Talking Pools Podcast

Rudy Stankowitz
  • 4.7 (113)
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If you’ve ever stared at a test kit like it personally insulted your family… welcome home. Talking Pools Podcast is the pool industry’s “pull up a chair” show—part shop talk, part field manual, part therapy session—built for people who actually live on pool decks: commercial operators, service techs, builders, facility managers, and anyone responsible for water that can’t afford to go sideways. The network was created to level up the pool industry with real-world conversations on water chemistry, filtration, troubleshooting, construction, safety, and the business side of keeping pools open and budgets intact.  Here’s the hook: it’s not theory-first. It’s experience-first—a roster of seasoned pros (with 250+ years of combined “been there, fixed that” wisdom) turning complicated problems into practical moves you can use the same day.  And it’s not one voice, one vibe, one corner of the industry: it’s a network of shows designed to reflect how diverse this work really is—different regions, different specialties, different personalities.  Also worth saying out loud: women aren’t “special guests” here—they’re on the mic as hosts, from the beginning, with an intentionally balanced roster.  That matters, because the best ideas in this industry don’t come from one lane—they come from the whole road. If you want a podcast that can make you laugh and make you better at what you do—without pretending the job is easier than it is—Talking Pools is the one you queue up before the first stop, and keep on when the day starts getting weird. 

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

    2D AGO

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

    3D AGO

    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
  3. A Shirt Is NOT Just a Shirt: The Branding Myth That’s Costing You Customers - Natalie Hood

    4D AGO

    A Shirt Is NOT Just a Shirt: The Branding Myth That’s Costing You Customers - Natalie Hood

    Pool Pros text questions here In this week’s Myth Busting Wednesday, Natalie Hood sits down with Don Douglas, President and Owner of Rev'd Up Apparel, to dismantle one of the most overlooked—and misunderstood—topics in the pool industry: 👉 What your team wears… and why it matters more than you think. From first impressions and customer trust to team morale, durability, and built-in marketing, this episode breaks down the myths surrounding branded apparel and reveals how something as simple as a shirt can directly impact your bottom line. 🔥 What You’ll Learn  Why “a t-shirt is just a t-shirt” is completely wrong How branded apparel builds instant trust in under 3 seconds The hidden cost of not investing in professional uniforms Why small pool companies benefit the MOST from branding How apparel can function as a 24/7 marketing tool (QR codes, visibility, referrals)  The truth about durability vs. cost in harsh pool environments  Why team uniforms improve morale, unity, and professionalism How to eliminate inventory headaches and wasted apparel spend The real difference between “splash-and-dash” vs. professional service presentation💥 Key Myth-Busting Moments ❌ Myth #1: Custom apparel is too expensive 👉 Reality: Traditional barriers (setup fees + minimums) are outdated. Modern solutions make branding accessible—even for solo operators. ❌ Myth #2: A t-shirt is just a t-shirt 👉 Reality: Your shirt is a walking billboard, trust signal, and first impression before you ever touch the water.  ❌ Myth #3: Branding doesn’t matter for small companies 👉 Reality: Small operators benefit the most—because you ARE the brand. ❌ Myth #4: Custom apparel takes too long 👉 Reality: With modern production methods, turnaround can be as fast as 3–4 weeks.  ❌ Myth #5: You need to be a designer 👉 Reality: Done-for-you design processes eliminate the need for creative skills. ❌ Myth #6: Uniforms don’t affect team morale 👉 Reality: Teams that look unified perform unified—and customers notice immediately. 🧪 Industry Insight This episode goes deeper than apparel—it’s about perception economics:  Customers decide if they trust you in seconds Your truck, uniform, and presence create instant credibility—or doubt Branding consistency = repeat business + referralsAs discussed in the episode: 👉 A clean truck + branded uniform + professional presence  = Higher close rates and stronger retention 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

    54 min
  4. Andrea talks Cavitation: The Sound of You Ignoring Expensive Problems

