Podcasts about LSI

Good morning, Store Nation.   Welcome to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   Today, we're breaking down our weekly figures, including quotes, reservations, move-ins, occupancy, and revenue.   We also take an honest look at a disappointing week, the key metrics that fell short, and why it's important to face the numbers head on.   Hope you enjoy this episode.   Give it a listen.   Masterclass: (No sign-in needed): https://www.mrselfstorage.com/self-storage-investing-academy Program Information & Application: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u-XTpsyeNLjf_AVbbHxmQ2difx71vQ9NmCPaV-1_lSI/edit?usp=sharing Mr Self Storage Newsletter: https://www.mrselfstorage.com/ Mr Self Storage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrselfstoragedotcom

Send us Fan MailThis week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz takes aim at one of the most misunderstood concepts in pool chemistry: pH drift. If you've ever been told that pH "just goes up," Rudy has news for you. Water doesn't drift. Chemistry doesn't shrug. And carbon dioxide may be controlling your pool far more than you've been taught. Before diving into chemistry, Rudy opens with a satirical pool industry news segment covering algae in Washington's Reflecting Pool, Leslie's recent financial improvements, private equity acquisitions, above-ground pool recalls, and the growing obsession with smart pool equipment. Topics CoveredBreaking News from the Pool WorldA tongue-in-cheek look at: Algae growth in the Reflecting Pool near the National Mall  "Operation Green Freedom" and a fictional crop-duster copper sulfate deployment  Leslie's reporting improved sales and customer activity  Ongoing consolidation of pool service companies through private equity acquisitions  Above-ground pool recalls making national headlines  The industry's growing fascination with app-connected heat pumps and automation Why "pH Drift" Is a Bad ExplanationRudy challenges one of the industry's most common phrases.Water does not mysteriously "drift."When pH changes, chemistry is causing it.This episode explains why saying pH drift is often an observation rather than an explanation and why understanding the underlying chemistry matters. The Pool Is BreathingOne of the most important concepts discussed:Your swimming pool is continuously exchanging gases with the atmosphere.Topics include: Gas exchange at the air-water interface  Chemical equilibrium  Carbon dioxide movement  Why pools are dynamic systems rather than static containers of water  How atmospheric chemistry influences water chemistry every second of every day Carbon Dioxide: The Hidden Driver of pH RiseMost pool professionals focus on chlorine, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and acid additions.Rudy explains why carbon dioxide deserves far more attention.Learn about: Carbon dioxide dissolution  Carbonic acid formation  The carbonate buffering system  Why carbon dioxide leaving the water causes pH to rise  The relationship between carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and carbonate chemistry Eric Knight's Brilliant Cyanurate-Alkalinity ExplanationReferencing the June 3rd episode of Rule Your Pool, Rudy revisits Eric Knight's explanation of why cyanurate alkalinity is treated differently depending on the calculation being performed.Discussion includes: Why cyanurate contributes to total alkalinity  How muriatic acid protonates cyanurate ions  The difference between cyanurate ions and cyanuric acid  Why total alkalinity and carbonate alkalinity are not interchangeable  When to use carbonate alkalinity for LSI calculations  Why total alkalinity is still used for acid demand calculations Does pH Still Matter When CYA Is Present?A detailed review of: The FC/CYA relationship  Hypochlorous acid concentration  The effects of pH on sanitizer strength  Why maintaining the proper chlorine-to-CYA ratio matters  Pathogen kill times at different pH levels  Giardia and leptospira examples demonstrating how pH can still influence disinfection performance Total Alkalinity Is Not a ChemicalOne of the central lessons of the episode:Total alkalinity is a measurement, not a substance.Topics include: Buffering capacity  Acid neutralizing capacity  Carbonate and bicarbonate systems  Why alkalinity gets blamed for everything  The difference between cause and effect in water chemistry Le Chatelier's Principle and Pool ChemistryRudy breaks down one of chemistry's most important concepts into practical pool language.Learn: What happens when equilibrium is disturbed  How the carbonate system responds to carbon dioxide loss  Why hydrogen ion concentration changes  The actual mechanism behind rising pH Why Waterfalls, Spas, Bubblers, and Deck Jets Raise pHIf your backyard resembles a miniature Bellagio, this section is for you.Topics include: Aeration and turbulence  Increased gas exchange  Carbon dioxide stripping  Why decorative water features often accelerate pH rise  Understanding the relationship between aeration and water balance Salt Systems and pH RiseA common misconception is addressed:Salt systems do not create pH.Instead, they create conditions that accelerate carbon dioxide loss.Discussion includes: Hydrogen gas production  Increased turbulence  Gas transfer dynamics  Why salt pools often experience persistent pH rise Acid and Aeration: The Ultimate DemonstrationRudy explains why the classic acid-and-aeration method for lowering total alkalinity proves that carbon dioxide—not alkalinity—is driving pH rise.A practical chemistry lesson every service technician should understand. Key Takeaways pH does not mysteriously drift.  Carbon dioxide is often the real driver of pH rise.  Total alkalinity is a measurement, not a chemical.  Aeration accelerates carbon dioxide loss.  Salt systems indirectly contribute to rising pH by increasing gas exchange.  Understanding equilibrium makes pool chemistry easier to predict.  Once you understand carbon dioxide, many long-standing pool chemistry mysteries disappear. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Happy Friday, Store Nation.   Welcome to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   Im your host, Dean Booty. Today, we're reviewing the overall figures for May, including quotes, reservations, move-ins, occupancy, revenue, and customer value across all our sites.   We also look at the key metrics driving growth, where we're making progress, and the areas that still need attention.   Hope you enjoy this episode.   Give it a listen.   Masterclass: (No sign in needed): https://www.mrselfstorage.com/self-storage-investing-academy Program Information & Application: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u-XTpsyeNLjf_AVbbHxmQ2difx71vQ9NmCPaV-1_lSI/edit?usp=sharing Mr Self Storage Newsletter: https://www.mrselfstorage.com/ Mr Self Storage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrselfstoragedotcom

Send a question or message to Kate & SamMost leaders believe they're self-aware. The research disagrees — dramatically.In this episode, Kate and Sam dive deep into one of the most underused leadership skills in small business: genuine self-awareness. Not the "I know myself pretty well" kind — but the kind that closes the gap between how you think you show up and how others actually experience you.They cover:The Tasha Eurich research that stops most people cold (the 95% vs 15% stat)The difference between internal and external self-awareness — and why you need bothWhat a 360-degree LSI assessment revealed about Kate's leadership (and why she cried)Why fixed mindset blocks self-awareness before you even get startedThe Enneagram — what it is, why it's confronting, and why that's exactly the pointCuriosity, vulnerability, and comfort with uncertainty as the three-part path forwardPsychological safety at work — and why it starts with the leader knowing themselves firstWhether you've never taken a personality assessment or you've done them all, this episode will give you a fresh lens on why self-awareness isn't a one-time exercise — it's a lifelong practice.Resources mentioned in this episode:Tasha Eurich — researcher and author on self-awareness; her TED Talk is a great starting pointLSI (Life Styles Inventory) — 360-degree behavioural assessment toolThe Enneagram — nine-type personality framework; free test available online (Kate recommends getting some support interpreting your result)Myers-Briggs — useful particularly for career directionBankCode — four-colour personality profile (Blueprint, Action, Nurture, Knowledge); fun in a team settingTed Lasso (Apple TV+) — Sam's recommendation as an unlikely masterclass in curiosity and self-awarenessKate's Happiness Key eBook — includes links to the personality tests discussed; reach out to Kate directly for accessNext episode: Emotional Intelligence — Daniel Goleman's four-layer model, starting with self-awareness as the foundation.Coming up: Leading from your values, a wrap-up episode, and the Bali Business Retreat.Workshop — 24th June: Details at thrivingbusinesspodcast.comConnect with Your Hosts:Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Good morning, Store Nation.   Welcome back to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   Today, we're diving into the monthly figures for Wrexham and Glasgow, including quotes, reservations, move-ins, occupancy, and revenue.   We also discuss why being too full can create its own challenges, and how revenue management becomes critical when space is limited.   Hope you enjoy this episode.   Give it a listen.   Masterclass: (No sign in needed): https://www.mrselfstorage.com/self-storage-investing-academy Program Information & Application: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u-XTpsyeNLjf_AVbbHxmQ2difx71vQ9NmCPaV-1_lSI/edit?usp=sharing Mr Self Storage Newsletter: https://www.mrselfstorage.com/ Mr Self Storage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrselfstoragedotcom

Good morning, Store Nation.   Thank you for listening to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   Today, we're diving into the monthly figures for Clough Road and Mansfield, including quotes, reservations, move-ins, occupancy, and revenue.   We also discuss why occupancy comes before revenue when growing a self storage site, and what that means for Mansfield right now.   Hope you enjoy this episode.   Give it a listen.   Masterclass: (No sign in needed): https://www.mrselfstorage.com/self-storage-investing-academy Program Information & Application: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u-XTpsyeNLjf_AVbbHxmQ2difx71vQ9NmCPaV-1_lSI/edit?usp=sharing Mr Self Storage Newsletter: https://www.mrselfstorage.com/ Mr Self Storage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrselfstoragedotcom

Another week of first timers with our pals Meghan Babbe and Jon Butts! We get chat'n'provin about beach parties, very good bar food, and how to pick a sick nickname.You can check out Jon in New Orleans with his theater Two Friends TheaterGo see Babbe every Sunday at LSI with Late 90's!Support the pod and join our Patreon for bonus scenes, our entire backlog, and even more premium content!Just easing into Improv is Dead? Check out our Starter Platter and Best of Playlists on Spotify!Hosts: ⁠Damian Anaya⁠, ⁠Tim Lyons⁠

Good morning, Store Nation.   Thank you for tuning in to the Hacking Self Storage podcast. Im your host, Dean Booty. Today, we're diving into the monthly figures for Beverley and Willerby, including occupancy, revenue, move-ins, move-outs, and customer value.   We also take a closer look at the opportunities for improvement, from conversion rates and insurance sales to maximising revenue at mature sites.   Hope you enjoy this episode.   Give it a listen.   Masterclass: (No sign in needed): https://www.mrselfstorage.com/self-storage-investing-academy Program Information & Application: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u-XTpsyeNLjf_AVbbHxmQ2difx71vQ9NmCPaV-1_lSI/edit?usp=sharing Mr Self Storage Newsletter: https://www.mrselfstorage.com/ Mr Self Storage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrselfstoragedotcom

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. LSI is a Utah-based consulting and business development firm that helps organizations grow and operate more effectively. They support clients with strategy, logistics, workforce solutions and market insights to improve performance and secure new opportunities. COO, Sam Beasley, joins us with more. Sam Beasley: Most operational problems stay invisible until something breaks. At LSI, we help organizations strengthen their systems behind the scenes that keep complex operations running smoothly — especially in industries like aviation logistics, government contracting and other highly coordinated and regulated environments. Our focus is on building structure, clarity and reliability into everyday processes so teams can perform at a higher level. We look at everything from communication and coordination to accountability and workflow design, helping organizations reduce friction and prevent issues before they happen. What we've learned is that success rarely comes from one big moment. It's built through small, consistent actions done well over time — clear communication, strong systems and dependable execution. That's the work we care most about. When operations run the way they should, organizations are free to focus on what they do best and grow with confidence. Learn more at LSIwins.com. Derek Miller: By improving how organizations operate behind the scenes, they're helping Utah businesses and agencies run more smoothly and efficiently. Their work supports stronger performance, better coordination and long-term growth across key industries in the state. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/16/26

In this episode, Josh Johnson, head of office operations and strategy for LSI in the Washington, D.C. region, shares insights from his 40-year career living and working in the nation's capital. Drawing on his 17 years of experience as a professional congressional committee staffer, Johnson breaks down the unique responsibilities, day-to-day realities, and vital role that committee staffers play in the legislative process.

A lot of residential pool techs learn water chemistry the hard way: a few rules of thumb, a few opinions from the internet, and a lot of costly guessing when something won't clear up. We wanted to change that conversation, so we brought Terry Arko back on to share real news about a new training rollout that preserves Bob Lowry's legacy while making it easier for today's pool service pros to actually use.We dig into why Bob Lowry's Pool Chemistry Training Institute (PCTI) mattered so much for the backyard pool professional, especially in a world where CPO certification is aimed at commercial operations. Terry explains how HASA took on the responsibility of maintaining and expanding that residential pool care education, and how the growth of on-demand learning (including the influence of Orenda's education approach) helped shape the new direction. The goal is simple: practical pool chemistry training that's clear, relatable, and built for what you see on route.Then we get into the big update: HASA is filming 14 short training videos based on Bob's residential material, followed by a quiz and a certification. We also talk about the specific concepts that make this training worth your time, including cyanuric acid (CYA) and chlorine effectiveness, water balance and LSI for residential pools, the importance of free chlorine over combined chlorine, and how understanding buffering and source water can help you save chemicals while keeping pools more stable.If you want smarter, simpler pool chemistry that you can apply immediately, listen through and keep an eye out for the video series dropping on the HASA site. Subscribe, share this with a tech who needs it, and leave a review so more pool pros can find the training they've been missing.We share breaking news on a new HASA-hosted training series that brings Bob Lowry's residential pool chemistry teachings back in a modern format. We also talk through why practical, poolside chemistry education matters and how techs can access certification-style learning again.  • the training gap between residential pool service and commercial certification paths  • Bob Lowry's teaching style and why it resonates with backyard pool pros  • how HASA and Orenda help expand access to pool chemistry education  • why the condensed two-hour format works better for many techs  • what to expect from the 14 short videos, quiz, and certification  • the downside of overly theoretical instruction and the value of usable concepts  • key chemistry topics like CYA, free chlorine, combined chlorine, LSI, source water, and buffering  Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. Email Terry Arko at terryarko@hasa.com. You can also learn more about the coaching program they offer at PoolGuyCoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Summer doesn't “start” on a date for pool pros, it starts the moment the water warms and your easy week turns into a sprint. Terry Arco from HASA joins me to unpack what really changes when pools transition from spring to summer, and why the industry can feel like feast or famine depending on weather, bather load, and how prepared you are before the rush hits.We get specific about summer pool care: how rising water temperature shifts LSI, why calcium becomes more likely to precipitate and form scale, and why algae goes from dormant spores to rapid growth. That chemistry shift is exactly why chlorine demand climbs so fast, and why a “coasting” route can suddenly require tighter testing, faster adjustments, and fewer missed visits. We also talk practical prevention: proactive shock treatments while pools are quieter, checking cyanuric acid (CYA) early, and getting ahead of phosphates, borates, and total dissolved solids (TDS) so you're not stacking fixes later.Then we zoom out to the real-world pressures pool service professionals face, including budgeting for 2x to 3x chemical use and navigating rising costs tied to fuel, transport, and labor. We also cover drought restrictions that can limit draining, which makes early-season drain and dilute decisions even more important. Finally, we get into pool tech safety: hydration that actually works (electrolytes, not just water), cooling strategies, and how to avoid the fatigue that can lead to dangerous mistakes on deck.If you want a smoother, safer, more profitable summer, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a pool pro friend, and leave a review with your best preseason checklist tip.We talk with Terry Arco from HASA about the spring to summer shift that makes pools change fast and forces pool pros to move from cruising to full speed. We break down what warm water does to balance, algae risk, and your workload, plus how to protect your body when heat becomes the biggest hazard on the route.  • seasonal weather swings that disrupt the old summer calendar  • warmer water driving LSI changes and increasing scale potential  • algae waking up as temperatures rise and chlorine demand spiking  • proactive shock treatments before heavy pool use starts  • managing CYA early and avoiding mid-summer drain surprises  • checking phosphates, borates, and TDS to reduce troubleshooting later  • budgeting for higher chemical spend and ongoing price increases  • drought restrictions affecting draining and dilution strategies  • hydration with electrolytes and practical heat-safety routines  Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Natalie Hood of The Grit Game sits down with Adam Beech, founder and CEO of PoolBrain, for an in-depth discussion about the operational challenges facing modern pool service companies and the technology being developed to solve them. Adam shares his journey from operating a 20-truck pool service company in Phoenix, Arizona, to creating one of the industry's fastest-growing software platforms after realizing that technician accountability, customer retention, and operational scalability were problems traditional management methods could not fully solve. The conversation explores PoolBrain's latest breakthrough: fully automated LSI (Langelier Saturation Index) chemical dosing. Adam explains how PoolBrain now integrates with the Arenda calculator to automate complex water chemistry calculations, allowing companies to establish their preferred LSI methodology once and have the system consistently execute those calculations for technicians in the field. The result is reduced training time, increased consistency, improved water balance, and fewer chemistry-related mistakes. Natalie and Adam also discuss one of the industry's most persistent challenges: technician turnover. Adam explains how PoolBrain was originally built to solve the difficulties of managing field technicians, maintaining service quality, and scaling operations without increasing administrative burden. The discussion highlights how automation can reduce training requirements, standardize procedures, and help companies maintain quality regardless of staffing changes. The episode takes a deep dive into the growing role of automation in pool service operations, including: Automated chemical dosing  AI-assisted tablet recommendations  Customer communication systems  Route management  Billing automation  Service verification  Preventative maintenance alerts  Equipment monitoring  Inventory management innovations Adam explains how modern software is shifting pool companies from reactive management to proactive operations by identifying problems before they become customer complaints. Examples include tracking PSI trends to detect clogged impellers, identifying recurring chemistry issues before pools turn green, and automatically notifying customers when routes change. One of the most anticipated segments focuses on PoolBrain's future inventory management system. Adam outlines a vision of fully automated inventory tracking that follows products from supplier purchase to truck stock to chemical consumption at individual pools. The goal is a closed-loop inventory ecosystem that dramatically reduces waste, improves accountability, and eliminates countless hours of manual inventory management. Natalie also challenges Adam on several common industry myths, including: "Software is only for large companies."  "All pool software is basically the same."  "Technicians hate software." Adam explains why smaller companies often benefit just as much as larger operations and why modern pool software is evolving far beyond simple digital service logs into comprehensive operational platforms. The discussion concludes with a look at the future of the industry, including remote equipment monitoring, automated chemistry management, AI-assisted operations, integrated supplier purchasing, and the increasing role of data-driven decision-making in pool service businesses. Adam shares his belief that many operational tasks currently performed manually will become fully automated within the next five years, allowing service companies to focus more on customer relationships and business growth. Whether you're a single-pole operator, route manager, service technician, or owner of a multi-truck operation, this episode offers a fascinating look at how technology is reshaping the future of pool service.Key Topics Discussed The origins of PoolBrain  Technician turnover and accountability  Automated LSI dosing  AI-driven chemical recommendations  Customer communication automation  Service verification and photo documentation  Inventory management and purchasing automation  Operational scalability  Customer portals and self-service tools  The future of AI in pool service  Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance  Why software is becoming essential for competitive pool companies GuestAdam Beach Founder and CEO of PoolBrain, former pool service company owner, and software innovator focused on solving operational challenges within the pool service industry.HostNatalie Hood Director of Education and Events at The Grit GameLearn MorePoolBrain Official Website#TalkingPools #PoolBrain #PoolService #SwimmingPoolIndustry #LSI #PoolChemistry #PoolTech #PoolBusiness #PoolIndustryTechnology #AutomationInPools Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Eyeballing pool chemicals feels fast, but it can quietly wreck your results and your margins. I walk through the most common pool water chemistry mistakes I see on pool routes, starting with the habit of default dosing: “a quart of acid,” “half a gallon of chlorine,” and other shortcuts that ignore what the water is actually doing. With today's chemical prices, accuracy matters, and the good news is it does not have to mean slow, complicated math. A simple dosing app like poolcalculator.com can get you to the right number in about a minute.From there, we get into why “balanced water” is bigger than clarity and sanitizer. The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) helps you spot water that is corrosive (heater damage, staining risk, surface wear) or scale forming (tile line buildup, equipment scaling). I explain how tools like the Orenda app make LSI practical in the field and why ignoring it can turn routine acid additions into long-term damage.We also talk about cyanuric acid (CYA) creep from trichlor tablets and how it snowballs through the season. As CYA rises, the free chlorine level required for effective sanitation rises too, which is why the 7.5% guideline matters. Finally, if you're fighting algae, cloudy water, or chloramines, I explain why under-shocking often does almost nothing and how aiming beyond breakpoint chlorination can save you from repeat blooms next week.Subscribe for more pool service and pool chemistry training, share this with a tech who still eyeballs doses, and leave a review with the chemistry mistake you want help fixing next.We break down the pool water chemistry mistakes that waste chemicals, damage surfaces, and create repeat problems on a pool service route. I explain how quick dosing math, LSI awareness, and the right chlorine strategy make results more consistent and more profitable.  • relying on rules of thumb instead of calculating doses  • using dosing apps like poolcalculator.com to save time and money  • understanding LSI to prevent corrosive water and scale forming water  • recognizing cyanuric acid creep from trichlor tablets across the season  • applying the 7.5% CYA to free chlorine guideline to keep chlorine effective  • seeing how total alkalinity changes muriatic acid demand and pH drop risk  • avoiding underdosing when shocking for algae, chloramines, and combined chlorine  Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at poolguycoaching.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

