Shows
Talking Pools PodcastThe Pool Is Breathing (And Nobody Told You Why) - FridaySend us Fan MailThis week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz takes aim at one of the most misunderstood concepts in pool chemistry: pH drift. If you've ever been told that pH "just goes up," Rudy has news for you. Water doesn't drift. Chemistry doesn't shrug. And carbon dioxide may be controlling your pool far more than you've been taught. Before diving into chemistry, Rudy opens with a satirical pool industry news segment covering algae in Washington's Reflecting Pool, Leslie's recent financial improvements, private equity acquisitions, above-ground pool recalls, and the g...
2026-06-1935 min
Talking Pools PodcastProbablemente Estás Usando Mal la Tierra de DiatomeasSend us Fan MailEn este episodio, Rudy responde una pregunta que recibe con frecuencia en el campo: ¿cuánta tierra de diatomeas (DE) debe agregarse realmente a un filtro después de una limpieza completa? A través de un enfoque práctico y fácil de entender, explica cómo determinar la cantidad correcta basándose en el área de superficie del filtro y no simplemente en estimaciones o costumbres heredadas. Temas PrincipalesLa importancia de la dosis correcta de DEMuchos técnicos y operadores agregan menos tierra de diatomea...
2026-06-1307 min
Talking Pools PodcastNatural Swimming Pools, Biofilms, Cyanobacteria & The Science of UncertaintySend us Fan MailIn this thought-provoking Floc It Friday episode, Rudy Stankowitz takes a step away from chemistry myths, manufacturer sound-offs, and social media debates to explore a topic that has generated considerable discussion in both the pool industry and online communities: natural swimming pools. Drawing from four peer-reviewed scientific studies provided by Professor Charles Gerba, Rudy examines what the current scientific literature actually says about biological water treatment systems, pathogen control, microbial communities, and public health.Before diving into the science, Rudy also shares a personal message recognizing National PTSD Awareness Month, discussing...
2026-06-1231 min
Talking Pools PodcastNatural Pools, AI, and the Quiet Revolution Nobody Saw Coming - RudySend us Fan MailThis week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz takes listeners on a journey that starts with a surprisingly heated social media debate about natural swimming pools and ends somewhere in the future of artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, and autonomous pool care.After receiving a flood of messages asking whether natural swimming pools are truly safe, Rudy shares the Facebook post that unexpectedly sparked a debate with advocates of natural pool systems. The discussion explores concerns about cyanobacteria, biofilms, phytoplankton toxins, and the potential risks associated with naturally managed aquatic environments...
2026-06-0555 min
Talking Pools PodcastFloc-It Friday — Mentorship, Metal Chemistry & The Reality of Pool SafetySend us Fan MailThis week on the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz delivers one of the most brutally honest and emotionally grounded episodes yet — blending psychology, mentorship, advanced chemistry, industry culture, and drowning prevention into a single unapologetic ride through the modern swimming pool industry. Rudy opens the episode by tackling something most people in the industry rarely discuss openly: the mental chaos of becoming good at pool care. He breaks down how the swimming pool industry often throws people into the deep end with little structure, little guidance, and an overwhelming amount of mis...
2026-05-2933 min
Twisted ChaptersOver Two Weeks in WonderlandSend us Fan MailBlades of Glass by Rudy Stankowitz continues to sharpen its identity in this chapter, blending procedural horror with a cynical understanding of modern media sensationalism. Set against the backdrop of a grieving Florida community unraveling under the weight of fear, Stankowitz captures something unsettlingly believable: the speed at which tragedy mutates into spectacle. The press conference sequence feels ripped from the cable-news age, where reporters chase viral headlines before the bodies are cold, and the phrase “Lewisville’s Vampire” becomes less an investigative lead than a brand.What makes the chapter effect...
2026-05-1610 min
Talking Pools PodcastThe Sodium Bromide Ban - Rudy talks with Scott Hamilton, CEO, United ChemicalSend us Fan MailThis episode features Scott Hamilton, CEO of United Chemical, discussing the EPA's recent restrictions on sodium bromide, its implications for pool professionals, and the science behind bromate formation and safety. Gain insights into regulatory processes, chemical safety, and effective pool management strategies.keywordssodium bromide, EPA regulations, bromate, pool chemistry, pool safety, algae control, chemical risk assessment, United Chemical, Yellow Treat, bromine poolskey topicsEPA's restrictions on sodium bromideBromate formation and health risksScience and risk assessment of...
