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. Probablemente Estás Usando Mal la Tierra de Diatomeas

    4h ago

    Probablemente Estás Usando Mal la Tierra de Diatomeas

    Send us Fan Mail En este episodio, Rudy responde una pregunta que recibe con frecuencia en el campo: ¿cuánta tierra de diatomeas (DE) debe agregarse realmente a un filtro después de una limpieza completa? A través de un enfoque práctico y fácil de entender, explica cómo determinar la cantidad correcta basándose en el área de superficie del filtro y no simplemente en estimaciones o costumbres heredadas.  Temas Principales La importancia de la dosis correcta de DE Muchos técnicos y operadores agregan menos tierra de diatomeas de la necesaria después de limpiar un filtro. Rudy explica por qué esta práctica puede afectar el rendimiento de la filtración y cómo asegurarse de que el filtro reciba la carga adecuada.  Cómo se calcula el área de superficie de una rejilla DE Utilizando una rejilla estándar de 19 pulgadas de diámetro como ejemplo, se revisa el proceso para convertir pulgadas a pies y calcular el área de superficie mediante la fórmula del área de un círculo (π × radio²).  Por qué cada lado de la rejilla cuenta Las rejillas de los filtros DE tienen dos caras activas de filtración. El episodio muestra cómo considerar ambas superficies para obtener una medición precisa del área total de filtración.  Determinando el área total del filtro Una vez calculada el área de una sola rejilla, Rudy demuestra cómo multiplicar ese valor por el número total de rejillas para determinar la superficie completa del filtro. En el ejemplo utilizado, un conjunto de 12 rejillas proporciona aproximadamente 47.28 pies cuadrados de área de filtración.  La regla de la industria para la carga de DE Se analiza la recomendación comúnmente aceptada de agregar aproximadamente 1.25 libras de tierra de diatomeas por cada 10 pies cuadrados de área de filtración. A partir de esta fórmula, se calcula la cantidad total necesaria para el sistema de ejemplo.  Conversión práctica a cucharadas Para facilitar el trabajo en campo, Rudy convierte el peso requerido de DE en cucharadas o paladas estándar, explicando que una palada típica contiene aproximadamente media libra de tierra de diatomeas. Esto permite realizar ajustes rápidos sin necesidad de una balanza.  La regla sencilla para recordar Después de realizar todos los cálculos, Rudy comparte una forma mucho más fácil de estimar la cantidad de DE necesaria en sistemas que utilizan rejillas estándar de 19 pulgadas: aproximadamente una cucharada o palada por cada rejilla. Una regla práctica que simplifica enormemente el proceso para técnicos y operadores.  Lo Que Aprenderás  Cómo calcular correctamente el área de superficie de un filtro DE.  Cuánta tierra de diatomeas agregar después de una limpieza completa.  Cómo convertir libras de DE a medidas prácticas de campo.  Por qué agregar muy poca DE puede afectar el desempeño del filtro.  Un método rápido para estimar la carga adecuada utilizando el número de rejillas del sistema. Sobre el Presentador Rudy Stankowitz, de Aquatic Facility Training & Consultants, comparte conocimientos prácticos basados en décadas de experiencia en la industria de piscinas, ayudando a técnicos, operadores y profesionales acuáticos a comprender no solo qué hacer, sino también por qué hacerlo.  Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    8 min
  2. Natural Swimming Pools, Biofilms, Cyanobacteria & The Science of Uncertainty

