Talking Pools Podcast

Ask a question here

In this episode of the Flockit Friday podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the challenges faced in the pool service industry, emphasizing the importance of recognizing toxic customers and the need for resilience. He shares insights on pool discoloration, the science behind filtration, and personal challenges he has faced. The conversation also covers effective team building strategies, highlighting the significance of hiring, onboarding, and creating a positive company culture.

takeaways

• Recognize your achievements and progress, no matter how small.
• It's essential to fire toxic customers for your mental health.
• Understanding the root causes of pool discoloration can prevent misdiagnosis.
• Personal challenges can impact your work, but resilience is key.
• The science of pool filtration involves complex chemical interactions.
• Hiring should be a thoughtful process, not a desperate one.
• Onboarding is crucial for new hires to feel welcomed and supported.
• A strong company culture fosters employee loyalty and retention.
• Purpose in work keeps employees engaged and motivated.
• Humor and connection within a team can lead to greater success.

titles

• Firing Toxic Customers for Your Sanity
• The Science Behind Pool Discoloration

Sound Bites

• "You're kicking ass. You're crushing it."
• "Fire that fucker like it's a legal drama."
• "A team that laughs together wins together."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Reflection on Progress

09:14
Understanding Pool Plaster Discoloration

13:51
Navigating Personal Challenges

25:12
Building and Retaining a Winning Team

Support the show

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: [email protected]

Ask a question here

In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Andrea and Paulette dive into the latest headlines shaping the swimming pool industry. With their signature mix of wit and insight, they tackle a variety of trending topics, offering their perspectives as seasoned professionals. Here’s a snapshot of what’s covered:

1. Breaking News and Hot Topics: Andrea brings stories from around the globe, from the unusual to the controversial, shedding light on how these developments may impact pool service professionals. Paulette chimes in with her candid opinions, sparking lively discussions.
2. Eco-Friendly Innovations: The hosts highlight the growing push for sustainability in the industry, covering new products and practices that promote environmental responsibility. They discuss recyclable pool chemical buckets and the increasing demand for greener solutions.
3. Regulatory Changes: Andrea updates listeners on proposed and recent changes to pool codes and safety regulations, including the ongoing saga of the BioLab fire and its impact on chlorine production and pricing.
4. Cultural Trends and Challenges: The pair delve into community-related issues, such as the controversial “No Girls Allowed” policy on certain water park rides, analyzing the broader implications for inclusivity and customer expectations in recreational spaces.
5. Social Media Rants: Paulette shares amusing and eye-opening tales from Facebook groups, showcasing the quirks and frustrations of pool service life. Her anecdotes provide relatable moments for fellow professionals.

Throughout the episode, Andrea and Paulette deliver actionable takeaways, industry updates, and a good dose of humor to keep listeners engaged and informed. It’s a must-listen for anyone wanting to stay ahead of the curve in the swimming pool industry.

Support the show

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: [email protected]

Ask a question here

Introduction:

• Peter welcomes back Lee and Shane, ribbing them for leaving him to go solo last week.
• Shane shares the Australian Phrase of the Day: "Running around like a blue ass fly," symbolizing the frantic pace of the busy season.
• The trio discusses the approach of "Hell Month," the peak of summer madness for pool service professionals.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Preparing for the Holiday Rush

• Advice for Regional Listeners:
  • Order Christmas stock early as suppliers and freighters often shut down over the holidays.
  • Lee emphasizes the importance of having all “ducks in a row” for the Christmas-to-New-Year period.
• Holiday Challenges:
  • Lee shares a story of rescuing a 450,000-liter commercial pool during the holidays by sourcing a replacement pump—a “Christmas miracle.”
  • Peter reflects on the difficulties of being on call for emergency repairs during the shutdown.

2. Southern Hemisphere Struggles

• Being in peak summer during the holidays creates unique challenges for Australian pool professionals, with back-to-back holidays like Australia Day and Chinese New Year.
• Peter expresses envy for the slower-paced Northern Hemisphere winters during Christmas.

3. Black Friday Sales: Yay or Nay?

• Team Consensus:
  • Discounting isn’t ideal and trains customers to expect lower prices.
  • Value-add promotions (e.g., offering 10% more instead of 10% off) are more profitable and better received by customers.
• Examples of Value-Adding:
  • Offering a $300 voucher on a $3,000 cleaner instead of a $300 discount saves the business half the cost.
  • Lee advocates for creating offers that benefit both the customer and the business.