2026-05-1552 min
Talking Pools PodcastYour Pool Truck Might Be Illegal - RudySend us Fan MailOn this episode of Floc It Friday, Rudy Stankowitz dives headfirst into one of the most overlooked realities in the swimming pool industry: your pool truck may legally qualify as a hazardous materials transport vehicle. Rudy breaks down how everyday pool chemicals like liquid chlorine, muriatic acid, trichlor, cal hypo, cyanuric acid, and even improperly labeled buckets can place pool professionals directly under federal DOT hazmat regulations. From 49 CFR Materials of Trade exceptions to hazmat training requirements, shipping papers, securement rules, placarding, container limits, and chemical compatibility, this episode becomes an eye-opening deep...
2026-05-0856 min
Talking Pools PodcastCyanuric Acid Isn’t Sunscreen… It’s a Regulator - RudySend us Fan MailThis week on Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz rips into one of the most misunderstood topics in pool chemistry—cyanuric acid. Starting with a hard truth most pros overlook, the EPA-required label on chlorine products caps free chlorine at 4 ppm… and that’s not a suggestion, it’s law. From there, the episode dismantles the industry’s oversimplified “stabilizer” narrative and replaces it with what’s actually happening: cyanuric acid doesn’t just protect chlorine—it binds it, regulates it, and suppresses the amount of active sanitizer available in real time.This is where t...
2026-05-0157 min
Talking Pools PodcastLegal Cases Involving Pool ChemicalsSend us Fan MailThis episode explores the complexities of pool chemistry, legal considerations, industry trends, and the importance of understanding over following instructions blindly. Rudy Stankowitz shares insights on how industry control, product formulation disputes, and safety regulations impact pool professionals and consumers.Keywordspool chemistry, pool industry, pool safety, chemical regulation, pool maintenance, pool education, legal cases, industry trendsKey TopicsPool chemistry complexities and safetyLegal cases involving pool chemicalsIndustry trends towards simplification and controlGuest Name
2026-04-2438 min
Talking Pools PodcastBreakpoint Is Wrong (And Enzymes Aren’t What You Think) - RudySend us Fan MailIn this episode, Rudy Stankowitz breaks down two industry staples—breakpoint chlorination and enzymes—and explains why what’s commonly taught doesn’t fully match the chemistry happening in your water.This isn’t about being wrong. It’s about going one level deeper.⚗️ Breakpoint Chlorination – The Reality The 10x rule is not how breakpoint is defined in chemistry True breakpoint is based on ammonia (as nitrogen), not combined chlorine Pools measure combined chlorine (as chlorine) → not a direct match 👉 Result...
2026-04-1032 min
Talking Pools PodcastChlorine Lock is Fake… and the Industry Let You Believe It AnywaySend us Fan MailThis episode starts where most pool problems actually begin—not in the chemistry… but in the math. Rudy breaks down why inconsistent dosing is quietly wrecking pools everywhere, how “close enough” turns into repeat problems, and why scooping chemicals like you’re baking cookies is one of the biggest operational failures in the industry.From there, the conversation escalates into real chemistry—chlorine demand, the science behind oxidation, and why chlorine never just “disappears”… it reacts.Then we get into the controversy everyone keeps asking about: Is sodium bromide comi...
2026-03-2727 min
Talking Pools Podcast2026 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor AwardSend us Fan MailFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThe Talking Pools Podcast has officially opened nominations for the 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award, an industry recognition created to celebrate the individuals who go beyond their daily work to teach, guide, and elevate others in the swimming pool and spa profession. Nominations will be accepted from March 15 through May 15, 2026, inviting pool service technicians, builders, retailers, educators, manufacturers, and other professionals across the industry to submit the name of a mentor who helped shape their c...
2026-03-1004 min
Talking Pools PodcastSilicates and Sulfates - Should We Test for That?Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Rudy Stankowitz discusses significant developments in the pool service industry, including a major acquisition that consolidates market power. He also delves into the importance of understanding water chemistry, specifically focusing on silica and sulfates, which are often overlooked in pool maintenance. The conversation highlights the implications of these elements on pool equipment and overall maintenance practices, emphasizing the need for pool professionals to adapt to these changes for better service delivery.takeawaysThe pool service industry is experiencing significant consolidation.Larger operators can invest in...
