Natalie Hood welcomes 2026 Top Ten Pool Industry Mentor Peter Wiedermann for a conversation about his 31 years in the swimming pool industry, the people who shaped his career, and the technicians he helped develop along the way.

Peter explains why a mentor should build independence rather than dependence, why trust is essential, and why challenging someone’s thinking is sometimes the greatest help a mentor can provide. He also shares how recognizing burnout led him away from daily pool work and toward business networking and teaching people to use artificial intelligence more effectively.

The conversation then turns to AI myths: whether it will replace pool professionals, why ChatGPT should never be mistaken for an expert, the danger of entering sensitive information into unsecured systems, and why every AI-generated answer still requires a knowledgeable human in the loop. Peter also explains why using AI resembles servicing a swimming pool—both involve complex systems, disciplined methods, and potentially serious consequences when the fundamentals are ignored.

Plus, Peter reveals his preferred pizza, the superpowers society desperately needs, and exactly how he plans to embarrass his children if he wins the Mentor of the Year championship belt.

In This Episode:

• What effective mentorship looks like
• The difference between training and mentoring
• Why arrogance prevents professional growth
• Developing technicians who can think for themselves
• Recognizing burnout and changing direction
• How AI can support pool businesses
• Why AI cannot replace experience and judgment
• Protecting customer and business information
• Keeping the human in the loop
• Why strong industry standards and education matter

#TalkingPoolsPodcast #PeterWiedermann #PoolIndustryMentor #PoolProfessionals #ArtificialIntelligence #PoolService #IndustryEducation #Mentorship #BusinessGrowth

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Hiring new employees is only the beginning. If pool and spa businesses want knowledgeable technicians, loyal teams, confident customers, and fewer unqualified operators dragging down the trade, they must invest in professional development.

On this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury, Nick Day, and Shane Sneddon welcome Rachel, General Manager of IR Learning—soon to return to the name SPASA Training—to discuss the education and qualifications available to pool and spa professionals across Australia and New Zealand.

The group explores Recognition of Prior Learning, competency conversations, transferable skills, online education, industry-specific qualifications, and why experienced technicians may already possess much of the evidence needed to become formally qualified.

They also discuss the responsibility carried by pool professionals. Today’s technicians must understand water chemistry, hydraulics, electrical and plumbing systems, safety, automation, customer service, and business operations—yet the trade continues fighting for the recognition and funding it deserves.

Training your employees is not simply an investment in them. Better-trained people provide better service, inspire greater customer confidence, strengthen staff retention, and build a better business.

Topics discussed include:

•  The transition from IR Learning back to SPASA Training 
•  The Four Pillars of Pool Care training series 
•  Recognition of Prior Learning for experienced technicians 
•  Why competency conversations are not traditional exams 
•  Turning everyday jobsite photos and videos into qualification evidence 
•  How skills from sales, safety, and other industries may transfer 
•  Building long-term career pathways within the pool and spa industry 
•  Training opportunities for Australian and New Zealand professionals 
•  Certificate III in Swimming Pool and Spa Service 
•  Pool building, retail, business, leadership, safety-barrier, and aquatic-operator training 
•  Why professional qualifications help separate legitimate businesses from industry cowboys 
•  The continuing push for trade recognition, licensing, and training funding 

Learn more about available courses and qualifications at IRLearning.com

This episode is brought to you in part by Pool Brain, giving pool professionals the tools to operate smarter, more efficiently, and more profitably.

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A pool remodel is rarely as simple as replacing the tile and plaster. Once the old surface comes off and the ground is opened, contractors can uncover structural cracks, deteriorated rebar, undersized plumbing, missing hydrostatic relief, unsafe electrical work, and decades of questionable shortcuts.

In this bonus episode, Kelli speaks with Jose Gonzalez of Adams Pool Solutions in Pleasanton, California. Jose grew up working alongside his father in the pool industry and has spent nearly 12 years with Adams, advancing from plaster and pebble application into field management, project management, and sales.

Kelli and Jose dig into what really happens during a remodel, including the hidden conditions that can add thousands of dollars to a project. They discuss structural crack repair, hydraulic upgrades, permits, waterproofing, material selection, customer education, and why thorough documentation protects both the contractor and the homeowner.

Jose also shares one unforgettable discovery: full-size pool lights installed without proper niches or grounding, held in improvised cavities with plaster and silicone.

The lesson is simple: a successful remodel is not about hiding old problems beneath a beautiful new finish. It is about correcting those problems and building something that will remain safe, functional, and durable for years.

In This Episode

•  Jose’s journey from helping his father as a child to managing and selling remodel projects 
•  The difference between resurfacing a pool and performing a complete remodel 
•  Why structural cracks appear more frequently than many contractors expect 
•  Three approaches to crack treatment and when each may be appropriate 
•  How deteriorated rebar can turn a surface crack into a major structural repair 
•  Why contractors should discuss possible change orders before demolition begins 
•  Hidden copper lines, undersized plumbing, and other hydraulic surprises 
•  Missing or covered hydrostatic relief systems 
•  Why modern codes can require upgrades to older pools 
•  The value of preconstruction equipment inspections and signed documentation 
•  When waterproofing makes sense and when it may create bonding concerns 
•  Why poor surface preparation can cause a new finish to delaminate 
•  The long-term cost of cheap tile, coping, grout, and installation materials 
•  When permits are essential and why some contractors refuse to proceed without them 
•  Using renderings and physical samples to help homeowners visualize the finished project 
•  Why licensed contractors, field experience, transparency, and realistic timelines matter 
•  Jose’s advice for pool professionals entering the remodeling business 

Featured Guest

Jose Gonzalez
Adams Pool Solutions
Pleasanton, California

Key Takeaway

A trustworthy remodel contractor does not simply deliver the cheapest version of what a homeowner requests. They expose the problems, explain the options, document the decisions, and build the pool as though it were going into their own backyard.

#TalkingPoolsPodcast #PoolRemodel #PoolRenovation #SwimmingPools #PoolConstruction #PoolContractor #PoolProfessionals #PoolDesign #PoolSafety #AdamsPoolSolutions

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This episode is intentionally abrasive.

The pool industry wants the respect, credibility, and compensation of a skilled trade. But are we willing to establish, demand, demonstrate, and charge for skilled-trade standards?

Rudy asked pool professionals what they believe is wrong with the industry, and the responses came flooding in: inadequate training, nonexistent licensing, bargain-basement pricing, oversized egos, unqualified technicians, social-media experts, bad installations, fragmented education, private equity, manufacturers selling around the trade, and customers who expect luxury service at Dollar General prices.

The individual complaints may differ, but they point to the same contradiction: We demand professional respect while too often accepting mediocrity as normal.

This episode examines why certification should be the beginning of professional development, not a declaration that someone never needs to learn another damn thing. Rudy challenges companies that send barely trained technicians into the field, veterans who mistake repetition for expertise, businesses that confuse pool count with profitability, and professionals who perform additional work for free and then wonder why customers do not value them.

The pool industry has tremendous people, knowledge, innovation, and opportunity. What it lacks is consistent standards, clear career pathways, and enough professionals willing to say the three words most terrifying to an oversized industry ego:

“I was wrong.”

If the pool industry wants respect, it is time to earn the fucking thing.

In This Episode

• Why pool service should be treated as a legitimate skilled trade
• The difference between inexperience and unsupervised incompetence
• Why certification is only the beginning of professional development
• How fragmented education leaves new technicians without a clear career path
• Why decades of repetition do not necessarily equal decades of experience
• How confidence and social-media visibility get mistaken for competence
• Why pool service companies chronically undervalue their work
• The difference between revenue, profitability, growth, and craftsmanship
• Why staying small does not mean failing
• The true cost behind professional equipment installation and service
• How manufacturers, big-box retailers, franchises, and private equity affect the trade
• Why customer boundaries and clearly defined service agreements matter
• The responsibilities companies, employees, customers, and professionals owe one another
• What the pool industry must do if it genuinely wants professional respect

Memorable Line

“The pool industry does not have a shortage of opportunity. It has a shortage of consistent standards and an oversupply of confidence.”

#TalkingPoolsPodcast #PoolIndustry #PoolService #SwimmingPools #PoolProfessionals #PoolEducation #SkilledTrades #WaterChemistry #PoolBusiness #ProfessionalStandards

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Private equity has entered the pool industry, and companies looking to acquire thousands of service accounts are knocking on the doors of independent pool professionals.

But what happens when they knock on yours?

In this Insurance Interlude, Steve Sherwood and Pat Grignon discuss what pool company owners need to consider before selling their business, route, or customer accounts. Steve shares his own experience with an acquisition offer and explains why a bigger salary was not enough to convince him to surrender the freedom he spent a decade building.

Pat breaks down several important issues that can follow a sale, including tail coverage, prior claims, non-compete agreements, non-solicitation clauses, and the danger of signing a contract without experienced legal representation.

Selling the business may end your ownership, but it does not automatically eliminate your exposure. A claim connected to work performed before the sale could surface afterward. Depending on the policies and purchase agreement involved, the seller may be required to obtain several years of tail coverage.

The buyer may also restrict where the seller can work, what services they can provide, and whether they can contact former customers or employees. That means the contract could affect far more than the final purchase price.

Pat’s strongest advice is simple: hire an attorney experienced in business acquisitions. Not your uncle who handles divorces. Not your buddy who once fought a traffic ticket. Hire someone who understands deals and can identify exactly where the buyer is receiving the wins while the seller assumes the risk.

In This Episode

• Why private equity is targeting pool service companies
• Steve’s experience receiving an acquisition offer
• Why a higher salary may not replace the freedom of ownership
• What pool company owners should do before considering a sale
• How tail coverage may protect against claims reported after closing
• The difference between occurrence-based and claims-made coverage
• Who typically pays for tail coverage
• Why tail coverage can be surprisingly expensive
• How non-compete and non-solicitation clauses differ
• Restrictions that could prevent you from returning to the pool industry
• Why selling your route does not necessarily end your liability
• The importance of carefully reviewing every restrictive covenant
• Why every seller needs an experienced acquisition attorney
• How to avoid accepting a one-sided purchase agreement

The Bottom Line

Do not become hypnotized by the purchase price.

Before selling the business you spent years building, determine what liabilities remain, what insurance must stay in place, what professional activities will be restricted, and what happens if you later regret the deal.

Get the insurance advice. Get the legal advice. Read the contract. Then read it again.

This episode is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Laws, policy terms, and enforceability vary by jurisdiction and circumstance. Consult qualified legal and insurance professionals before selling a business.

#TalkingPoolsPodcast #InsuranceInterlude #PoolBusiness #PoolService #PrivateEquity #BusinessAcquisition #SellingABusiness #PoolRoute #TailCoverage #BusinessInsurance #RiskManagement #PoolProfessionals #CaliforniaPoolAssociation #SteveSherwood #PatGrignon

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What does nearly 50 years in the swimming pool industry teach you? According to Jerry Wallace, there are no shortcuts, you never stop learning, and sometimes you need to show up with a rolling suitcase full of textbooks.

Natalie Hood sits down with Jerry Wallace, president of Swim Chem and one of the 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Top Ten Pool Industry Mentors. Jerry shares how he entered the family business as a teenager, the mentors who shaped his career, and why mentoring is about leaving the industry better than you found it.

Then Jerry puts his decades of water chemistry, plaster, and expert-witness experience to work busting some persistent myths about calcium nodules. Are they caused by excessive calcium hardness? Are they simply another form of scale? Can adjusting the water chemistry stop them?

Jerry explains why calcium nodules are typically associated with voids, delamination, pinholes, or cracks beneath the plaster surface, not a pool professional’s failure to maintain the water. His message to service professionals is blunt: educate yourself, document your work, demand an explanation, and stop allowing people to steamroll you.

Jerry also discusses why manufacturers need to listen more closely to service professionals, what younger professionals bring to the industry, and the three groups every successful business must protect before looking at the profit-and-loss statement: family, employees, and customers.

And, because this is Talking Pools, Natalie settles the critically important question of whether pineapple belongs on pizza.

In This Episode

•  How Jerry entered the pool industry at age 16 
•  The mentors who helped shape his career 
•  Why mentorship is about life lessons, not merely technical knowledge 
•  How to recognize when someone is no longer coachable 
•  Why there are no shortcuts to long-term success 
•  The difference between calcium scale and calcium nodules 
•  Why high calcium hardness does not selectively create isolated nodules 
•  How voids, delamination, cracks, and pinholes contribute to nodule formation 
•  Why changing the water chemistry treats the symptom, not the underlying problem 
•  How service professionals can defend themselves against unsupported blame 
•  Why pool professionals must become experts in their trade 
•  What manufacturers misunderstand about real-world equipment retrofits 
•  Why the industry needs stronger communication between engineers and field professionals 
•  What younger generations are bringing to the pool industry 
•  The three priorities Jerry’s father used to measure a successful year 
•  Jerry’s controversial but unwavering defense of pineapple on pizza 

Jerry’s Message to Pool Professionals

Do not assume a calcium nodule is your fault simply because someone points at the water chemistry. Test the water, investigate the surface, document the evidence, ask for the actual mechanism, and make the person assigning blame show their work.

If you are going to work as a pool service professional, become an expert and stand up for yourself. Nobody else is going to do it for you.

#TalkingPoolsPodcast #PoolIndustry #PoolService #SwimmingPools #PoolChemistry #CalciumNodules #PoolPlaster #Mentorship #PoolProfessionals #WaterChemistry #PoolEducation #SwimChem #JerryWallace #NatalieHood #MythbustingWednesday

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For this special Mondays Down Under episode, Lee, Shane, and Nick are finally together in the same room after two exhausting days walking the floor at SPLASH! 2026.

The team shares the products, technology, conversations, and innovations that caught their attention, including smarter chlorinators, Bluetooth pressure monitoring, automatic backwashing, direct free-chlorine testing, advanced commercial sanitation systems, and robotic cleaners that are becoming increasingly independent.

They also speak with representatives from Waterco, Davey, Fluidra, Brauer Swim, Maytronics, and other industry leaders about equipment designed to reduce maintenance, conserve water, improve chemical control, and give pool professionals better information before they arrive on-site.

Beyond the equipment, the episode explores two important industry developments: a new guide addressing sanitization marketing claims and the draft revision of Australian Standard 3633, which has not been rewritten since 1989.

And yes, after two days of demonstrations, masterclasses, interviews, networking, and enough walking to make a Fitbit file a workers’ compensation claim, everyone’s feet are completely destroyed.

In This Episode

• The sights, crowds, and atmosphere of SPLASH! 2026
• Waterco’s MultiCyclone dual-cartridge filtration system
• How centrifugal prefiltration can reduce cartridge cleaning
• The Waterco OptiCell and direct free-chlorine measurement
• Commercial salt-chlorination and AOP systems from Brauer Swim
• Fluidra’s Solo, ECHO, Halo Pro, and Halo Pure chlorinators
• Seasonal programming and centralized app control
• Bluetooth pressure gauges that monitor filter condition
• AI-assisted heat-pump technology
• The Maytronics Dolphin EON robotic cleaner
• Internal robotic-filter backwashing
• Managing multiple cleaners through one technician-friendly app
• Robotic cleaners that dock, recharge, and empty themselves
• Automatic remote backwashing with the iWash system
• A rollable, lockable insulated spa cover
• The new sanitization marketing-claims guide
• Why “freshwater,” “mineral,” and ionized-pool claims need clarity
• The draft revision of Australian Standard 3633
• Why Australian and New Zealand pool professionals should provide feedback
• Lee’s chemistry, diagnostics, and customer-experience masterclasses
• The WAVES event and helping more women find their voice in the industry
• Why SPLASH belongs on every Australian pool professional’s calendar

If you attended SPLASH! 2026, tell us which product or presentation impressed you most. If you missed it, Lee, Shane, and Nick have done the walking, filming, questioning, and blister collection for you.

Send questions, topic suggestions, or requests for future industry guests to talkingpools@gmail.com.

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WARNING: This episode is intentionally abrasive. It contains strong language, blunt opinions, and an alarming lack of patience for sales pitches disguised as education. If professional disagreement offends you, consider this your continuing education credit in hurt feelings. 

Not all pool industry education is created equal—and “free” education is rarely free.

In this episode, Rudy examines the difference between manufacturer-funded seminars, paid independent instruction, field experience, and research-based education. A company trainer may know the product inside and out, but does that knowledge survive on a real equipment pad? A veteran may have decades of stories, but do those personal experiences have evidence behind them? And when every road in a seminar conveniently leads to the sponsor’s product, did you attend a class—or a sales pitch with continuing education credits stapled to it?

Rudy also addresses the criticism he received after publicly supporting Pool Brain’s hiring of Erik Knight. Respecting someone does not mean agreeing with every position they hold. Professional disagreement is healthy when people show their work, provide sources, remain open to challenges, and understand the limits of their own knowledge.

Before investing your money—or four hours of your life and half a turkey sandwich—research the instructor as carefully as you research the class.

In This Episode

• Why supporting an educator does not require treating everything they teach as gospel
• Erik Knight’s role in bringing LSI into the everyday pool industry conversation
• The difference between disagreement and intellectual dishonesty
• Why today’s pool professionals may be overwhelmed by too much education
• Manufacturer education versus paid independent instruction
• Why “free” seminars still have a cost and an agenda
• The difference between product knowledge and field experience
• Why personal experience is valuable—but not automatically universal truth
• How research and field experience should challenge and strengthen one another
• The warning signs of a sales presentation disguised as education
• Questions to ask before registering for any class
• Why expertise in one subject does not qualify someone to teach everything
• The value of an instructor willing to say, “I don’t know”

The strongest educators understand both the literature and the realities of the field. They identify whether they are presenting scientific evidence, professional judgment, product-specific training, or personal observation—and they never pretend those categories are interchangeable.

A famous name only proves the marketing worked. A company title tells you who employs the speaker. A registration fee tells you what the class costs. None of those things tells you whether the instructor deserves your time.

Research does. Transparency does. Relevant experience does. Evidence does.

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Calling someone an independent contractor does not automatically make them one.

In this Insurance Interlude, Steve Sherwood and Pat Grignon of the California Pool Association examine the complicated line between 1099 subcontractors and W-2 employees. They discuss what may help establish a legitimate subcontractor relationship, including separate business entities, independent insurance coverage, control over scheduling, and performing work for other customers.

They also explain how seemingly harmless decisions, such as providing gas cards, reimbursing mileage, or controlling a technician’s schedule, may make that relationship look increasingly like employment. And when a misclassified worker gets injured, the resulting investigation, lawsuit, penalties, and unpaid payroll obligations can threaten the entire company.

The lesson is simple: the time to understand your coverage and employment structure is before someone gets hurt, not after the lawsuit arrives.

In This Episode

• What separates a legitimate subcontractor from an employee
• Why issuing a 1099 does not settle worker classification
• The importance of separate business entities and insurance policies
• How scheduling and operational control affect classification
• When gas cards and mileage reimbursements can create problems
• Workers’ compensation requirements and protections
• How one workplace injury can trigger a much larger investigation
• When general liability insurance may provide defense
• Why every pool company needs a strong relationship with its insurance agent

Worker-classification and insurance requirements vary by state and individual circumstances. Speak with qualified insurance, tax, and legal professionals before making employment decisions.

Looking for insurance coverage? The California Pool Association serves pool professionals and other businesses throughout the country. Mention the Talking Pools Podcast to receive one month off a general liability policy.

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In the conclusion of this two-part Mythbusting Wednesday conversation, Natalie Hood sits down with Erik Knight to discuss his move from Watershape University to Pool Brain—and the bigger problems he hopes to help solve.

The pool industry has more education available than ever, but is that actually part of the problem? New technicians are often buried under chemistry, equipment, software, procedures, and safety information before they have enough hands-on experience to understand how it all fits together.

Erik explains how guided workflows and point-of-need education could help technicians produce better results from the beginning while developing a deeper understanding over time. Instead of three days riding shotgun followed by “Here are the keys—try not to turn anything green,” technology can provide structure, consistency, and some desperately needed early wins.

