NatalieHood #MythbustingWednesday Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereFor this special Mondays Down Under episode, Lee, Shane, and Nick are finally together in the same room after two exhausting days walking the floor at SPLASH! 2026.The team shares the products, technology, conversations, and innovations that caught their attention, including smarter chlorinators, Bluetooth pressure monitoring, automatic backwashing, direct free-chlorine testing, advanced commercial sanitation systems, and robotic cleaners that are becoming increasingly independent.They also speak with representatives from Waterco, Davey, Fluidra, Brauer Swim, Maytronics, and other industry leaders about equipment designed to reduce maintenance, conserve water, improve chemical control, and give pool professionals better information before they arrive on-site.Beyond the equipment, the episode explores two important industry developments: a new guide addressing sanitization marketing claims and the draft revision of Australian Standard 3633, which has not been rewritten since 1989.And yes, after two days of demonstrations, masterclasses, interviews, networking, and enough walking to make a Fitbit file a workers' compensation claim, everyone's feet are completely destroyed.In This EpisodeThe sights, crowds, and atmosphere of SPLASH! 2026Waterco's MultiCyclone dual-cartridge filtration systemHow centrifugal prefiltration can reduce cartridge cleaningThe Waterco OptiCell and direct free-chlorine measurementCommercial salt-chlorination and AOP systems from Brauer SwimFluidra's Solo, ECHO, Halo Pro, and Halo Pure chlorinatorsSeasonal programming and centralized app controlBluetooth pressure gauges that monitor filter conditionAI-assisted heat-pump technologyThe Maytronics Dolphin EON robotic cleanerInternal robotic-filter backwashingManaging multiple cleaners through one technician-friendly appRobotic cleaners that dock, recharge, and empty themselvesAutomatic remote backwashing with the iWash systemA rollable, lockable insulated spa coverThe new sanitization marketing-claims guideWhy “freshwater,” “mineral,” and ionized-pool claims need clarityThe draft revision of Australian Standard 3633Why Australian and New Zealand pool professionals should provide feedbackLee's chemistry, diagnostics, and customer-experience masterclassesThe WAVES event and helping more women find their voice in the industryWhy SPLASH belongs on every Australian pool professional's calendarIf you attended SPLASH! 2026, tell us which product or presentation impressed you most. If you missed it, Lee, Shane, and Nick have done the walking, filming, questioning, and blister collection for you.Send questions, topic suggestions, or requests for future industry guests to talkingpools@gmail.com. The Pool Shop Coachan online store offering industry-specific business mentoring, coaching, and training programs Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereWARNING: This episode is intentionally abrasive. It contains strong language, blunt opinions, and an alarming lack of patience for sales pitches disguised as education. If professional disagreement offends you, consider this your continuing education credit in hurt feelings. Not all pool industry education is created equal—and “free” education is rarely free.In this episode, Rudy examines the difference between manufacturer-funded seminars, paid independent instruction, field experience, and research-based education. A company trainer may know the product inside and out, but does that knowledge survive on a real equipment pad? A veteran may have decades of stories, but do those personal experiences have evidence behind them? And when every road in a seminar conveniently leads to the sponsor's product, did you attend a class—or a sales pitch with continuing education credits stapled to it?Rudy also addresses the criticism he received after publicly supporting Pool Brain's hiring of Erik Knight. Respecting someone does not mean agreeing with every position they hold. Professional disagreement is healthy when people show their work, provide sources, remain open to challenges, and understand the limits of their own knowledge.Before investing your money—or four hours of your life and half a turkey sandwich—research the instructor as carefully as you research the class.In This EpisodeWhy supporting an educator does not require treating everything they teach as gospelErik Knight's role in bringing LSI into the everyday pool industry conversationThe difference between disagreement and intellectual dishonestyWhy today's pool professionals may be overwhelmed by too much educationManufacturer education versus paid independent instructionWhy “free” seminars still have a cost and an agendaThe difference between product knowledge and field experienceWhy personal experience is valuable—but not automatically universal truthHow research and field experience should challenge and strengthen one anotherThe warning signs of a sales presentation disguised as educationQuestions to ask before registering for any classWhy expertise in one subject does not qualify someone to teach everythingThe value of an instructor willing to say, “I don't know”The strongest educators understand both the literature and the realities of the field. They identify whether they are presenting scientific evidence, professional judgment, product-specific training, or personal observation—and they never pretend those categories are interchangeable.A famous name only proves the marketing worked. A company title tells you who employs the speaker. A registration fee tells you what the class costs. None of those things tells you whether the instructor deserves your time.Research does. Transparency does. Relevant experience does. Evidence does.2026 Pool Industry Mentor Recognition SponsorsBlueRay XLUnited ChemicalLaMotte CompanyRev'd Up ApparelAquaComfort Water GroupAquaStar Pool ProductsThe Global Leader in Safety, Dependability, & Innovation in Pool Technology.POOL MAGAZINEPool Magazine is leading up to the minute news source for Swimming Pool News and Pool Features. Outhe 'How to Get Rid of Algae' handbookThe most comprehensive guide on algae prevention and remediation you will ever own.BLUERAY XLThe real mineral purifier! Reduce your pool maintenance costs & efforts by 50%CPO Certification ClassesAttend your CPO class with Rudy Stankowitz!Online Pool ClassesThe difference between you and your competition is what you know!Jack's MagicIf you know Jack's you'd have no stains!Service Industry NewsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereCalling someone an independent contractor does not automatically make them one.In this Insurance Interlude, Steve Sherwood and Pat Grignon of the California Pool Association examine the complicated line between 1099 subcontractors and W-2 employees. They discuss what may help establish a legitimate subcontractor relationship, including separate business entities, independent insurance coverage, control over scheduling, and performing work for other customers.They also explain how seemingly harmless decisions, such as providing gas cards, reimbursing mileage, or controlling a technician's schedule, may make that relationship look increasingly like employment. And when a misclassified worker gets injured, the resulting investigation, lawsuit, penalties, and unpaid payroll obligations can threaten the entire company.The lesson is simple: the time to understand your coverage and employment structure is before someone gets hurt, not after the lawsuit arrives.In This EpisodeWhat separates a legitimate subcontractor from an employeeWhy issuing a 1099 does not settle worker classificationThe importance of separate business entities and insurance policiesHow scheduling and operational control affect classificationWhen gas cards and mileage reimbursements can create problemsWorkers' compensation requirements and protectionsHow one workplace injury can trigger a much larger investigationWhen general liability insurance may provide defenseWhy every pool company needs a strong relationship with its insurance agentWorker-classification and insurance requirements vary by state and individual circumstances. Speak with qualified insurance, tax, and legal professionals before making employment decisions.Looking for insurance coverage? The California Pool Association serves pool professionals and other businesses throughout the country. Mention the Talking Pools Podcast to receive one month off a general liability policy. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereIn the conclusion of this two-part Mythbusting Wednesday conversation, Natalie Hood sits down with Erik Knight to discuss his move from Watershape University to Pool Brain—and the bigger problems he hopes to help solve.The pool industry has more education available than ever, but is that actually part of the problem? New technicians are often buried under chemistry, equipment, software, procedures, and safety information before they have enough hands-on experience to understand how it all fits together.Erik explains how guided workflows and point-of-need education could help technicians produce better results from the beginning while developing a deeper understanding over time. Instead of three days riding shotgun followed by “Here are the keys—try not to turn anything green,” technology can provide structure, consistency, and some desperately needed early wins.Natalie and Erik discuss:Why technician turnover is highest at the entry levelWhether the education gap is really an education-overload problemThe weaknesses of traditional pool-company onboardingWhy hands-on learning creates knowledge that actually sticksUsing software to reinforce education instead of replacing itPool Brain's approach to guided workflows and chemistry recommendationsUsing historical data to predict future pH and water behaviorWhy experience—not intelligence—allows seasoned technicians to anticipate problemsAutomation as a force multiplier for pool professionalsHow technology can free technicians to develop higher-value skillsWhy automation equipment can become a profitable service-company revenue streamThe value of competition among software companies and education providersErik's continued relationship with Watershape UniversityWhat attracted him to Pool Brain's long-term visionWhy professional software requires more than an AI-generated interfaceInflation, rising equipment costs, and the need for greater efficiencyRoute optimization, properly stocked trucks, and eliminating costly supply runsErik also addresses the fear that technology will eventually replace the pool professional. Automation may handle repeatable tasks, but it cannot change filter sand, clean a DE grid, diagnose complicated equipment problems, or replace the judgment developed through real experience.Better technology does not eliminate the need for education. It can remove some of the repetitive bullshit, help new technicians succeed sooner, and give experienced professionals more time to solve complicated problems, serve better customers, and operate more profitable routes.Erik's goal at Pool Brain is straightforward: simplify what makes the job unnecessarily difficult, help pool professionals deliver safer and more predictable water, and give company owners the tools to become more efficient, profitable, and—God forbid—occasionally get home before dark. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereThis week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury—the Pool Shop Coach—and Nick tackle a question every pool business owner should ask: Are you actually running your business, or are you simply reacting to whichever fire is burning hottest today?Lee introduces her new Business Balance Check, a free assessment designed specifically to identify the areas of your business that need attention most. It examines ten critical areas—including branding, communication, team culture, safety, policies and procedures, and employee autonomy—before revealing whether you're currently operating as the Firefighter, the Glue, the Foreman, or the Owner.Lee and Nick also discuss:Why procedures sitting unread in a binder are nothing more than expensive pieces of paperThe importance of teaching employees the what, how, and whyHow small, one-percent improvements can transform a businessWhy great ideas collected at conferences rarely survive the trip homeHow a coach or mentor creates accountability and turns intention into actionUsing AI to streamline spreadsheets, emails, administration, and repetitive tasksWhy obviously AI-generated advertising can destroy customer trustThe danger of letting software replace genuine technical knowledge and judgmentWhy pool professionals must understand the story behind the water-test resultsCustomers who create a chemical catastrophe—and conveniently forget to mention what they addedThe importance of consistent branding and customer experiences across every touchpointThe episode also includes coverage from SPLASH 2026, featuring new chlorination and pool-control technology from Fluidra, along with commercial salt chlorination, ozone, UV, and advanced oxidation systems from Brauer.And, because no pool-industry episode would be complete without a customer turning a manageable problem into a full-blown aquatic crime scene, Nick shares what happened when someone accidentally dumped approximately eight kilograms of chlorine remover into a 70,000-liter indoor pool—and then attempted to fix it with liquid chlorine and stabilized chlorine.Take the Free Business Balance CheckFind out whether you're operating as the Firefighter, the Glue, the Foreman, or the Owner:The Pool Shop Coach's Business Balance CheckHave a question or topic suggestion for Mondays Down Under? Email talkingpools@gmail.com and mark it for Lee and Nick. