Talking Pools Podcast

Rudy Stankowitz
  • 4.7 (114)
  • 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. 21h ago

    Chemistry Myths That Cost Pool Pros Money – Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail Are you making pool chemistry harder than it needs to be? In Part 2 of our Chemistry Myths That Cost Pool Pros Money series, Natalie Hood welcomes Eric Wall back to the show to continue separating fact from fiction in professional pool care. From the belief that a strong chlorine smell means a clean pool to the misconception that "perfect" test results always equal healthy water, this episode challenges some of the industry's most common assumptions while exploring what truly creates exceptional water quality and profitable service routes. The conversation goes beyond chemistry, diving into technician training, customer retention, specialty chemical programs, filtration, troubleshooting, and why successful companies focus on systems—not just products. Whether you're servicing ten pools a week or managing hundreds of accounts, this episode offers practical insights that can help streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and increase profitability. In This Episode Why a strong "chlorine smell" usually indicates a water quality problem—not a clean pool.The difference between clear water and truly polished water.Why customers notice water feel and clarity before chemistry numbers.How specialty chemicals can simplify service routes when used correctly.Reducing chemical waste and inventory shrinkage.Building consistent treatment systems that every technician can follow.Why standardized service improves profitability.How proper technician training reduces turnover.The importance of mentoring instead of simply assigning new employees to routes.Why asking questions is one of the most valuable skills in the industry.Why filtration is just as important as chemistry.Source water testing and why it often gets overlooked.Variable-speed pumps during algae cleanup and problem pools.Common myths surrounding pool chemistry education.How manufacturers' representatives can become valuable technical resources—not just salespeople.Practical ways to improve your business by working smarter instead of harder.Key Takeaways ✔ Water chemistry numbers tell only part of the story. ✔ Customer experience is driven by water clarity, feel, and consistency. ✔ Good filtration and good chemistry work together. ✔ Standardized operating procedures create more profitable service companies. ✔ Better-trained technicians stay longer and provide better service. ✔ Investing in education pays dividends throughout your business. Featured Guest Eric Wall Eric shares decades of industry experience working directly with service companies, builders, retailers, and distributors across North America. His practical approach focuses on simplifying pool care, improving technician success, and helping businesses become more efficient and profitable through education and standardized systems. Sponsored By Blu-Ray XLUnited ChemicalLaMotte ChemicalRevved Up ApparelAqua Comfort Water GroupH2Flow ControlsAlso Featured Natalie shares an update on her "She Swims So They Can" Tennessee Triple Crown Open Water Swim Challenge benefiting Every Child A Swimmer, including sponsorship opportunities that help provide life-saving swim lessons and water safety education for children. Connect Questions for Eric Wall? 📧 ewall@thegritgame.com If Part 1 challenged what you thought you knew about pool chemistry, Part 2 takes it even further by showing how better systems, better training, and better questions create better pool professionals. Listen now and discover why smarter pool care isn't about using more chemicals—it's about understanding the entire system. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Chemistry Myths That Cost Pool Pros Money – Part 2

