Talking Pools Podcast

Talking Pools Podcast

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Talking Pools Podcast episodes

  • Chemistry Myths That Cost Pool Pros Money – Part 2

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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

    • Why a strong "chlorine smell" usually indicates a water quality problem—not a clean pool.
    • The difference between clear water and truly polished water.
    • Why customers notice water feel and clarity before chemistry numbers.
    • How specialty chemicals can simplify service routes when used correctly.
    • Reducing chemical waste and inventory shrinkage.
    • Building consistent treatment systems that every technician can follow.
    • Why standardized service improves profitability.
    • How proper technician training reduces turnover.
    • The importance of mentoring instead of simply assigning new employees to routes.
    • Why asking questions is one of the most valuable skills in the industry.
    • Why filtration is just as important as chemistry.
    • Source water testing and why it often gets overlooked.
    • Variable-speed pumps during algae cleanup and problem pools.
    • Common myths surrounding pool chemistry education.
    • How manufacturers' representatives can become valuable technical resources—not just salespeople.
    • Practical ways to improve your business by working smarter instead of harder.

    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

    • Blu-Ray XL
    • United Chemical
    • LaMotte Chemical
    • RevdUp Apparel
    • Aqua Comfort Water Group
    • H2Flow Controls

    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?

    📧 [email protected]

    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.


    Revdup Apparel
    a custom apparel company built for the pool industry. Founded by pool professionals

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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    51 min
  • Pool Water Testing with LaMotte Down Under

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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

    •  Why total hardness is no longer the same as calcium hardness
    •  How magnesium changes water chemistry 
    •  Why magnesium hardness must be separated from calcium hardness 
    •  The relationship between hardness and the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI)
    •  Why pH remains the single biggest factor affecting water balance 
    •  Does magnesium actually affect scaling? 
    •  Understanding the difference between conductivity salt meters and reagent-based salt testing
    •  Why two salt tests can produce dramatically different readings 
    •  The hidden problem of "dead" salt and elevated TDS 
    •  When water replacement becomes the only practical solution 
    •  Protecting expensive salt chlorinator cells through accurate testing 
    •  Why experienced technicians ask questions instead of simply printing reports 
    •  The psychology of educating customers and building long-term trust 
    •  A preview of LaMotte's upcoming professional training course for the pool industry 

    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

    •  Water chemistry specialist 
    •  Professional water testing educator 
    •  Expert in Spin water analysis technology 
    •  Developer of LaMotte's upcoming online professional training program 

    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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    35 min
  • Why Pool Coatings Peel

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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

    •  Why asking "What's the best pool paint?" is the wrong question 
    •  The lessons every pool professional can learn from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool 
    •  Why compatibility between coating systems matters 
    •  Understanding chlorinated rubber, synthetic rubber, acrylic, epoxy, and high-build epoxy coatings 
    •  Why surface preparation determines the success or failure of almost every coating system 
    •  How to properly inspect an existing painted pool before recoating 
    •  The importance of documenting coating failures before disturbing the evidence 
    •  Mechanical adhesion vs. chemical adhesion explained in plain English 
    •  Why moisture remains one of the biggest enemies of successful coating applications 
    •  Proper cleaning, sanding, acid washing, and contamination removal 
    •  How silicone contamination, chalking, oils, and residue interfere with adhesion 
    •  Why weather, humidity, dew point, and curing conditions matter 
    •  Understanding recoat windows and why missing them creates problems 
    •  Common causes of blistering, peeling, and coating delamination 
    •  Adhesive failure vs. cohesive failure vs. substrate failure 
    •  ASTM testing methods used during professional coating failure investigations 
    •  Why coating failures should be investigated—not guessed 

    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...

    •  Paint or recoat swimming pools 
    •  Service painted pools 
    •  Investigate coating failures 
    •  Work with commercial aquatic facilities 
    •  Want to better understand adhesion and coating science 
    •  Enjoy deep technical discussions presented in plain English 
    •  Like your pool education served with a healthy dose of Gen X sarcasm 

    Connect With Talking Pools

    Questions about coatings, chemistry, troubleshooting, or a future podcast topic?

    📧 [email protected]

    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.

