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. Breakpoint Is Wrong (And Enzymes Aren’t What You Think) - Rudy

    20 HRS AGO

    Breakpoint Is Wrong (And Enzymes Aren’t What You Think) - Rudy

    Pool Pros text questions here In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz breaks down two industry staples—breakpoint chlorination and enzymes—and explains why what’s commonly taught doesn’t fully match the chemistry happening in your water. This isn’t about being wrong.  It’s about going one level deeper. ⚗️ Breakpoint Chlorination – The Reality  The 10x rule is not how breakpoint is defined in chemistry  True breakpoint is based on ammonia (as nitrogen), not combined chlorine  Pools measure combined chlorine (as chlorine) → not a direct match 👉 Result:  You’re applying a fixed rule to a variable system 💡 Key Insight  Oxidation starts immediately  Breakpoint is not a moment—it’s a process Real demand depends on:  Organics  Nitrogen compounds  pH  reaction conditions ⚡ Salt Systems Reality Check  Salt cells produce chlorine slowly They are built to maintain, not spike👉 In high demand situations:  External chlorine is often required  🧬 Enzymes – What Actually Happens  Enzymes break down organics (true)  But they are proteins in an oxidizing system👉 Chlorine can chemically alter and deactivate them ⏱️ Why Enzymes Still Work It’s a competition for reaction:  Chlorine reacts with everything in the water  Enzymes survive temporarily because chlorine is “busy” 👉 They work within a limited time window  Higher chlorine = shorter window  Less time = less impact 🧱 Enzymes & Biofilms  Enzymes do not remove biofilms They weaken the protective matrix👉 This allows chlorine to penetrate more effectively  Best results require:  Proper chemistry  Physical disruption (brushing)  AquaStar Pool ProductsThe 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. Outhe 'How to Get Rid of Algae' handbookThe most comprehensive guide on algae prevention and remediation you will ever own. BLUERAY XLThe real mineral purifier! Reduce your pool maintenance costs & efforts by 50%CPO Certification ClassesAttend your CPO class with Rudy Stankowitz!Online Pool ClassesThe difference between you and your competition is what you know!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

    33 min
  2. The Pool Problem You Don’t See… Until It’s Too Late - Wayne & Steve

    1D AGO

    The Pool Problem You Don’t See… Until It’s Too Late - Wayne & Steve

    Pool Pros text questions here What looks like algae… isn’t always algae.  And what looks like “clear but weird” water? That’s where things get expensive. In this episode of Talking Pools Thursdays, Steve and Wayne break down one of the most misunderstood issues in pool service: metals in the water—how to identify them, where they come from, and what actually works when you’re dealing with them in the field. It starts with a simple truth:  👉 Water has no color. So when it turns green, blue, brown, or something that just feels “off,” something else is driving that change—and metals are often the culprit. They walk through the key differences between algae vs. metals, including:  Why algae presents as cloudy, opaque, or “carpeted”  Why metals (like copper) often show up as clear, tinted water  A simple field test using your brush to tell the difference instantly From there, the conversation goes deeper into where metals actually come from, including:  Source water (especially wells)  Heater corrosion and heat exchanger failure  Overuse of copper-based algaecides  Aging infrastructure and legacy municipal systems They also cover the thresholds where metals become a real problem:  Copper above ~0.2 ppm  Iron above ~0.3 ppm  And how rising pH (above ~7.6) triggers precipitation, staining, and discoloration Then comes the part most techs get wrong—treatment strategy. This episode breaks down the difference between: Sequestering agents (hide the metals, prevent staining) Chelating agents (bind metals into larger particles for filtration/removal)  Why most modern products attempt to do both  And why you’re still often vacuuming to waste or cleaning filters after treatment They also get real about the operational side:  Why chelation jobs can take multiple visits  Why sequestering requires ongoing maintenance dosing  And why metals are “not a problem… until they’re a problem” There’s also a candid discussion on:  The risks and realities of acid washing  Why vinyl and fiberglass pools present different limitations  How improper dosing in small bodies of water (like spas) can trigger metal precipitation instantly  And why no two metal situations ever behave exactly the same The episode wraps with a broader industry conversation on rising costs—fuel, materials, and equipment—and how those pressures are forcing service companies to rethink pricing, efficiency, and long-term profitability. Because whether it’s metals in the water or money in your business…  👉 Ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    49 min
  3. Here's How You Grow Your Pool Business by 50% - Laci Davis