Natalie and Erik discuss:

• Why technician turnover is highest at the entry level
• Whether the education gap is really an education-overload problem
• The weaknesses of traditional pool-company onboarding
• Why hands-on learning creates knowledge that actually sticks
• Using software to reinforce education instead of replacing it
• Pool Brain’s approach to guided workflows and chemistry recommendations
• Using historical data to predict future pH and water behavior
• Why experience—not intelligence—allows seasoned technicians to anticipate problems
• Automation as a force multiplier for pool professionals
• How technology can free technicians to develop higher-value skills
• Why automation equipment can become a profitable service-company revenue stream
• The value of competition among software companies and education providers
• Erik’s continued relationship with Watershape University
• What attracted him to Pool Brain’s long-term vision
• Why professional software requires more than an AI-generated interface
• Inflation, rising equipment costs, and the need for greater efficiency
• Route optimization, properly stocked trucks, and eliminating costly supply runs

Erik also addresses the fear that technology will eventually replace the pool professional. Automation may handle repeatable tasks, but it cannot change filter sand, clean a DE grid, diagnose complicated equipment problems, or replace the judgment developed through real experience.

Better technology does not eliminate the need for education. It can remove some of the repetitive bullshit, help new technicians succeed sooner, and give experienced professionals more time to solve complicated problems, serve better customers, and operate more profitable routes.

Erik’s goal at Pool Brain is straightforward: simplify what makes the job unnecessarily difficult, help pool professionals deliver safer and more predictable water, and give company owners the tools to become more efficient, profitable, and—God forbid—occasionally get home before dark.

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This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury—the Pool Shop Coach—and Nick tackle a question every pool business owner should ask: Are you actually running your business, or are you simply reacting to whichever fire is burning hottest today?

Lee introduces her new Business Balance Check, a free assessment designed specifically to identify the areas of your business that need attention most. It examines ten critical areas—including branding, communication, team culture, safety, policies and procedures, and employee autonomy—before revealing whether you’re currently operating as the Firefighter, the Glue, the Foreman, or the Owner.

Lee and Nick also discuss:

• Why procedures sitting unread in a binder are nothing more than expensive pieces of paper
• The importance of teaching employees the what, how, and why
• How small, one-percent improvements can transform a business
• Why great ideas collected at conferences rarely survive the trip home
• How a coach or mentor creates accountability and turns intention into action
• Using AI to streamline spreadsheets, emails, administration, and repetitive tasks
• Why obviously AI-generated advertising can destroy customer trust
• The danger of letting software replace genuine technical knowledge and judgment
• Why pool professionals must understand the story behind the water-test results
• Customers who create a chemical catastrophe—and conveniently forget to mention what they added
• The importance of consistent branding and customer experiences across every touchpoint

The episode also includes coverage from SPLASH 2026, featuring new chlorination and pool-control technology from Fluidra, along with commercial salt chlorination, ozone, UV, and advanced oxidation systems from Brauer.

And, because no pool-industry episode would be complete without a customer turning a manageable problem into a full-blown aquatic crime scene, Nick shares what happened when someone accidentally dumped approximately eight kilograms of chlorine remover into a 70,000-liter indoor pool—and then attempted to fix it with liquid chlorine and stabilized chlorine.

Take the Free Business Balance Check

Find out whether you’re operating as the Firefighter, the Glue, the Foreman, or the Owner:

The Pool Shop Coach’s Business Balance Check

Have a question or topic suggestion for Mondays Down Under? Email talkingpools@gmail.com and mark it for Lee and Nick.

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WARNING: Intentionally Abrasive Language - Every service business wants to be the company everyone recommends—the local expert called after three other contractors have replaced the wrong parts, collected their checks, and left the customer with the same damn problem.

But authority doesn’t come from putting “premier,” “elite,” or “superior” on the side of a truck. It comes from becoming exceptionally good at solving difficult problems, teaching people what you know, documenting your results, and earning a reputation that reaches the customer before you do.

In this episode, Rudy explains how pool professionals and other service-business owners can become the recognized expert in their county—and why anyone who earns that position should charge at least 10% more than the interchangeable competition.

In This Episode

• Why calling yourself an expert doesn’t make you one
• How to attach your name to a specific, difficult problem
• Why teaching customers increases your value
• The difference between generic content and useful local expertise
• How informed opinions make professionals memorable
• Turning difficult jobs into compelling case studies
• Why detailed testimonials beat meaningless five-star reviews
• Building referral relationships with inspectors, agents, managers, and tradespeople
• Becoming the person local media calls for an explanation
• Using Google reviews to demonstrate authority
• Why experienced professionals should charge more
• How to state your price without apologizing or negotiating against yourself
• Why premium pricing requires premium communication and reliability
• The importance of continuing to learn after becoming the recognized expert

The Bottom Line

Advertising tells people you exist. Expertise convinces them you understand the problem. Reputation makes them trust you to solve it.

Own a difficult problem. Teach what you know. Develop an informed point of view. Document your results. Answer the phone. Show up when promised. Fix the problem correctly.

Eventually, your name becomes shorthand for the solution—and when that happens, charge like you fucking mean it.

The cheapest contractor charges for the visit. The expert charges for the answer.

Featured Sponsors and Industry Partners

• BlueRay XL
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Connect With Talking Pools

Follow the Talking Pools Podcast for blunt industry commentary, technical education, business advice, and the occasional uncomfortable truth every pool professional needs to hear.

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Steve Sherwood and Wayne Ivusich discuss one of the hardest lessons for pool service professionals: you cannot solve every problem, satisfy every prospect, or repeatedly rescue neglected pools for free.

Steve explains why customers must keep an eye on their pools between weekly visits and report cloudy water or visible algae immediately. Waiting until the scheduled service day—especially before a party—can turn a manageable problem into four or five additional visits, a pile of chemicals, and a service company eating the cost.

The conversation also covers phosphate removal, establishing chemical prices, asking the right questions before quoting work, and knowing when to walk away from a customer who wants a guaranteed result without fixing the equipment causing the problem.

During the Insurance Interlude, Pat Reno explains why standard general liability insurance typically does not cover cyberattacks, data breaches, stolen payments, customer impersonation, or ransomware. For pool companies accepting digital payments or storing customer information, cyber liability coverage may deserve a place in the insurance portfolio.

Steve and Wayne wrap up with equipment design, service-recordkeeping apps, and the challenges of controlling an 800-gallon commercial spa where a few bathers can send sanitizer demand, ORP, and pH in completely different directions.

Topics discussed include:

• Why weekly customers must monitor their pools between visits
• Catching algae early before it becomes an expensive shit show
• Charging for additional visits and treatment chemicals
• Why every service company needs a chemical price list
• Phosphate-removal products and avoiding unnecessary cleanup
• The danger of quoting a green-pool recovery without testing the water
• Asking for complete equipment photos before diagnosing remotely
• Used filters, questionable installations, and inherited equipment problems
• Why sometimes the correct professional answer is “no”
• Cyber liability versus general liability insurance
• Payment diversion, customer impersonation, and ransomware
• Protecting stored customer and payment information
• Why real-world field input matters during product development
• Digital service records, before-and-after photos, and proof of service
• Managing sanitizer demand and automation in a small commercial spa
• How water temperature can affect reactions and test results

The takeaway: stop guessing for free. Ask better questions, document everything, charge for the work being performed, and walk away when someone expects you to guarantee results without allowing you to correct the actual problem.

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Natalie Hood continues her conversation with Dewey Case of the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code, separating cold-plunge science from wellness-industry hype.

Cold plunges may be popular, but cold water changes chemical reaction rates, sanitizer performance, testing accuracy, and the body’s physiological response. Being young, athletic, or highly experienced around water does not make anyone immune to blood-sugar crashes, loss of consciousness, drowning, or other emergencies.

Natalie and Dewey discuss why cold-water samples should be allowed to warm before testing, why commercial plunges should strongly consider supplemental treatment such as UV, ozone, or advanced oxidation, and why a quick pre-entry rinse can remove a surprising amount of contamination before it enters a very small body of water.

They also address the biggest myth of all: because someone only spends a few minutes in a cold plunge, the risk must be low. The exposure may be short, but the risks are not necessarily smaller—they are simply different.

Topics discussed include:

• Why even healthy, conditioned athletes can experience emergencies
• The dangers of using a cold plunge, pool, or spa alone
• How cold temperatures affect water-testing reactions
• Why cold samples should be capped and warmed before testing
• Reduced sanitizer reaction rates in cold water
• Why small water volume and heavy bather loads create greater risk
• The value of UV, ozone, and advanced oxidation
• Sweat, ammonia, urea, dirt, and everything else bathers drag into the water
• Why pre-entry showers matter
• How a simple rinse can substantially reduce contaminants
• Why short exposure does not automatically mean low risk
• The importance of supervision, maintenance, testing, and operator diligence

The takeaway is simple: be diligent. Know what the water is doing, test it regularly, maintain the vessel properly, and never assume that experience or physical fitness makes someone bulletproof.

Download the Cold Water Venue Guidance from the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code.

Natalie also shares an update on her Tennessee Triple Crown Open Water Swim Challenge. She will swim more than 21 miles across three open-water marathon events to benefit Every Child a Swimmer through her fundraiser, She Swims So They Can.

Special thanks to campaign sponsors Revved Up Apparel, H2Flow Controls, Tenjam, and Talking Pools Podcast.

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SPLASH 2026: Why Pool Professionals—and Their Teams—Need to Be There

SPLASH isn’t just another excuse to escape the office, collect two years’ worth of free pens, and start asking suspicious questions about when the complimentary slushy machine becomes a margarita machine.

For pool professionals across Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, SPLASH is the industry event. It’s where new products are launched, new technology is demonstrated, business ideas are exchanged, and technicians finally see that the pool industry is much bigger than the route, retail counter, or equipment pad they work around every day.

This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury and Nick discuss what makes SPLASH worth attending, why business owners should consider bringing at least one team member, and how the event can reinvigorate a workforce heading out of winter and into the madness of summer.

Lee also previews the customer-service and business-growth forums she will be facilitating, while Nick shares the story of a commercial fountain whose chemical controller had apparently been plumbed backward—and remained that way for somewhere between five and seven years while another company visited three times a week.

In This Episode

•  What SPLASH is and why it matters to the Australian pool and spa industry 
•  How the trade show has evolved over the decades 
•  Memorable exhibits, product demonstrations and promotional giveaways 
•  Why technicians and younger employees should experience a major industry event 
•  Using SPLASH to motivate and educate your team before summer 
•  New products, software developments and masterclasses expected at the show 
•  Lee’s business-growth and customer-experience forums 
•  Protecting productive time with the “red headphones” rule 
•  Deciding which tasks should be delegated before the busy season 
•  Why workplace interruptions cost more time than most managers realize 
•  Preparing your business and staff for the transition from winter into summer 
•  Nick’s battle with a badly installed 30,000-litre commercial fountain 
•  A chemical dosing system that had been plumbed incorrectly for years 
•  What happens when equipment is serviced repeatedly without anyone diagnosing the actual problem 

If you’re attending SPLASH, keep an eye out for Lee, Nick and the Mondays Down Under crew—and make sure you say hello. You may even find yourself appearing in an upcoming episode.

Questions or topic suggestions? Email talkingpools@gmail.com.

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🚨 Warning: This episode contains intentionally abrasive commentary and strong language. 

Most Talking Pools questions come from pool service professionals. This week, Rudy clears the inbox of questions submitted by pool owners—and provides pool pros with a little emotional support in the process.

Why is the pool consuming so much chlorine? Why did it turn green after the technician left? Should the pump run longer during extreme heat? Why does a saltwater pool still need chlorine? Are chemicals, brushing, filter cleaning, equipment repairs, storm recovery, and emergency duck removal included in the monthly price?

The short answer: read your service agreement, communicate with your pool professional, and remember that weekly service means someone visits once every seven days. It does not mean the technician secretly lives inside the filter, guarding your chlorine around the clock.

Rudy tackles common homeowner questions with practical answers, pool chemistry, and the appropriate amount of profanity. He explains why heat, sunlight, swimmers, storms, landscaping, aging equipment, and a 30-person backyard party can create problems that no technician could prevent during one weekly visit.

Before getting to the pool questions, Rudy also examines gossip, fake intimacy, and the relationship between the “shit talker” and the “shit bucket.” If someone constantly talks to you about everyone else, you are not part of a protected inner circle—you are simply today’s audience and tomorrow’s material.

Topics discussed include:

• Why successful people rarely waste time talking behind your back
• How gossip creates counterfeit intimacy
• The relationship between the shit talker and the shit bucket
• Why chlorine demand increases during extreme heat
• How swimmers, sunscreen, sweat, debris, and sunlight consume chlorine
• Running pool pumps during unusually warm weather
• Why pools become cloudy or green after heavy rain
• Preparing a swimming pool before and after a major storm
• Preventing algae from returning during extreme heat
• Why saltwater chlorine generators sometimes cannot keep up
• How to determine the correct salt-cell output percentage
• Diagnosing a dirty, undersized, or worn-out salt cell
• Why saltwater pools may still require manually added chlorine
• Whether saltwater pools need to be shocked
• The real cost of converting a pool to salt
• Reducing the electrical cost of pool circulation
• What weekly pool service actually means
• Chemicals included with service versus chemicals billed separately
• Whether technicians should provide complete test results
• Brushing schedules and complicated pool designs
• How often filters should be cleaned
• Who is responsible when aging pool equipment fails
• Why specialty chemicals may result in additional charges
• Verifying training, certification, licensing, and insurance
• The difference between maintenance companies and repair companies
• Whether homeowners should expect the same technician every week
• Additional service following storms, parties, equipment failures, and extreme weather
• Temporary treatments versus correcting the underlying cause
• How homeowners can evaluate whether a recommended repair is necessary

Pool owners should ask questions, request readings, review photographs, understand the diagnosis, and learn what their service plan includes. What they should not do is assume one weekly visit creates a protective dome capable of repelling rain, pollen, equipment failure, fertilizer, sunscreen, relatives, and urine.

Have a question for Rudy or the Talking Pools Podcast team? Email talkingpools@gmail.com.

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What happens when the people who actually know the product disappear—and customer service becomes a phone tree, a 90-minute hold, or an ordering department that cannot answer a technical question?

This week, Steve Sherwood and Wayne Ivusich examine the decline of accessible technical support across the pool and spa industry. Wayne reflects on his 32 years with Taylor Technologies, where he answered technical questions, developed educational materials, and taught an estimated 45,000 to 50,000 industry professionals. Since Taylor’s acquisition by Fluidra, much of that direct technical access—and even some of Wayne’s educational content—appears to have disappeared.

The conversation expands into a larger industry problem: corporate consolidation may preserve a product name, but it does not necessarily preserve the people, knowledge, or customer relationships that built the brand.

Before that, Steve is joined by Pat from the California Pool Association for the Insurance Interlude. They discuss how installers can protect themselves when equipment works correctly at completion but fails—or gets damaged—months later. Photos, service records, clearly defined warranty terms, and a documented follow-up may be the only things standing between you and somebody else’s blame game.

Topics discussed include:

• Protecting your company after completing equipment installations
• Documenting that equipment was operational when you left
• Why a written follow-up can become valuable evidence
• Distinguishing parts warranties from free labor
• Damage caused by homeowners or subsequent service technicians
• The importance of maintaining complete water-chemistry records
• Wayne’s 32-year career with Taylor Technologies
• What Fluidra’s acquisition of Taylor meant for technical support
• The loss of experienced educators and product specialists
• Steve’s experience waiting 90 minutes for manufacturer assistance
• Why sales representatives have become unofficial technical-support channels
• The value—and danger—of relying on Facebook groups for answers
• Knowing not only what questions to ask, but whom to ask
• Why genuine mentorship teaches people to investigate instead of merely supplying answers
• How Talking Pools can serve as an industry resource when manufacturers cannot

The label may survive an acquisition, but the institutional knowledge does not survive unless somebody deliberately protects it. When the experts disappear, customers are left owning products without reliable access to the people who understand them.

Have a pool, spa, chemistry, equipment, service, or business question you cannot get answered? Email the Talking Pools Podcast team at talkingpools@gmail.com.

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Support the show

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Natalie Hood welcomes Eric Knight back to the Talking Pools Podcast to discuss his move from Watershape University to Pool Brain—and what this new role could mean for pool service professionals.

Eric explains how a conversation that began in 2022 eventually developed into an opportunity to combine the work he does best: water chemistry, education, technology, and solving real-world problems for technicians in the field. He also clears up the speculation surrounding his departure from Watershape University. There was no drama, no burned bridge, and no scandal—just an honest recognition of his strengths and an opportunity that better fits how his brain works.

The conversation then turns toward the future of the pool industry. Eric explains why artificial intelligence is unlikely to replace pool technicians, but will increasingly help them make better decisions, optimize routes, train employees, standardize service, and operate more profitable businesses.

Eric also offers an early look at Pool Brain’s vision for automated chemical dosing, guided technician workflows, and “point-of-need education”—giving technicians the information they need while they are standing in front of the pool, instead of making them wait for the next class or trade show.

In This Episode

• Why Eric Knight joined Pool Brain
• How his relationship with Pool Brain began in 2022
• The truth about his departure from Watershape University
• Why recognizing your weaknesses is an important leadership skill
• What Eric is most proud of accomplishing at Watershape
• Why traditional industry education is becoming cost-prohibitive
• How AI will assist pool professionals without replacing field technicians
• Why more displaced white-collar workers are entering the trades
• The story behind the Orenda Calculator and Chemiculator
• How technology can eliminate dangerous chemical-dosing shortcuts
• What automated water-chemistry dosing could mean for service companies
• How guided workflows can improve training, safety, and accountability
• Why technicians need education at the exact moment a problem occurs

This is Part One of Natalie Hood’s conversation with Eric Knight. Tune in next Wednesday for Part Two as they continue discussing his new role at Pool Brain and the technology being developed to support the next generation of pool professionals.

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In the conclusion of our conversation with Lee Moore and Blake, Technical Director at AIS Water, we examine what it takes to make saltwater chlorination work reliably in demanding commercial environments.

Commercial pools cannot be managed by reacting to every change with another drum of chemicals. Like steering a cruise ship, water chemistry requires calculated adjustments, accurate information, and equipment sized for the facility’s actual operating conditions.

The conversation covers the difference between ORP and direct free-available-chlorine measurement, on/off versus proportional chlorinator control, and how properly sized systems respond to sudden increases in bather load. Lee and Blake also explain why some facilities retain liquid or granular chlorine as backup sanitation—even when onsite chlorine generation handles nearly the entire demand.

We also challenge some persistent assumptions about saltwater pools. Modern commercial systems can operate at salt concentrations as low as approximately 950 ppm, opening the door for indoor pools, facilities with natural stone, and other applications where corrosion concerns have discouraged saltwater chlorination.

Finally, we look behind the marketing of “mineral pools.” Magnesium and potassium salts may change how the water feels, but the sanitation still comes from chlorine produced through electrolysis. Minerals do not replace the sanitizer.

Topics discussed include:

•  Why commercial chlorination begins with accurate system sizing 
•  Accounting for sunlight, bather load, turnover, and unusual applications 
•  Why water stability is more important than constant chemical correction 
•  Direct free-chlorine probes versus traditional ORP control 
•  On/off and proportional 4–20 mA chlorinator control 
•  Responding automatically to sudden increases in bather load 
•  Cell operation, reversing cycles, and expected service life 
•  Using liquid or granular chlorine as secondary sanitation 
•  Reducing chemical handling without removing backup infrastructure 
•  Liquid chlorine degradation, declining strength, and chlorate concerns 
•  Commercial chlorination at approximately 950 ppm salt 
•  Saltwater systems for indoor pools and natural-stone environments 
•  What “mineral pool” marketing gets right—and what it leaves out 
•  The roles of magnesium and potassium in swimmer comfort and water appearance 
•  Why mineral pools are still chlorine pools 

If you operate, specify, design, or service commercial aquatic facilities, this episode offers a practical look at building a chlorination system around stability, predictable demand, and intelligent control—not chemical firefighting.

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Profanity does not make someone unprofessional. Confidently spreading bad information does.

In this intentionally abrasive episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz takes aim at the comment-section experts who diagnose complicated pool problems from one blurry photograph, defend outdated beliefs with “I’ve been doing this for 20 years,” and treat confidence as a substitute for evidence.