    Support the show

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

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    Email us: [email protected]

    48 min
  • When a Pool Is a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen

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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

    •  Why some commercial pools should never remain open until deficiencies are corrected 
    •  The importance of documenting serious safety violations immediately 
    •  When a service estimate becomes a potential liability issue 
    •  Improper plumbing repairs that violate code 
    •  Missing flow meters, bonding, grounding, and neglected maintenance records 
    •  Why incomplete service logs can become evidence in litigation 
    •  Chemical storage mistakes that can create OSHA and HazMat nightmares 
    •  The importance of secondary containment for liquid chemicals 
    •  Understanding the gap between inspections and signed service contracts 
    •  What happens when another company is still responsible for the pool 
    •  Residential versus commercial liability differences 
    •  How contract renewals and expired agreements can affect legal exposure 
    •  Why documentation is one of the best forms of risk management 
    •  The importance of educating prospective clients—even if they never hire you 
    •  Knowing when to walk away from a problematic customer

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    18 min
  • Open Water Swimming Myths Busted with Hilda Lopez

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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:

    • Why pool training alone isn't enough for marathon swims
    • The reality of swimming in currents, tides, waves, and changing conditions
    • Why your open water pace rarely matches your pool pace
    • Building endurance without swimming race distance every training session
    • The importance of strength training for injury prevention and performance
    • Why hydration and nutrition can make or break a long-distance swim
    • Managing fear, self-doubt, and race-day nerves
    • The critical role of a strong support team during marathon swims
    • Why pacing—not sprinting off the start—is often the smartest strategy

    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

    • Marathon swimming
    • Open water training
    • Swim Around Key West
    • Endurance sports
    • Race preparation
    • Hydration and nutrition
    • Strength training
    • Mental resilience
    • Swim myths
    • Every Child A Swimmer
    • Tennessee Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming
    • Swimming safety
    • Long-distance swimming

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

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    1 hr
  • Why Pool Pros Should Stop Ignoring Spas (and What Could Cost You Everything) with Adrian Lacey

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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:

    • Why spas are one of the biggest untapped opportunities for pool professionals
    • Common misconceptions that keep technicians away from spa service
    • The importance of partnering with licensed electricians and gas fitters
    • Diagnosing leaks, pumps, air controls, jets, blowers, and electronic controls
    • Why replacing the wrong pump can create serious safety hazards
    • Understanding hydraulic flow rates and why bigger pumps often make things worse
    • Pipe sizing mistakes that dramatically reduce system performance
    • Why proper plumbing layout matters more than horsepower
    • The importance of flow meters instead of guessing hydraulic performance

    Sacrificial Anodes Explained

    Adrian also dives into one of the industry's most misunderstood topics:

    • Galvanic corrosion
    • Electrolytic corrosion
    • Chemical corrosion

    Learn:

    • Why they are completely different problems
    • How sacrificial zinc anodes work
    • What they can—and cannot—protect
    • Why every heated pool deserves consideration for corrosion protection
    • Why an anode should never replace finding the actual cause of corrosion

    Pool Safety That Too Many Professionals Overlook

    The conversation shifts into one of the most important topics in the industry:

    Safety.

    Including:

    • Equipotential bonding
    • Electrical safety around spas
    • Voltage differences and corrosion
    • Why technicians should carry a non-contact voltage tester
    • Suction entrapment hazards
    • Ventilated skimmer requirements
    • Understanding Australian Standard AS 1926.3
    • When replacing equipment legally requires bringing systems up to current safety standards

    Adrian shares practical advice that could help technicians avoid costly mistakes—and potentially save lives.

    Plus

    • Why documentation protects your business
    • When you should walk away from an unsafe job
    • Why staying within your qualifications protects both your customers and your livelihood
    • Free technical resources available through the Spartex mobile app
    • How decades of technical knowledge are being shared with the industry

    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.



