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. 

  1. Mastering HR in Small Pool Businesses - Mondays Down Under

    35 MINS AGO

    Mastering HR in Small Pool Businesses - Mondays Down Under

    Pool Pros text questions here In this episode, Heidi Weeks from Peppermint HR shares expert insights on HR best practices for small businesses, especially in the pool industry. Topics include compliance, structuring, connection, and practical tips for building a strong HR foundation. keywords HR, small business, pool industry, compliance, employee engagement, HR policies, team management, HR tips key topics HR compliance and award classificationsBuilding organizational structure and clarityCreating connection and engagement with stafftakeaways Start with compliance: pay rates, contracts, policies.Embed simple HR systems early to support growth.Regular communication and feedback are crucial.Know your staff personally to motivate and retain.guest name Heidi Weeks Sound Bites "Know your award and pay rates""Establish clear HR processes""Create a family culture"Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HR in the Pool Industry 02:29 Unique Challenges in the Pool Industry 04:53 The Importance of HR from Day One 07:41 Three Pillars of HR: Confidence, Clarity, and Connection 10:00 Building Confidence through Compliance 12:47 Establishing Clarity in HR Processes 15:31 Fostering Connection for High Performance 17:56 Navigating the Employer-Friend Dynamic 20:31 Common HR Mistakes and Easy Fixes 23:25 Engaging Employees for Better Retention 26:02 Conclusion and Resources Resources Peppermint HR WebsiteHR Foundations GuideHR Health Check Quiz Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    43 min
  2. Your Pool Truck Might Be Illegal - Rudy

    3 DAYS AGO

    Your Pool Truck Might Be Illegal - Rudy

    Pool Pros text questions here On this episode of Floc It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz dives headfirst into one of the most overlooked realities in the swimming pool industry: your pool truck may legally qualify as a hazardous materials transport vehicle. Rudy breaks down how everyday pool chemicals like liquid chlorine, muriatic acid, trichlor, cal hypo, cyanuric acid, and even improperly labeled buckets can place pool professionals directly under federal DOT hazmat regulations. From 49 CFR Materials of Trade exceptions to hazmat training requirements, shipping papers, securement rules, placarding, container limits, and chemical compatibility, this episode becomes an eye-opening deep dive into how many pool companies may unknowingly be operating outside federal compliance. Rudy explains why “everybody does it this way” is not a legal defense and why a single roadside inspection could turn a routine service route into a federal violation.  The episode also revisits Rudy’s alum cyanuric acid removal method and the science behind aluminum complexation with cyanuric acid. Rudy addresses criticism surrounding the process, explaining why the observed CYA reduction cannot simply be attributed to water loss during vacuum-to-waste. He discusses the original research, lab verification by OnBalance, the role of metal complexation, and the parallels between aluminum cyanurate and copper cyanurate chemistry. Rudy also compares aluminum sulfate and lanthanum chloride as phosphate removers, breaking down the chemistry, dosing calculations, pH considerations, and operational trade-offs between the two treatment methods in a way only Rudy can deliver.  Later in the episode, Rudy shifts into industry news and commentary, discussing Hayward’s gradual discontinuation of legacy ProLogic accessories and what it means for service companies maintaining aging automation systems. He explains why proactive OmniPL upgrades may become a business necessity rather than an option. The show closes with a rapid-fire industry update touching on PoolCorp’s executive leadership transition, Pentair and PoolBrain’s push toward data-driven service automation, the growing divide between tech-driven companies and “memory-based” operations, and the importance of National Water Safety Month. Throughout the episode, Rudy blends technical education, operational reality, and industry forecasting into a no-nonsense conversation about where the pool industry is headed — and who may get left behind if they fail to evolve.  Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    57 min
  3. Swimming Pools at Student Housing and the Headaches that Ensue - Steve

