Talking Pools Podcast

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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Laci Davis from The Grit Game, discussing her journey in the pool industry, leadership, creativity, and the importance of purposeful marketing. A listener question on why phosphate removers often cloud water. Another where we lay it on the line - ALWAYS follow the advice of your local Pool Pro. Chlorine Lock is NOW called CyA Slackass!

Lacey shares insights from her experiences at Disney, the significance of customer service in sales, and the future initiatives of The Grit Game aimed at supporting pool professionals. The conversation emphasizes the value of personal growth, community, and the evolving landscape of social media in business.

takeaways

• The Grit Game helps pool professionals by partnering with innovative manufacturers.
• Leadership involves personal growth and understanding how to treat others.
• Creativity from the arts can enhance business practices and marketing strategies.
• Lessons from Disney emphasize the importance of treating everyone with respect.
• Purposeful marketing adds value to social media posts and engages audiences.
• Sales should focus on customer service rather than aggressive tactics.
• Understanding pricing and business management is crucial for success in the pool industry.
• Social media strategies should target local audiences and showcase work effectively.
• Celebrating small wins fosters a supportive team environment.
• Elevating the industry involves continuous learning and adapting to new resources.

Sound Bites

• "You decide what you do with that."
• "Put your locations in your bio."
• "Be good to people."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to The Grit Game

05:41
Creativity in Business

10:16
Purposeful Marketing Strategies

15:57
The Role of Enthusiasm in Sales

20:43
Redefining Sales in the Pool Industry

23:34
Effective Social Media Strategies

29:01
The Power of Repetition in Mastery

30:19
Rebuilding Knowledge After Amnesia

31:14
Business Fundamentals for Pool Professionals

32:46
Understanding Business Growth Potential

34:12
Mentorship and Learning from Others

35:24
Time Management Through Block Scheduling

37:46
The Importance of Customer Communication

39:17
Navigating Negativity in Business

40:34
Celebrating Small Wins for Big Breakthroughs

42:36
Training Through Creativity

44:15
Core Values for Future Leaders

45:02
New Initiatives at The Great Game

47:36
Expanding the Team for Growth

48:54
Connecting with The Great Game

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This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to one of the most talked-about episodes with Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood, two of the most respected educators and consultants in the pool industry.

Between Wayne’s decades of experience leading water chemistry education at Taylor Water Technologies and Steve’s reputation as a seasoned inspector, consultant, and trainer, this episode is packed with straight talk, deep knowledge, and a few laughs along the way.

The two dive into the realities of pool care that every professional faces—testing, training, dealing with customers, and the quirks of working in the field. With their trademark banter, Wayne and Steve break down technical concepts in a way that’s accessible and relatable, while also reminding us why ongoing education is key to professional success.

✨ In this episode you’ll hear:

• Wayne and Steve’s no-nonsense take on water testing and why accuracy matters
• Stories from the field that highlight what can go wrong—and how to fix it
• A candid look at training, mentorship, and raising the bar in the pool industry
• Plenty of laughs between two friends who’ve seen it all

If you missed this episode the first time around, here’s your chance to catch up on the knowledge, humor, and experience that Wayne and Steve bring every Thursday.

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In this engaging conversation, Sarah and Rudy explore a variety of topics ranging from the pool industry to 80s pop culture references. They share insights about their experiences in the field, discuss nostalgic catchphrases, and delve into the evolution of slang over the decades. The light-hearted banter and humor make for an entertaining and informative session that highlights the connections between past and present cultural phenomena.

takeaways

• Rudy shares his experiences in the pool industry since 1991.
• The conversation includes fun references to 80s pop culture.
• Catchphrases from the past are explored and explained.
• The significance of slang and its evolution is discussed.
• Rudy and Sarah connect their experiences through shared cultural references.
• The impact of chemicals like Simazine on pool maintenance is mentioned.
• Humor plays a key role in their discussion of nostalgic topics.
• The importance of understanding generational slang is highlighted.
• They plan to explore Gen Z slang in future conversations.
• The conversation wraps up with a promise for more engaging discussions.

Sound Bites

• "Cowabunga!"
• "Cool your pits."
• "Bag your face."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

02:44
Pool Industry Insights

10:13
80s Pop Culture References

12:36
Catchphrases and Their Origins

15:10
Exploring Iconic Quotes

17:30
Generational Slang and Its Evolution

19:49
Fun with Language and Expressions

21:57
Wrap-Up and Future Conversations

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Welcome to the most accidentally themed episode of Talking Pools, where we started with “fuck it, we’ll do it live” and somehow ended up knee-deep in pregnancy, chlorine jugs, and naming babies after pool chemicals. Don’t ask how we got here — we don’t know either.