    2D AGO

    Here's How You Grow Your Pool Business by 50% - Laci Davis

    Pool Pros text questions here This Myth-busting episode reveals how pool pros can maximize their relationships with manufacturer reps to grow their business, increase margins, and avoid costly mistakes. Laci Davis (Grit Game) shares practical tips on finding, evaluating, and leveraging reps effectively. Keywords pool industry, manufacturer reps, business growth, sales strategies, industry relationships Key Topics Types of industry reps and their rolesHow to identify a good manufacturer repThe importance of follow-up and relationship-buildingStrategies for leveraging reps to increase sales and marginsPractical steps to find and connect with reputable repsSound Bites "Good reps have real industry experience""Follow-up shows a rep's diligence""Don't treat reps like transactions"Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Grit Game and Pool Pros 03:50 Understanding the Role of Reps in the Pool Industry 06:37 The Importance of Building Relationships with Reps 08:50 Identifying Quality Reps and Their Impact 11:32 Maximizing the Value of Reps for Business Growth 13:41 Finding and Connecting with Reps 15:07 Conclusion and Call to Action 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

    18 min
  4. Andrea Unfiltered: The Liver of the Pool (Chemistry That Actually Matters)

    3D AGO

    Andrea Unfiltered: The Liver of the Pool (Chemistry That Actually Matters)

    Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea wraps up her multi-part deep dive into pool chemistry with a no-BS breakdown of what actually matters when it comes to testing, dosing, and not screwing it all up. And yes… she’s cooking chicken while recording. 🔍 What This Episode Covers This isn’t textbook chemistry.  This is real-world, boots-on-the-ground pool service knowledge—the stuff that actually saves you from making expensive mistakes. 📊 Testing Frequency (What You Should Actually Be Doing) Andrea breaks down what needs to be tested—and how often: Weekly: Free chlorine, combined chlorine, pH, total alkalinity Bi-weekly (max): Total alkalinity (don’t push it further) Monthly: Cyanuric acid, calcium hardness, salt As needed: Phosphates, metals, TDS And one big reminder: If you’re not testing combined chlorine… you’re missing half the story. ⚠️ Test Kit Lies (Yes, They Lie) Ever get a reading that makes zero sense? It might not be you. This episode dives into: DPD bleaching → false zero chlorine readings MPS interference → false high readings High chlorine messing with pH testsMetals affecting calcium hardness results👉 Translation:  Your test results can absolutely betray you if you don’t know what you’re looking at. 🧠 The Dilution Trick (That Most Techs Don’t Use) When your test maxes out… You don’t guess. You dilute. Andrea explains:  How to properly dilute samples  When to multiply results  Why guessing high readings is a mistake Including real-world examples of CYA levels hitting 300+ ppm in Florida. 💣 Chemical Dosing (Where People Go Off the Rails) This is where things get dangerous—and expensive. Andrea walks through:  Proper dosing based on 10,000 gallons  Why dumping “a gallon of acid” is a terrible idea  How to actually adjust pH and alkalinity correctly And the reality: Most chemical mistakes aren’t accidents… they’re impatience.⚙️ Feeders, Automation & Salt Systems From manual dosing to full automation, this episode covers:  Stenner pumps & peristaltic systems  Tab feeders vs erosion feeders  Ozone, UV, and gas systems  Salt cells and how they actually generate chlorine Including a key reminder: 👉 Salt is not the sanitizer  👉 The cell produces chlorine gas → which becomes hypochlorous acid  🔥 The Real Problem with the Industry Andrea calls out a growing issue: Conflicting information between:  CPO materials  Manufacturers  Field experience And the result? 👉 Confused techs  👉 Bad chemistry decisions  👉 Arguments in comment sections Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    41 min
  5. Build It Right… Or Regret It Later (Mondays Down Under)

