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Talking Pools Podcast

Rudy Stankowitz

If you’ve ever stared at a test kit like it personally insulted your family… welcome home.


Talking Pools Podcast is the pool industry’s “pull up a chair” show—part shop talk, part field manual, part therapy session—built for people who actually live on pool decks: commercial operators, service techs, builders, facility managers, and anyone responsible for water that can’t afford to go sideways. The network was created to level up the pool industry with real-world conversations on water chemistry, filtration, troubleshooting, construction, safety, and the business side of keeping pools open and budgets intact. 


Here’s the hook: it’s not theory-first. It’s experience-first—a roster of seasoned pros (with 250+ years of combined “been there, fixed that” wisdom) turning complicated problems into practical moves you can use the same day.  And it’s not one voice, one vibe, one corner of the industry: it’s a network of shows designed to reflect how diverse this work really is—different regions, different specialties, different personalities. 


Also worth saying out loud: women aren’t “special guests” here—they’re on the mic as hosts, from the beginning, with an intentionally balanced roster.  That matters, because the best ideas in this industry don’t come from one lane—they come from the whole road.


If you want a podcast that can make you laugh and make you better at what you do—without pretending the job is easier than it is—Talking Pools is the one you queue up before the first stop, and keep on when the day starts getting weird. 

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  • 42 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 39 min
  • English

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  • S5 · E1080
    Sunday · 44 min

    Workplace Safety: It’s Not a Problem Until It’s a Problem

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

    • Transcript
  • S5 · E1079
    Friday · 25 min

    Cancel Me: Gen X, Cancel Culture and Knowing When to Shut the F*** Up

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

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  • S5 · E1078
    September 16 · 50 min

    Jeff Hampe: Mentorship, Mosaic Mastery and Pool-Tile Myths

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

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  • S5 · E1077
    September 13 · 38 min

    Can Your Pool Business Survive Without You?

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

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  • S5 · E1077
    September 11 · 22 min

    Reflecting Absence: The Engineering Behind the 9/11 Memorial Pools

    Ask a question here Twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11, 2001, this special episode of the Talking Pools Podcast is presented without commercial interruption. Rudy Stankowitz remembers the 2,977 people murdered that day, the passengers and crews who fought back, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the survivors and recovery workers who carried the physical and emotional consequences home with them. The episode then examines Reflecting Absence, the two enormous memorial pools built within the footprints of the former World Trade Center towers. From nearly 1,400 feet of precision waterfall weir and more than a million gallons of water to thousands of granite panels, extensive automation, and demanding overnight maintenance, Rudy explores the extraordinary engineering required to make the machinery disappear so the meaning can remain. This episode doesn't reduce sacred ground to pumps, hydraulics, and water treatment. It is a pool professional’s appreciation of the architects, engineers, fabricators, operators, and maintenance crews whose work protects the dignity of one of America’s most important memorials. In This Episode: Remembering the victims, heroes, survivors, and recovery workers of September 11 The meaning behind Michael Arad and Peter Walker’s Reflecting Absence How the massive waterfall weirs were adjusted to within one-sixteenth of an inch Why published pumping and circulation figures must be interpreted carefully The difference between water-effect flow and treatment flow More than 1,000 monitored operating points working behind the scenes The challenge of maintaining dark granite beneath 400 surrounding trees Why mock-ups, tolerances, automation, and maintenance access matter How engineering and maintenance preserve the memorial’s intended experience Two pools. Nearly two acres. More than a million gallons of water. Thousands of names. Today, we remember. #September11 #NeverForget #911Memorial #ReflectingAbsence #TalkingPoolsPodcast #PoolProfessionals #AquaticEngineering #WaterFeatureDesign Music: We the People, written and performed by Alesandra Rosette https://youtu.be/AOV70hNcajI?si=1j1f9k2IizozsCQc Here are the official archived transcripts for all three presidential speeches used in the episode: President George W. Bush — Remarks to the Nation from Ellis Island, September 11, 2002 Source of the “September 11, 2001 will always be a fixed point in the life of America” passage. President Barack Obama — National September 11 Memorial Museum Dedication, May 15, 2014 Source of the passage about standing “in the footprints of two mighty towers, graced by the rush of eternal waters.” President Donald Trump — Flight 93 National Memorial Address, September 11, 2020 Source of the passage honoring the 40 passengers and crew who “rose up, took charge, made their stand.” Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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  • S5 · E1076
    September 10 · 46 min

