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Description
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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Pool Pros text questions here This Friday episode digs into one of the most argued topics in pool care: range chemistry and the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI). Rudy takes us back to 1936 and the work of Wilfred F. Langelier, who developed a model to prevent municipal water pipes from dissolving or scaling shut. LSI was never designed for swimmers. It was built to answer one simple question: Will this water dissolve calcium carbonate… or deposit it? That’s it. Pools adopted LSI later because...
Pool Pros text questions here Wayne goes full soapbox after watching an HGTV/Magnolia renovation show that builds a commercial-style pool using “biofilters” as a chemical-free solution—without ever addressing sanitation, oxidation, or code-required disinfectant residuals. Steve backs him up with real-world field logic: filtration doesn’t equal disinfection, and “natural” systems can turn into expensive science projects fast. Then the episode shifts into the Insurance Interlude with Pat Grigno...
Pool Pros text questions here keywords Aquatics, Program Directors, Leadership, Communication, Emergency Preparedness, Delegation, Myths, Burnout, Learning Opportunities, Professional Development summary In this episode, Natalie Hood engages with Cara Green, the Aquatics Program Director at the University of Houston, to discuss the often misunderstood role of aquatics directors. They explore the journey into aquatics, the myths surrounding the profession, the importance of delegation, com...
Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee and Shane take us behind the scenes of a massive Australian water theme park — and the conversation quickly turns from wave pools and plant rooms on steroids to something much more serious: Safety. From razor blades hidden in slide seams (yes, that actually happened) to real-world design flaws causing injuries, this episode dives deep into the responsibility that comes with running aquatic facilities — whether it’s a mul...
Pool Pros text questions here In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz discusses significant developments in the pool service industry, including a major acquisition that consolidates market power. He also delves into the importance of understanding water chemistry, specifically focusing on silica and sulfates, which are often overlooked in pool maintenance. The conversation highlights the implications of these elements on pool equipment and overall maintenance practices, emphasizing the need for poo...
Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Steve Sherwood and guest Pat Grenon discuss various aspects of pool services, including subcontracting, insurance considerations, the importance of technology in efficiency, pricing strategies, and the significance of proper testing and chemical management in pool maintenance. They emphasize the need for pool professionals to adapt to changing market conditions and to ensure they are providing quality service whi...
Pool Pros text questions here In Part One of this two-part episode of Talking Pools Podcast, Natalie Hood speaks with Cara Green, Aquatics Program Director at the University of Houston, about the often misunderstood role of aquatics program directors. They discuss the common myths surrounding the profession, the skills required for success, the importance of continuous education, and the necessity of understanding codes and compliance in aquatics. The conversation emphasizes the need for adap...
Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee and Shane discuss various aspects of running a business in the pool service industry, focusing on the importance of SEO, the evolving role of AI, and strategies for maximizing online presence. They share insights on how to effectively use social media marketing, the significance of customer reviews, and the potential of AI in streamlining business operations. The conversation also touches on the balance between AI and hu...
Pool Pros text questions here This conversation delves into the complexities of phosphates in pool chemistry, emphasizing their role in biological processes and the misconceptions surrounding their impact on chlorine effectiveness and algae growth. It also touches on contractor accountability in the pool industry and analyzes market trends, providing insights into the current state of the industry. Takeaways Phosphates are essential for life and play a crucial role in biochemistry. The ...
Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss various aspects of the pool service industry, including the evolution of services, the importance of community and networking, navigating insurance challenges, and the impact of technology. They share insights on client relations, the significance of proper maintenance, and the intricacies of pool renovations and inspections. The conversation emphasizes the need for pool professionals to be proactive...
Pool Pros text questions here In this conversation, Natalie Hood and Manny Sanchez delve into the world of ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) pools, addressing common misconceptions, discussing design flexibility, construction processes, and the advantages of ICF pools over traditional methods. They explore the speed of construction, maintenance requirements, and the environmental benefits of ICF pools, while also touching on finishing options and the future of this innovative building method. tak...
Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Mondays Down Under on the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Lee and Shane discuss the transition from summer to winter in the pool service industry, emphasizing the importance of planning for the slower months ahead. They explore various digital tools and apps that can enhance efficiency, from measuring tools like Google Earth to invoicing software like HubDoc and accounting solutions like Xero. The conversation also touches on work health and safet...
Pool Pros text questions here No arrests. No indictments. No viral footage of someone in a polo getting walked past a plaster truck in handcuffs. And yet—this was not a quiet week. In this Friday episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz breaks down what actually moved the needle in the pool industry this week: quiet signals, structural shifts, and the 2026 Skimmer State of the Pool Service Report—misread by many, misunderstood by most, and weaponized incorrectly on social media. ...
Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss the ongoing trade show season in the pool industry, the impact of weather on attendance, and the importance of insurance and liability considerations for pool service professionals. They share personal anecdotes and insights about navigating trade shows, the significance of networking, and the challenges of managing liability in pool services, especially concerning diving boards and hills...
Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Natalie Hood and Manny Sanchez delve into the world of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) pools, addressing common misconceptions, cost comparisons, and the advantages of ICF over traditional pool construction methods. They explore the strength, energy efficiency, and design flexibility of ICF pools, while also discussing the building process and maintenance requirements. The conversation highlights the growing popularity ...
Pool Pros text questions here Introduction: In the latest episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Lee and Shane delve into the complexities of pool maintenance, sharing their personal experiences and troubleshooting tips. This blog post aims to summarize their conversation, providing valuable insights into common challenges faced by pool professionals and enthusiasts alike. Understanding Public Holidays and Their Impact on Work Lee and Shane kick off the episode by discussing the signifi...
Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Kelly welcomes Matt Ryther, the chairman of the PHTA Service Council, to discuss the vital role of the council in educating pool service professionals. They delve into common pool problems, emphasizing that many issues stem from design flaws rather than chemistry or service errors. Matt highlights the importance of understanding how components such as pumps, filters, and sanitizers interact to effectively diagnos...
Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses various topics related to the pool service industry with guest Jeff Hampe. They explore listener questions and delve into water chemistry, particularly in tile pools. The conversation highlights social media, networking, and swimming pool tile. They also address challenges in water chemistry and the implications of these findings for pool service professionals. takeaways Efflorescence is a ...
Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of professionalism in the pool service industry, emphasizing the need for effective communication, the value of experience, and the significance of proper training for new employees. They also touch on the challenges of managing online interactions and the impact of criticism, advocating for kindness and understanding in all professional dealings. Additionally, the conversation explore...
Pool Pros text questions here Welcome back for the second half of this episode, where Natalie Hood (The Grit Game) sits down with Maddie Vandiver from The Pool Butler and turns “aquatic leadership” from a vague buzzword into something you can actually use. Maddie’s story starts where a lot of strong aquatics careers start: in the water. Lifeguarding, wave pool duty, swim lessons, coaching, and the realization that when she tried to leave aquatics behind, it didn’t take long before she came ri...
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