  2. 2d ago

    Pool Water Testing with LaMotte Down Under

    Send us Fan Mail Magnesium, Salt & the Truth About Water Testing with LaMotte – Part 1 Is your salt test really measuring salt? What happens when magnesium enters the equation? And why do two different salt tests sometimes give two completely different answers? This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee and Nick welcome Hieron from LaMotte for a fascinating deep dive into modern water testing, magnesium pools, calcium hardness, Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), and why understanding your test results is just as important as performing the test itself.  Whether you're servicing pools every day or managing a retail water testing lab, this episode explains why blindly trusting numbers without understanding the chemistry behind them can cost your customers money—and shorten the life of their equipment. In This Episode  Why total hardness is no longer the same as calcium hardness How magnesium changes water chemistry  Why magnesium hardness must be separated from calcium hardness  The relationship between hardness and the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) Why pH remains the single biggest factor affecting water balance  Does magnesium actually affect scaling?  Understanding the difference between conductivity salt meters and reagent-based salt testing Why two salt tests can produce dramatically different readings  The hidden problem of "dead" salt and elevated TDS  When water replacement becomes the only practical solution  Protecting expensive salt chlorinator cells through accurate testing  Why experienced technicians ask questions instead of simply printing reports  The psychology of educating customers and building long-term trust  A preview of LaMotte's upcoming professional training course for the pool industry Key Takeaways One of the biggest myths discussed is that all salt readings are equal. Traditional conductivity meters measure the electrical conductivity of dissolved solids, while LaMotte's Spin system chemically measures usable chloride ions—the portion of salt that can actually produce chlorine. Understanding that distinction can dramatically improve troubleshooting and help explain why older pools often experience chlorination issues despite appearing to have sufficient salt.  The conversation also explores why magnesium pools require technicians to think differently about hardness testing. Magnesium contributes to total hardness but should not simply be substituted for calcium when calculating water balance or the LSI. Accurate testing allows professionals to properly determine true calcium hardness instead of relying on outdated rules of thumb.  Beyond chemistry, the discussion focuses on customer communication. The best technicians don't simply hand customers a printout—they ask better questions, interpret the results, educate pool owners, and build relationships that last for years.  Featured Guest Hieron – LaMotte  Water chemistry specialist  Professional water testing educator  Expert in Spin water analysis technology  Developer of LaMotte's upcoming online professional training program Coming Next Week Part Two continues the conversation with even more practical discussions on professional water analysis, advanced chemistry, and improving customer outcomes through better testing and education.  Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Pool Water Testing with LaMotte Down Under

  3. 5d ago

    Why Pool Coatings Peel

    Send us Fan Mail The Truth About Pool Coatings, Surface Preparation, and Why Failures Really Happen Everyone wants to know which pool paint is the best. Wrong question. In this episode of Talking Pools, Rudy Stankowitz takes listeners far beyond the paint can and into the science of coating failures, adhesion, compatibility, moisture, and surface preparation. Using the recent attention surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as a jumping-off point, Rudy explains why nearly every coating failure investigation asks the same question: What happened before the paint ever touched the surface? From chlorinated rubber and acrylics to epoxy and high-build epoxy systems, this episode explores the strengths, weaknesses, and proper applications of today's most common swimming pool coating systems. More importantly, it explains why even the most expensive coating in the world can't overcome poor preparation. If you've ever wondered why one painted pool lasts fifteen years while another begins peeling after a single season, this episode connects the dots between chemistry, application, environmental conditions, and good old-fashioned craftsmanship. Along the way, Rudy shares real-world stories, practical advice, and plenty of his signature Gen X humor. Whether you're a pool service professional, contractor, facility manager, or simply fascinated by how coatings succeed—or fail—this is one of the most comprehensive discussions on swimming pool coatings ever presented on the Talking Pools Podcast.  In This Episode  Why asking "What's the best pool paint?" is the wrong question  The lessons every pool professional can learn from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool  Why compatibility between coating systems matters  Understanding chlorinated rubber, synthetic rubber, acrylic, epoxy, and high-build epoxy coatings  Why surface preparation determines the success or failure of almost every coating system  How to properly inspect an existing painted pool before recoating  The importance of documenting coating failures before disturbing the evidence  Mechanical adhesion vs. chemical adhesion explained in plain English  Why moisture remains one of the biggest enemies of successful coating applications  Proper cleaning, sanding, acid washing, and contamination removal  How silicone contamination, chalking, oils, and residue interfere with adhesion  Why weather, humidity, dew point, and curing conditions matter  Understanding recoat windows and why missing them creates problems  Common causes of blistering, peeling, and coating delamination  Adhesive failure vs. cohesive failure vs. substrate failure  ASTM testing methods used during professional coating failure investigations  Why coating failures should be investigated—not guessed Key Takeaways ✔ The most expensive coating cannot overcome poor surface preparation. ✔ Compatibility between existing and new coating systems is critical. ✔ Surface contamination is often invisible but can completely prevent proper adhesion. ✔ Moisture inside concrete can remain long after the surface appears dry. ✔ Proper environmental conditions are just as important as choosing the right coating. ✔ Good investigators document the failure before removing any evidence. ✔ Most coating failures begin long before the pool is filled with water. ✔ Successful coating jobs are built on preparation—not luck. Memorable Quotes "Surface preparation isn't part of the job. Surface preparation is the job.""Compatibility matters. Chemistry matters. Guessing doesn't.""Painting a pool isn't hard. Knowing when not to paint—that's what separates a guy with a roller from a pool professional."Featured Sponsors Blu-Ray XL Reduce chemical usage, lower labor costs, and improve profitability with Blu-Ray XL's mineral purification technology for pool professionals.  Jacks Magic Professional stain identification, removal, and prevention products trusted throughout the pool industry.  AquaStar Pool Products Learn about AquaStar's innovative Pipeline cartridge filters featuring NSF-tested performance and simplified maintenance.  Service Industry News Stay informed with nationwide pool and spa industry news, technical articles, and the famous Horror File. Subscribe free at Service Industry News.  Listen If You...  Paint or recoat swimming pools  Service painted pools  Investigate coating failures  Work with commercial aquatic facilities  Want to better understand adhesion and coating science  Enjoy deep technical discussions presented in plain English  Like your pool education served with a healthy dose of Gen X sarcasm Connect With Talking Pools Questions about coatings, chemistry, troubleshooting, or a future podcast topic? 📧 talkingpools@gmail.com Subscribe to the Talking Pools Podcast Network wherever you get your podcasts, and join thousands of pool professionals each week for practical discussions on water chemistry, coatings, equipment, business, and everything that makes you a better pool pro. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Why Pool Coatings Peel

