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Are you making pool chemistry harder than it needs to be?
In Part 2 of our Chemistry Myths That Cost Pool Pros Money series, Natalie Hood welcomes Eric Wall back to the show to continue separating fact from fiction in professional pool care.
From the belief that a strong chlorine smell means a clean pool to the misconception that "perfect" test results always equal healthy water, this episode challenges some of the industry's most common assumptions while exploring what truly creates exceptional water quality and profitable service routes.
The conversation goes beyond chemistry, diving into technician training, customer retention, specialty chemical programs, filtration, troubleshooting, and why successful companies focus on systems—not just products.
Whether you're servicing ten pools a week or managing hundreds of accounts, this episode offers practical insights that can help streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and increase profitability.
In This Episode
Key Takeaways
✔ Water chemistry numbers tell only part of the story.
✔ Customer experience is driven by water clarity, feel, and consistency.
✔ Good filtration and good chemistry work together.
✔ Standardized operating procedures create more profitable service companies.
✔ Better-trained technicians stay longer and provide better service.
✔ Investing in education pays dividends throughout your business.
Featured Guest
Eric Wall
Eric shares decades of industry experience working directly with service companies, builders, retailers, and distributors across North America. His practical approach focuses on simplifying pool care, improving technician success, and helping businesses become more efficient and profitable through education and standardized systems.
Sponsored By
Also Featured
Natalie shares an update on her "She Swims So They Can" Tennessee Triple Crown Open Water Swim Challenge benefiting Every Child A Swimmer, including sponsorship opportunities that help provide life-saving swim lessons and water safety education for children.
Connect
Questions for Eric Wall?
If Part 1 challenged what you thought you knew about pool chemistry, Part 2 takes it even further by showing how better systems, better training, and better questions create better pool professionals.
Listen now and discover why smarter pool care isn't about using more chemicals—it's about understanding the entire system.
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Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: [email protected]
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Magnesium, Salt & the Truth About Water Testing with LaMotte – Part 1
Is your salt test really measuring salt?
What happens when magnesium enters the equation?
And why do two different salt tests sometimes give two completely different answers?
This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee and Nick welcome Hieron from LaMotte for a fascinating deep dive into modern water testing, magnesium pools, calcium hardness, Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), and why understanding your test results is just as important as performing the test itself.
Whether you're servicing pools every day or managing a retail water testing lab, this episode explains why blindly trusting numbers without understanding the chemistry behind them can cost your customers money—and shorten the life of their equipment.
In This Episode
Key Takeaways
One of the biggest myths discussed is that all salt readings are equal.
Traditional conductivity meters measure the electrical conductivity of dissolved solids, while LaMotte's Spin system chemically measures usable chloride ions—the portion of salt that can actually produce chlorine. Understanding that distinction can dramatically improve troubleshooting and help explain why older pools often experience chlorination issues despite appearing to have sufficient salt.
The conversation also explores why magnesium pools require technicians to think differently about hardness testing. Magnesium contributes to total hardness but should not simply be substituted for calcium when calculating water balance or the LSI. Accurate testing allows professionals to properly determine true calcium hardness instead of relying on outdated rules of thumb.
Beyond chemistry, the discussion focuses on customer communication. The best technicians don't simply hand customers a printout—they ask better questions, interpret the results, educate pool owners, and build relationships that last for years.
Featured Guest
Hieron – LaMotte
Coming Next Week
Part Two continues the conversation with even more practical discussions on professional water analysis, advanced chemistry, and improving customer outcomes through better testing and education.
Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
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Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
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The Truth About Pool Coatings, Surface Preparation, and Why Failures Really Happen
Everyone wants to know which pool paint is the best.
Wrong question.
In this episode of Talking Pools, Rudy Stankowitz takes listeners far beyond the paint can and into the science of coating failures, adhesion, compatibility, moisture, and surface preparation. Using the recent attention surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as a jumping-off point, Rudy explains why nearly every coating failure investigation asks the same question:
What happened before the paint ever touched the surface?
From chlorinated rubber and acrylics to epoxy and high-build epoxy systems, this episode explores the strengths, weaknesses, and proper applications of today's most common swimming pool coating systems. More importantly, it explains why even the most expensive coating in the world can't overcome poor preparation.
If you've ever wondered why one painted pool lasts fifteen years while another begins peeling after a single season, this episode connects the dots between chemistry, application, environmental conditions, and good old-fashioned craftsmanship. Along the way, Rudy shares real-world stories, practical advice, and plenty of his signature Gen X humor.
Whether you're a pool service professional, contractor, facility manager, or simply fascinated by how coatings succeed—or fail—this is one of the most comprehensive discussions on swimming pool coatings ever presented on the Talking Pools Podcast.
In This Episode
Key Takeaways
✔ The most expensive coating cannot overcome poor surface preparation.
✔ Compatibility between existing and new coating systems is critical.
✔ Surface contamination is often invisible but can completely prevent proper adhesion.
✔ Moisture inside concrete can remain long after the surface appears dry.
✔ Proper environmental conditions are just as important as choosing the right coating.
✔ Good investigators document the failure before removing any evidence.