    1d ago

    Natural Swimming Pools, Biofilms, Cyanobacteria & The Science of Uncertainty

    Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking Floc It Friday episode, Rudy Stankowitz takes a step away from chemistry myths, manufacturer sound-offs, and social media debates to explore a topic that has generated considerable discussion in both the pool industry and online communities: natural swimming pools. Drawing from four peer-reviewed scientific studies provided by Professor Charles Gerba, Rudy examines what the current scientific literature actually says about biological water treatment systems, pathogen control, microbial communities, and public health. Before diving into the science, Rudy also shares a personal message recognizing National PTSD Awareness Month, discussing the unseen challenges many industry professionals carry and reminding listeners that they are never alone in their struggles.  In This Episode  Why natural swimming pools represent a fundamentally different philosophy from traditional disinfected pools  The role of biological treatment systems, regeneration zones, gravel beds, and microbial communities  A review of a documented 2001 German outbreak involving more than 200 illnesses associated with a public nature-like swimming pond  What researchers discovered about swimmer exposure, water ingestion, and viral transmission  The findings of a Canadian risk assessment examining pathogen behavior in natural swimming ponds  How filtration rates, turnover times, and treatment efficiency influence health outcomes  The potential role of UV disinfection and why questions remain about its interaction with biological ecosystems  Research from Spain examining microbial populations and fecal contamination in natural swimming pools  Wildlife as a potential source of contamination in recreational waters  The importance of biofilms and the complex microbial communities that inhabit them  Why cyanobacteria, algae, and aquatic microbiology continue to raise important scientific questions  The challenges of identifying microbial populations without site-specific testing  What a 2024 One Health review reveals about algae, cyanobacteria, recreational water quality, and public health  The difference between visible water quality and the unseen biological processes occurring beneath the surface  Why scientific uncertainty is not a weakness, but a critical part of the scientific process Key Takeaway The current scientific literature does not conclude that natural swimming pools are inherently unsafe, nor does it suggest that all questions surrounding their operation have been answered. Instead, the research consistently points toward the need for continued study, monitoring, challenge testing, and a deeper understanding of the biological communities responsible for water treatment. As Rudy emphasizes throughout the episode, science advances not by defending positions, but by asking better questions.  Topics Discussed  Natural swimming pools  Biological water treatment  Recreational water health risks  Pathogen control  Biofilms  Cyanobacteria  Algae ecology  Public health  Water quality monitoring  Environmental microbiology  Charles Gerba  Risk assessment  One Health research Mentioned During the Episode  Professor Charles Gerba  Canadian Natural Swimming Pool Risk Assessment  German Nature-Like Swimming Pond Outbreak Investigation  Spanish Natural Swimming Pool Microbial Study  2024 One Health Review on Algae and Recreational Waters  National PTSD Awareness Month Sponsors The 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Pool Industry Mentor Award is proudly supported by:  BlueRay XL  LaMotte Company  Revved Up Apparel  Aqua Comfort Water Group Research on Natural Pools https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QpahWoVh3DDoNPwdw3oFsnbmUEj_umrS/view?usp=sharing Connect With Talking Pools 🌐 Website: https://www.talkingpools.com Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    31 min
  3. Dead Things, Dirty Water & Doggy Daycares: Thursday Stories Pool Pros Never Forget

    2d ago

    Dead Things, Dirty Water & Doggy Daycares: Thursday Stories Pool Pros Never Forget

