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Talking Pools Podcast
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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!

872 Episodes
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Text us a pool question! In this bone-chilling Halloween episode, host Rudy Stankowitz dives headfirst into the haunted side of the pool world—where the ripples in the water might not be from your circulation pump. Beneath the calm shimmer of moonlit pools lies a darker current: ghost stories soaked in chlorine and mystery. Rudy takes listeners on a guided ghost tour through some of the most notoriously haunted swimming pools on Earth—the Queen Mary’s first-class plunge, McCarren Park Pool’s ...
Text us a pool question! This is the one where Wayne and Steve discuss the secrets behind the booths, the untold tales of Pool Industry Tradeshows. Also, What insurance do you need to conduct a pool inspection? Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
Algaecide

Algaecide

2025-10-2801:08:16

Text us a pool question! This is the one where Andrea and Paulette discuss their go-to algaecides Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
Talking Pools Origins

Talking Pools Origins

2025-10-2727:40

Text us a pool question! A look back at the first episode of the Talking Pools Podcast... In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Rudy Stankowitz and Andrea Nannini reflect on the challenges currently facing the pool industry, particularly focusing on the chlorine shortage and its implications. They discuss the panic purchasing behavior of consumers, the impact of the Texas freeze on supply chains, and the ongoing difficulties in sourcing essential pool parts. The conversation al...
Text us a pool question! In this episode, host Rudy Stankowitz gets into two powerful topics shaping the pool industry right now. First, we take a hard look at the federal government shutdown and how it’s creating ripple effects across small service-based businesses — including pool service companies. From stalled SBA loans and federal contract delays to the trickle-down impact on cash flow and customer payments, Rudy explains how this period of economic uncertainty requires adaptability and ...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Steve and Wayne delve into the world of community theater and its impact on personal development, particularly in public speaking. They discuss the evolution of community theater, the decline of dinner theaters, and the intersection of their theater experiences with their work in the pool industry. The conversation shifts to the importance of safety in pool maintenance, navigating pool inspections, and the role of insurance in p...
Text us a pool question! Andrea and Paulette go long on algae—the real science, the field diagnostics, and the no-nonsense remediation that actually works on a Tuesday in August when the phone won’t stop ringing. Pulling from training content and field notes, they break down how to tell algae from look-alikes (metals, pollen, fine dust), why water balance and sanitizer demand dictate outcomes, and how to choose the right kill-sequence for mustard/yellow, black (cyanobacteria biofilm), green b...
Hire Slow, Fire Fast

Hire Slow, Fire Fast

2025-10-2042:21

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss the busy pool season, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance to prevent costly clean-ups. They delve into the hiring process, sharing insights on training staff, crafting engaging job advertisements, and the diverse career opportunities within the pool industry. The conversation also covers effective interview techniques and the significance of personal attributes in potential employees. The ep...
Text us a pool question! In this engaging conversation, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Ron DeLoux from Big Blue Pool Service, exploring the evolution of the pool service industry, the importance of customer relationships, and the future of pool technology. Ron shares his insights on the shift from repair to replacement, the significance of pool chemistry, and the challenges faced by newcomers in the business. He emphasizes the value of education, mentorship, and community support, while also refl...
Text us a pool question! Keywords pool industry, CPO, instructor assessment, education, teaching skills, PHTA, pool classes, water chemistry, instructor program, professional development Summary In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne discusses his experiences and insights from being a member of the PHA Instructor Assessment Committee. He shares stories from a recent instructor class, the assessment process for potential instructors, and the importance of teaching skills in th...
Text us a pool question! Got mystery stains, teal-tinted water, or customers blaming your chlorine for their new “seafoam highlights”? Andrea and Paulette dive into high metal levels in pools—where they come from (source water, corrosion, “helpful” copper products), how to confirm what you’re dealing with (iron vs. copper vs. manganese), and the smartest ways to treat the water and the stain without turning the pool into a chemistry crime scene. Real talk, step-by-step protocols, and the dos/...
Text us a pool question! Keywords spa maintenance, water treatment, sanitization, pool care, spa treatments, bromine, chlorine, water balance, spa technology, pool service Takeaways Summer is approaching, and clients have varying perceptions of swimming temperatures. Spa maintenance requires more frequent attention than regular pools due to their smaller size and higher usage. Educating staff in front of customers can undermine trust; it's better to do it privately. CO2 gas in carbonated ...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Rich Gallo, founder and CEO of Pure Swim. Rich shares his journey from growing up in a family of pool professionals to establishing a successful concierge-level pool service in Los Angeles. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the impact of fatherhood on his business philosophy, and the lessons learned from mistakes in customer relationships. Rich emphasizes the significance of building a team with pu...
Text us a pool question! This week, Wayne and Steve are diving deep into the kind of stuff that separates pros from pretenders — communication, integrity, and the responsibility of owning your mistakes. Whether it’s a misread water test, a filter left in bypass, or a promise made too quickly, these two veterans talk about what it means to stand behind your word, make things right, and protect your reputation even when it costs you. They share stories from the field where honesty cost them mon...
Text us a pool question! If you thought pool care was boring, you clearly haven’t heard Sarah break it down. This week she dives headfirst into the bubbling, backwashing, beautifully chaotic world of pool chemistry — with zero filters and a full cup of caffeine. It’s educational, hilarious, slightly unhinged, and 100% Sarah. She’s here to make sure you understand what’s really happening in that pool water — why your readings are off, why “shock” isn’t a personality type, and why that weird sm...
Text us a pool question! Andrea kicks off the episode venting about her latest headache — a string of finicky customers inside a gated community who think pool service comes with mind-reading included. From access codes that don’t work to residents insisting their “pool smells too clean,” Andrea’s got stories that’ll make any tech feel seen. Paulette chimes in with her trademark humor and hard-earned wisdom, grounding the chaos with her calm-but-deadly insights on customer communication and s...
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Lee and Shane discuss the growing popularity of mineral pools in Australia, addressing a listener's inquiry about the benefits and drawbacks of mineral pools, particularly in hot climates. Steve pops in with Peter Lagaz of Bufferzone to talk PSS for a stint. Then back to minerals. They explore the differences between mineral and saltwater pools, the importance of maintaining proper pool chemistry, and the various manufacturers and products available i...
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...
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