In this episode of Lift Up, we feature an insightful keynote speech delivered by LSI's Sam Beasley at the 2026 Hill Industry Partner Exchange. Drawing from LSI's extensive logistics work with complex organizations like CAL FIRE, Sam breaks down the hidden reasons why business partnerships fail and how to build alliances that actually last. Skip the performative "communication theater" and discover why true organizational trust is a byproduct of clear structure, how mismatched financial goals can quietly ruin a deal, and what it takes to future-proof your partnerships against sudden market disruptions.

[00:00] - Intro [00:38] - Bill's background [07:27] - Expanding education and manufacturing capabilities [14:44] - Clearance for fiberglass pool installation [17:28] - How to become a fiberglass pool installer [24:03] - Researching fiberglass "chalking" [31:36] - Selflessness [34:09] - Chalking looks like calcium silicate bound to to gelcoat polymers [37:40] - The LSI, and chelating calcium [40:04] - Gelcoat molecular structure [46:15] - Thursday Pools' chemistry recommendations [52:49] - One chemistry strategy that gets everyone's needs met [57:00] - UV systems impact fiberglass chalking?! [1:01:39] - Closing ______________________________Connect with us! Realize your full potential.Watershape University®Water chemistry questions?Orenda®Questions? Comments? Or apply to sponsor the show:ruleyourpool@gmail.com Facebook: @ruleyourpoolYouTube: @rule-your-pool

Today's episode is a special one for us, because I'm joined by someone who helped shape not only my own leadership journey, but also the trajectory of our company and the podcast. Sean Slatter is the former president and CEO of LSI, a lifetime leader in government contracting, and currently serves as chairman of the board. Over the course of his career, he has worked at the intersection of business, policy, national security, and international trade, and that perspective is exactly why er wanted him on the show today, because the world is entering what many analysts are calling a new era of strategic competition, where energy, technology, and economic pressure are increasingly being used as tools of geopolitical power. From tensions involving Iran and global energy routes, to the semiconductor race between the United States and China, to sanctions becoming one of the most powerful tools governments use short of war, today we're talking about how global power is shifting and what it means for business, policy, and strategy.

Your pool route can chew you up if you let it, and it usually starts with something you do every day without thinking: using your bare hands around chlorine and acid. I break down a hard lesson from early on when latex gloves made my hands worse by trapping chlorinated water against my skin, then share the simple switch that actually protects you long-term. We talk nitrile coated work gloves for handling trichlor tablets and muriatic acid, how to take them on and off between stops.Then we get into a problem that feels harmless until it is not: ducks. If you service pools in the wrong neighborhood, a “cute” pair can turn the deck and water into a mess fast. I walk through humane duck deterrents that pool techs can actually deploy, starting with multiple floats like alligators and swans, then leveling up to reflective floating pond orbs when the usual tricks fail. Finally, I shift to employee training and the costly mistakes that happen when you assume something is “obvious.” Tossing trichlor tablets into a pool can leave burns and stains, and the wrong granular chlorine can bleach vinyl liners. I explain what to teach about cal-hypo vs dichlor vs trichlor, why broken equipment must be reported immediately, and how consistent basics like basket cleaning, testing pH and alkalinity, and understanding LSI keep routes easier and techs from burning out• switching from latex to nitrile coated gloves to prevent chemical irritation and trapped chlorinated water• using long arm gloves for cold mornings plus safer acid and salt cell work• treating gloves as essential PPE to prevent cuts during filter cleaning and equipment work• why ducks quickly wreck pool cleanliness and water quality• using alligator and swan floats as the first deterrent step• using reflective floating pond orbs when floats fail• training employees to never toss trichlor tablets into the pool• avoiding vinyl liner damage by teaching the difference between cal-hypo, dichlor, and trichlor• building a repeatable service routine: baskets, debris removal, chemical checks, and Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Change management decides whether your MES or digital transformation project lasts, or quietly gets shut off six months after go live.Vlad Romanov and Dave Griffith sit down with Logan Terry, who leads digital transformation at LSI, to dig into change management as the deciding factor in any automation or MES rollout. Logan defines change management as a methodical approach to moving an individual, team, or organization from a current state to a desired future state. The closer a system sits to where decisions are actually made, the more change management it requires, which is why MES is the single hardest place to land a project successfully.Much of the episode digs into why change management is rarely scoped properly. In competitive RFPs, the integrator who includes a robust change management line item often loses to the lowest bid, and end users frequently do not know how to evaluate that line item even when it is offered. Logan starts every client engagement with a direct question: what does your continuous improvement practice look like internally? If the client cannot sustain the change after handover, the project is on borrowed time no matter how clean the FAT and SAT looked.Logan walks through one of the most useful failure stories on the show this year. His team delivered a technically perfect OEE dashboard for a production line. Six to nine months later, every terminal was shut off. The postmortem surfaced two missed details. Maintenance was never folded into the design, and a single failed photo eye broke throughput calculations with no manual reconciliation path, which destroyed operator trust in the data. The second miss was behavioral. Showing a 30 percent OEE against a 90 percent ideal demotivates the floor, while reframing the same number as 80 percent of a realistic 36 percent target turned out to be a cleaner motivator.Looking forward, Logan sees vendors moving away from monolithic 14 function MES suites toward modular, use case specific deployments, which compresses change management scope from twenty five workflows to five or six. On AI, he argues that managing generative agents in production is closer to managing a team of people than managing software, with continuous validation replacing one time qualification. He cites the line that AI does not make bad data worse, it makes it more convincing. LSI now uses AI assisted coding agents and React based prototypes to shrink design cycles from three or four weeks of Figma work down to three or four days.About Logan TerryLogan Terry leads digital transformation at LSI, a multinational systems integrator with roughly 400 resources across 13 North American locations and offices in Asia Pacific. A mechanical engineer by training, Logan spent a decade in PLC, HMI, and SCADA development before moving into digital transformation consulting and joining LSI in late 2024. His work spans advanced SCADA, MES, analytics, and BI integrations.LSI: https://www.logicalsysinc.com/Timestamps0:00 Introduction2:15 Logan's background and the LSI digital transformation practice7:25 Defining change management9:00 Why MES requires the most change management13:00 How young engineers stumble into change management24:30 Starting with decisions and workflows before technology35:00 Internal CI capability as a project gating factor43:30 OEE dashboard turned off six months after go live46:30 Behavioral psychology of how operators read numbers54:50 Modular MES replacing monolithic platforms58:00 Generative AI and continuous validation1:11:00 AI assisted prototyping shrinking design cyclesAbout Your HostsVladimir Romanov is a co-host of The Manufacturing Hub Podcast and the founder of Joltek, an independent manufacturing and industrial automation consulting firm specializing in modernization strategy, digital transformation, and workforce development. Joltek works with manufacturers and investors to de-risk modernization and build the internal capability to sustain results.Connect with Vlad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimirromanov/Want to go deeper? Vlad and the team at Joltek have covered related topics here:Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: https://www.joltek.com/blog/digital-transformation-in-manufacturingManufacturing Execution Systems and Business Strategy: https://www.joltek.com/blog/manufacturing-execution-systems-business-strategyDave Griffith is a co-host of The Manufacturing Hub Podcast and founder of Capelin Solutions, an industrial automation firm helping manufacturers adopt smart manufacturing technology. He brings 15 years of experience in industrial automation and digital transformation.Connect with Dave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegriffith23/Subscribe to Manufacturing Hub: https://www.manufacturinghub.liveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturing-hub-networkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManufacturingHub

Pool chemistry gets called “simple” right up until a clear pool turns milky, a filter pressure gauge shoots up, or a perfectly good cartridge comes out feeling like it turned to stone. We move fast through the most common chemical misconceptions we see in the pool industry and explain the real reactions underneath, so you can prevent damage instead of explaining it after the fact.We start with cyanuric acid (CYA) and the assumption that stabilizer only drops when you drain and refill. There's more to the story: under certain conditions, bacteria can convert cyanuric acid into ammonia, and your CYA can crash, especially after winter.  From there we hit calcium chloride and why it heats up aggressively, plus the practical rule that saves you from a cloud-out: don't stack calcium additions right next to pH up or alkalinity increaser and accidentally spike the LSI.On acid washing, we cover a simple basin tactic with soda ash that can prevent an ugly deep-end “burn ring,” and a small step to reduce rust staining from a submersible pump. We also clarify what phosphate removers really do, how lanthanum phosphate fallout clouds water, and why filter cleaning is part of the process. We close with the most important safety warning of all: never mix trichlor with cal hypo, especially in confined spaces like feeders or skimmers.• cyanuric acid not always only lowered by draining, bacterial conversion to ammonia as a real cause of CYA loss• calcium chloride as an exothermic product, burn risk and why timing matters• avoiding LSI spikes by separating calcium additions from pH and alkalinity adjustments• chlorine wash best practices, dilution and thorough rinsing to prevent alkaline film• how poor rinsing after a chlorine wash can destroy DE grids and cartridge pleats• acid wash basin protection, using a trichlor bucket lid under the pump to reduce rust staining• preventing a deep-end plaster burn ring by loading the basin with soda ash• phosphate removers as lanthanum chemistry, expected clouding, fallout, and filter pressure rise• trichlor Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

« 359 associations suspendues pour non-renouvellement de leurs instances » : la nouvelle est rapportée par la presse burkinabé, notamment par LeFaso.net ou encore par WakatSéra. Les deux sites burkinabé publient in extenso l'arrêté pris par les autorités militaires, sans aucun commentaire de leur part. Après le putsch de 2022, après avoir tourné le dos aux puissances occidentales, après la dissolution des partis politiques en février dernier, après les déclarations du capitaine Traoré comme quoi le Burkina ne pouvait « pas être une démocratie », voilà que le régime militaire bâillonne la société civile. Les associations décapitées… La junte au pouvoir au Burkina Faso a donc suspendu, mardi, 359 associations, « une semaine, relève Le Monde Afrique, après avoir annoncé la dissolution de 118 autres associations, pour une grande partie engagées dans la défense des droits humains, invoquant des “dispositions légales en vigueur“ sans autres précisions. Les associations suspendues hier, par un arrêté du ministre de l'Administration territoriale, Emile Zerbo, interviennent notamment dans les domaines de la religion, de l'environnement, des droits humains, du sport, de l'éducation ou encore de la solidarité. » Déjà en juillet de l'année dernière, rappelle Le Monde Afrique, « le chef de la junte avait promulgué une loi qui encadrait la liberté d'association, les ONG et les syndicats. Cette loi réaffirmait la liberté d'association tout en la subordonnant à des obligations strictes de déclaration, de contrôle administratif et de conformité légale, avec des sanctions pouvant aller jusqu'à la dissolution. (…) Selon les autorités burkinabé, il s'agissait de renforcer la transparence, de faire la cartographie des associations et ONG, et de lutter contre le blanchiment d'argent et le financement du “terrorisme“. Les ONG internationales ou associations fonctionnant avec des financements internationaux sont souvent accusées d'espionnage ou de collusion avec les jihadistes. » Dérive autoritaire Pour Afrik.com, le Burkina Faso en est en pleine « dérive autoritaire » : « Après la suspension des partis et l'effacement du calendrier électoral, la dissolution massive d'organisations de la société civile accentue les inquiétudes sur la fermeture progressive de l'espace public. Sous couvert de réformes et de sécurité nationale, les autorités de transition semblent privilégier une forte centralisation du pouvoir. (…) Derrière l'argument administratif, de nombreux observateurs dénoncent une stratégie visant à réduire l'espace civique et à museler des voix critiques dans un contexte déjà fortement tendu. » Le dessinateur de presse franco-burkinabé, Damien Glez, qui manie aussi bien la plume que le crayon, s'insurge sur le site du Monde Afrique : « C'est un fait, dénonce-t-il, ONG, médias indépendants, défenseurs des droits humains, représentants de la société civile sont la cible du gouvernement militaire qui va jusqu'à arrêter arbitrairement et faire disparaître de force journalistes et opposants politiques. Le pays, déjà rongé par les assassinats de civils perpétrés par les forces gouvernementales et les insurgés islamistes (plus de 1 800 civils tués depuis 2023), s'enfonce de plus en plus dans une dérive autoritaire. » « Un pouvoir qui se rêve absolu… » LSI, Le Site d'Information Africaine, dénonce également cette dérive : « La dissolution est devenue l'exercice favori et la marque de fabrique de ce régime, à l'instar de ses alliés du Niger et du Mali. Depuis le coup d'État en 2022, cet exercice a été exécuté, avec une régularité et une délectation remarquées. La dissolution des ONG et associations s'inscrit dans la catégorie des actes spectaculaires du régime, tout comme celle, en février dernier, des partis politiques, dissous après avoir été “suspendus“. (…) Faire le vide, en débarrassant le Burkina Faso de toutes les voix indépendantes et susceptibles de “concurrencer“ un pouvoir qui se rêve absolu : tel est le crédo de cette junte, dénonce encore LSI. Dissoudre toutes les entités qui empêchent la néo-dictature militaire de prospérer : un jeu de massacre méthodiquement exécuté, avec une visible jubilation, par le capitaine IB, promoteur d'une “révolution progressiste et populaire“. » Et LSI de citer Alioune Tine, le fondateur du think tank Afrikajom Center : « Ce régime, dont le carburant est la propagande politique tous azimuts au service de IB, après avoir dissous les partis politiques, vient de dissoudre les organisations de la société civile. On a l'impression de revivre le règne d'Idi Amine Dada. » Commentaire de LSI : « Comme beaucoup de gens de sa génération, Alioune Tine avait cru ces pratiques révolues. C'était sans prévoir les sinistres bégaiements de l'Histoire. »

Support the pod and join our patreon for bonus eps, back log eps, and exclusive premium content!Dan Lippert is in the house alongside LA's very own and pod favorite Caroline Cotter! We chat'n'prov about the 13th Warrior, call in radio shows, getting stuck in the bathroom, and blood girls. We've got a LIVE show this Saturday night at LSI and its only $5!Listen to ManDog Pod for more Lippert goodness. Be sure to check out Big Grande!Check out Caroline at UCB in AssssCATHosts:Hosts: ⁠Damian Anaya⁠, ⁠Tim Lyons⁠Sound Design by Nick

In this episode, Brent Lavin shares how two decades in product and portfolio management at GE Healthcare, C.R. Bard, and BD shaped his mission to help Series A and B medtech startups build commercial logic into every stage of innovation. Brent breaks down what surprised him most moving from strategics to early-stage teams and why large companies often operate like startups when resources must be earned through influence, not authority. The conversation dives into how his engineering training powers a structured, “marketing-as-a-science” approach to product management, the most-missed elements of customer discovery, and a concrete example of winning by simplifying a “Cadillac” product into a segmented solution. Brent also unpacks what strategics look for in acquisitions plus lessons from LSI, leadership, and the discipline of endurance running.Brent Lavin LinkedInIronwood Medtech Partners LinkedInDuane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