  4. 6d ago

    When a Pool Is a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when you walk onto a commercial pool deck expecting to provide a service quote... and instead discover a facility that should probably be closed? In this episode of Insurance Interlude, Steve Sherwood and Pat Grignon tackle one of the toughest situations a commercial pool professional can face: discovering serious code violations before you've even signed a contract. Steve shares a recent experience inspecting several HOA pools where years of neglected maintenance, questionable repairs, missing safety equipment, incomplete service logs, and improper chemical handling created significant liability concerns. The discussion quickly shifts from "Should I take this account?" to "How do I protect myself if something happens before I'm hired?" Whether you're servicing residential pools, managing commercial facilities, or growing your business, this episode is packed with practical advice on inspections, documentation, contracts, liability, and protecting both your customers and your company. In This Episode  Why some commercial pools should never remain open until deficiencies are corrected  The importance of documenting serious safety violations immediately  When a service estimate becomes a potential liability issue  Improper plumbing repairs that violate code  Missing flow meters, bonding, grounding, and neglected maintenance records  Why incomplete service logs can become evidence in litigation  Chemical storage mistakes that can create OSHA and HazMat nightmares  The importance of secondary containment for liquid chemicals  Understanding the gap between inspections and signed service contracts  What happens when another company is still responsible for the pool  Residential versus commercial liability differences  How contract renewals and expired agreements can affect legal exposure  Why documentation is one of the best forms of risk management  The importance of educating prospective clients—even if they never hire you  Knowing when to walk away from a problematic customer Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    When a Pool Is a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen

  5. Jul 15

    Open Water Swimming Myths Busted with Hilda Lopez

    Send us Fan Mail How different is open water swimming from training in a pool? Far more than most people realize. This week, Natalie Hood is joined by ultra-endurance swimmer Hilda Lopez, fresh off completing the 50th Annual Swim Around Key West—a grueling 12.5-mile marathon swim that tested her endurance, mindset, and determination. Hilda shares her inspiring journey from struggling with her health and being significantly overweight to becoming an accomplished open water swimmer tackling some of the world's most demanding marathon swims. Together, Natalie and Hilda break down some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding open water swimming, including: Why pool training alone isn't enough for marathon swimsThe reality of swimming in currents, tides, waves, and changing conditionsWhy your open water pace rarely matches your pool paceBuilding endurance without swimming race distance every training sessionThe importance of strength training for injury prevention and performanceWhy hydration and nutrition can make or break a long-distance swimManaging fear, self-doubt, and race-day nervesThe critical role of a strong support team during marathon swimsWhy pacing—not sprinting off the start—is often the smartest strategyHilda also recounts the emotional final mile of her Swim Around Key West, where exhaustion, heat, and powerful currents nearly ended her race before encouragement from her support crew—and especially her son—helped carry her to the finish. Finally, Natalie announces her own next adventure: taking on the Tennessee Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming while raising funds for Every Child A Swimmer, helping provide lifesaving swim lessons to children. Whether you're an experienced swimmer, training for your first open water event, or simply love hearing stories of perseverance, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and an honest look at what it really takes to conquer the open water. Topics Covered Marathon swimmingOpen water trainingSwim Around Key WestEndurance sportsRace preparationHydration and nutritionStrength trainingMental resilienceSwim mythsEvery Child A SwimmerTennessee Triple Crown of Open Water SwimmingSwimming safetyLong-distance swimming Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Open Water Swimming Myths Busted with Hilda Lopez