BREAKING INDUSTRY NEWS
July’s pool-industry news revealed a market undergoing a serious correction: as reported by Pentair, distributors are aggressively reducing excess equipment inventory; as reported by POOLCORP, essential maintenance and repair demand remains resilient despite weak discretionary spending; as first reported by Bloomberg, Leslie’s was considering strategic options—including a possible Chapter 11 filing—to address its debt; and as reported by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, years of corrosion, inadequate safeguards and nearly 14 million pounds of reactive chemicals contributed to the catastrophic Bio-Lab fire in Conyers. Adding to the industry shake-up, as reported by Pool Brain on August 5, Eric Knight stepped down as executive director of Watershape University to become Pool Brain’s head of education technology, overseeing automated chemical-dosing tools, guided training workflows and point-of-need education for pool professionals. Pool Brain announcement

The Confidently Wrong 

Rudy explains why experience only has value when it remains connected to research, why a correct result does not necessarily prove the explanation behind it, and why professionals must be willing to say, “I don’t know.” He also examines the limits of the Langelier Saturation Index, the risks of oversimplified chemistry advice, and the difference between handing someone an answer and teaching that person how to investigate a problem.

The pool industry does not need to lose its personality, clean up every four-letter word, or turn itself into a room full of corporate robots. It does need people who verify what they say, correct themselves when the evidence changes, and understand that other professionals and customers make real decisions based on the information they share.

The loudest person may get the most attention. The person who consistently does the work earns the trust.

In This Episode

• Why profanity is not a measure of professionalism
• The difference between an opinion and supportable information
• How bad pool chemistry advice can become expensive, dangerous, and public
• Why 20 years in the industry does not automatically equal 20 years of growth
• Experience repeated versus experience examined
• How improved research and instrumentation change what the industry understands
• Why correlation does not prove causation
• The danger of diagnosing pool problems without enough information
• What the Langelier Saturation Index does—and what it cannot tell you
• Why “I don’t know” can be the most professional answer available
• Correcting misinformation without surrendering credibility
• Combining field experience with current science
• Teaching critical thinking instead of creating dependence
• Why trust is worth more than comments, likes, and online attention

Key Takeaways

Experience should be a foundation, not a shield against better information. A professional gathers facts, considers competing explanations, understands the limits of a diagnosis, and changes course when the evidence demands it.

A real mentor does more than provide an answer. A mentor teaches someone what to test, what to rule out, what information matters, and how to reason through the next problem independently.

Profanity backed by accurate information is a voice. Profanity used to disguise ignorance is noise.

2026 Talking Pools Top Ten Pool Industry Mentors

Congratulations to:

• Brandon Reid
• Jeff Hamp
• Chris Kavanaugh
• Tim McDowell
• Lacey Davis
• Jerry Wallace
• John Poma
• Greg Beard
• Terry Tammanin
• Peter Wiederman

These honorees were selected by the hosts of the Talking Pools Podcast for the lasting difference they have made in the lives and careers of pool professionals.

Episode Sponsors 

• BlueRay XL — bluerayxl.com
• Service Industry News — serviceindustrynews.net
• Jack’s Magic — jacksmagic.com
• AquaStar Pool Products

Content Advisory

This episode contains strong language and intentionally abrasive humor.

Connect With Talking Pools

Subscribe to the Talking Pools Podcast wherever you listen, share this episode with a pool professional who values evidence over ego, and follow the show for straight talk, practical education, and pool-industry commentary without the corporate filter.

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This week on Thursdays with Wayne and Steve, the guys take aim at “miracle” pool products, suspiciously cheap equipment, expired test reagents, and the growing number of online knockoffs promising professional results at bargain-basement prices.

Wayne recalls some of the industry’s most memorable gimmicks—including magnets that supposedly made calcium disappear—and explains why words like “miracle cure” should immediately raise a red flag. Steve breaks down how he presents customers with equipment options, why an internet price is not always an apples-to-apples comparison, and what customers give up when they purchase off-brand replacement parts without professional support or a reliable warranty.

During this episode’s Insurance Interlude, Steve and Pat Grenon examine a nightmare renovation in which an unlicensed contractor allegedly left chunks of concrete inside a pool’s plumbing. They discuss the homeowner’s possible options, the limits of homeowners insurance, and why asking to be named as an additional insured may provide valuable protection before a contractor begins work.

Wayne also explains why heavily discounted test kits and reagents may not be the bargain they appear to be. Products sitting in warehouses or clearance bins can be years old, and expired reagents can produce unreliable results—even when the packaging looks perfectly legitimate.

The conversation also covers customer communication, emergency-service pricing, protecting your profit margins, commercial-pool safety failures, and why treating people well remains the most effective marketing strategy in the pool business.

Topics discussed include:

• Spotting “miracle product” scams and deceptive demonstrations
• OEM equipment versus inexpensive aftermarket replacements
• How to explain equipment pricing and warranties to customers
• Why professionals should charge more for emergency and weekend service
• Identifying expired test kits, reagents, and test strips
• The risks of buying unusually cheap chemical-testing products online
• What happens when an unlicensed contractor damages a swimming pool
• Homeowners insurance and contractor-liability claims
• Why additional-insured status matters
• Concrete and construction debris trapped inside pool plumbing
• Developing relationships with reliable leak-detection specialists
• Commercial pools with dangerously low pH and alkalinity
• Cloudy-water problems caused by filtration and operational failures
• Changes within Leslie’s and what pool professionals should watch
• Building trust through honesty, education, and customer service
• Why word-of-mouth remains the strongest form of marketing

The takeaway is simple: read the labels, check expiration dates, compare products carefully, document contractor work, and never assume that the cheapest option is actually the least expensive.

Have a pool-industry scam or questionable product you think Wayne and Steve should investigate? Email the show at talkingpools@gmail.com. If your story is featured, the team may send you a small thank-you gift.

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Cold plunges and ice baths are appearing everywhere—from fitness centers and recovery facilities to wellness clinics, athletic programs, and luxury spas. But colder water does not automatically mean cleaner or safer water.

In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Natalie Hood is joined by Dewey Case, Technical Director for the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code and Aquatics Coordinator for Williamson County Parks and Recreation in Tennessee.

Dewey helped assemble the experts behind the new CMAHC Cold Water Venue Guidance. Together, he and Natalie separate cold-plunge facts from social-media fiction and explain why these increasingly popular venues require far more attention than a tub, a garden hose, and several bags of ice.

They discuss why bacteria can survive in cold water, how lower temperatures can slow sanitizer performance, and why even a single user introduces sweat, body oils, cosmetics, urea, and microorganisms into the water. They also examine the much greater contamination burden created when a commercial system serves dozens—or potentially hundreds—of users each week.

The conversation covers the risks associated with poorly maintained systems, including biofilm, Pseudomonas, swimmer’s ear, and the possibility of transferring gastrointestinal pathogens. They also explain why dunking your head into questionable cold-plunge water may be a particularly bad idea.

In This Episode

• Why cold water does not sanitize itself
• The truth about bacteria and pathogens in cold plunges
• Why “I’m the only person using it” does not eliminate water-quality concerns
• What sweat, cosmetics, clothing, and body oils add to the water
• Why users should shower before entering
• The risks of head submersion in poorly maintained water
• How biofilm and Pseudomonas can develop inside plumbing and on surfaces
• Why commercial cold plunges are not simply oversized bathtubs
• How high bather loads change filtration, sanitation, and maintenance demands
• Why cold-water chemistry can be more challenging than spa chemistry
• How low temperatures affect chemical dissolution and disinfection
• The purpose of the new CMAHC Cold Water Venue Guidance
• Why proper operation, cleaning, and maintenance make cold-water immersion safer

As Dewey explains, a home cold plunge used by one person and a recirculating commercial venue serving hundreds of bathers are not the same thing. When the bather load changes, the operational practices must change with it.

This episode is essential listening for pool professionals, aquatic operators, health officials, inspectors, facility managers, designers, builders, fitness-center owners, and anyone responsible for operating a commercial cold-water venue.

She Swims So They Can

Natalie is preparing to swim more than 21 miles across three open-water swimming marathons as part of the Tennessee Triple Crown Open Water Swim Challenge. Her campaign, She Swims So They Can, benefits Every Child a Swimmer and helps provide children with access to lifesaving swim lessons.

Her scheduled swims are:

• September 13, 2026
• September 20, 2026
• October 3, 2026

Donations will be accepted through October 3, 2026.

To learn more, donate, purchase official fundraising apparel, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit Natalie’s Facebook or Instagram pages. Companies interested in sponsoring the campaign may contact Natalie directly at nhood@thegritgame.com.

Every contribution helps—and every share expands the campaign’s reach.

Special thanks to campaign sponsors Revved Up Apparel, H2flow Controls, Tenjam, and the Talking Pools Podcast.

#TalkingPoolsPodcast #ColdPlunge #ColdWaterImmersion #IceBath #AquaticSafety #WaterQuality #PoolOperator #PoolProfessional #CMAHC #MAHC #PublicHealth #Aquatics #Pseudomonas #WaterChemistry

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On this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury and Nick are joined by AIS Water’s Lee Moore and Technical Director Blake for a deep dive into commercial saltwater chlorination.

AIS Water has worked in salt chlorination for approximately 35 years, developing systems for everything from swim schools and splash parks to resorts, 50-meter competition pools, coastal pools, and enormous lagoons containing millions of liters of water.

The conversation explores why more commercial aquatic facilities are moving toward onsite chlorine generation—and why their success depends on selecting actual commercial equipment, correctly sizing the system, and maintaining proper water chemistry.

The three major benefits are convenience, safety, and long-term cost savings. Generating chlorine onsite can dramatically reduce the handling, storage, transportation, and manual transfer of liquid or granular chlorine. It can also reduce the risks associated with chemical spills, damaged dosing lines, incorrect chemical mixing, and chlorine gas entering an occupied pool.

But not every “commercial salt system” is truly commercial.

The guests discuss facilities that attempted to meet massive chlorine demand by plumbing together banks of residential chlorinators—including one installation containing an astonishing 95 residential units. Besides creating a maintenance nightmare, these improvised systems can introduce excessive head loss, restrict circulation, shorten cell life, and still fail to satisfy the pool’s chlorine demand.

Proper sizing requires far more than knowing the pool’s volume. AIS Water considers actual peak bather load, water temperature, turnover rate, sunlight exposure, cyanuric acid use, environmental conditions, operating hours, and the facility’s location. Two pools of identical size—even pools located only a suburb apart—may require substantially different chlorine production capacities.

And just when you thought pool chlorination could not get any stranger, the discussion turns to horse pools, seal enclosures, sea lions, natural salt contributions from swimmers, and one exceptionally important unanswered question:

Just how much chlorine does a sea lion prefer?

You will have to return next Monday for the conclusion.

In this episode:

•  Why commercial aquatic facilities are adopting onsite chlorine generation 
•  The safety risks associated with storing and manually transporting chlorine 
•  How salt chlorination can reduce long-term operating costs 
•  Why an electrolytic cell is a consumable—not a failed chlorinator 
•  How commercial-grade anodes can provide significantly longer cell life 
•  The difference between residential and commercial chlorination equipment 
•  What happens when dozens of residential chlorinators are installed in one system 
•  How excessive head loss can compromise circulation and turnover 
•  Why peak bather load is critical when sizing a chlorinator 
•  How sunlight, shade, temperature, rainfall, and surrounding buildings affect chlorine demand 
•  Commercial systems ranging from low-salinity water to direct seawater 
•  The unusual challenges of chlorinating pools for horses, seals, and sea lions 

Guests:

•  Lee Moore, Sales and Marketing, AIS Water 
•  Blake, Technical Director, AIS Water 

Hosted by Lee Salisbury and Nick on Mondays Down Under, part of the Talking Pools Podcast network.

US certifications for AIS Commercial products. 

Certified to the Highest International Standards – AIS commercial chlorination systems are independently certified to NSF/ANSI 50 for swimming pool equipment safety and performance, UL 1081 for electrical safety, and are approved for installation in Los Angeles County, one of the world's most stringent regulatory environments. These certifications provide independent assurance that AIS products meet rigorous standards for quality, reliability, and safety, giving consultants, operators, and asset owners confidence in specifying AIS for demanding commercial aquatic facilities.

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Specialty chemicals are not the enemy. Phosphate removers, enzymes, clarifiers, sequestrants, scale inhibitors, flocculants and stain treatments can all deliver real value—when they address an actual, diagnosed condition.

In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz explains why the bottle should never become the protocol. Before adding any specialty chemical to a pool, service professionals should answer three questions:

•  Will it meaningfully benefit this customer? 
•  Will it become a pain in the ass for me or my technicians? 
•  Can my company make money providing the treatment? 

Rudy breaks down the hidden costs that are often ignored: return visits, filter cleaning, vacuuming, fuel, labor and the time required to explain an expected reaction to the customer. A $20 bottle is no longer a $20 treatment when it creates another hour of work.

He also explains why specialty treatments should not automatically be buried inside a flat monthly service rate. Customers are not paying for possession of the bottle. They are paying for the professional who knows when to use it, how much to use, what conditions are required, what side effects to expect and what to do when the treatment does not behave as planned.

The episode also includes a message honoring the 2026 Top Ten Pool Industry Mentors and Rudy’s final thoughts about his Reflecting Pool coating analysis reaching the White House—proof that sound technical work can matter far beyond the pool industry.

In this episode

•  Why mentorship means teaching people to think—not creating dependence 
•  How specialty chemicals establish added value 
•  Why every treatment should begin with a diagnosed condition 
•  The danger of mistaking a visible reaction for proof 
•  When phosphate removal makes professional and financial sense 
•  Why predictable follow-up work belongs in the treatment price 
•  How flat-rate chemical inclusion can hide value and destroy profit 
•  Why pool professionals should sell outcomes—not bottles 
•  Separating chemical problems from circulation, filtration and equipment problems 
•  Why chemistry and physics remain unchanged by politics 

The three-question specialty chemical test

1.  Will it benefit the customer? 
2.  Will it become a pain in the ass for me? 
3.  Can I make money on it? 

Specialty chemicals are tools—not miracles, substitutes for proper maintenance or acts of absolution for neglected pools.

Sponsored in part by Service Industry News, AquaStar Pool Products and BluRay XL.

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Show Notes

This week, Steve and Wayne tackle two timely topics affecting the swimming pool industry.

First, Steve discusses a growing number of calls from homeowners who find themselves trapped in construction projects with missed deadlines, questionable workmanship, and uncertainty about what to do next. The conversation explores the challenges of residential pool inspections, the gray areas of building codes, and why hiring an independent expert isn't always as straightforward as it sounds.

The second half of the episode takes a deep dive into the newly released Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Cold Water Venue Guidance. With cold plunges becoming increasingly popular in homes, gyms, spas, and athletic facilities, Steve and Wayne explain why industry guidance is needed, how it is developed, and what pool professionals should understand about water quality, sanitation, filtration, and safety.

In This Episode

• Why homeowners are increasingly seeking independent pool inspections during construction.
• The challenges of enforcing residential pool codes compared to commercial pools.
• What homeowners should expect before pursuing construction disputes.
• Understanding the role—and limitations—of expert inspections.
• The new Model Aquatic Health Code Cold Water Venue Guidance explained.
• How MAHC guidance is developed through industry collaboration and scientific review.
• Why "guidance" is different from law or regulation.
• Safety recommendations for cold plunge users, including age and health considerations.
• Why colder water changes the speed of chemical reactions.
• Challenges of maintaining proper sanitizer levels in very small cold-water vessels.
• Why many professional athletic organizations simply dump and refill cold plunge water rather than attempting to filter it.
• Lessons learned from servicing cold plunge systems used by professional sports teams.
• The importance of proper maintenance as cold plunges become more common in homes.
• The growing need for practical standards as cold-water therapy enters the mainstream.

Key Takeaways

• Residential pool inspections often involve significant gray areas compared to commercial construction.
• Expert opinions can identify deficiencies, but correcting them may still require negotiation or litigation.
• Cold plunges present unique operational challenges because of their small water volume and low temperatures.
• Lower water temperatures slow chemical reactions, making sanitation more complicated than many people realize.
• Proper water management is just as important in a cold plunge as it is in a swimming pool.
• As cold-water therapy grows in popularity, industry guidance will play an increasingly important role in protecting public health.

Featured Discussion

The MAHC's New Cold Water Guidance

Steve and Wayne explain why the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code developed guidance for cold plunge facilities, how recommendations are reviewed by subject-matter experts, and why science—not social media trends—should drive industry best practices.

Behind the Scenes with Professional Sports

Drawing from firsthand experience servicing facilities for NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLS organizations, Steve shares how professional teams maintain therapy pools, cold plunges, and rehabilitation equipment—and why sanitation protocols are often much more aggressive than many people expect.

Sponsored By

A special thank you to the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) for supporting this episode and their continued work advancing science-based aquatic health guidance.

Have a topic you'd like Steve and Wayne to cover? Send your suggestions to talkingpools@gmail.com. If your idea is featured on the show, you might even receive a special thank-you gift!

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

What really separates a good pool company from a great one?

This week, Natalie Hood sits down with Leslie Elliott, Founder and CEO of Poolie, one of the fastest-growing pool service companies in Texas. Leslie's journey into the industry didn't begin with decades of pool experience—it began with a green pool, poor customer service, and the realization that the industry had room to improve.

Together, Natalie and Leslie tackle some of the biggest myths surrounding pool service businesses, leadership, customer service, company culture, growth, technology, and artificial intelligence. Whether you're an owner, manager, technician, or someone thinking about starting a pool company, this conversation offers practical lessons that apply far beyond the swimming pool industry.

In this episode:

• How a green swimming pool launched one of Texas' fastest-growing pool service companies.
• Why customer service is often a bigger competitive advantage than technical expertise.
• The difference between running a pool route and building a scalable business.
• Why growth creates as many challenges as it solves.
• The importance of systems, standard operating procedures, and consistency.
• Why not every customer is worth keeping.
• Protecting employees while maintaining company values.
• Leadership lessons from growing from one route to more than 4,500 customers.
• The importance of training, mentorship, and creating career paths for technicians.
• Why people—not pools—are often the biggest challenge in business.
• How AI is changing customer service, operations, scheduling, and business management.
• Why the pool industry still has opportunities to modernize through technology and professional development.
• Building a company culture that employees actually want to be part of.
• Why success doesn't make leadership easier—it simply changes the challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Great pool companies are built on leadership and customer experience—not just chemistry knowledge.
• Growth without systems creates chaos.
• Company culture is demonstrated through daily actions, not mission statements.
• Investing in employee training pays dividends in customer satisfaction and retention.
• AI should be viewed as a productivity tool that frees people to focus on higher-value work.
• Consistency is often more valuable than constant innovation.
• The future of the pool industry depends on raising professional standards together.

Featured Guest

Leslie Elliott
Founder & CEO, Poolie

Leslie shares how her background in management consulting and business operations helped her build Poolie into a multi-market service company focused on exceptional customer service, scalable systems, and investing in people.

Hosted By

Natalie Hood
Director of Education & Events, The Grit Game

Sponsored By

• BlueRay XL
• United Chemical
• LaMotte Company
• RevdUp Apparel
• Aqua Comfort Water Group

Connect

Learn more about Poolie at Poolie.com and follow their continued growth on social media.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Talking Pools Podcast, leave us a review, and share it with another pool professional who's committed to raising the bar for our industry.

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

• Facebook
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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

What separates a professional pool service company from someone simply adding chemicals?

In Part 2 of this special Mondays Down Under discussion, Lee Salisbury and Nick dive deeper into professional water analysis with the team from LaMotte, discussing why consistent, accurate testing is one of the biggest differences between average pool care and true water management.

The conversation explores the value of the WaterLink® Spin system, reducing user error, interpreting test results correctly, common mistakes professionals make after shocking a pool, and why understanding chemistry matters far more than simply reading numbers off a report.

Whether you're running a retail store, servicing residential pools, or maintaining commercial aquatic facilities, this episode is packed with practical advice that can improve both your water quality and your bottom line.

