Talking Pools Podcast

Rudy Stankowitz
  • 4.7 (113)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED DAILY

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

    8H AGO

    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

  2. 1D AGO

    Andrea Unfiltered – Stop Using Test Strips Like They Know What They’re Doing

    Pool Pros text questions here  This isn’t a calm episode.  This isn’t a polite episode. This is Andrea… slightly unhinged… walking straight into the chaos of how people are actually taking care of pools—and calling it out. From test strips that don’t tell you what you think they do… to calcium myths that refuse to die… to phosphate treatments that turn into unnecessary full-blown disasters—this episode is a reality check for anyone still guessing their way through water chemistry. And underneath the sarcasm and frustration… there’s something important: 👉 Most bad pool care isn’t complicated  👉 It’s just built on bad habits, bad info, and shortcuts This episode strips all of that down and replaces it with something better: Understanding what actually matters. ⚠️ WHAT ANDREA GOES AFTERTest Strips → They don’t test calcium hardness → They test total hardness → And that difference matters more than people realize  Calcium Hardness Myths → “It doesn’t matter in fiberglass or vinyl” → Wrong → It still needs to be in range—even if the consequences look different  pH Obsession → Chasing 7.4 constantly? → You’re creating your own problem through aeration and rebound  Cyanuric Acid Confusion → It protects chlorine… until it starts limiting it → And yes, there’s actual math behind what your chlorine level should be  TDS Panic → “Drain it, TDS is high!” → Based on… what starting point? → Because without that, you’re guessing  Phosphates (the hot take) → Not a problem… until they are → And overcorrecting them can create more work than the problem itself  🔥 THE MOMENTS THAT HIT“Phosphates are not a problem… until they’re a problem.”  “If you’re testing while algae is present… you’re probably getting a false low.”  “You don’t even know your TDS limit… unless you know where it started.”  🧪 WHAT YOU ACTUALLY LEARN Why calcium hardness still matters in every pool  The difference between total hardness vs calcium hardness  Why chasing pH can make your water harder to control  How CYA changes chlorine effectiveness (with real ratios)  Why TDS is often misunderstood—and misused  A smarter, low-impact way to manage phosphates  How bad testing technique leads to bad dosing decisions  Why your test kit might be lying to you (and how to fix it) ⚠️ REAL TALKIf your testing is wrong…  your dosing is wrong. If your dosing is wrong…  everything that follows is wrong. And most of the time?  It started with something as simple as: 👉 Holding the bottle at the wrong angle  👉 Using the wrong test method  👉 Or trusting a strip that doesn’t measure what you think it does  📲 LISTEN NOW🎧 Apple Podcasts  🎧 Spotify 👉 Follow the Talking Pools Podcast for more episodes that hit harder than they’re supposed to. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    36 min

  3. 2D AGO

    Mondays - Your Prices Are Wrong… and It’s About to Hurt.

