Podcasts about LSI

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

Happy Monday, Store Nation.   Welcome to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   I'm your host, Dean Booty.   Today, we're looking at the latest weekly figures across our self-storage sites and how we use key performance indicators to identify problems before they become bigger issues.   We also discuss how to diagnose bottlenecks, improve conversions, and use your numbers to make better business decisions.   Hope you enjoy this episode.   Please give it a listen.   Free training here:  https://www.mrselfstorage.com/self-storage-investing-academy Or if you're ready to take the next step, apply to join my program here: 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

Borates get talked about like they're a cure-all for pool problems, but that belief is exactly what gets pool owners and pool pros into trouble. We sit down with industry veteran Bob Lowry to separate hype from real pool water chemistry, and to explain what borates actually do when you add them to a swimming pool. If you're chasing constant pH rise, fighting recurring algae, or trying to make a saltwater chlorine generator pool easier to manage, this conversation will give you a clearer, calmer plan.We dig into the non-negotiables first: chlorine still has to be maintained correctly, and cyanuric acid (CYA) still has to be in a sensible range so chlorine isn't getting crushed by sunlight. Bob explains why low CYA can backfire, why minimum chlorine matters, and how testing accuracy plays into real-world decisions. From there, we tackle the pH buffering tradeoff that surprises people most: borates can slow how fast pH climbs, but once pH finally gets high, it can take significantly more acid to pull it back down, which is why balance before you add.We also get practical about products and process. Bob walks through why boric acid is the preferred borate source for most pools, how borax-based products can spike pH and total alkalinity, and how that swing can push LSI positive and cloud a pool by dropping calcium out of solution. You'll hear realistic target ranges like 50 ppm borates, when some pros go higher in salt pools, plus what to do when borate testing options are limited and you need to rely on dosing math. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a pool pro friend, and leave us a quick review so more people can find the show.We get real about what borates can and can't do for your pool, and why “add borates and forget it” is the fastest way to get disappointed. We also break down the chemistry details that actually make borates useful, from pH buffering tradeoffs to the right borate level for saltwater pools.• Borates as a helpful tool, not a magic bullet• Why chlorine level still needs to track CYA and stay above minimums• How borates slow pH rise but can require more acid later• Why pH and alkalinity should be in range before adding borates• Boric acid vs borax products and why borax can spike pH• How cloudy water can happen from LSI and calcium precipitation• Practical borate targets like 50 ppm and when 70 ppm can make sense• Why saltwater chlorine generator pools often do better with higher CYA• Testing options for borates and when dosing math is the workaround• Why borates usually only drop with water loss and need small rechargesLearn more at SwimmingPoolLearning.com  If you're interested in the coaching program there, can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.comSend 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

Sean Hopwood, Founder and CEO of Day Translations, joins SlatorPod to talk about building a global language solutions integrator (LSI) over the past 20 years, adapting to AI, and why a passion for languages continues to shape the LSI's strategy.Sean reflects on how his entrepreneurial mindset and fascination with languages led him to launch Day Translations, which has grown from handling small community projects into serving enterprise, legal, medical, and government clients while remaining bootstrapped.He explains why human expertise remains central as the LSI adopts AI across its workflows, develops its own large language model for enterprise and government procurement, and plans to commercialize these capabilities while continuing to invest in technology.He discusses the DayInterpreting app, which integrates with Zoom and Microsoft Teams, supports rapid interpreter connections, and is already prepared for AI interpreting when customers require it.He argues that constant learning, business growth, and technological adaptation are essential for long-term success, while also stressing that translation plays a vital role in preserving cultures and protecting linguistic diversity.He concludes by outlining plans to expand the interpreting platform, strengthen the LSI's B2B focus, secure additional compliance certifications, and continue combining human expertise with AI-powered language solutions.

