Talking Pools Podcast

Rudy Stankowitz

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. Legal Cases Involving Pool Chemicals

    1D AGO

    Legal Cases Involving Pool Chemicals

    Pool Pros text questions here This episode explores the complexities of pool chemistry, legal considerations, industry trends, and the importance of understanding over following instructions blindly. Rudy Stankowitz shares insights on how industry control, product formulation disputes, and safety regulations impact pool professionals and consumers. Keywords pool chemistry, pool industry, pool safety, chemical regulation, pool maintenance, pool education, legal cases, industry trends Key Topics Pool chemistry complexities and safetyLegal cases involving pool chemicalsIndustry trends towards simplification and controlGuest Name Rudy Stankowitz Sound Bites "Follow the label, protect yourself legally.""Chemistry doesn't forgive mistakes.""Your knowledge is your best defense."Chapters 00:00 Understanding Label Instructions in Pool Care 10:50 The Importance of Testing Over Following Rules 14:23 Legal Implications of Chemical Labels 27:48 Industry Trends: Simplifying Pool Care 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. OuBLUERAY XLThe real mineral purifier! Reduce your pool maintenance costs & efforts by 50%Jack's MagicIf you know Jack's you'd have no stains!Service Industry NewsCPO Certification ClassesAttend your CPO class with Rudy Stankowitz!the 'How to Get Rid of Algae' handbookThe most comprehensive guide on algae prevention and remediation you will ever own. Online Pool ClassesThe difference between you and your competition is what you know!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

    38 min
  2. Talk to your insurance agent before big projects

    2D AGO

    Talk to your insurance agent before big projects

    Pool Pros text questions here In this episode, Steve Sherwood interviews Pat Grignone from California Pool Association to explore how pool service professionals can optimize their business operations, partnerships, and insurance strategies to grow profitably and sustainably. Keywords pool service, business growth, partnerships, insurance, pool renovation, subcontracting, liability, pool industry Key Topics Business capacity and scaling in the pool industryPartnering with subcontractors and specialistsManaging insurance and liability for large projectsStreamlining operations for profitabilityBest practices for pool renovation and startupGuest Name Pat Grignone Sound Bites "Control the entire renovation and startup process""Talk to your insurance agent before big projects""Check in with your insurer when business changes"Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:15 Steve's Personal Pool Industry Story 01:09 Challenges of Scaling a Pool Service Business 02:01 Balancing Service, Repairs, and Billing 02:54 Strategies for Managing Growth and Capacity 04:02 Partnering with Subcontractors and Vendors 08:31 Pricing and Profitability in Renovations 09:23 Managing Renovation and Startup Processes 10:45 Controlling Quality and Long-term Service 11:37 Partnerships with Leak Detection and Plaster Companies 12:35 The Cost of Equipment and Building a Large Company 13:45 Controlling the Entire Pool Renovation Process 14:25 Advice for Companies Outsourcing Jobs 15:16 Financial and Insurance Considerations for Large Jobs 16:11 Tax and Insurance Implications of High-Value Jobs 18:01 Monitoring Revenue and Insurance Changes 18:55 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    21 min
  3. Debunking Water Chemistry Myths with Eric Knight

    3D AGO

    Debunking Water Chemistry Myths with Eric Knight

    Pool Pros text questions here This episode busts common water chemistry myths, explores the science behind pool maintenance, and discusses the future of industry education. Featuring Eric Knight from Watershape University, it offers practical insights for professionals seeking to improve their water management skills. Keywords water chemistry, pool maintenance, water shaping, pool industry education, pool myths, chlorine, pH, alkalinity, CYA, salt systems Key Topics Water chemistry misconceptionsProper water testing and treatmentImpact of pH, alkalinity, and CYA on poolsGuest Name Eric Knight Sound Bites "The acid column pour myth is not accurate""Adjusted alkalinity is not the true alkalinity""Salt systems do not inherently raise pH"Contact Watershape University Homepage Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Water Chemistry Education 04:19 Eric Knight's Journey in Aquatics 07:12 The Future of the Pool Industry 09:52 Debunking Myths about Watershape University 12:55 Understanding the Curriculum and Its Accessibility 14:45 Advanced Training and Certification 14:52 Customer Service in Pool Industry 16:23 Debunking Water Chemistry Myths 23:33 Understanding pH and Chlorine Strength 29:46 The Future of Pool Automation 34:40 Understanding pH Myths in Swimming Pools 40:14 Salt Systems and Their Chemistry 43:22 Cyanuric Acid: The Misunderstood Protector 49:35 The Importance of Education and Automation in Pool Management The Grit GameThe Grit Game, is not just playing the game, we’re changing it. 500+ years industry experience, Revdup Apparel a custom apparel company built for the pool industry. Founded by pool professionalsDisclaimer: 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

    55 min
  4. AI can cost you thousands if you're not careful - Mondays

    3D AGO

    AI can cost you thousands if you're not careful - Mondays

    Pool Pros text questions here In this episode, industry expert Spiros De Sarkis shares insights on professionalizing the swimming pool and spa industry, emphasizing safety, legislation, and business growth strategies. Discover how to elevate industry standards, manage risks, and build a credible, compliant business. keywords Swimming Pool Industry, Business Safety, Legislation, Professional Development, Industry Standards, Risk Management, Pool Safety, Business Growth, Compliance, Industry Advocacy key topics Industry professionalism and standardsLegislation and compliance in poolsRisk management and safety protocolstakeaways Professionalism in the industry is crucial for credibility and safety.Understanding and complying with legislation can save businesses thousands.AI and technology are transforming risk assessment and management.Continuous education and community involvement strengthen industry standards.Proactive safety measures prevent costly accidents and legal issues.guest name Spiros De Sarkis Sound Bites "AI can cost you thousands if you're not careful.""Safety is paramount for clients and technicians alike.""Good systems and training can prevent disasters."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 00:55 Spiros De Sarkis: A Key Figure in the Industry 04:23 Upping the Ante: Professionalism in the Pool Industry 08:47 The Importance of Industry Support and Advocacy 11:38 Navigating Challenges: Seeking Help in the Industry 16:50 Safety First: Addressing Risks in Pool Management 24:47 Regulations and Standards: The Need for Licensing Resources NextGen ExpertsSafeWork AustraliaAustralian StandardsSPASA Australia 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. You’re Not Testing the Pool, You’re Testing a Lie - Rudy

