Talking Pools Podcast

EXPLORE

Society & Culture

Health & Fitness

© 2024 PodJoint

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/c7/97/bb/c797bbeb-28d4-9a98-5d12-23ac8027e673/mza_11692084220833838743.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

Talking Pools Podcast

Rudy Stankowitz

853 episodes

1 day ago

Text us a pool question! This week’s episode is a little bit of everything — industry insight, real talk, and a peek behind the curtain of what’s happening with the people who keep this trade moving forward. We’re starting with something close to home: our Mentor Awards. You’ll hear from a few of the folks whose names carry serious weight in this industry — the people who have shaped, guided, and inspired so many pool pros. These conversations aren’t scripted or polished for press releases; t...

Show more...

Entrepreneurship,

All content for Talking Pools Podcast is the property of Rudy Stankowitz and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Text us a pool question! This week’s episode is a little bit of everything — industry insight, real talk, and a peek behind the curtain of what’s happening with the people who keep this trade moving forward. We’re starting with something close to home: our Mentor Awards. You’ll hear from a few of the folks whose names carry serious weight in this industry — the people who have shaped, guided, and inspired so many pool pros. These conversations aren’t scripted or polished for press releases; t...

Show more...

Entrepreneurship,

Episodes (20/853)

Talking Pools Podcast

The Ideal Customer? Good on you, Peter.

Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts celebrate Peter's contributions to the industry while discussing the characteristics of ideal clients in both retail and mobile pool services. They share personal anecdotes about challenging customer interactions, the importance of setting clear expectations, and strategies for managing difficult clients. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication and the balance between good and bad clients, ultimately...

1 day ago

44 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Floc Hard or Go Home: Greg Beard’s 35 Summers of Pool Wisdom

Text us a pool question! This week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy sits down with Greg “Beard Man” Beard—poolside philosopher, calcium whisperer, and one of the Top 10 Mentors nominated for the 2025 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award. Greg has spent 35 summers in the field training rookies, guiding veterans, and mentoring like it’s a martial art. From confronting internet undercutting to saving techs from costly mistakes, Greg shares the lessons, stories, and no-BS truths that define a li...

4 days ago

1 hour 13 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

You have to reevaluate your pricing structure.

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Steve and Wayne discuss the significance of mentorship in the pool industry, emphasizing how it can lead to breakthroughs and prevent burnout. They explore the dynamics of competition, pricing strategies, and the essential role of insurance for pool service businesses. The conversation also touches on the importance of building relationships within the industry and the impact of online communities. Wayne shares insights on...

5 days ago

56 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Don't slam your pole on the ground

Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Sarah discusses the importance of self-care and equipment maintenance for pool technicians. She emphasizes the need for proper hydration, nutrition, and safety precautions while working in extreme weather conditions. Sarah also highlights the significance of stretching and physical maintenance to prevent injuries. Additionally, she shares practical tips for taking care of equipment, ensuring longevity and efficiency in their work. Overall, the co...

6 days ago

37 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Route Shuffle Drama: Andrea’s Unexpected Detour

Text us a pool question! This week on the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea shares a behind-the-scenes story that every pool pro can relate to—getting reassigned to a different service route after a property manager’s complaint. What really happened? Was it about the water? The filter? Or something completely out of left field? Andrea takes us through the awkward conversation with her boss, the eyebrow-raising “feedback” from the property manager, and the ripple effect it had on her week. We dig ...

1 week ago

47 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Peter Hangs Up the Net

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Peter, Shane, and Lee reflecting on personal health challenges, and career transitions. They explore the emotional aspects of leaving a long-standing career, the impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth, and the importance of prioritizing family and well-being. The conversation concludes with gratitude for the experiences shared and the relationships built within the industry. takeaways The Mentor of the ...

1 week ago

25 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Who are the TOP 10 Mentors? Who are you? What is WOW? Is BIG BROTHER Watching? 👀

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy discusses the launch of the Women of Water initiative by Pool Corp and PHTA, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions of women in the pool industry. He shares insights on how personal stories and motivations can shape professional identities and the need for genuine empowerment and mentorship. The conversation also touches on the tensions within the industry, particularly between independent profess...

1 week ago

29 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Natural Disasters in the Service Industry and Crucial Role of Communication

Text us a pool question! communication, natural disasters, insurance, client relations, pool maintenance, service industry, water chemistry, customer service, liability, business management In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss various topics ranging from recent natural disasters to the importance of effective communication in the service industry. They share personal experiences with earthquakes and tsunamis, emphasizing the need for preparedness and awa...

1 week ago

56 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

You Just Have to Pull Harder

Text us a pool question! pool equipment, color vision bubblers, Pentair IntelliBright, construction challenges, installation issues, foundation problems, pool maintenance, electrical breakers, pool lighting, pool repair In this conversation, Drew and Sarah discuss various challenges faced in the pool maintenance and installation industry. They delve into specific issues related to color vision bubblers, Pentair IntelliBright lights, and the importance of proper installation practices. The c...