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    55 min
  • Si Solo Agregas Cloro, No Eres un Profesional

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    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 importancia del cepillado para prevenir el crecimiento de algas. 
    •  Por qué un profesional debe diagnosticar antes de tratar una piscina. 
    •  Cloro estabilizado, hipoclorito de sodio y otros desinfectantes. 
    •  ¿Qué significa realmente el "contenido de cloro disponible"? 
    •  Diferencias entre cloro libre y cloro combinado. 
    •  Cómo funciona el bromo y cuándo es la mejor opción. 
    •  Ozono y luz ultravioleta como oxidantes suplementarios. 
    •  Riesgos del bromato cuando se combinan ciertos sistemas. 
    •  Cómo funcionan los diferentes kits de prueba. 
    •  Ventajas y limitaciones de los fotómetros y las tiras reactivas. 
    •  Medición de sólidos disueltos totales (TDS). 
    •  Dureza de calcio y su importancia para proteger la piscina. 
    •  Ácido cianúrico: cómo medirlo y por qué controlar su concentración. 
    •  Rangos recomendados para pH, alcalinidad, calcio y cloro. 
    •  La importancia de utilizar un kit de prueba para cada producto químico empleado. 
    •  Casos reales de diagnóstico en instalaciones acuáticas. 
    •  Pensar "fuera de la piscina" para resolver problemas complejos. 

    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.

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    1 hr
  • Trump's Reflecting Pool. Minnesota's Supreme Court. The Pool Industry Just Got Interesting.

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    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

    •  Minnesota Supreme Court hears the Swimpley backyard pool case 
    •  When does a residential swimming pool become a public pool? 
    •  Operational challenges for pool service professionals 
    •  The future of pool-sharing platforms 
    •  Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool investigation update 
    •  Why the pool was drained after Independence Day 
    •  Separating documented facts from online speculation 
    •  Understanding coating systems and polyurea applications 
    •  Adhesive vs. cohesive vs. substrate failures 
    •  ASTM adhesion and moisture testing standards 
    •  Why recoat windows matter 
    •  Surface preparation and concrete moisture considerations 
    •  Green water, algae, and what it does—and doesn't—prove 
    •  Why investigations begin by eliminating theories, not proving them 
    •  Lessons the entire pool industry can learn from a high-profile failure 

    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.

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    35 min
  • Testing Water the Right Way, Hurricane Prep & Insurance Reality

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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

    • Should you dump tested water back into the pool?
    • Why customer perception matters during water testing
    • Understanding reagent toxicity and proper disposal
    • The truth about silver nitrate stains
    • How heat and improper storage ruin test reagents
    • Why expiration dates matter
    • Electronic testing vs. traditional drop testing
    • Testing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
    • Phosphates, fill water, and hidden water chemistry issues
    • Hurricane preparation for pool equipment
    • Insurance considerations before and after natural disasters
    • Flood, fire, mudslide, earthquake, and wind coverage explained
    • Why documentation protects both homeowners and service companies

    Featured Guests

    • Wayne Ivusich
    • Steve Sherwood
    • Pat Grignon

    Sponsors

    • LaMotte Company
    • WaterLink Spin Touch
    • Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC)
    • Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award Sponsors

    Mentioned During the Show

    • Certified Pool Operators (CPO) Facebook Group
    • Proper storage and handling of testing reagents
    • Taylor Technologies testing procedures
    • TDS testing
    • Electronic water testing
    • Hurricane preparedness for swimming pools
    • Insurance considerations for pool professionals

    Connect With Talking Pools

    Have a topic you'd like us to cover?

    Email us at:

    [email protected]

    Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss another episode from the Talking Pools Podcast Network.

    Support the show

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

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    • Tik Tok

    Email us: [email protected]

    52 min
  • Chemistry Myths That Cost Pool Pros Money (Part 1) With Natalie Hood & Eric Wall

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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

    •  Eric Wall's journey into the swimming pool industry 
    •  Why the cheapest chemicals often cost the most 
    •  The hidden cost of callbacks 
    •  Why every technician should follow the same chemical program 
    •  Better testing leads to better decisions 
    •  How customer communication builds long-term loyalty 
    •  Why proactive pool care is more profitable than reactive repairs 
    •  The myth that more chlorine fixes everything 
    •  Building healthier water instead of simply adding more chemicals 
    •  Why education is one of the most valuable investments a pool company can make 

    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

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    Email us: [email protected]

    39 min

About Talking Pools Podcast

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…

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