✔ Most coating failures begin long before the pool is filled with water.
✔ Successful coating jobs are built on preparation—not luck.
Memorable Quotes
"Surface preparation isn't part of the job. Surface preparation is the job.""Compatibility matters. Chemistry matters. Guessing doesn't.""Painting a pool isn't hard. Knowing when not to paint—that's what separates a guy with a roller from a pool professional."Featured Sponsors
Blu-Ray XL
Reduce chemical usage, lower labor costs, and improve profitability with Blu-Ray XL's mineral purification technology for pool professionals.
Jacks Magic
Professional stain identification, removal, and prevention products trusted throughout the pool industry.
AquaStar Pool Products
Learn about AquaStar's innovative Pipeline cartridge filters featuring NSF-tested performance and simplified maintenance.
Service Industry News
Stay informed with nationwide pool and spa industry news, technical articles, and the famous Horror File. Subscribe free at Service Industry News.
Listen If You...
Connect With Talking Pools
Questions about coatings, chemistry, troubleshooting, or a future podcast topic?
Subscribe to the Talking Pools Podcast Network wherever you get your podcasts, and join thousands of pool professionals each week for practical discussions on water chemistry, coatings, equipment, business, and everything that makes you a better pool pro.
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What happens when you walk onto a commercial pool deck expecting to provide a service quote... and instead discover a facility that should probably be closed?
In this episode of Insurance Interlude, Steve Sherwood and Pat Grignon tackle one of the toughest situations a commercial pool professional can face: discovering serious code violations before you've even signed a contract.
Steve shares a recent experience inspecting several HOA pools where years of neglected maintenance, questionable repairs, missing safety equipment, incomplete service logs, and improper chemical handling created significant liability concerns. The discussion quickly shifts from "Should I take this account?" to "How do I protect myself if something happens before I'm hired?"
Whether you're servicing residential pools, managing commercial facilities, or growing your business, this episode is packed with practical advice on inspections, documentation, contracts, liability, and protecting both your customers and your company.
In This Episode
Support the show
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How different is open water swimming from training in a pool?
Far more than most people realize.
This week, Natalie Hood is joined by ultra-endurance swimmer Hilda Lopez, fresh off completing the 50th Annual Swim Around Key West—a grueling 12.5-mile marathon swim that tested her endurance, mindset, and determination.
Hilda shares her inspiring journey from struggling with her health and being significantly overweight to becoming an accomplished open water swimmer tackling some of the world's most demanding marathon swims.
Together, Natalie and Hilda break down some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding open water swimming, including:
Hilda also recounts the emotional final mile of her Swim Around Key West, where exhaustion, heat, and powerful currents nearly ended her race before encouragement from her support crew—and especially her son—helped carry her to the finish.
Finally, Natalie announces her own next adventure: taking on the Tennessee Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming while raising funds for Every Child A Swimmer, helping provide lifesaving swim lessons to children.
Whether you're an experienced swimmer, training for your first open water event, or simply love hearing stories of perseverance, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and an honest look at what it really takes to conquer the open water.
Topics Covered
Support the show
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Most pool professionals know pools.
But when a spa needs repair?
Suddenly everyone starts looking for "the spa guy."
This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury and Nick welcome one of Australia's leading spa equipment specialists, Adrian Lacey of Spatex, for an eye-opening discussion that every pool technician, retailer, and service company needs to hear.
If you've ever avoided spa repairs because they seemed too complicated—or too risky—this episode explains why that hesitation may be costing you a profitable part of your business.
More importantly...
It explains how to do it safely.
In this episode:
Sacrificial Anodes Explained
Adrian also dives into one of the industry's most misunderstood topics:
Learn:
Pool Safety That Too Many Professionals Overlook
The conversation shifts into one of the most important topics in the industry:
Safety.
Including:
Adrian shares practical advice that could help technicians avoid costly mistakes—and potentially save lives.
Plus
Whether you service residential pools, commercial facilities, or have never touched a spa before, this episode is packed with practical advice, safety insights, and real-world experience that every pool professional can benefit from.
🎙 Guest: Adrian Lacey – Spatex
🎧 Hosted by: Lee Salisbury & Nick
📅 Series: Mondays Down Under
Listen now and discover why expanding your knowledge of spas may be one of the smartest business decisions you make this year.
Support the show
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: [email protected]
Ask a question here
Química del Agua: Lo Que Todo Profesional de Piscinas Debe Saber (Parte 2)
En este episodio de Talking Pools en Español, continuamos con una inmersión profunda en la química del agua, explicando conceptos que con frecuencia generan confusión incluso entre técnicos con experiencia.
Hablamos de la importancia del cepillado como herramienta preventiva contra las algas, analizamos los distintos tipos de desinfectantes disponibles y aclaramos uno de los conceptos más malinterpretados de la industria: el contenido de cloro disponible.
También exploramos las diferencias entre cloro, bromo, ozono y luz ultravioleta, cuándo utilizar cada uno y cuáles son sus ventajas y limitaciones.