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereWARNING: Intentionally Abrasive Language - Every service business wants to be the company everyone recommends—the local expert called after three other contractors have replaced the wrong parts, collected their checks, and left the customer with the same damn problem.But authority doesn't come from putting “premier,” “elite,” or “superior” on the side of a truck. It comes from becoming exceptionally good at solving difficult problems, teaching people what you know, documenting your results, and earning a reputation that reaches the customer before you do.In this episode, Rudy explains how pool professionals and other service-business owners can become the recognized expert in their county—and why anyone who earns that position should charge at least 10% more than the interchangeable competition.In This EpisodeWhy calling yourself an expert doesn't make you oneHow to attach your name to a specific, difficult problemWhy teaching customers increases your valueThe difference between generic content and useful local expertiseHow informed opinions make professionals memorableTurning difficult jobs into compelling case studiesWhy detailed testimonials beat meaningless five-star reviewsBuilding referral relationships with inspectors, agents, managers, and tradespeopleBecoming the person local media calls for an explanationUsing Google reviews to demonstrate authorityWhy experienced professionals should charge moreHow to state your price without apologizing or negotiating against yourselfWhy premium pricing requires premium communication and reliabilityThe importance of continuing to learn after becoming the recognized expertThe Bottom LineAdvertising tells people you exist. Expertise convinces them you understand the problem. Reputation makes them trust you to solve it.Own a difficult problem. Teach what you know. Develop an informed point of view. Document your results. Answer the phone. Show up when promised. Fix the problem correctly.Eventually, your name becomes shorthand for the solution—and when that happens, charge like you fucking mean it.The cheapest contractor charges for the visit. The expert charges for the answer.Featured Sponsors and Industry PartnersBlueRay XLUnited ChemicalLaMotte CompanyRevved Up ApparelAquaComfort Water GroupService Industry NewsJack's Magic ProductsAquaStar Pool ProductsConnect With Talking PoolsFollow the Talking Pools Podcast for blunt industry commentary, technical education, business advice, and the occasional uncomfortable truth every pool professional needs to hear. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereSteve Sherwood and Wayne Ivusich discuss one of the hardest lessons for pool service professionals: you cannot solve every problem, satisfy every prospect, or repeatedly rescue neglected pools for free.Steve explains why customers must keep an eye on their pools between weekly visits and report cloudy water or visible algae immediately. Waiting until the scheduled service day—especially before a party—can turn a manageable problem into four or five additional visits, a pile of chemicals, and a service company eating the cost.The conversation also covers phosphate removal, establishing chemical prices, asking the right questions before quoting work, and knowing when to walk away from a customer who wants a guaranteed result without fixing the equipment causing the problem.During the Insurance Interlude, Pat Reno explains why standard general liability insurance typically does not cover cyberattacks, data breaches, stolen payments, customer impersonation, or ransomware. For pool companies accepting digital payments or storing customer information, cyber liability coverage may deserve a place in the insurance portfolio.Steve and Wayne wrap up with equipment design, service-recordkeeping apps, and the challenges of controlling an 800-gallon commercial spa where a few bathers can send sanitizer demand, ORP, and pH in completely different directions.Topics discussed include:Why weekly customers must monitor their pools between visitsCatching algae early before it becomes an expensive shit showCharging for additional visits and treatment chemicalsWhy every service company needs a chemical price listPhosphate-removal products and avoiding unnecessary cleanupThe danger of quoting a green-pool recovery without testing the waterAsking for complete equipment photos before diagnosing remotelyUsed filters, questionable installations, and inherited equipment problemsWhy sometimes the correct professional answer is “no”Cyber liability versus general liability insurancePayment diversion, customer impersonation, and ransomwareProtecting stored customer and payment informationWhy real-world field input matters during product developmentDigital service records, before-and-after photos, and proof of serviceManaging sanitizer demand and automation in a small commercial spaHow water temperature can affect reactions and test resultsThe takeaway: stop guessing for free. Ask better questions, document everything, charge for the work being performed, and walk away when someone expects you to guarantee results without allowing you to correct the actual problem. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereNatalie Hood continues her conversation with Dewey Case of the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code, separating cold-plunge science from wellness-industry hype.Cold plunges may be popular, but cold water changes chemical reaction rates, sanitizer performance, testing accuracy, and the body's physiological response. Being young, athletic, or highly experienced around water does not make anyone immune to blood-sugar crashes, loss of consciousness, drowning, or other emergencies.Natalie and Dewey discuss why cold-water samples should be allowed to warm before testing, why commercial plunges should strongly consider supplemental treatment such as UV, ozone, or advanced oxidation, and why a quick pre-entry rinse can remove a surprising amount of contamination before it enters a very small body of water.They also address the biggest myth of all: because someone only spends a few minutes in a cold plunge, the risk must be low. The exposure may be short, but the risks are not necessarily smaller—they are simply different.Topics discussed include:Why even healthy, conditioned athletes can experience emergenciesThe dangers of using a cold plunge, pool, or spa aloneHow cold temperatures affect water-testing reactionsWhy cold samples should be capped and warmed before testingReduced sanitizer reaction rates in cold waterWhy small water volume and heavy bather loads create greater riskThe value of UV, ozone, and advanced oxidationSweat, ammonia, urea, dirt, and everything else bathers drag into the waterWhy pre-entry showers matterHow a simple rinse can substantially reduce contaminantsWhy short exposure does not automatically mean low riskThe importance of supervision, maintenance, testing, and operator diligenceThe takeaway is simple: be diligent. Know what the water is doing, test it regularly, maintain the vessel properly, and never assume that experience or physical fitness makes someone bulletproof.Download the Cold Water Venue Guidance from the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code.Natalie also shares an update on her Tennessee Triple Crown Open Water Swim Challenge. She will swim more than 21 miles across three open-water marathon events to benefit Every Child a Swimmer through her fundraiser, She Swims So They Can.Special thanks to campaign sponsors Revved Up Apparel, H2Flow Controls, Tenjam, and Talking Pools Podcast. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Ask a question hereSPLASH 2026: Why Pool Professionals—and Their Teams—Need to Be ThereSPLASH isn't just another excuse to escape the office, collect two years' worth of free pens, and start asking suspicious questions about when the complimentary slushy machine becomes a margarita machine.For pool professionals across Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, SPLASH is the industry event. It's where new products are launched, new technology is demonstrated, business ideas are exchanged, and technicians finally see that the pool industry is much bigger than the route, retail counter, or equipment pad they work around every day.This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury and Nick discuss what makes SPLASH worth attending, why business owners should consider bringing at least one team member, and how the event can reinvigorate a workforce heading out of winter and into the madness of summer.Lee also previews the customer-service and business-growth forums she will be facilitating, while Nick shares the story of a commercial fountain whose chemical controller had apparently been plumbed backward—and remained that way for somewhere between five and seven years while another company visited three times a week.In This Episode What SPLASH is and why it matters to the Australian pool and spa industry  How the trade show has evolved over the decades  Memorable exhibits, product demonstrations and promotional giveaways  Why technicians and younger employees should experience a major industry event  Using SPLASH to motivate and educate your team before summer  New products, software developments and masterclasses expected at the show  Lee's business-growth and customer-experience forums  Protecting productive time with the “red headphones” rule  Deciding which tasks should be delegated before the busy season  Why workplace interruptions cost more time than most managers realize  Preparing your business and staff for the transition from winter into summer  Nick's battle with a badly installed 30,000-litre commercial fountain  A chemical dosing system that had been plumbed incorrectly for years  What happens when equipment is serviced repeatedly without anyone diagnosing the actual problem If you're attending SPLASH, keep an eye out for Lee, Nick and the Mondays Down Under crew—and make sure you say hello. You may even find yourself appearing in an upcoming episode.Questions or topic suggestions? Email talkingpools@gmail.com. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the people who actually know the product disappear—and customer service becomes a phone tree, a 90-minute hold, or an ordering department that cannot answer a technical question?This week, Steve Sherwood and Wayne Ivusich examine the decline of accessible technical support across the pool and spa industry. Wayne reflects on his 32 years with Taylor Technologies, where he answered technical questions, developed educational materials, and taught an estimated 45,000 to 50,000 industry professionals. Since Taylor's acquisition by Fluidra, much of that direct technical access—and even some of Wayne's educational content—appears to have disappeared.The conversation expands into a larger industry problem: corporate consolidation may preserve a product name, but it does not necessarily preserve the people, knowledge, or customer relationships that built the brand.Before that, Steve is joined by Pat from the California Pool Association for the Insurance Interlude. They discuss how installers can protect themselves when equipment works correctly at completion but fails—or gets damaged—months later. Photos, service records, clearly defined warranty terms, and a documented follow-up may be the only things standing between you and somebody else's blame game.Topics discussed include:Protecting your company after completing equipment installationsDocumenting that equipment was operational when you leftWhy a written follow-up can become valuable evidenceDistinguishing parts warranties from free laborDamage caused by homeowners or subsequent service techniciansThe importance of maintaining complete water-chemistry recordsWayne's 32-year career with Taylor TechnologiesWhat Fluidra's acquisition of Taylor meant for technical supportThe loss of experienced educators and product specialistsSteve's experience waiting 90 minutes for manufacturer assistanceWhy sales representatives have become unofficial technical-support channelsThe value—and danger—of relying on Facebook groups for answersKnowing not only what questions to ask, but whom to askWhy genuine mentorship teaches people to investigate instead of merely supplying answersHow Talking Pools can serve as an industry resource when manufacturers cannotThe label may survive an acquisition, but the institutional knowledge does not survive unless somebody deliberately protects it. When the experts disappear, customers are left owning products without reliable access to the people who understand them.Have a pool, spa, chemistry, equipment, service, or business question you cannot get answered? Email the Talking Pools Podcast team at talkingpools@gmail.com.Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailNatalie Hood welcomes Eric Knight back to the Talking Pools Podcast to discuss his move from Watershape University to Pool Brain—and what this new role could mean for pool service professionals.Eric explains how a conversation that began in 2022 eventually developed into an opportunity to combine the work he does best: water chemistry, education, technology, and solving real-world problems for technicians in the field. He also clears up the speculation surrounding his departure from Watershape University. There was no drama, no burned bridge, and no scandal—just an honest recognition of his strengths and an opportunity that better fits how his brain works.The conversation then turns toward the future of the pool industry. Eric explains why artificial intelligence is unlikely to replace pool technicians, but will increasingly help them make better decisions, optimize routes, train employees, standardize service, and operate more profitable businesses.Eric also offers an early look at Pool Brain's vision for automated chemical dosing, guided technician workflows, and “point-of-need education”—giving technicians the information they need while they are standing in front of the pool, instead of making them wait for the next class or trade show.In This EpisodeWhy Eric Knight joined Pool BrainHow his relationship with Pool Brain began in 2022The truth about his departure from Watershape UniversityWhy recognizing your weaknesses is an important leadership skillWhat Eric is most proud of accomplishing at WatershapeWhy traditional industry education is becoming cost-prohibitiveHow AI will assist pool professionals without replacing field techniciansWhy more displaced white-collar workers are entering the tradesThe story behind the Orenda Calculator and ChemiculatorHow technology can eliminate dangerous chemical-dosing shortcutsWhat automated water-chemistry dosing could mean for service companiesHow guided workflows can improve training, safety, and accountabilityWhy technicians need education at the exact moment a problem occursThis is Part One of Natalie Hood's conversation with Eric Knight. Tune in next Wednesday for Part Two as they continue discussing his new role at Pool Brain and the technology being developed to support the next generation of pool professionals. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailIn the conclusion of our conversation with Lee Moore and Blake, Technical Director at AIS Water, we examine what it takes to make saltwater chlorination work reliably in demanding commercial environments.Commercial pools cannot be managed by reacting to every change with another drum of chemicals. Like steering a cruise ship, water chemistry requires calculated adjustments, accurate information, and equipment sized for the facility's actual operating conditions.The conversation covers the difference between ORP and direct free-available-chlorine measurement, on/off versus proportional chlorinator control, and how properly sized systems respond to sudden increases in bather load. Lee and Blake also explain why some facilities retain liquid or granular chlorine as backup sanitation—even when onsite chlorine generation handles nearly the entire demand.We also challenge some persistent assumptions about saltwater pools. Modern commercial systems can operate at salt concentrations as low as approximately 950 ppm, opening the door for indoor pools, facilities with natural stone, and other applications where corrosion concerns have discouraged saltwater chlorination.Finally, we look behind the marketing of “mineral pools.” Magnesium and potassium salts may change how the water feels, but the sanitation still comes from chlorine produced through electrolysis. Minerals do not replace the sanitizer.Topics discussed include: Why commercial chlorination begins with accurate system sizing  Accounting for sunlight, bather load, turnover, and unusual applications  Why water stability is more important than constant chemical correction  Direct free-chlorine probes versus traditional ORP control  On/off and proportional 4–20 mA chlorinator control  Responding automatically to sudden increases in bather load  Cell operation, reversing cycles, and expected service life  Using liquid or granular chlorine as secondary sanitation  Reducing chemical handling without removing backup infrastructure  Liquid chlorine degradation, declining strength, and chlorate concerns  Commercial chlorination at approximately 950 ppm salt  Saltwater systems for indoor pools and natural-stone environments  What “mineral pool” marketing gets right—and what it leaves out  The roles of magnesium and potassium in swimmer comfort and water appearance  Why mineral pools are still chlorine pools If you operate, specify, design, or service commercial aquatic facilities, this episode offers a practical look at building a chlorination system around stability, predictable demand, and intelligent control—not chemical firefighting. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailProfanity does not make someone unprofessional. Confidently spreading bad information does.In this intentionally abrasive episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz takes aim at the comment-section experts who diagnose complicated pool problems from one blurry photograph, defend outdated beliefs with “I've been doing this for 20 years,” and treat confidence as a substitute for evidence.BREAKING INDUSTRY NEWS July's pool-industry news revealed a market undergoing a serious correction: as reported by Pentair, distributors are aggressively reducing excess equipment inventory; as reported by POOLCORP, essential maintenance and repair demand remains resilient despite weak discretionary spending; as first reported by Bloomberg, Leslie's was considering strategic options—including a possible Chapter 11 filing—to address its debt; and as reported by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, years of corrosion, inadequate safeguards and nearly 14 million pounds of reactive chemicals contributed to the catastrophic Bio-Lab fire in Conyers. Adding to the industry shake-up, as reported by Pool Brain on August 5, Eric Knight stepped down as executive director of Watershape University to become Pool Brain's head of education technology, overseeing automated chemical-dosing tools, guided training workflows and point-of-need education for pool professionals. Pool Brain announcementThe Confidently Wrong Rudy explains why experience only has value when it remains connected to research, why a correct result does not necessarily prove the explanation behind it, and why professionals must be willing to say, “I don't know.” He also examines the limits of the Langelier Saturation Index, the risks of oversimplified chemistry advice, and the difference between handing someone an answer and teaching that person how to investigate a problem.The pool industry does not need to lose its personality, clean up every four-letter word, or turn itself into a room full of corporate robots. It does need people who verify what they say, correct themselves when the evidence changes, and understand that other professionals and customers make real decisions based on the information they share.The loudest person may get the most attention. The person who consistently does the work earns the trust.In This EpisodeWhy profanity is not a measure of professionalismThe difference between an opinion and supportable informationHow bad pool chemistry advice can become expensive, dangerous, and publicWhy 20 years in the industry does not automatically equal 20 years of growthExperience repeated versus experience examinedHow improved research and instrumentation change what the industry understandsWhy correlation does not prove causationThe danger of diagnosing pool problems without enough informationWhat the Langelier Saturation Index does—and what it cannot tell youWhy “I don't know” can be the most professional answer availableCorrecting misinformation without surrendering credibilityCombining field experience with current scienceTeaching critical thinking instead of creating dependenceWhy trust is worth more than comments, likes, and online attentionKey TakeawaysExperience should be a foundation, not a shield against better information. A professional gathers facts, considers competing explanations, understands the limits of a diagnosis, and changes course when the evidence demands it.A real mentor does more than provide an answer. A mentor teaches someone what to test, what to rule out, what information matters, and how to reason through the next problem independently.Profanity backed by accurate information is a voice. Profanity used to disguise ignorance is noise.2026 Talking Pools Top Ten Pool Industry MentorsCongratulations to:Brandon ReidJeff HampChris KavanaughTim McDowellLacey DavisJerry WallaceJohn PomaGreg BeardTerry TammaninPeter WiedermanThese honorees were selected by the hosts of the Talking Pools Podcast for the lasting difference they have made in the lives and careers of pool professionals.Episode Sponsors BlueRay XL — bluerayxl.comService Industry News — serviceindustrynews.netJack's Magic — jacksmagic.comAquaStar Pool ProductsContent AdvisoryThis episode contains strong language and intentionally abrasive humor.Connect With Talking PoolsSubscribe to the Talking Pools Podcast wherever you listen, share this episode with a pool professional who values evidence over ego, and follow the show for straight talk, practical education, and pool-industry commentary without the corporate filter. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailThis week on Thursdays with Wayne and Steve, the guys take aim at “miracle” pool products, suspiciously cheap equipment, expired test reagents, and the growing number of online knockoffs promising professional results at bargain-basement prices.Wayne recalls some of the industry's most memorable gimmicks—including magnets that supposedly made calcium disappear—and explains why words like “miracle cure” should immediately raise a red flag. Steve breaks down how he presents customers with equipment options, why an internet price is not always an apples-to-apples comparison, and what customers give up when they purchase off-brand replacement parts without professional support or a reliable warranty.During this episode's Insurance Interlude, Steve and Pat Grenon examine a nightmare renovation in which an unlicensed contractor allegedly left chunks of concrete inside a pool's plumbing. They discuss the homeowner's possible options, the limits of homeowners insurance, and why asking to be named as an additional insured may provide valuable protection before a contractor begins work.Wayne also explains why heavily discounted test kits and reagents may not be the bargain they appear to be. Products sitting in warehouses or clearance bins can be years old, and expired reagents can produce unreliable results—even when the packaging looks perfectly legitimate.The conversation also covers customer communication, emergency-service pricing, protecting your profit margins, commercial-pool safety failures, and why treating people well remains the most effective marketing strategy in the pool business.Topics discussed include:Spotting “miracle product” scams and deceptive demonstrationsOEM equipment versus inexpensive aftermarket replacementsHow to explain equipment pricing and warranties to customersWhy professionals should charge more for emergency and weekend serviceIdentifying expired test kits, reagents, and test stripsThe risks of buying unusually cheap chemical-testing products onlineWhat happens when an unlicensed contractor damages a swimming poolHomeowners insurance and contractor-liability claimsWhy additional-insured status mattersConcrete and construction debris trapped inside pool plumbingDeveloping relationships with reliable leak-detection specialistsCommercial pools with dangerously low pH and alkalinityCloudy-water problems caused by filtration and operational failuresChanges within Leslie's and what pool professionals should watchBuilding trust through honesty, education, and customer serviceWhy word-of-mouth remains the strongest form of marketingThe takeaway is simple: read the labels, check expiration dates, compare products carefully, document contractor work, and never assume that the cheapest option is actually the least expensive.Have a pool-industry scam or questionable product you think Wayne and Steve should investigate? Email the show at talkingpools@gmail.com. If your story is featured, the team may send you a small thank-you gift. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailCold plunges and ice baths are appearing everywhere—from fitness centers and recovery facilities to wellness clinics, athletic programs, and luxury spas. But colder water does not automatically mean cleaner or safer water.In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Natalie Hood is joined by Dewey Case, Technical Director for the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code and Aquatics Coordinator for Williamson County Parks and Recreation in Tennessee.Dewey helped assemble the experts behind the new CMAHC Cold Water Venue Guidance. Together, he and Natalie separate cold-plunge facts from social-media fiction and explain why these increasingly popular venues require far more attention than a tub, a garden hose, and several bags of ice.They discuss why bacteria can survive in cold water, how lower temperatures can slow sanitizer performance, and why even a single user introduces sweat, body oils, cosmetics, urea, and microorganisms into the water. They also examine the much greater contamination burden created when a commercial system serves dozens—or potentially hundreds—of users each week.The conversation covers the risks associated with poorly maintained systems, including biofilm, Pseudomonas, swimmer's ear, and the possibility of transferring gastrointestinal pathogens. They also explain why dunking your head into questionable cold-plunge water may be a particularly bad idea.In This EpisodeWhy cold water does not sanitize itselfThe truth about bacteria and pathogens in cold plungesWhy “I'm the only person using it” does not eliminate water-quality concernsWhat sweat, cosmetics, clothing, and body oils add to the waterWhy users should shower before enteringThe risks of head submersion in poorly maintained waterHow biofilm and Pseudomonas can develop inside plumbing and on surfacesWhy commercial cold plunges are not simply oversized bathtubsHow high bather loads change filtration, sanitation, and maintenance demandsWhy cold-water chemistry can be more challenging than spa chemistryHow low temperatures affect chemical dissolution and disinfectionThe purpose of the new CMAHC Cold Water Venue GuidanceWhy proper operation, cleaning, and maintenance make cold-water immersion saferAs Dewey explains, a home cold plunge used by one person and a recirculating commercial venue serving hundreds of bathers are not the same thing. When the bather load changes, the operational practices must change with it.This episode is essential listening for pool professionals, aquatic operators, health officials, inspectors, facility managers, designers, builders, fitness-center owners, and anyone responsible for operating a commercial cold-water venue.She Swims So They CanNatalie is preparing to swim more than 21 miles across three open-water swimming marathons as part of the Tennessee Triple Crown Open Water Swim Challenge. Her campaign, She Swims So They Can, benefits Every Child a Swimmer and helps provide children with access to lifesaving swim lessons.Her scheduled swims are:September 13, 2026September 20, 2026October 3, 2026Donations will be accepted through October 3, 2026.To learn more, donate, purchase official fundraising apparel, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit Natalie's Facebook or Instagram pages. Companies interested in sponsoring the campaign may contact Natalie directly at nhood@thegritgame.com.Every contribution helps—and every share expands the campaign's reach.Special thanks to campaign sponsors Revved Up Apparel, H2flow Controls, Tenjam, and the Talking Pools Podcast.