4. Maximizing Supplier Deals

• Strategies for Early Buys:
  • Peter and Lee share tips for leveraging supplier discounts on chemicals, equipment, and more.
  • Buying seasonal stock in bulk can yield significant savings, but it’s crucial to have storage space and check insurance policies for stock limits.
• Creative Promotions:
  • Lee describes marketing kits like:
    • Summer Rescue Kits (algaecide, granular chlorine, clarifier, etc.)
    • Winterizer Kits (algaecide, calcium sequestrant, filter cleaner)
    • Spring Startup Kits (tile cleaners, phosphate removers, etc.)
  • These kits not only boost sales but also prevent customers from turning to competitors during closures.

5. Marketing Insights

• Lee’s Marketing Calendar:
  • A 12-month roadmap for promotions, tailored for both retail and service clients.
  • Offers to share the template with listeners—email requests to talkingpoolsmail.com.
• Networking for Referrals:
  • Peter credits his success to referral-based marketing and emphasizes its effectiveness in urban areas.
  • Lee highlights the differences between small-town and city-based marketing approaches.

Support the show

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: [email protected]

Ask a question here

In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the latest trends in the pool industry, including stock updates and the impact of Warren Buffett's investment in Pool Corporation. He emphasizes the importance of standing your ground as a business owner, particularly in customer service scenarios. The conversation also delves into the complexities of ionic strength in saltwater pools and concludes with a discussion on the necessity of contracts in the pool service industry to protect both service providers and clients.

takeaways

• The pool industry is experiencing significant changes and growth.
• Warren Buffett's investment highlights the potential of Pool Corporation.
• Available Chlorine Content vs Percent Active Strength in chlorine products
• Small business owners must learn to stand their ground with customers.
• Ionic strength in saltwater pools presents unique challenges for maintenance.
• Contracts are essential for protecting business interests in the pool industry.
• Clear expectations in contracts can prevent misunderstandings with clients.
• Saltwater pools require careful management of water chemistry.
• Standing firm with clients can lead to greater respect and professionalism.
• Educating clients about contracts can foster trust and cooperation.
• The pool service industry is evolving, making contracts more important than ever

Sound Bites

• "Things have been changin' this week."
• "Saltwater pools are becoming more popular."
• "Contracts have become an indispensable tool."

#poolindustry, #stockupdates, #businessstrategies, #ionicstrength, #contracts, #customerservice, #smallbusiness, #poolmaintenance, #investment, #entrepreneurship

Chapters

00:00
Weekly Wrap-Up and Market Insights

11:19
The Importance of Standing Your Ground in Business

20:11
Understanding Salt Water Pools and Ionic Strength

31:00
The Necessity of Contracts in the Pool Industry

Support the show

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: [email protected]

Ask a question here

Special Announcement:

Hey everyone! Just a quick heads-up: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, we're bringing you this week's episode of the "Talking Pools" podcast a day early. Instead of our usual Thursday slot, you'll be able to catch Wayne and Steve on Wednesday this week. We hope you enjoy the episode and have a fantastic Thanksgiving!

In this episode of the "Talking Pools" podcast, Wayne and Steve dive into the essential role trade shows play in the pool industry. They explore educational opportunities that these events provide, highlighting seminars like the instructor’s course and water balance seminar, which can sharpen skills and deepen knowledge. They also emphasize the networking aspect of trade shows, discussing how these events can help build valuable connections within the industry.

Show Notes: 

Hosts: Wayne & Steve

Segments:

1. Welcome and Weather Check
   • Wayne welcomes everyone and checks in with Steve about his kitesurfing adventures on the West Coast.
   • Discussion about the weather and how it affects their activities.
2. Trade Show Dynamics
   • Importance of trade shows in the pool industry.
   • Educational opportunities provided by seminars and workshops.
3. Networking and Future Events
   • Building valuable connections within the industry.
   • Upcoming events and how to make the most of them.
4. Navigating Business Structures and Financials
   • Tips on managing business structures.
   • Insights into financial management for pool businesses.
5. Cash Flow Management and Credit Awareness
   • Strategies for maintaining healthy cash flow.
   • Importance of credit awareness and management.
6. Starting Small and Learning the Business
   • Advice for newcomers to the pool industry.
   • Emphasis on starting small and gradually expanding.

