Talking Pools Podcast

Rudy Stankowitz
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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. 2 days ago

    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 gospelErik Knight’s role in bringing LSI into the everyday pool industry conversationThe difference between disagreement and intellectual dishonestyWhy today’s pool professionals may be overwhelmed by too much educationManufacturer education versus paid independent instructionWhy “free” seminars still have a cost and an agendaThe difference between product knowledge and field experienceWhy personal experience is valuable—but not automatically universal truthHow research and field experience should challenge and strengthen one anotherThe warning signs of a sales presentation disguised as educationQuestions to ask before registering for any classWhy expertise in one subject does not qualify someone to teach everythingThe value of an instructor willing to say, “I don’t know”The strongest educators understand both the literature and the realities of the field. They identify whether they are presenting scientific evidence, professional judgment, product-specific training, or personal observation—and they never pretend those categories are interchangeable. A famous name only proves the marketing worked. A company title tells you who employs the speaker. A registration fee tells you what the class costs. None of those things tells you whether the instructor deserves your time. Research does. Transparency does. Relevant experience does. Evidence does. 2026 Pool Industry Mentor Recognition 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: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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

  2. 3 days ago

    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 employeeWhy issuing a 1099 does not settle worker classificationThe importance of separate business entities and insurance policiesHow scheduling and operational control affect classificationWhen gas cards and mileage reimbursements can create problemsWorkers’ compensation requirements and protectionsHow one workplace injury can trigger a much larger investigationWhen general liability insurance may provide defenseWhy every pool company needs a strong relationship with its insurance agentWorker-classification and insurance requirements vary by state and individual circumstances. Speak with qualified insurance, tax, and legal professionals before making employment decisions. Looking for insurance coverage? The California Pool Association serves pool professionals and other businesses throughout the country. Mention the Talking Pools Podcast to receive one month off a general liability policy. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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

  3. 4 days ago

    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 levelWhether the education gap is really an education-overload problemThe weaknesses of traditional pool-company onboardingWhy hands-on learning creates knowledge that actually sticksUsing software to reinforce education instead of replacing itPool Brain’s approach to guided workflows and chemistry recommendationsUsing historical data to predict future pH and water behaviorWhy experience—not intelligence—allows seasoned technicians to anticipate problemsAutomation as a force multiplier for pool professionalsHow technology can free technicians to develop higher-value skillsWhy automation equipment can become a profitable service-company revenue streamThe value of competition among software companies and education providersErik’s continued relationship with Watershape UniversityWhat attracted him to Pool Brain’s long-term visionWhy professional software requires more than an AI-generated interfaceInflation, rising equipment costs, and the need for greater efficiencyRoute optimization, properly stocked trucks, and eliminating costly supply runsErik also addresses the fear that technology will eventually replace the pool professional. Automation may handle repeatable tasks, but it cannot change filter sand, clean a DE grid, diagnose complicated equipment problems, or replace the judgment developed through real experience. Better technology does not eliminate the need for education. It can remove some of the repetitive bullshit, help new technicians succeed sooner, and give experienced professionals more time to solve complicated problems, serve better customers, and operate more profitable routes. Erik’s goal at Pool Brain is straightforward: simplify what makes the job unnecessarily difficult, help pool professionals deliver safer and more predictable water, and give company owners the tools to become more efficient, profitable, and—God forbid—occasionally get home before dark. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Is There Too Much Pool Industry Education?

  4. 6 days ago

    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 paperThe importance of teaching employees the what, how, and whyHow small, one-percent improvements can transform a businessWhy great ideas collected at conferences rarely survive the trip homeHow a coach or mentor creates accountability and turns intention into actionUsing AI to streamline spreadsheets, emails, administration, and repetitive tasksWhy obviously AI-generated advertising can destroy customer trustThe danger of letting software replace genuine technical knowledge and judgmentWhy pool professionals must understand the story behind the water-test resultsCustomers who create a chemical catastrophe—and conveniently forget to mention what they addedThe importance of consistent branding and customer experiences across every touchpointThe episode also includes coverage from SPLASH 2026, featuring new chlorination and pool-control technology from Fluidra, along with commercial salt chlorination, ozone, UV, and advanced oxidation systems from Brauer. And, because no pool-industry episode would be complete without a customer turning a manageable problem into a full-blown aquatic crime scene, Nick shares what happened when someone accidentally dumped approximately eight kilograms of chlorine remover into a 70,000-liter indoor pool—and then attempted to fix it with liquid chlorine and stabilized chlorine. Take the Free Business Balance 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: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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

  5. 21 Aug

    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 oneHow to attach your name to a specific, difficult problemWhy teaching customers increases your valueThe difference between generic content and useful local expertiseHow informed opinions make professionals memorableTurning difficult jobs into compelling case studiesWhy detailed testimonials beat meaningless five-star reviewsBuilding referral relationships with inspectors, agents, managers, and tradespeopleBecoming the person local media calls for an explanationUsing Google reviews to demonstrate authorityWhy experienced professionals should charge moreHow to state your price without apologizing or negotiating against yourselfWhy premium pricing requires premium communication and reliabilityThe importance of continuing to learn after becoming the recognized expertThe Bottom 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 XLUnited ChemicalLaMotte CompanyRevved Up ApparelAquaComfort Water GroupService Industry NewsJack’s Magic ProductsAquaStar Pool ProductsConnect 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: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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

  6. 20 Aug

    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 visitsCatching algae early before it becomes an expensive shit showCharging for additional visits and treatment chemicalsWhy every service company needs a chemical price listPhosphate-removal products and avoiding unnecessary cleanupThe danger of quoting a green-pool recovery without testing the waterAsking for complete equipment photos before diagnosing remotelyUsed filters, questionable installations, and inherited equipment problemsWhy sometimes the correct professional answer is “no”Cyber liability versus general liability insurancePayment diversion, customer impersonation, and ransomwareProtecting stored customer and payment informationWhy real-world field input matters during product developmentDigital service records, before-and-after photos, and proof of serviceManaging sanitizer demand and automation in a small commercial spaHow water temperature can affect reactions and test resultsThe takeaway: stop guessing for free. Ask better questions, document everything, charge for the work being performed, and walk away when someone expects you to guarantee results without allowing you to correct the actual problem. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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

  7. 19 Aug

    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 emergenciesThe dangers of using a cold plunge, pool, or spa aloneHow cold temperatures affect water-testing reactionsWhy cold samples should be capped and warmed before testingReduced sanitizer reaction rates in cold waterWhy small water volume and heavy bather loads create greater riskThe value of UV, ozone, and advanced oxidationSweat, ammonia, urea, dirt, and everything else bathers drag into the waterWhy pre-entry showers matterHow a simple rinse can substantially reduce contaminantsWhy short exposure does not automatically mean low riskThe importance of supervision, maintenance, testing, and operator diligenceThe takeaway is simple: be diligent. Know what the water is doing, test it regularly, maintain the vessel properly, and never assume that experience or physical fitness makes someone bulletproof. Download the Cold Water Venue Guidance from the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code. Natalie also shares an update on her Tennessee Triple Crown Open Water Swim Challenge. She will swim more than 21 miles across three open-water marathon events to benefit Every Child a Swimmer through her fundraiser, She Swims So They Can. Special thanks to campaign sponsors Revved Up Apparel, H2Flow Controls, Tenjam, and Talking Pools Podcast. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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

  8. 17 Aug

    SPLASH

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

    SPLASH
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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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Rudy Stankowitz
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.1k
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Pools Podcast
  • Show Website
    Talking Pools Podcast

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