#TalkingPoolsPodcast #ColdPlunge #ColdWaterImmersion #IceBath #AquaticSafety #WaterQuality #PoolOperator #PoolProfessional #CMAHC #MAHC #PublicHealth #Aquatics #Pseudomonas #WaterChemistry Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury and Nick are joined by AIS Water's Lee Moore and Technical Director Blake for a deep dive into commercial saltwater chlorination.AIS Water has worked in salt chlorination for approximately 35 years, developing systems for everything from swim schools and splash parks to resorts, 50-meter competition pools, coastal pools, and enormous lagoons containing millions of liters of water.The conversation explores why more commercial aquatic facilities are moving toward onsite chlorine generation—and why their success depends on selecting actual commercial equipment, correctly sizing the system, and maintaining proper water chemistry.The three major benefits are convenience, safety, and long-term cost savings. Generating chlorine onsite can dramatically reduce the handling, storage, transportation, and manual transfer of liquid or granular chlorine. It can also reduce the risks associated with chemical spills, damaged dosing lines, incorrect chemical mixing, and chlorine gas entering an occupied pool.But not every “commercial salt system” is truly commercial.The guests discuss facilities that attempted to meet massive chlorine demand by plumbing together banks of residential chlorinators—including one installation containing an astonishing 95 residential units. Besides creating a maintenance nightmare, these improvised systems can introduce excessive head loss, restrict circulation, shorten cell life, and still fail to satisfy the pool's chlorine demand.Proper sizing requires far more than knowing the pool's volume. AIS Water considers actual peak bather load, water temperature, turnover rate, sunlight exposure, cyanuric acid use, environmental conditions, operating hours, and the facility's location. Two pools of identical size—even pools located only a suburb apart—may require substantially different chlorine production capacities.And just when you thought pool chlorination could not get any stranger, the discussion turns to horse pools, seal enclosures, sea lions, natural salt contributions from swimmers, and one exceptionally important unanswered question:Just how much chlorine does a sea lion prefer?You will have to return next Monday for the conclusion.In this episode: Why commercial aquatic facilities are adopting onsite chlorine generation  The safety risks associated with storing and manually transporting chlorine  How salt chlorination can reduce long-term operating costs  Why an electrolytic cell is a consumable—not a failed chlorinator  How commercial-grade anodes can provide significantly longer cell life  The difference between residential and commercial chlorination equipment  What happens when dozens of residential chlorinators are installed in one system  How excessive head loss can compromise circulation and turnover  Why peak bather load is critical when sizing a chlorinator  How sunlight, shade, temperature, rainfall, and surrounding buildings affect chlorine demand  Commercial systems ranging from low-salinity water to direct seawater  The unusual challenges of chlorinating pools for horses, seals, and sea lions Guests: Lee Moore, Sales and Marketing, AIS Water  Blake, Technical Director, AIS Water Hosted by Lee Salisbury and Nick on Mondays Down Under, part of the Talking Pools Podcast network.US certifications for AIS Commercial products. Certified to the Highest International Standards – AIS commercial chlorination systems are independently certified to NSF/ANSI 50 for swimming pool equipment safety and performance, UL 1081 for electrical safety, and are approved for installation in Los Angeles County, one of the world's most stringent regulatory environments. These certifications provide independent assurance that AIS products meet rigorous standards for quality, reliability, and safety, giving consultants, operators, and asset owners confidence in specifying AIS for demanding commercial aquatic facilities. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailSpecialty chemicals are not the enemy. Phosphate removers, enzymes, clarifiers, sequestrants, scale inhibitors, flocculants and stain treatments can all deliver real value—when they address an actual, diagnosed condition.In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz explains why the bottle should never become the protocol. Before adding any specialty chemical to a pool, service professionals should answer three questions: Will it meaningfully benefit this customer?  Will it become a pain in the ass for me or my technicians?  Can my company make money providing the treatment? Rudy breaks down the hidden costs that are often ignored: return visits, filter cleaning, vacuuming, fuel, labor and the time required to explain an expected reaction to the customer. A $20 bottle is no longer a $20 treatment when it creates another hour of work.He also explains why specialty treatments should not automatically be buried inside a flat monthly service rate. Customers are not paying for possession of the bottle. They are paying for the professional who knows when to use it, how much to use, what conditions are required, what side effects to expect and what to do when the treatment does not behave as planned.The episode also includes a message honoring the 2026 Top Ten Pool Industry Mentors and Rudy's final thoughts about his Reflecting Pool coating analysis reaching the White House—proof that sound technical work can matter far beyond the pool industry.In this episode Why mentorship means teaching people to think—not creating dependence  How specialty chemicals establish added value  Why every treatment should begin with a diagnosed condition  The danger of mistaking a visible reaction for proof  When phosphate removal makes professional and financial sense  Why predictable follow-up work belongs in the treatment price  How flat-rate chemical inclusion can hide value and destroy profit  Why pool professionals should sell outcomes—not bottles  Separating chemical problems from circulation, filtration and equipment problems  Why chemistry and physics remain unchanged by politics The three-question specialty chemical test Will it benefit the customer?  Will it become a pain in the ass for me?  Can I make money on it? Specialty chemicals are tools—not miracles, substitutes for proper maintenance or acts of absolution for neglected pools.Sponsored in part by Service Industry News, AquaStar Pool Products and BluRay XL. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailShow NotesThis week, Steve and Wayne tackle two timely topics affecting the swimming pool industry.First, Steve discusses a growing number of calls from homeowners who find themselves trapped in construction projects with missed deadlines, questionable workmanship, and uncertainty about what to do next. The conversation explores the challenges of residential pool inspections, the gray areas of building codes, and why hiring an independent expert isn't always as straightforward as it sounds.The second half of the episode takes a deep dive into the newly released Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Cold Water Venue Guidance. With cold plunges becoming increasingly popular in homes, gyms, spas, and athletic facilities, Steve and Wayne explain why industry guidance is needed, how it is developed, and what pool professionals should understand about water quality, sanitation, filtration, and safety.In This EpisodeWhy homeowners are increasingly seeking independent pool inspections during construction.The challenges of enforcing residential pool codes compared to commercial pools.What homeowners should expect before pursuing construction disputes.Understanding the role—and limitations—of expert inspections.The new Model Aquatic Health Code Cold Water Venue Guidance explained.How MAHC guidance is developed through industry collaboration and scientific review.Why "guidance" is different from law or regulation.Safety recommendations for cold plunge users, including age and health considerations.Why colder water changes the speed of chemical reactions.Challenges of maintaining proper sanitizer levels in very small cold-water vessels.Why many professional athletic organizations simply dump and refill cold plunge water rather than attempting to filter it.Lessons learned from servicing cold plunge systems used by professional sports teams.The importance of proper maintenance as cold plunges become more common in homes.The growing need for practical standards as cold-water therapy enters the mainstream.Key TakeawaysResidential pool inspections often involve significant gray areas compared to commercial construction.Expert opinions can identify deficiencies, but correcting them may still require negotiation or litigation.Cold plunges present unique operational challenges because of their small water volume and low temperatures.Lower water temperatures slow chemical reactions, making sanitation more complicated than many people realize.Proper water management is just as important in a cold plunge as it is in a swimming pool.As cold-water therapy grows in popularity, industry guidance will play an increasingly important role in protecting public health.Featured DiscussionThe MAHC's New Cold Water GuidanceSteve and Wayne explain why the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code developed guidance for cold plunge facilities, how recommendations are reviewed by subject-matter experts, and why science—not social media trends—should drive industry best practices.Behind the Scenes with Professional SportsDrawing from firsthand experience servicing facilities for NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLS organizations, Steve shares how professional teams maintain therapy pools, cold plunges, and rehabilitation equipment—and why sanitation protocols are often much more aggressive than many people expect.Sponsored ByA special thank you to the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) for supporting this episode and their continued work advancing science-based aquatic health guidance.Have a topic you'd like Steve and Wayne to cover? Send your suggestions to talkingpools@gmail.com. If your idea is featured on the show, you might even receive a special thank-you gift! Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailWhat really separates a good pool company from a great one?This week, Natalie Hood sits down with Leslie Elliott, Founder and CEO of Poolie, one of the fastest-growing pool service companies in Texas. Leslie's journey into the industry didn't begin with decades of pool experience—it began with a green pool, poor customer service, and the realization that the industry had room to improve.Together, Natalie and Leslie tackle some of the biggest myths surrounding pool service businesses, leadership, customer service, company culture, growth, technology, and artificial intelligence. Whether you're an owner, manager, technician, or someone thinking about starting a pool company, this conversation offers practical lessons that apply far beyond the swimming pool industry.In this episode:How a green swimming pool launched one of Texas' fastest-growing pool service companies.Why customer service is often a bigger competitive advantage than technical expertise.The difference between running a pool route and building a scalable business.Why growth creates as many challenges as it solves.The importance of systems, standard operating procedures, and consistency.Why not every customer is worth keeping.Protecting employees while maintaining company values.Leadership lessons from growing from one route to more than 4,500 customers.The importance of training, mentorship, and creating career paths for technicians.Why people—not pools—are often the biggest challenge in business.How AI is changing customer service, operations, scheduling, and business management.Why the pool industry still has opportunities to modernize through technology and professional development.Building a company culture that employees actually want to be part of.Why success doesn't make leadership easier—it simply changes the challenges.Key TakeawaysGreat pool companies are built on leadership and customer experience—not just chemistry knowledge.Growth without systems creates chaos.Company culture is demonstrated through daily actions, not mission statements.Investing in employee training pays dividends in customer satisfaction and retention.AI should be viewed as a productivity tool that frees people to focus on higher-value work.Consistency is often more valuable than constant innovation.The future of the pool industry depends on raising professional standards together.Featured GuestLeslie ElliottFounder & CEO, PoolieLeslie shares how her background in management consulting and business operations helped her build Poolie into a multi-market service company focused on exceptional customer service, scalable systems, and investing in people.Hosted ByNatalie HoodDirector of Education & Events, The Grit GameSponsored ByBlueRay XLUnited ChemicalLaMotte CompanyRevdUp ApparelAqua Comfort Water GroupConnectLearn more about Poolie at Poolie.com and follow their continued growth on social media.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Talking Pools Podcast, leave us a review, and share it with another pool professional who's committed to raising the bar for our industry. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailWhat separates a professional pool service company from someone simply adding chemicals?In Part 2 of this special Mondays Down Under discussion, Lee Salisbury and Nick dive deeper into professional water analysis with the team from LaMotte, discussing why consistent, accurate testing is one of the biggest differences between average pool care and true water management.The conversation explores the value of the WaterLink® Spin system, reducing user error, interpreting test results correctly, common mistakes professionals make after shocking a pool, and why understanding chemistry matters far more than simply reading numbers off a report.Whether you're running a retail store, servicing residential pools, or maintaining commercial aquatic facilities, this episode is packed with practical advice that can improve both your water quality and your bottom line.In This Episode Why experience matters just as much as chemistry knowledge  Learning to interpret water test results—not just read them  Why every unusual water test should make you ask more questions  How customer conversations often solve water chemistry mysteries  When to consult technical support or laboratory analysis  Why professional testing equipment pays for itself  Reducing user error with automated water testing  The business case for investing in better testing equipment  Saving time while improving customer service  Comparing photometric testing to traditional reagent testing  Why complete water analysis is more valuable than testing only chlorine and pH  Protecting pools through proper water balance  "It's easier to keep it clean than bring it back from green." Technical Topics Covered WaterLink Spin technology  Photometric water testing  Traditional liquid reagent testing  Test repeatability and consistency  Eliminating sample contamination  Proper sample volume  Test accuracy versus operator technique  Water balance fundamentals  Customer communication during water analysis  Laboratory troubleshooting  Commercial pool testing  Residential pool testing Common Testing Mistakes Discussed Misinterpreting zero alkalinity after shocking a pool  Understanding the effects of chlorine above 15 ppm  Why high chlorine can produce misleading alkalinity readings  Using high-range chlorine test strips for confirmation  Running additional tests on the same high-chlorine sample  Recognizing when the instrument is giving you an indicator—not a bad result Best Practices Use professional-grade testing equipment  Perform complete water analysis whenever possible  Verify unusually high chlorine levels before making chemical adjustments  Store Spin Discs properly  Reseal foil packaging after every use  Protect discs from moisture and light  Understand shelf life after opening  Train technicians to recognize abnormal test patterns  Build testing costs into your professional service Commercial Aquatic Facility DiscussionThe episode also covers: Daily health department testing requirements  Three-test commercial Spin Discs  Testing multiple water bodies  Managing public pool safety  Protecting swimmers through accurate testing  Creating efficient testing workflows for aquatic facilities Key TakeawaysProfessional water testing isn't about owning expensive equipment—it's about making better decisions.Accurate testing saves time, improves customer confidence, reduces costly mistakes, and helps protect both swimming pools and the people using them. Understanding what your test results are actually telling you is every bit as important as obtaining the numbers themselves.Featured Guests Lee Salisbury  Nick (Mondays Down Under)  Hiren Patel – LaMotte Company Connect with Talking Pools

Send us Fan MailWhen the National Park Service added hydrogen peroxide to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the internet immediately decided it had found the culprit behind the peeling coating.But science doesn't work that way.In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz takes a research-first approach to one of the most discussed pool stories of the year. Instead of asking whether hydrogen peroxide caused a coating failure, he asks a different question:Why was hydrogen peroxide chosen in the first place?Drawing from published scientific literature on cyanobacteria, harmful algal blooms, microbiology, biofilms, and water treatment, Rudy explores how hydrogen peroxide affects microorganisms, why mature biofilms are so difficult to eliminate, and why swimming pool professionals may need to rethink the way they've approached "black algae" for decades.This isn't a product pitch.It isn't a treatment recommendation.And it certainly isn't clickbait.It's an evidence-based discussion designed to separate what science has demonstrated from what still remains a hypothesis.The episode also introduces the first part of Rudy's proposed research protocol—a hypothesis assembled from published mechanisms that has not been validated in controlled swimming pool research—and explains exactly where established science ends and new investigation begins.If you're tired of opinions masquerading as facts, this episode is for you.In This EpisodeWhy the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was treated with hydrogen peroxideWhy concentration matters more than percentageCorrelation versus causation in coating failuresWhat published research says about hydrogen peroxide and cyanobacterial bloomsThe difference between free-floating algae and mature cyanobacterial biofilmsHow extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) protect biofilmsWhy oxidants often struggle against established biofilmsThe biology behind oxidative stressPhotosystem II, lipid peroxidation, and cellular damage explainedWhy mature biofilms deserve to be studied separatelyWhy Rudy believes better questions lead to better scienceThe first step in a proposed research protocol using aluminum sulfateWhy coagulation and physical removal may reduce oxidant demand before disinfectionWhere the published literature ends—and where hypothesis generation beginsKey TakeawayScience advances by asking better questions—not by rushing to conclusions.This episode doesn't claim to have solved black algae. It challenges listeners to examine what the published research actually supports, recognize the limits of current knowledge, and think critically about where future swimming pool research should go.SponsorsSpecial thanks to the companies that support education and the advancement of the swimming pool industry:Blu-ray XLUnited ChemicalLaMotte CompanyRevved Up ApparelAqua Comfort Water GroupAquaStar Pool ProductsJack's Magic ProductsService Industry NewsConnect with Talking Pools

Send us Fan MailThis week on Talking Pools Thursdays, Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood cover everything from the newest generation of robotic pool cleaners to protecting your business from costly mistakes, distributor pricing, chemical accountability, inspection reports, and why good documentation may be the most valuable tool you own.The episode opens with congratulations for Andrea Nannini on her new position with Gorman Company and a reminder that the 2026 Talking Pools Mentor Award Top 10 Finalists will soon be announced, recognizing professionals who go beyond technical knowledge by investing in others.Steve then dives into his latest experiences with cordless robotic pool cleaners, comparing different Polaris Freedom models, discussing battery life, runtime, commercial versus residential applications, and whether today's wireless robots are finally ready to replace traditional corded units. The hosts also discuss the limitations every technician should understand—including ladders, handrails, steps, main drains, and unusual pool shapes that can confuse even premium robotic cleaners.The conversation shifts into one of the least discussed ways pool companies lose money: inventory control. Steve explains how improperly tracked chlorine deliveries, returnable containers, pricing discrepancies, and purchasing habits can quietly cost companies thousands of dollars. The discussion explores building relationships with distributors while still shopping intelligently, negotiating prices, and understanding where business owners must verify every invoice themselves.During the Insurance Interlude, Steve and Pat Grignon tackle a topic many service professionals eventually face: inspection reports that may become evidence in litigation. They discuss when an inspection remains simply an inspection, when it crosses into expert witness territory, how to protect yourself through documentation, why objective reporting matters, and why keeping complete records—including the exact report you submitted—can become your best legal defense.The episode also explores one of the most overlooked skills in pool service: knowing the actual volume of water you're treating. Steve explains how calculating chlorine dosage correctly can dramatically reduce chemical waste while improving consistency. Drawing from years of managing multiple service crews, he shares how accurate calculations and field verification once reduced chlorine consumption by tens of thousands of dollars over a single season. Wayne adds practical insight into why textbook volume calculations often underestimate actual system water once plumbing and equipment are considered.To close the show, Wayne clears up several common misconceptions about potassium monopersulfate (MPS), often marketed as "non-chlorine shock." He explains what the product actually does, what it does not do, why it does not eliminate existing combined chlorine, how it can help prevent new chloramine formation, proper dosing considerations, testing interference, and why it is most commonly found in heavily used indoor aquatic facilities rather than residential pools.In This EpisodeCongratulations to Andrea Nannini on joining Gorman CompanyPreview of the 2026 Talking Pools Mentor Award finalistsCordless vs. corded robotic pool cleanersCommercial applications for robotic vacuumsCommon obstacles that interfere with robotic cleanersManaging distributor relationships and pricingPreventing costly inventory and chlorine lossesWhy every pool company needs stronger chemical accountabilityInspection reports, expert witnesses, and legal liabilityDocumentation practices that protect your businessCalculating true pool volume for accurate dosingReducing chemical waste through better mathPotassium monopersulfate explainedCombined chlorine myths and oxidation factsBest practices for indoor pool oxidationConnect with Talking PoolsHave a question or topic you'd like covered on a future episode?Email: talkingpools@gmail.comSubscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss another episode of Talking Pools. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailAre you making pool chemistry harder than it needs to be?In Part 2 of our Chemistry Myths That Cost Pool Pros Money series, Natalie Hood welcomes Eric Wall back to the show to continue separating fact from fiction in professional pool care.From the belief that a strong chlorine smell means a clean pool to the misconception that "perfect" test results always equal healthy water, this episode challenges some of the industry's most common assumptions while exploring what truly creates exceptional water quality and profitable service routes.The conversation goes beyond chemistry, diving into technician training, customer retention, specialty chemical programs, filtration, troubleshooting, and why successful companies focus on systems—not just products.Whether you're servicing ten pools a week or managing hundreds of accounts, this episode offers practical insights that can help streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and increase profitability.In This EpisodeWhy a strong "chlorine smell" usually indicates a water quality problem—not a clean pool.The difference between clear water and truly polished water.Why customers notice water feel and clarity before chemistry numbers.How specialty chemicals can simplify service routes when used correctly.Reducing chemical waste and inventory shrinkage.Building consistent treatment systems that every technician can follow.Why standardized service improves profitability.How proper technician training reduces turnover.The importance of mentoring instead of simply assigning new employees to routes.Why asking questions is one of the most valuable skills in the industry.Why filtration is just as important as chemistry.Source water testing and why it often gets overlooked.Variable-speed pumps during algae cleanup and problem pools.Common myths surrounding pool chemistry education.How manufacturers' representatives can become valuable technical resources—not just salespeople.Practical ways to improve your business by working smarter instead of harder.Key Takeaways✔ Water chemistry numbers tell only part of the story.✔ Customer experience is driven by water clarity, feel, and consistency.✔ Good filtration and good chemistry work together.✔ Standardized operating procedures create more profitable service companies.✔ Better-trained technicians stay longer and provide better service.✔ Investing in education pays dividends throughout your business.Featured GuestEric WallEric shares decades of industry experience working directly with service companies, builders, retailers, and distributors across North America. His practical approach focuses on simplifying pool care, improving technician success, and helping businesses become more efficient and profitable through education and standardized systems.Sponsored ByBlu-Ray XLUnited ChemicalLaMotte ChemicalRevdUp ApparelAqua Comfort Water GroupH2Flow ControlsAlso FeaturedNatalie shares an update on her "She Swims So They Can" Tennessee Triple Crown Open Water Swim Challenge benefiting Every Child A Swimmer, including sponsorship opportunities that help provide life-saving swim lessons and water safety education for children.ConnectQuestions for Eric Wall?