In This Episode

•  Why experience matters just as much as chemistry knowledge 
•  Learning to interpret water test results—not just read them 
•  Why every unusual water test should make you ask more questions 
•  How customer conversations often solve water chemistry mysteries 
•  When to consult technical support or laboratory analysis 
•  Why professional testing equipment pays for itself 
•  Reducing user error with automated water testing 
•  The business case for investing in better testing equipment 
•  Saving time while improving customer service 
•  Comparing photometric testing to traditional reagent testing 
•  Why complete water analysis is more valuable than testing only chlorine and pH 
•  Protecting pools through proper water balance 
•  "It's easier to keep it clean than bring it back from green." 

Technical Topics Covered

•  WaterLink Spin technology 
•  Photometric water testing 
•  Traditional liquid reagent testing 
•  Test repeatability and consistency 
•  Eliminating sample contamination 
•  Proper sample volume 
•  Test accuracy versus operator technique 
•  Water balance fundamentals 
•  Customer communication during water analysis 
•  Laboratory troubleshooting 
•  Commercial pool testing 
•  Residential pool testing 

Common Testing Mistakes Discussed

•  Misinterpreting zero alkalinity after shocking a pool 
•  Understanding the effects of chlorine above 15 ppm 
•  Why high chlorine can produce misleading alkalinity readings 
•  Using high-range chlorine test strips for confirmation 
•  Running additional tests on the same high-chlorine sample 
•  Recognizing when the instrument is giving you an indicator—not a bad result 

Best Practices

•  Use professional-grade testing equipment 
•  Perform complete water analysis whenever possible 
•  Verify unusually high chlorine levels before making chemical adjustments 
•  Store Spin Discs properly 
•  Reseal foil packaging after every use 
•  Protect discs from moisture and light 
•  Understand shelf life after opening 
•  Train technicians to recognize abnormal test patterns 
•  Build testing costs into your professional service 

Commercial Aquatic Facility Discussion

The episode also covers:

•  Daily health department testing requirements 
•  Three-test commercial Spin Discs 
•  Testing multiple water bodies 
•  Managing public pool safety 
•  Protecting swimmers through accurate testing 
•  Creating efficient testing workflows for aquatic facilities 

Key Takeaways

Professional water testing isn't about owning expensive equipment—it's about making better decisions.

Accurate testing saves time, improves customer confidence, reduces costly mistakes, and helps protect both swimming pools and the people using them. Understanding what your test results are actually telling you is every bit as important as obtaining the numbers themselves.

Featured Guests

•  Lee Salisbury 
•  Nick (Mondays Down Under) 
•  Hiren Patel – LaMotte Company 

Connect with Talking Pools

🌐 Website: https://talkingpools.com

📧 Email: talkingpools@gmail.com

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode covering pool chemistry, service techniques, business growth, industry news, and conversations with some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the swimming pool industry.

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

When the National Park Service added hydrogen peroxide to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the internet immediately decided it had found the culprit behind the peeling coating.

But science doesn't work that way.

In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz takes a research-first approach to one of the most discussed pool stories of the year. Instead of asking whether hydrogen peroxide caused a coating failure, he asks a different question:

Why was hydrogen peroxide chosen in the first place?

Drawing from published scientific literature on cyanobacteria, harmful algal blooms, microbiology, biofilms, and water treatment, Rudy explores how hydrogen peroxide affects microorganisms, why mature biofilms are so difficult to eliminate, and why swimming pool professionals may need to rethink the way they've approached "black algae" for decades.

This isn't a product pitch.
It isn't a treatment recommendation.
And it certainly isn't clickbait.

It's an evidence-based discussion designed to separate what science has demonstrated from what still remains a hypothesis.

The episode also introduces the first part of Rudy's proposed research protocol—a hypothesis assembled from published mechanisms that has not been validated in controlled swimming pool research—and explains exactly where established science ends and new investigation begins.

If you're tired of opinions masquerading as facts, this episode is for you.

In This Episode

• Why the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was treated with hydrogen peroxide
• Why concentration matters more than percentage
• Correlation versus causation in coating failures
• What published research says about hydrogen peroxide and cyanobacterial blooms
• The difference between free-floating algae and mature cyanobacterial biofilms
• How extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) protect biofilms
• Why oxidants often struggle against established biofilms
• The biology behind oxidative stress
• Photosystem II, lipid peroxidation, and cellular damage explained
• Why mature biofilms deserve to be studied separately
• Why Rudy believes better questions lead to better science
• The first step in a proposed research protocol using aluminum sulfate
• Why coagulation and physical removal may reduce oxidant demand before disinfection
• Where the published literature ends—and where hypothesis generation begins

Key Takeaway

Science advances by asking better questions—not by rushing to conclusions.

This episode doesn't claim to have solved black algae. It challenges listeners to examine what the published research actually supports, recognize the limits of current knowledge, and think critically about where future swimming pool research should go.

Sponsors

Special thanks to the companies that support education and the advancement of the swimming pool industry:

• Blu-ray XL
• United Chemical
• LaMotte Company
• Revved Up Apparel
• Aqua Comfort Water Group
• AquaStar Pool Products
• Jack's Magic Products
• Service Industry News

Connect with Talking Pools

🌐 https://talkingpools.com

Follow Talking Pools on your favorite podcast platform, and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2, where the proposed research protocol continues with hydrogen peroxide, chlorine sequencing, and the remaining scientific questions surrounding mature cyanobacterial biofilms.

Test it. Dose it. Brush it. Brush it down.

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

• Facebook
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• Tik Tok

Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

This week on Talking Pools Thursdays, Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood cover everything from the newest generation of robotic pool cleaners to protecting your business from costly mistakes, distributor pricing, chemical accountability, inspection reports, and why good documentation may be the most valuable tool you own.

The episode opens with congratulations for Andrea Nannini on her new position with Gorman Company and a reminder that the 2026 Talking Pools Mentor Award Top 10 Finalists will soon be announced, recognizing professionals who go beyond technical knowledge by investing in others.

Steve then dives into his latest experiences with cordless robotic pool cleaners, comparing different Polaris Freedom models, discussing battery life, runtime, commercial versus residential applications, and whether today's wireless robots are finally ready to replace traditional corded units. The hosts also discuss the limitations every technician should understand—including ladders, handrails, steps, main drains, and unusual pool shapes that can confuse even premium robotic cleaners.

The conversation shifts into one of the least discussed ways pool companies lose money: inventory control. Steve explains how improperly tracked chlorine deliveries, returnable containers, pricing discrepancies, and purchasing habits can quietly cost companies thousands of dollars. The discussion explores building relationships with distributors while still shopping intelligently, negotiating prices, and understanding where business owners must verify every invoice themselves.

During the Insurance Interlude, Steve and Pat Grignon tackle a topic many service professionals eventually face: inspection reports that may become evidence in litigation. They discuss when an inspection remains simply an inspection, when it crosses into expert witness territory, how to protect yourself through documentation, why objective reporting matters, and why keeping complete records—including the exact report you submitted—can become your best legal defense.

The episode also explores one of the most overlooked skills in pool service: knowing the actual volume of water you're treating. Steve explains how calculating chlorine dosage correctly can dramatically reduce chemical waste while improving consistency. Drawing from years of managing multiple service crews, he shares how accurate calculations and field verification once reduced chlorine consumption by tens of thousands of dollars over a single season. Wayne adds practical insight into why textbook volume calculations often underestimate actual system water once plumbing and equipment are considered.

To close the show, Wayne clears up several common misconceptions about potassium monopersulfate (MPS), often marketed as "non-chlorine shock." He explains what the product actually does, what it does not do, why it does not eliminate existing combined chlorine, how it can help prevent new chloramine formation, proper dosing considerations, testing interference, and why it is most commonly found in heavily used indoor aquatic facilities rather than residential pools.

In This Episode

• Congratulations to Andrea Nannini on joining Gorman Company
• Preview of the 2026 Talking Pools Mentor Award finalists
• Cordless vs. corded robotic pool cleaners
• Commercial applications for robotic vacuums
• Common obstacles that interfere with robotic cleaners
• Managing distributor relationships and pricing
• Preventing costly inventory and chlorine losses
• Why every pool company needs stronger chemical accountability
• Inspection reports, expert witnesses, and legal liability
• Documentation practices that protect your business
• Calculating true pool volume for accurate dosing
• Reducing chemical waste through better math
• Potassium monopersulfate explained
• Combined chlorine myths and oxidation facts
• Best practices for indoor pool oxidation

Connect with Talking Pools

Have a question or topic you'd like covered on a future episode?

Email: talkingpools@gmail.com

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss another episode of Talking Pools.

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

Are you making pool chemistry harder than it needs to be?

In Part 2 of our Chemistry Myths That Cost Pool Pros Money series, Natalie Hood welcomes Eric Wall back to the show to continue separating fact from fiction in professional pool care.

From the belief that a strong chlorine smell means a clean pool to the misconception that "perfect" test results always equal healthy water, this episode challenges some of the industry's most common assumptions while exploring what truly creates exceptional water quality and profitable service routes.

The conversation goes beyond chemistry, diving into technician training, customer retention, specialty chemical programs, filtration, troubleshooting, and why successful companies focus on systems—not just products.

Whether you're servicing ten pools a week or managing hundreds of accounts, this episode offers practical insights that can help streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and increase profitability.

In This Episode

• Why a strong "chlorine smell" usually indicates a water quality problem—not a clean pool.
• The difference between clear water and truly polished water.
• Why customers notice water feel and clarity before chemistry numbers.
• How specialty chemicals can simplify service routes when used correctly.
• Reducing chemical waste and inventory shrinkage.
• Building consistent treatment systems that every technician can follow.
• Why standardized service improves profitability.
• How proper technician training reduces turnover.
• The importance of mentoring instead of simply assigning new employees to routes.
• Why asking questions is one of the most valuable skills in the industry.
• Why filtration is just as important as chemistry.
• Source water testing and why it often gets overlooked.
• Variable-speed pumps during algae cleanup and problem pools.
• Common myths surrounding pool chemistry education.
• How manufacturers' representatives can become valuable technical resources—not just salespeople.
• Practical ways to improve your business by working smarter instead of harder.

Key Takeaways

✔ Water chemistry numbers tell only part of the story.

✔ Customer experience is driven by water clarity, feel, and consistency.

✔ Good filtration and good chemistry work together.

✔ Standardized operating procedures create more profitable service companies.

✔ Better-trained technicians stay longer and provide better service.

✔ Investing in education pays dividends throughout your business.

Featured Guest

Eric Wall

Eric shares decades of industry experience working directly with service companies, builders, retailers, and distributors across North America. His practical approach focuses on simplifying pool care, improving technician success, and helping businesses become more efficient and profitable through education and standardized systems.

Sponsored By

• Blu-Ray XL
• United Chemical
• LaMotte Chemical
• RevdUp Apparel
• Aqua Comfort Water Group
• H2Flow Controls

Also Featured

Natalie shares an update on her "She Swims So They Can" Tennessee Triple Crown Open Water Swim Challenge benefiting Every Child A Swimmer, including sponsorship opportunities that help provide life-saving swim lessons and water safety education for children.

Connect

Questions for Eric Wall?

📧 ewall@thegritgame.com

If Part 1 challenged what you thought you knew about pool chemistry, Part 2 takes it even further by showing how better systems, better training, and better questions create better pool professionals.

Listen now and discover why smarter pool care isn't about using more chemicals—it's about understanding the entire system.

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

• Facebook
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• Tik Tok

Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Magnesium, Salt & the Truth About Water Testing with LaMotte – Part 1

Is your salt test really measuring salt?

What happens when magnesium enters the equation?

And why do two different salt tests sometimes give two completely different answers?

This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee and Nick welcome Hieron from LaMotte for a fascinating deep dive into modern water testing, magnesium pools, calcium hardness, Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), and why understanding your test results is just as important as performing the test itself. 

Whether you're servicing pools every day or managing a retail water testing lab, this episode explains why blindly trusting numbers without understanding the chemistry behind them can cost your customers money—and shorten the life of their equipment.

In This Episode

•  Why total hardness is no longer the same as calcium hardness
•  How magnesium changes water chemistry 
•  Why magnesium hardness must be separated from calcium hardness 
•  The relationship between hardness and the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI)
•  Why pH remains the single biggest factor affecting water balance 
•  Does magnesium actually affect scaling? 
•  Understanding the difference between conductivity salt meters and reagent-based salt testing
•  Why two salt tests can produce dramatically different readings 
•  The hidden problem of "dead" salt and elevated TDS 
•  When water replacement becomes the only practical solution 
•  Protecting expensive salt chlorinator cells through accurate testing 
•  Why experienced technicians ask questions instead of simply printing reports 
•  The psychology of educating customers and building long-term trust 
•  A preview of LaMotte's upcoming professional training course for the pool industry 

Key Takeaways

One of the biggest myths discussed is that all salt readings are equal.

Traditional conductivity meters measure the electrical conductivity of dissolved solids, while LaMotte's Spin system chemically measures usable chloride ions—the portion of salt that can actually produce chlorine. Understanding that distinction can dramatically improve troubleshooting and help explain why older pools often experience chlorination issues despite appearing to have sufficient salt. 

The conversation also explores why magnesium pools require technicians to think differently about hardness testing. Magnesium contributes to total hardness but should not simply be substituted for calcium when calculating water balance or the LSI. Accurate testing allows professionals to properly determine true calcium hardness instead of relying on outdated rules of thumb. 

Beyond chemistry, the discussion focuses on customer communication. The best technicians don't simply hand customers a printout—they ask better questions, interpret the results, educate pool owners, and build relationships that last for years. 

Featured Guest

Hieron – LaMotte

•  Water chemistry specialist 
•  Professional water testing educator 
•  Expert in Spin water analysis technology 
•  Developer of LaMotte's upcoming online professional training program 

Coming Next Week

Part Two continues the conversation with even more practical discussions on professional water analysis, advanced chemistry, and improving customer outcomes through better testing and education. 

Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

• Facebook
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• Tik Tok

Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

The Truth About Pool Coatings, Surface Preparation, and Why Failures Really Happen

Everyone wants to know which pool paint is the best.

Wrong question.

In this episode of Talking Pools, Rudy Stankowitz takes listeners far beyond the paint can and into the science of coating failures, adhesion, compatibility, moisture, and surface preparation. Using the recent attention surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as a jumping-off point, Rudy explains why nearly every coating failure investigation asks the same question:

What happened before the paint ever touched the surface?

From chlorinated rubber and acrylics to epoxy and high-build epoxy systems, this episode explores the strengths, weaknesses, and proper applications of today's most common swimming pool coating systems. More importantly, it explains why even the most expensive coating in the world can't overcome poor preparation.

If you've ever wondered why one painted pool lasts fifteen years while another begins peeling after a single season, this episode connects the dots between chemistry, application, environmental conditions, and good old-fashioned craftsmanship. Along the way, Rudy shares real-world stories, practical advice, and plenty of his signature Gen X humor.

Whether you're a pool service professional, contractor, facility manager, or simply fascinated by how coatings succeed—or fail—this is one of the most comprehensive discussions on swimming pool coatings ever presented on the Talking Pools Podcast. 

In This Episode

•  Why asking "What's the best pool paint?" is the wrong question 
•  The lessons every pool professional can learn from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool 
•  Why compatibility between coating systems matters 
•  Understanding chlorinated rubber, synthetic rubber, acrylic, epoxy, and high-build epoxy coatings 
•  Why surface preparation determines the success or failure of almost every coating system 
•  How to properly inspect an existing painted pool before recoating 
•  The importance of documenting coating failures before disturbing the evidence 
•  Mechanical adhesion vs. chemical adhesion explained in plain English 
•  Why moisture remains one of the biggest enemies of successful coating applications 
•  Proper cleaning, sanding, acid washing, and contamination removal 
•  How silicone contamination, chalking, oils, and residue interfere with adhesion 
•  Why weather, humidity, dew point, and curing conditions matter 
•  Understanding recoat windows and why missing them creates problems 
•  Common causes of blistering, peeling, and coating delamination 
•  Adhesive failure vs. cohesive failure vs. substrate failure 
•  ASTM testing methods used during professional coating failure investigations 
•  Why coating failures should be investigated—not guessed 

Key Takeaways

✔ The most expensive coating cannot overcome poor surface preparation.

✔ Compatibility between existing and new coating systems is critical.

✔ Surface contamination is often invisible but can completely prevent proper adhesion.

✔ Moisture inside concrete can remain long after the surface appears dry.

✔ Proper environmental conditions are just as important as choosing the right coating.

✔ Good investigators document the failure before removing any evidence.

✔ Most coating failures begin long before the pool is filled with water.

✔ Successful coating jobs are built on preparation—not luck.

Memorable Quotes

"Surface preparation isn't part of the job. Surface preparation is the job.""Compatibility matters. Chemistry matters. Guessing doesn't.""Painting a pool isn't hard. Knowing when not to paint—that's what separates a guy with a roller from a pool professional."

Featured Sponsors

Blu-Ray XL

Reduce chemical usage, lower labor costs, and improve profitability with Blu-Ray XL's mineral purification technology for pool professionals. 

Jacks Magic

Professional stain identification, removal, and prevention products trusted throughout the pool industry. 

AquaStar Pool Products

Learn about AquaStar's innovative Pipeline cartridge filters featuring NSF-tested performance and simplified maintenance. 

Service Industry News

Stay informed with nationwide pool and spa industry news, technical articles, and the famous Horror File. Subscribe free at Service Industry News. 

Listen If You...

•  Paint or recoat swimming pools 
•  Service painted pools 
•  Investigate coating failures 
•  Work with commercial aquatic facilities 
•  Want to better understand adhesion and coating science 
•  Enjoy deep technical discussions presented in plain English 
•  Like your pool education served with a healthy dose of Gen X sarcasm 

Connect With Talking Pools

Questions about coatings, chemistry, troubleshooting, or a future podcast topic?

📧 talkingpools@gmail.com

Subscribe to the Talking Pools Podcast Network wherever you get your podcasts, and join thousands of pool professionals each week for practical discussions on water chemistry, coatings, equipment, business, and everything that makes you a better pool pro.

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

• Facebook
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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

What happens when you walk onto a commercial pool deck expecting to provide a service quote... and instead discover a facility that should probably be closed?

In this episode of Insurance Interlude, Steve Sherwood and Pat Grignon tackle one of the toughest situations a commercial pool professional can face: discovering serious code violations before you've even signed a contract.

Steve shares a recent experience inspecting several HOA pools where years of neglected maintenance, questionable repairs, missing safety equipment, incomplete service logs, and improper chemical handling created significant liability concerns. The discussion quickly shifts from "Should I take this account?" to "How do I protect myself if something happens before I'm hired?"

Whether you're servicing residential pools, managing commercial facilities, or growing your business, this episode is packed with practical advice on inspections, documentation, contracts, liability, and protecting both your customers and your company.

In This Episode

•  Why some commercial pools should never remain open until deficiencies are corrected 
•  The importance of documenting serious safety violations immediately 
•  When a service estimate becomes a potential liability issue 
•  Improper plumbing repairs that violate code 
•  Missing flow meters, bonding, grounding, and neglected maintenance records 
•  Why incomplete service logs can become evidence in litigation 
•  Chemical storage mistakes that can create OSHA and HazMat nightmares 
•  The importance of secondary containment for liquid chemicals 
•  Understanding the gap between inspections and signed service contracts 
•  What happens when another company is still responsible for the pool 
•  Residential versus commercial liability differences 
•  How contract renewals and expired agreements can affect legal exposure 
•  Why documentation is one of the best forms of risk management 
•  The importance of educating prospective clients—even if they never hire you 
•  Knowing when to walk away from a problematic customer

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

How different is open water swimming from training in a pool?

Far more than most people realize.

This week, Natalie Hood is joined by ultra-endurance swimmer Hilda Lopez, fresh off completing the 50th Annual Swim Around Key West—a grueling 12.5-mile marathon swim that tested her endurance, mindset, and determination.

Hilda shares her inspiring journey from struggling with her health and being significantly overweight to becoming an accomplished open water swimmer tackling some of the world's most demanding marathon swims.