2026-02-2024 min
Talking Pools PodcastAlgae & Chemical Truths: Hard Lessons from the Western Show to BioLabSend us Fan MailIn this in-depth episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz delivers a deep technical discussion on one of the most misunderstood subjects in modern pool care: algae misidentification and the biocidal mechanisms of metals. Drawing on eight years of dedicated cyanobacteria research, Rudy breaks down the fundamental differences between cyanobacteria (commonly mislabeled as black algae), diatoms (often called mustard algae), and true green algae, explaining why treating them as the same organism leads to repeated failures, surface...
2026-01-2338 min
Talking Pools PodcastColor in pool water is a symptom, not a diagnosisSend us Fan MailIn this conversation, Rudy Stankowitz delves into the complexities of pool chemistry, particularly focusing on the role of copper and hydrogen peroxide in water treatment. He revisits a previous episode on ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) and discusses the implications of misdiagnosing pool issues based on color alone. Stankowitz emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying chemical conditions rather than relying solely on visual symptoms. He provides insights into how copper behaves in pool water, the effects of pH changes, and the common mistakes made in diagnosing and treating copper stains. The conversation culminates in...
2026-01-1640 min
Talking Pools PodcastPool Chemistry is Not Static, it's KineticSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the complexities of pool chemistry, emphasizing the importance of understanding chlorine's role, the significance of stain identification, and the kinetic nature of chemical reactions in pool maintenance. He shares personal reflections on grief and loss, providing a heartfelt context for the conversation. The episode highlights the need for patience in chemical processes and the common misconceptions surrounding pool maintenance practices.A new song in this episodeGrief can impact our focus and clarity.Chlorine should be viewed as a residual disinfectant, not a catch-all...
2026-01-0935 min
Talking Pools PodcastIt’s Not Personal — It’s Just Good BusinessSend us Fan MailWelcome back to the Talking Pools Podcast — We're opening up the vault and this one snuck out! The real-life challenges and strategies shaping the pool industry. I’m Rudy, here with the always insightful Andrea, and today we’re tackling a topic that every pool pro eventually has to face: how to handle price increases without losing your cool or your margins.This episode isn’t about confrontation — it’s about confidence and strategy. Rudy and Andrea open up about their own experiences dealing with chemical price hikes...
2025-11-1147 min
Talking Pools PodcastIs Your Pool Truck a DOT Violation Waiting to HappenSend us Fan MailWhat starts as a casual “round two” turns into one of the most important — and hilarious — conversations pool pros need to hear. Rudy and Andrea dive deep into DOT (Department of Transportation) requirements for pool service trucks, and what every tech should know before hitting the road loaded with chemicals in this #WaybackWeekend thing we've been doing. Spoiler: if you’re hauling 100-pound buckets or 100-gallon tanks, you might be breaking the law — and not in the cool Judas Priest way Andrea sings about.Rudy breaks down the federal regu...
2025-11-0932 min
Talking Pools PodcastNo Participation Trophies in Pool ServiceSend us Fan MailWelcome to a special edition of the Talking Pools Podcast. I’m your host, Rudy Stankowitz, and today we’re doing something a little different. My cohost, Andrea, doesn’t know it yet, but this episode is being recorded live with an audience. We’re opening the door to real-time interaction, bringing our listeners into the conversation as it happens.This episode isn’t just about surprises—it’s about resilience and change. Recently, I suffered a back injury while cleaning pools. It’s a tough reminder of how...
2025-11-0229 min
Talking Pools PodcastThe Truth About Shock, PHTA, Horror Pick & Empty PoolsSend us Fan MailIn this bone-chilling Halloween episode, host Rudy Stankowitz dives headfirst into the haunted side of the pool world—where the ripples in the water might not be from your circulation pump. Beneath the calm shimmer of moonlit pools lies a darker current: ghost stories soaked in chlorine and mystery.Rudy takes listeners on a guided ghost tour through some of the most notoriously haunted swimming pools on Earth—the Queen Mary’s first-class plunge, McCarren Park Pool’s eerie echoes, The Rave’s waterlogged concert ha...