Send us Fan MailMagnesium, Salt & the Truth About Water Testing with LaMotte – Part 1Is your salt test really measuring salt?What happens when magnesium enters the equation?And why do two different salt tests sometimes give two completely different answers?This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee and Nick welcome Hieron from LaMotte for a fascinating deep dive into modern water testing, magnesium pools, calcium hardness, Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), and why understanding your test results is just as important as performing the test itself. Whether you're servicing pools every day or managing a retail water testing lab, this episode explains why blindly trusting numbers without understanding the chemistry behind them can cost your customers money—and shorten the life of their equipment.In This Episode Why total hardness is no longer the same as calcium hardness How magnesium changes water chemistry  Why magnesium hardness must be separated from calcium hardness  The relationship between hardness and the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) Why pH remains the single biggest factor affecting water balance  Does magnesium actually affect scaling?  Understanding the difference between conductivity salt meters and reagent-based salt testing Why two salt tests can produce dramatically different readings  The hidden problem of "dead" salt and elevated TDS  When water replacement becomes the only practical solution  Protecting expensive salt chlorinator cells through accurate testing  Why experienced technicians ask questions instead of simply printing reports  The psychology of educating customers and building long-term trust  A preview of LaMotte's upcoming professional training course for the pool industry Key TakeawaysOne of the biggest myths discussed is that all salt readings are equal.Traditional conductivity meters measure the electrical conductivity of dissolved solids, while LaMotte's Spin system chemically measures usable chloride ions—the portion of salt that can actually produce chlorine. Understanding that distinction can dramatically improve troubleshooting and help explain why older pools often experience chlorination issues despite appearing to have sufficient salt. The conversation also explores why magnesium pools require technicians to think differently about hardness testing. Magnesium contributes to total hardness but should not simply be substituted for calcium when calculating water balance or the LSI. Accurate testing allows professionals to properly determine true calcium hardness instead of relying on outdated rules of thumb. Beyond chemistry, the discussion focuses on customer communication. The best technicians don't simply hand customers a printout—they ask better questions, interpret the results, educate pool owners, and build relationships that last for years. Featured GuestHieron – LaMotte Water chemistry specialist  Professional water testing educator  Expert in Spin water analysis technology  Developer of LaMotte's upcoming online professional training program Coming Next WeekPart Two continues the conversation with even more practical discussions on professional water analysis, advanced chemistry, and improving customer outcomes through better testing and education. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailThe Truth About Pool Coatings, Surface Preparation, and Why Failures Really HappenEveryone wants to know which pool paint is the best.Wrong question.In this episode of Talking Pools, Rudy Stankowitz takes listeners far beyond the paint can and into the science of coating failures, adhesion, compatibility, moisture, and surface preparation. Using the recent attention surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as a jumping-off point, Rudy explains why nearly every coating failure investigation asks the same question:What happened before the paint ever touched the surface?From chlorinated rubber and acrylics to epoxy and high-build epoxy systems, this episode explores the strengths, weaknesses, and proper applications of today's most common swimming pool coating systems. More importantly, it explains why even the most expensive coating in the world can't overcome poor preparation.If you've ever wondered why one painted pool lasts fifteen years while another begins peeling after a single season, this episode connects the dots between chemistry, application, environmental conditions, and good old-fashioned craftsmanship. Along the way, Rudy shares real-world stories, practical advice, and plenty of his signature Gen X humor.Whether you're a pool service professional, contractor, facility manager, or simply fascinated by how coatings succeed—or fail—this is one of the most comprehensive discussions on swimming pool coatings ever presented on the Talking Pools Podcast. In This Episode Why asking "What's the best pool paint?" is the wrong question  The lessons every pool professional can learn from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool  Why compatibility between coating systems matters  Understanding chlorinated rubber, synthetic rubber, acrylic, epoxy, and high-build epoxy coatings  Why surface preparation determines the success or failure of almost every coating system  How to properly inspect an existing painted pool before recoating  The importance of documenting coating failures before disturbing the evidence  Mechanical adhesion vs. chemical adhesion explained in plain English  Why moisture remains one of the biggest enemies of successful coating applications  Proper cleaning, sanding, acid washing, and contamination removal  How silicone contamination, chalking, oils, and residue interfere with adhesion  Why weather, humidity, dew point, and curing conditions matter  Understanding recoat windows and why missing them creates problems  Common causes of blistering, peeling, and coating delamination  Adhesive failure vs. cohesive failure vs. substrate failure  ASTM testing methods used during professional coating failure investigations  Why coating failures should be investigated—not guessed Key Takeaways✔ The most expensive coating cannot overcome poor surface preparation.✔ Compatibility between existing and new coating systems is critical.✔ Surface contamination is often invisible but can completely prevent proper adhesion.✔ Moisture inside concrete can remain long after the surface appears dry.✔ Proper environmental conditions are just as important as choosing the right coating.✔ Good investigators document the failure before removing any evidence.✔ Most coating failures begin long before the pool is filled with water.✔ Successful coating jobs are built on preparation—not luck.Memorable Quotes"Surface preparation isn't part of the job. Surface preparation is the job.""Compatibility matters. Chemistry matters. Guessing doesn't.""Painting a pool isn't hard. Knowing when not to paint—that's what separates a guy with a roller from a pool professional."Featured SponsorsBlu-Ray XLReduce chemical usage, lower labor costs, and improve profitability with Blu-Ray XL's mineral purification technology for pool professionals. Jacks MagicProfessional stain identification, removal, and prevention products trusted throughout the pool industry. AquaStar Pool ProductsLearn about AquaStar's innovative Pipeline cartridge filters featuring NSF-tested performance and simplified maintenance. Service Industry NewsStay informed with nationwide pool and spa industry news, technical articles, and the famous Horror File. Subscribe free at Service Industry News. Listen If You... Paint or recoat swimming pools  Service painted pools  Investigate coating failures  Work with commercial aquatic facilities  Want to better understand adhesion and coating science  Enjoy deep technical discussions presented in plain English  Like your pool education served with a healthy dose of Gen X sarcasm Connect With Talking PoolsQuestions about coatings, chemistry, troubleshooting, or a future podcast topic?

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you walk onto a commercial pool deck expecting to provide a service quote... and instead discover a facility that should probably be closed?In this episode of Insurance Interlude, Steve Sherwood and Pat Grignon tackle one of the toughest situations a commercial pool professional can face: discovering serious code violations before you've even signed a contract.Steve shares a recent experience inspecting several HOA pools where years of neglected maintenance, questionable repairs, missing safety equipment, incomplete service logs, and improper chemical handling created significant liability concerns. The discussion quickly shifts from "Should I take this account?" to "How do I protect myself if something happens before I'm hired?"Whether you're servicing residential pools, managing commercial facilities, or growing your business, this episode is packed with practical advice on inspections, documentation, contracts, liability, and protecting both your customers and your company.In This Episode Why some commercial pools should never remain open until deficiencies are corrected  The importance of documenting serious safety violations immediately  When a service estimate becomes a potential liability issue  Improper plumbing repairs that violate code  Missing flow meters, bonding, grounding, and neglected maintenance records  Why incomplete service logs can become evidence in litigation  Chemical storage mistakes that can create OSHA and HazMat nightmares  The importance of secondary containment for liquid chemicals  Understanding the gap between inspections and signed service contracts  What happens when another company is still responsible for the pool  Residential versus commercial liability differences  How contract renewals and expired agreements can affect legal exposure  Why documentation is one of the best forms of risk management  The importance of educating prospective clients—even if they never hire you  Knowing when to walk away from a problematic customer Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailHow different is open water swimming from training in a pool?Far more than most people realize.This week, Natalie Hood is joined by ultra-endurance swimmer Hilda Lopez, fresh off completing the 50th Annual Swim Around Key West—a grueling 12.5-mile marathon swim that tested her endurance, mindset, and determination.Hilda shares her inspiring journey from struggling with her health and being significantly overweight to becoming an accomplished open water swimmer tackling some of the world's most demanding marathon swims.Together, Natalie and Hilda break down some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding open water swimming, including:Why pool training alone isn't enough for marathon swimsThe reality of swimming in currents, tides, waves, and changing conditionsWhy your open water pace rarely matches your pool paceBuilding endurance without swimming race distance every training sessionThe importance of strength training for injury prevention and performanceWhy hydration and nutrition can make or break a long-distance swimManaging fear, self-doubt, and race-day nervesThe critical role of a strong support team during marathon swimsWhy pacing—not sprinting off the start—is often the smartest strategyHilda also recounts the emotional final mile of her Swim Around Key West, where exhaustion, heat, and powerful currents nearly ended her race before encouragement from her support crew—and especially her son—helped carry her to the finish.Finally, Natalie announces her own next adventure: taking on the Tennessee Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming while raising funds for Every Child A Swimmer, helping provide lifesaving swim lessons to children.Whether you're an experienced swimmer, training for your first open water event, or simply love hearing stories of perseverance, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and an honest look at what it really takes to conquer the open water.Topics CoveredMarathon swimmingOpen water trainingSwim Around Key WestEndurance sportsRace preparationHydration and nutritionStrength trainingMental resilienceSwim mythsEvery Child A SwimmerTennessee Triple Crown of Open Water SwimmingSwimming safetyLong-distance swimming Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailMost pool professionals know pools.But when a spa needs repair?Suddenly everyone starts looking for "the spa guy."This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury and Nick welcome one of Australia's leading spa equipment specialists, Adrian Lacey of Spatex, for an eye-opening discussion that every pool technician, retailer, and service company needs to hear.If you've ever avoided spa repairs because they seemed too complicated—or too risky—this episode explains why that hesitation may be costing you a profitable part of your business.More importantly...It explains how to do it safely.In this episode:Why spas are one of the biggest untapped opportunities for pool professionalsCommon misconceptions that keep technicians away from spa serviceThe importance of partnering with licensed electricians and gas fittersDiagnosing leaks, pumps, air controls, jets, blowers, and electronic controlsWhy replacing the wrong pump can create serious safety hazardsUnderstanding hydraulic flow rates and why bigger pumps often make things worsePipe sizing mistakes that dramatically reduce system performanceWhy proper plumbing layout matters more than horsepowerThe importance of flow meters instead of guessing hydraulic performanceSacrificial Anodes ExplainedAdrian also dives into one of the industry's most misunderstood topics:Galvanic corrosionElectrolytic corrosionChemical corrosionLearn:Why they are completely different problemsHow sacrificial zinc anodes workWhat they can—and cannot—protectWhy every heated pool deserves consideration for corrosion protectionWhy an anode should never replace finding the actual cause of corrosionPool Safety That Too Many Professionals OverlookThe conversation shifts into one of the most important topics in the industry:Safety.Including:Equipotential bondingElectrical safety around spasVoltage differences and corrosionWhy technicians should carry a non-contact voltage testerSuction entrapment hazardsVentilated skimmer requirementsUnderstanding Australian Standard AS 1926.3When replacing equipment legally requires bringing systems up to current safety standardsAdrian shares practical advice that could help technicians avoid costly mistakes—and potentially save lives.PlusWhy documentation protects your businessWhen you should walk away from an unsafe jobWhy staying within your qualifications protects both your customers and your livelihoodFree technical resources available through the Spartex mobile appHow decades of technical knowledge are being shared with the industryWhether you service residential pools, commercial facilities, or have never touched a spa before, this episode is packed with practical advice, safety insights, and real-world experience that every pool professional can benefit from.

