Talking Pools Podcast

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This is the one where Andrea and Paulette discuss their go-to algaecides 

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A look back at the first episode of the Talking Pools Podcast...

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Rudy Stankowitz and Andrea Nannini reflect on the challenges currently facing the pool industry, particularly focusing on the chlorine shortage and its implications. They discuss the panic purchasing behavior of consumers, the impact of the Texas freeze on supply chains, and the ongoing difficulties in sourcing essential pool parts. The conversation also touches on the myths surrounding the chlorine shortage and the potential long-term effects on the industry.


Takeaways

The podcast started with basic equipment and no editing skills.
Current shortages in the pool industry include chlorine and gas.
The chlorine tablet shortage is affecting pool maintenance significantly.
Panic purchasing has exacerbated the chlorine shortage.
The increase in pool installations last year has led to higher chlorine demand.
The Texas freeze impacted the supply chain for pool equipment.
There are ongoing challenges in sourcing pool parts and equipment.
Consumers are frustrated with the lack of available products.
The chlorine shortage is compared to past shortages like toilet paper.
There are myths surrounding the chlorine shortage that need to be addressed.


Sound bites

"This is where it all started."
"There's a run on salt generators."
"Prepare yourself for what?"


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Chlorine Crisis
01:08 Impact of Shortages on Pool Service
03:45 Chlorine Tablet Shortage Explained
07:48 Panic Purchasing and Its Consequences
10:00 Comparing Shortages: Chlorine vs. Toilet Paper
13:42 The Role of Distribution and Supply Chain
17:14 Future Implications for Pool Service
21:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode, host Rudy Stankowitz gets into two powerful topics shaping the pool industry right now.

First, we take a hard look at the federal government shutdown and how it’s creating ripple effects across small service-based businesses — including pool service companies. From stalled SBA loans and federal contract delays to the trickle-down impact on cash flow and customer payments, Rudy explains how this period of economic uncertainty requires adaptability and strong communication.

Then, the conversation shifts to something much more uplifting — the 2025 Swimming Pool Industry Mentor of the Year recognition. Rudy celebrates the top ten mentors who have made waves through leadership, innovation, and community support. Together, they discuss mentorship, technology in pool service, pool chemistry innovations, safety, and the challenges of running a modern pool business.

Hear from the industry’s best — Greg Beard, Laci Davis, Shannon Wilson, Maddy Vandiver, Que Hales, Tim Bolden, John Poma, Rich Gallo, Ron Deloux, and Kevin Post — as they share hard-earned wisdom and inspiring stories from the deep end.

💡 Takeaways

Government Shutdown Segment

• A government shutdown can indirectly impact small businesses, including pool service companies.
• SBA loan programs and funding initiatives often pause during shutdowns.
• Federal contracts and payments may be delayed or frozen.
• Permits, inspections, and regulatory approvals slow down due to furloughed employees.
• Economic uncertainty can make customers hesitant to spend or pay promptly.
• Businesses in areas with many federal employees may feel sharper declines.
• Monitoring cash flow and taking deposits for big jobs helps cushion the blow.
• Flexibility and proactive communication with clients are vital during these periods.

Mentorship & Pool Industry Segment

• Mentorship can mean the difference between burnout and breakthrough.
• The best mentors teach from their mistakes and experiences.
• Safety awareness, especially around electricity and water, is non-negotiable.
• The pool industry thrives on community, collaboration, and support.
• Innovation in chemistry keeps pool water safer and clearer than ever.
• Technology continues to redefine how pool pros work.
• Team building is crucial for long-term success.
• The future of pool service lies in education, mentorship, and adaptability.

🔊 Sound Bites

From the Government Shutdown Discussion

• “Some customers may delay payments.”
• “Permits and inspections will be slower.”
• “Keep your operations flexible.”

From the Mentor Celebration

• “You’re hustling.”
• “I’ll never forget it.”
• “Difficult times create diamonds.”