Together, Natalie and Hilda break down some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding open water swimming, including:

• Why pool training alone isn't enough for marathon swims
• The reality of swimming in currents, tides, waves, and changing conditions
• Why your open water pace rarely matches your pool pace
• Building endurance without swimming race distance every training session
• The importance of strength training for injury prevention and performance
• Why hydration and nutrition can make or break a long-distance swim
• Managing fear, self-doubt, and race-day nerves
• The critical role of a strong support team during marathon swims
• Why pacing—not sprinting off the start—is often the smartest strategy

Hilda also recounts the emotional final mile of her Swim Around Key West, where exhaustion, heat, and powerful currents nearly ended her race before encouragement from her support crew—and especially her son—helped carry her to the finish.

Finally, Natalie announces her own next adventure: taking on the Tennessee Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming while raising funds for Every Child A Swimmer, helping provide lifesaving swim lessons to children.

Whether you're an experienced swimmer, training for your first open water event, or simply love hearing stories of perseverance, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and an honest look at what it really takes to conquer the open water.

Topics Covered

• Marathon swimming
• Open water training
• Swim Around Key West
• Endurance sports
• Race preparation
• Hydration and nutrition
• Strength training
• Mental resilience
• Swim myths
• Every Child A Swimmer
• Tennessee Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming
• Swimming safety
• Long-distance swimming

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

• Facebook
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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Most pool professionals know pools.

But when a spa needs repair?

Suddenly everyone starts looking for "the spa guy."

This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury and Nick welcome one of Australia's leading spa equipment specialists, Adrian Lacey of Spatex, for an eye-opening discussion that every pool technician, retailer, and service company needs to hear.

If you've ever avoided spa repairs because they seemed too complicated—or too risky—this episode explains why that hesitation may be costing you a profitable part of your business.

More importantly...

It explains how to do it safely.

In this episode:

• Why spas are one of the biggest untapped opportunities for pool professionals
• Common misconceptions that keep technicians away from spa service
• The importance of partnering with licensed electricians and gas fitters
• Diagnosing leaks, pumps, air controls, jets, blowers, and electronic controls
• Why replacing the wrong pump can create serious safety hazards
• Understanding hydraulic flow rates and why bigger pumps often make things worse
• Pipe sizing mistakes that dramatically reduce system performance
• Why proper plumbing layout matters more than horsepower
• The importance of flow meters instead of guessing hydraulic performance

Sacrificial Anodes Explained

Adrian also dives into one of the industry's most misunderstood topics:

• Galvanic corrosion
• Electrolytic corrosion
• Chemical corrosion

Learn:

• Why they are completely different problems
• How sacrificial zinc anodes work
• What they can—and cannot—protect
• Why every heated pool deserves consideration for corrosion protection
• Why an anode should never replace finding the actual cause of corrosion

Pool Safety That Too Many Professionals Overlook

The conversation shifts into one of the most important topics in the industry:

Safety.

Including:

• Equipotential bonding
• Electrical safety around spas
• Voltage differences and corrosion
• Why technicians should carry a non-contact voltage tester
• Suction entrapment hazards
• Ventilated skimmer requirements
• Understanding Australian Standard AS 1926.3
• When replacing equipment legally requires bringing systems up to current safety standards

Adrian shares practical advice that could help technicians avoid costly mistakes—and potentially save lives.

Plus

• Why documentation protects your business
• When you should walk away from an unsafe job
• Why staying within your qualifications protects both your customers and your livelihood
• Free technical resources available through the Spartex mobile app
• How decades of technical knowledge are being shared with the industry

Whether you service residential pools, commercial facilities, or have never touched a spa before, this episode is packed with practical advice, safety insights, and real-world experience that every pool professional can benefit from.

🎙 Guest: Adrian Lacey – Spatex

🎧 Hosted by: Lee Salisbury & Nick

📅 Series: Mondays Down Under

Listen now and discover why expanding your knowledge of spas may be one of the smartest business decisions you make this year.

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Química del Agua: Lo Que Todo Profesional de Piscinas Debe Saber (Parte 2)

En este episodio de Talking Pools en Español, continuamos con una inmersión profunda en la química del agua, explicando conceptos que con frecuencia generan confusión incluso entre técnicos con experiencia.

Hablamos de la importancia del cepillado como herramienta preventiva contra las algas, analizamos los distintos tipos de desinfectantes disponibles y aclaramos uno de los conceptos más malinterpretados de la industria: el contenido de cloro disponible.

También exploramos las diferencias entre cloro, bromo, ozono y luz ultravioleta, cuándo utilizar cada uno y cuáles son sus ventajas y limitaciones.

Además, Rudy explica la importancia de realizar pruebas precisas del agua, cómo interpretar correctamente los resultados y por qué un profesional nunca debe limitarse a "agregar químicos y marcharse". La verdadera diferencia entre un técnico y un profesional está en comprender qué está ocurriendo dentro del agua antes de decidir cualquier tratamiento.

Si deseas mejorar tus conocimientos sobre química del agua y ofrecer un servicio basado en ciencia y no en suposiciones, este episodio es para ti.

En este episodio

•  La importancia del cepillado para prevenir el crecimiento de algas. 
•  Por qué un profesional debe diagnosticar antes de tratar una piscina. 
•  Cloro estabilizado, hipoclorito de sodio y otros desinfectantes. 
•  ¿Qué significa realmente el "contenido de cloro disponible"? 
•  Diferencias entre cloro libre y cloro combinado. 
•  Cómo funciona el bromo y cuándo es la mejor opción. 
•  Ozono y luz ultravioleta como oxidantes suplementarios. 
•  Riesgos del bromato cuando se combinan ciertos sistemas. 
•  Cómo funcionan los diferentes kits de prueba. 
•  Ventajas y limitaciones de los fotómetros y las tiras reactivas. 
•  Medición de sólidos disueltos totales (TDS). 
•  Dureza de calcio y su importancia para proteger la piscina. 
•  Ácido cianúrico: cómo medirlo y por qué controlar su concentración. 
•  Rangos recomendados para pH, alcalinidad, calcio y cloro. 
•  La importancia de utilizar un kit de prueba para cada producto químico empleado. 
•  Casos reales de diagnóstico en instalaciones acuáticas. 
•  Pensar "fuera de la piscina" para resolver problemas complejos. 

La idea principal

Los productos químicos no solucionan problemas por sí solos.

Los profesionales solucionan problemas porque entienden la química del agua, interpretan correctamente los resultados de las pruebas y toman decisiones basadas en evidencia, no en costumbres o suposiciones.

La diferencia entre un técnico promedio y un verdadero profesional comienza con el conocimiento.

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This week on the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy breaks down two major stories making waves across the pool industry.

First, a new case before the Minnesota Supreme Court could redefine what happens when homeowners rent out their backyard swimming pools through apps like Swimpley. If a residential pool becomes a commercial business, should it be regulated like a public pool? Rudy explores what that could mean for homeowners, service companies, builders, health departments, insurance carriers, and pool professionals across the country.

Then, the episode shifts to the continuing investigation surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Following the Independence Day celebrations, crews drained the basin to begin inspecting the widely discussed coating failure. Rudy separates documented facts from speculation and explains why engineering investigations require evidence—not opinions.

Drawing on more than three decades of troubleshooting complex pool failures, Rudy examines the publicly available documentation, discusses coating systems, adhesion failures, ASTM testing standards, moisture considerations, recoat windows, and why forensic analysis—not politics—will ultimately determine what happened.

If you're tired of hot takes and looking for a technical, evidence-based discussion, this episode delivers exactly that.

In This Episode

•  Minnesota Supreme Court hears the Swimpley backyard pool case 
•  When does a residential swimming pool become a public pool? 
•  Operational challenges for pool service professionals 
•  The future of pool-sharing platforms 
•  Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool investigation update 
•  Why the pool was drained after Independence Day 
•  Separating documented facts from online speculation 
•  Understanding coating systems and polyurea applications 
•  Adhesive vs. cohesive vs. substrate failures 
•  ASTM adhesion and moisture testing standards 
•  Why recoat windows matter 
•  Surface preparation and concrete moisture considerations 
•  Green water, algae, and what it does—and doesn't—prove 
•  Why investigations begin by eliminating theories, not proving them 
•  Lessons the entire pool industry can learn from a high-profile failure 

Key Takeaway

Good investigations don't begin with conclusions. They begin with evidence.

Whether it's a backyard pool operating as a business or one of America's most recognizable reflecting pools, the same principles apply: collect the facts, test the evidence, challenge assumptions, and let the data tell the story.

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How should you dispose of pool water after you've tested it?

It sounds like a simple question...until it isn't.

Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood kick off this week's episode with a discussion sparked by a question from Que Hales regarding whether test samples should ever be poured back into the pool. The conversation quickly expands into proper testing technique, customer perception, reagent safety, expired chemicals, electronic testing, and why following the manufacturer's instructions matters more than most people realize.

Wayne shares stories from his years at Taylor Technologies, including why silver nitrate turns your skin black, how heat destroys reagents, and what really happens when test chemicals aren't stored correctly.

Later in the episode, Steve welcomes insurance expert Pat Grignon for another Insurance Interlude. Together they discuss hurricanes, floods, wildfires, mudslides, and what pool professionals should know before attempting to "secure" equipment ahead of an approaching storm. They also explain how insurance coverage changes depending on the type of natural disaster and why documentation matters.

Whether you're testing a backyard pool or preparing commercial facilities for hurricane season, this episode is packed with practical advice every pool professional can use.

In this episode

• Should you dump tested water back into the pool?
• Why customer perception matters during water testing
• Understanding reagent toxicity and proper disposal
• The truth about silver nitrate stains
• How heat and improper storage ruin test reagents
• Why expiration dates matter
• Electronic testing vs. traditional drop testing
• Testing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
• Phosphates, fill water, and hidden water chemistry issues
• Hurricane preparation for pool equipment
• Insurance considerations before and after natural disasters
• Flood, fire, mudslide, earthquake, and wind coverage explained
• Why documentation protects both homeowners and service companies

Featured Guests

• Wayne Ivusich
• Steve Sherwood
• Pat Grignon

Sponsors

• LaMotte Company
• WaterLink Spin Touch
• Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC)
• Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award Sponsors

Mentioned During the Show

• Certified Pool Operators (CPO) Facebook Group
• Proper storage and handling of testing reagents
• Taylor Technologies testing procedures
• TDS testing
• Electronic water testing
• Hurricane preparedness for swimming pools
• Insurance considerations for pool professionals

Connect With Talking Pools

Have a topic you'd like us to cover?

Email us at:

talkingpools@gmail.com

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Chemistry Myths That Cost Pool Pros Money (Part 1)

With Natalie Hood & Eric Wall

Running a profitable pool service business isn't just about adding chlorine and hoping for the best. In Part One of this two-part conversation, Natalie Hood sits down with Eric Wall, Director of Training for The Grit Game, to tackle some of the biggest myths that continue to hold pool professionals back.

Drawing on decades of experience in sales, service, construction, retail, and technical training, Eric explains why the cheapest chemical program often becomes the most expensive, why callbacks destroy profitability, and why education—not guesswork—is the key to building a successful service company.

They also discuss the importance of standardized chemical programs, proper testing, customer communication, technician training, and why proactive maintenance beats reactive problem-solving every time.

If you're looking to reduce callbacks, improve customer retention, and build a stronger, more profitable service operation, this episode is packed with practical advice you can put to work immediately.

In This Episode

•  Eric Wall's journey into the swimming pool industry 
•  Why the cheapest chemicals often cost the most 
•  The hidden cost of callbacks 
•  Why every technician should follow the same chemical program 
•  Better testing leads to better decisions 
•  How customer communication builds long-term loyalty 
•  Why proactive pool care is more profitable than reactive repairs 
•  The myth that more chlorine fixes everything 
•  Building healthier water instead of simply adding more chemicals 
•  Why education is one of the most valuable investments a pool company can make 

Next Wednesday, Natalie and Eric return to continue busting even more common pool industry myths and share additional strategies to help pool professionals work smarter, not hard

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This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury, Shane Sneddon, and Nick welcome Westley Collins from Madimack for a deep dive into one of the fastest-evolving areas of the pool industry—heat pump technology.

Westley explains the real difference between traditional on/off heat pumps and modern inverter-driven systems, how variable-speed compressors and fans dramatically improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and make today's heat pumps quieter than ever before.

The conversation also explores one of the industry's most misunderstood topics: properly sizing a heat pump. From evaporation and pool covers to climate, water features, and pool location, you'll learn why choosing the correct heater involves far more than simply calculating pool volume.

The discussion expands beyond heating into Madimack's growing lineup of pumps, chlorinators, filters, and smart equipment. Wesley explains how inverter technology is now improving variable-speed pumps and salt chlorinators, making equipment quieter, more energy-efficient, easier to retrofit, and smarter than previous generations.

Whether you're a pool professional, builder, retailer, or homeowner looking to better understand modern pool equipment, this episode delivers practical information that can help save energy, reduce operating costs, and improve overall pool performance.

In this episode:

•  Why inverter heat pumps outperform traditional on/off models 
•  How heat pumps actually transfer heat from ambient air 
•  Proper heat pump sizing and the biggest mistakes installers make 
•  Why pool covers are the single biggest factor in heating efficiency 
•  The effects of evaporation, water features, and infinity edges on heat loss 
•  Installation considerations including airflow and ventilation requirements 
•  Why today's heat pumps are dramatically quieter 
•  Variable-speed pump technology and AI-driven flow management 
•  Smart chlorinator technology and adaptive chlorine production 
•  Retrofit-friendly equipment design for service professionals 
•  What's next in pool equipment innovation 

Whether you're replacing equipment, designing a new pool, or simply want to understand where pool technology is heading, this episode offers valuable insight from one of the industry's leading manufacturers. 

Listen, Subscribe & Share

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In this special Fourth of July bonus episode, Kelly and Dan celebrate Independence Day by tackling a topic every pool professional feels at the pump—and on the balance sheet.

As fuel prices rise and suppliers introduce surcharges, many service companies immediately wonder whether they should pass those costs on to their customers. But is that really the answer?

Drawing on four decades of industry experience, Dan breaks down the real numbers behind operating a service vehicle, revealing that fuel often isn't the financial monster many believe it to be. Instead, the discussion shifts toward something even more important: knowing your costs, pricing your services correctly, and building a business that can weather temporary economic swings.

The conversation also explores venture capital's growing presence in the pool industry, the dangers of competing solely on price, and why reputation, education, and customer service remain the greatest competitive advantages independent pool professionals have.

It's a timely conversation about business, freedom, and the value of doing things the right way.

In This Episode

•  A special Fourth of July conversation 
•  The real cost of operating a service vehicle 
•  Why fuel prices aren't always the biggest expense 
•  Breaking down vehicle ownership costs 
•  Fuel surcharges: when they make sense—and when they don't 
•  Why your pricing should absorb normal market fluctuations 
•  Understanding your true hourly operating costs 
•  Why many pool companies undercharge 
•  The danger of pricing based on competitors 
•  Venture capital and corporate acquisitions in the pool industry 
•  Competing against large national companies 
•  Why reputation beats low prices 
•  The importance of customer service and education 
•  Building a sustainable pool business 
•  Marketing your certifications and professional training 

Key Takeaway

Temporary increases in fuel prices shouldn't force a well-run business into panic mode.

The companies that succeed over the long term aren't the ones with the lowest prices—they're the ones that understand their costs, know their value, and refuse to compete solely on price.

In the end, your greatest asset isn't your truck, your chemicals, or your equipment.

It's your reputation.

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

From everyone at the Talking Pools Podcast Network, we wish you and your family a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Fourth of July.

Thank you to the pool professionals who work long hours throughout the holiday weekend helping families create memories in clean, safe water.

Have a wonderful Independence Day, and thank you for all you do for our industry.

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#TalkingPools #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay #PoolService #PoolBusiness #SmallBusiness #FuelPrices #PoolIndustry #SwimmingPools #Entrepreneur #CustomerService #PoolProfessional 

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Everything You Think You Know About Water Testing Is Changing - Wait until you hear about the drones...

Water testing isn't just about getting numbers.

It's about making better decisions.

This week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz sits down with Jonathan Banish, Director of Software at LaMotte, for an inside look at how modern water analysis has evolved from simple test kits into powerful business management tools.

The conversation goes far beyond the Spin Touch photometer. Rudy and Jonathan explore why software has become just as important as chemistry, how accurate testing saves money by preventing unnecessary chemical use, and why tracking water history may be one of the most valuable assets a pool professional can have.

They also discuss customer management, business efficiency, NSF certification, responsible chemical dosing, and where water testing technology may be headed in the future—including a few laughs about drones, superheroes, peanut butter sandwiches, and even Area 51.

Whether you're a one-pole operation or managing hundreds of pools, this episode offers a fascinating look at how technology is reshaping the pool industry.

In This Episode

•  Why accurate water testing matters more than ever 
•  How software has transformed pool service 
•  The business value of water test history 
•  Why precision saves chemicals—and money 
•  Understanding WaterLink Pro 
•  CRM features built specifically for pool professionals 
•  Route scheduling and customer management 
•  Homeowner integration with WaterLink Home 
•  Preventing customers from shopping elsewhere 
•  Why water chemistry should be viewed as an ecosystem 
•  The importance of NSF-certified testing equipment 
•  Spin Touch accuracy and testing ranges 
•  Responsible chemical dosing 
•  How technology improves customer confidence 
•  The future of automated water testing 
•  Product development driven by customer feedback 

Key Takeaway

The best pool professionals don't just test water.

They collect information.

They recognize patterns.

They document history.

And they use technology to make smarter decisions that improve water quality, reduce chemical costs, and deliver a better experience for every customer.

The future of pool care isn't simply better chemistry.

It's better information.

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Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

#TalkingPools #FlocItFriday #WaterTesting #SpinTouch #LaMotte #PoolService #PoolChemistry #PoolProfessional #SwimmingPools #PoolIndustry #WaterAnalysis #PoolTechnology 

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The Liability That Could Cost You Everything

Servicing a pool is one thing.

Being held responsible for someone else's decisions is another.

This week on Thursdays with Stephen & Wayne, the conversation dives into one of the most uncomfortable realities facing pool professionals today: what happens when you identify a safety issue, document it, recommend the fix... and the client refuses to act?

From commercial hotels and apartment complexes to homeowner associations and residential accounts, the discussion explores the legal gray areas surrounding code compliance, liability, documentation, and knowing when it's time to walk away from a client.

The episode also revisits the ongoing issues surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, discusses lessons learned from a complex commercial automation installation, and explains why documenting safety concerns may be one of the most valuable services a pool professional can provide.

If you've ever wondered, "How many times do I have to tell a client before it's no longer my problem?"—this episode is for you.

In This Episode

•  Updates on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool 
•  Why source water matters 
•  Commercial pool liability 
•  What happens when clients ignore safety recommendations 
•  How to properly document code violations 
•  Protecting your company when contracts end 
•  Commercial vs. residential liability concerns 
•  Certified letters, emails, and documentation best practices 
•  Managing clients who refuse to make required repairs 
•  Annual safety reviews and follow-up recommendations 
•  Insurance considerations every pool professional should understand 
•  Occurrence vs. claims-made insurance policies 
•  Commercial automation and salt chlorination lessons learned 
•  Real-world troubleshooting with commercial chemical controllers 
•  The importance of manufacturer support on large installations 
•  CPO Instructor training opportunities 

Key Takeaway

Finding a safety issue isn't enough.

Documenting it.

Communicating it.

Following up appropriately.

And knowing when to walk away...

...may ultimately be what protects your business when something goes wrong.

Sometimes the biggest risk in the pool industry isn't the water—it's the paperwork you didn't create.

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#TalkingPools #PoolIndustry #CommercialPools #PoolService #RiskManagement #SwimmingPools #PoolSafety #CPO #PoolBusiness #Liability #WaterChemistry #PoolProfessionals 

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You rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. You wash your hands before dinner. But somehow, millions of people still jump into their swimming pools covered in sweat, sunscreen, cosmetics, body oils, grass, dirt... and sometimes their dogs do too.

In Part Two of this Myth Busting series, Natalie and special guest Jared Medeiros shift the conversation from commercial aquatic facilities to residential swimming pools—and explain why homeowners often create their own water quality problems without realizing it.