Send us Fan MailQuímica del Agua: Lo Que Todo Profesional de Piscinas Debe Saber (Parte 2)En este episodio de Talking Pools en Español, continuamos con una inmersión profunda en la química del agua, explicando conceptos que con frecuencia generan confusión incluso entre técnicos con experiencia.Hablamos de la importancia del cepillado como herramienta preventiva contra las algas, analizamos los distintos tipos de desinfectantes disponibles y aclaramos uno de los conceptos más malinterpretados de la industria: el contenido de cloro disponible.También exploramos las diferencias entre cloro, bromo, ozono y luz ultravioleta, cuándo utilizar cada uno y cuáles son sus ventajas y limitaciones.Además, Rudy explica la importancia de realizar pruebas precisas del agua, cómo interpretar correctamente los resultados y por qué un profesional nunca debe limitarse a "agregar químicos y marcharse". La verdadera diferencia entre un técnico y un profesional está en comprender qué está ocurriendo dentro del agua antes de decidir cualquier tratamiento.Si deseas mejorar tus conocimientos sobre química del agua y ofrecer un servicio basado en ciencia y no en suposiciones, este episodio es para ti.En este episodio La importancia del cepillado para prevenir el crecimiento de algas.  Por qué un profesional debe diagnosticar antes de tratar una piscina.  Cloro estabilizado, hipoclorito de sodio y otros desinfectantes.  ¿Qué significa realmente el "contenido de cloro disponible"?  Diferencias entre cloro libre y cloro combinado.  Cómo funciona el bromo y cuándo es la mejor opción.  Ozono y luz ultravioleta como oxidantes suplementarios.  Riesgos del bromato cuando se combinan ciertos sistemas.  Cómo funcionan los diferentes kits de prueba.  Ventajas y limitaciones de los fotómetros y las tiras reactivas.  Medición de sólidos disueltos totales (TDS).  Dureza de calcio y su importancia para proteger la piscina.  Ácido cianúrico: cómo medirlo y por qué controlar su concentración.  Rangos recomendados para pH, alcalinidad, calcio y cloro.  La importancia de utilizar un kit de prueba para cada producto químico empleado.  Casos reales de diagnóstico en instalaciones acuáticas.  Pensar "fuera de la piscina" para resolver problemas complejos. La idea principalLos productos químicos no solucionan problemas por sí solos.Los profesionales solucionan problemas porque entienden la química del agua, interpretan correctamente los resultados de las pruebas y toman decisiones basadas en evidencia, no en costumbres o suposiciones.La diferencia entre un técnico promedio y un verdadero profesional comienza con el conocimiento. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailThis week on the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy breaks down two major stories making waves across the pool industry.First, a new case before the Minnesota Supreme Court could redefine what happens when homeowners rent out their backyard swimming pools through apps like Swimpley. If a residential pool becomes a commercial business, should it be regulated like a public pool? Rudy explores what that could mean for homeowners, service companies, builders, health departments, insurance carriers, and pool professionals across the country.Then, the episode shifts to the continuing investigation surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Following the Independence Day celebrations, crews drained the basin to begin inspecting the widely discussed coating failure. Rudy separates documented facts from speculation and explains why engineering investigations require evidence—not opinions.Drawing on more than three decades of troubleshooting complex pool failures, Rudy examines the publicly available documentation, discusses coating systems, adhesion failures, ASTM testing standards, moisture considerations, recoat windows, and why forensic analysis—not politics—will ultimately determine what happened.If you're tired of hot takes and looking for a technical, evidence-based discussion, this episode delivers exactly that.In This Episode Minnesota Supreme Court hears the Swimpley backyard pool case  When does a residential swimming pool become a public pool?  Operational challenges for pool service professionals  The future of pool-sharing platforms  Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool investigation update  Why the pool was drained after Independence Day  Separating documented facts from online speculation  Understanding coating systems and polyurea applications  Adhesive vs. cohesive vs. substrate failures  ASTM adhesion and moisture testing standards  Why recoat windows matter  Surface preparation and concrete moisture considerations  Green water, algae, and what it does—and doesn't—prove  Why investigations begin by eliminating theories, not proving them  Lessons the entire pool industry can learn from a high-profile failure Key TakeawayGood investigations don't begin with conclusions. They begin with evidence.Whether it's a backyard pool operating as a business or one of America's most recognizable reflecting pools, the same principles apply: collect the facts, test the evidence, challenge assumptions, and let the data tell the story. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailHow should you dispose of pool water after you've tested it?It sounds like a simple question...until it isn't.Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood kick off this week's episode with a discussion sparked by a question from Que Hales regarding whether test samples should ever be poured back into the pool. The conversation quickly expands into proper testing technique, customer perception, reagent safety, expired chemicals, electronic testing, and why following the manufacturer's instructions matters more than most people realize.Wayne shares stories from his years at Taylor Technologies, including why silver nitrate turns your skin black, how heat destroys reagents, and what really happens when test chemicals aren't stored correctly.Later in the episode, Steve welcomes insurance expert Pat Grignon for another Insurance Interlude. Together they discuss hurricanes, floods, wildfires, mudslides, and what pool professionals should know before attempting to "secure" equipment ahead of an approaching storm. They also explain how insurance coverage changes depending on the type of natural disaster and why documentation matters.Whether you're testing a backyard pool or preparing commercial facilities for hurricane season, this episode is packed with practical advice every pool professional can use.In this episodeShould you dump tested water back into the pool?Why customer perception matters during water testingUnderstanding reagent toxicity and proper disposalThe truth about silver nitrate stainsHow heat and improper storage ruin test reagentsWhy expiration dates matterElectronic testing vs. traditional drop testingTesting Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)Phosphates, fill water, and hidden water chemistry issuesHurricane preparation for pool equipmentInsurance considerations before and after natural disastersFlood, fire, mudslide, earthquake, and wind coverage explainedWhy documentation protects both homeowners and service companiesFeatured GuestsWayne IvusichSteve SherwoodPat GrignonSponsorsLaMotte CompanyWaterLink Spin TouchCouncil for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC)Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award SponsorsMentioned During the ShowCertified Pool Operators (CPO) Facebook GroupProper storage and handling of testing reagentsTaylor Technologies testing proceduresTDS testingElectronic water testingHurricane preparedness for swimming poolsInsurance considerations for pool professionalsConnect With Talking PoolsHave a topic you'd like us to cover?Email us at:talkingpools@gmail.comSubscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss another episode from the Talking Pools Podcast Network. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailChemistry Myths That Cost Pool Pros Money (Part 1)With Natalie Hood & Eric WallRunning a profitable pool service business isn't just about adding chlorine and hoping for the best. In Part One of this two-part conversation, Natalie Hood sits down with Eric Wall, Director of Training for The Grit Game, to tackle some of the biggest myths that continue to hold pool professionals back.Drawing on decades of experience in sales, service, construction, retail, and technical training, Eric explains why the cheapest chemical program often becomes the most expensive, why callbacks destroy profitability, and why education—not guesswork—is the key to building a successful service company.They also discuss the importance of standardized chemical programs, proper testing, customer communication, technician training, and why proactive maintenance beats reactive problem-solving every time.If you're looking to reduce callbacks, improve customer retention, and build a stronger, more profitable service operation, this episode is packed with practical advice you can put to work immediately.In This Episode Eric Wall's journey into the swimming pool industry  Why the cheapest chemicals often cost the most  The hidden cost of callbacks  Why every technician should follow the same chemical program  Better testing leads to better decisions  How customer communication builds long-term loyalty  Why proactive pool care is more profitable than reactive repairs  The myth that more chlorine fixes everything  Building healthier water instead of simply adding more chemicals  Why education is one of the most valuable investments a pool company can make Next Wednesday, Natalie and Eric return to continue busting even more common pool industry myths and share additional strategies to help pool professionals work smarter, not hard Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailThis week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury, Shane Sneddon, and Nick welcome Westley Collins from Madimack for a deep dive into one of the fastest-evolving areas of the pool industry—heat pump technology.Westley explains the real difference between traditional on/off heat pumps and modern inverter-driven systems, how variable-speed compressors and fans dramatically improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and make today's heat pumps quieter than ever before.The conversation also explores one of the industry's most misunderstood topics: properly sizing a heat pump. From evaporation and pool covers to climate, water features, and pool location, you'll learn why choosing the correct heater involves far more than simply calculating pool volume.The discussion expands beyond heating into Madimack's growing lineup of pumps, chlorinators, filters, and smart equipment. Wesley explains how inverter technology is now improving variable-speed pumps and salt chlorinators, making equipment quieter, more energy-efficient, easier to retrofit, and smarter than previous generations.Whether you're a pool professional, builder, retailer, or homeowner looking to better understand modern pool equipment, this episode delivers practical information that can help save energy, reduce operating costs, and improve overall pool performance.In this episode: Why inverter heat pumps outperform traditional on/off models  How heat pumps actually transfer heat from ambient air  Proper heat pump sizing and the biggest mistakes installers make  Why pool covers are the single biggest factor in heating efficiency  The effects of evaporation, water features, and infinity edges on heat loss  Installation considerations including airflow and ventilation requirements  Why today's heat pumps are dramatically quieter  Variable-speed pump technology and AI-driven flow management  Smart chlorinator technology and adaptive chlorine production  Retrofit-friendly equipment design for service professionals  What's next in pool equipment innovation Whether you're replacing equipment, designing a new pool, or simply want to understand where pool technology is heading, this episode offers valuable insight from one of the industry's leading manufacturers. Listen, Subscribe & ShareIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Talking Pools Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your support helps us continue bringing the pool industry's best educators, innovators, and professionals together each week. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailIn this special Fourth of July bonus episode, Kelly and Dan celebrate Independence Day by tackling a topic every pool professional feels at the pump—and on the balance sheet.As fuel prices rise and suppliers introduce surcharges, many service companies immediately wonder whether they should pass those costs on to their customers. But is that really the answer?Drawing on four decades of industry experience, Dan breaks down the real numbers behind operating a service vehicle, revealing that fuel often isn't the financial monster many believe it to be. Instead, the discussion shifts toward something even more important: knowing your costs, pricing your services correctly, and building a business that can weather temporary economic swings.The conversation also explores venture capital's growing presence in the pool industry, the dangers of competing solely on price, and why reputation, education, and customer service remain the greatest competitive advantages independent pool professionals have.It's a timely conversation about business, freedom, and the value of doing things the right way.In This Episode A special Fourth of July conversation  The real cost of operating a service vehicle  Why fuel prices aren't always the biggest expense  Breaking down vehicle ownership costs  Fuel surcharges: when they make sense—and when they don't  Why your pricing should absorb normal market fluctuations  Understanding your true hourly operating costs  Why many pool companies undercharge  The danger of pricing based on competitors  Venture capital and corporate acquisitions in the pool industry  Competing against large national companies  Why reputation beats low prices  The importance of customer service and education  Building a sustainable pool business  Marketing your certifications and professional training Key TakeawayTemporary increases in fuel prices shouldn't force a well-run business into panic mode.The companies that succeed over the long term aren't the ones with the lowest prices—they're the ones that understand their costs, know their value, and refuse to compete solely on price.In the end, your greatest asset isn't your truck, your chemicals, or your equipment.It's your reputation.Happy Independence Day!