    Send us Fan Mail This week on the Talking Pools Podcast, Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood take listeners on a journey through some of the strangest, funniest, and most unforgettable experiences pool professionals encounter in the field. What begins as a discussion about a pool overrun with frogs quickly evolves into a collection of stories that highlight the reality of working around water every day.  Wayne and Steve invite listeners to share the weirdest things they have ever discovered in skimmer baskets and pool systems, leading to stories involving snakes, squirrels, possums, underwear, rodents nesting beneath winter covers, and even a horse that found its way through a safety cover and into a swimming pool. The conversation is both humorous and educational, reminding listeners that no two days in the pool industry are ever the same.  The episode then shifts to a more serious discussion about water clarity and swimmer safety. Wayne recounts a tragic real-world drowning incident in a cloudy public pool, emphasizing why clear water is not simply an aesthetic goal but a critical life-safety requirement. The hosts discuss why operators should never compromise visibility standards and why maintaining proper filtration and water chemistry remains one of the most important responsibilities in aquatic operations.  Steve also addresses the growing trend of misleading social media pool "miracle fixes" and viral videos that promise instant water recovery through tablets or additives. The hosts explain why proper pool chemistry does not work that way and encourage listeners to be skeptical of products that appear too good to be true.  In this week's insurance segment, Steve is joined by Pat from California Pool Association Insurance Services to continue their discussion about a unique consulting project involving pools at a doggy daycare facility. The conversation explores liability concerns, insurance requirements, hold-harmless agreements, commercial pool responsibilities, and the challenges of maintaining aquatic facilities that are operated by people whose primary focus is animal care rather than water management. The discussion provides valuable insight for service companies considering unusual or high-liability clients.  The second half of the episode dives deep into robotic pool cleaners, filtration systems, and service efficiency. Steve explains why robotic cleaners have become essential tools for modern pool professionals, discusses the pros and cons of suction-side, pressure-side, corded, and cordless cleaners, and shares how automation can dramatically improve service quality while reducing labor hours. The hosts also discuss customer expectations, communication, and the importance of establishing clear responsibilities between pool professionals and facility operators.  Finally, Wayne and Steve discuss professional education, the value of Certified Pool Operator (CPO) training, and opportunities for experienced professionals to become CPO instructors themselves. The conversation highlights how education improves safety, builds confidence, creates additional revenue opportunities, and helps elevate professionalism throughout the industry.  Topics Covered  Weirdest things ever found in skimmer baskets  Wildlife encounters in swimming pools  Pool safety and water clarity  Real-world drowning prevention lessons  Social media pool chemistry myths  Doggy daycare pool liability concerns  Insurance and hold-harmless agreements  Commercial pool management challenges  Robotic pool cleaners and automation  Sand filters vs. cartridge filters  Customer expectations and communication  CPO certification and instructor training  Building a stronger pool service business Connect With Talking Pools 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere podcasts are available. 🌐 Visit: Talking Pools Podcast Network 📧 Email your strangest pool stories to: talkingpools@gmail.com #TalkingPools #PoolService #SwimmingPoolIndustry #PoolPros #CPOTraining #PoolMaintenance #CommercialPools #PoolSafety #PoolTech #AquaticsProfessionals Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    56 min
  4. Dealers, Distributors & Dirty Little Secrets - Wednesdays