    Pool Pros text questions here Mondays Down Under – Featuring Lee Salisbury, Shane & Nick Something is happening in the pool industry right now… and if you’re not paying attention, it’s going to cost you. Quietly…  Gradually…  Then all at once. PVC prices jump 30%.  Salt cell materials skyrocket.  Fuel costs ripple through everything. And suddenly the quote you sent two weeks ago? 👉 It’s already wrong. In this episode of Mondays Down Under, the crew breaks down what’s actually happening behind the scenes—from raw material price explosions to freight increases—and what it means for pool professionals trying to stay profitable in a market that’s shifting in real time. But this isn’t just doom and gloom. This episode is about control. 👉 What you can still control  👉 How to quote smarter  👉 And how to avoid losing money on jobs you thought were profitable Because right now? The difference between a good business and a struggling one…  might come down to how you write a quote. ⚠️ WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENINGPVC prices jumping fast → 30% increases already… more expected  Salt cell costs exploding → Key materials like ruthenium up over 100%+ year-over-year  Freight costs rising → Minimum orders increasing just to qualify for delivery  Everything is connected → Fuel → materials → manufacturing → YOUR pricing 🔥 THE BIG REALIZATION“This isn’t just a price increase problem…  this is a quoting problem.” Because if your pricing doesn’t adapt… 👉 You eat the cost  👉 You lose the margin  👉 And you don’t even realize it until the job is done 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS Prices are no longer stable—quotes need expiration dates  You should quote what you can control… and estimate what you can’t  Always build in allowances for unknowns (labor, access, conditions)  Shorter quote validity windows protect your margins  Templates and systems prevent repeated mistakes  Customers are getting smarter—you need to be sharper  Deposits, surcharges, and terms need to be clearly defined upfront 💡 PRACTICAL STRATEGIES (THAT ACTUALLY MATTER)1. Stop treating quotes like guarantees → Use estimates for variables you can’t control 2. Shorten your quote window → Two weeks might be safer than 30 days right now 3. Add clauses like: → “Subject to supplier price increases” 4. Separate scope clearly → What IS included vs what is NOT included 5. Build in buffer → Labor overruns, hidden obstacles, weird jobsite surprises Because as one story proves… You don’t know a job is a nightmare  until you’re stuck under a house…  on your back…  with pipe in your face.  ⚠️ THE HARD TRUTHYou’re not just competing on price anymore. You’re competing on: 👉 Accuracy  👉 Risk management  👉 And how well you protect your business from things you can’t control 📲 LISTEN NOW🎧 Apple Podcasts  🎧 Spotify 👉 Follow the Talking Pools Podcast for real-world conversations that actually prepare you for what’s coming next. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    38 min
  4. Chlorine Lock is Fake… and the Industry Let You Believe It Anyway

    5D AGO

    Chlorine Lock is Fake… and the Industry Let You Believe It Anyway

    Pool Pros text questions here This episode starts where most pool problems actually begin—not in the chemistry… but in the math. Rudy breaks down why inconsistent dosing is quietly wrecking pools everywhere, how “close enough” turns into repeat problems, and why scooping chemicals like you’re baking cookies is one of the biggest operational failures in the industry. From there, the conversation escalates into real chemistry—chlorine demand, the science behind oxidation, and why chlorine never just “disappears”… it reacts. Then we get into the controversy everyone keeps asking about:  Is sodium bromide coming back? Rudy explains what’s really happening behind the scenes with regulatory restrictions, what the EPA is actually concerned about, and why this has nothing to do with whether bromine works—and everything to do with what might happen under worst-case conditions. ⚠️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode  Why most pool problems are not mysterious—they’re bad dosing and inconsistent inputs  The critical difference between volume vs. weight and how bulk density quietly sabotages your results  How underdosing fuels contamination—and overdosing creates new problems  Why chloramines (not chlorine) cause smell and irritation  The real reason your pool “won’t hold chlorine” (hint: it’s not magic)  Why “chlorine lock” is not a real chemistry term—and what’s actually happening instead  How sunlight, ammonia, organics, and biofilms all compete for chlorine simultaneously  The role of hypochlorous acid vs. hypochlorite ion and why pH changes everything  What chlorine demand really is—and how to diagnose it correctly 🧬 The Bromine Conversation (What Everyone’s Asking)  Why sodium bromide was restricted in outdoor pools  What the EPA actually said (and didn’t say)  The real concern: potential bromate formation under certain conditions 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