1 week ago

29 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Borates, Dangers Lurking in Hotel Pools, and Heat Stroke

Text us a pool question! Borates, pool safety, heat stroke, MRSA, chlorine, health risks, swimming pool maintenance, heat-related illnesses, summer safety, pool infections, public safety In this episode of Talking Pools - BORATES! Followed by Andrea on the alarming health risks associated with swimming pools, particularly focusing on a case of a tourist who suffered severe injuries after swimming in a poorly maintained hotel pool. She emphasizes the importance of pool safety and regular mai...

2 weeks ago

31 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

The Emotional Journey of Selling a Business

Text us a pool question! In this episode of Mondays Down Under, the hosts discuss the recent sale of a pool shop and the emotional and logistical aspects of running a business in the pool industry. They explore the importance of preparation for selling a business, the role of staff during transitions, and the impact of technology and AI on the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for due diligence and maintaining strong customer relationships to ensure business success. takeaways ...

2 weeks ago

28 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

These changes aren't going away.

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz dives into the complexities of the pool industry, discussing personal updates, the importance of mentorship, the impact of climate change, the rise of automation and AI, challenges posed by unlicensed technicians, and the evolving landscape of water chemistry regulations. He emphasizes the need for professionals to adapt to these changes while maintaining their reputation in a digital age filled with review...

2 weeks ago

43 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

How to Seek Out Mentors in the Pool Industry

Text us a pool question! Wayne and Steve kick off the episode with a light-hearted discussion about their busy weeks and the unexpected busyness of retirement. Steve's Storytime: Steve shares a detailed account of a challenging pool renovation project in Palisades, involving fire damage and complex insurance requirements. Mentorship Discussion: The hosts delve into the importance of mentorship in the pool industry, sharing personal experiences and offering advice on finding and becoming a men...

2 weeks ago

53 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Hot starts are bad 👎

Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Andrew discusses the intricacies of pool startups, focusing on the importance of proper plaster care, chemical procedures, and maintenance practices. He emphasizes the significance of using calcium over acid during startups and the necessity of regular brushing and filter cleaning to ensure optimal pool conditions. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced during pool construction and the critical role of maintaining water chemistry thr...

2 weeks ago

32 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Poolside Chats with Andrea & Paulette

Text us a pool question! Episode Highlights: Florida HVAC Bill Debate: Dive into the ongoing discussion about a new bill that could allow HVAC professionals to install pool heaters, a move opposed by the Florida Swimming Pool Association. Viral Pool Trends: Discover the story behind a viral TikTok video featuring a unique black pool design that has captured the internet's attention. Pool Chemistry Insights: Learn about the causes of purple pool water and the role of manganese and copper cyanu...

3 weeks ago

51 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Turns Out You Can Win Awards Without Being a Total Tool

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss the challenges of winter in Australia, the importance of work-life balance in business ownership, and the value of mentorship in the pool industry. They also explore the role of awards in recognizing excellence and the evolution of award criteria over the years. The conversation highlights the significance of mystery shopping as a quality control measure and emphasizes the need to raise indust...

3 weeks ago

38 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Legacy is not given, it's earned.

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the challenges and triumphs within the pool industry. He reflects on personal experiences with adversity, emphasizes the importance of mentorship, and introduces the exciting new Championship Belt Award for the Mentor of the Year. Rudy also addresses pressing issues such as skyrocketing insurance premiums, a chemical supply crisis, and the looming threat of sales tax enforcement on pool service la...

3 weeks ago

30 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Time is valuable, and you should be paid for it.

Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal health updates to the challenges of insurance in the pool industry. They delve into the advancements in medical technology, particularly in hip replacement surgeries, and share personal experiences with insurance claims. The conversation shifts to the growing trend of virtual pool inspections and the importance of timely inspections in construction projects. They ...

3 weeks ago

1 hour 3 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

A Robot Can’t Replace a Human Giving a F*ck

Text us a pool question! In this episode, Sarah Bero walks through the pros, cons, and must-know facts about the most common pool cleaning systems—suction cleaners, pressure cleaners, robotic cleaners, and in-floor cleaning systems. With a no-BS approach, Sarah breaks down what each system does, what they don’t do, and why no machine will ever fully replace the trained eye (and grit) of a human pool tech. 💡 Takeaways: Suction cleaners are effective for light debris but require caution to avoi...

3 weeks ago

21 minutes

Talking Pools Podcast

Strange Injury After a Dive into a Client's Pool

Text us a pool question! In this episode, the hosts discuss personal experiences, including health issues related to a ruptured eardrum, and share positive feedback from the community regarding their pool maintenance services. They also address safety concerns in the pool industry, recent news about pool recalls, and delve into the challenges of managing chemical levels in saltwater pools. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support and the complexities of pool maintenance...

4 weeks ago

51 minutes