    3d ago

    Dealers, Distributors & Dirty Little Secrets - Wednesdays

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Natalie Hood sits down with Michael Thill, Regional Sales Manager with The Grit Game, to tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding sales, distribution, retail operations, dealer support, and business growth in the swimming pool industry. Michael shares lessons learned from more than 15 years in retail, distribution, service, renovations, and manufacturer representation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what really drives success in today's marketplace.  From his unexpected introduction to the industry in 2011 as a part-time helper at Caribbean Pools to leadership roles with PoolCorp and now The Grit Game, Michael discusses the power of company culture, mentorship, relationship building, and why loving what you do can completely transform your career.  Topics Covered in This Episode Do Dealers Only Care About Price? Michael explains why price is often the first question asked—but rarely the deciding factor. Customers and dealers alike are willing to pay more when they receive exceptional service, expert guidance, and genuine support. The conversation explores how value consistently outperforms price in long-term business relationships.  Why Product Knowledge Still Matters The discussion challenges the idea that customers should educate themselves before entering a retail store. Natalie and Michael explain why knowledgeable staff remain one of the most valuable assets a business can have and how ongoing education creates better customer experiences, stronger teams, and increased profitability.  The Real Purpose of Retail Stores Contrary to popular belief, customers don't only visit pool stores when something breaks. The episode explores how successful retailers create environments that foster loyalty, trust, community, and repeat business long after the initial sale.  Distribution Is More Than Moving Boxes Michael shares what he learned working inside distribution and why great distributor representatives function as educators, problem-solvers, business developers, and strategic partners—not simply order takers.  Inventory, Forecasting & Supply Chain Realities The pair discuss common misconceptions about inventory availability, forecasting, lead times, and why communication between dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and reps is critical to maintaining product availability and supporting business growth.  Building Better Dealer Relationships What makes a dealer easy to support? What creates challenges? Michael shares candid insights about adaptability, openness to change, communication, and why strong relationships remain one of the most powerful business tools available.  Why Great Products Don't Always Win The conversation explores why even outstanding products can struggle to gain market share and how education, awareness, promotion, and dealer buy-in often matter more than product quality alone.  Promotion vs. Discounting One of the most practical discussions of the episode focuses on the difference between promoting products and discounting them. Michael explains why businesses often rush to markdowns before fully utilizing effective marketing, customer engagement, and event-driven promotion strategies.  Key Takeaways  Relationships outperform transactions.  Product knowledge remains a competitive advantage.  Great customer experiences create loyalty beyond price.  Distribution and manufacturer reps can be valuable business partners.  Forecasting and communication reduce inventory challenges.  Education fuels growth at every level of the industry.  Promotion creates excitement; discounts should be a last resort.  Long-term success comes from investing in people, not just products. Memorable Quote "Plants don't grow in the same pot they started in. They need new soil, new opportunities, and continued cultivation. Businesses are no different." — Michael Thill  Whether you're a builder, service professional, retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or sales representative, this episode provides valuable insight into the relationships, strategies, and mindset required to thrive in today's pool industry. #TalkingPools #PoolIndustry #PoolBusiness #DealerSupport #Distribution #SalesLeadership #PoolProfessionals #RetailSuccess #BusinessGrowth #AquaticsIndustry #NatalieHood #MichaelThill Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    1h 6m
  5. Andrea's Greatest It's

    4d ago

    Andrea's Greatest It's

    Send us Fan Mail This week, Andrea takes listeners on a rapid-fire tour through some of the most misunderstood topics in pool service, water chemistry, equipment operation, and aquatic safety. From saltwater chlorine generation and pH rise to phosphates, storm cleanup pricing, cavitation, combined chlorine, and why nobody should ever trust the phrase "pee is sterile," this episode blends practical field experience with real-world pool science.  Among the topics discussed:  Why salt chlorine generators produce chlorine gas—not sodium hypochlorite—and what that means for water chemistry.  The real reason pH tends to rise in saltwater pools.  Why algae is not always the fault of the service technician.  Equipment failures, power outages, circulation issues, and other overlooked causes of algae outbreaks.  The surprising amount of urine, sunscreen, body oils, and other contaminants introduced by swimmers.  How bather waste contributes to chlorine demand and combined chlorine formation.  Why commercial and residential pool operators should pay attention to damaged drain covers and entrapment hazards.  The importance of maintaining visibility to the main drain and avoiding cloudy water conditions.  A realistic discussion on phosphates, when they matter, and when they may not.  Hurricane preparation strategies, customer communication, and establishing storm cleanup pricing.  Water hammer, cavitation, and the costly damage they can cause to circulation equipment.  How improper chemistry corrections can lead to scaling, cloudy water, and calcium precipitation.  Why Sarah argues the filter is more like the kidneys than the heart of a swimming pool system.  Cold-water benefits, reduced algae pressure, and seasonal chemical considerations.  Heat stroke recognition, prevention, and emergency response.  Why weekly oxidation remains an important tool for managing combined chlorine.  Air relief valves, trapped air, and equipment safety.  Water circulation patterns, dead spots, and their impact on water quality.  The differences between sanitizers, oxidizers, and disinfectants—and why chlorine and bromine serve multiple roles in aquatic environments.  Understanding total alkalinity, carbonate alkalinity, and cyanuric acid corrections in everyday pool operations. Key Takeaway One of the recurring themes throughout this episode is that successful pool operation is rarely about a single chemical, piece of equipment, or magic solution. Safe, clear water depends on understanding how circulation, filtration, sanitation, hydraulics, maintenance practices, and human behavior all interact. Whether discussing algae prevention, storm recovery, equipment protection, or swimmer hygiene, the message remains the same: understanding the science makes better pool professionals.  Listen Now Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are heard. #TalkingPools #PoolService #PoolChemistry #SwimmingPool #PoolProfessional #WaterQuality #PoolIndustry #CPO #Aquatics #PoolTech Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    23 min
  6. Dogs, Crocodiles, Koi, and Pool Chemistry: When Animals Use the Pool Down Under