    APR 17

    You’re Not Testing the Pool, You’re Testing a Lie - Rudy

    Pool Pros text questions here This Friday episode blends industry culture, community engagement, and high-level water chemistry into one unapologetically direct conversation. Rudy challenges a foundational assumption in pool care—that water can be “captured” and tested as-is—and dismantles it by exposing the dominant role of temperature in every chemical interaction. Along the way, he introduces new listener giveaways, reinforces the importance of mentorship in the industry, and delivers a mix of humor and hard truth that defines the Talking Pools voice. 🎁 Listener Giveaways Announcement  New recurring giveaway: Talking Pools Podcast shirts (by Revved Up Apparel)  Format:  A hidden “buzzword” will be placed in select Friday episodes  Listeners must submit the buzzword when prompted on the podcast’s Facebook page  Winners selected at random  Previous winners and prizes included:  Sunglasses  Blu-ray XL product packs  Jack’s Magic swag 👉 Designed to reward loyal listeners and increase engagement within the community. 🏆 2026 Mentor of the Year Award  Nominations open now through May 15, 2026 Submit at: mentoraward.com Focus: Recognizing individuals who have mentored and elevated others in the pool industry Selection process:  Merit-based (not popularity-driven)  Top 10 finalists recognized  One winner receives a custom championship beltSponsors include: Blu-ray XL (Title Sponsor) Revved Up Apparel (Sponsor) 👉 Core message: The industry grows faster when knowledge is passed forward, not rediscovered. 🧠 Main Topic: The Temperature Illusion in Water Testing Key Thesis: You are not testing the pool—you are testing a changing sample removed from its original environment. 🌡️ Temperature: The Dominant Variable  Temperature doesn’t just influence chemistry—it redefines it Every test result is condition-dependent Once a sample is pulled:  Gas exchange begins immediately  Chemical equilibria shift  Results begin drifting 👉 The number you read is not what the water is—it’s what the water became ⚗️ Core Chemical Impacts of Temperature 1. Gas Solubility & pH Shift  Higher temp → lower gas solubility  CO₂ leaves water → carbonic acid drops → pH rises This is not an error—it’s natural equilibrium behavior2. Reaction Speed  Hot water:  Faster chlorine consumption  Faster oxidation  Cold water:  Slower reactions  “False stability” 👉 “Fast” doesn’t mean broken. “Slow” doesn’t mean stable. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    34 min
  6. Who Touched My Valves?! (And Why I’m Paying for It) - Steve & Wayne

    APR 16

    Who Touched My Valves?! (And Why I’m Paying for It) - Steve & Wayne

    Pool Pros text questions here This week on Talking Pools, Steve and Wayne deliver a brutally honest, real-world breakdown of what happens when subcontractors, miscommunication, and poor oversight collide on a job site. From a leak detection company altering valve positions and walking away, to costly chemical miscalculations by technicians, this episode dives into the operational chaos that pool professionals face—and how to protect your business from it. The conversation also expands into liability, insurance strategy, and the hidden risks of stepping outside your normal scope of work, especially when dealing with commercial properties or unconventional client use cases like pool rentals and swim instruction. 🔧 Key Topics Covered 💥 Subcontractor Nightmares  Leak detection company alters system valves and leaves them incorrectly set  Result: stagnant water, algae growth, and emergency return visits  Lesson: Always supervise or verify subcontractor work before they leave  The importance of being listed as additionally insured 🧪 Chemical Mismanagement & Costly Mistakes  Technician adds 12 gallons of chlorine + 6 gallons of acid without testing  Why “guess dosing” is financially reckless and chemically unsound  Real-world example of saving $30,000 annually through precise dosing  The overlooked value of acid demand testing (and why most pros ignore it) 📊 The Business of Precision  Why “what worked last week” is not a strategy  How small dosing errors scale into massive financial losses  The discipline of testing before treating—every time ⚖️ Insurance, Liability & Risk Exposure  When to call your insurance agent before taking on new work  Commercial vs residential gray areas (multi-dwelling properties, Airbnb pools, etc.)  The legal exposure of pools used for business purposes (e.g., swim lessons, rentals)  “Hold harmless” agreements and their real-world limitations 💼 Commercial Accounts: Bigger Money, Bigger Problems  Payment delays, “payment freezes,” and cash flow risks  Understanding contract terms and insurance requirements before signing  Evaluating whether the risk is worth the reward 🧠 Key Takeaways  If you didn’t witness the work, assume it needs to be checked.  Never add chemicals without testing—precision protects profit.  Subcontractors can expose you to liability you didn’t create.  Insurance isn’t optional—it’s your last line of defense.  Every “small mistake” scales across a route—and drains your bottom line. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Catch the full episode and stay ahead of the chaos:  Listen now on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. 📬 Have a Question or Topic Idea? Email the show: TalkingPools@gmail.com Your topic might be featured—and earn you a shoutout and a thank-you gift. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    38 min
4.7
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. 

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