    Chemicals in the Skimmer, Insurance Gaps & the Pool Guy Who “Feels” the Water

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

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  • S5 · E1075
    September 9 · 1 hr 1 min

    Mentorship, AI, and Common Sense with Peter Wiedermann

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

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  • S5 · E1074
    September 6 · 46 min

    Training Today Builds a Stronger Pool Industry Tomorrow

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

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  • S5 · E1073
    September 5 · 30 min

    Pool Remodels: What Lies Beneath the Plaster

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

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  • S5 · E1074
    September 4 · 31 min

    Ten Things Wrong with the Pool Industry

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

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  • S5 · E1071
    September 3 · 12 min

    Selling Your Pool Business? Protect Yourself Before You Sign

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

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  • S5 · E1070
    September 2 · 1 hr

    Calcium Nodules, Mentorship, and 50 Years of Pool Industry Wisdom with Jerry Wallace

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

    • Transcript
  • S6 · E1069
    August 31 · 56 min

    The Biggest Pool Technology from Down Under

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

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  • S6 · E1968
    August 28 · 25 min

    Rudy asks Education or Sales Pitch? Know Who’s Teaching You

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

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  • S6 · E1067
    August 27 · 17 min

    1099 or W-2? The Expensive Difference Pool Companies Cannot Ignore

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

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  • S6 · E1066
    August 26 · 35 min

    Is There Too Much Pool Industry Education?

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

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  • S6 · E1065
    August 24 · 54 min

    Is Your Pool Business Balanced—or Are You Just Putting Out Fires?

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

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  • S6 · E1064
    August 21 · 30 min

    If You’re the Local Expert, Stop Charging Like the Local Idiot

    Ask a question here WARNING: Intentionally Abrasive Language - Every service business wants to be the company everyone recommends—the local expert called after three other contractors have replaced the wrong parts, collected their checks, and left the customer with the same damn problem. But authority doesn’t come from putting “premier,” “elite,” or “superior” on the side of a truck. It comes from becoming exceptionally good at solving difficult problems, teaching people what you know, documenting your results, and earning a reputation that reaches the customer before you do. In this episode, Rudy explains how pool professionals and other service-business owners can become the recognized expert in their county—and why anyone who earns that position should charge at least 10% more than the interchangeable competition. In This Episode Why calling yourself an expert doesn’t make you one How to attach your name to a specific, difficult problem Why teaching customers increases your value The difference between generic content and useful local expertise How informed opinions make professionals memorable Turning difficult jobs into compelling case studies Why detailed testimonials beat meaningless five-star reviews Building referral relationships with inspectors, agents, managers, and tradespeople Becoming the person local media calls for an explanation Using Google reviews to demonstrate authority Why experienced professionals should charge more How to state your price without apologizing or negotiating against yourself Why premium pricing requires premium communication and reliability The importance of continuing to learn after becoming the recognized expert The Bottom Line Advertising tells people you exist. Expertise convinces them you understand the problem. Reputation makes them trust you to solve it. Own a difficult problem. Teach what you know. Develop an informed point of view. Document your results. Answer the phone. Show up when promised. Fix the problem correctly. Eventually, your name becomes shorthand for the solution—and when that happens, charge like you fucking mean it. The cheapest contractor charges for the visit. The expert charges for the answer. Featured Sponsors and Industry Partners BlueRay XL United Chemical LaMotte Company Revved Up Apparel AquaComfort Water Group Service Industry News Jack’s Magic Products AquaStar Pool Products Connect With Talking Pools Follow the Talking Pools Podcast for blunt industry commentary, technical education, business advice, and the occasional uncomfortable truth every pool professional needs to hear. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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  • S6 · E1063
    August 20 · 41 min

    Stop Guessing, Start Charging—and Learn When to Say No

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

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  • S6 · E1062
    August 19 · 30 min

    Cold Plunge Myths: Short Exposure Does Not Mean Low Risk — Part 2

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

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