“Salt pool, no chlorine” might be the most expensive misunderstanding in pool care. We walk through what a saltwater chlorine generator actually does, why it is literally making chlorine, and how that simple truth changes the way you test, dose, and explain water balance to customers. If you're a pool service professional or a hands-on pool owner, you'll leave with clearer language, better troubleshooting steps, and fewer surprises on Monday morning.We also get into the parts that sales sheets skip: salt splash-out that dries on decks and hardware, the corrosion that shows up when salt is over-added, and why bonding and grounding matter more once your pool becomes an ionic solution full of metals. Then we tackle the “flakes” problem and the myths that cling to it. We explain why flakes are usually calcium carbonate, how a hot cell after flow stops can trigger scale, and how a simple cool-down period plus a slightly negative LSI can reduce buildup. • saltwater systems generating chlorine through electrolysis, same sanitizer as liquid or dry chlorine• cell lifespan tied to total run hours, lowering output and run time when demand allows• manufacturer salt targets around 3,000 to 3,500 ppm and why over-salting creates new problems• salt splash-out leaving concentrated salt on decks and features, rinsing to prevent crust and damage• galvanic corrosion risks, black deposits near metals, bonding and grounding pool equipment• heater corrosion concerns and when a sacrificial zinc anode can help• dealing with a failed generator, draining and refilling to reduce salt and high TDS, removing the cell housing• verifying salt with an independent salt meter, not trusting onboard readings or a TDS meter alone• preventing flakes with a cool-down period before flow stops and managing LSI slightly negative• phosphate fears put in perspective, flakes usually calcium carbonate not calcium phosphate• fixed-output chlorine production, recovery time after bather load spikes, supplementing with liquid chlorine• “superchlorinate” misconceSend us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

If you've ever converted a chlorine pool to salt and immediately regretted it, the problem usually isn't the salt system. It's the startup. We break down a practical, step-by-step salt pool startup process that helps you avoid the two headaches that wreck new installs: runaway pH and scale on the surface or inside the salt cell.We start with timing, especially for new plaster, quartz, and pebble style finishes. Plaster keeps curing for months and creates heavy acid demand early on, so turning on a saltwater chlorine generator too soon can make pH control feel impossible. I share the real-world waiting window I prefer, what happens if a homeowner pushes for day-one salt, and how that decision can show up later as scaling and constant corrections.Then we get into the numbers that make a salt pool conversion smooth: getting total alkalinity near 80 ppm and pH around 7.4 to 7.6 before the generator ever comes online, and using LSI guidance with tools like the Orenda app. We also talk about borates at 50 ppm as a smart add-on for pH stability, plus the safest way to add salt: test first with a digital salt meter, use pool salt only, add less than the bag math suggests, and recheck after 24 hours so you don't end up draining water to fix an overshoot.Finally, we tackle cyanuric acid (CYA) reality. If you're coming from trichlor, CYA may be sky high, and your free chlorine target must match it using proven ratios like Bob Lowry's guidance. • waiting to turn on a salt cell on new plaster to reduce pH battles and scaling risk• why saltwater chlorine generators raise pH through aeration and chemical reaction• starting conditions that set you up for success: clear water, clean filter, balanced alkalinity and pH• why high alkalinity buffers pH and makes acid less effective• using LSI and tools like the Orenda app to avoid scale or corrosion• adding borates to 50 ppm to stabilize pH and reduce drift• using pool salt only to avoid staining from impurities• testing salinity first with a digital salt meter and adding less salt than the caSend us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Sam Beasley, the Chief Operations Officer at LSI, walks us through some of the great opportunities and also pitfalls that the rise of AI tools brings. He discusses the implications for quality-assurance, compliance, and how to responsibly maximize the value these advancements offer.

Elim Almedom and Daniela Aguilar are Women of a Certain age every Thursday night at LSI in Chicago. They pop by the pod to chat'n'prov about being fashionably late, making yourself at home, and a club for bad dreams.See us LIVE in LA March 18th at 7:30 pm at Lyric Hyperion!Join our Patreon ⁠for $5 a month for bonus eps, back log eps, and exclusive premium content!Hosts:Hosts: ⁠Damian Anaya⁠, ⁠Tim Lyons⁠Sound Design by Nick

Send a textAndy Yakulis—West Point graduate, former Army pilot, and Special Operations officer turned defense tech entrepreneur—joins Joe to talk about leadership, transition, and the rapidly changing nature of modern warfare.Recruited to West Point just days before September 11th, Andy entered the Army knowing he would serve during a generation defined by war. After flying Kiowa Warrior helicopters and spending nearly a decade in Special Operations, he became increasingly frustrated with the gap between the technology soldiers used in combat and what existed in the civilian world.Together, they discuss Andy's decision to leave the Army at 18 years to start Vector, a company focused on unmanned systems, as well as the challenges of military transition, the realities of leadership in the private sector, and how paying attention to what captures your curiosity might reveal the work you're meant to pursue.Watch the full interview on YouTube!Joe and Andy also discuss:Why physical fitness and sleep still shape Andy's decision-making as a CEOThe value of civilian education for military leadersThe “Saturday morning coffee test” for discovering what you're passionate aboutWhy veterans shouldn't feel pressure to find the perfect post-military job immediatelyThe challenge of leading teams in the private sectorWhy the future of warfare may shift from one operator controlling one drone to one operator orchestrating manyWhether you're transitioning out of the military, exploring entrepreneurship, or curious how technology is changing warfare, this episode offers insights on leadership, innovation, and pursuing work you feel called to do.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit's data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com.Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside

White crust tracing your waterline or caking your spa spillway isn't a mystery—it's chemistry meeting heat and evaporation. We unpack what's actually sticking to your tile, how to tell calcium carbonate from calcium silicate with a quick acid test, and why that difference changes everything for removal time, cost, and results. If you've ever cleaned for hours only to see the ring return, this is your field guide to fixing the source and not just the symptom.We start with the real drivers: LSI balance, high pH and alkalinity, rising water temperature, and hard fill water. Then we map a decision tree for action. Light carbonate haze? Use topical tile cleaners like Biodex 300 or Hasa Geyser, brush often, and protect coping and plaster. Moderate buildup? Add chelation and sequestration with Orenda SC-1000 to bind calcium and metals, and consider EasyCare Buildup and Scale Tec on surfaces to lift deposits for easier brushing. Heavy crust or zero reaction to acid? It's likely silicate—skip the endless scrubbing and plan for professional bead blasting or soda media blasting to restore the tile fast and clean.We also get tactical about manual methods that actually work when used right. Pumice is slow but safe on porcelain. Sharp razor blades, kept wet, can peel thick spillway scale quickly. Fine 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper can level stubborn ridges, with a careful hand. Prevention ties it all together: keep LSI in a non-scaling range, dose SC-1000 for maintenance, and brush the waterline weekly. If chronic scale still wins in hard-water regions, a device like AquaRex can reduce adhesion by changing crystal formation, especially on hot, wet spillways.• causes of scale from high pH, alkalinity, calcium and heat• acid test to distinguish carbonate vs silicate• light, moderate, heavy carbonate levels and fixes• topical cleaners and safe handling cautions• sequestrants and chelants for ongoing control• manual removal with pumice, razors, wet sanding• when to hire glass bead blasting• balancing LSI for prevention• tile materiSend a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Our guest today is a producer and performer on one of the hottest shows in Chicago, the consistently SOLD OUT Friday show at LSI ft. Holy Goat. Not only is she a hilarious improviser, she's also an incredible illustrator who's done work with The Chicago Bulls, White Sox, Bears and more! You can follow her work and shows on IG @arielsinhaha, returning to the pod, it's the very funny Ariel Sinah.Join our Patreon ⁠for $5 a month for bonus eps, back log eps, and exclusive premium content!Hosts:Hosts: ⁠Damian Anaya⁠, ⁠Tim Lyons⁠Sound Design by Nick

