Talking Pools Podcast

Rudy Stankowitz
  • 4.7 (113)
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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. Borates, Global Supply Chains, and Pool Chemistry

    2D AGO

    Borates, Global Supply Chains, and Pool Chemistry

    Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Flock It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz revisits the topic of borates in swimming pools, exploring the chemistry behind them, the regulatory history, and why recent geopolitical tensions have brought boron compounds back into the conversation. Recent instability in key shipping corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal has raised concerns about global freight movement. Since Turkey holds the world’s largest boron reserves and supplies a significant portion of the global market through its state-owned producer Eti Maden, disruptions in shipping routes could tighten the supply chain that delivers boric acid to the U.S. market. The chemistry itself hasn’t changed—the mines are still operating—but the logistics that move industrial minerals around the world can shift quickly. Rudy then breaks down the science behind borates. In pool water, boron compounds typically exist as boric acid and borate ions, forming a secondary buffering system that helps resist pH drift, especially in pools with saltwater chlorine generators, where aeration accelerates carbon dioxide loss and causes pH to rise. Most pools that use borates maintain concentrations between 30 and 50 ppm. Below that range the buffering effect becomes minimal, and above it there is little additional benefit. Once added, borates remain stable in the water and are only removed through dilution, splash-out, backwashing, or water replacement. Borates are often described as algistatic, meaning they may inhibit algae growth, but they should not be considered a primary algaecide. Chlorine remains the primary sanitizer responsible for algae control. The episode also touches on the regulatory evolution surrounding borates. Following the introduction of NSF/ANSI Standard 50 Annex R in 2015, many niche pool chemical additives—including borate products—were not pursued for certification under the updated framework. As a result, borates largely disappeared from modern certification listings, though they remain widely used in residential pools where certification is not required. The bigger takeaway is that the chemistry hasn’t changed—but the systems that deliver pool chemicals have. In today’s global economy, the most complicated part of pool chemistry may not be the reactions happening in the water, but the international supply chains that bring those chemicals to the pool service professional. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    33 min
  2. 1099 vs W-2, Water Balance, and Pool Industry Realities

    3D AGO

    1099 vs W-2, Water Balance, and Pool Industry Realities

    Pool Pros text questions here Insurance Interlude: 1099 vs W-2, Water Balance, and Pool Industry Realities In this episode of Thursdays with Wayne & Steve, the show opens with a quick look at the winter weather hitting the Northeast before diving into two important conversations affecting pool professionals: employee classification in the service industry and the importance of water balance and documentation in pool care. Joining Steve for the Insurance Interlude is Pat Grignon from the California Pool Association, where they explore the ongoing debate between 1099 independent contractors and W-2 employees in the pool service industry. 1099 vs W-2: What Pool Companies Need to Know Steve and Pat discuss the legal and operational differences between hiring technicians as independent contractors (1099) versus employees (W-2). While some companies successfully operate with contractors who maintain their own businesses, problems arise when contractors function essentially as employees. The conversation highlights a real-world case where a company classified dozens of workers as independent contractors, even though they only worked for that company. The result was a state investigation and a $750,000 fine, demonstrating how seriously regulators view employee misclassification. Pat explains that legitimate 1099 relationships typically require: Workers operating their own independent businessMaintaining their own insuranceWorking for multiple clientsUsing their own equipment Later in the episode, Wayne shares a call from a listener in Port Orange, Florida dealing with corrosion around brass light fittings in two stainless steel pools. After discussing the issue, it becomes clear that the root cause was not high total dissolved solids (TDS), but severely unbalanced water chemistry. The technician had been lowering the pH to 6.8, which is far below recommended swimming pool levels. Combined with low alkalinity readings around 40–50 ppm, the water had become extremely corrosive. Wayne walks through the fundamentals of restoring proper balance: Maintain pH between 7.4–7.6Keep alkalinity between 80–120 ppmMaintain calcium hardness above 150 ppmMonitor TDS relative to source waterThe example serves as a reminder that water balance is critical, especially when dealing with metal components or unusual pool construction materials. Why Documentation Protects Service Companies The episode closes with a discussion about the importance of record keeping when servicing pools, particularly after renovations or plaster work. If problems arise after a pool build or resurfacing, contractors may ask for detailed chemistry logs to determine whether improper water chemistry caused the issue. Maintaining records from systems like: SkimmerPool BrainPayThePoolMancan provide service companies with data-backed proof that proper chemistry was maintained. Without documentation, pool companies may struggle to defend themselves when blame is assigned for plaster defects or equipment failures. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    52 min
  3. The Truth About Pool Circulation and Efficiency