    28 min
  5. Pool Pros Are Done Babysitting Clients Who Don’t Listen

    6D AGO

    Pool Pros Are Done Babysitting Clients Who Don’t Listen

    Pool Pros text questions here When It Rains, It Pours: Real Problems Pool Pros Actually Deal With In this episode, hosts Wayne & Steve pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes of running a pool service company—because it’s not all crystal-clear water and perfectly balanced chemistry. Fresh off a wedding weekend (and still recovering), Wayne passes the mic to Steve, who walks us through a week where everything that could go wrong… did. And not in theory. In real, messy, business-impacting ways. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Reality of Running a Pool Company  Why even well-run operations still deal with constant “fires”  The difference between working in the business vs. on the business  How quickly things unravel when you step away—even briefly Commercial Pools Are a Different Beast  Managing multiple bodies of water, spas, and fountains at a single property  The hidden workload behind automated systems and chemical feeders  Why one small mistake (like an injector adjustment) can create a massive chemical imbalance When Communication Fails, Everything Fails  Warranty work getting completed… without anyone being notified  Clients, contractors, and manufacturers all operating on different timelines  How poor communication creates liability—even when the problem is fixed Insurance, Liability & Covering Your Ass  Why every subcontractor should be listed as additionally insured What happens when something goes wrong and no one takes responsibility  How to protect your business when working with third parties—even one-time vendors Documentation is Everything (No Exceptions)  Why photos, timestamps, and records are your best legal defense  Real-world example: proving service visits when clients think you “never showed up”  How poor reporting—even from a good employee—can damage trust instantly Employee Management & Operational Breakdowns  The importance of consistent reporting—even on busy days  Why “I know they were there” isn’t good enough without proof  How small gaps in documentation turn into big client issues Client Challenges You Can’t Avoid  New management taking over and resetting expectations overnight  Clients resisting necessary maintenance like draining pools  High-demand pools with structural limitations that cannot be solved with chemicals alone The Business Side No One Talks About  Handling unpaid invoices and difficult clie California Pool AssociationPool Industry Trade OrganizationLaMotte CompanyLaMotte Company is a leading manufacturer of water quality testing products & pool test kitsCMAHCThe Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code promotes health & safety at public swimming poolsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    1h 3m
  6. 50 Years in the Trenches with George Williams & Ken Rogner: Pool Industry Myths, Money, and Mistakes

    MAR 25

    50 Years in the Trenches with George Williams & Ken Rogner: Pool Industry Myths, Money, and Mistakes

    Pool Pros text questions here In this myth-busting, industry-deep-dive episode, host Natalie Hood sits down with two absolute heavyweights of the pool industry: George Williams – 50+ years shaping pool equipment innovation Ken Rogner – 50+ years in distribution, sales, and training Together, they break down long-standing myths, challenge misconceptions, and pull back the curtain on how the industry actually works—from filtration truths to homeowner expectations and the real cost of doing business. This is part one of a conversation that blends history, hard truths, and a little bit of “back in my day” wisdom that still hits in 2026. 💡 What You’ll Learn 🔬 The Truth About DE Filters  Why diatomaceous earth (DE) has been unfairly labeled as dangerous  The real health risk (and when it actually matters)  Why DE still delivers unmatched water clarity (down to 1–2 microns) Best practices for safe handling and application  How regulations—especially disposal laws—have influenced filter trends ⚙️ Why Cartridge Filters Took Over  The real reason service companies prefer cartridges  Speed, simplicity, and truck-stock efficiency  How distribution realities shape what gets installed in backyards 💸 The Myth: Pools Are Too Much Work  Why this belief is outdated (and costing homeowners joy)  How automation has changed everything:  Salt systems  Chemical controllers  Smartphone-based pool management  Real-world example: a pool requiring almost zero chemical additions all season📉 The Myth: Pools Are Expensive to Operate  Variable-speed pumps = drastically lower energy costs  What actually drives operating expenses (hint: not what homeowners think)  Why modern pools are cheaper to run than they were 30 years ago🏡 Regional Reality Check  Why:  Florida = service-heavy market  Midwest/Northeast = DIY-heavy (historically)  How geography shapes:  Customer expectations  Service models  Buying decisions ⚠️ Industry Insight of the Episode “95% of the time, you’re looking at your pool—not using it.”That one line explains:  Why clarity sells  Why filtration matters  Why perception often outweighs chemistry 🔧 Pro Takeaway There’s a quiet shift happening in the industry:  Homeowners are less involved than ever Technology is removing friction But expectations are higher than everAnd if you’re a service pro? 👉 The job isn’t just cleaning pools anymore  👉 It’s managing systems, t Revdup Apparel a custom apparel company built for the pool industry. Founded by pool professionalsThe Grit GameThe Grit Game, is not just playing the game, we’re changing it. 500+ years industry experience, 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