2025-10-3147 min
Talking Pools PodcastGovernment Shutdowns, Setbacks, and Standing Strong — The Pool Pros Who Keep Us GoingSend us Fan MailIn this episode, host Rudy Stankowitz gets into two powerful topics shaping the pool industry right now.First, we take a hard look at the federal government shutdown and how it’s creating ripple effects across small service-based businesses — including pool service companies. From stalled SBA loans and federal contract delays to the trickle-down impact on cash flow and customer payments, Rudy explains how this period of economic uncertainty requires adaptability and strong communication.Then, the conversation shif...
2025-10-241h 14
Talking Pools PodcastPool Industry Innovations and Challenges with John PomaSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz interviews John Poma, a prominent figure in the pool industry. They discuss the Alum-CyA removal method, John's background, his experiences in pool service and construction, and the importance of mentorship in the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by pool professionals, including controversies surrounding pool chemistry and safety regulations. John shares insights on community engagement, online discussions, and the common myths that persist in pool care. The episode concludes with a look at the future of the pool industry and...
2025-09-2641 min
Talking Pools PodcastFloating Pools & Future Rules: Kevin Post on +POOL, CMAHC, and MentoringSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Kevin Post, CEO of Councilman Hunsaker, discussing innovative projects like the Plus Pool, the importance of mentorship in the aquatics industry, and the future of AI in pool management. Kevin shares insights on staying passionate in the industry, the significance of CMAHC membership, and the need for continuous education and leadership development. The conversation highlights the diverse opportunities within the aquatics field and the critical role of lifeguards and industry standards.takeawaysCouncilman Hunsaker has been...
2025-09-1946 min
Talking Pools PodcastEngaging the Next Generation of Pool Pros with Maddy Vandiver, AOP, and ACCSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy interviews Maddy Van Diver from Pool Butler, discussing the importance of mentorship in the pool industry. They explore effective teaching methods for CPO classes, the significance of quality control in technician training, and the impact of advanced water treatment technologies. The conversation also delves into the nuances of pool chemistry and the role of communication in customer service. Van shares personal insights and stories that highlight the value of continuous learning and community support in the industry.Sound Bites
2025-09-1248 min
Talking Pools PodcastFueling Growth with Shannon Wilson, Enzymes, CyA SecretsSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Shannon Wilson, a top mentor in the pool care industry. They discuss the importance of mentorship, safety, and training in pool management, as well as the role of enzymes in maintaining pool clarity. Shannon shares insights on accountability, learning from mistakes, and the significance of chemical knowledge in pool care. The conversation highlights the challenges of leadership and the impact of mentorship on professional development, concluding with valuable lessons and best practices for aspiring pool professionals.takeaways
2025-09-0552 min
Talking Pools PodcastPurposeful Marketing with Laci Davis, Phosphate Mysteries & Chlorine LockSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Laci Davis from The Grit Game, discussing her journey in the pool industry, leadership, creativity, and the importance of purposeful marketing. A listener question on why phosphate removers often cloud water. Another where we lay it on the line - ALWAYS follow the advice of your local Pool Pro. Chlorine Lock is NOW called CyA Slackass!Lacey shares insights from her experiences at Disney, the significance of customer service in sales, and the future initiatives of The Grit Game aimed...
2025-08-291h 03
Talking Pools PodcastExploring Pool Chemistry with Que HalesSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Q Hales, a prominent figure in pool chemistry and maintenance. They discuss the formation of OnBalance, a collaborative effort aimed at educating pool professionals about water chemistry and sustainable practices. Q shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, addressing common myths, the importance of understanding pool chemistry, and the role of research in improving practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for knowledge sharing among service technicians and the significance of environmental responsibility in pool maintenance.takeaways
2025-08-2258 min
Talking Pools PodcastFloc Hard or Go Home: Greg Beard’s 35 Summers of Pool WisdomSend us Fan MailThis week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy sits down with Greg “Beard Man” Beard—poolside philosopher, calcium whisperer, and one of the Top 10 Mentors nominated for the 2025 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award. Greg has spent 35 summers in the field training rookies, guiding veterans, and mentoring like it’s a martial art.From confronting internet undercutting to saving techs from costly mistakes, Greg shares the lessons, stories, and no-BS truths that define a lifetime in the pool industry. And yes, Rudy announces the full list of Top 10 Mentor o...