Además, Rudy explica la importancia de realizar pruebas precisas del agua, cómo interpretar correctamente los resultados y por qué un profesional nunca debe limitarse a "agregar químicos y marcharse". La verdadera diferencia entre un técnico y un profesional está en comprender qué está ocurriendo dentro del agua antes de decidir cualquier tratamiento.
Si deseas mejorar tus conocimientos sobre química del agua y ofrecer un servicio basado en ciencia y no en suposiciones, este episodio es para ti.
En este episodio
La idea principal
Los productos químicos no solucionan problemas por sí solos.
Los profesionales solucionan problemas porque entienden la química del agua, interpretan correctamente los resultados de las pruebas y toman decisiones basadas en evidencia, no en costumbres o suposiciones.
La diferencia entre un técnico promedio y un verdadero profesional comienza con el conocimiento.
Support the show
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: [email protected]
Ask a question here
This week on the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy breaks down two major stories making waves across the pool industry.
First, a new case before the Minnesota Supreme Court could redefine what happens when homeowners rent out their backyard swimming pools through apps like Swimpley. If a residential pool becomes a commercial business, should it be regulated like a public pool? Rudy explores what that could mean for homeowners, service companies, builders, health departments, insurance carriers, and pool professionals across the country.
Then, the episode shifts to the continuing investigation surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Following the Independence Day celebrations, crews drained the basin to begin inspecting the widely discussed coating failure. Rudy separates documented facts from speculation and explains why engineering investigations require evidence—not opinions.
Drawing on more than three decades of troubleshooting complex pool failures, Rudy examines the publicly available documentation, discusses coating systems, adhesion failures, ASTM testing standards, moisture considerations, recoat windows, and why forensic analysis—not politics—will ultimately determine what happened.
If you're tired of hot takes and looking for a technical, evidence-based discussion, this episode delivers exactly that.
In This Episode
Key Takeaway
Good investigations don't begin with conclusions. They begin with evidence.
Whether it's a backyard pool operating as a business or one of America's most recognizable reflecting pools, the same principles apply: collect the facts, test the evidence, challenge assumptions, and let the data tell the story.
Support the show
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
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How should you dispose of pool water after you've tested it?
It sounds like a simple question...until it isn't.
Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood kick off this week's episode with a discussion sparked by a question from Que Hales regarding whether test samples should ever be poured back into the pool. The conversation quickly expands into proper testing technique, customer perception, reagent safety, expired chemicals, electronic testing, and why following the manufacturer's instructions matters more than most people realize.
Wayne shares stories from his years at Taylor Technologies, including why silver nitrate turns your skin black, how heat destroys reagents, and what really happens when test chemicals aren't stored correctly.
Later in the episode, Steve welcomes insurance expert Pat Grignon for another Insurance Interlude. Together they discuss hurricanes, floods, wildfires, mudslides, and what pool professionals should know before attempting to "secure" equipment ahead of an approaching storm. They also explain how insurance coverage changes depending on the type of natural disaster and why documentation matters.
Whether you're testing a backyard pool or preparing commercial facilities for hurricane season, this episode is packed with practical advice every pool professional can use.
In this episode
Featured Guests
Sponsors
Mentioned During the Show
Connect With Talking Pools
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Chemistry Myths That Cost Pool Pros Money (Part 1)
With Natalie Hood & Eric Wall
Running a profitable pool service business isn't just about adding chlorine and hoping for the best. In Part One of this two-part conversation, Natalie Hood sits down with Eric Wall, Director of Training for The Grit Game, to tackle some of the biggest myths that continue to hold pool professionals back.
Drawing on decades of experience in sales, service, construction, retail, and technical training, Eric explains why the cheapest chemical program often becomes the most expensive, why callbacks destroy profitability, and why education—not guesswork—is the key to building a successful service company.
They also discuss the importance of standardized chemical programs, proper testing, customer communication, technician training, and why proactive maintenance beats reactive problem-solving every time.
If you're looking to reduce callbacks, improve customer retention, and build a stronger, more profitable service operation, this episode is packed with practical advice you can put to work immediately.
In This Episode
Next Wednesday, Natalie and Eric return to continue busting even more common pool industry myths and share additional strategies to help pool professionals work smarter, not hard
Support the show
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: [email protected]
From the publisher's feed
If you’ve ever stared at a test kit like it personally insulted your family… welcome home.
Talking Pools Podcast is the pool industry’s “pull up a chair” show—part shop…
Here’s the hook: it’s not theory-first. It’s experience-first—a roster of seasoned pros (with 250+ years of combined “been there, fixed that” wisdom) turning complicated problems into practical moves you can use the same day. And it’s not one voice, one vibe, one corner of the industry: it’s a network of shows designed to reflect how diverse this work really is—different regions, different specialties, different personalities.
Also worth saying out loud: women aren’t “special guests” here—they’re on the mic as hosts, from the beginning, with an intentionally balanced roster. That matters, because the best ideas in this industry don’t come from one lane—they come from the whole road.
If you want a podcast that can make you laugh and make you better at what you do—without pretending the job is easier than it is—Talking Pools is the one you queue up before the first stop, and keep on when the day starts getting weird.

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