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Talking Pools Podcast

Author: Rudy Stankowitz

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Forget chasing chlorine headaches and battling algae wars alone. The Talking Pools Podcast is your weekly escape from pool purgatory, where 250+ years of combined pro wisdom explodes into actionable hacks, mind-blowing tips, and secrets so ancient they make Poseidon jealous.


Think of it as your weekly poolside braintrust, fueled by eight seasoned pros, each a rockstar in their own aquatic lane. Got a filtration fiasco? Chemical conundrum? Equipment enigma? No problem. We've got a host for that:


  • The Tech Titan: Unravels the mysteries of pumps, filters, and gizmos that make pools tick (without the electrical shocks).


  • The Chem Crusader: Your personal alchemist, whipping up potion-perfect water balance with a dash of science and a sprinkle of magic.


  • The Maintenance Maverick: From tile tricks to algae assassins, he's got the lowdown on keeping your pool looking like a liquid emerald palace.


  • The Customer Calmer: Smooths ruffled feathers faster than a pool noodle bouquet, turning hangry homeowners into poolside pals.


But Talking Pools isn't just about technical wizardry. It's about camaraderie, the shared language of pool pros who've seen it all, from exploding filters to synchronized swimming squirrels (no, really, we had an episode!).


Every week, you'll:


  • Steal game-changing secrets: Learn pro-grade hacks to make you the "Pool Whisperer" in your market


  • Laugh until you spit out your piña colada: These guys are as witty as they are wise, turning pool problems into poolside punchlines.


  • Get ahead of the curve: Stay on top of industry trends and tech before your competitors even smell the chlorine.


  • Feel the love (and the sunshine): Remember why you got into this business in the first place – the joy of creating backyard oases where memories are made.


So, ditch the Drano, grab your headphones, and dive into the Talking Pools Podcast. It's your weekly dose of poolside wisdom, laughter, and community. We'll see you on the flip side!


P.S. Subscribe now and you might just win a case of pool party essentials (floaties not included, sorry squirrels).


P.P.S. Tell your pool-loving friends – sharing knowledge is like sharing sunscreen, it protects everyone!

855 Episodes
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Tim Bolden of the Pool Butler. They discuss Tim's journey from the Navy to leading a successful pool service company, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of running a business during a pandemic. Tim shares insights on leadership, work-life balance, and the evolving pool industry, emphasizing the need for innovation and customer service. The conversation highlights the significance of...
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Steve and Wayne—the Talking Pools Podcast’s own dynamic duo—compare notes on closing pools from coast to coast. Steve draws on his years of experience in New Jersey, where fall meant back-to-back closings, freeze guards, and a race against the first frost. Wayne, from his Florida base, shares stories of dealing with Northeastern clientele who expect winterized service—even when they’re hundreds of miles away from snow. Together, they dig into how regi...
Text us a pool question! This week’s episode is a little bit of everything — industry insight, real talk, and a peek behind the curtain of what’s happening with the people who keep this trade moving forward. We’re starting with something close to home: our Mentor Awards. You’ll hear from a few of the folks whose names carry serious weight in this industry — the people who have shaped, guided, and inspired so many pool pros. These conversations aren’t scripted or polished for press releases; t...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea and Paulette dive into the often-misunderstood world of chloramines—the compounds that cause everything from pool odor to swimmer irritation. They explore the science behind monochloramine, dichloramine, and trichloramine, explaining how each one forms, how they differ, and why they matter. The conversation goes deeper into the differences between organic and inorganic chloramines, uncovering how bather waste, nitro...
Text us a pool question! This week, Lee and Shane dive into one of the most frustrating—and head-scratching—realities of running a pool service company: employees who decide to quit right in the middle of peak season. From the “you’ve got to be kidding me” timing to the domino effect it has on routes, scheduling, and client relationships, they pull back the curtain on what it’s really like when your business takes a hit at the busiest time of the year. They swap stories about the most outrage...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz interviews John Poma, a prominent figure in the pool industry. They discuss the Alum-CyA removal method, John's background, his experiences in pool service and construction, and the importance of mentorship in the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by pool professionals, including controversies surrounding pool chemistry and safety regulations. John shares insights on community...
Stains and Solutions