    4D AGO

    Build It Right… Or Regret It Later (Mondays Down Under)

    Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Talking Pools Podcast, the Mondays Down Under crew takes on a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough honest discussion: building a swimming pool from the perspective of the people who actually have to service it later. Because here’s the truth… 👉 Builders don’t always think like service techs  👉 And homeowners don’t always know what to ask That’s where things go sideways. 🔍 Inside This Episode Lee and Nick pull back the curtain on what really happens during pool construction—sharing real-world stories, mistakes they’ve seen firsthand, and the kind of advice that only comes from years in the field. From backward installations to impossible-to-service equipment setups, this episode highlights a simple but critical concept: Always think about the next person who has to work on it.⚠️ The Biggest Problems They See  Equipment installed with zero service access Pumps and filters placed where maintenance becomes impossible  Chlorinators and plumbing configured so they can’t even be removed Builders choosing products based on convenience—not performance And the worst part? 👉 Many of these issues are completely avoidable. 🧠 Advice for Homeowners (and the Pros Guiding Them) If you’re building a pool—or advising someone who is—this episode delivers some of the most practical guidance you’ll hear: 💡 What matters most: Shape, size, and color → You can’t easily change these later  Equipment? You can upgrade that anytime 💡 What to question:  Filter type (cartridge vs media)  Plumbing size and flow design  Future upgrades (heater, automation, sanitation systems) 💡 What to avoid:  Choosing the cheapest builder without due diligence Overcomplicated designs that create long-term headaches 🌊 Real Stories from the Field This episode isn’t theory—it’s reality.  A deck built directly over a filter… with no access  A pool with no skimmer and constant circulation issues  An infinity edge pool that drained a homeowner’s water supply—twice  A brand-new pool left untouched for weeks… resulting in severe scaling These aren’t rare cases. They’re happening every day. 🔥 The Big Takeaway Building a pool is easy. 👉 Building one that works long-term? That’s the challenge. And if you don’t think about:  Maintenance  Hydraulics  Access  Water chemistry startup You’re not building a pool… You’re building a future problem. 📩 Got a topic? Send it in: talkingpools@gmail.com Rudy will route it to the right host 👀 Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    33 min
  6. 180 ppm Cyanuric Acid Level - with Rudy Stankowitz

    APR 3

    180 ppm Cyanuric Acid Level - with Rudy Stankowitz

    Pool Pros text questions here 🔥 Episode Breakdown This episode cuts through one of the biggest misconceptions in pool chemistry—and then zooms out to what’s really happening across the industry right now. 🧪 180 ppm CYA – What Actually Happened No—nobody said to run pools at 180 ppm. That number came from ratio-based chemistry, not a recommendation.  CYA doesn’t sanitize HOCl does Higher CYA can work if chlorine is increased proportionallyProblem? 👉 Most people won’t maintain the ratio correctly  That’s why the industry stayed conservative. 🧠 Chlorine Misunderstood (Again) Available Chlorine ≠ % chlorine in the bucketActive strength ≠ oxidizing powerFree chlorine ≠ active sanitizer👉 HOCl is all that matters Controlled by pH and CYA equilibrium—not guesswork. ⚠️ March Reality Check  Drownings labeled “accidents”  Safety barriers missing  Suction injuries still happening despite the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety ActNothing shocking—just constant failure. ⚖️ Lawsuits & Industry Pressure Hayward Holdings facing reported legal pressure  Market slowdown hitting Fluidra and Pentair Shift to repairs and service👉 Pressure rolls downhill—to you. 🧯 BioLab – Still Not Over The situation in Conyers, Georgia isn’t resolved. It just stopped making headlines. 🏆 Mentor of the Year Someone helped you in this industry. Nominate them:  👉 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award 🎯 Final Thought Nothing changed… Except expectations, liability, and attention. And if you’re still operating like it’s 2019— You’re already behind. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    30 min