    4D AGO

    The Truth About Pool Circulation and Efficiency

    Pool Pros text questions here In this episode, Natalie Hood interviews Sean McDermott from H2 Flow to bust common myths about pool water circulation, flow measurement, and system efficiency. They explore how proper understanding and technology can improve water quality, safety, and energy use in pools. keywords pool water circulation, flow measurement, VFD, pool system efficiency, water quality, pool safety, flow meters, pool automation, pump protection key topics Myth of continuous circulation with pump runningFlow rate vs filtration effectivenessImportance of accurate flow measurementRole of VFDs in energy savingsMechanical issues masquerading as chemical problemsguest name Sean McDermott Sound Bites "Flow measurement is critical for safety""VFDs are widely used in pools now""Reducing pump speed saves energy"Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pool Water Movement and Misconceptions 00:55 Sean McDermott's Background and Industry Journey 03:35 The Industry Setup and Education in Pool Management 05:57 Myth 1: As long as the pump runs, circulation is proper 08:47 Myth 2: Higher flow always means better filtration 10:09 The importance of accurate flow measurement 11:42 The significance of flow measurement for safety 13:15 Flow meters: Accuracy matters 14:22 VFDs in residential and commercial pools 16:02 Modern VFDs and their ease of use 17:36 Autofill systems and automation benefits 18:56 Durability of outdoor pool systems 20:27 Pump protection and system safety 21:37 Low flow alarms and their role 23:30 Energy efficiency and pump speed reduction 25:01 Adjusting for environmental factors in pool operation 26:47 Water quality issues: Chemical vs mechanical causes 28:04 Mechanical issues masquerading as chemical problems 32:21 Final thoughts and advice from Sean McDermott Resources H2 FlowNSF International NSF 50 StandardVFDs in Pool SystemsSean McDermott on LinkedIn Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    36 min

  4. 4D AGO

    2026 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award

    Pool Pros text questions here FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Talking Pools Podcast has officially opened nominations for the 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award, an industry recognition created to celebrate the individuals who go beyond their daily work to teach, guide, and elevate others in the swimming pool and spa profession.  Nominations will be accepted from March 15 through May 15, 2026, inviting pool service technicians, builders, retailers, educators, manufacturers, and other professionals across the industry to submit the name of a mentor who helped shape their career.  The award was created by Talking Pools Podcast host and industry educator Rudy Stankowitz to shine a spotlight on the unsung leaders of the trade—those who invest their time and experience in helping others succeed.  “Every great pool professional started somewhere, and chances are someone helped them along the way,” said Stankowitz. “This award exists to recognize the people who take the time to teach judgment, protect standards, and build technicians who will carry the industry forward.”  Recognizing the Quiet Builders of the Industry Unlike many awards that highlight business growth or product innovation, the Mentor of the Year Award focuses specifically on mentorship—the act of teaching, guiding, and developing professionals in the field. Eligible nominees must be actively involved in the swimming pool industry or a closely related field, including service, construction, retail, manufacturing, education, or other supporting roles.  To maintain fairness and integrity, the award program does not allow self-nominations, family nominations, or nominations of Talking Pools Podcast hosts. Each submission must come from a professional working within the industry.  A Championship Recognition The Mentor of the Year recipient will be presented with a custom championship belt, symbolizing the impact mentors have on shaping the next generation of professionals. The belt was designed by Wildcat Belts, the same manufacturer that produces championship titles for organizations like WWE and UFC.  The inaugural 2025 award attracted dozens of nominations from across the global pool industry, with finalists selected through a multi-stage anonymous review process to ensure a merit-based evaluation.  In keeping with the spirit of the award, the winner will not be asked to attend a formal ceremony. Instead, the Talking Pools Podcast team will deliver the championship belt in person, surprising the recipient at their workplace or job site while they are doing what mentors do best—helping others succeed.  How to Nominate a Mentor Industry professionals can nominate their mentor by submitting the individual’s name along with a description of how that person helped them grow in their career or business. Submissions can be made online at:  https://cpoclass.com/pool-news/mentor-award/   Alternatively, nominees can be submitted by visiting cpoclass.com and selecting the Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award tab. The Top 10 nominees will be announced later in 2026, with one individual ultimately earning the title of Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    4 min
  5. Ionizers, Chlorine Production, and When Manufacturers Won’t Listen