This week, Andrea & Paulette juggle barking dogs, clinking dishes, and a door-scratching pet apocalypse while announcing that yes, pool pros can, in fact, clean pools while pregnant — provided you’re fine with half-full chlorine jugs, pulling vacuums like a gladiator, and casually ignoring the fact that acid fumes on a cloudy day might actually kill you.

We celebrate Sarah “The Pool Girl”’s pregnancy announcement (congrats!), relive pregnancies past (spoiler: one host nearly died from not keeping water down, the other casually cleaned pools at 8 months pregnant like it was leg day), and brainstorm baby names that would make the industry proud:

• Chlorine, but make it Chloe.
• Brody (Bromine + DE powder, baby).
• Tab. Just… Tab.
• Calcium Chlorida, Esq.

Also inside this chaos casserole:

• Why customers think their leaky pool is your financial problem.
• The great vacation hack: tabs are good for something.
• Acid fumes on humid days — a.k.a. free chemical warfare training.
• Why pool pros naming their kids after chemicals is both a brilliant idea and a crime against humanity.

Basically, it’s part pregnancy support group, part pool school, part fever dream. Strap in.

Email us your best “pool baby names” at [email protected]
and maybe we’ll start a registry. First gift on the list? A hammerhead cart with a built-in car seat.

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In this episode of Mondays Down Under, host Lee Salisbury dives into essential strategies for pool service businesses to prepare for the upcoming summer season. Lee emphasizes the importance of pricing strategies, labor costs, logistics, customer contracts, database management, and effective payment systems to enhance profitability and efficiency. Drawing from his experience in the pool industry, he shares practical tips to help listeners optimize operations and set themselves up for a successful season ahead.

Takeaways

• Prepare for the summer season to hit the ground running.
• Analyze and adjust your pricing regularly.
• Value your time and charge accordingly.
• Optimize your service schedule for efficiency.
• Consider implementing customer contracts for clarity.
• Maintain a clean and usable database of clients.
• Establish a reliable payment system to improve cash flow.
• Regularly review supplier price increases and adjust accordingly.
• Focus on building strong relationships with A and B grade clients.
• Utilize technology to streamline operations and enhance customer service.

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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Q Hales, a prominent figure in pool chemistry and maintenance. They discuss the formation of OnBalance, a collaborative effort aimed at educating pool professionals about water chemistry and sustainable practices. Q shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, addressing common myths, the importance of understanding pool chemistry, and the role of research in improving practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for knowledge sharing among service technicians and the significance of environmental responsibility in pool maintenance.

takeaways

• The formation of OnBalance was driven by a need for better education in pool chemistry.
• Understanding the chemistry behind pool maintenance is crucial for service technicians.
• Common myths in the pool industry can lead to ineffective practices.
• Research on acid dosage has revealed significant discrepancies in industry standards.
• Teaching and sharing knowledge is essential for the growth of the pool industry.
• Field experience provides valuable insights that laboratory research may not capture.
• Sustainability should be a priority in pool maintenance practices.
• Service technicians play a vital role in ensuring pool safety and cleanliness.
• Encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing can improve industry standards.
• Addressing long-held beliefs in pool chemistry is necessary for progress.

Sound Bites

• "What is balance?"
• "We need to fix this."
• "I want to hear about it."

keywords pool chemistry, OnBalance, water maintenance, sustainability, pool myths, acid dosage, service technicians, research, environmental impact, industry knowledge

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Mentorship and Industry Insights

09:42
The Journey of OnBalance and Industry Education

12:32
Challenging Myths in Pool Chemistry

15:16
Real-World Applications of Pool Chemistry

18:01
Understanding Water Line Deposits and Their Causes

20:26
The Impact of Chemical Composition on Pool Surfaces

23:19
The Role of Borates in Pool Chemistry

25:41
Balancing Rigorous Research with Practical Application

28:37
The Importance of Field Experience in Pool Management

32:11
Reflections on Learning and Future Research Directions

34:30
Exploring New Ideas in Pool Chemistry

34:31
The Importance of Audience in Technical Writing

37:43
Adapting Teaching Methods for Different Audiences

40:54
Understanding the 'Why' Behind Pool Chemistry

41:16
Challenging Long-Held Beliefs in Pool Care

44:50
A Common Approach to Diverse Topics

46:14
The Decision to Publish Research

49:13
Balancing Environmental Concerns in Pool Care

52:27
The Impact of Service Techs on Future Careers

56:45
Pride in the Pool Industry

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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss the top 10 nominees for the Mentor of the Year award in the pool industry, highlighting the importance of mentorship. They also delve into the differences between cold plunge pools and chillers, explaining their distinct purposes and benefits. The conversation shifts to insights from the insurance industry, particularly regarding pool service and construction. Finally, they share experiences navigating customer expectations and the importance of clear communication in service delivery.

takeaways

• Mentorship is crucial in the pool industry.
• Cold plunge pools serve a different purpose than chillers.
• Understanding customer needs is key to service success.
• Effective communication can prevent misunderstandings.
• Insurance knowledge is vital for pool service businesses.
• Regular testing of pool water is essential for safety.
• Chillers help maintain comfortable water temperatures.
• Cold plunge pools are used for sports therapy and recovery.
• Customer expectations should be managed from the start.
• Investing time in understanding client needs pays off.