From Fourth of July pool parties and backyard barbecues to dogs swimming, sunscreen buildup, and overloaded pool chemistry, they explain why small habits can have a massive impact on water quality, maintenance costs, and swimmer health.

You'll also learn why commercial pools often maintain better water quality than backyard pools, why "clear water" doesn't always mean "clean water," and how a simple 30-second shower can dramatically reduce chemical costs throughout the swimming season.

If you own a pool—or know someone who does—this episode could save you hundreds of dollars while helping keep your family safer.

In This Episode

•  Why showering before swimming saves money 
•  How swimmers impact residential pool chemistry 
•  The hidden cost of sunscreen, lotions, cosmetics, and body oils 
•  Why pool parties dramatically increase chemical demand 
•  How dogs affect pool water quality 
•  The truth behind chlorine odor 
•  Why clear water doesn't always mean clean water 
•  Why adding more chemicals isn't always the answer 
•  Commercial pools vs. residential pools 
•  Why homeowners should learn basic water testing 
•  How simple habits extend sanitizer effectiveness 
•  Tips for reducing algae outbreaks after heavy pool use 
•  Why keeping a testing log improves water quality 
•  Protecting your investment with better pool care 

Key Takeaway

The easiest way to improve your pool isn't buying another chemical.

It's preventing contaminants from entering the water in the first place.

A quick rinse before swimming, regular water testing, and understanding how your pool responds to heavy use can dramatically reduce maintenance costs while keeping your water cleaner, healthier, and easier to manage.

Sometimes the best pool chemistry starts before anyone even gets in the water.

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Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

#TalkingPools #PoolCare #SwimmingPool #PoolOwner #PoolMaintenance #WaterChemistry #HealthySwimming #PoolTips #PoolService #BackyardPool #WaterTesting #MythBusting 

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New Products, Big Ideas, and Splash 2026 Preview

The countdown to Splash 2026 is on, and this week on Mondays Down Under, Lee, Shane, and Nick take a look at some of the new products and innovations expected to debut at the industry's biggest trade show. But before diving into the latest technology, the conversation starts where many pool businesses find themselves this time of year—surviving end-of-financial-year stocktakes, inventory headaches, and the never-ending challenge of keeping track of service vehicle inventory.

From there, the discussion shifts to why attending industry trade shows is about much more than collecting brochures. It's about gaining new perspectives, networking with peers, discovering better ways to run your business, and seeing firsthand where the industry is headed.

The team highlights several exciting products they're looking forward to seeing at Splash, including autonomous robotic cleaners, advanced oxidation systems paired with low-salt chlorination, next-generation heat pumps with impressive efficiency ratings, and new training opportunities designed to improve water testing and chemistry knowledge.

They also discuss the importance of proper system installation, flow rates for UV and AOP systems, inventory accountability, and why staying current with new technology can give pool professionals a competitive advantage.

Whether you're planning to attend Splash or simply want to know what's coming next in the pool industry, this episode offers an excellent preview of the products, conversations, and innovations everyone will be talking about.

In this episode:

•  End-of-financial-year stocktake challenges 
•  Managing inventory in retail and service businesses 
•  Service vehicle inventory accountability 
•  Why tracking serial numbers matters 
•  Why every pool professional should attend Splash 
•  Networking versus collecting business cards 
•  Preview of the 2026 Splash Trade Show 
•  LaMotte Pacific's new Training Academy 
•  Autonomous robotic pool cleaners 
•  Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) systems 
•  Low-salt chlorination technology 
•  UV system installation considerations 
•  New high-efficiency heat pumps 
•  Industry education and upcoming expert interviews 
•  How innovation continues to shape the pool industry 

Coming Soon on Talking Pools

The team also previews several upcoming guest interviews featuring leading industry experts covering:

•  Water testing and chemistry 
•  Spa repair and maintenance 
•  Grounding and electrical safety 
•  Heating technology 
•  Equipment innovations from Splash 2026 

If you're passionate about improving your business, staying current with new technology, and learning from some of the industry's best, you won't want to miss the upcoming episodes.

📧 Have a topic you'd like covered? Email the team at talkingpools@gmail.com.

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Filtros para Piscinas: Cómo Funcionan, Cómo Elegirlos y Cómo Evitar Errores Costosos

No importa qué tan perfecta sea la química del agua: si la filtración falla, la piscina también falla.

En este episodio de Talking Pools, analizamos a fondo uno de los componentes más importantes de cualquier sistema acuático: el filtro. Desde filtros de arena hasta cartucho y tierra de diatomeas (DE), explicamos cómo funciona cada uno, cuándo utilizarlo, cómo dimensionarlo correctamente y qué errores pueden provocar un rendimiento deficiente o incluso daños en el equipo. 

En este episodio aprenderás:

•  La diferencia entre filtros de arena, cartucho y tierra de diatomeas (DE). 
•  Qué tamaño de partícula puede eliminar cada tipo de filtro. 
•  Por qué el caudal de la bomba determina el tamaño correcto del filtro. 
•  Cómo calcular el área de filtración necesaria para una piscina. 
•  Cuándo realizar un retrolavado y cuándo es momento de limpiar manualmente un filtro. 
•  La regla de los 8–10 PSI para saber cuándo limpiar un filtro. 
•  Cómo evitar la canalización en filtros de arena. 
•  Por qué la arena debe reemplazarse aproximadamente cada 5 a 7 años. 
•  La forma correcta de añadir tierra de diatomeas después de un retrolavado. 
•  Cómo prevenir daños costosos en rejillas, laterales y válvulas multipuerto. 
•  La importancia de utilizar el medio filtrante correcto y seguir las recomendaciones del fabricante. 

También hablamos sobre:

•  Micrones y eficiencia de filtración. 
•  Ejemplos prácticos para dimensionar filtros comerciales y residenciales. 
•  Conservación del agua mediante filtros de cartucho. 
•  Seguridad al manipular sílice y tierra de diatomeas. 
•  La relación entre la bomba, el filtro y el rendimiento general del sistema hidráulico. 
•  Consejos prácticos obtenidos de años de experiencia en el campo. 

Ya seas técnico de servicio, operador certificado, constructor o simplemente quieras comprender mejor cómo funciona una piscina, este episodio ofrece una explicación clara y práctica sobre uno de los sistemas más importantes para mantener el agua limpia y segura.

Escucha Talking Pools en Apple Podcasts, Spotify y en tu plataforma favorita.

#TalkingPools #Piscinas #Filtración #FiltroDeArena #FiltroDE #FiltroDeCartucho #OperadorDePiscinas #MantenimientoDePiscinas #QuímicaDelAgua #PiscinasComerciales #Capacitación #CPO #IndustriaDePiscinas

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This week on Talking Pools, Rudy sits down with Carrie Dibrell, publisher of Service Industry News, for an in-depth conversation about the state of the swimming pool service industry, why education matters more than ever, and the responsibility pool professionals carry every single day. 

The discussion begins with an update on the ongoing issues surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, including statements from both Rhino Linings and Atlantic Industrial Coatings regarding the localized coating failures. Rudy explains the technical questions that remain unanswered, particularly surrounding manufacturer recoat windows and surface preparation, before shifting the conversation back to the professionals who keep pools operating safely every day. 

Carrie shares the remarkable story behind Service Industry News' annual Homeowner Water Safety & Drowning Prevention Edition, a publication specifically designed for service technicians to pass along to their customers. What began as a challenge issued by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance has grown into one of the industry's most effective public education tools. Together, Rudy and Carrie discuss how pool professionals can become the bridge between technical service and homeowner safety while also creating additional value for their businesses. 

The conversation explores some of today's biggest challenges facing service companies, including homeowners purchasing equipment online and expecting professionals to install it, declining profit margins, technician retention, employee training, and the increasing need for affordable education for new technicians. Carrie explains why Service Industry News has remained focused on the service technician for nearly four decades and why education continues to be the number one reason readers engage with trade publications. 

Rudy and Carrie also dive into:

•  The changing role of trade publications in a digital world 
•  Why technician education is the industry's greatest investment 
•  Electrical safety and the need for more service-specific training 
•  Pool chemical incidents and preventing feeder accidents 
•  Why every service professional should understand their legal responsibilities 
•  The growing concerns surrounding Airbnb and short-term rental pools 
•  Swimply pools and commercial pool regulation 
•  Industry myths that refuse to die—including acid columns, cyanuric acid, phosphates, and black algae 
•  Why chloramines remain one of the most misunderstood subjects in swimming pool chemistry 
•  The importance of testing beyond just free chlorine and pH 
•  Why continual education is essential as science evolves 

As always, Rudy mixes technical discussion with humor, industry commentary, and a healthy dose of Gen X sarcasm while reminding listeners that behind every clean, safe swimming pool is a dedicated service professional whose work often goes unnoticed. 

In This Episode

•  Reflecting Pool coating update 
•  Rhino Linings and Atlantic Industrial Coatings statements 
•  Service Industry News' drowning prevention initiative 
•  Educating homeowners about pool safety 
•  Technician training and workforce development 
•  The challenge of online equipment sales 
•  Electrical safety for pool professionals 
•  Chemical feeder failures and liability 
•  Airbnb and Swimply pool safety 
•  Pool industry myths vs. modern science 
•  Chloramines and indoor pool air quality 
•  Why education remains the industry's greatest asset 

Resources Mentioned

• Service Industry News – Free subscription for pool service professionals 
•  Homeowner Drowning Prevention Special Edition 
•  Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool rehabilitation discussion 
•  Pool service education and technician safety initiatives 

Connect with Talking Pools

🎙 New episodes every week featuring the latest industry news, chemistry, equipment, safety, and conversations with the people shaping the swimming pool industry.

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What happens when a customer's heater fails... and the replacement part simply doesn't exist anywhere in the country?

This week, Steve and Wayne dive into the realities of modern pool service, where solving problems often has less to do with technical skill and more to do with navigating manufacturers, distributors, supply chains, and customer expectations. From chasing down an elusive electric heater control board to discussing how relationships with manufacturer representatives can make—or break—a difficult service call, the conversation offers an honest look at the behind-the-scenes challenges pool professionals face every day.

Later in the episode, Steve is joined by Pat Grignon of the California Pool Association for another Insurance Interlude. Together they tackle an important question that many commercial service companies eventually encounter:

Can another company legally operate under your commercial pool license?

The discussion explores liability, insurance implications, contractor licensing, and why helping another business could expose your own company to significant legal risk if done improperly.

The episode wraps with a candid conversation about distributor relationships, manufacturer voucher programs, pricing pressures, and why customer service—not loyalty programs—ultimately determines where professionals choose to spend their money.

Topics Discussed

•  Why sourcing replacement parts has become increasingly difficult 
•  A real-world case involving a commercial 54 kW electric pool heater 
•  Supply chain challenges affecting manufacturers and distributors 
•  Why maintaining relationships with manufacturer representatives matters 
•  When repairing equipment no longer makes financial sense 
•  Commercial pool licensing requirements in California 
•  Can another company legally use your license? 
•  Insurance and liability considerations when lending credentials 
•  Additional insured requirements and subcontractor risk 
•  Distributor pricing, voucher programs, and customer loyalty 
•  How manufacturer-distributor conflicts affect service companies 
•  Why great customer service is still the industry's greatest competitive advantage 

Key Takeaways

•  Not every equipment failure is a technical problem—sometimes it's a supply chain problem. 
•  Strong relationships with manufacturers and distributors often determine how quickly difficult problems get resolved. 
•  Allowing another company to operate under your license can create significant legal and insurance exposure. 
•  Before entering any licensing or subcontracting arrangement, consult both your insurance professional and legal advisor. 
•  Customers ultimately buy service, responsiveness, and trust—not brand names. 

Connect With Talking Pools

Have a question or topic you'd like discussed on the show?

Email: talkingpools@gmail.com

Your question could be featured on an upcoming episode, and if your topic is used, you might even receive a Talking Pools thank-you gift.

Talking Pools Podcast
Where pool professionals talk to pool professionals—bringing together education, chemistry, business, technology, and the real-world challenges facing today's aquatic industry

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Should You Shower Before Getting in the Pool? Absolutely.

In this episode, Natalie Hood sits down with Jared Madero of The Grit Game to tackle one of the most ignored signs at aquatic facilities: "Please Shower Before Entering the Pool." Together, they explore why a simple 30-second rinse can significantly impact water quality, swimmer health, air quality, and operational costs. 

Topics Covered

•  Why pre-swim showers matter more than most swimmers realize 
•  The biological load every swimmer brings into the water 
•  Sweat, makeup, lotions, cologne, and personal care products in pools 
•  The difference between chlorinated water and sterile water 
•  Why the "chlorine smell" is actually a warning sign 
•  Chloramines and their impact on indoor air quality 
•  Why showering after swimming is just as important 
•  The shared responsibility between swimmers and pool operators 
•  Common misconceptions about public and commercial pools 
•  How swimmer behavior affects water clarity, chemical demand, and overall pool health 

Key Takeaway

A clean pool starts before you ever enter the water. Showering before and after swimming helps reduce contaminants, improve swimmer comfort, lower chemical demand, and create a healthier aquatic environment for everyone. 

Connect

For more pool industry education, chemistry discussions, and aquatic facility insights, subscribe to the Talking Pools Podcast.

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In this episode of Mondays Down Under, hosts Lee Salisbury, Shane Melrose, and Nick take listeners behind the scenes of awards season, conference travel, industry recognition, and the importance of networking within the swimming pool industry. From award ceremonies across Australia to upcoming conferences and trade shows, the conversation explores how professional development, industry engagement, and relationship building continue to shape successful pool businesses. 

Episode Highlights

Awards Season Across Australia and New Zealand

Lee shares her experience attending both the ACT and New South Wales industry awards ceremonies, celebrating outstanding achievements from pool builders, technicians, retailers, and service professionals. The hosts discuss the significance of industry recognition and the challenges many professionals face when considering self-nomination for awards. 

The Challenge of Self-Nomination

The discussion explores why many highly qualified professionals hesitate to put themselves forward for awards, despite being deserving candidates. The hosts examine potential alternatives, including peer nominations, and discuss ways industry organizations might encourage greater participation from technicians, retailers, and service professionals. 

What Really Happens Behind the Judging Process

Lee offers insight into the award judging process, explaining how applications are reviewed, scored, and evaluated by multiple judges. The conversation highlights the extensive effort that goes into ensuring fairness and recognizing excellence across a wide range of industry categories. 

Recognizing Excellence in the Pool Industry

Several award winners and finalists are recognized throughout the episode, including discussions about the qualities that separate outstanding businesses and professionals from the rest of the field. The hosts emphasize the importance of technical expertise, customer service, mentorship, and industry leadership. 

The Value of Industry Conferences

The conversation shifts to conference season, with discussions about supplier conferences, trade events, educational opportunities, and networking experiences. The hosts share stories from conferences held in destinations including New Zealand, Fiji, Vietnam, Thailand, Israel, and beyond. 

Why Networking Matters

Beyond product training and education, the hosts explain how conferences create opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, learn from peers, and develop lifelong friendships within the industry. These connections often prove just as valuable as the formal educational sessions themselves. 

Looking Ahead to Splash

With the upcoming Splash Trade Show approaching, the hosts preview educational sessions, industry forums, awards presentations, networking events, and opportunities for listeners to connect with the Talking Pools team in person. 

Winter Recharge Before Summer Returns

As the southern hemisphere enters winter, the discussion concludes with a reminder about the importance of rest, recovery, and preparing for the next busy season. The hosts encourage business owners and staff alike to use the quieter months to recharge and invest in professional development. 

Key Takeaways

•  Industry awards recognize far more than popularity—they reward professionalism, technical expertise, and dedication. 
•  Many deserving professionals never enter awards due to reluctance around self-promotion. 
•  Conferences provide education, networking, and valuable business-building opportunities. 
•  Strong industry relationships often lead to better business outcomes and lifelong professional connections. 
•  The quieter winter months offer an important opportunity to recharge before the demands of the next season arrive. 

Connect With Talking Pools

Have a topic suggestion or question for the Talking Pools Podcast Network? Reach out at talkingpools@gmail.com and the team will direct your question to the most appropriate host. 

#TalkingPools #MondaysDownUnder #PoolIndustry #SwimmingPoolProfessionals #PoolTechnician #PoolBuilder #PoolRetail #Splash2026 #SPASA #PoolIndustryAwards #PoolBusiness #SwimmingPools #PoolPodcast #IndustryNetworking #ProfessionalDevelopment

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¿Burbujas de Aire en la Piscina? Cómo Encontrar una Fuga en el Lado de Succión

En este episodio, Rudy explica paso a paso cómo diagnosticar uno de los problemas más comunes en los sistemas de circulación de piscinas: las burbujas de aire que regresan constantemente a través de las boquillas de retorno. A través de ejemplos prácticos y técnicas sencillas de inspección, aprenderás a diferenciar entre una fuga en el lado de succión y una fuga en el lado de presión, así como los puntos más comunes donde suelen ocurrir estos problemas. 

Temas Principales

Cómo identificar una fuga en el lado de succión

Las burbujas de aire continuas que aparecen en los retornos mientras la bomba está funcionando suelen indicar que el sistema está aspirando aire en algún punto entre la bomba y la piscina. Rudy explica por qué este síntoma es una de las señales más claras de una fuga en el lado de succión. 

Diferencia entre fugas de succión y fugas de presión

No todas las fugas se comportan igual. El episodio analiza cómo una fuga en el lado de presión normalmente pierde agua mientras la bomba funciona y puede introducir aire cuando el sistema se apaga, mientras que una fuga de succión suele aspirar aire continuamente durante la operación. 

Las primeras verificaciones que debes realizar

Antes de pensar en reparaciones complejas, se revisan los elementos más sencillos:

•  Nivel de agua de la piscina. 
•  Posibles vórtices en el skimmer. 
•  Cestas obstruidas. 
•  Válvulas parcialmente cerradas. 
•  Restricciones de flujo que puedan provocar cavitación. 

Inspección de la tapa de la bomba y la junta tórica

Las tapas transparentes pueden desarrollar pequeñas grietas difíciles de detectar. También se explica cómo inspeccionar correctamente la junta tórica, cuándo reemplazarla y por qué es importante utilizar únicamente lubricantes a base de silicona o teflón. 

El sello mecánico de la bomba

Rudy describe el funcionamiento del sello mecánico y explica por qué es el único punto del sistema que puede simultáneamente aspirar aire y perder agua. También ofrece consejos prácticos para identificar un sello defectuoso mediante una inspección visual rápida. 

Revisión de tapones de drenaje y carcasa de la bomba

El episodio cubre la inspección de tapones de drenaje, juntas y posibles grietas en la carcasa de la bomba que podrían permitir la entrada de aire al sistema. 

Uso de crema de afeitar para localizar fugas

Una técnica sencilla pero efectiva: aplicar crema de afeitar alrededor de uniones y conexiones para observar si se forma un embudo o depresión que indique la entrada de aire. 

Cuándo llamar a un especialista en detección de fugas

Cuando todas las inspecciones visibles han sido descartadas y la sospecha apunta a una línea subterránea, Rudy explica por qué es momento de contactar a un profesional especializado en detección de fugas. 

Lo Que Aprenderás

•  Cómo diferenciar una fuga de succión de una fuga de presión. 
•  Qué componentes inspeccionar primero. 
•  Cómo detectar problemas en juntas tóricas y tapas de bombas. 
•  Cómo identificar un sello mecánico defectuoso. 
•  Técnicas sencillas para localizar entradas de aire. 
•  Cuándo una fuga requiere intervención profesional. 

Frase Clave del Episodio

"Las burbujas de aire constantes en los retornos no son normales. El sistema te está diciendo exactamente dónde comenzar a buscar."

Escucha Más

Para más capacitación técnica sobre hidráulica, filtración, química del agua y diagnóstico de problemas en piscinas, sigue el podcast Talking Pools Podcast y mantente al día con nuevos episodios cada semana.

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This week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz takes aim at one of the most misunderstood concepts in pool chemistry: pH drift. If you've ever been told that pH "just goes up," Rudy has news for you. Water doesn't drift. Chemistry doesn't shrug. And carbon dioxide may be controlling your pool far more than you've been taught. 