Send a textRandy Surles—retired Army Ranger and Green Beret turned editor, ghostwriter, and Story Grid-certified book coach—joins Joe to talk directly to veterans who feel called to tell their story but don't know where to start.After 25 years in Special Operations, Randy transitioned from the military to the writing world, studying under Shawn Coyne and helping dozens of veterans turn their experiences into memoirs, leadership books, and fiction. Along the way, he's seen what works—and what doesn't.Joe reflects on his own year-and-a-half journey working with Randy on his forthcoming book—including the uncomfortable but necessary process of clarifying the message, identifying the right reader, and moving beyond “I just want to write a book” to “Here's who this is for.”Randy explains why most military memoirs never gain traction, why writing “for everyone” is the fastest way to reach no one, and how to identify the single reader you're actually trying to serve. He also breaks down the realities of publishing—from traditional deals to hybrid models to self-publishing—and why marketing is often harder than writing.Watch the full interview on YouTube!Joe and Randy also discuss:How the Hero's Journey mirrors a military careerThe power of identifying your single audience member (SAM)Why most books sell fewer than 500 copiesWhat veterans misunderstand about traditional publishingThe truth about hybrid publishers and upfront costsWhy building an email list may matter more than social media followersHow writing 600–700 words a week can turn into a finished bookWhy accountability (even the annoying kind) makes the differenceWhether you're transitioning out, reflecting on your career, or feeling the quiet pull to capture your experiences before they fade, this episode offers a practical roadmap—and a reality check—for veterans who want to turn their story into something that serves others. Also, check out Randy's website: Militaryeditor.comA Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Ever run your hand across pool coping and feel sandpaper? That texture tells a story about water that's either starving for calcium or dumping it everywhere. We take you inside the Langelier Saturation Index—the tool that predicts whether your water will corrode metal and etch plaster or lay down crunchy scale on tile, heaters, and salt cells—and show you how to control it with confidence.We start by anchoring the basics: calcium hardness sets the foundation, temperature shifts the baseline, and pH is your steering wheel. With live number walkthroughs, we show how a single quart of acid can flip a balanced pool into corrosive red, and how a high pH can nudge a system into scale even when everything “looks fine.” You'll learn practical target ranges for plaster, fiberglass, and vinyl; why at least 150 ppm calcium is non-negotiable; and how to use alkalinity as a buffer to keep pH moves predictable. We also unpack TDS and salt's quiet role in scale formation and why measuring them matters in real-world service.If you handle startups, you'll get a clear roadmap: set calcium early, keep alkalinity near 100 ppm, adjust pH in steps, and never add calcium chloride and soda ash or baking soda on the same day. We share field stories—from coral-like scale to rusted heat exchangers—that connect the dots between a drifting LSI and expensive repairs. Finally, we reset expectations: you don't need a perfect zero. Aim for a safe green zone that rides seasonal changes without tipping into damage.• why LSI predicts corrosion or scale• calcium hardness as the baseline for balance• temperature's impact on the index through seasons• using pH as the primary steering control• safe targets for plaster, vinyl, and fiberglass• live example calculations with app guidance• startup priorities and minimum calcium levels• alkalinity as a buffer and sweet spot near 100 ppm• the danger of adding calcium and alkali the same day• TDS and salt effects on scale risk• field stories of etched plaster and crusted coping• focus on rangSend a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Pool Pros text questions hereThis Friday episode digs into one of the most argued topics in pool care: range chemistry and the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI).Rudy takes us back to 1936 and the work of Wilfred F. Langelier, who developed a model to prevent municipal water pipes from dissolving or scaling shut. LSI was never designed for swimmers. It was built to answer one simple question:Will this water dissolve calcium carbonate… or deposit it?That's it.Pools adopted LSI later because plaster behaves like municipal concrete. Your pool is essentially a miniature water system — just with sunscreen and cannonballs.What LSI Does (and Doesn't Do)LSI predicts calcium carbonate equilibrium. It protects:PlasterGroutHeatersSalt cellsTile linesWhat it does not tell you:If chlorine is killing pathogens fast enoughIf chloramines are risingIf nitrification is occurringIf biofilm is formingIf oxidation demand is being metLSI protects the vessel. It does not guarantee sanitation.Where 7.2–7.8 Came FromNo single person invented the modern pH range. It evolved from the overlap of:Human physiology (comfort and irritation)Chlorine chemistry (HOCl vs OCl⁻ balance)Cement durability researchRegulatory standardsEven phenol red test kits influenced it — operators standardized what they could clearly see and control.The Cyanuric Acid Blind SpotIf you don't subtract roughly one-third of CYA from total alkalinity before calculating LSI, your saturation balance is wrong.And LSI does not account for chlorine kinetics at all.You can have:A perfect 0.00 LSIHigh CYASlower disinfectionRising combined chlorineBiofilm quietly developingThe plaster may be safe. The water may not be optimal.Salt Cells, Heaters & MicroenvironmentsLSI models bulk water.Inside salt cells and heaters, localized pH spikes can create scaling even when your overall LSI reads balanced. Context matters. Temperature matters. Ionic strength matters.Water chemistry is not binary — it's gradient-based.The Real TakeawayRange chemistry isn't stupid. It's probabilistic. It works under average conditions in average pools.The mistake is believing ranges are universal laws.LSI is necessary — but not sufficient. Balance is not a number. It's interaction between thermodynamics, kinetics, microbiology, and material science.Stop worshiping the calculator. Start managing the system. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Your pool isn't misbehaving—your targets are. We take you past vague “ideal ranges” and into precise numbers that keep water clear, equipment protected, and algae out for good. Starting with the seven essentials—pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature, TDS, cyanuric acid, and measured chlorine—we explain how each parameter supports the others and how to prevent scale or corrosion using the Langelier Saturation Index. You'll hear why a steady pH of 7.5 and TA near 90 ppm form a stable base, how calcium should match your surface, and when TDS matters in both standard and saltwater pools.The real unlock is the chlorine–CYA relationship. If you've ever watched algae bloom at 10 ppm chlorine, the missing link is cyanuric acid. We lay out Bob Lowry's simplified approach: keep free chlorine at 7.5 percent of CYA for reliable sanitation, or 5 percent when borates are present. At 100 ppm CYA, that means aiming near 8 ppm FC; at 50 ppm CYA, about 4 ppm keeps water safer and clearer with less waste. Lowering CYA to around 50 makes daily control simpler, protects your budget, and avoids the trap of chasing “high” chlorine that still underperforms.We also dig into borates as a practical upgrade. At roughly 50 ppm, borates act as an algistat, slow pH drift, and enhance clarity so chlorine lasts longer and works smarter. Pair borates with disciplined targets and an LSI calculator like the Arenda app, and you'll stop reacting to blooms and start maintaining true balance. Whether you manage a service route or care for your own backyard pool, this walkthrough gives you a playbook: set firm targets, validate with LSI, align chlorine to CYA, and let borates shoulder the heavy lift against algae.• pH at 7.5 for comfort and control• Total alkalinity around 90 ppm to buffer pH• Calcium hardness tailored to surface type• Temperature and LSI to prevent scale or corrosion• CYA at about 50 ppm for effective chlorine• FC as 7.5 percent of CYA, or 5 percent with borates• Borates at 50 ppm as algistat and pH buffer• TDS as context, hSend a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

This week on the pod Lauren Frost is back to get her prov on!Lauren does shows all over Chicago including the famous Wednesday night free show at iO with Birdlady and Dumb John. She also co-hosts one of the hottest spots to get your indie team up to play at Open Stage Thursdays at The Western Bar and Kitchen. Starting March 19 you can check her out with her duo Lerin and 3 Actors Living in a Cave during their Thursday night run at LSI. Her stand-up and characters were recently featured in The Lincoln Lodge's Future of Comedy Festival. She's got a big laugh, big glasses, and has taken all the improv classes. The very funny improviser and comedian, Lauren Frost.!⁠Join our Patreon ⁠for $5 a month for bonus eps, back log eps, and exclusive premium content!Hosts:Hosts: ⁠Damian Anaya⁠, ⁠Tim Lyons⁠Sound by Tim

LSI's own Josh Johnson discusses the difference between the RFP and the RFI, which is also known as "sources sought". He explains how to capitalize on the opportunity that an RFI presents and answers some common questions on the process here. Bottom line: is it worth your time to respond to an RFI?

What if your “quick shock” could bleach a liner, stain a step, or even trigger an explosive reaction in your feeder? We take a hard, practical look at calcium hypochlorite—cal hypo—and share how pros use it for powerful oxidation without piling on cyanuric acid. From real-world dosing to regional water chemistry, we map the choices that keep your pool clean and your surfaces safe.We start with clarity on strength: why 73 to 78 percent cal hypo nearly matches a gallon of 12.5 percent liquid chlorine by output, and when that field rule of thumb—one pound to one gallon—makes sense. Then we get into the must-know risks: never mix cal hypo with trichlor or dichlor, don't drop it on vinyl or colored fiberglass, and watch for copper-driven black stains on plaster when oxidation hits metals. You'll learn how much calcium cal hypo adds, why pH temporarily rises, and how to think about LSI and regional hardness whether you're in Southern California's high-calcium zones or softer-water parts of Florida and Texas.Because cal hypo is unstabilized chlorine, we set clear CYA targets—50 to 70 ppm—to protect it from UV burn-off. We compare cal hypo tablets to trichlor tabs, explain why they're not one-to-one replacements, and detail the flow and temperature realities that make tabs dissolve too fast in hot markets. You'll hear practical tactics: when to feed through the skimmer during a long run cycle, how to place broken tabs on stubborn algae in pebble or on step corners, and when to stage 25 or 50 pound buckets at the pad for easy, consistent care without hauling heavy jugs.• comparing cal hypo strength to 12.5 percent liquid chlorine• why mixing with trichlor or dichlor is dangerous• calcium increase, pH impact, and regional hardness• safe application by surface: vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, pebble• metals and black staining risk with strong oxidation• unstabilized chlorine strategy and ideal CYA levels• cal hypo tablets vs trichlor tablets, feeders, and heat effects• pro tips for algae on steps and in pebble crevices• stockSend a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Send a textDr. Guy Winch, bestselling author and psychologist, joins Joe to discuss his newest book, Mind Over Grind to explore how job stress quietly spills beyond the office—and into our evenings, our sleep, and our relationships.What starts as a difficult meeting or looming deadline doesn't end at 1700. It follows us home. From the “Sunday Scaries” to 2AM rumination loops, Guy explains how modern work keeps us stuck in fight-or-flight—and why we're often blind to the ways we sabotage our future selves in the process.Joe reflects on his time in command and the culture of constant availability in the military, while Guy highlights research showing that leaders have far more power to reduce stress than they realize. Sometimes it's not about solving the problem—just showing that you care.They also spend time on practical tools: reframing procrastination, managing rumination, cultivating a better relationship with your “future self,” and creating intentional rituals that signal the workday is over.Watch the full interview on YouTube!Joe and Guy also discuss:Why the dread of Monday is often worse than Monday itselfHow procrastination is really about avoiding feelings—not tasksThe danger of treating your future self like a strangerHow to stop replaying failures at 2AMThe “Memoir Test” for putting problems in perspectiveWhy naming your emotions reduces their intensityHow journaling helps you spot recurring “icebergs” in your lifeWhy Instagram reels don't actually relax youThe science behind clothing, rituals, and mental transitionsWhether you're in the military, the corporate world, or building something of your own, this episode is a reminder that stress doesn't stay at work—and that managing your inner world is part of leading well.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Think evaporation lowers cyanuric acid? Think again. We open the cover on persistent pool myths with help from the late Bob Lowry's clear, data-driven explanations, and show how small assumptions can create big chemistry problems over a season.First, we break down why CYA never leaves with evaporation—only pure water does. That means every trichlor tablet quietly stacks CYA week after week, often hitting 100 to 150 ppm in a single swimming season. We compare sanitizer byproducts in plain terms: trichlor and dichlor raise CYA, liquid chlorine nudges TDS via salt, and cal hypo increases calcium. You'll hear practical numbers you can use on route, like how a gallon of liquid chlorine typically adds around 20 to 30 ppm salt depending on pool size, and how 65 percent cal hypo can add about 7 ppm calcium for every 10 ppm of free chlorine delivered.Then we shift to acids. Muriatic acid remains the straightforward choice for lowering pH and alkalinity without adding sulfate. Dry acid, while convenient, introduces sulfate that can accumulate and lead to calcium sulfate scale—harder to remove than calcium carbonate and invisible to the LSI you rely on. We also cover why dry acid needs airtight storage due to deliquescence, how to approach dosing when total alkalinity runs high, and why older warnings about dry acid and salt systems don't reflect current understanding, even if they persist in some manuals.By the end, you'll know how to choose the chlorine and acid strategy that fits your climate, hardness, and maintenance plan. • evaporation removes only pure water, not CYA• trichlor adds 6 ppm CYA per 10 ppm chlorine• CYA rises 25 ppm per month at common usage• water loss from draining or splash removes CYA• liquid chlorine adds modest salt and TDS• all chlorine types end as part of TDS• cal hypo adds about 7 ppm calcium per 10 ppm FC• dry acid introduces sulfate and hidden scale risk• calcium sulfate scale does not show on LSI• dry acid is deliquescent and needs tight storage• high alkalinity often nSend a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