Send us Fan MailEverything You Think You Know About Water Testing Is Changing - Wait until you hear about the drones...Water testing isn't just about getting numbers.It's about making better decisions.This week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz sits down with Jonathan Banish, Director of Software at LaMotte, for an inside look at how modern water analysis has evolved from simple test kits into powerful business management tools.The conversation goes far beyond the Spin Touch photometer. Rudy and Jonathan explore why software has become just as important as chemistry, how accurate testing saves money by preventing unnecessary chemical use, and why tracking water history may be one of the most valuable assets a pool professional can have.They also discuss customer management, business efficiency, NSF certification, responsible chemical dosing, and where water testing technology may be headed in the future—including a few laughs about drones, superheroes, peanut butter sandwiches, and even Area 51.Whether you're a one-pole operation or managing hundreds of pools, this episode offers a fascinating look at how technology is reshaping the pool industry.In This Episode Why accurate water testing matters more than ever  How software has transformed pool service  The business value of water test history  Why precision saves chemicals—and money  Understanding WaterLink Pro  CRM features built specifically for pool professionals  Route scheduling and customer management  Homeowner integration with WaterLink Home  Preventing customers from shopping elsewhere  Why water chemistry should be viewed as an ecosystem  The importance of NSF-certified testing equipment  Spin Touch accuracy and testing ranges  Responsible chemical dosing  How technology improves customer confidence  The future of automated water testing  Product development driven by customer feedback Key TakeawayThe best pool professionals don't just test water.They collect information.They recognize patterns.They document history.And they use technology to make smarter decisions that improve water quality, reduce chemical costs, and deliver a better experience for every customer.The future of pool care isn't simply better chemistry.It's better information.SubscribeNew episodes every week from the Talking Pools Podcast Network, featuring conversations with the people driving innovation across the swimming pool industry.Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.#TalkingPools #FlocItFriday #WaterTesting #SpinTouch #LaMotte #PoolService #PoolChemistry #PoolProfessional #SwimmingPools #PoolIndustry #WaterAnalysis #PoolTechnology  AquaStar Pool ProductsThe Global Leader in Safety, Dependability, & Innovation in Pool Technology.POOL MAGAZINE Pool Magazine is leading up to the minute news source for Swimming Pool News and Pool Features. Outhe 'How to Get Rid of Algae' handbookThe most comprehensive guide on algae prevention and remediation you will ever own. BLUERAY XLThe real mineral purifier! Reduce your pool maintenance costs & efforts by 50%CPO Certification ClassesAttend your CPO class with Rudy Stankowitz!Online Pool ClassesThe difference between you and your competition is what you know!Jack's MagicIf you know Jack's you'd have no stains!LaMotte CompanyLaMotte Company is a leading manufacturer of water quality testing products & pool test kitsService Industry NewsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailThe Liability That Could Cost You EverythingServicing a pool is one thing.Being held responsible for someone else's decisions is another.This week on Thursdays with Stephen & Wayne, the conversation dives into one of the most uncomfortable realities facing pool professionals today: what happens when you identify a safety issue, document it, recommend the fix... and the client refuses to act?From commercial hotels and apartment complexes to homeowner associations and residential accounts, the discussion explores the legal gray areas surrounding code compliance, liability, documentation, and knowing when it's time to walk away from a client.The episode also revisits the ongoing issues surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, discusses lessons learned from a complex commercial automation installation, and explains why documenting safety concerns may be one of the most valuable services a pool professional can provide.If you've ever wondered, "How many times do I have to tell a client before it's no longer my problem?"—this episode is for you.In This Episode Updates on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool  Why source water matters  Commercial pool liability  What happens when clients ignore safety recommendations  How to properly document code violations  Protecting your company when contracts end  Commercial vs. residential liability concerns  Certified letters, emails, and documentation best practices  Managing clients who refuse to make required repairs  Annual safety reviews and follow-up recommendations  Insurance considerations every pool professional should understand  Occurrence vs. claims-made insurance policies  Commercial automation and salt chlorination lessons learned  Real-world troubleshooting with commercial chemical controllers  The importance of manufacturer support on large installations  CPO Instructor training opportunities Key TakeawayFinding a safety issue isn't enough.Documenting it.Communicating it.Following up appropriately.And knowing when to walk away......may ultimately be what protects your business when something goes wrong.Sometimes the biggest risk in the pool industry isn't the water—it's the paperwork you didn't create.SubscribeStay up to date with expert conversations, technical discussions, and real-world business lessons from the Talking Pools Podcast Network.Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.#TalkingPools #PoolIndustry #CommercialPools #PoolService #RiskManagement #SwimmingPools #PoolSafety #CPO #PoolBusiness #Liability #WaterChemistry #PoolProfessionals  LaMotte CompanyLaMotte Company is a leading manufacturer of water quality testing products & pool test kitsCalifornia Pool AssociationPool Industry Trade OrganizationCMAHCThe Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code promotes health & safety at public swimming poolsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailYou rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. You wash your hands before dinner. But somehow, millions of people still jump into their swimming pools covered in sweat, sunscreen, cosmetics, body oils, grass, dirt... and sometimes their dogs do too.In Part Two of this Myth Busting series, Natalie and special guest Jared Medeiros shift the conversation from commercial aquatic facilities to residential swimming pools—and explain why homeowners often create their own water quality problems without realizing it.From Fourth of July pool parties and backyard barbecues to dogs swimming, sunscreen buildup, and overloaded pool chemistry, they explain why small habits can have a massive impact on water quality, maintenance costs, and swimmer health.You'll also learn why commercial pools often maintain better water quality than backyard pools, why "clear water" doesn't always mean "clean water," and how a simple 30-second shower can dramatically reduce chemical costs throughout the swimming season.If you own a pool—or know someone who does—this episode could save you hundreds of dollars while helping keep your family safer.In This Episode Why showering before swimming saves money  How swimmers impact residential pool chemistry  The hidden cost of sunscreen, lotions, cosmetics, and body oils  Why pool parties dramatically increase chemical demand  How dogs affect pool water quality  The truth behind chlorine odor  Why clear water doesn't always mean clean water  Why adding more chemicals isn't always the answer  Commercial pools vs. residential pools  Why homeowners should learn basic water testing  How simple habits extend sanitizer effectiveness  Tips for reducing algae outbreaks after heavy pool use  Why keeping a testing log improves water quality  Protecting your investment with better pool care Key TakeawayThe easiest way to improve your pool isn't buying another chemical.It's preventing contaminants from entering the water in the first place.A quick rinse before swimming, regular water testing, and understanding how your pool responds to heavy use can dramatically reduce maintenance costs while keeping your water cleaner, healthier, and easier to manage.Sometimes the best pool chemistry starts before anyone even gets in the water.SubscribeNew episodes every week from the Talking Pools Podcast Network, bringing together the industry's leading experts, educators, and professionals.Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.#TalkingPools #PoolCare #SwimmingPool #PoolOwner #PoolMaintenance #WaterChemistry #HealthySwimming #PoolTips #PoolService #BackyardPool #WaterTesting #MythBusting  Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailNew Products, Big Ideas, and Splash 2026 PreviewThe countdown to Splash 2026 is on, and this week on Mondays Down Under, Lee, Shane, and Nick take a look at some of the new products and innovations expected to debut at the industry's biggest trade show. But before diving into the latest technology, the conversation starts where many pool businesses find themselves this time of year—surviving end-of-financial-year stocktakes, inventory headaches, and the never-ending challenge of keeping track of service vehicle inventory.From there, the discussion shifts to why attending industry trade shows is about much more than collecting brochures. It's about gaining new perspectives, networking with peers, discovering better ways to run your business, and seeing firsthand where the industry is headed.The team highlights several exciting products they're looking forward to seeing at Splash, including autonomous robotic cleaners, advanced oxidation systems paired with low-salt chlorination, next-generation heat pumps with impressive efficiency ratings, and new training opportunities designed to improve water testing and chemistry knowledge.They also discuss the importance of proper system installation, flow rates for UV and AOP systems, inventory accountability, and why staying current with new technology can give pool professionals a competitive advantage.Whether you're planning to attend Splash or simply want to know what's coming next in the pool industry, this episode offers an excellent preview of the products, conversations, and innovations everyone will be talking about.In this episode: End-of-financial-year stocktake challenges  Managing inventory in retail and service businesses  Service vehicle inventory accountability  Why tracking serial numbers matters  Why every pool professional should attend Splash  Networking versus collecting business cards  Preview of the 2026 Splash Trade Show  LaMotte Pacific's new Training Academy  Autonomous robotic pool cleaners  Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) systems  Low-salt chlorination technology  UV system installation considerations  New high-efficiency heat pumps  Industry education and upcoming expert interviews  How innovation continues to shape the pool industry Coming Soon on Talking PoolsThe team also previews several upcoming guest interviews featuring leading industry experts covering: Water testing and chemistry  Spa repair and maintenance  Grounding and electrical safety  Heating technology  Equipment innovations from Splash 2026 If you're passionate about improving your business, staying current with new technology, and learning from some of the industry's best, you won't want to miss the upcoming episodes.