    5d ago

    Dogs, Crocodiles, Koi, and Pool Chemistry: When Animals Use the Pool Down Under

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury, Shane Melrose, and Nick discuss one of the more unusual sides of the pool industry: pools built for animals. What starts as a conversation about winter swimming temperatures quickly turns into a fascinating look at dog splash parks, crocodile enclosures, equestrian facilities, koi ponds, and the unique water quality challenges that come with maintaining aquatic environments that weren't designed for humans.  Nick shares his experience servicing a commercial dog splash pad attached to a boarding kennel and dog daycare facility. Complete with water features, filtration systems, UV sanitation, ORP control, and large hair-catching pre-filters, the installation demonstrates just how much engineering can go into keeping canine swimmers safe while maintaining water quality. The hosts discuss the realities of servicing these facilities, from dealing with dog hair and elevated sanitizer demand to understanding what pathogens and contaminants may be introduced by animal bathers.  The conversation expands into public aquatic facilities that host special dog-swimming events after the regular swimming season ends. Lee describes a commercial pool that transforms into a dog-friendly attraction before winter closure, complete with dog treats, pup cups, and scheduled swimming sessions. The hosts explore why these events have become popular while also examining the additional maintenance and sanitation concerns that come with allowing animals into traditionally human-focused aquatic environments.  Along the way, the team shares stories from the field, including crocodile enclosure maintenance, pools converted into fish ponds, koi installations, dogs trapped under pool covers, kangaroos damaging vinyl liners, and other unexpected encounters that remind listeners that pool service often extends far beyond residential backyards.  The discussion also dives into commercial pool design and operations, including Australia's practice of color-coding commercial plumbing systems to identify filtered water, unfiltered water, waste lines, and chemical treatment circuits. The hosts explain how these visual systems help technicians navigate complex plant rooms and improve troubleshooting efficiency.  Finally, the group reviews sanitation considerations for splash pads and interactive water features, including secondary sanitation requirements, UV systems, ozone treatment, pathogen control, chlorine contact times, and the challenges of maintaining safe water quality in facilities with high bather loads and small water volumes. The episode concludes with practical advice for service professionals managing pools where pets are frequent swimmers and why proper filtration, sanitation, and maintenance become even more important when four-legged bathers are involved.  In This Episode  Commercial dog splash pads and daycare aquatic facilities  Filtration and sanitation challenges created by animal bathers  Public pools that host dog swimming events  Crocodile enclosures, equestrian pools, and koi pond conversions  Commercial plant room plumbing color-coding systems  UV, ozone, ORP, and splash pad sanitation requirements  Microbiological concerns associated with animal swimming  Practical maintenance recommendations for pools used by pets  Real-world field stories from Australia and New Zealand  Why dog hair may be one of a technician's biggest challenges Connect With Talking Pools Listen to new episodes every week across the Talking Pools Podcast Network featuring industry professionals from around the world discussing pool service, water chemistry, commercial aquatics, equipment, operations, and the challenges technicians face every day. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are found. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    31 min
  7. Piensa Más Allá de la Piscina

