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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 

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#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

📧 [email protected]
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🌐 Online Pool Classes

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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This week on Thursdays with Wayne & Steve, the guys dive into one of the least glamorous—but most important—aspects of operating commercial swimming pools: documentation, compliance, and dealing with health inspectors. What starts as Steve covering pools while his service manager attends a college graduation quickly turns into a discussion about inaccurate logbooks, misunderstood regulations, and the real-world consequences of bad record keeping. 

Steve shares a surprising encounter involving a health inspector allegedly advising a technician to record “ideal” water chemistry values instead of actual test results. The conversation explores why accurate reporting is essential, why documenting corrective actions matters just as much as recording test results, and how falsified records can create serious liability issues for operators and service companies alike. 

Wayne and Steve discuss the reality that not all health inspectors interpret regulations the same way. Drawing from decades of experience, they explain why building strong relationships with local health departments is critical and why operators should remain present during inspections whenever possible. The hosts also examine situations where inspectors have provided conflicting information and discuss the importance of understanding the actual code rather than relying solely on verbal guidance. 

The conversation expands into the growing controversy surrounding Swimply and other pool-sharing platforms. As more homeowners rent their pools to the public, some states are beginning to classify those facilities as commercial pools. Wayne and Steve break down what that means from a regulatory standpoint and discuss the additional requirements, safety equipment, signage, inspections, and liability concerns that could accompany such a classification. 

Woof Woof: The Insurance Interlude

In this week's insurance segment, Steve is joined by Pat Grignol of the California Pool Association to tackle an unusual situation involving dog daycare facilities operating swimming pools for canine recreation and swim programs. The discussion explores insurance implications, bonding and grounding concerns, installation versus service liability, and the many questions pool professionals should ask before agreeing to maintain unconventional aquatic facilities. 

Pat offers practical guidance on how service companies can protect themselves, including recommendations regarding pool installation responsibilities, contractual protections, and the importance of ensuring proper insurance coverage when servicing specialty facilities. The conversation highlights just how quickly liability can escalate when commercial activities involve animals, customers, and water. 

Also Discussed in This Episode

•  Why cyanuric acid deserves more frequent testing than many operators realize 
•  Commercial pool logbooks and legal documentation requirements 
•  The difference between recording readings and recording corrections 
•  Common inspection issues involving depth markers, handrails, and safety equipment 
•  Why health inspectors often interpret regulations differently 
•  Appealing questionable inspection findings 
•  The shortage of health inspectors in many jurisdictions 
•  Commercial pool requirements triggered by pool rental services 
•  Insurance concerns for specialty pools and animal recreation facilities 
•  Why communication with manufacturers can sometimes be as valuable as consulting regulators 
•  The importance of education and continuing training for inspectors and operators alike 

Sponsored By

•  LaMotte Company 
•  Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) 
•  BlueRay XL 
•  Aqua Comfort Water Group 
•  Revved Up Apparel 

Key Takeaway

A pool logbook isn't just paperwork. It's a legal document, an operational record, and often your first line of defense when questions arise. Whether you're dealing with health inspections, commercial pool regulations, Swimply rentals, or even doggy daycare pools, accurate reporting and a solid understanding of the rules can make the difference between smooth operations and major headaches. 

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In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Natalie Hood of The Grit Game sits down with Adam Beech, founder and CEO of PoolBrain, for an in-depth discussion about the operational challenges facing modern pool service companies and the technology being developed to solve them. Adam shares his journey from operating a 20-truck pool service company in Phoenix, Arizona, to creating one of the industry's fastest-growing software platforms after realizing that technician accountability, customer retention, and operational scalability were problems traditional management methods could not fully solve. 

The conversation explores PoolBrain's latest breakthrough: fully automated LSI (Langelier Saturation Index) chemical dosing. Adam explains how PoolBrain now integrates with the Arenda calculator to automate complex water chemistry calculations, allowing companies to establish their preferred LSI methodology once and have the system consistently execute those calculations for technicians in the field. The result is reduced training time, increased consistency, improved water balance, and fewer chemistry-related mistakes. 

Natalie and Adam also discuss one of the industry's most persistent challenges: technician turnover. Adam explains how PoolBrain was originally built to solve the difficulties of managing field technicians, maintaining service quality, and scaling operations without increasing administrative burden. The discussion highlights how automation can reduce training requirements, standardize procedures, and help companies maintain quality regardless of staffing changes. 

The episode takes a deep dive into the growing role of automation in pool service operations, including:

•  Automated chemical dosing 
•  AI-assisted tablet recommendations 
•  Customer communication systems 
•  Route management 
•  Billing automation 
•  Service verification 
•  Preventative maintenance alerts 
•  Equipment monitoring 
•  Inventory management innovations 

Adam explains how modern software is shifting pool companies from reactive management to proactive operations by identifying problems before they become customer complaints. Examples include tracking PSI trends to detect clogged impellers, identifying recurring chemistry issues before pools turn green, and automatically notifying customers when routes change. 

One of the most anticipated segments focuses on PoolBrain's future inventory management system. Adam outlines a vision of fully automated inventory tracking that follows products from supplier purchase to truck stock to chemical consumption at individual pools. The goal is a closed-loop inventory ecosystem that dramatically reduces waste, improves accountability, and eliminates countless hours of manual inventory management. 

Natalie also challenges Adam on several common industry myths, including:

•  "Software is only for large companies." 
•  "All pool software is basically the same." 
•  "Technicians hate software." 

Adam explains why smaller companies often benefit just as much as larger operations and why modern pool software is evolving far beyond simple digital service logs into comprehensive operational platforms. 

The discussion concludes with a look at the future of the industry, including remote equipment monitoring, automated chemistry management, AI-assisted operations, integrated supplier purchasing, and the increasing role of data-driven decision-making in pool service businesses. Adam shares his belief that many operational tasks currently performed manually will become fully automated within the next five years, allowing service companies to focus more on customer relationships and business growth. 

Whether you're a single-pole operator, route manager, service technician, or owner of a multi-truck operation, this episode offers a fascinating look at how technology is reshaping the future of pool service.

Key Topics Discussed

•  The origins of PoolBrain 
•  Technician turnover and accountability 
•  Automated LSI dosing 
•  AI-driven chemical recommendations 
•  Customer communication automation 
•  Service verification and photo documentation 
•  Inventory management and purchasing automation 
•  Operational scalability 
•  Customer portals and self-service tools 
•  The future of AI in pool service 
•  Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance 
•  Why software is becoming essential for competitive pool companies 

Guest

Adam Beach
Founder and CEO of PoolBrain, former pool service company owner, and software innovator focused on solving operational challenges within the pool service industry.

Host

Natalie Hood
Director of Education and Events at The Grit Game

Learn More

PoolBrain Official Website

#TalkingPools #PoolBrain #PoolService #SwimmingPoolIndustry #LSI #PoolChemistry #PoolTech #PoolBusiness #PoolIndustryTechnology #AutomationInPools

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