    6D AGO

    Ionizers, Chlorine Production, and When Manufacturers Won’t Listen

    Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee and Shane discuss a frustrating service case involving an ionizer sanitation system with an integrated salt cell that isn’t producing enough chlorine to maintain a residential pool. The system is rated for pools up to 150,000 liters, yet the pool in question is only 60,000 liters and repeatedly turns green. Despite increasing runtime to 24 hours per day and raising output to nearly 100%, chlorine levels remain extremely low. After performing a full troubleshooting process—including cleaning the pool, eliminating algae, verifying circulation, and treating potential biofilm with chlorine dioxide (C5)—the issue still persists. Manufacturer Advice Raises Questions When Shane contacted the manufacturer’s representative, the recommendation was to run the unit 24 hours a day at 100% output. This raised several concerns: It dramatically increases electricity costs for the client.It may shorten cell lifespan.It could exceed the unit’s 10,000-hour warranty limit in just over a year.Even more confusing, the representative suggested adding cyanuric acid, despite the system being marketed as a “freshwater pool system” and the manual specifically advising against adding stabilizer. When Manuals and Advice Don’t Match Lee and Shane point out the contradiction between manufacturer marketing, written instructions, and real-world recommendations. Being told to add chemicals that the manual says not to use places technicians in a difficult position if warranty issues arise later. Lee stresses an important rule for service professionals:  If a manufacturer instructs you to do something outside their manual, request the instructions in writing to protect yourself. Not All Ionizers Are the Same Shane also maintains another pool with a similar ionizer system from a different manufacturer that works perfectly, running 11 hours per day at about 80% output with no stabilizer in the water. This comparison suggests the issue may not be ionization technology itself, but potentially a problem with the specific unit or controller. Takeaway for Pool Pros The discussion highlights an ongoing challenge in the industry: technicians often follow a careful process of elimination, only to be told the problem must be something else. Sometimes, however, the problem is simply the equipment itself. 📧 Have a topic suggestion? Email the show: talkingpools@gmail.com Thanks for listening to Mondays Down Under on the Talking Pools Podcast. The Pool Shop Coachan online store offering industry-specific business mentoring, coaching, and training programs BufferZoneBufferZone has been created by a frustrated pool maintenance companyDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    37 min
  6. Price Pressure, Manufacturer Conflict, Boric Acid Logistics, & the Chemistry of Disinfection

    MAR 6

    Price Pressure, Manufacturer Conflict, Boric Acid Logistics, & the Chemistry of Disinfection

    Pool Pros text questions here This week, Rudy tackles something the “state of the industry” reports don’t always capture: First: How the War on Iran is likely to impact the U.S. Boric Acid/Borax Market Next, the emotional strain underneath the numbers. From Florida techs charging $70–$100 per month (including chemicals) and still feeling squeezed…  To competitors undercutting bids out of fear…  To Amazon underpricing distribution channels… The conversation isn’t about collapse. It’s about reorganization under pressure. 🧾 The Fault Lines Showing Up in the Field Across warehouse aisles and Facebook threads, several themes emerged: Chronic underpricing driven by fear, not mathManufacturer channel conflict with online retail giantsDistribution distrust and eroding brand loyaltySoftware fatigue from per-account pricing modelsFragmentation from low barriers to entryBurnout among seasoned veteransThis isn’t collapse. It’s an inflection point. Industries don’t disappear overnight.  They stratify. High-volume / low-margin operators.  Fearful middle-tier operators.  Disciplined top-tier professionals. Where you land depends on pricing discipline, positioning, and chemistry literacy. 💬 Simon Sprague’s Question: LSI vs Disinfection Rudy also responds to Simon Sprague of Tech Pools of Alicante, Spain, diving into: The 7.5% Free Chlorine to Cyanuric Acid ratioSaturation Index vs. disinfectant balanceWhy ideal ranges still matterWhy pH affects more than comfortWhy specialty chemicals have functional pH windowsWhy dumbing down the trade hurts the industry long-termEducation matters. Not to make techs chemists. But to prevent the industry from flattening into “chlorine and acid and hope.” 🧪 Deep Dive: What Disinfection Actually Is This episode goes further than most service conversations ever do. Rudy breaks down: Hypochlorous acid vs hypochlorite ionpH-driven speciation and kineticsCyanuric acid equilibrium chemistryBreakpoint chlorination and nitrogen chemistryORP as redox potential — not chlorine levelUV photolysis and chlorine half-lifeDisinfection byproducts (THMs, haloacetic acids)Advanced oxidation systems and hydroxyl radicalsBiofilms and oxidant demandMetal redox couples affecting ORP readingsA swimming pool is not a sterile container. It is a sunlight-exposed, nitrogen-fed, electrochemically active oxidative reactor. Stop thinking in parts per million. Start thinking in equilibrium kinetics and mass transfer. 🔥 The Hard Question As manufacturer and distributor costs rise… As Amazon undercuts local supply chains… As customers push back on rate increases… Is there a ceiling on what homeowners will pay? And what happens when margin shrinks into single digits? God bless the pool pro. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    48 min
  7. Calculate Pool Gallons Chemically