    Jun 6

    Piensa Más Allá de la Piscina

    Send us Fan Mail Bienvenido al Programa de Certificación de Especialista en Prevención y Erradicación de Algas, impartido por Rudy Stankowitz. En este curso aprenderás a abordar las algas en las piscinas desde una perspectiva completamente diferente: una basada en la ciencia ambiental, la química del agua, la hidráulica y la experiencia real en el campo, en lugar de los típicos tratamientos químicos de “echar productos y esperar lo mejor”. A muchos profesionales de piscinas se les enseña a ver las algas como el problema principal. Este curso desafía esa idea. A lo largo del programa aprenderás que las algas suelen ser un síntoma de problemas más profundos relacionados con la circulación, la filtración, las condiciones ambientales, la eficiencia del desinfectante, el balance del agua y las prácticas operativas. Comprender esas causas de fondo es lo que separa a un técnico que constantemente reacciona a los brotes de algas de un profesional que sabe cómo prevenirlos antes de que comiencen. Este curso explora cómo cada piscina funciona como su propio ecosistema acuático único. Factores como la vegetación circundante, cuerpos de agua cercanos, exposición solar, carga de bañistas, tipo de superficie de la piscina, ubicación geográfica, eficiencia de filtración y diseño hidráulico influyen en el comportamiento del agua y en los tipos de algas que tienen mayor probabilidad de desarrollarse. Debido a que no existen dos piscinas verdaderamente idénticas, la prevención efectiva de algas requiere ir más allá de los métodos genéricos y desarrollar un protocolo de cuidado personalizado para cada piscina individual. Los estudiantes aprenderán a “pensar más allá de la piscina” evaluando las condiciones ambientales y operativas que rodean la instalación. Descubrirás cómo los árboles, el polen, los fertilizantes, las mascotas, los patrones climáticos, la acumulación de residuos, los fosfatos, las zonas muertas de circulación e incluso los cambios estacionales pueden influir drásticamente en la calidad del agua y el crecimiento de algas. Al comprender estos factores contribuyentes, comenzarás a reconocer patrones que te permitirán predecir y prevenir problemas de algas de manera más efectiva. El curso también introduce las diferencias biológicas entre diversas formas de algas y biopelículas de cianobacterias presentes en piscinas, incluyendo algas verdes, algas mostaza, algas negras y moho blanco del agua. Aprenderás por qué tratamientos que funcionan extremadamente bien en una piscina pueden fracasar en otra, y cómo comprender el organismo involucrado permite desarrollar estrategias de remediación más precisas, rentables y exitosas. Uno de los principales enfoques del programa es aprender a trabajar con la ciencia en lugar de luchar constantemente contra ella. Explorarás las relaciones entre el pH, la aireación, la eficiencia del desinfectante, los fosfatos, la contaminación ambiental y el movimiento del agua, mientras aprendes cómo pequeños ajustes operativos pueden generar mejoras significativas en la estabilidad del agua y en la prevención de algas. Al finalizar este curso, tendrás una comprensión más sólida de cómo identificar señales de advertencia ambientales, diagnosticar problemas recurrentes de algas, desarrollar estrategias de tratamiento personalizadas, mejorar la estabilidad del agua a largo plazo y crear piscinas más fáciles de mantener. Más importante aún, comenzarás a pensar como un verdadero profesional acuático: alguien capaz de identificar las causas fundamentales detrás de los problemas de calidad del agua en lugar de simplemente reaccionar a los síntomas. Ya seas nuevo en la industria de las piscinas o un profesional experimentado en servicio y mantenimiento, este curso está diseñado para ayudarte a desarrollar conocimientos técnicos más profundos, mejorar tus habilidades de diagnóstico, reducir el uso innecesario de químicos y posicionarte como un experto más confiable y respetado dentro de tu mercado. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    33 min
  8. Natural Pools, AI, and the Quiet Revolution Nobody Saw Coming - Rudy