2025-08-151h 13
Talking Pools PodcastLegacy is not given, it's earned.Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the challenges and triumphs within the pool industry. He reflects on personal experiences with adversity, emphasizes the importance of mentorship, and introduces the exciting new Championship Belt Award for the Mentor of the Year. Rudy also addresses pressing issues such as skyrocketing insurance premiums, a chemical supply crisis, and the looming threat of sales tax enforcement on pool service labor. The conversation is a call to action for pool professionals to support one another and navigate these challenges together....
2025-07-2530 minTwisted ChaptersTRIGGER WARNING: Blades of Glass: A Town Stained in Silence – Episode 11Send us Fan MailWelcome back to The Twisted Chapters Podcast, where the fiction’s dark, the coffee’s cold, and the shadows might be watching. In this week’s episode, Ricky and Gordy dissect Chapter 11 of Blades of Glass by Rudy Stankowitz—a relentless descent into trauma, violence, and the kind of horror that doesn’t blink.This isn’t your average vampire chapter. We’re talking childhood brutality, emotional scars you can feel, and a procedural unraveling that hints at something unspeakable hiding in plain sight. From a boy locked in a closet with a bag of...
2025-07-2423 minTwisted ChaptersBlades of Glass: A Town Stained in Silence – Episode 10Send us Fan MailWillow wakes in the dark—paralyzed, breathless, and not alone. A presence lingers at the foot of her bed, a figure pulled from her nightmares… or worse, from IHOP. As panic takes over, a silent scream finally tears loose, drawing Lacey into a night spiraling toward madness.Officer Grady Reynolds responds to the call, but even he senses this isn’t just a routine check-in. Something isn’t right. Not in Willow’s townhouse. Not in Lewisville. And definitely not in the quiet spaces between memory and reality.In This Ep...
2025-07-1712 min
Talking Pools PodcastYou’re Not Fighting Mustard Algae—You’re Feeding ItSend us Fan MailIt’s Floc It Friday, and Rudy’s bringing the fire—along with borates, polyquats, and the brutal truth about mustard algae. In what might be our most packed episode to date, Rudy Stankowitz dives headfirst into the evolving mustard algae crisis in 2025—why your go-to treatment (sodium bromide) is now banned, how diatoms are getting smarter, and what you need to do to fight back.🧪 MUSTARD ALGAE: THE TRUTH REVEALED Rudy breaks down the biology of mustard algae (a.k.a. diatoms), the real reasons it's thriving, and the env...
2025-07-111h 10
Talking Pools PodcastRansomware, Myths, Facts, & Pool SH!T!Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz is interrupted with breaking news on a malware attack that has left an industry manufacturer paralyzed. He also addresses common myths and misconceptions that plague the industry, as well as how Podcasts and Trade Magazines are the only reliable sources of information for Pool Service Professionals. He discusses the importance of understanding pool chemistry, the role of various chemicals, and the significance of proper maintenance practices. Rudy emphasizes the need for pool professionals to be informed and equipped with the appropriate knowledge to...
2025-06-271h 13Twisted ChaptersBlades of Glass: A Town Stained in Silence – Episode 6Send us Fan MailIn this emotionally charged chapter, the line between memory, identity, and death grows razor thin.As the medical team fights to save the life of the woman found at Satan’s Sink, Officer Grady Reynolds grapples with more than just hospital hallways and professional rivals—he senses the presence of the dead. When Detective Jack Rhodes arrives, bringing smugness and suspicion in equal measure, tensions rise both inside and outside the trauma room.But the true unraveling belongs to Willow. Covered in blood, frozen in time, she stares into the...
2025-06-1906 min
Talking Pools PodcastUnlocking Operational Leverage in your Pool Company & Nitrate RemovalSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the importance of operational leverage in the pool business, emphasizing the need for systems and processes that allow for efficiency and profitability. He explores various strategies for streamlining operations, optimizing routes, and managing client relationships. The conversation also delves into innovative solutions for pool maintenance, particularly focusing on nitrate removal, challenging traditional industry norms, and advocating for smarter, more sustainable practices.takeawaysOperational leverage means doing more without working more.Building systems is essential for...
2025-06-1328 minTwisted ChaptersBlades of Glass: A Town Stained in Silence – Episode 5Send us Fan MailIn this gripping new episode, host Rudy Stankowitz guides us deeper into the unraveling psyche of Nurse Willow Sullivan as a quiet Monday morning turns violent and surreal.What begins with a pre-dawn sense of dread quickly gives way to chaos in the ER. Willow is jolted awake by the unshakable feeling that someone—or something—is watching her. Shaken but determined, she laces up for a run, unaware that a stranger lingers in the shadows, tracking her every step with a hunger only he understands.But the real horr...
