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. 2d ago

    Same Pool, Different Math: Rudy & Eric Knight, Part 2

    Ask a question here Rudy Stankowitz and Eric Knight of Pool Brain continue their three-part crossover conversation with a question that gets uncomfortable fast: How can the same water readings look balanced in one calculation and aggressive in another? They compare the PHTA/NPC calculation Rudy teaches with the Orenda calculator Eric helped develop, explain where their approaches differ, and discuss what those differences mean when you’re standing beside an actual pool. Then there’s everything your standard test kit might miss, the challenge of managing water between weekly visits, and the difference between teaching someone a range and teaching them how to make a decision. In this episode: Beyond the basic test kit: Sulfates, nitrates, manganese, and what your source-water report can tell you.Cold-plunge testing: Why sample temperature belongs in the conversation.Ranges, alkalinity, and pH: Where Rudy and Eric agree—and where their targets differ.Same readings, different LSI: A comparison of calculation methods, including how they account for CYA and borates.Every pool has an environment: Trees, covers, turbulence, and adapting your approach to the backyard.Seven days between visits: Customer participation, specialty chemicals, and automation across different budgets.Teaching judgment: How to move technicians from memorizing numbers to understanding the pool.Manufacturer education: Bias, transparency, and Eric’s account of how the Orenda calculator evolved.Phosphates and algae: Their role in a service strategy, recurring problems, and the importance of brushing.Salt-cell flakes: Eric challenges a familiar explanation and discusses the testing behind his position..Follow the crossover: Part 1: Rule Your Pool — October 28.Part 2: Talking Pools — this episode.Part 3: Rule Your Pool — November 4, the conclusion.Sponsors featured in this episode: Service Industry News, Pool Brain, Blueray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, and Jack’s Magic. #TalkingPools #RuleYourPool #PoolChemistry #PoolService #LSI #PoolProfessionals Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Same Pool, Different Math: Rudy & Eric Knight, Part 2

  2. 3d ago

    Know Your Numbers, Protect Your Business

    Ask a question here Are you making money on every pool, or just staying busy? This week on Thursdays with Wayne & Steve, the guys get back to business basics for pool professionals. Steve explains why knowing your costs, understanding your pricing, and building relationships with reliable subcontractors can make the difference between having a full route and having a profitable business. Steve also shares what his coastal community has been dealing with as storms and beach erosion threaten homes, and he talks candidly about the toll the uncertainty has taken on his mental health. In this episode: Welcoming Truman, host of Tru in the Loop, to the Talking Pools lineupCalculating the real cost of servicing a pool, from chemicals and labor to insurance and transportationHourly pay versus pay per pool when bringing on helpPricing weekly service and accounting for the full yearKnowing when to turn down an account that doesn’t make financial senseWorking with repair and leak-detection specialistsHaving a plan when you encounter equipment you don’t know how to serviceStorm preparation, evacuation plans, and the stress of living with uncertaintyInsurance Interlude: Steve is joined by Pat Grignon to discuss questions pool professionals should ask their insurance agents. They cover potential gaps involving chemical spills, overfilled pools, acid washes, popped pools, and equipment repairs. Coverage depends on the policy, so review your own terms and limits with your agent. Steve also shares a practical tip for reducing the risk of an overfilled pool: a mechanical hose timer that shuts the water off after a set period. Have a topic or question for Wayne and Steve? Email talkingpools@gmail.com. This episode contains adult language. #TalkingPoolsPodcast #ThursdaysWithWayneAndSteve #PoolService #PoolBusiness #PoolProfessionals #PoolServiceInsurance Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Know Your Numbers, Protect Your Business