    5D AGO

    Andrea talks Cavitation: The Sound of You Ignoring Expensive Problems

    Pool Pros text questions here Andrea shows up soaked, slightly unhinged, and absolutely done with your circulation system’s bullsh*t.  We’re talking pools so flooded they look like they’re trying to return to the ocean, equipment gasping for air, and homeowners acting like water movement is optional. 🫀 The Heart of the Pool (And Yours Is Probably Failing) You’ve got:  filtration (kidneys)  chemicals (liver) …but today? 👉 We’re talking about the heart And if your circulation sucks… your whole pool is basically a stagnant, lukewarm petri dish with commitment issues. 🌊 Circulation: The Thing Nobody Talks About (Because It’s Not Sexy… Until It Breaks) Andrea breaks it down: 👉 Pumps move water  👉 Water movement = EVERYTHING  👉 No movement = congrats, you own a decorative swamp You can dump all the chlorine you want in there… If it’s not moving? 👉 It’s just sitting there like a drunk guy at a bar doing absolutely nothing useful. 🧠 Why Your Pool Keeps Looking Like Trash Dead spots. You know… those little areas where:  debris hangs out  algae sets up a summer home  and your dignity goes to die If you keep seeing the same pile of crap every week? 👉 That’s not coincidence  👉 That’s your circulation system flipping you off 🤢 Let’s Talk About What’s Actually in Your Water Surface water = the nastiest part of the pool Andrea said it. Not me. That’s where:  body oils  sunscreen  spit (yeah… spit)  and whatever that kid just sneezed all hang out together like a disgusting little party. And you’re swimming in it like:  👉 “Ahh, refreshing.” No.  No it’s not. ⚠️ Then It Gets Dark… Like REAL Dark We go from “dirty water” to: 👉 suction entrapment  👉 hair getting wrapped up like a horror movie  👉 limbs getting stuck  👉 and yeah… evisceration This episode goes from pool tech to:  👉 “why this industry should come with therapy” REAL fast. 🧰 Meanwhile, On Your Equipment Pad… Your pump is over there: 👉 screaming  👉 cavitating  👉 sounding like it swallowed a bag of gravel And you’re ignoring it like: “Eh… it’s probably fine.” It’s not fine. That’s your pump begging for help before it dies a violent, expensive death. 🧪 The Math You Hate But Need Turnover rates, flow rates, formulas… Andrea hits you with the reality: 👉 One turnover doesn’t clean sh*t  👉 You need multiple passes  👉 This is a PROCESS, not a one-night stand 🤬 Pool Owner Reality Check You don’t:  clean your baskets  check your flow  fix broken drain covers …but you DO: 👉 complain about cloudy water  👉 question your pool tech  👉 and act shocked when things go sideways Pick a struggle. 💀 Final Thought This episode is a wake-up call. Your pool is not:  👉 self-cleaning  👉 self-circulating  👉 or magically maintained by vibes It’s a system. And if the heart isn’t pumping? 👉 Everything else is just slowly dying. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    40 min
  5. Floc Around and Find Out - Mondays Down Under

    5D AGO

    Floc Around and Find Out - Mondays Down Under

    Pool Pros text questions here Welcome to the episode where three seasoned pool pros from opposite sides of the planet casually admit… 👉 nobody does floccing the same way  👉 everyone thinks they’re right  👉 and somehow… they all still get paid Yes, this is the “we’ve been doing this for 60+ years combined and still argue like it’s day one” episode.  🌏 What You’re Walking Into: Lee is holding it down in New South Wales, Nick is on vacation but somehow still talking shop, and Shane is over in New Zealand ready to throw powdered alum at anything that looks remotely green, brown, black… or emotionally unstable. There’s rugby rivalry. There’s mild political comparisons. There’s a toaster in a service truck.  Yes… a toaster. Priorities. 🧪 Today’s Topic: FLOCCING POOLS Or as this episode proves: “Three techs. Three methods. Same result. Total chaos.” 🧨 What Gets Unleashed:  Shane goes full “dump it in the skimmer and let God sort it out” Nick mixes it like he’s crafting a potion in a backyard cauldron  Lee shows up with a watering can like she’s baptizing the pool into clarityAnd somehow… 👉 All of it works  👉 None of it matches the label  👉 The label contradicts itself anyway (Seriously… one product says pH 6.5–7… then immediately says 8.2. Pick a lane, chemicals.) 🧠 Key Takeaways (If You Can Call Them That):  Floc doesn’t care about your feelings… but it does care about pH, alkalinity, and whether your pump is garbage  Dead spots in circulation will ruin your day faster than a customer saying “it was clear yesterday”  You can underdose floc… or overdose it and create a science experiment that fights back  Sometimes the best method is:  👉 brute force  👉 blind scooping  👉 and emotional detachment 🧟‍♂️ Real Field Horror: One pool described as: “You couldn’t see your fingertip in it.”Another featuring: “a new species growing out of the skimmer.”Congratulations. You’re not a pool tech anymore.  You’re a biological researcher with a net. ⚡ Rapid Fire Chaos:  Floc floating instead of sinking? Congrats, you broke physics.  Cartridge filter + alum tablet? Enjoy your new brick.  Customer vacuuming after floc? Say goodbye to all your hard work. 🧬 The Unspoken Truth: There is no single “right” way. There is only:  👉 what works  👉 what you think works 👉 and what you’ll defend in a Facebook argument at 2AM 🏁 Final Thought: This episode isn’t about floc. It’s about the reality that in this industry: Experience beats instructions.  Results beat theory.  And everyone secretly thinks their way is the best… even when it’s not. 📬 Got a better method? Email it in. Rudy will route it to the appropriate host… …and they will absolutely argue about it on air. 🎧 Listen. Learn. Disagree aggressively. Welcome to Talking Pools. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    40 min
  6. Breakpoint Is Wrong (And Enzymes Aren’t What You Think) - Rudy