Duration: 52:20

Message Copilot

Support the show

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: [email protected]

Ask a question here

In this splashy episode, Andrea and Paulette dive into the age-old debate: should you clean a pool while people are still doggy-paddling around? Paulette takes a hard line, declaring, “If they’re not out in five minutes, I’m turning the vacuum into a torpedo!” Meanwhile, Andrea claims she’s perfected the art of precision vacuuming, confidently maneuvering around cannonballs and floating inflatables like a poolside ninja.

IT IS THE FIRM BELIEF OF THE TALKING POOLS PODCAST THAT A POOL SERVICE TECH SHOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING TO THE POOL OR ITS EQUIPMENT WITH BATHERS IN THE POOL. They should be asked to get out - If they refuse to, the pool service company shall refuse to service the pool. 

The two recount their most absurd encounters, from patrons insisting on synchronized swimming practice mid-backwash to children refusing to evacuate the pool, claiming, “But it’s my pool!” Who’s right? Who’s wrong? And will we finally settle the Great Swim-Vac Debate of 2024?

Grab your skimmer, dodge the splashes, and tune in for this wet-and-wild ride, featuring bonus content on handling “mystery floaters” (no, not the fun kind). You won’t want to miss it! 🌊💦

Support the show

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: [email protected]

Ask a question here

Host: Lee (solo episode)
Episode Summary:
Lee takes the reins solo this week as Peter and Shane are busy dealing with the southern hemisphere’s pre-summer chaos. The episode focuses on critical topics that surfaced during Lee’s consultation with a pool business client: accountability, communication, and fostering team unity. Lee dives deep into strategies for maintaining a productive and cohesive workplace, even during the busiest times of the year. Listeners are treated to practical advice for managing staff, implementing processes, and fostering a strong team culture that can handle the pressures of peak season.

Key Topics Covered

1. Accountability

• Challenge Identified: A pool business faced warranty claim issues because a staff member failed to record required serial numbers during repairs.
• Solutions Discussed:
  • Implement a written process with clear steps to follow.
  • Retain part boxes for serial numbers and take photos for backup.
  • Hold staff accountable for omissions by requiring them to revisit jobs to fix mistakes.
  • Importance of allowing staff to experience the discomfort of redoing work to prevent future errors.

2. Communication

• Challenge Identified: Lack of clear communication led to skipped jobs, missed schedules, and frustrated customers.
• Solutions Discussed:
  • Establish clear protocols for staff to communicate changes in their schedules or issues encountered during the day.
  • Define who is responsible for passing along critical updates (e.g., a technician calling both their supervisor and the office manager if they leave early).
  • Avoid assuming others will pass along information—assumptions cause breakdowns.
  • Maintain transparency with customers and ensure all team members are aligned to avoid confusion.

3. Team Unity

• Challenge Identified: Staff working in isolation feel disconnected, leading to reduced morale and lack of collaboration.
• Solutions Discussed:
  • Encourage team members to step in and assist colleagues during busy times.
  • Recognize and appreciate staff who go above and beyond to support their teammates.
  • Foster team cohesion through social events, team-building exercises, and regular meetings.
  • Promote a culture where everyone feels responsible for the overall success of the team.

Practical Advice and Takeaways

• Create robust processes and documentation to guide staff and ensure consistency.
• Use communication tools like WhatsApp to keep everyone informed in real time.
• Address mistakes constructively to build accountability without demotivating staff.
• Highlight the importance of team culture in delivering excellent customer service.

Closing Notes

• Lee reflects on her first solo hosting experience and encourages listeners to share their feedback and topic ideas.
• The episode concludes with a motivational note, wishing listeners a productive and rewarding week.
• Reminder to email topic suggestions to talkingpoolsmail.com.

Support the show

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: [email protected]

Ask a question here

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the latest trends in the pool industry, focusing on stock market performance, the importance of engaging Gen Z in pool careers, the science behind UV disinfection and quantum yield, and essential financial metrics for pool service businesses. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovation, environmental consciousness, and financial literacy to thrive in the competitive pool service market. 

takeaways 

Analysts are optimistic about the pool industry stocks. 