The best pool chemistry advice is the kind you can use on your next route. We sit down with Terry Arco to share how Bob Lowry's teachings are being refined into fast, field-ready training for residential service pros, plus a major update to the IPSA manuals that shaped a generation of technicians. If you've ever held chlorine at 3 ppm and still fought algae, or watched CYA granules sit on the floor in cold water, this walkthrough connects the dots between LSI, stabilizer, and free chlorine in a way that saves time and reduces callbacks.Terry explains how a six-hour class became a tight, high-impact course based on Lowry's 26-page Pool Chemistry for Service Pros. We unpack the three recurring challenges on most routes—water balance swings, misunderstood CYA behavior, and persistent algae despite “right” chlorine levels—and show how to solve them with clear targets and better testing. Expect actionable tips on managing LSI to avoid scale and corrosion, setting free chlorine relative to CYA and sunlight, and using aeration demos to see pH dynamics in real time.We also highlight HASA's stewardship of Bob's work, including updated IPSA training manuals and a Spanish edition in progress, while honoring the way Bob bridged lab smarts with backyard realities. From liquid pool conditioner to phone calls returned, his legacy is practical chemistry that respects the craft and the clock. The 2026 schedule brings these condensed courses to major shows and regional events nationwide, so you can level up without losing a day on the route.• Abridged course drawn from Pool Chemistry for Service Pros• Focus on LSI for scale and corrosion control• Practical CYA management tied to sunlight and chlorine strength• Rethinking fixed free chlorine targets to prevent algae• Demonstrations on aeration and pH behavior• HASA stewardship of Bob Lowry copyrights• IPSA manuals updated and Spanish versions in development• 2026 training at Western, Southwest, Florida, Arizona, and Fresno eventsSend us a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Send us a textGriffin Brand and Dan Casey, co-authors of Bring Your Own Pencil: Bill Walsh's Playbook for Winning at Anything, join Joe to explore preparation, leadership, and what separates sustained excellence from short-term success.It's Super Bowl weekend, so football is part of the lens—but it doesn't stay there. The discussion moves from Bill Walsh and the San Francisco 49ers to Dyson vacuums, Raising Cane's chicken fingers, JSOC, and even 50 Cent. Different worlds, same underlying question: why do some people and organizations endure while others flame out?At the center is a simple idea: success is a lagging indicator. Drawing on Walsh's leadership philosophy, Griffin and Dan explain why outcomes take care of themselves when leaders focus on standards, habits, and ownership of preparation—long before performance is visible.From there, the episode broadens into leadership more generally: perseverance, the myth of overnight success, and how constraints can sharpen thinking instead of limiting it. A key theme is the idea of a permanent base camp—maintaining standards that keep teams within striking distance of excellence without burning them out.They also spend time on legacy. Not wins or titles, but people. The episode reinforces a simple measure of leadership: how many people succeed because you took the time to invest in them.Watch the full interview on YouTube!Joe, Griffin, and Dan also discuss: What “bring your own pencil” really means for leaders Alive time vs. dead time  How the path to the top is rarely a straight line How to sustain excellence without burning people or culture Why inputs matter more than outcomes How culture becomes real when it carries itself forward What legacy looks like when leaders step back Why the best leaders make their ceiling someone else's floorWhether you're watching the Super Bowl or leading a team far from the spotlight, this episode is a reminder that the work that matters most usually happens long before anyone is watching.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Your pool test is only as good as the tool you choose—and the eyes reading it. We dive straight into the real-world trade-offs between test strips, reagent kits, and photometers, showing where “good enough” saves time and where precision protects plaster, budgets, and your reputation. You'll hear how modern strips have improved, why big manufacturers now back them, and the simple reason human color matching still introduces error.We walk through the key differences between ranges and exact numbers, using practical examples for chlorine, pH, and alkalinity. For everyday backyard pools, getting into the right band is often all you need to maintain clarity and comfort. For new plaster startups, commercial compliance, or tricky water, exact numbers matter—so we explain when to reach for a photometer like the LaMotte ColorQ or SpinTouch and how to weave precision checks into a weekly route without crushing your schedule.Troubleshooting gets a spotlight. If chlorine keeps vanishing or algae won't quit, phosphate and nitrate strips can surface hidden issues fast and point you toward the right fix. We also break down brand choices—AquaChek for easy readouts, LaMotte for range and pairing with meters, Taylor for consistency—and share tips on storage, reading technique, and smart timing. By the end, you'll have a simple framework: use strips for speed and trend-checking, confirm with a photometer when stakes are high, and keep your workflow lean while your water stays dialed in.If this helped sharpen your testing strategy, follow the show, share it with a fellow pool pro, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Got a testing hack or tool you swear by? Tell us and join the conversation.• modern strip accuracy and human color limits• ranges versus exact numbers for routine care• when precision matters for LSI and compliance• photometers as the gold standard for accuracy• workflow: weekly strips with monthly precision checks• problem-solving with phosphate and nitrate strips• brand comfort: AquaChek, LaMotte, TaySend us a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Send us a textLieutenant General Tony Hale, the Army G-2, joins Joe for a conversation on military intelligence, judgment, and decision-making in modern war. Drawing on nearly four decades of service, Hale reflects on the evolution of the intelligence profession—from red pens and acetate maps to AI-enabled platforms—and why human judgment still matters most.Hale shares his path into military intelligence, challenges common misconceptions about the field, and explains why intelligence is foundational to maneuver, lethality, and command. From battalion S2 shops to JSOC, Afghanistan, and the Army's highest intelligence roles, he offers a clear view of how intelligence professionals shape outcomes across every echelon.They discuss the responsibility of “putting your rank on the table,” developing junior analysts, and creating environments where ideas matter more than hierarchy. The conversation also explores self-development, operating amid disinformation, balancing OSINT with historical context, and how AI can enhance—but never replace— disciplined thinking.In this episode, LTG Hale and Joe explore:Why “lethality starts with intelligence”The role of intelligence in enabling decision dominanceMaking analytical calls under uncertaintyDeveloping confident, capable intelligence professionalsThe limits of AI and the enduring value of human judgmentPreparing for future conflict while mastering the fundamentalsWhether you're an intelligence professional, commander, or leader navigating uncertainty, this conversation is a reminder that seeing clearly—and thinking well—remains the decisive advantage.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Tired of white dust on your dark pebble finish, shredded filter media, or the stress of a sudden cold snap? We dig into the practical, money-saving tactics that keep pools clear and equipment safe, backed by decades in the field and feedback from real service routes. You'll hear exactly why pressure washers and cartridge filters don't mix, plus the simple nozzle upgrade that speeds cleaning without wrecking pleats.We unpack calcium scale on pebble interiors with a plan you can actually use: manage the LSI slightly on the corrosive side to limit scale formation, lean on the Orenda app to get the math right, and use a sequestrant like EasyCare Butech for added protection during new-surface break-in. When deposits set hard, we explain why acid washes disappoint and why professional media blasting is the dependable reset—along with realistic costs so clients aren't blindsided.Cold weather throws another curveball. Freeze protect typically kicks on around 37 degrees and can run pumps for days without harm, but power outages are the real danger. We share a simple emergency checklist—from opening drain plugs to pulling salt cells—and why a standby generator is the best insurance in deep freezes. We also spotlight a patent-pending cartridge assembly for the Bottom Feeder and Shrimp vacs that captures 20-micron debris, transforming fine-dirt cleanups. To cap it off, we clarify how to get the most from suction-side cleaners: leave them in, let variable speed schedules do the work, and avoid hose memory by storing lines straight during parties.• why pressure washers damage cartridge filters and safer nozzle options• how LSI management reduces scale on dark pebble finishes• when to use sequestrants and when blasting is the only fix• realistic costs and cadence for bead blasting pebble interiors• how freeze protect works and what to do during power outages• a cartridge add-on that lets portable vacs capture fine dirt• best practices for leaving suction cleaners in and scheduling run timeJoin the pool guy coaching progSend us a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Send us a textOn the release of his latest thriller, The Viper: A Zig and Nola Novel, Brad Meltzer joins Joe for an in-depth conversation on writing, curiosity, service, and the often-hidden moments that shape a life. From bestselling thrillers to children's books, Meltzer reflects on how stories—both real and imagined—help us make sense of who we are, what we've lived through, and the paths we choose moving forward.Drawing on his own unlikely origin story, Meltzer shares how a single teacher's encouragement set him on the path to becoming a writer, why falling in love with the process matters more than chasing outcomes, and how curiosity has been the throughline of his career. They explore how paying attention—to people, details, and quiet acts of kindness—can open doors we didn't even know existed.The conversation also dives into Meltzer's deep connection to the military community, from his work with the USO to the research behind his Zig and Nola thriller series set at Dover Air Force Base. Together, Joe and Brad discuss service, sacrifice, grief, and why storytelling can help destigmatize mental health struggles—especially for those transitioning out of uniform.In this episode, Brad Meltzer and Joe also explore:How one teacher's belief can change the trajectory of a lifeWhy curiosity is a more powerful tool than talentFalling in love with the process—not the outcome—of creative workWhat writing thrillers has taught Meltzer about human natureWhy Dover Air Force Base became the heart of his Zig and Nola seriesHow small acts of kindness ripple outward in unexpected waysThe challenge of transitioning from a life of constant motion to stillnessWhy seeking help is a sign of strength, not weaknessHow reading builds empathy, critical thinking, and resilienceWhy transformation is the hardest, and most important, kind of changeWhether you're a writer, a leader, a veteran, or someone navigating a transition, this conversation is a reminder that paying attention, staying curious, and honoring the quiet work of becoming can lead to a life richer than any plan you could have written in advance.Watch the full episode on Youtube! A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter. Their teams support large user communities and mis