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In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Steve and Wayne delve into the world of community theater and its impact on personal development, particularly in public speaking. They discuss the evolution of community theater, the decline of dinner theaters, and the intersection of their theater experiences with their work in the pool industry. The conversation shifts to the importance of safety in pool maintenance, navigating pool inspections, and the role of insurance in protecting pool professionals. They also touch on the challenges of balancing work and personal life, emphasizing the need for outlets outside of work.

takeaways

• Theater has been a lifelong passion for many, providing joy and personal growth.
• Community theater has evolved but remains a vital part of local culture.
• Public speaking skills are greatly enhanced through theater participation.
• Dinner theaters have declined significantly since their peak in the 80s.
• Safety protocols are crucial in the pool industry to prevent accidents.
• Pool inspections require thorough knowledge and attention to detail.
• Insurance is essential for pool professionals to mitigate risks.
• Balancing work and personal life is important for overall well-being.
• Engaging in hobbies outside of work can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• The pool industry faces unique challenges that require adaptability and knowledge.

Sound Bites

• "Theater is my love."
• "I've been in over 700 productions."
• "Dinner theaters were big in the 80s."

Chapters

00:00
Theater as a Lifelong Passion

02:41
Memorable Performances and Roles

05:37
The Evolution of Community Theater

08:29
Theater vs. Other Hobbies

11:34
The Importance of Public Speaking

14:24
Navigating Pool Inspections

17:12
Insurance Insights for Pool Professionals

31:53
Navigating the Challenges of Content Creation

34:34
The Importance of Quality in Pool Maintenance

38:35
Safety Protocols and Equipment Management

42:13
Addressing Structural Issues in Pool Design

46:16
Client Communication and Liability Management

50:30
The Evolving Landscape of the Pool Industry

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Andrea and Paulette go long on algae—the real science, the field diagnostics, and the no-nonsense remediation that actually works on a Tuesday in August when the phone won’t stop ringing. Pulling from training content and field notes, they break down how to tell algae from look-alikes (metals, pollen, fine dust), why water balance and sanitizer demand dictate outcomes, and how to choose the right kill-sequence for mustard/yellow, black (cyanobacteria biofilm), green blooms, and stubborn pink slime/white water mold co-contaminations.

They also reference Rudy Stankowitz’s book, How to Get Rid of Swimming Pool Algae (Amazon), for deeper reading on species behavior, biofilms, and step-by-step playbooks that complement today’s talk.

0:00 – Cold open: “Is it algae… or just copper?”
 2:12 – Why algae wins when demand beats delivery (sanitizer kinetics 101)
 6:45 – Field ID: green, mustard/yellow, black (cyanobacteria), and the “not algae” suspects
 12:10 – Water balance triad: pH, TA, and CYA’s impact on free chlorine efficacy
17:38 – Brushing matters: mechanical disruption vs. biofilm defenses
22:30 – The mustard/yellow protocol (when and how to go higher on FC)
27:55 – Black “algae” = cyanobacteria: surface penetration, heads vs. roots, patience game
33:20 – Filters as crime scenes: clearing, backwashing, and when to deep clean
38:05 – Phosphates: food vs. famine—when removal helps and when it’s a red herring
43:00 – Borates as drift control and slime deterrent (what they can and can’t do)
47:18 – AOP/UV/ozone: supplemental oxidation for heavy bather loads
52:40 – Look-alikes roundup: metals, pollen, plaster dust, and “dead algae” myths
57:15 – Off-season & startup traps: winterized pools, spring turn-ups, and biofilm seeding
1:02:10 – Rapid-response checklist you can hand to a tech

• Identify before you treat. Color + texture + location + “does it brush off?” beats guessing.
• Sanitizer effectiveness is conditional. As CYA rises, the % of active hypochlorous acid drops; dose and contact time must adjust.
• Mechanical + chemical wins. Aggressive brushing and good circulation expose biofilms so oxidizers can work.
• Mustard/yellow needs elevated FC (and whole-pool exposure for toys, nets, lights, covers).
• Black “algae” is cyanobacteria anchored in porous surfaces; expect repeated disruption and sustained levels—not a one-and-done.
• Filters tell the truth. Restore flow, deep-clean media, and fix bypass/broken laterals or you’ll chase the same bloom.
• Phosphate control is situational. It can lower regrowth pressure but doesn’t replace sanitizer.
• Borates steady pH and deter slime, but they’re not an algaecide.
• Document everything. Photos, readings, doses, and filter maintenance notes protect you and speed future calls.