Gen Z values purpose over paycheck in their careers. 

Pool technicians can be seen as public health warriors.

Flexibility in work schedules is crucial for attracting Gen Z. 

Showcasing technology can attract younger workers to pool care. 

Chlorine Lock Myth

Quantum yield is essential for effective UV disinfection. 

Maintaining UV systems requires careful calibration and maintenance. 

Understanding cash flow is vital for business sustainability. 

Profit margins must be monitored to ensure business health. 

Effective cost management can enhance profitability in pool services. 

titles

Support the show

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: [email protected]

Ask a question here

In this episode of the Wayne and Steve Podcast from the Talking Pools Podcast, the duo explores strategies for increasing revenue streams within the pool service industry. With Steve fresh off two weeks of fieldwork, he reflects on the physical demands of the job, offering a heartfelt shout-out to pool technicians who endure the grind daily.

The episode shifts focus to expanding income beyond basic pool maintenance. Steve highlights the importance of offering high-end services like automation installations, salt cell systems, and robotic pool cleaners to enhance customer satisfaction and increase profits. Both hosts emphasize the significance of clear contracts to delineate service boundaries and ensure profitability, with Steve stressing the value of upselling premium maintenance plans tailored to unique customer needs, such as pools with new plaster or persistent issues like algae.

The hosts also delve into the benefits of diversifying service offerings, including repairs, leak detection, and equipment installation. They advocate building partnerships with specialists in areas like plastering and leak detection, allowing pool companies to subcontract complex tasks and generate revenue passively. Steve underscores the importance of networking with distributors and repair professionals to establish mutually beneficial relationships.

Throughout the episode, Steve and Wayne discuss practical challenges like pricing transparency, managing customer expectations, and addressing the impact of online retail on parts sales. They applaud companies like Fluidra for protecting pricing integrity, which helps service providers maintain profitability.

The conversation ends on an optimistic note, with the hosts encouraging listeners to embrace entrepreneurship and recognize the pool industry’s potential for unlimited financial growth. They promise a follow-up episode to dive deeper into creative revenue opportunities, inviting listeners to share their own strategies via email for a chance to be featured.

Key Takeaways:

• Diversify Services: Offer premium plans, repairs, and specialty services to increase revenue.
• Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with specialists to expand capabilities and profitability.
• Leverage Technology: Sell and install automation systems, salt cells, and robotic cleaners.
• Protect Pricing: Use strategies to counteract the challenges posed by online retail.
• Think Long-Term: Scale businesses to create sustainable income without over-reliance on physical labor.

Wayne and Steve leave listeners with a call to action: explore additional revenue streams and share ideas for future discussions.

Support the show

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: [email protected]

Ask a question here

In this lively and hilariously honest episode, Andrea and Paulette dive headfirst into the controversial topic of whether pool pros should give Christmas cards to their clients. Is it a warm gesture in the spirit of the season, or does it come off as a not-so-subtle nudge for a holiday bonus?

The discussion is equal parts comedic and thought-provoking, as the duo weighs the pros and cons:

• Festive Cheer: Andrea argues that a simple Christmas card can spread goodwill, show appreciation for loyal customers, and even keep your company top of mind during the offseason. It's a touch of humanity in a business world that's often all business.
• Cringe Factor: Paulette counters with her trademark wit, calling out how some cards feel less like genuine holiday cheer and more like "I'm your friendly pool cleaner—don’t forget to leave me an envelope of cash!"
• The Fine Line: Together, they explore where the line between festive and greedy might blur. They discuss how tone and timing play a role: Does the card include a subtle hint like “thank you for your support this year”? Or is it just a genuine "Happy Holidays" without strings attached?

The conversation heats up as they share stories from their own experiences, including clients who’ve given over-the-top bonuses and others who’ve bristled at even a small holiday gesture. They wrap up by asking listeners to weigh in: Is a Christmas card a smart move for business, or does it risk making pool pros look desperate for a little extra cash?

What do you think? Whether you're on Team Festive or Team Cringe, Andrea and Paulette bring their trademark humor and insights to a debate that every pool pro has likely mulled over at least once.

Support the show

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: [email protected]