  6. Jul 13

    Why Pool Pros Should Stop Ignoring Spas (and What Could Cost You Everything) with Adrian Lacey

    Send us Fan Mail Most pool professionals know pools. But when a spa needs repair? Suddenly everyone starts looking for "the spa guy." This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury and Nick welcome one of Australia's leading spa equipment specialists, Adrian Lacey of Spatex, for an eye-opening discussion that every pool technician, retailer, and service company needs to hear. If you've ever avoided spa repairs because they seemed too complicated—or too risky—this episode explains why that hesitation may be costing you a profitable part of your business. More importantly... It explains how to do it safely. In this episode: Why spas are one of the biggest untapped opportunities for pool professionalsCommon misconceptions that keep technicians away from spa serviceThe importance of partnering with licensed electricians and gas fittersDiagnosing leaks, pumps, air controls, jets, blowers, and electronic controlsWhy replacing the wrong pump can create serious safety hazardsUnderstanding hydraulic flow rates and why bigger pumps often make things worsePipe sizing mistakes that dramatically reduce system performanceWhy proper plumbing layout matters more than horsepowerThe importance of flow meters instead of guessing hydraulic performanceSacrificial Anodes Explained Adrian also dives into one of the industry's most misunderstood topics: Galvanic corrosionElectrolytic corrosionChemical corrosionLearn: Why they are completely different problemsHow sacrificial zinc anodes workWhat they can—and cannot—protectWhy every heated pool deserves consideration for corrosion protectionWhy an anode should never replace finding the actual cause of corrosionPool Safety That Too Many Professionals Overlook The conversation shifts into one of the most important topics in the industry: Safety. Including: Equipotential bondingElectrical safety around spasVoltage differences and corrosionWhy technicians should carry a non-contact voltage testerSuction entrapment hazardsVentilated skimmer requirementsUnderstanding Australian Standard AS 1926.3When replacing equipment legally requires bringing systems up to current safety standardsAdrian shares practical advice that could help technicians avoid costly mistakes—and potentially save lives. Plus Why documentation protects your businessWhen you should walk away from an unsafe jobWhy staying within your qualifications protects both your customers and your livelihoodFree technical resources available through the Spartex mobile appHow decades of technical knowledge are being shared with the industryWhether you service residential pools, commercial facilities, or have never touched a spa before, this episode is packed with practical advice, safety insights, and real-world experience that every pool professional can benefit from. 🎙 Guest: Adrian Lacey – Spatex 🎧 Hosted by: Lee Salisbury & Nick 📅 Series: Mondays Down Under Listen now and discover why expanding your knowledge of spas may be one of the smartest business decisions you make this year. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Why Pool Pros Should Stop Ignoring Spas (and What Could Cost You Everything) with Adrian Lacey