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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss the busy pool season, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance to prevent costly clean-ups. They delve into the hiring process, sharing insights on training staff, crafting engaging job advertisements, and the diverse career opportunities within the pool industry. The conversation also covers effective interview techniques and the significance of personal attributes in potential employees. The episode concludes with final thoughts on team dynamics and the importance of flexibility in hiring.

takeaways

• The pool season is a busy time for maintenance and repairs.
• Regular pool maintenance can prevent costly clean-ups.
• Hiring staff during the off-season allows for better training.
• The pool industry offers diverse career opportunities.
• Crafting a fun job advertisement can attract the right candidates.
• Interview questions should assess personal attributes and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility in hiring can help find the right fit for the team.
• Understanding the costs associated with staff is crucial for profitability.
• Team dynamics play a significant role in business success.
• Hiring slow and firing fast is a recommended strategy.

Sound Bites

• "It's game on now, game on."
• "Pools are meant to be fun."
• "Hire slow, fire fast."

Chapters

00:00
Welcome and Seasonal Insights

02:41
Staffing Strategies for the Busy Season

05:27
Hiring and Training New Employees

08:11
Crafting Effective Job Advertisements

10:59
The Pool Industry as a Career Path

13:44
Interview Techniques and Candidate Evaluation

16:11
The Importance of Personality in Hiring

19:04
Navigating Employee Experience vs. Potential

21:42
Legal Considerations in Hiring

24:15
Creating a Positive Work Environment

26:51
Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this engaging conversation, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Ron DeLoux from Big Blue Pool Service, exploring the evolution of the pool service industry, the importance of customer relationships, and the future of pool technology. Ron shares his insights on the shift from repair to replacement, the significance of pool chemistry, and the challenges faced by newcomers in the business. He emphasizes the value of education, mentorship, and community support, while also reflecting on the impact of natural disasters on pool services. The discussion concludes with Ron's advice for enjoying the work and maintaining a positive attitude in the industry.

takeaways

• The pool service industry has evolved significantly over the years.
• Education and continuous learning are crucial for success in the pool business.
• Customer relationships can be challenging but are essential for growth.
• Pool chemistry knowledge is becoming increasingly important.
• The shift from repair to replacement is a notable trend in the industry.
• Natural disasters can have a profound impact on pool services.
• Mentorship and community support play a vital role in professional development.
• Technology is changing the way pool services operate.
• Enjoying your work and maintaining a positive attitude is key.
• Newcomers should focus on building relationships and gaining knowledge.

Sound Bites

• "Pool chemistry is gonna be big."
• "Education is key for newcomers."
• "Enjoy what you do. Have a laugh."

Chapters

00:00
Welcome to San Diego: A Beautiful Introduction

07:30
The Evolution of the Pool Service Industry

10:47
The Future of Pool Repairs and Robotics

12:37
The Importance of Pool Chemistry

17:36
Navigating Challenges in Pool Maintenance

22:51
Lessons Learned in Pool Repair

25:03
Hands-On Learning and Individual Approaches

26:13
Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence

27:11
Understanding Customer Needs

28:45
Mentorship and Impact on Others

31:32
Resilience in the Face of Adversity

31:43
Dealing with Natural Disasters

33:39
Survival Guide for Newcomers

34:49
Handling Mistakes in the Field

35:57
Attention to Detail in Pool Maintenance

36:25
Advice for Future Generations

37:14
The Importance of Enjoying Your Work

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Keywords

pool industry, CPO, instructor assessment, education, teaching skills, PHTA, pool classes, water chemistry, instructor program, professional development


Summary

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne discusses his experiences and insights from being a member of the PHA Instructor Assessment Committee. He shares stories from a recent instructor class, the assessment process for potential instructors, and the importance of teaching skills in the pool industry. Wayne also highlights the broader educational opportunities available in the industry and encourages listeners to consider becoming instructors themselves.