Stains and Solutions

2025-09-2501:03:39

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne delve into the complexities of pool staining, focusing on metal stains and their causes, including the impact of pH levels. They discuss the importance of maintaining balanced water chemistry and the challenges of closing pools for the season, including liability concerns. The conversation also covers effective chemical management, water testing, and the identification and treatment of various stains,...
Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Sarah and Andrew discuss the importance of alkalinity in water chemistry, particularly in pools. They explore the different types of alkalinity, how to manipulate it using bicarb and acid, and the seasonal changes that affect water chemistry. The conversation also highlights the significance of maintaining proper calcium levels and the consequences of low alkalinity, including patchy plaster and equipment corrosion. Additionally, they address com...
Text us a pool question! Hosts: Andrea & Paulette Cameo: Rudy with Joe Trusty (Pool Magazine / PoolMarketing.com) Sponsor: Revvdup Apparel Andrea and Paulette kick off with shop talk, cooler temps, and a spike in phosphate readings. They unpack the long-running “are phosphates a thing?” debate, why South Florida sees big swings, and how phosphates intersect with salt systems, algae control, and filter life. Mid-show, Rudy drops in a short interview with Joe Trusty on where AI is already...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Lee and Shane discuss the onset of spring and the busy season for pool maintenance. They explore the importance of heating solutions, sales strategies, and the role of preventative maintenance with specialty chemicals. The conversation emphasizes understanding customer pain points and the benefits of innovative solutions like variable speed pumps to enhance pool enjoyment and efficiency. takeaways Spring brings a surge i...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Kevin Post, CEO of Councilman Hunsaker, discussing innovative projects like the Plus Pool, the importance of mentorship in the aquatics industry, and the future of AI in pool management. Kevin shares insights on staying passionate in the industry, the significance of CMAHC membership, and the need for continuous education and leadership development. The conversation highlights the diverse opportunities with...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss various topics related to pool maintenance, safety protocols, and industry insights. They share a recent incident involving chlorine handling that highlights the importance of proper training and safety measures. The conversation also covers the significance of water testing, automation systems, and the nuances of workers' compensation insurance in the pool industry. Additionally, they touch o...
Text us a pool question! Okay fam, let’s get real—your pool’s pH isn’t just some random number you check because the test kit says so. It’s literally the gatekeeper for whether your water feels crisp and comfy 🌊 or turns into a chemical warzone. In this episode, Host Sarah chats about why pH balance matters more than you think: Why the “sweet spot” (7.2–7.6) is EVERYTHING 👌How high pH = burning eyes, cloudy vibes, and equipment crying for help 😢Why low pH might look clear but is actually toxi...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Andrea & Paulette discuss various topics ranging from cooking techniques to the chemistry of pool maintenance. They share a detailed recipe for cooking skirt steak, emphasizing the importance of not gatekeeping culinary knowledge. The conversation then shifts to pool chemistry, focusing on cyanuric acid, its effects on total ORP, and how to manage stabilizer levels effectively. The hosts also cover testing methods for cyanuric aci...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Lee and Shane discuss the significance of expertise in the pool service industry, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and training. They explore the growth of training opportunities available to professionals, the pros and cons of product-specific training, and the value of non-biased training. The conversation highlights the necessity of choosing the right products for business success and the role of ongoing education ...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy interviews Maddy Van Diver from Pool Butler, discussing the importance of mentorship in the pool industry. They explore effective teaching methods for CPO classes, the significance of quality control in technician training, and the impact of advanced water treatment technologies. The conversation also delves into the nuances of pool chemistry and the role of communication in customer service. Van shares personal ...
Text us a pool question! This episode of the Talking Pools podcast reflects on the significance of September 11th, honoring the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on that day. It transitions into a detailed exploration of the engineering behind the 9-11 Memorial Pools, highlighting their design, operation, and the advanced technologies that maintain them as a symbol of remembrance. takeaways September 11th tested the soul of our nation.The spirit of America revealed itself in courage and...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Steve Sherwood discusses various topics related to the pool service industry with Pat of the California Pool Association, including the differences between W2 and 1099 employment structures, the importance of having the right insurance coverage, and the challenges of hiring and managing employees. Wayne Ivusich then takes the conversation into water chemistry testing, explicitly focusing on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Andrea and Paulette discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, focusing on the importance of taking time off, the misconceptions surrounding cyanuric acid, and the myth of chlorine lock. They emphasize the need for proper chemical balance in pools and the significance of charging for services rendered. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes and experiences in the pool service industry, providing insights into the ...
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Shane and Lee discuss the transition into the spring pool season, the impact of weather on pool maintenance, and the increasing presence of AI in the pool service industry. They emphasize the importance of human connection in business, especially in a field where personal relationships can significantly influence customer loyalty. The conversation highlights the need for pool service professionals to adapt to technological advancements while maintaini...
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