Sound Bites

• "These 10 were the significant 10!"
• "A chiller is not a cold plunge pool!"
• "Your time is valuable!"

Chapters

00:00
Celebrating Mentorship in the Pool Industry

07:00
Understanding Cold Plunge Pools vs. Chillers

14:55
Insights from the Insurance Interlude

25:06
Navigating Customer Expectations and Communication

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In this episode, Sarah dives into an uncomfortable but necessary truth: too many pool owners think the work ends the day the pool is filled. From the outside, the water may look like a backyard dream, but if it’s left without care, it quickly becomes a breeding ground for problems—algae, unsafe water, and costly damage.

Sarah explores the mindset of “attainment without upkeep,” breaking down why simply having a pool doesn’t make someone a pool owner in the truest sense. She shares real-world examples of neglect, explains the risks (both health and financial), and lays out what consistent care looks like.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why ownership goes beyond the purchase—and what happens when maintenance is ignored
• The hidden dangers of neglect, from algae blooms to structural damage
• How small acts of consistency can prevent massive headaches later
• Why “attaining” a pool is only the beginning of the responsibility

Takeaway:
A pool is not just a backyard accessory—it’s a living system that needs attention. Sarah challenges owners to rethink their role: Are you truly a pool owner, or just someone with a pool?

Support the show

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In this episode of the Talking Pools Show, Andrea and Paulette discuss their experiences with pool maintenance, including challenges with customer complaints and the importance of proper pool care. They also touch on health concerns like swimmer's ear, tragic incidents in water parks, and the need for hurricane preparedness for pools. The conversation wraps up with an announcement about a design contest for the show.

takeaways

• 85 to 90% of the pools are screened in.
• Complaints often arise from screened-in pool owners.
• Swimmer's ear is caused by water trapped in the ear.
• Wave pools can be dangerous and should have restrictions.
• Two drownings occurred on the same day at a Carnival cruise destination.
• Proper pool maintenance is crucial for health and safety.
• Hurricane preparedness includes adding chlorine and securing pool furniture.
• Pool service providers should charge for hurricane cleanup.
• Customer education is key to preventing misunderstandings.
• Value your time and services as a pool maintenance professional.

Sound Bites

• "I have to add some chlorine."
• "I quit. I'm done."
• "Don't drain the pool."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Weekly Updates

02:42
Pool Maintenance Challenges

09:14
Swimmer's Ear and Health Concerns

14:00
Tragic Incidents in Water Parks

20:49
Hurricane Preparedness for Pools

28:40
Conclusion and Contest Announcement

Support the show

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Email us: [email protected]

Ask a question here

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 highlighting the significance of client relationships in the pool service business.

takeaways

• Peter's legacy has significantly impacted the pool industry.
• The ideal client is one who trusts your expertise and pays on time.
• Retail and mobile services face different client dynamics.
• Setting clear expectations can prevent misunderstandings.
• Communication is key in managing client relationships.
• Difficult clients can be managed with clear boundaries.
• It's important to respect yourself and your business.
• Not all clients are worth keeping; prioritize good ones.
• 20% of clients often cause the majority of problems.
• Strategies like payment plans can improve client relationships.

titles

• Celebrating Peter's Legacy in the Pool Industry
• Understanding the Ideal Client for Pool Services

Sound Bites

• "Good on you, Peter."
• "What a f***ing waste of time."
• "That's our rant for the day."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Recent Travels

02:42
Ideal Clients in the Pool Industry

12:47
Challenges with Retail Customers

15:47
Customer Stories and Experiences

18:12
Setting Expectations with Clients

21:31
Dealing with Difficult Customers

24:06
The Importance of Good Customer Relationships

26:31
Managing Client Expectations and Payments

29:00
Conclusion and Final Thoughts

36:59
Bufferzone commercial vid.mp4

Australian National Anthem performed by:

• Erin Collins - vocals (1)
• Marjorie Gadd - violin (1)
• Steve Gadd - Guitar (1)
• Susan McGowan - keyboard
• Steve Henderson - didgeridoo
• Sean Daniels - Sound engineer (No link available)
   
  1. Czardas

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

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Email us: [email protected]