Forget the old rule that outdoor pools must live at 7.4 pH. We dig into why cyanuric acid, not pH, is the dominant force behind chlorine strength in the sun, and how reframing your strategy around the FC-to-CYA ratio can reduce algae, cut costs, and protect your surfaces. With insights from industry committee work and modeling, we explain why a 20:1 CYA-to-free chlorine ceiling matters, why 30–50 ppm CYA often hits the sweet spot, and how to choose targets that keep chlorine working without drifting into overstabilized territory.We also tackle a costly habit: aggressive acid dosing. Most techs are using far more acid than needed to move from 8.0 to 7.5, and that overcorrection hammers the Langelier Saturation Index, etches plaster, and invites oxidation. We walk through accurate acid calculations, the importance of pre-dilution, and circulation techniques that avoid “acid plunges” to the floor. Along the way, we separate the roles of pH and alkalinity, show how alkalinity drives acid demand, and spotlight calcium hardness as the quiet anchor that stabilizes LSI so your system doesn't whiplash week to week.Finally, we compare outdoor and indoor realities. Without CYA, indoor pools follow the classic rule where pH directly sets chlorine strength. Outdoors, stabilizer changes the game—so stop chasing numbers that don't deliver. The payoff is fewer algae battles, stronger sanitation, and longer-lasting surfaces through a measured, data-first approach. If this perspective helps, subscribe, share the show with a colleague, and leave a quick review so more pros can rethink their chemistry playbook.• Why eye pH claims mislead• How CYA binds chlorine and alters strength• The 20:1 CYA-to-free chlorine ceiling• Targeting 30–50 ppm CYA for balance• Acid overuse, LSI crashes, and surface damage• Pre-diluting acid and correct dosing amounts• Alkalinity as buffer and its components• Calcium hardness as the quiet LSI anchor• Indoor pools without CYA follow classic pH rules• Why pH “bounce” often comes from bad aciSend us a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Most pool pros have heard it for years: lower the pH to make chlorine stronger. That's true in non-stabilized water, but once cyanuric acid enters the picture, the rules change. We sit down with Eric Knight to unpack why the FC-to-CYA ratio, not pH, governs chlorine's effective strength in outdoor pools—and how that insight can save you time, money, and a lot of acid.We break down the chemistry in plain language. You'll hear how chlorine splits into hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion, why that balance matters indoors, and how CYA binds most chlorine outdoors to form isocyanurates. With typical CYA levels, the effective kill speed stays nearly the same between pH 7.0 and 8.0, which means chasing an ultra-low pH for “stronger chlorine” is a dead end. Instead, use pH to manage balance on the Langelier Saturation Index, contain its rise with smart alkalinity and calcium hardness, and aim for a CYA level that keeps your free chlorine target achievable.We also talk real-world strategy: the pitfalls of overstabilization, how high CYA inflates contact times, and why partial drains are sometimes the only fix. To sharpen your program, support chlorine with enzymes to trim oxidant demand, control phosphates to lower growth pressure, and consider secondary oxidation where it fits. The goal is a stable chain: CYA in range, free chlorine matched to that CYA, pH contained for LSI, and demand reduced so sanitizer can do its job.• FC-to-CYA ratio as the primary driver of chlorine effectiveness in outdoor pools• Why pH control matters for LSI balance more than sanitization with CYA present• The equilibrium of HOCl and OCl− in non-stabilized water contrasted with CYA-bound chlorine• Practical CYA ranges and why levels above 50 ppm complicate free chlorine targets• Overstabilization risks, longer contact times, and when to drain and dilute• Using enzymes, phosphate control, and secondary oxidizers to reduce oxidant demand• Containing pH with LSI strategy instead of forcing low numbers that rebound• Clear differences between saSend us a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Algae pressure, drifting pH, and vanishing chlorine can make pool care feel like a tug of war. We sat down with renowned chemist and educator Bob Lowry to map out a cleaner, calmer path: use borates the right way, match your CYA to your chlorine needs, and stop fighting the water. The conversation cuts through marketing myths to show why boric acid at 50 ppm stabilizes pH and supports sanitizer performance without turning your maintenance plan upside down.We start by reframing borates as a tool, not a cure-all. Bob explains the simple pairing that drives clarity: free chlorine maintained at about 5 percent of CYA with a minimum of 2 ppm. For most outdoor pools, that points to 40–50 ppm CYA; for salt water chlorine generators, 70 ppm often works better because it protects fresh chlorine produced at the cell and near the sunlit surface. Expect steadier weeks with fewer spikes, not a set-and-forget miracle.Product choice matters. Boric acid barely changes pH or alkalinity, while borax-based products can push pH near 9 and add roughly 115 ppm to total alkalinity, demanding large acid corrections and risking scale if calcium is high. Bob details how pre-balancing and LSI awareness prevent cloudy water, plus practical dosing math and the limited but workable testing options. Field experience and historical research converge on 50 ppm as the effective algaestat level, with 70 ppm a smart ceiling for SWGs seeking extra stability and clarity.If you want water that holds its balance, sparkles in the sun, and uses chlorine more efficiently, this guide lays out the steps: choose boric acid, set CYA with intent, maintain a real chlorine residual, and top off borates only when water leaves the pool. • borates as a pH buffer and algaestat at 50 ppm• chlorine set at 5% of CYA with a 2 ppm floor• CYA targets of 40–50 ppm and 70 ppm for SWGs• boric acid vs borax forms and acid demand• LSI risks when TA, CH and pH run high• dosing math and maintenance dosing over seasons• limited testing options and practical workarounds•Send us a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

This week on the pod we have the return of good friend Kyle Bethea and making his pod debut, local Chicago improv titan Bill Arnett joins us to chat'n'prov about your first sip of beer, alpha dogs, Hannibalesque bears and more!Listen to Bill on his own podcast MPZ Listening PartyFollow 3 Actors Living in a Cave for updates on live shows!Come see Tim and Damian do it LIVE this Saturday December 20th at LSI with Dina Facklis and Abby McEnany

This week on the pod we welcome back Andrew Lemna and Devin Henderson to chat'n'prov about Black Friday deals, Friendsgivings, and giving the perfect gift to your nieces and nephews that won't drive your siblings insane. Sound Design by Nick McMillinCheck out the Family at LSI this Friday at 10 pmFUDGE and FRIENDS December 20th⁠Join our Patreon ⁠for $5 a month for bonus eps, back log eps, and exclusive premium content!Hosts:Hosts: ⁠Damian Anaya⁠, ⁠Tim Lyons⁠