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This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury, Shane Sneddon, and Nick welcome Westley Collins from Madimack for a deep dive into one of the fastest-evolving areas of the pool industry—heat pump technology.
Westley explains the real difference between traditional on/off heat pumps and modern inverter-driven systems, how variable-speed compressors and fans dramatically improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and make today's heat pumps quieter than ever before.
The conversation also explores one of the industry's most misunderstood topics: properly sizing a heat pump. From evaporation and pool covers to climate, water features, and pool location, you'll learn why choosing the correct heater involves far more than simply calculating pool volume.
The discussion expands beyond heating into Madimack's growing lineup of pumps, chlorinators, filters, and smart equipment. Wesley explains how inverter technology is now improving variable-speed pumps and salt chlorinators, making equipment quieter, more energy-efficient, easier to retrofit, and smarter than previous generations.
Whether you're a pool professional, builder, retailer, or homeowner looking to better understand modern pool equipment, this episode delivers practical information that can help save energy, reduce operating costs, and improve overall pool performance.
In this episode:
Whether you're replacing equipment, designing a new pool, or simply want to understand where pool technology is heading, this episode offers valuable insight from one of the industry's leading manufacturers.
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In this special Fourth of July bonus episode, Kelly and Dan celebrate Independence Day by tackling a topic every pool professional feels at the pump—and on the balance sheet.
As fuel prices rise and suppliers introduce surcharges, many service companies immediately wonder whether they should pass those costs on to their customers. But is that really the answer?
Drawing on four decades of industry experience, Dan breaks down the real numbers behind operating a service vehicle, revealing that fuel often isn't the financial monster many believe it to be. Instead, the discussion shifts toward something even more important: knowing your costs, pricing your services correctly, and building a business that can weather temporary economic swings.
The conversation also explores venture capital's growing presence in the pool industry, the dangers of competing solely on price, and why reputation, education, and customer service remain the greatest competitive advantages independent pool professionals have.
It's a timely conversation about business, freedom, and the value of doing things the right way.
In This Episode
Key Takeaway
Temporary increases in fuel prices shouldn't force a well-run business into panic mode.
The companies that succeed over the long term aren't the ones with the lowest prices—they're the ones that understand their costs, know their value, and refuse to compete solely on price.
In the end, your greatest asset isn't your truck, your chemicals, or your equipment.
It's your reputation.
Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸
From everyone at the Talking Pools Podcast Network, we wish you and your family a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Fourth of July.
Thank you to the pool professionals who work long hours throughout the holiday weekend helping families create memories in clean, safe water.
Have a wonderful Independence Day, and thank you for all you do for our industry.
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#TalkingPools #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay #PoolService #PoolBusiness #SmallBusiness #FuelPrices #PoolIndustry #SwimmingPools #Entrepreneur #CustomerService #PoolProfessional
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Everything You Think You Know About Water Testing Is Changing - Wait until you hear about the drones...
Water testing isn't just about getting numbers.
It's about making better decisions.
This week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz sits down with Jonathan Banish, Director of Software at LaMotte, for an inside look at how modern water analysis has evolved from simple test kits into powerful business management tools.
The conversation goes far beyond the Spin Touch photometer. Rudy and Jonathan explore why software has become just as important as chemistry, how accurate testing saves money by preventing unnecessary chemical use, and why tracking water history may be one of the most valuable assets a pool professional can have.
They also discuss customer management, business efficiency, NSF certification, responsible chemical dosing, and where water testing technology may be headed in the future—including a few laughs about drones, superheroes, peanut butter sandwiches, and even Area 51.
Whether you're a one-pole operation or managing hundreds of pools, this episode offers a fascinating look at how technology is reshaping the pool industry.
In This Episode
Key Takeaway
The best pool professionals don't just test water.
They collect information.
They recognize patterns.
They document history.
And they use technology to make smarter decisions that improve water quality, reduce chemical costs, and deliver a better experience for every customer.
The future of pool care isn't simply better chemistry.
It's better information.
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New episodes every week from the Talking Pools Podcast Network, featuring conversations with the people driving innovation across the swimming pool industry.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
#TalkingPools #FlocItFriday #WaterTesting #SpinTouch #LaMotte #PoolService #PoolChemistry #PoolProfessional #SwimmingPools #PoolIndustry #WaterAnalysis #PoolTechnology
AquaStar Pool ProductsSupport the show
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The Liability That Could Cost You Everything
Servicing a pool is one thing.
Being held responsible for someone else's decisions is another.
This week on Thursdays with Stephen & Wayne, the conversation dives into one of the most uncomfortable realities facing pool professionals today: what happens when you identify a safety issue, document it, recommend the fix... and the client refuses to act?