  7. Jul 11

    Si Solo Agregas Cloro, No Eres un Profesional

    Send us Fan Mail Química del Agua: Lo Que Todo Profesional de Piscinas Debe Saber (Parte 2) En este episodio de Talking Pools en Español, continuamos con una inmersión profunda en la química del agua, explicando conceptos que con frecuencia generan confusión incluso entre técnicos con experiencia. Hablamos de la importancia del cepillado como herramienta preventiva contra las algas, analizamos los distintos tipos de desinfectantes disponibles y aclaramos uno de los conceptos más malinterpretados de la industria: el contenido de cloro disponible. También exploramos las diferencias entre cloro, bromo, ozono y luz ultravioleta, cuándo utilizar cada uno y cuáles son sus ventajas y limitaciones. Además, Rudy explica la importancia de realizar pruebas precisas del agua, cómo interpretar correctamente los resultados y por qué un profesional nunca debe limitarse a "agregar químicos y marcharse". La verdadera diferencia entre un técnico y un profesional está en comprender qué está ocurriendo dentro del agua antes de decidir cualquier tratamiento. Si deseas mejorar tus conocimientos sobre química del agua y ofrecer un servicio basado en ciencia y no en suposiciones, este episodio es para ti. En este episodio  La importancia del cepillado para prevenir el crecimiento de algas.  Por qué un profesional debe diagnosticar antes de tratar una piscina.  Cloro estabilizado, hipoclorito de sodio y otros desinfectantes.  ¿Qué significa realmente el "contenido de cloro disponible"?  Diferencias entre cloro libre y cloro combinado.  Cómo funciona el bromo y cuándo es la mejor opción.  Ozono y luz ultravioleta como oxidantes suplementarios.  Riesgos del bromato cuando se combinan ciertos sistemas.  Cómo funcionan los diferentes kits de prueba.  Ventajas y limitaciones de los fotómetros y las tiras reactivas.  Medición de sólidos disueltos totales (TDS).  Dureza de calcio y su importancia para proteger la piscina.  Ácido cianúrico: cómo medirlo y por qué controlar su concentración.  Rangos recomendados para pH, alcalinidad, calcio y cloro.  La importancia de utilizar un kit de prueba para cada producto químico empleado.  Casos reales de diagnóstico en instalaciones acuáticas.  Pensar "fuera de la piscina" para resolver problemas complejos. La idea principal Los productos químicos no solucionan problemas por sí solos. Los profesionales solucionan problemas porque entienden la química del agua, interpretan correctamente los resultados de las pruebas y toman decisiones basadas en evidencia, no en costumbres o suposiciones. La diferencia entre un técnico promedio y un verdadero profesional comienza con el conocimiento. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Si Solo Agregas Cloro, No Eres un Profesional

  8. Jul 10

    Trump's Reflecting Pool. Minnesota's Supreme Court. The Pool Industry Just Got Interesting.

    Send us Fan Mail This week on the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy breaks down two major stories making waves across the pool industry. First, a new case before the Minnesota Supreme Court could redefine what happens when homeowners rent out their backyard swimming pools through apps like Swimpley. If a residential pool becomes a commercial business, should it be regulated like a public pool? Rudy explores what that could mean for homeowners, service companies, builders, health departments, insurance carriers, and pool professionals across the country. Then, the episode shifts to the continuing investigation surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Following the Independence Day celebrations, crews drained the basin to begin inspecting the widely discussed coating failure. Rudy separates documented facts from speculation and explains why engineering investigations require evidence—not opinions. Drawing on more than three decades of troubleshooting complex pool failures, Rudy examines the publicly available documentation, discusses coating systems, adhesion failures, ASTM testing standards, moisture considerations, recoat windows, and why forensic analysis—not politics—will ultimately determine what happened. If you're tired of hot takes and looking for a technical, evidence-based discussion, this episode delivers exactly that. In This Episode  Minnesota Supreme Court hears the Swimpley backyard pool case  When does a residential swimming pool become a public pool?  Operational challenges for pool service professionals  The future of pool-sharing platforms  Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool investigation update  Why the pool was drained after Independence Day  Separating documented facts from online speculation  Understanding coating systems and polyurea applications  Adhesive vs. cohesive vs. substrate failures  ASTM adhesion and moisture testing standards  Why recoat windows matter  Surface preparation and concrete moisture considerations  Green water, algae, and what it does—and doesn't—prove  Why investigations begin by eliminating theories, not proving them  Lessons the entire pool industry can learn from a high-profile failure Key Takeaway Good investigations don't begin with conclusions. They begin with evidence. Whether it's a backyard pool operating as a business or one of America's most recognizable reflecting pools, the same principles apply: collect the facts, test the evidence, challenge assumptions, and let the data tell the story. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    Trump's Reflecting Pool. Minnesota's Supreme Court. The Pool Industry Just Got Interesting.
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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
    1K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Pools Podcast
  • Show Website
    Talking Pools Podcast

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