    4 DAYS AGO

    Swimming Pools at Student Housing and the Headaches that Ensue - Steve

    Pool Pros text questions here hosts Steve Sherwood and Pat Rignyan from the California Pool Association take a deep dive into one of the busiest and most overlooked risk seasons in the pool industry: commercial and student housing pools. As pool professionals across the country juggle openings, CPO classes, hotels, HOAs, and large commercial accounts, Steve raises an important question many service companies never stop to ask until it’s too late — how much additional liability comes with servicing high-traffic student housing and HOA pools?  Pat explains that while most insurance policies don’t specifically exclude commercial pools, student housing environments bring a completely different level of exposure due to heavy bather loads, parties, glass breakage, and general “shenanigans.” The conversation explores the importance of umbrella policies, understanding indemnification clauses in HOA contracts, and why pool pros should carefully review agreements before signing. The guys discuss how some HOA contracts place all responsibility on the service company regardless of fault, and why mutual indemnification language matters more than most pool operators realize.  Steve also shares real-world frustrations from dealing with hotels and constantly changing management teams, highlighting how turnover, delayed approvals, and lack of communication can create operational nightmares for service companies. The episode ultimately becomes a larger conversation about trusting your gut, setting boundaries with difficult clients, pricing appropriately for high-risk work, and learning when to walk away from accounts that create more headaches than profit. For pool professionals servicing HOAs, hotels, apartment complexes, or student housing, this episode offers valuable insight into protecting both your business and your sanity.  Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    21 min
  4. Coast Guard Aviation: Rescue Swim Myths, Missions, and Career Paths _ Natalie

    4 DAYS AGO

    Coast Guard Aviation: Rescue Swim Myths, Missions, and Career Paths _ Natalie

    Pool Pros text questions here Natalie Hood (the Grit Game) explores the diverse roles and responsibilities of Coast Guard aviation professionals with Nicholas L. Gavin. This includes, but is not limited to myths about AMTs, AETs, and ASTs, and gain insights into their training, missions, and career paths.  keywords Coast Guard, aviation, AMT, AET, AST, rescue missions, military careers, aviation maintenance, rescue swimmer, career in Coast Guard  key  topics Roles of AMT, AET, and AST in Coast Guard Training and skills required for Coast Guard aviation roles Myths and realities of rescue missions and responsibilities Career paths and opportunities in Coast Guard aviation The importance of physical and technical skills in rescue operations  guest  name Nicholas L. Gavin  sound bites "Most of my career has been anything but routine." "Coordination with pilots is vital during rescues." "My favorite job was doing search and rescue." Chapters 00:00 Behind the Scenes of Coast Guard Aviation 04:38 Understanding the Roles of AMTs and ASTs 22:11 The Training and Skills of Aviation Survival Technicians 32:33 Realistic Expectations for Joining the Coast Guard  resources Go Coast Guard - https://gocoastguard.com US Coast Guard - https://www.uscg.mil Rescue Swimmer School - https://www.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Prevention-Policy-CG-5P/Rescue-Swimmer/  guest links Email - Nicholas.L.Gavin@USCG.mil The Grit GameThe Grit Game, is not just playing the game, we’re changing it. 500+ years industry experience, Revdup Apparel a custom apparel company built for the pool industry. Founded by pool professionalsDisclaimer: 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: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    49 min
  5. 10 Counter-Seasonal Essential Strategies - Mondays, Business

    4 MAY

    10 Counter-Seasonal Essential Strategies - Mondays, Business

    Pool Pros text questions here This episode covers the challenges and opportunities of pool service businesses during winter, including cost management, database maintenance, and team engagement strategies. Learn practical tips to streamline operations, enhance professionalism, and maximize revenue in the off-season. keywords pool service, winter business tips, database management, team engagement, cost control, pool maintenance key topics Cost management for island service tripsDatabase cleanup and client follow-upUsing photos and measurements for efficient serviceTeam involvement and process improvement during winterSound Bites "Your database is the value of your business""Merge and clean your client data regularly""Photos serve as proof and quality assurance"Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 01:14 Challenges of island service trips and costs 01:58 Managing costs and pricing for island services 03:15 Impact of seasonal changes on pool service business 04:08 Preparing for winter: pool hibernation and maintenance 06:40 Winter cleanup: database and photo management 08:37 Importance of maintaining a clean client database 11:07 Strategies for identifying and merging duplicate clients 13:44 Using photos and measurements for service efficiency 16:46 Starting winter projects: cleaning and process improvements 20:33 On-site documentation and client communication 24:18 Using photos and GPS for quality assurance 28:19 System cleanup and data management 33:28 Follow-up strategies and scheduling reminders 39:50 Team engagement and winter productivity 40:05 Fun and camaraderie in team challenges 41:11 Closing remarks and call to action Resources BufferZoneXero Accounting Software Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    44 min
  6. Cyanuric Acid Isn’t Sunscreen… It’s a Regulator - Rudy