    APR 10

    Breakpoint Is Wrong (And Enzymes Aren’t What You Think) - Rudy

    Pool Pros text questions here In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz breaks down two industry staples—breakpoint chlorination and enzymes—and explains why what’s commonly taught doesn’t fully match the chemistry happening in your water. This isn’t about being wrong.  It’s about going one level deeper. ⚗️ Breakpoint Chlorination – The Reality  The 10x rule is not how breakpoint is defined in chemistry  True breakpoint is based on ammonia (as nitrogen), not combined chlorine  Pools measure combined chlorine (as chlorine) → not a direct match 👉 Result:  You’re applying a fixed rule to a variable system 💡 Key Insight  Oxidation starts immediately  Breakpoint is not a moment—it’s a process Real demand depends on:  Organics  Nitrogen compounds  pH  reaction conditions ⚡ Salt Systems Reality Check  Salt cells produce chlorine slowly They are built to maintain, not spike👉 In high demand situations:  External chlorine is often required  🧬 Enzymes – What Actually Happens  Enzymes break down organics (true)  But they are proteins in an oxidizing system👉 Chlorine can chemically alter and deactivate them ⏱️ Why Enzymes Still Work It’s a competition for reaction:  Chlorine reacts with everything in the water  Enzymes survive temporarily because chlorine is “busy” 👉 They work within a limited time window  Higher chlorine = shorter window  Less time = less impact 🧱 Enzymes & Biofilms  Enzymes do not remove biofilms They weaken the protective matrix👉 This allows chlorine to penetrate more effectively  Best results require:  Proper chemistry  Physical disruption (brushing)  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

    33 min
  7. The Pool Problem You Don’t See… Until It’s Too Late - Wayne & Steve

    APR 9

    The Pool Problem You Don’t See… Until It’s Too Late - Wayne & Steve

    Pool Pros text questions here What looks like algae… isn’t always algae.  And what looks like “clear but weird” water? That’s where things get expensive. In this episode of Talking Pools Thursdays, Steve and Wayne break down one of the most misunderstood issues in pool service: metals in the water—how to identify them, where they come from, and what actually works when you’re dealing with them in the field. It starts with a simple truth:  👉 Water has no color. So when it turns green, blue, brown, or something that just feels “off,” something else is driving that change—and metals are often the culprit. They walk through the key differences between algae vs. metals, including:  Why algae presents as cloudy, opaque, or “carpeted”  Why metals (like copper) often show up as clear, tinted water  A simple field test using your brush to tell the difference instantly From there, the conversation goes deeper into where metals actually come from, including:  Source water (especially wells)  Heater corrosion and heat exchanger failure  Overuse of copper-based algaecides  Aging infrastructure and legacy municipal systems They also cover the thresholds where metals become a real problem:  Copper above ~0.2 ppm  Iron above ~0.3 ppm  And how rising pH (above ~7.6) triggers precipitation, staining, and discoloration Then comes the part most techs get wrong—treatment strategy. This episode breaks down the difference between: Sequestering agents (hide the metals, prevent staining) Chelating agents (bind metals into larger particles for filtration/removal)  Why most modern products attempt to do both  And why you’re still often vacuuming to waste or cleaning filters after treatment They also get real about the operational side:  Why chelation jobs can take multiple visits  Why sequestering requires ongoing maintenance dosing  And why metals are “not a problem… until they’re a problem” There’s also a candid discussion on:  The risks and realities of acid washing  Why vinyl and fiberglass pools present different limitations  How improper dosing in small bodies of water (like spas) can trigger metal precipitation instantly  And why no two metal situations ever behave exactly the same The episode wraps with a broader industry conversation on rising costs—fuel, materials, and equipment—and how those pressures are forcing service companies to rethink pricing, efficiency, and long-term profitability. Because whether it’s metals in the water or money in your business…  👉 Ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com

    49 min
  8. Here's How You Grow Your Pool Business by 50% - Laci Davis

    APR 8

    Here's How You Grow Your Pool Business by 50% - Laci Davis

    Pool Pros text questions here This Myth-busting episode reveals how pool pros can maximize their relationships with manufacturer reps to grow their business, increase margins, and avoid costly mistakes. Laci Davis (Grit Game) shares practical tips on finding, evaluating, and leveraging reps effectively. Keywords pool industry, manufacturer reps, business growth, sales strategies, industry relationships Key Topics Types of industry reps and their rolesHow to identify a good manufacturer repThe importance of follow-up and relationship-buildingStrategies for leveraging reps to increase sales and marginsPractical steps to find and connect with reputable repsSound Bites "Good reps have real industry experience""Follow-up shows a rep's diligence""Don't treat reps like transactions"Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Grit Game and Pool Pros 03:50 Understanding the Role of Reps in the Pool Industry 06:37 The Importance of Building Relationships with Reps 08:50 Identifying Quality Reps and Their Impact 11:32 Maximizing the Value of Reps for Business Growth 13:41 Finding and Connecting with Reps 15:07 Conclusion and Call to Action 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

    18 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
    979
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Pools Podcast
  • Show Website
    Talking Pools Podcast

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