In this episode, Adam Torres interviews Vincent Forese, President & CEO of Link-Systems International, about the evolving role of AI in education. Vincent explains how responsible AI can enhance tutoring, improve student outcomes, and support educators while preserving academic integrity and the value of human mentorship. About Vincent Forese An Ed Tech executive with a long term vision and an immediate term operations skill set.  20+ years experience in organizational behavior, finance, information systems, sales/marketing, and product development. Deeply vested in educational products and services that can change people's lives. About Link-Systems International Link-Systems International, Inc. (LSI) is a market-leading software company that helps academic institutions create effective digital solutions for teaching and learning. Launched in 1995, LSI has created several unique and powerful software platforms that facilitate the sharing of content over the Internet. We specialize in mathematics, technical and scientific content, the most critical types of online content with respect to student persistence, and the most difficult to share online. Their customers include K-12 publishers, higher education publishers, virtual high schools, higher education institutions, technology companies, and joint programs dedicated to providing online educational content to members of organized labor and their families. Their partners and customers have come to value and trust LSI because we are the only company that offers a complete suite of interoperable solutions that address the entire life cycle of the student, with an overt focus on the bottom line: student persistence and student retention. Watch Full Episode on ⁠Youtube⁠. --- Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Adam Torres interviews Vincent Forese, President & CEO of Link-Systems International, about the evolving role of AI in education. Vincent explains how responsible AI can enhance tutoring, improve student outcomes, and support educators while preserving academic integrity and the value of human mentorship. About Vincent Forese An Ed Tech executive with a long term vision and an immediate term operations skill set.  20+ years experience in organizational behavior, finance, information systems, sales/marketing, and product development. Deeply vested in educational products and services that can change people's lives. About Link-Systems International Link-Systems International, Inc. (LSI) is a market-leading software company that helps academic institutions create effective digital solutions for teaching and learning. Launched in 1995, LSI has created several unique and powerful software platforms that facilitate the sharing of content over the Internet. We specialize in mathematics, technical and scientific content, the most critical types of online content with respect to student persistence, and the most difficult to share online. Their customers include K-12 publishers, higher education publishers, virtual high schools, higher education institutions, technology companies, and joint programs dedicated to providing online educational content to members of organized labor and their families. Their partners and customers have come to value and trust LSI because we are the only company that offers a complete suite of interoperable solutions that address the entire life cycle of the student, with an overt focus on the bottom line: student persistence and student retention. Watch Full Episode on ⁠Youtube⁠. --- Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Friday, Store Nation.   Welcome back to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   Today, we're exploring the latest CSTA industry report on customer retention and what it reveals about customer behaviour in container self storage.   We also discuss why longer customer stays are creating greater value for operators and what these trends mean for the future of container self storage.  Hope you enjoy this episode.   Give it a listen.   Free training here:  https://www.mrselfstorage.com/self-storage-investing-academy Or if you're ready to take the next step, apply to join my program here: 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 tuning in to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   I'm your host, Dean Booty.   Today, we're exploring the latest Container Self-Storage & Traders Association industry report on occupancy and utilisation, and what the latest data reveals about the sector.   We also discuss why high occupancy creates pricing opportunities, what many operators overlook, and what these trends mean for the future of container self storage.   Hope you enjoy this episode.   Give it a listen.   Free training here:  https://www.mrselfstorage.com/self-storage-investing-academy Or if you're ready to take the next step, apply to join my program here: 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

You ever find yourself trapped in the Ether Place or super sure you can take everyone in a fight while lounging in a ball pit at McDonalds? Then this weeks ep is for you featuring the insanely funny Mani Lopez from The Mud City Improv Festival and Swamp! Follow both of the IG accounts to keep up to date with live shows and the 2027 festival!Tickets for LSI this Saturday at 10 pmSound Design by Nick McMillinSupport 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

In this Lift Up episode, Josh Johnson, head of office operations and strategy for LSI in the Washington, D.C. region, explains that visiting your Congress member is not as simple as walking into Congress. There is a variety of other staff working to ensure that information reaches your Congress member through the proper channels; this episode details which ones you are likely to speak to.

Bad pool chemistry decisions usually start with one thing: a bad test. We walk through the real pros and cons of the tools most people rely on to test pool water, and why your “best” method changes based on whether you're running 80 stops a week, bidding a new account, starting up fresh plaster, or managing commercial compliance.We compare test strips, Taylor-style reagent test kits (including the popular K-2005 and K-2006), photometers like the Pool Lab 2.0 and ColorQ 2X Pro, and high-speed options like the LaMotte Spin Touch. You'll hear where each method shines, where it can mislead you, and how factors like reagent shelf life, tablet handling, and simple user error can swing your readings. We also dig into why photometers are so powerful for accurate pH and chlorine numbers, plus how digital logging can support commercial pool records and customer trust.To wrap it up, we share a practical “mix and match” approach for pool service businesses: use the affordable tools daily, verify weird results quickly, and pull out the precision gear when you're balancing LSI or solving a stubborn problem. We also make the case for one digital tool that earns a permanent spot on your truck: a reliable TDS and salinity meter, while explaining why portable digital pH probes often create more hassle than value. If this helps, subscribe, share it with another pool pro, and leave a quick review with your go-to testing method.We break down the four main ways to test pool water and explain why “best” depends on your route, your budget, and how precise you really need to be. We compare speed, cost, accuracy, and real-world use cases so you can stop guessing and start testing with purpose.  • four common methods: test strips, reagent kits, photometers, digital testers  • why Taylor reagent test kits stay the most affordable option for weekly service  • the biggest drawback of reagent kits: color matching and human interpretation  • how photometers work and why they deliver more precise digital readings  • when logging and documentation matter for commercial pools and startups  • why LaMotte Spin Touch is fast but expensive to run  • when test strips are accurate enough and when they are not  • using strips to verify odd readings and quickly confirm low chlorine  • which test factors you do not need to measure every week  • how user technique affects photometer accuracy with tablets and drops  • why a TDS and salinity meter is the most useful digital tool  • why portable digital pH probes often create more work than value  Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  Looking for other podcasts, you can find those by going to my website, swingingpolearning.com.  If you're interested in the coaching program that I offer, you can learn more at poolguidecoaching.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