    Jun 5

    Natural Pools, AI, and the Quiet Revolution Nobody Saw Coming - Rudy

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz takes listeners on a journey that starts with a surprisingly heated social media debate about natural swimming pools and ends somewhere in the future of artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, and autonomous pool care. After receiving a flood of messages asking whether natural swimming pools are truly safe, Rudy shares the Facebook post that unexpectedly sparked a debate with advocates of natural pool systems. The discussion explores concerns about cyanobacteria, biofilms, phytoplankton toxins, and the potential risks associated with naturally managed aquatic environments. Rudy explains why his position has never been anti-natural pool, but rather pro-science, pro-testing, and pro-data. He also shares a direct response from renowned environmental microbiologist Professor Charles Gerba, whose comments on natural waters, disease transmission, and the importance of healthy skepticism add valuable perspective to the conversation.  The episode then shifts gears into a much larger discussion about how dramatically the swimming pool industry has evolved over the past several decades. Rudy reflects on entering the business during an era of paper route sheets, handwritten invoices, filing cabinets, road maps, and technicians whose greatest diagnostic tool was experience rather than technology. He explains how much of the industry once relied on instinct, memory, and hard-earned field knowledge passed from one generation to the next.  Listeners will hear an in-depth examination of how water testing transformed from subjective color matching to sophisticated digital analysis. Rudy discusses the progression from OTO and DPD testing to FAS-DPD and modern photometric systems, highlighting how improved testing did more than provide better numbers—it exposed inconsistencies and helped move the industry away from guesswork and toward true diagnostics.  Drawing from his own research into black algae and cyanobacteria, Rudy explores the concept of pools as living ecosystems rather than simple containers of water. He discusses biofilms, microbial communities, prevention strategies, and why future pool care must focus on understanding entire systems rather than merely reacting to visible symptoms. The conversation touches on copper, silver, zinc, and the broader philosophy of preventative water management.  The discussion expands into comfort technologies and the changing expectations of modern pool owners. Rudy examines how heat pumps, cooling systems, automation, and environmental controls have shifted pools from seasonal luxuries to highly managed recreational environments designed around convenience, predictability, and user experience. Along the way, he shares the unforgettable story of Ozzy Osbourne attempting to cool his swimming pool with 3,000 pounds of ice.  Professionalism also takes center stage as Rudy discusses how the public perception of pool service has changed. Today's technicians are expected to understand chemistry, hydraulics, automation, electrical systems, filtration, customer service, data analysis, and business management. He explains why professional appearance, continuing education, certifications, and information sharing have become critical components of industry growth and credibility.  Finally, Rudy looks ahead to the future. He explores the growing role of sensors, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, and machine learning. Rather than replacing skilled professionals, Rudy argues that these technologies will amplify expertise, allowing future technicians to spend less time collecting information and more time interpreting it. He paints a picture of an industry increasingly driven by data while still relying on the judgment and experience that only people can provide.  This episode is part history lesson, part industry analysis, part philosophy, and part glimpse into the future. Most importantly, it asks a simple question: What happens when an industry stops reacting to problems and starts understanding why they happen in the first place? In This Episode  Natural swimming pools and the science behind the controversy  Professor Charles Gerba's thoughts on natural waters and disease risks  The evolution of pool water testing  Cyanobacteria, biofilms, and preventative water management  Why clear water isn't always clean water  The rise of digital diagnostics and photometric testing  Heat pumps, cooling systems, and comfort technology  Professional identity in the pool industry  The future of AI, robotics, drones, and predictive maintenance  Why expertise will matter more than ever in the decades ahead Sponsored By  BlueRay XL  LaMotte Company  Aqua Comfort Water Group Service Industry News Revved Up Apparel  Jacks Magic  AquaStar Pool Products Connect With Talking Pools 📧 talkingpools@gmail.com  🌐 Talking Pools Podcast 🌐 CPO Class 🌐 Online Pool Classes The swimming pool industry didn't change overnight. It changed one innovation, one lesson, and one better question at a time. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    56 min
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4.7
out of 5
114 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
    1K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Pools Podcast
  • Show Website
    Talking Pools Podcast

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