From commercial hotels and apartment complexes to homeowner associations and residential accounts, the discussion explores the legal gray areas surrounding code compliance, liability, documentation, and knowing when it's time to walk away from a client.
The episode also revisits the ongoing issues surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, discusses lessons learned from a complex commercial automation installation, and explains why documenting safety concerns may be one of the most valuable services a pool professional can provide.
If you've ever wondered, "How many times do I have to tell a client before it's no longer my problem?"—this episode is for you.
In This Episode
Key Takeaway
Finding a safety issue isn't enough.
Documenting it.
Communicating it.
Following up appropriately.
And knowing when to walk away...
...may ultimately be what protects your business when something goes wrong.
Sometimes the biggest risk in the pool industry isn't the water—it's the paperwork you didn't create.
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Stay up to date with expert conversations, technical discussions, and real-world business lessons from the Talking Pools Podcast Network.
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#TalkingPools #PoolIndustry #CommercialPools #PoolService #RiskManagement #SwimmingPools #PoolSafety #CPO #PoolBusiness #Liability #WaterChemistry #PoolProfessionals
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You rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. You wash your hands before dinner. But somehow, millions of people still jump into their swimming pools covered in sweat, sunscreen, cosmetics, body oils, grass, dirt... and sometimes their dogs do too.
In Part Two of this Myth Busting series, Natalie and special guest Jared Medeiros shift the conversation from commercial aquatic facilities to residential swimming pools—and explain why homeowners often create their own water quality problems without realizing it.
From Fourth of July pool parties and backyard barbecues to dogs swimming, sunscreen buildup, and overloaded pool chemistry, they explain why small habits can have a massive impact on water quality, maintenance costs, and swimmer health.
You'll also learn why commercial pools often maintain better water quality than backyard pools, why "clear water" doesn't always mean "clean water," and how a simple 30-second shower can dramatically reduce chemical costs throughout the swimming season.
If you own a pool—or know someone who does—this episode could save you hundreds of dollars while helping keep your family safer.
In This Episode
Key Takeaway
The easiest way to improve your pool isn't buying another chemical.
It's preventing contaminants from entering the water in the first place.
A quick rinse before swimming, regular water testing, and understanding how your pool responds to heavy use can dramatically reduce maintenance costs while keeping your water cleaner, healthier, and easier to manage.
Sometimes the best pool chemistry starts before anyone even gets in the water.
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New episodes every week from the Talking Pools Podcast Network, bringing together the industry's leading experts, educators, and professionals.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
#TalkingPools #PoolCare #SwimmingPool #PoolOwner #PoolMaintenance #WaterChemistry #HealthySwimming #PoolTips #PoolService #BackyardPool #WaterTesting #MythBusting
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New Products, Big Ideas, and Splash 2026 Preview
The countdown to Splash 2026 is on, and this week on Mondays Down Under, Lee, Shane, and Nick take a look at some of the new products and innovations expected to debut at the industry's biggest trade show. But before diving into the latest technology, the conversation starts where many pool businesses find themselves this time of year—surviving end-of-financial-year stocktakes, inventory headaches, and the never-ending challenge of keeping track of service vehicle inventory.
From there, the discussion shifts to why attending industry trade shows is about much more than collecting brochures. It's about gaining new perspectives, networking with peers, discovering better ways to run your business, and seeing firsthand where the industry is headed.
The team highlights several exciting products they're looking forward to seeing at Splash, including autonomous robotic cleaners, advanced oxidation systems paired with low-salt chlorination, next-generation heat pumps with impressive efficiency ratings, and new training opportunities designed to improve water testing and chemistry knowledge.
They also discuss the importance of proper system installation, flow rates for UV and AOP systems, inventory accountability, and why staying current with new technology can give pool professionals a competitive advantage.
Whether you're planning to attend Splash or simply want to know what's coming next in the pool industry, this episode offers an excellent preview of the products, conversations, and innovations everyone will be talking about.
In this episode:
Coming Soon on Talking Pools
The team also previews several upcoming guest interviews featuring leading industry experts covering:
If you're passionate about improving your business, staying current with new technology, and learning from some of the industry's best, you won't want to miss the upcoming episodes.
📧 Have a topic you'd like covered? Email the team at [email protected].
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Never miss an episode of the Talking Pools Podcast Network.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
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Filtros para Piscinas: Cómo Funcionan, Cómo Elegirlos y Cómo Evitar Errores Costosos
No importa qué tan perfecta sea la química del agua: si la filtración falla, la piscina también falla.
En este episodio de Talking Pools, analizamos a fondo uno de los componentes más importantes de cualquier sistema acuático: el filtro. Desde filtros de arena hasta cartucho y tierra de diatomeas (DE), explicamos cómo funciona cada uno, cuándo utilizarlo, cómo dimensionarlo correctamente y qué errores pueden provocar un rendimiento deficiente o incluso daños en el equipo.