2025-06-1206 minTwisted ChaptersBlades of Glass: A Town Stained in Silence, Episode 4Send us Fan MailIn this chilling new installment of Blades of Glass, the idyllic calm of a Sunday morning is shattered by lingering nightmares, ominous memories, and the eerie presence of a man who shouldn't exist. Host Rudy Stankowitz revisits the haunting events of Chapters 1 through 3 before diving headfirst into Chapter 4, where the line between dream and reality begins to blur for Nurse Willow Sullivan.As children laugh and jump rope outside her apartment, Willow recounts a dream so vivid and disturbing, she’s no longer sure it was just in her head. Meanwhile, a...
2025-06-0508 minTalking Pools PodcastMIA: Key Metrics for Pool Service SuccessSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz addresses the pressing issues within the pool industry, including illegal practices and the importance of understanding key business metrics. He emphasizes the need for customer retention, satisfaction, and effective technician training. The discussion also covers profitability, sustainability, employee retention, and competitive intelligence, urging pool service professionals to track essential metrics to drive business success.Key TakeawaysThe pool industry faces significant challenges with illegal practices.Understanding customer retention and churn is crucial for business health.Customer satisfaction metrics...
2025-05-3054 minTwisted ChaptersBlades of Glass: A Town Stained in Silence Episode 3Send us Fan MailA break-in at the Albumin Community Blood Center sets the quiet town of Lewisville on edge. In Episode 3: Six Hours Pass, host and author Rudy Stankowitz unravels a chilling night of shadowed hallways, broken glass, and blood that mysteriously vanishes. Officers hunt a faceless figure through pitch-black corridors, while a teenage girl awakens from a dream so vivid it leaves physical traces—visions she hasn’t experienced since the night her world fell apart.What connects Willow’s haunting nightmare to the intruder who seemed to know exactly what he was after...
2025-05-2909 minTwisted ChaptersBlades of Glass: A Town Stained in Silence Episode 2Send us Fan Mail🎙️ "Four Hours Later, Fear Strikes Again" 📚 Adapted from the novel Blades of Glass by Rudy Stankowitz🕯️ Episode Summary: A mysterious man exits a late-night diner in a quiet Florida college town—but not before leaving behind an unsettling encounter and the stench of something unnatural. Hours later, a silent alarm is triggered at a local blood center. What officers find there isn’t just another false alarm.As trauma nurse Willow Sullivan struggles with her creeping sense of dread, Officer Grady Reynolds walks into what should have been a...
2025-05-2206 minTalking Pools PodcastEconomic Insights for Pool ProfessionalsSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the importance of mentorship in the pool service industry through the story of Chlorine Carl and his mentee Benny. The conversation transitions into an analysis of the latest industry reports from Aqua Magazine and Skimmer, highlighting economic insights, labor challenges, and the impact of technology on the industry. The episode concludes with a comparative analysis of the two reports, emphasizing the need for pool service professionals to adapt and evolve in a changing landscape.takeaways...
2025-05-1633 min
Talking Pools PodcastCustomer Reviews - The Good, The Bad, and the LibelSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz delves into the multifaceted world of customer reviews, discussing their significance in the service industry. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging customer feedback, handling negative reviews effectively, and understanding the legal implications of online reviews. The conversation highlights strategies for leveraging positive reviews as marketing tools while maintaining a strong online reputation. Rudy concludes by stressing the need for businesses to navigate the review landscape with professionalism and integrity.takeawaysCustomer reviews can significantly boost credibility...
2025-03-0743 min
Talking Pools PodcastPool Chemistry, Price Hikes & Plaster Perils - NPC (National Plasterers Council)) ConferenceSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz dives deep into crucial topics affecting the pool industry, from upcoming trade shows—particularly the National Plaster Council Conference—to the nitty-gritty science of algae, microorganisms, and their impact on water quality and plaster integrity.Rudy also explores the controversial role of cyanuric acid in pool maintenance, the truth about advertising claims in the industry, and the latest insights into chlorine testing, pH control, and total alkalinity measurements.