  3. 4d ago

    Hot Tubs, Germs & the Microbial Badass - Dr. Roy Vore

    Ask a question here Hot tubs may be small, but the problems hiding in them can be anything but. In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Natalie Hood sits down with microbiologist Dr. Roy Vore to tackle hot tub chemistry, sanitation, and the misconceptions that can leave bathers soaking in more than warm water. Roy explains why hot tub water chemistry can change much faster than in a swimming pool, how heat and aeration affect it, and why sanitizer residual is only one part of spa care. Natalie and Roy also discuss chlorine versus bromine, recreational water illnesses, and what Roy does before stepping into a hotel hot tub. In this episode: Why a hot tub isn’t simply a small swimming poolHow heat, bather load, and jets affect spa waterChlorine versus bromine: Roy’s perspectivePseudomonas, biofilm, and recreational water illnessWhy water replacement mattersTesting the water before taking a soakThe importance of operator training and regular monitoringNext Wednesday: Natalie and Dr. Roy Vore return to conclude their conversation about hot tubs, germs, and how to keep the water safer. This episode is brought to you in part by Pool Brain, helping pool professionals run smarter, more efficient, and more profitable service businesses. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Hot Tubs, Germs & the Microbial Badass - Dr. Roy Vore

  4. 5d ago

    Standalone Spas, Lost Accounts & Hiring the Right People

    Ask a question here A clean pool wasn’t enough to keep the customer. In this episode of Tru in the Loop, Pool Boy True shares a hard lesson he learned when a customer asked for service documentation, and he took too long to provide it. Her request was about more than paperwork: she wanted peace of mind. True joins Christian of Pure Water Pools on Florida’s Treasure Coast to talk about servicing standalone spas. They discuss how spa use affects maintenance, what technicians should consider when pricing service, and why Christian believes spas can profitably add to a pool route. Plus, True gives Rob the Pool Boy of Blue Horizon Pool Company his flowers, reads a listener’s unforgettable route story, and wraps up his hiring miniseries with three interview questions designed to uncover ownership, motivation, and problem-solving skills. In this episode: Why listening to customer concerns can make or break an accountService documentation and customer confidenceStandalone spa maintenance, filtration, and water chemistryPricing spa service and communicating its valueWhen it may be time to walk away from a customerThree interview questions to help find the right fit for your teamSponsor: This episode is brought to you in part by Pool Brain, providing tools to help pool professionals run smarter, more efficient, and more profitable service businesses. Mentioned: Swim University Catch Tru in the Loop every Tuesday on the Talking Pools Podcast. Stay blessed! Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Standalone Spas, Lost Accounts & Hiring the Right People

  5. 6d ago

    Your Pool Business Has Procedures. Does Anyone Actually Follow Them?

    Ask a question here When the schedule fills up, shortcuts start looking pretty reasonable. A missing job note here, a skipped photo there. Then a customer calls, a pump won’t start, and suddenly that five-second video becomes the most valuable thing your technician recorded all week. On this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee, The Pool Shop Coach, joins Nick to discuss building procedures that pool professionals actually use. From consistent service standards to employee onboarding, they explore how clear expectations, accessible instructions, and explaining the “why” help keep a growing business running smoothly. Nick shares a customer dispute involving a green pool cleanup and a failed pump, illustrating why service documentation matters. Lee suggests reviewing one procedure each week with the team, giving technicians a voice in improving the processes they follow. In this episode: Why busy teams slip back into old habits.How missing notes create problems long after the service visit.Using photos, videos, and job records to support technicians during customer disputes.Keeping procedures accessible through shared folders and service software.Explaining why each task matters to improve staff buy-in.Updating service procedures when equipment and methods change.Making workplace safety part of onboarding and regular team meetings.Building employee handbooks that answer everyday questions.Introducing technical training in manageable stages.Recording repeatable training videos with Loom.Episode chapters 00:00 Sponsor: PoolBrain 00:12 Welcome to Mondays Down Under 00:36 Procedures, habits, and cutting corners 05:40 A pump dispute and the value of documentation 07:47 Where your procedures live 11:04 Consistent service and explaining the “why” 15:43 Updating procedures and involving the team 17:41 Photos, accountability, and backing your technicians 21:23 Workplace safety and employee onboarding 24:36 Handbooks and professional first impressions 27:32 Training resources and learning in stages 28:46 Using Loom to record repeatable processes 31:31 Sharing training videos across your business 32:20 Listener shout-out and how to get in touch Takeaway: Pick one procedure at your next team meeting. Review what it says, explain why it matters, and ask the people doing the work what needs updating. Resources mentioned: PoolBrain, Loom, Dropbox, Google Drive, supplier training portals, SPASA Training, and LaMotte water training. Sponsor: This episode is brought to you in part by PoolBrain. Send questions and topic suggestions: talkingpools@gmail.com Connect with Lee: Find The Pool Shop Coach on Facebook and Instagram. Content advisory: Contains occasional adult language. The Pool Shop Coachan 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: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Your Pool Business Has Procedures. Does Anyone Actually Follow Them?