Good morning, Store Nation. Thank you for tuning in to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   I'm your host, Dean Booty.   Today, we're looking at what the latest industry data reveals about who really uses self storage.   We dive into how changing customer demographics should influence your marketing, messaging, and business strategy.   Hope you enjoy this episode.   Give it a listen.   Wanna take my FREE Masterclass: https://www.mrselfstorage.com/self-storage-investing-academy   Application to work with us: 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

Happy Monday, Store Nation. Welcome to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   Im your host, Dean Booty. Today, we're talking about our weekly figures, including quotes, reservations, move-ins, occupancy, and revenue.   We also look at why June has been our toughest trading month in years, what the numbers are telling us, and how we're planning to turn things around in July.   Hope you enjoy this episode.   Give it a listen.   Wanna take my FREE Masterclass: https://www.mrselfstorage.com/self-storage-investing-academy   Application to work with us: 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

Algae every week even though the test kit shows plenty of chlorine? That headache usually isn't bad luck, it's bad math. We dig into the most common rookie mistakes new pool service pros make and show the chemistry behind why a pool can read “sanitized” while algae still wins. The big unlock is understanding cyanuric acid (CYA) and how it binds most of the chlorine in the water, leaving only a small active portion available to kill algae. From there, we make the fix practical: stop guessing and start targeting free chlorine based on your stabilizer level. We walk through the easy field rule that free chlorine should sit around 7.5% of CYA, plus how adding borates at about 50 ppm can lower that requirement to roughly 5% in many pools. If you're servicing trichlor pools with high CYA, this framework explains exactly why “6 ppm is high” can still be nowhere near enough. We also shift from pure chemistry to water balance and operations. We talk about the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), what it's designed to predict (scale forming vs corrosive water), and why “balanced” isn't the same as “stable” when alkalinity and pH are constantly drifting. Then we hit a nuts-and-bolts issue that ruins otherwise good chemistry: filtration runtime. We explain turnovers, why one turnover only filters about 65%, why three turnovers is a smart target, and how low circulation creates dead zones where algae can grow. If you want to tighten up your pool maintenance results, reduce call-backs, and run a more predictable pool service business, listen through and take notes. For more training, visit swimmingpoollearning.com and check out PoolGuyCoaching.com, then subscribe, share the show with a tech who needs it, and leave a review so more service pros can find it.We break down the most common rookie mistakes that keep new pool service pros stuck in recurring algae, cloudy water, and constant chemical chasing. We show how to set smarter chlorine targets using the cyanuric acid ratio, when borates change the math, why LSI can mislead if you ignore stability, and how pump runtime and turnovers make or break circulation.  • misunderstanding how high cyanuric acid weakens effective chlorine  • using the 7.5% of CYA free chlorine target  • lowering the chlorine requirement with 50 ppm borates  • why “2 to 4 ppm chlorine” can fail for algae prevention  • what LSI predicts and what it does not  • choosing target ranges to make water stable week to week  • calculating turnovers from pool volume and flow rate  • why short runtimes create dead spots and let algae take hold  Learn more at swimming poollearning.com.  If you're looking for other podcasts, just go to my website, swimming for learning.com.  And 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

Happy Friday, Store Nation.   Thank you for tuning in to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   I'm your host, Dean Booty. Today, we're exploring a simple mindset shift that could transform the way you build your business: buy time, buy skills, and stop buying distractions.   We also dive into why investing in yourself and delegating the right tasks can create far greater returns than trying to do everything on your own.   Hope you enjoy this episode.   Give it a listen.   Wanna take my FREE Masterclass: https://www.mrselfstorage.com/self-storage-investing-academy   Application to work with us: 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.   Welcome to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   Today, we're diving into the latest self-storage industry data and one demographic trend that could change the way you market your business.   We explore who is really using self-storage, why age matters more than ever, and what operators should be focusing on to attract the right customers.   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.   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

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

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

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.