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...
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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...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the importance of operational leverage in the pool business, emphasizing the need for systems and processes that allow for efficiency and profitability. He explores various strategies for streamlining operations, optimizing routes, and managing client relationships. The conversation also delves into innovative solutions for pool maintenance, particularly focusing on nitrate removal, challenging tr...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss their recent travels and experiences with pool maintenance, particularly focusing on the differences in pool care across regions. They delve into the importance of well point systems for commercial pools, especially in areas prone to erosion, and provide insights for newcomers to the pool industry, emphasizing the need for knowledge and networking. This conversation delves into the intricacies...
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Sarah shares her journey in the pool industry, detailing her experiences from starting as a helper to navigating the challenges of apartment complex pools and eventually returning to residential pools. She discusses various maintenance techniques, the importance of chemical management, and humorous anecdotes from his work. Sarah emphasizes the responsibilities of homeowners in maintaining their pools and offers practical tips for effective pool care. ...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Paulette and Andrea discuss their recent alligator rescue from a pool, share insights on pool safety and regulations, and highlight the importance of chemical safety in pool maintenance. They also touch on the risks associated with pool rentals through platforms like Swimpley and emphasize the need for proper supervision of children around water. The conversation wraps up with a call for listener engagement and feedback. takeaways T...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss various challenges faced in pool maintenance and construction, particularly in relation to weather conditions, tenant responsibilities, and design flaws. They explore the implications of insurance and liability issues, the risks associated with DIY pool installations, and the importance of proper tools and techniques for maintenance. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the importance of building a solid business model in the pool service industry, emphasizing smart scaling and effective systems. He introduces a new voice to the podcast, shares insights from industry news, and delves into the chemistry of pool maintenance, particularly focusing on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and the four key parameters of water chemistry: pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and TDS. The...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Wayne Ivusich shares his recent experiences traveling to Fiji and on a cruise through the Southern Pacific islands. He discusses the cultural aspects of Fiji, the quality and maintenance of pools and spas at resorts, and the practices observed on cruise ships. Rudy reflects on the importance of public health standards in pool maintenance, especially in the wake of COVID-19, and the impact on tourism in island nations. He concludes wit...
Text us a pool question! Andrea & Paulette, with special guests Sarah and Andrew Bero, share a variety of humorous and serious stories related to pool maintenance, including encounters with dead animals, challenges faced in the industry, and the importance of safety. They discuss the bizarre situations that arise in their line of work, from unexpected injuries to management issues, and highlight the need for proper maintenance and care in pool services. The conversation also touches on he...
Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss the significance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the context of aquatic facilities and service businesses. They emphasize the need for consistency, compliance, and the empowerment of staff through well-documented procedures. The discussion also touches on the role of technology and AI in developing SOPs, the importance of detailed procedures, and the necessity of personalizing SOPs to reflect the business'...
Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz addresses the pressing issues within the pool industry, including illegal practices and the importance of understanding key business metrics. He emphasizes the need for customer retention, satisfaction, and effective technician training. The discussion also covers profitability, sustainability, employee retention, and competitive intelligence, urging pool service professionals to track essential metrics to ...
Text us a pool question! In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz and Steve discuss various challenges and innovations in the pool industry, focusing on chemical management, service agreements, and the importance of mentorship. They explore the significance of accurate chemical dosing, the role of insurance in risk management, and the latest advancements in water testing technology. The conversation also touches on personal projects and the importance of treating employees well in a growing business....
Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? In this episode, Lee and guest host Peter Legaz discuss significant changes in the pool industry, including leadership transitions within Spasa and the impact of these changes on the industry. They explore the importance of community engagement, the challenges of staff management, and personal experiences that shape their business insights. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability and the value of personal connections in business. The co...
Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy discusses a significant industrial safety incident at the Biolab Chemical Plant in Conyers, Georgia, highlighting the implications for community health and the pool industry. He also provides a weekly roundup of developments in the pool and spa industry, including legislative concerns and new safety standards. The episode further delves into the state of the pool industry through various reports, ana...
Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Rudy discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, including the challenges of maintaining pools on cruise ships, the importance of water quality management, and effective strategies for preventing and treating algae. They also delve into the role of phosphates in pool chemistry, the necessity of regular inspections, and the complexities of health department regulations. The conversation wr...
Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? In this episode of Talking Pools, Andrea and Paulette discuss their weekly experiences in pool maintenance, including challenges with a new pool, algae issues, and the importance of proper chemical balancing. They also delve into the pricing strategies within the pool service industry, emphasizing the need for fair compensation for quality work. The conversation highlights customer expectations and the frustrations faced by pool service professionals...
Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss the journey of Algon, a company focused on recycling and sustainability in the pool industry. Founders John and Ted share their experiences in establishing a recycling program, the challenges they faced, and the positive impact on the environment and their business. They emphasize the importance of educating clients, building trust, and engaging the community in sustainability efforts. The conversat...
Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the importance of mentorship in the pool service industry through the story of Chlorine Carl and his mentee Benny. The conversation transitions into an analysis of the latest industry reports from Aqua Magazine and Skimmer, highlighting economic insights, labor challenges, and the impact of technology on the industry. The episode concludes with a comparative analysis of the two r...
Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss the significance of mentorship in the pool industry, the launch of the Mentor of the Year Award, and the importance of respect and empathy among professionals. They explore the challenges of navigating online communities, the value of building relationships, and the need for privacy in the digital age. The conversation emphasizes the role of mentorship in professional growth and encourag...
Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? In this conversation, Andrea and her co-host Paulette discuss the challenges and inefficiencies in the pool service industry, particularly in Florida. They explore a post that suggests changing the tone around pool service to enhance respect and efficiency. The discussion covers various policies that could improve service, such as filter cleaning frequency and emergency cleanup fees. They also share personal experiences dealing with external factors ...
Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? In this episode, the hosts discuss their recent travels, training experiences, and the importance of safety in pool maintenance, particularly regarding electrical hazards. They share insights from training sessions, feedback from participants, and personal anecdotes about dealing with customer inquiries and electrical issues in swimming pools. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper training, communication, and safety precautions in the indus...
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...