En este episodio aprenderás:
También hablamos sobre:
Ya seas técnico de servicio, operador certificado, constructor o simplemente quieras comprender mejor cómo funciona una piscina, este episodio ofrece una explicación clara y práctica sobre uno de los sistemas más importantes para mantener el agua limpia y segura.
Escucha Talking Pools en Apple Podcasts, Spotify y en tu plataforma favorita.
#TalkingPools #Piscinas #Filtración #FiltroDeArena #FiltroDE #FiltroDeCartucho #OperadorDePiscinas #MantenimientoDePiscinas #QuímicaDelAgua #PiscinasComerciales #Capacitación #CPO #IndustriaDePiscinas
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This week on Talking Pools, Rudy sits down with Carrie Dibrell, publisher of Service Industry News, for an in-depth conversation about the state of the swimming pool service industry, why education matters more than ever, and the responsibility pool professionals carry every single day.
The discussion begins with an update on the ongoing issues surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, including statements from both Rhino Linings and Atlantic Industrial Coatings regarding the localized coating failures. Rudy explains the technical questions that remain unanswered, particularly surrounding manufacturer recoat windows and surface preparation, before shifting the conversation back to the professionals who keep pools operating safely every day.
Carrie shares the remarkable story behind Service Industry News' annual Homeowner Water Safety & Drowning Prevention Edition, a publication specifically designed for service technicians to pass along to their customers. What began as a challenge issued by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance has grown into one of the industry's most effective public education tools. Together, Rudy and Carrie discuss how pool professionals can become the bridge between technical service and homeowner safety while also creating additional value for their businesses.
The conversation explores some of today's biggest challenges facing service companies, including homeowners purchasing equipment online and expecting professionals to install it, declining profit margins, technician retention, employee training, and the increasing need for affordable education for new technicians. Carrie explains why Service Industry News has remained focused on the service technician for nearly four decades and why education continues to be the number one reason readers engage with trade publications.
Rudy and Carrie also dive into:
As always, Rudy mixes technical discussion with humor, industry commentary, and a healthy dose of Gen X sarcasm while reminding listeners that behind every clean, safe swimming pool is a dedicated service professional whose work often goes unnoticed.
In This Episode
Resources Mentioned
Connect with Talking Pools
🎙 New episodes every week featuring the latest industry news, chemistry, equipment, safety, and conversations with the people shaping the swimming pool industry.
AquaStar Pool ProductsSupport the show
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: [email protected]
Ask a question here
What happens when a customer's heater fails... and the replacement part simply doesn't exist anywhere in the country?
This week, Steve and Wayne dive into the realities of modern pool service, where solving problems often has less to do with technical skill and more to do with navigating manufacturers, distributors, supply chains, and customer expectations. From chasing down an elusive electric heater control board to discussing how relationships with manufacturer representatives can make—or break—a difficult service call, the conversation offers an honest look at the behind-the-scenes challenges pool professionals face every day.
Later in the episode, Steve is joined by Pat Grignon of the California Pool Association for another Insurance Interlude. Together they tackle an important question that many commercial service companies eventually encounter:
Can another company legally operate under your commercial pool license?
The discussion explores liability, insurance implications, contractor licensing, and why helping another business could expose your own company to significant legal risk if done improperly.
The episode wraps with a candid conversation about distributor relationships, manufacturer voucher programs, pricing pressures, and why customer service—not loyalty programs—ultimately determines where professionals choose to spend their money.
Topics Discussed
Key Takeaways
Connect With Talking Pools
Have a question or topic you'd like discussed on the show?
Email: [email protected]
Your question could be featured on an upcoming episode, and if your topic is used, you might even receive a Talking Pools thank-you gift.
Talking Pools Podcast
Where pool professionals talk to pool professionals—bringing together education, chemistry, business, technology, and the real-world challenges facing today's aquatic industry
Support the show
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: [email protected]
Ask a question here
Should You Shower Before Getting in the Pool? Absolutely.
In this episode, Natalie Hood sits down with Jared Madero of The Grit Game to tackle one of the most ignored signs at aquatic facilities: "Please Shower Before Entering the Pool." Together, they explore why a simple 30-second rinse can significantly impact water quality, swimmer health, air quality, and operational costs.
Topics Covered
Key Takeaway
A clean pool starts before you ever enter the water. Showering before and after swimming helps reduce contaminants, improve swimmer comfort, lower chemical demand, and create a healthier aquatic environment for everyone.
Connect
For more pool industry education, chemistry discussions, and aquatic facility insights, subscribe to the Talking Pools Podcast.
Support the show
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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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