Before diving into chemistry, Rudy opens with a satirical pool industry news segment covering algae in Washington's Reflecting Pool, Leslie's recent financial improvements, private equity acquisitions, above-ground pool recalls, and the growing obsession with smart pool equipment. 

Topics Covered

Breaking News from the Pool World

A tongue-in-cheek look at:

•  Algae growth in the Reflecting Pool near the National Mall 
•  "Operation Green Freedom" and a fictional crop-duster copper sulfate deployment 
•  Leslie's reporting improved sales and customer activity 
•  Ongoing consolidation of pool service companies through private equity acquisitions 
•  Above-ground pool recalls making national headlines 
•  The industry's growing fascination with app-connected heat pumps and automation 

Why "pH Drift" Is a Bad Explanation

Rudy challenges one of the industry's most common phrases.

Water does not mysteriously "drift."

When pH changes, chemistry is causing it.

This episode explains why saying pH drift is often an observation rather than an explanation and why understanding the underlying chemistry matters. 

The Pool Is Breathing

One of the most important concepts discussed:

Your swimming pool is continuously exchanging gases with the atmosphere.

Topics include:

•  Gas exchange at the air-water interface 
•  Chemical equilibrium 
•  Carbon dioxide movement 
•  Why pools are dynamic systems rather than static containers of water 
•  How atmospheric chemistry influences water chemistry every second of every day 

Carbon Dioxide: The Hidden Driver of pH Rise

Most pool professionals focus on chlorine, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and acid additions.

Rudy explains why carbon dioxide deserves far more attention.

Learn about:

•  Carbon dioxide dissolution 
•  Carbonic acid formation 
•  The carbonate buffering system 
•  Why carbon dioxide leaving the water causes pH to rise 
•  The relationship between carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and carbonate chemistry 

Eric Knight's Brilliant Cyanurate-Alkalinity Explanation

Referencing the June 3rd episode of Rule Your Pool, Rudy revisits Eric Knight's explanation of why cyanurate alkalinity is treated differently depending on the calculation being performed.

Discussion includes:

•  Why cyanurate contributes to total alkalinity 
•  How muriatic acid protonates cyanurate ions 
•  The difference between cyanurate ions and cyanuric acid 
•  Why total alkalinity and carbonate alkalinity are not interchangeable 
•  When to use carbonate alkalinity for LSI calculations 
•  Why total alkalinity is still used for acid demand calculations 

Does pH Still Matter When CYA Is Present?

A detailed review of:

•  The FC/CYA relationship 
•  Hypochlorous acid concentration 
•  The effects of pH on sanitizer strength 
•  Why maintaining the proper chlorine-to-CYA ratio matters 
•  Pathogen kill times at different pH levels 
•  Giardia and leptospira examples demonstrating how pH can still influence disinfection performance 

Total Alkalinity Is Not a Chemical

One of the central lessons of the episode:

Total alkalinity is a measurement, not a substance.

Topics include:

•  Buffering capacity 
•  Acid neutralizing capacity 
•  Carbonate and bicarbonate systems 
•  Why alkalinity gets blamed for everything 
•  The difference between cause and effect in water chemistry 

Le Chatelier's Principle and Pool Chemistry

Rudy breaks down one of chemistry's most important concepts into practical pool language.

Learn:

•  What happens when equilibrium is disturbed 
•  How the carbonate system responds to carbon dioxide loss 
•  Why hydrogen ion concentration changes 
•  The actual mechanism behind rising pH 

Why Waterfalls, Spas, Bubblers, and Deck Jets Raise pH

If your backyard resembles a miniature Bellagio, this section is for you.

Topics include:

•  Aeration and turbulence 
•  Increased gas exchange 
•  Carbon dioxide stripping 
•  Why decorative water features often accelerate pH rise 
•  Understanding the relationship between aeration and water balance 

Salt Systems and pH Rise

A common misconception is addressed:

Salt systems do not create pH.

Instead, they create conditions that accelerate carbon dioxide loss.

Discussion includes:

•  Hydrogen gas production 
•  Increased turbulence 
•  Gas transfer dynamics 
•  Why salt pools often experience persistent pH rise 

Acid and Aeration: The Ultimate Demonstration

Rudy explains why the classic acid-and-aeration method for lowering total alkalinity proves that carbon dioxide—not alkalinity—is driving pH rise.

A practical chemistry lesson every service technician should understand. 

Key Takeaways

•  pH does not mysteriously drift. 
•  Carbon dioxide is often the real driver of pH rise. 
•  Total alkalinity is a measurement, not a chemical. 
•  Aeration accelerates carbon dioxide loss. 
•  Salt systems indirectly contribute to rising pH by increasing gas exchange. 
•  Understanding equilibrium makes pool chemistry easier to predict. 
•  Once you understand carbon dioxide, many long-standing pool chemistry mysteries disappear.

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

In this Thursday edition of Talking Pools, hosts Steve Sherwood and Wayne Ivusich dive into the realities of running a successful pool service company. From referral programs and pricing challenges to difficult customer interactions and the importance of building relationships with manufacturer representatives, this episode offers practical business advice for pool professionals. The conversation also includes an insurance-focused discussion on the growing topic of natural swimming pools and the unique risks they present. 

Topics Covered

Why Referrals Are Still the Best Marketing Tool

Steve explains why customer referrals continue to be one of the most effective ways to grow a pool service business. Rather than chasing online reviews or discount programs, he discusses building trust with existing clients and rewarding long-term customer relationships. 

The Reality of Pool Service Pricing

Not all pool companies charge the same rates. Steve shares a real-world example of a prospective client comparing prices and why competing solely on price often creates problems. The discussion highlights the importance of communicating value, professionalism, reliability, and service quality. 

Managing Difficult Customer Expectations

From emergency requests to customers demanding specific service times, the hosts discuss how setting boundaries and maintaining clear expectations protects both the customer and the service company. They explain why not every client is the right fit for every business. 

Commercial vs Residential Pool Customers

Why are commercial clients often easier to work with than residential customers? Steve shares his perspective on dealing with engineering departments, facility managers, and property owners versus individual homeowners with highly specific expectations. 

Insurance Interlude with Pat Granon

Can Natural Swimming Pools Be Insured?

Pat Granon from the California Pool Association joins the show to discuss insurance considerations surrounding natural swimming pools. The conversation explores whether natural pools are classified as pools for insurance purposes and what coverage options may be necessary for companies servicing them. 

Additional Risks of Natural Pools

The discussion examines concerns involving:

•  Communicable disease exposure 
•  Pollution liability 
•  Professional liability risks 
•  Biological filtration systems 
•  Potential legal exposure from waterborne illnesses 

Pat explains why standard general liability coverage may not always be enough and discusses additional policy options that service companies should consider when working with natural swimming pools. 

Is a Natural Pool Really a Pool?

The hosts debate where natural pools fit within the industry and whether maintaining biology instead of traditional water chemistry creates a fundamentally different risk profile for operators and service providers. 

Support the show

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In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Natalie Hood sits down with Mike Collins, President of Tenjam, to uncover the often-overlooked realities of in-pool furniture. While most homeowners shop based on appearance and price, Mike explains why comfort, engineering, maintenance requirements, water depth compatibility, and long-term performance matter far more once the furniture is actually sitting in the pool. 

From ergonomics and furniture design to pool covers, vinyl liners, fiberglass pools, and maintenance concerns, this episode challenges many of the assumptions surrounding today's popular tanning ledges and sun shelves. 

Topics Covered in This Episode

Why Two Pool Loungers That Look Identical Can Perform Completely Differently

Mike explains how ergonomics, contouring, lumbar support, water management systems, and manufacturing quality dramatically impact comfort and usability. What looks great in a photo may become uncomfortable or frustrating after only a few uses. 

The Hidden Problem with Water-Filled Furniture

Many in-pool furniture designs rely on trapped water for weight and stability. Mike discusses how some loungers can weigh more than 160 to 260 pounds when filled, creating challenges for homeowners, pool service professionals, and anyone using automatic pool covers. 

Pool Covers and Furniture: Friend or Foe?

The conversation explores why many service professionals dislike heavy in-pool furniture and how furniture design can determine whether opening and closing an automatic cover becomes a simple task or a major inconvenience. 

Does Heavy Furniture Really Mean Better Furniture?

One of the industry's biggest misconceptions is that heavier furniture automatically equals greater stability. Mike explains the science of buoyancy, water displacement, and how thoughtful engineering can create stable furniture without excessive weight. 

Comfort Matters More Than Most People Realize

Not all in-pool furniture is designed with actual human comfort in mind. The discussion examines common design flaws and how proper ergonomics can dramatically improve the user experience for adults, children, and multi-generational families. 

The Maintenance Nobody Talks About

Furniture left in pools year-round faces constant exposure to UV light, calcium scaling, scum lines, algae growth, and other environmental challenges. Mike explains what homeowners should know before purchasing furniture and why drainage design matters. 

Vinyl Liner and Fiberglass Pool Considerations

Many pool owners have heard that luxury in-pool furniture isn't compatible with vinyl liner or fiberglass pools. Mike separates fact from fiction and discusses how furniture weight, movement, and construction can affect pool surfaces over time. 

Why Water Depth Should Be Part of Every Furniture Conversation

One of the most overlooked aspects of pool design is matching furniture to tanning ledge depth. The episode explores how different water depths create completely different user experiences and why builders should discuss furniture plans with homeowners before construction begins. 

Pool Furniture Is More Than Decoration

Today's in-pool furniture is no longer simply a visual accessory. The right furniture can influence how homeowners use their pools, interact with guests, enjoy tanning ledges, and maximize their outdoor living spaces. 

Key Takeaways

•  Comfort should be evaluated, not assumed. 
•  Furniture weight does not automatically equal quality. 
•  Pool covers and furniture compatibility matter. 
•  Maintenance requirements vary significantly between brands. 
•  Vinyl liner and fiberglass pools require careful furniture selection. 
•  Water depth should influence furniture decisions before a pool is built. 
•  Proper engineering often matters more than appearance alone. 
•  The cheapest option may become the most expensive over time. 

Memorable Quote

"What looks similar online can perform very differently once it's in the water, and understanding the engineering behind the product can make all the difference in long-term satisfaction." 

Connect with the Guest

Learn more about Mike Collins and TenJam's innovative approach to in-pool furniture design, ergonomics, and outdoor living solutions by visiting their website and social media channels. 

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In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Lee Salisbury, Shane Sneddon, and Nick discuss one of the most challenging and often frustrating aspects of pool service: leak detection. From simple dye tests and bucket tests to advanced acoustic listening devices, pressure testing, and underground leak locating equipment, the team shares real-world experiences, troubleshooting techniques, and lessons learned from years in the field. 

Topics Covered

Why Leak Detection Is a Specialized Skill

Leak detection often goes far beyond finding a wet spot in the yard. The hosts discuss how locating leaks requires patience, methodical troubleshooting, experience, and sometimes specialized equipment that represents a significant investment for a service company. 

Common Leak Sources Every Technician Should Check First

Before investing in advanced equipment, technicians can often identify many leaks through basic inspection and process-of-elimination techniques, including:

•  Multiport valve waste lines 
•  Hydrostatic relief valves 
•  Skimmer box cracks 
•  Skimmer faceplates and gaskets 
•  Return fittings 
•  Suction-side plumbing 
•  Equipment pad leaks 
•  Pump lid cracks and air leaks 

The hosts explain why many leaks can be found without expensive equipment when a systematic approach is used. 

Dye Testing: Every Technician's Best Friend

One of the most effective and affordable leak detection tools remains simple dye testing. The discussion covers:

•  How dye reveals water movement 
•  Why water table levels can affect results 
•  Choosing the right dye color for different pool finishes 
•  Common mistakes when performing dye tests 
•  Creative field solutions using syringes, plasticine, and simple tools 

The team also discusses fluorescent dyes and situations where standard dye colors become difficult to see. 

When the Water Table Changes Everything

Heavy rainfall and high groundwater can completely change leak detection results. Shane shares examples where visible holes in vinyl liners showed no water loss because surrounding groundwater pressure equalized the leak. Understanding groundwater conditions is critical when diagnosing suspected leaks. 

Vinyl Pool Leak Challenges

The hosts discuss:

•  Large vinyl liner tears 
•  Aging liner failures 
•  Temporary patching methods 
•  When repairs are no longer practical 
•  Recognizing when liner replacement is the only realistic solution 

Real-world examples illustrate why some repairs become recurring service calls if underlying liner deterioration is ignored. 

Fiberglass Pool Failures and Structural Issues

Several unusual fiberglass pool failures are discussed, including:

•  Pool walls collapsing due to improper backfill 
•  Hydrostatic valve failures 
•  Pools lifting out of the ground despite being full of water 
•  Drainage design failures around pool shells 

These stories highlight why understanding soil conditions and groundwater management is just as important as understanding plumbing. 

Advanced Leak Detection Equipment

Shane explains the equipment used by professional leak detection companies, including:

•  Acoustic microphones 
•  Pipe microphones 
•  Pressure testing systems 
•  Underground listening devices 
•  Sonar and sound-based locating systems 

The discussion includes how these systems work, their limitations, and why training is essential before offering leak detection as a professional service. 

Is Leak Detection Worth Adding to Your Business?

For service companies considering expanding into leak detection, the hosts discuss:

•  Equipment costs 
•  Training requirements 
•  Insurance considerations 
•  Break-even analysis 
•  Market demand 
•  Scheduling and labor requirements 

They emphasize the importance of understanding profitability before investing heavily in specialized services. 

Knowing When to Call a Specialist

Not every pool company needs to perform advanced leak detection. The hosts discuss the value of building relationships with trusted specialists and recognizing when a problem exceeds your equipment, experience, or risk tolerance. 

Real-World Leak Stories

The episode features several memorable leak investigations, including:

•  A pool that only leaked intermittently 
•  A cracked pump lid causing major system issues 
•  Underground plumbing surprises 
•  Faulty underground repairs 
•  Hidden plumbing modifications discovered during excavation 

These stories demonstrate why leak detection often feels more like detective work than pool service. 

Field Tips and Tricks

The hosts share practical technician tips, including:

•  Bucket testing procedures 
•  Using plasticine and Blu Tack for temporary line isolation 
•  Why proper expansion plugs matter 
•  Temporary repair products that actually work 
•  The dangers of underground rubber couplers 
•  Repair materials for emergency situations 

These small tricks can save technicians hours of frustration in the field. 

Key Takeaway

Successful leak detection is built on a systematic process of elimination. Start with the obvious, verify assumptions, test methodically, and know your limitations. Whether you're using a simple dye syringe or advanced acoustic equipment, the goal remains the same: gather evidence, eliminate possibilities, and follow the facts until the leak reveals itself. 

Connect With Talking Pools

Have a topic suggestion or a question you'd like answered on a future episode?

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En este episodio, Rudy responde una pregunta que recibe con frecuencia en el campo: ¿cuánta tierra de diatomeas (DE) debe agregarse realmente a un filtro después de una limpieza completa? A través de un enfoque práctico y fácil de entender, explica cómo determinar la cantidad correcta basándose en el área de superficie del filtro y no simplemente en estimaciones o costumbres heredadas. 

Temas Principales

La importancia de la dosis correcta de DE

Muchos técnicos y operadores agregan menos tierra de diatomeas de la necesaria después de limpiar un filtro. Rudy explica por qué esta práctica puede afectar el rendimiento de la filtración y cómo asegurarse de que el filtro reciba la carga adecuada. 

Cómo se calcula el área de superficie de una rejilla DE

Utilizando una rejilla estándar de 19 pulgadas de diámetro como ejemplo, se revisa el proceso para convertir pulgadas a pies y calcular el área de superficie mediante la fórmula del área de un círculo (π × radio²). 

Por qué cada lado de la rejilla cuenta

Las rejillas de los filtros DE tienen dos caras activas de filtración. El episodio muestra cómo considerar ambas superficies para obtener una medición precisa del área total de filtración. 

Determinando el área total del filtro

Una vez calculada el área de una sola rejilla, Rudy demuestra cómo multiplicar ese valor por el número total de rejillas para determinar la superficie completa del filtro. En el ejemplo utilizado, un conjunto de 12 rejillas proporciona aproximadamente 47.28 pies cuadrados de área de filtración. 

La regla de la industria para la carga de DE

Se analiza la recomendación comúnmente aceptada de agregar aproximadamente 1.25 libras de tierra de diatomeas por cada 10 pies cuadrados de área de filtración. A partir de esta fórmula, se calcula la cantidad total necesaria para el sistema de ejemplo. 

Conversión práctica a cucharadas

Para facilitar el trabajo en campo, Rudy convierte el peso requerido de DE en cucharadas o paladas estándar, explicando que una palada típica contiene aproximadamente media libra de tierra de diatomeas. Esto permite realizar ajustes rápidos sin necesidad de una balanza. 

La regla sencilla para recordar

Después de realizar todos los cálculos, Rudy comparte una forma mucho más fácil de estimar la cantidad de DE necesaria en sistemas que utilizan rejillas estándar de 19 pulgadas: aproximadamente una cucharada o palada por cada rejilla. Una regla práctica que simplifica enormemente el proceso para técnicos y operadores. 

Lo Que Aprenderás

•  Cómo calcular correctamente el área de superficie de un filtro DE. 
•  Cuánta tierra de diatomeas agregar después de una limpieza completa. 
•  Cómo convertir libras de DE a medidas prácticas de campo. 
•  Por qué agregar muy poca DE puede afectar el desempeño del filtro. 
•  Un método rápido para estimar la carga adecuada utilizando el número de rejillas del sistema. 

Sobre el Presentador

Rudy Stankowitz, de Aquatic Facility Training & Consultants, comparte conocimientos prácticos basados en décadas de experiencia en la industria de piscinas, ayudando a técnicos, operadores y profesionales acuáticos a comprender no solo qué hacer, sino también por qué hacerlo. 

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In this thought-provoking Floc It Friday episode, Rudy Stankowitz takes a step away from chemistry myths, manufacturer sound-offs, and social media debates to explore a topic that has generated considerable discussion in both the pool industry and online communities: natural swimming pools. Drawing from four peer-reviewed scientific studies provided by Professor Charles Gerba, Rudy examines what the current scientific literature actually says about biological water treatment systems, pathogen control, microbial communities, and public health.

Before diving into the science, Rudy also shares a personal message recognizing National PTSD Awareness Month, discussing the unseen challenges many industry professionals carry and reminding listeners that they are never alone in their struggles. 

In This Episode

•  Why natural swimming pools represent a fundamentally different philosophy from traditional disinfected pools 
•  The role of biological treatment systems, regeneration zones, gravel beds, and microbial communities 
•  A review of a documented 2001 German outbreak involving more than 200 illnesses associated with a public nature-like swimming pond 
•  What researchers discovered about swimmer exposure, water ingestion, and viral transmission 
•  The findings of a Canadian risk assessment examining pathogen behavior in natural swimming ponds 
•  How filtration rates, turnover times, and treatment efficiency influence health outcomes 
•  The potential role of UV disinfection and why questions remain about its interaction with biological ecosystems 
•  Research from Spain examining microbial populations and fecal contamination in natural swimming pools 
•  Wildlife as a potential source of contamination in recreational waters 
•  The importance of biofilms and the complex microbial communities that inhabit them 
•  Why cyanobacteria, algae, and aquatic microbiology continue to raise important scientific questions 
•  The challenges of identifying microbial populations without site-specific testing 
•  What a 2024 One Health review reveals about algae, cyanobacteria, recreational water quality, and public health 
•  The difference between visible water quality and the unseen biological processes occurring beneath the surface 
•  Why scientific uncertainty is not a weakness, but a critical part of the scientific process 

Key Takeaway

The current scientific literature does not conclude that natural swimming pools are inherently unsafe, nor does it suggest that all questions surrounding their operation have been answered. Instead, the research consistently points toward the need for continued study, monitoring, challenge testing, and a deeper understanding of the biological communities responsible for water treatment. As Rudy emphasizes throughout the episode, science advances not by defending positions, but by asking better questions. 