  6. Oct 23

    Fear of Facebook, Part 2: Less Bloodsport, More Pool Knowledge

    Ask a question here Can a Facebook group keep its edge without making every question a public execution? Rudy Stankowitz rejoins 14 PSI’s Shawn Davis and Dan Chiles for the conclusion of their conversation about toxicity, accountability, and changing the culture of an online pool-professional community. The goal sounds straightforward: build people up, share useful knowledge, and keep the ball-busting. Putting that into practice? That’s where the conversation gets interesting. Rudy presses for specifics on consistent moderation, helping newcomers, addressing personal conflicts, and encouraging experienced members to become better teachers. Shawn and Dan discuss the group’s restructuring, acknowledge the need for change, and explain why they still want room for sarcasm, roasting, and personality. Along the way, they explore why advice that works in one region can fail spectacularly in another. From sandy soil on the Outer Banks to Texas clay and Florida groundwater, troubleshooting requires context—and the professional standing beside the pool has information a Facebook comment cannot replace. In This Episode Advice needs context: Why location, soil, and site conditions change troubleshooting decisions.Correction versus humiliation: Helping someone improve without telling them to leave the industry.Accountability among friends: Calling each other out before an argument becomes something worse.Changes at 14 PSI: The administrative restructuring described during the recording.Education beyond good intentions: Possible discussions, expert Q&As, and mentoring opportunities remain under consideration.Getting lurkers involved: What would help hesitant members start asking questions and sharing their work?Keeping the edge: The difference between inviting a roast and asking for help.Recognizing improvement: Giving public credit when someone develops their skills.Chapters 00:00 — Acknowledging the negativity and introducing Part Two 01:16 — Why good advice doesn’t work everywhere 05:57 — The professional poolside makes the final call 07:55 — Consistent expectations and recognizing growth 09:22 — Turning experience into better mentoring 10:51 — Personal conflicts and moderator support 11:56 — Group restructuring and the proposed direction 14:49 — Holding longtime friends accountable 15:21 — Education plans and encouraging questions 16:57 — What meaningful progress would look like 18:27 — Trade-show memories and community connections 19:26 — Dan’s invitation to hesitant posters 19:56 — Why join 14 PSI? 20:47 — BlueRay XL shout-out and closing remarks Content advisory: Explicit language, adult humor, and frank discussion of online hostility. The question for listeners: What would make you comfortable asking for help in a professional Facebook group—and what would make you leave? Be good. Be safe. Don’t put tabs in the skimmer. #TalkingPoolsPodcast #PoolIndustry #PoolProfessionals #Mentorship #OnlineCommunity Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Fear of Facebook, Part 2: Less Bloodsport, More Pool Knowledge