    35 min
  7. Your Customer's Pool Isn’t Broken—You’re Just Wrong

    MAR 24

    Your Customer's Pool Isn’t Broken—You’re Just Wrong

    Pool Pros text questions here Andrea is back. Alone. Unsupervised. And apparently powered by battery backups and unresolved rage toward misinformation. In this episode of Andrea Unfiltered, she dives headfirst into pool chemistry fundamentals—except instead of reading you a boring textbook, she drags bad pool advice into the street and fights it like it owes her money. This is Part One of her “Cool Chemicals” series (yes, she named it herself, and yes, she’s proud of it). Expect a crash course in sanitizers, water balance, and why your pool isn’t broken—you just don’t understand it. Also… somehow Jimmy Dean sausage complaints make an appearance. Because of course they do. 🔥 What You’ll Learn (Whether You’re Ready or Not) 💀 Salt Systems: Stop Lying to Yourself 🧠 The Human Body Analogy You Didn’t Ask For (But Now Can’t Unhear) 🧼 Disinfection vs Sanitization (AKA Killing Germs vs Making Them Regret Existing) ⚖️ Water Balance: Your Pool is Either Dissolving Itself or Turning into a Cave 🧪 Chemical Chaos & “Oops, It’s Snowing in the Pool” Moments 🧬 Chlorine vs Bromine: The Family Feud Nobody Asked For ⚡ Advanced Systems (AOP, UV, Ozone, PHMB… aka The Avengers of Overcomplication) 📉 pH, Alkalinity, and Why Your Weekly Acid Dump is Ruining Lives 🧾 Test Kit Truth Bombs Example of Price increase letter: Dear Mr. Pool Owner, The cost of maintaining a swimming pool has increased across the board. Chemicals, equipment, fuel, insurance, and labor have all risen significantly over the past few years, while the level of service required to properly care for your pool continues to grow. We have absorbed these increases for as long as possible to avoid impacting you. However, continuing to do so would compromise the quality and reliability of the service you expect. For that reason, we will be implementing a rate adjustment effective [insert date]. This change allows us to maintain consistent service, use high-quality products, retain skilled technicians, and address issues before they become costly problems. Our goal is not to cut corners—but to continue doing the job the right way. We understand that increases are never ideal, but maintaining your pool properly requires it. Our commitment to you remains the same. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for your continued trust. Sincerely, [Your Name / Company Name] Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    48 min

  8. MAR 23

    War, Fuel, and the Pool Guy’s Breaking Point

    Pool Pros text questions here In this timely and globally relevant episode of Mondays Down Under, hosts Lee (Australia) and Shane (New Zealand) are joined by special guest Nick—a seasoned pool industry veteran with over two decades of experience managing a high-volume retail and service operation. Against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, the conversation pivots to a pressing issue hitting close to home for pool professionals: rising fuel costs and supply uncertainty. While geographically distant from the conflict, Australia and New Zealand are already feeling the ripple effects—especially at the pump. This episode delivers a grounded, practical discussion on how service-based pool businesses can adapt, protect margins, and remain operational in the face of rising costs and potential shortages. ⛽ Key Topics & Takeaways Fuel Prices Are Climbing—Fast Fuel costs across Australia and New Zealand are rising sharply, with increases of 20–50 cents per liter already being reported. Some regions are even experiencing fuel shortages, creating urgency for service companies that rely on daily vehicle use. Service Businesses Are on the Front Line Unlike other industries, pool service companies can’t reduce fuel consumption easily. Trucks must roll, routes must be completed, and المياه doesn’t balance itself. This makes fuel one of the most immediate threats to profitability. 💡 Strategies to Protect Your Business 1. Implement a Fuel Levy (Transparent Pricing Wins) Lee shares a proven strategy: introduce a clearly defined fuel levy instead of raising base service prices.  Tiered by service area (A, B, C zones)  Adjustable as fuel prices fluctuate  Removable when prices normalize  Builds trust and transparency with customers2. Tighten Route Density  Reduce travel distances between jobs  Cluster service calls geographically  Improve both fuel efficiency and labor productivity3. Daily Fueling & запас Planning Nick outlines a proactive approach:  Encourage technicians to top off regularly Maintain a buffer of several days’ fuel supply Avoid getting caught during local shortages 4. Use Fuel Price Apps  Australia: Petrol Spy New Zealand: Gaspy These tools help teams locate the cheapest fuel in real time—sometimes saving 10–20 cents per liter between suburbs. 5. Leverage Discounts & Membership Perks  Grocery store fuel dockets  Insurance or roadside memberships (NRMA, etc.)  Small savings per liter compound significantly across fleets BufferZoneBufferZone has been created by a frustrated pool maintenance companyThe 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

    45 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
    967
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Pools Podcast
  • Show Website
    Talking Pools Podcast

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