Topics Discussed

•  Natural swimming pools 
•  Biological water treatment 
•  Recreational water health risks 
•  Pathogen control 
•  Biofilms 
•  Cyanobacteria 
•  Algae ecology 
•  Public health 
•  Water quality monitoring 
•  Environmental microbiology 
•  Charles Gerba 
•  Risk assessment 
•  One Health research 

Mentioned During the Episode

•  Professor Charles Gerba 
•  Canadian Natural Swimming Pool Risk Assessment 
•  German Nature-Like Swimming Pond Outbreak Investigation 
•  Spanish Natural Swimming Pool Microbial Study 
•  2024 One Health Review on Algae and Recreational Waters 
•  National PTSD Awareness Month 

Sponsors

The 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Pool Industry Mentor Award is proudly supported by:

•  BlueRay XL 
•  LaMotte Company 
•  Revved Up Apparel 
•  Aqua Comfort Water Group 

Research on Natural Pools https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QpahWoVh3DDoNPwdw3oFsnbmUEj_umrS/view?usp=sharing

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This week on the Talking Pools Podcast, Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood take listeners on a journey through some of the strangest, funniest, and most unforgettable experiences pool professionals encounter in the field. What begins as a discussion about a pool overrun with frogs quickly evolves into a collection of stories that highlight the reality of working around water every day. 

Wayne and Steve invite listeners to share the weirdest things they have ever discovered in skimmer baskets and pool systems, leading to stories involving snakes, squirrels, possums, underwear, rodents nesting beneath winter covers, and even a horse that found its way through a safety cover and into a swimming pool. The conversation is both humorous and educational, reminding listeners that no two days in the pool industry are ever the same. 

The episode then shifts to a more serious discussion about water clarity and swimmer safety. Wayne recounts a tragic real-world drowning incident in a cloudy public pool, emphasizing why clear water is not simply an aesthetic goal but a critical life-safety requirement. The hosts discuss why operators should never compromise visibility standards and why maintaining proper filtration and water chemistry remains one of the most important responsibilities in aquatic operations. 

Steve also addresses the growing trend of misleading social media pool "miracle fixes" and viral videos that promise instant water recovery through tablets or additives. The hosts explain why proper pool chemistry does not work that way and encourage listeners to be skeptical of products that appear too good to be true. 

In this week's insurance segment, Steve is joined by Pat from California Pool Association Insurance Services to continue their discussion about a unique consulting project involving pools at a doggy daycare facility. The conversation explores liability concerns, insurance requirements, hold-harmless agreements, commercial pool responsibilities, and the challenges of maintaining aquatic facilities that are operated by people whose primary focus is animal care rather than water management. The discussion provides valuable insight for service companies considering unusual or high-liability clients. 

The second half of the episode dives deep into robotic pool cleaners, filtration systems, and service efficiency. Steve explains why robotic cleaners have become essential tools for modern pool professionals, discusses the pros and cons of suction-side, pressure-side, corded, and cordless cleaners, and shares how automation can dramatically improve service quality while reducing labor hours. The hosts also discuss customer expectations, communication, and the importance of establishing clear responsibilities between pool professionals and facility operators. 

Finally, Wayne and Steve discuss professional education, the value of Certified Pool Operator (CPO) training, and opportunities for experienced professionals to become CPO instructors themselves. The conversation highlights how education improves safety, builds confidence, creates additional revenue opportunities, and helps elevate professionalism throughout the industry. 

Topics Covered

•  Weirdest things ever found in skimmer baskets 
•  Wildlife encounters in swimming pools 
•  Pool safety and water clarity 
•  Real-world drowning prevention lessons 
•  Social media pool chemistry myths 
•  Doggy daycare pool liability concerns 
•  Insurance and hold-harmless agreements 
•  Commercial pool management challenges 
•  Robotic pool cleaners and automation 
•  Sand filters vs. cartridge filters 
•  Customer expectations and communication 
•  CPO certification and instructor training 
•  Building a stronger pool service business 

Connect With Talking Pools

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere podcasts are available.

🌐 Visit: Talking Pools Podcast Network

📧 Email your strangest pool stories to: talkingpools@gmail.com

#TalkingPools #PoolService #SwimmingPoolIndustry #PoolPros #CPOTraining #PoolMaintenance #CommercialPools #PoolSafety #PoolTech #AquaticsProfessionals

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In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Natalie Hood sits down with Michael Thill, Regional Sales Manager with The Grit Game, to tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding sales, distribution, retail operations, dealer support, and business growth in the swimming pool industry. Michael shares lessons learned from more than 15 years in retail, distribution, service, renovations, and manufacturer representation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what really drives success in today's marketplace. 

From his unexpected introduction to the industry in 2011 as a part-time helper at Caribbean Pools to leadership roles with PoolCorp and now The Grit Game, Michael discusses the power of company culture, mentorship, relationship building, and why loving what you do can completely transform your career. 

Topics Covered in This Episode

Do Dealers Only Care About Price?

Michael explains why price is often the first question asked—but rarely the deciding factor. Customers and dealers alike are willing to pay more when they receive exceptional service, expert guidance, and genuine support. The conversation explores how value consistently outperforms price in long-term business relationships. 

Why Product Knowledge Still Matters

The discussion challenges the idea that customers should educate themselves before entering a retail store. Natalie and Michael explain why knowledgeable staff remain one of the most valuable assets a business can have and how ongoing education creates better customer experiences, stronger teams, and increased profitability. 

The Real Purpose of Retail Stores

Contrary to popular belief, customers don't only visit pool stores when something breaks. The episode explores how successful retailers create environments that foster loyalty, trust, community, and repeat business long after the initial sale. 

Distribution Is More Than Moving Boxes

Michael shares what he learned working inside distribution and why great distributor representatives function as educators, problem-solvers, business developers, and strategic partners—not simply order takers. 

Inventory, Forecasting & Supply Chain Realities

The pair discuss common misconceptions about inventory availability, forecasting, lead times, and why communication between dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and reps is critical to maintaining product availability and supporting business growth. 

Building Better Dealer Relationships

What makes a dealer easy to support? What creates challenges? Michael shares candid insights about adaptability, openness to change, communication, and why strong relationships remain one of the most powerful business tools available. 

Why Great Products Don't Always Win

The conversation explores why even outstanding products can struggle to gain market share and how education, awareness, promotion, and dealer buy-in often matter more than product quality alone. 

Promotion vs. Discounting

One of the most practical discussions of the episode focuses on the difference between promoting products and discounting them. Michael explains why businesses often rush to markdowns before fully utilizing effective marketing, customer engagement, and event-driven promotion strategies. 

Key Takeaways

•  Relationships outperform transactions. 
•  Product knowledge remains a competitive advantage. 
•  Great customer experiences create loyalty beyond price. 
•  Distribution and manufacturer reps can be valuable business partners. 
•  Forecasting and communication reduce inventory challenges. 
•  Education fuels growth at every level of the industry. 
•  Promotion creates excitement; discounts should be a last resort. 
•  Long-term success comes from investing in people, not just products. 

Memorable Quote

"Plants don't grow in the same pot they started in. They need new soil, new opportunities, and continued cultivation. Businesses are no different." — Michael Thill 

Whether you're a builder, service professional, retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or sales representative, this episode provides valuable insight into the relationships, strategies, and mindset required to thrive in today's pool industry.

#TalkingPools #PoolIndustry #PoolBusiness #DealerSupport #Distribution #SalesLeadership #PoolProfessionals #RetailSuccess #BusinessGrowth #AquaticsIndustry #NatalieHood #MichaelThill

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This week, Andrea takes listeners on a rapid-fire tour through some of the most misunderstood topics in pool service, water chemistry, equipment operation, and aquatic safety. From saltwater chlorine generation and pH rise to phosphates, storm cleanup pricing, cavitation, combined chlorine, and why nobody should ever trust the phrase "pee is sterile," this episode blends practical field experience with real-world pool science. 

Among the topics discussed:

•  Why salt chlorine generators produce chlorine gas—not sodium hypochlorite—and what that means for water chemistry. 
•  The real reason pH tends to rise in saltwater pools. 
•  Why algae is not always the fault of the service technician. 
•  Equipment failures, power outages, circulation issues, and other overlooked causes of algae outbreaks. 
•  The surprising amount of urine, sunscreen, body oils, and other contaminants introduced by swimmers. 
•  How bather waste contributes to chlorine demand and combined chlorine formation. 
•  Why commercial and residential pool operators should pay attention to damaged drain covers and entrapment hazards. 
•  The importance of maintaining visibility to the main drain and avoiding cloudy water conditions. 
•  A realistic discussion on phosphates, when they matter, and when they may not. 
•  Hurricane preparation strategies, customer communication, and establishing storm cleanup pricing. 
•  Water hammer, cavitation, and the costly damage they can cause to circulation equipment. 
•  How improper chemistry corrections can lead to scaling, cloudy water, and calcium precipitation. 
•  Why Sarah argues the filter is more like the kidneys than the heart of a swimming pool system. 
•  Cold-water benefits, reduced algae pressure, and seasonal chemical considerations. 
•  Heat stroke recognition, prevention, and emergency response. 
•  Why weekly oxidation remains an important tool for managing combined chlorine. 
•  Air relief valves, trapped air, and equipment safety. 
•  Water circulation patterns, dead spots, and their impact on water quality. 
•  The differences between sanitizers, oxidizers, and disinfectants—and why chlorine and bromine serve multiple roles in aquatic environments. 
•  Understanding total alkalinity, carbonate alkalinity, and cyanuric acid corrections in everyday pool operations. 

Key Takeaway

One of the recurring themes throughout this episode is that successful pool operation is rarely about a single chemical, piece of equipment, or magic solution. Safe, clear water depends on understanding how circulation, filtration, sanitation, hydraulics, maintenance practices, and human behavior all interact. Whether discussing algae prevention, storm recovery, equipment protection, or swimmer hygiene, the message remains the same: understanding the science makes better pool professionals. 

Listen Now

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are heard.

#TalkingPools #PoolService #PoolChemistry #SwimmingPool #PoolProfessional #WaterQuality #PoolIndustry #CPO #Aquatics #PoolTech

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This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury, Shane Melrose, and Nick discuss one of the more unusual sides of the pool industry: pools built for animals. What starts as a conversation about winter swimming temperatures quickly turns into a fascinating look at dog splash parks, crocodile enclosures, equestrian facilities, koi ponds, and the unique water quality challenges that come with maintaining aquatic environments that weren't designed for humans. 

Nick shares his experience servicing a commercial dog splash pad attached to a boarding kennel and dog daycare facility. Complete with water features, filtration systems, UV sanitation, ORP control, and large hair-catching pre-filters, the installation demonstrates just how much engineering can go into keeping canine swimmers safe while maintaining water quality. The hosts discuss the realities of servicing these facilities, from dealing with dog hair and elevated sanitizer demand to understanding what pathogens and contaminants may be introduced by animal bathers. 

The conversation expands into public aquatic facilities that host special dog-swimming events after the regular swimming season ends. Lee describes a commercial pool that transforms into a dog-friendly attraction before winter closure, complete with dog treats, pup cups, and scheduled swimming sessions. The hosts explore why these events have become popular while also examining the additional maintenance and sanitation concerns that come with allowing animals into traditionally human-focused aquatic environments. 

Along the way, the team shares stories from the field, including crocodile enclosure maintenance, pools converted into fish ponds, koi installations, dogs trapped under pool covers, kangaroos damaging vinyl liners, and other unexpected encounters that remind listeners that pool service often extends far beyond residential backyards. 

The discussion also dives into commercial pool design and operations, including Australia's practice of color-coding commercial plumbing systems to identify filtered water, unfiltered water, waste lines, and chemical treatment circuits. The hosts explain how these visual systems help technicians navigate complex plant rooms and improve troubleshooting efficiency. 

Finally, the group reviews sanitation considerations for splash pads and interactive water features, including secondary sanitation requirements, UV systems, ozone treatment, pathogen control, chlorine contact times, and the challenges of maintaining safe water quality in facilities with high bather loads and small water volumes. The episode concludes with practical advice for service professionals managing pools where pets are frequent swimmers and why proper filtration, sanitation, and maintenance become even more important when four-legged bathers are involved. 

In This Episode

•  Commercial dog splash pads and daycare aquatic facilities 
•  Filtration and sanitation challenges created by animal bathers 
•  Public pools that host dog swimming events 
•  Crocodile enclosures, equestrian pools, and koi pond conversions 
•  Commercial plant room plumbing color-coding systems 
•  UV, ozone, ORP, and splash pad sanitation requirements 
•  Microbiological concerns associated with animal swimming 
•  Practical maintenance recommendations for pools used by pets 
•  Real-world field stories from Australia and New Zealand 
•  Why dog hair may be one of a technician's biggest challenges 

Connect With Talking Pools

Listen to new episodes every week across the Talking Pools Podcast Network featuring industry professionals from around the world discussing pool service, water chemistry, commercial aquatics, equipment, operations, and the challenges technicians face every day.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are found.

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Bienvenido al Programa de Certificación de Especialista en Prevención y Erradicación de Algas, impartido por Rudy Stankowitz. En este curso aprenderás a abordar las algas en las piscinas desde una perspectiva completamente diferente: una basada en la ciencia ambiental, la química del agua, la hidráulica y la experiencia real en el campo, en lugar de los típicos tratamientos químicos de “echar productos y esperar lo mejor”.

A muchos profesionales de piscinas se les enseña a ver las algas como el problema principal. Este curso desafía esa idea. A lo largo del programa aprenderás que las algas suelen ser un síntoma de problemas más profundos relacionados con la circulación, la filtración, las condiciones ambientales, la eficiencia del desinfectante, el balance del agua y las prácticas operativas. Comprender esas causas de fondo es lo que separa a un técnico que constantemente reacciona a los brotes de algas de un profesional que sabe cómo prevenirlos antes de que comiencen.

Este curso explora cómo cada piscina funciona como su propio ecosistema acuático único. Factores como la vegetación circundante, cuerpos de agua cercanos, exposición solar, carga de bañistas, tipo de superficie de la piscina, ubicación geográfica, eficiencia de filtración y diseño hidráulico influyen en el comportamiento del agua y en los tipos de algas que tienen mayor probabilidad de desarrollarse. Debido a que no existen dos piscinas verdaderamente idénticas, la prevención efectiva de algas requiere ir más allá de los métodos genéricos y desarrollar un protocolo de cuidado personalizado para cada piscina individual.

Los estudiantes aprenderán a “pensar más allá de la piscina” evaluando las condiciones ambientales y operativas que rodean la instalación. Descubrirás cómo los árboles, el polen, los fertilizantes, las mascotas, los patrones climáticos, la acumulación de residuos, los fosfatos, las zonas muertas de circulación e incluso los cambios estacionales pueden influir drásticamente en la calidad del agua y el crecimiento de algas. Al comprender estos factores contribuyentes, comenzarás a reconocer patrones que te permitirán predecir y prevenir problemas de algas de manera más efectiva.

El curso también introduce las diferencias biológicas entre diversas formas de algas y biopelículas de cianobacterias presentes en piscinas, incluyendo algas verdes, algas mostaza, algas negras y moho blanco del agua. Aprenderás por qué tratamientos que funcionan extremadamente bien en una piscina pueden fracasar en otra, y cómo comprender el organismo involucrado permite desarrollar estrategias de remediación más precisas, rentables y exitosas.

Uno de los principales enfoques del programa es aprender a trabajar con la ciencia en lugar de luchar constantemente contra ella. Explorarás las relaciones entre el pH, la aireación, la eficiencia del desinfectante, los fosfatos, la contaminación ambiental y el movimiento del agua, mientras aprendes cómo pequeños ajustes operativos pueden generar mejoras significativas en la estabilidad del agua y en la prevención de algas.

Al finalizar este curso, tendrás una comprensión más sólida de cómo identificar señales de advertencia ambientales, diagnosticar problemas recurrentes de algas, desarrollar estrategias de tratamiento personalizadas, mejorar la estabilidad del agua a largo plazo y crear piscinas más fáciles de mantener. Más importante aún, comenzarás a pensar como un verdadero profesional acuático: alguien capaz de identificar las causas fundamentales detrás de los problemas de calidad del agua en lugar de simplemente reaccionar a los síntomas.

Ya seas nuevo en la industria de las piscinas o un profesional experimentado en servicio y mantenimiento, este curso está diseñado para ayudarte a desarrollar conocimientos técnicos más profundos, mejorar tus habilidades de diagnóstico, reducir el uso innecesario de químicos y posicionarte como un experto más confiable y respetado dentro de tu mercado.

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This week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz takes listeners on a journey that starts with a surprisingly heated social media debate about natural swimming pools and ends somewhere in the future of artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, and autonomous pool care.

After receiving a flood of messages asking whether natural swimming pools are truly safe, Rudy shares the Facebook post that unexpectedly sparked a debate with advocates of natural pool systems. The discussion explores concerns about cyanobacteria, biofilms, phytoplankton toxins, and the potential risks associated with naturally managed aquatic environments. Rudy explains why his position has never been anti-natural pool, but rather pro-science, pro-testing, and pro-data. He also shares a direct response from renowned environmental microbiologist Professor Charles Gerba, whose comments on natural waters, disease transmission, and the importance of healthy skepticism add valuable perspective to the conversation. 

The episode then shifts gears into a much larger discussion about how dramatically the swimming pool industry has evolved over the past several decades. Rudy reflects on entering the business during an era of paper route sheets, handwritten invoices, filing cabinets, road maps, and technicians whose greatest diagnostic tool was experience rather than technology. He explains how much of the industry once relied on instinct, memory, and hard-earned field knowledge passed from one generation to the next. 

Listeners will hear an in-depth examination of how water testing transformed from subjective color matching to sophisticated digital analysis. Rudy discusses the progression from OTO and DPD testing to FAS-DPD and modern photometric systems, highlighting how improved testing did more than provide better numbers—it exposed inconsistencies and helped move the industry away from guesswork and toward true diagnostics. 

Drawing from his own research into black algae and cyanobacteria, Rudy explores the concept of pools as living ecosystems rather than simple containers of water. He discusses biofilms, microbial communities, prevention strategies, and why future pool care must focus on understanding entire systems rather than merely reacting to visible symptoms. The conversation touches on copper, silver, zinc, and the broader philosophy of preventative water management. 

The discussion expands into comfort technologies and the changing expectations of modern pool owners. Rudy examines how heat pumps, cooling systems, automation, and environmental controls have shifted pools from seasonal luxuries to highly managed recreational environments designed around convenience, predictability, and user experience. Along the way, he shares the unforgettable story of Ozzy Osbourne attempting to cool his swimming pool with 3,000 pounds of ice. 

Professionalism also takes center stage as Rudy discusses how the public perception of pool service has changed. Today's technicians are expected to understand chemistry, hydraulics, automation, electrical systems, filtration, customer service, data analysis, and business management. He explains why professional appearance, continuing education, certifications, and information sharing have become critical components of industry growth and credibility. 

Finally, Rudy looks ahead to the future. He explores the growing role of sensors, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, and machine learning. Rather than replacing skilled professionals, Rudy argues that these technologies will amplify expertise, allowing future technicians to spend less time collecting information and more time interpreting it. He paints a picture of an industry increasingly driven by data while still relying on the judgment and experience that only people can provide. 

This episode is part history lesson, part industry analysis, part philosophy, and part glimpse into the future. Most importantly, it asks a simple question:

What happens when an industry stops reacting to problems and starts understanding why they happen in the first place?

In This Episode

•  Natural swimming pools and the science behind the controversy 
•  Professor Charles Gerba's thoughts on natural waters and disease risks 
•  The evolution of pool water testing 
•  Cyanobacteria, biofilms, and preventative water management 
•  Why clear water isn't always clean water 
•  The rise of digital diagnostics and photometric testing 
•  Heat pumps, cooling systems, and comfort technology 
•  Professional identity in the pool industry 
•  The future of AI, robotics, drones, and predictive maintenance 
•  Why expertise will matter more than ever in the decades ahead 

Sponsored By

•  BlueRay XL 
•  LaMotte Company 
•  Aqua Comfort Water Group 
• Service Industry News
•  Revved Up Apparel 
•  Jacks Magic 
•  AquaStar Pool Products 

Connect With Talking Pools

📧 talkingpools@gmail.com
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The swimming pool industry didn't change overnight. It changed one innovation, one lesson, and one better question at a time.

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