Shows
Talking Pools PodcastDebunking Pool Chemical MythsText us a pool question!In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss the misleading marketing of pool products, particularly focusing on monoprosulfate. They explore the advantages and limitations of this chemical, its proper usage, and the common misconceptions surrounding it. The conversation also touches on the importance of accurate water testing and the historical context of monoprosulfate in the pool industry. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, focusing on indoor pools, water chemistry, and the use of ionizers. They emphasize the importance of understanding the limitations...2025-05-0846 min
Talking Pools PodcastIn Control of Yelp and Online ReviewsText us a pool question!In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of customer service in the pool industry, including the challenges of dealing with difficult customers, the importance of service industry experience, and the impact of online reviews, particularly Yelp. They share personal anecdotes about customer interactions, the significance of communication, and the role of attitude in both teaching and learning. The discussion also touches on the complexities of consulting and the potential for homeowner rating systems. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of running a successful pool business, including the benefits of...2025-04-031h 09
Talking Pools PodcastThe Future of Pool Service SoftwareText us a pool question!In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Steve and Wayne welcome Peter Legass from BufferZone, a software solution for pool service management. The conversation explores the evolution of the pool service industry, the importance of software in managing multiple clients, and the unique features of BufferZone that cater to both residential and commercial pool services. Peter shares his journey in the pool industry, the development of BufferZone, and how it addresses common pain points for pool service providers. The discussion also covers onboarding processes, water chemistry management, reporting, and operational efficiency, providing...2025-03-0655 min
Talking Pools PodcastPool Perils in CaliforniaText us a pool question!Summary: In this episode, Steve and Wayne discuss a range of topics related to recent weather events and their impact on California, as well as pool maintenance and client management. They delve into the aftermath of the atmospheric river rain, issues with man-made rivers, and the challenges of maintaining pools in the wake of fires.Key Points:Recent Weather Events:Impact of the atmospheric river rain on the West Coast, causing excess water and runoff.Man-made rivers in Los Angeles and the flow...2025-02-2751 min
Talking Pools PodcastThe Battle Against Pool Product MisinformationText us a pool question!Episode Summary: In this episode, Steve and Wayne discuss the latest industry trends and share their insights on various topics related to pool maintenance and products. They reflect on their experiences in the industry and address some common misconceptions and challenges faced by pool owners and professionals.Key Topics:Introduction and Industry ReflectionsWayne and Steve welcome listeners and share updates on the weather and current events.Wayne reflects on his long career in the pool industry, starting in 1991.The Problem with...2025-01-0937 min
Talking Pools PodcastWayne and Steve Dive into Revenue StreamsText us a pool question!In this episode of the Wayne and Steve Podcast from the Talking Pools Podcast, the duo explores strategies for increasing revenue streams within the pool service industry. With Steve fresh off two weeks of fieldwork, he reflects on the physical demands of the job, offering a heartfelt shout-out to pool technicians who endure the grind daily.The episode shifts focus to expanding income beyond basic pool maintenance. Steve highlights the importance of offering high-end services like automation installations, salt cell systems, and robotic pool cleaners to enhance customer satisfaction and...2024-11-2147 min
Talking Pools PodcastA Pool Pro's Perfect WorldText us a pool question!In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Steve and Wayne take listeners on an emotional journey, imagining what the life of a pool guy would look like in a perfect world. From the first few words, you can feel the deep passion they have for the pool industry and the people who make it run. They paint a picture of an industry where pool service techs are treated like the professionals they truly are—where respect, appreciation, and recognition are part of everyday life.Wayne begins by...2024-10-1742 min
Talking Pools PodcastTest It or Regret It: Wayne’s Basics and Steve’s Obsession with Daily Pool Water Checks!Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Wayne and Steve dive into the critical topic of water testing for swimming pools. Wayne breaks down which water tests are the most important for maintaining optimal pool health, emphasizing the essential ones like pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. As Wayne discusses these vital tests, Steve’s passion for water care comes through in full force. He stresses the importance of daily testing, insisting that pool professionals should test the water every single day to ensure everything stays balanced. Steve’s animated approach and d...2024-10-1041 min
Talking Pools PodcastBureaucrats, Bids, and Pool Boy Blues: Navigating Government Contracts Without Losing Your CoolText us a pool question!In this episode, Wayne and Steve dive deep into the intricacies of securing and managing pool service contracts with government agencies. Steve begins by sharing his experience navigating the often complex and bureaucratic processes involved in bidding for contracts at the municipal and federal levels. He outlines the steps required to win these lucrative contracts, from preparing detailed proposals and complying with strict regulations to navigating the public bidding process and understanding the unique expectations of government clients.Wayne chimes in to discuss the importance of establishing trust and a...2024-09-2639 minTalking Pools PodcastSmurf Blue Pools to Six-Figure Contracts: Navigating the Highs and Lows of Pool ServiceText us a pool question!In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Wayne and Steve explore the concept of "local summers" or "False Fall," where locals close their pools on Labor Day regardless of the temperature. Steve discusses the intricacies of securing contracts with corporate properties and governmental agencies, even quoting a client hundreds of thousands of dollars for six-figure pool service contracts, a process that took him two days to complete. He notes that 90% of residential pool service companies operate on handshakes rather than contracts. Wayne questions whether contracts or handshakes are easier to manage...2024-09-1944 minTalking Pools PodcastThe Non-Chlorine Shock Myth with Wayne & SteveText us a pool question!In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Wayne delves into the common misconception surrounding non-chlorine shock, specifically monopersulfate (MPS). He explains to Steve that the term "non-chlorine shock" is somewhat misleading because MPS is not powerful enough to break the nitrogen-chloride bond, which means it can't effectively eliminate combined chlorine from a swimming pool. However, Wayne emphasizes that MPS is still a valuable tool in pool maintenance as a preventative measure. It works by eliminating organic contaminants that can eventually lead to the formation of chloramines, the compounds responsible for that...2024-09-0538 min
Talking Pools PodcastShock you like a Hurricane 🌀Text us a pool question!In part two of the Talking Pools Podcast episode where Wayne and Steve discuss preparing a swimming pool for a major weather event like a tornado or a hurricane, the duo delves deeper into the specific steps pool service professionals and homeowners should take to ensure their pools are safeguarded.Key Points Discussed:Securing Pool Equipment: Wayne and Steve emphasize the importance of securing all pool equipment, such as pumps, heaters, and filters. They discuss methods to anchor these items or move them to a...2024-08-2928 min