2025-01-3145 min
Talking Pools PodcastBrush Fire Fallout & Pete 'Tip of the Day' PaloaltoSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the critical issue of pool safety in the wake of wildfires, focusing on the dangers posed by dioxins and other toxins that can contaminate pool water. He emphasizes the importance of using effective filtration methods and the need for laboratory testing to ensure water safety. Rudy also highlights the risks of misinformation and the necessity for pool professionals to educate themselves and their clients about proper remediation techniques.takeawaysWildfire smoke introduces harmful dioxins into...
2025-01-1738 min
Talking Pools PodcastBOI, Insta Sensation: Pete Paloalto (Tip of The Day), and DingleberriesSend us Fan MailSummaryIn this dynamic episode of Talking Pools, Rudy Stankowitz delves into critical topics impacting the pool service industry and small business owners. He addresses the importance of contractor licensing, explores the implications of Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) for business compliance, and emphasizes staying ahead of regulations to protect legitimate operations. Rudy is joined by Pete Paloalto from Coachella Valley Pools, who shares his inspiring journey from banking to pool service entrepreneurship. Together, they discuss the rise of Pete’s popular ‘Tip of the Day’ series, the role of social media...
2025-01-1039 min
Talking Pools PodcastChlorine Chaos, Floc Failures, ComplianceSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Rudy Stankowitz shares personal reflections on pet ownership and announces his upcoming speaking engagements at the NPC conference. He delves into the history and evolution of chlorine in pool sanitation, discussing its significance and advancements in water treatment. The conversation highlights the challenges and concerns associated with chlorine use, as well as alternative disinfection methods. Rudy emphasizes the importance of legal and regulatory compliance in the pool service industry and concludes with insights on flocculation and achieving water clarity.takeawaysRudy reflects on...
2024-12-1349 min
Talking Pools PodcastQuantum Yields, Chlorine Lock, and Cash Flow with RudySend us Fan MailIn 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. Po...
2024-11-2244 min
Talking Pools PodcastBeyond Chlorine: Unleashing Radical Pool Care & Building a Brand Clients LoveSend us Fan MailIn this Friday episode of Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz takes listeners through two important aspects of pool care that may seem unrelated but are essential to running a high-quality pool service business: advanced oxidation processes (AOP) and brand building.Rudy begins with a deep dive into AOP, focusing on oxidative stress and radical scavenging as powerful sanitation tools. He highlights the role of hydroxyl radicals—microscopic but mighty cleaners that break down contaminants at a molecular level. Using UV light, hydrogen peroxide, or ozone, these radicals go beyond traditional chlorine, di...
2024-11-1537 min
Talking Pools PodcastInside Raypak: Heat and High-Tech InsightsSend us Fan MailIn the world of pool service, where precision meets power, there’s one company that stands above the rest when it comes to heating things up — Raypak. But behind the sleek designs and high-tech innovations lies a story of relentless ambition, industry secrets, and unexpected revelations.On this episode, Rudy Stankowitz, veteran pool professional, dives deep into the minds behind Raypak’s most cutting-edge products. What starts as a conversation with T.J. and Mark about heat pumps and pool heaters soon takes a turn for the unexpected. As the questions unfold...
2024-11-0852 min
Talking Pools PodcastThermodynamics of Calcium Carbonate Precipitation & Diversifying Revenue StreamsSend us Fan MailIn this conversation, Rudy Stankowitz delves into the thermodynamics of calcium carbonate precipitation, a significant challenge in pool maintenance, and discusses strategies for diversifying revenue streams in the pool service industry. He explains the science behind calcium carbonate scale formation, emphasizing the importance of managing water chemistry to prevent issues. Additionally, he explores high-margin services such as pool automation and safety equipment installations, highlighting their potential for increasing profitability and customer retention.takeawaysCalcium carbonate precipitation is a major issue in pool maintenance.Understanding thermodynamics can...
2024-11-0141 min
Talking Pools PodcastChlorine Breakdown & Eco-Friendly Pool HacksSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Rudy Stankowitz blends education and humor as he breaks down the kinetics of chlorine decomposition in outdoor pools. He explains how UV radiation and heat degrade chlorine and dives into sustainable alternatives for pool maintenance, offering practical tips for eco-friendly operations.Key Topics:Chlorine Decomposition (00:03):HOCl vs. OCl-: Rudy introduces the main chlorine species that sanitize pool water—hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ions (OCl-).UV Radiation: Sunlight, especially UV rays, speeds up chlorine decomposition, making outdoor po...
2024-10-2533 min