    MAR 5

    Calculate Pool Gallons Chemically

    Pool Pros text questions here pool management, insurance, pool measurements, chemical calculations, warranty issues, pricing strategies, pool service, pool industry, commercial pools, residential pools Summary In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss various challenges faced in pool management, including accurate pool measurements, navigating insurance and liability, chemical calculations for pool volume, warranty issues with manufacturers, and pricing strategies in the pool service industry. They emphasize the importance of understanding pool volume for chemical dosing, the complexities of commercial versus residential pools, and the need for strong relationships with manufacturers and insurance agents. The conversation aims to provide insights and practical advice for both new and experienced pool service professionals. Takeaways Accurate pool measurements are crucial for effective service.Understanding insurance coverage is essential for liability management.Chemical calculations can be done using a chemical method for accuracy.Building strong relationships with manufacturers can ease warranty issues.Pricing strategies should reflect market conditions and product costs.New pool service professionals should seek guidance to avoid costly mistakes.Communication with insurance agents can clarify coverage for different jobs.Knowing the volume of water in a pool is vital for chemical dosing.Regular follow-ups with manufacturers can expedite warranty claims.Understanding the differences between commercial and residential pools is important.Sound Bites "I always go to the top of the skimmer box.""You can calculate pool gallons chemically.""You have to be nice with the manufacturers."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pool Maintenance Topics 04:44 Measuring Pool Depth and Surface Area 17:04 Understanding Reagents and Their Shelf Life 52:53 Inventory Management and Quality Control in Reagents Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    59 min
  8. Encouraging Pool Pros to Invent All-In-One Solutions

    MAR 4

    Encouraging Pool Pros to Invent All-In-One Solutions

    Pool Pros text questions here pool industry, innovation, entrepreneurship, customer service, vacuum bags, COVID-19, cleaning efficiency, myths, hidden costs, technology Summary In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Natalie Hood interviews Gary Richards, the CEO of VacBags, about his journey from the restaurant industry to the pool industry. They discuss the importance of customer service, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and debunk common myths about vacuum bags. Gary shares insights on the hidden costs of cheap vacuum bags and the significance of quality in cleaning efficiency. The conversation highlights innovations in vacuum bag technology and concludes with Gary's encouraging message to strive for excellence in the pool industry. Takeaways Gary transitioned from the restaurant industry to the pool industry after losing his restaurants.Customer service is crucial in the pool industry and can set you apart from competitors.COVID-19 forced many in the pool industry to adapt and innovate due to supply shortages.Many people believe all vacuum bags are the same, but quality varies significantly.Cheap vacuum bags can lead to hidden costs that add up over time.Quality vacuum bags improve cleaning efficiency and customer satisfaction.Innovations like the VaxBags can simplify the cleaning process for pool professionals.It's important to have spare products on hand to avoid delays in service.Gary emphasizes the need for problem-solving and finding solutions in the industry.A positive attitude and commitment to quality can lead to success in the pool industry.Sound Bites "COVID was such a turning point.""You get what you pay for.""Not at all. Not at all."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Innovation in Pool Service 04:26 The Birth of VaxBags 09:02 Customer Service and Relationship Building 12:02 Debunking Myths About Vacuum Bags 15:28 The Importance of Quality in Pool Maintenance 19:46 The Future of Pool Cleaning Solutions 23:17 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    31 min
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4.7
out of 5
113 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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Rudy Stankowitz
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    954
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Pools Podcast
  • Show Website
    Talking Pools Podcast

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