    1 MAY

    Cyanuric Acid Isn’t Sunscreen… It’s a Regulator - Rudy

    Pool Pros text questions here This week on Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz rips into one of the most misunderstood topics in pool chemistry—cyanuric acid. Starting with a hard truth most pros overlook, the EPA-required label on chlorine products caps free chlorine at 4 ppm… and that’s not a suggestion, it’s law. From there, the episode dismantles the industry’s oversimplified “stabilizer” narrative and replaces it with what’s actually happening: cyanuric acid doesn’t just protect chlorine—it binds it, regulates it, and suppresses the amount of active sanitizer available in real time. This is where the conversation gets uncomfortable. Because that “perfect” chlorine reading on your test kit? It doesn’t tell you how much hypochlorous acid you actually have—it just gives you a combined number that includes both active and bound chlorine. Drawing on research from Richard Falk, CDC studies, EPA modeling, and decades-old equilibrium work, Rudy breaks down how rising CYA levels throttle chlorine performance, slow disinfection, and create a system where pools look fine on paper but underperform in reality. The myth that “pH doesn’t matter with CYA present” gets crushed too—because while the impact is reduced, it’s still very real, and ignoring it stacks the problem.  The takeaway is blunt: cyanuric acid isn’t the villain—mismanagement is. Every tablet adds CYA. Every week without dilution compounds the problem. And every pool pro who ignores the FC-to-CYA relationship is operating blind. This episode draws a hard line between surface-level pool care and true chemical control, making it clear that the industry is shifting toward those who understand the science—not just the numbers. Because at the end of the day, you’re not managing chlorine… you’re managing how much of it is actually doing the work. AquaStar Pool ProductsThe Global Leader in Safety, Dependability, & Innovation in Pool Technology.BLUERAY XLThe real mineral purifier! Reduce your pool maintenance costs & efforts by 50%Jack's MagicIf you know Jack's you'd have no stains!Service Industry NewsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    57 min
  7. The Price of Doing Business - Steve & Wayne

    30 APR

    The Price of Doing Business - Steve & Wayne

    Pool Pros text questions here Thursdays with Steve & Wayne “The Price of Doing Business” 🧠 Overview This week on Talking Pools Podcast, Steve and Wayne break down the reality of running a pool service company—where one service call can derail your entire day and expose bigger industry problems. 👨‍🔧 From the Field A commercial emergency turns into a full-blown headache involving:  Faulty flow meters  Leaking high-pressure filters  Multiple supply runs  Hours of downtime 👉 The takeaway: In commercial service, failure isn’t an option. ⚙️ Equipment Issues  Traditional flow meters and gauges are often unreliable  Installation standards don’t match real-world conditions  More pros are switching to better-performing alternatives like FlowVis-style meters 💸 The Pricing Problem Steve uncovers a major issue:  Distributor price: ~$700  Online price: ~$500  Knockoff: ~$200 👉 For the first time: “I couldn’t sell this in good conscience.” 🌐 The Internet Changed Everything Today’s customers:  Check prices instantly  Know what things cost  Question everything 👉 And honestly? We all do the same thing. 🧪 Bigger Industry Concern  Equipment failing too quickly  Warranties getting harder to process  Manufacturers losing control of pricing 👉 If cheaper works the same… what are we paying for? 📣 Get Involved Seen this in your business?  📧 talkingpools@gmail.com 🏆 Mentor Award Nominate someone who shaped your career:  👉 cpoclass.com LaMotte CompanyLaMotte Company is a leading manufacturer of water quality testing products & pool test kitsCalifornia Pool AssociationPool Industry Trade OrganizationCMAHCThe Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code promotes health & safety at public swimming poolsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    45 min
4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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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