  7. APR 2

    You Saw it, You Own it! Steve Sherwood on Pool Inspections

    Pool Pros text questions here What starts as a routine pool inspection can turn into a liability nightmare—fast. In this episode, Steve breaks down a real job where fire-damaged fencing, questionable decking, and one simple question—  👉 “Will insurance cover this?” —pushed the inspection way outside its lane. ⚖️ The Core Issue Where does your responsibility actually end?  You’re there to inspect the pool Not the fence  Not the deck  Not the insurance claim And that line matters more than most people realize. 🚧 The Rule 👉 Just because you see it… doesn’t mean it’s your responsibility. Your job:  Identify pool-related conditions Flag safety hazards Recommend a licensed professionalAnd then… Stop. ⚠️ The Exception If something creates a direct safety risk to the pool (like a compromised fence):  Document it  Recommend repair  Do NOT price it or manage it 💰 The Trap Giving quotes for insurance work can:  Turn you into the contractor  Invite scrutiny from insurers  Kill your credibility as an independent expert 🧠 The Takeaway You don’t need every answer. You need to know:  What’s yours  What’s not  And when to stay in your lane Because the moment you step outside your expertise… 👉 You’re not helping anymore.  👉 You’re exposing yourself. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    17 min
  8. Pools Don’t Add Value? Yeah… That’s a Lie. (Featuring Natalie Hood, George Williams & Ken Rogner)

    APR 1

    Pools Don’t Add Value? Yeah… That’s a Lie. (Featuring Natalie Hood, George Williams & Ken Rogner)

    Pool Pros text questions here The myths just keep coming… and in this one, they don’t stand a chance. In Part 2 of Natalie Hood’s Myth Busting series, industry veterans George Williams and Ken Rogner step in and do what most people in this industry won’t—tell the truth. Not the sales version.  Not the “it depends” version.  The real version. From the idea that pools don’t add value… to the belief that social media is the only way to grow… to the quiet damage done when service pros choose profit over trust—this episode pulls apart the assumptions that are quietly shaping bad decisions across the industry. And here’s what becomes clear: 👉 Pools aren’t just features anymore—they’re environments  👉 Marketing matters—but it’s not the foundation  👉 Trust is still the most valuable asset you have  👉 And the wrong service decision can cost you a customer forever If you’ve been in this industry long enough, you’ve heard these myths. If you’re new… you’ve probably believed a few. Either way—this episode resets the conversation. ⚠️ MYTHS WE DESTROY IN THIS EPISODE“Pools don’t add value to a home.” → In the Sunbelt? Not having one might cost you buyers.  “Leads come from social media and ads.” → Helpful? Yes. → The reason people choose you? Not even close.  “Replace the pump—it’s better for business.” → Short-term profit. Long-term damage. Trust doesn’t come back.  “Weather doesn’t affect the pool industry.” → Hurricanes, freezes, heat waves… they literally drive demand.  “Vinyl liner pools dominate the Northeast forever.” → That was then. Fiberglass and concrete changed the game.  🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS A pool isn’t just a feature anymore—it’s part of a lifestyle environment  Geography matters: what’s optional in one region is expected in another  Social media amplifies—but reputation closes  The fastest way to lose a customer is to recommend what benefits you, not them  Weather doesn’t just influence demand—it can create entire revenue cycles  The industry evolves… but trust is still the constant 🔥 THE REAL TALK MOMENT“If you can save a customer a few hundred dollars… and you don’t…  you didn’t just make money. You made a short-term decision  that cost you a long-term relationship.”  🎧 WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERSBecause bad information spreads faster than good service. And in this industry, myths don’t just sit there… They cost people money.  They cost companies customers.  And they quietly shape how the next generation does business. This episode fixes that. 📲 LISTEN NOW🎧 Apple Podcasts  🎧 Spotify  🎧 All major platforms 👉 Follow the Talking Pools Podcast for more episodes that keep things wet, wild, and wonderfully honest Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    38 min
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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
    974
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Pools Podcast
  • Show Website
    Talking Pools Podcast

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