Takeaways

Wayne has been on the PHA Instructor Assessment Committee for 18 years.
The instructor assessment process is rigorous and takes time.
Teaching CPO classes requires strong communication skills.
The assessment process is mentally intensive for proctors.
There are various educational programs available in the pool industry.


Sound bites

"It's an involved process to become an instructor."
"Teaching is mentally intensive but worthwhile."
"Consider looking into the instructor program."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:15 Insights from the Instructor Assessment Committee
06:15 Class Structure and Assessment Process
08:50 Opportunities for CPO Instructors
16:22 The Importance of Education in the Pool Industry

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Got mystery stains, teal-tinted water, or customers blaming your chlorine for their new “seafoam highlights”? Andrea and Paulette dive into high metal levels in pools—where they come from (source water, corrosion, “helpful” copper products), how to confirm what you’re dealing with (iron vs. copper vs. manganese), and the smartest ways to treat the water and the stain without turning the pool into a chemistry crime scene. Real talk, step-by-step protocols, and the dos/don’ts that save callbacks.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00 – Cold Open: “No, chlorine didn’t dye your hair green.”
• 02:10 – Metal 101: Iron, copper, manganese—how they look, act, and stain
• 07:45 – Where They Come From: Source water, heaters, low-pH corrosion, old copper algaecides
• 12:30 – Testing That Doesn’t Lie: Spot tests, stain ID, metal test kits, source-water pulls
• 16:20 – Immediate Triage: When water is tinted vs. when you have bonded stains
• 20:15 – Stain-Lift Playbook: Ascorbic/citric protocols that actually work
• 25:50 – Sequestrants & Chelants: HEDP/ATMP, maintenance dosing, timing with chlorine
• 30:10 – Actual Removal: Partial drain/replace, prefilters, metal capture media, poly-fill hacks
• 34:30 – Prevention Clinic: LSI balance, anodes, heater protection, product choices
• 39:00 – Rapid-Fire Q&A & Takeaways

Key Symptoms & What They Usually Mean

• Brown/tea stains or yellowing: Often iron; may cloud when pH rises or after superchlorination
• Turquoise/black smudges; blonde hair turning green: Usually copper; often tied to low pH/heater corrosion or copper algaecides
• Black/grey/purple blotches: Possible manganese; shows up in well water regions

Testing & Identification (Fast & Reliable)

• Pull a source-water sample (hose bib before softener) to see what you’re adding every fill/top-off.
• Use metal test kits (iron/copper/manganese) and stain ID tests (vitamin C for iron, etc.).
• Verify pH & LSI first—metals love to fall out when pH/alk/CH swing.
• If a heater is present and copper is high, inspect for low pH corrosion and flow/erosion issues.

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Keywords

spa maintenance, water treatment, sanitization, pool care, spa treatments, bromine, chlorine, water balance, spa technology, pool service


Takeaways

Summer is approaching, and clients have varying perceptions of swimming temperatures.
Spa maintenance requires more frequent attention than regular pools due to their smaller size and higher usage.
Educating staff in front of customers can undermine trust; it's better to do it privately.
CO2 gas in carbonated drink bottles can affect water testing accuracy.
Spas can have a high bathylode, equivalent to many more people in a pool.
Regular servicing of spas is crucial to maintain water quality.
Secondary sanitizers like UV and ozone can enhance spa water treatment.
Hydrogen peroxide can be an effective sanitizer in domestic spas but not in commercial settings.
Replacing spa water regularly can be more cost-effective than treating contaminated water.
Understanding the chemistry of sanitizers is essential for effective spa maintenance.


Summary

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the nuances of spa maintenance, emphasizing the importance of regular servicing and the unique challenges posed by smaller bodies of water. They explore various sanitization methods, including bromine and chlorine, and highlight the significance of educating staff on water chemistry. The discussion also touches on innovations in spa care and the necessity of replacing spa water to maintain optimal conditions.

Sound bites

"Secondary sanitizers can enhance spa water treatment."
"Understanding the chemistry of sanitizers is essential."
"Replacing spa water regularly can be more cost-effective."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Seasonal Changes
29:46 Understanding Spa Treatments and Maintenance
39:54 Sanitization Methods for Spas
50:31 Innovations in Spa Care and Closing Thoughts

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