  7. Oct 22

    Stop Feeding the Skimmer: Wayne’s Pool Service Pet Peeves

    Ask a question here Talking Pools Podcast | Thursdays with Wayne & Steve Wayne Ivusich is flying solo, and he’s brought a list. Welcome to “Pissed-Off Wayne Thursdays,” where questionable pool service habits earn a finger wag and a reminder that saving a few minutes can create expensive problems. From chlorine tablets in skimmers to backwashing on autopilot, Wayne tackles shortcuts he sees across the industry. He explains why testing only chlorine and pH leaves part of the picture missing, discusses water balance, and encourages technicians to think about the long-term effects of their service decisions. Then, Steve Sherwood joins Pat Grignon of the California Pool Association for an Insurance Interlude about a deceptively simple task: filling a pool. A discussion of an overflow incident involving a damaged retaining wall turns into a conversation about liability, subcontractors, documentation, and why “the homeowner said they’d turn it off” can become a very expensive sentence. In This Episode Skimmer shortcuts: Wayne discusses chemical dosing practices and potential equipment damage.Chemical additions: Why compatibility, application instructions, and dosing sequence deserve attention.Backwashing habits: Using pressure readings and manufacturer guidance to make maintenance decisions.Testing beyond chlorine and pH: Alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, temperature, and total dissolved solids.Additional troubleshooting tests: Phosphates, copper, iron, and manganese.Pool overflow liability: How a running hose can lead to property damage and disputes over responsibility.Documentation that matters: Service records, photos, customer texts, and subcontractor insurance.Managing pool fills: Hose timers, flow meters, and estimating fill time.Episode Chapters 00:01 — Wayne goes solo: Welcome to Pet Peeve Thursdays Chemical dosing, skimmer habits, backwashing, water testing, and water balance. 22:11 — Sponsor messages 24:20 — Insurance Interlude: When filling a pool becomes a nightmare Steve and Pat discuss overflow damage, responsibility, insurance, and practical precautions. 38:00 — Closing thoughts and listener questions Featured Voices Wayne Ivusich — Thursday co-host and water chemistry educator Steve Sherwood — Thursday co-host Pat Grignon — Vice President, California Pool Association Support Our Partners LaMotte WaterLink Spin Touch: https://www.waterlinkspintouch.com Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code: https://www.cmahc.org PoolBrain: https://www.poolbrain.com Questions or episode suggestions? Email talkingpools@gmail.com. Listener note: Contains explicit language. Follow product labels and equipment manufacturer instructions for chemical application and maintenance. Insurance coverage and liability depend on the policy and circumstances. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Stop Feeding the Skimmer: Wayne’s Pool Service Pet Peeves

  8. Oct 21

    From Malibu Pools to Ocean Solutions: Terry Tamminen on Mentorship

    Ask a question here Before he worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger or led ocean innovation initiatives, Terry Tamminen was servicing swimming pools in Malibu. And when he couldn’t find the comprehensive maintenance reference he wanted, he wrote one. This week on Talking Pools Podcast’s Wednesday Mythbusting Session, Natalie Hood wraps up the 2026 Top Ten Mentor interview series with Terry, author of The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual and a 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award finalist. Terry shares how his pool industry experience helped shape a career in environmental protection, why sharing knowledge still matters decades later, and what happened when the company servicing his own pool discovered whose backyard they were standing in. There’s also a technician cutting his route short to go skiing. Apparently, checking the slopes was easier than checking the pools. In this episode: The Malibu years: Building a pool service business with a celebrity clientele.Writing the manual: Turning years of classes, equipment information, and field experience into a resource for pool professionals.Mentorship with patience: Adapting to different learning styles and helping people reconsider old habits.Knowing your limits: Why “let me find out” beats confidently handing someone a bad answer.Pool myths: Discussing strong pool odors, chloramines, and the misconception that saltwater pools are chlorine-free.Professional standards: Why education and technical competence matter in a business involving water, electricity, and chemicals.The blue economy: Introducing emerging careers in aquaculture, underwater robotics, and ocean technology.Honest feedback: Finding people who will tell you when you’ve screwed up, even when you haven’t asked.Episode chapters 00:00 — Meet Terry Tamminen 02:36 — From real estate to a Malibu pool route 09:58 — What the mentor recognition means to Terry 11:32 — Sharing practical knowledge and staying involved 15:30 — The people who shaped his approach 17:57 — Giving someone an opportunity 19:15 — When guidance doesn’t work out 22:25 — Teaching beginners and challenging established habits 24:07 — Strong pool odors and testing before treating 26:15 — Saltwater pool misconceptions 28:56 — Education and professionalism 31:12 — Mentorship and ocean careers 32:56 — Taking the pool industry seriously 34:57 — Why mentors need honest feedback, too 36:11 — A boat trip to Catalina and a chance to learn 38:30 — Terry’s closing message The takeaway: Keep learning, share what you know, and take the work seriously. Even the person who wrote the book can learn something from the technician standing in his backyard. 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award sponsors Title Sponsors: BlueRay XL and United ChemicalGold Sponsor: LaMotteSilver Sponsor: Revved Up ApparelSupporting Sponsor: AquaComfort Water GroupContent advisory: Contains explicit language. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    From Malibu Pools to Ocean Solutions: Terry Tamminen on Mentorship
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4.7
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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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