Talking Pools Podcast
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 talk, part field manual, part therapy session—built for people who actually live on pool decks: commercial operators, service techs, builders, facility managers, and anyone responsible for water that can’t afford to go sideways. The network was created to level up the pool industry with real-world conversations on water chemistry, filtration, troubleshooting, construction, safety, and the business side of keeping pools open and budgets intact.
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.
Talking Pools Podcast
Pool Industry Need 2 Know + A Pool Guy Side Hustle with Rob Stewart
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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz welcomes Rob Stewart, a pool industry expert and hot sauce entrepreneur. They discuss Rob's journey from pool openings and closings to creating his own brand of hot sauce, Rob's Revenge. The conversation covers the challenges of producing hot sauce, the importance of flavor and quality control, and the unique marketing strategies Rob employs. Listeners will gain insights into the entrepreneurial spirit and the passion behind crafting a product that stands out in the market.
takeaways
- Rob Stewart transitioned from the pool industry to hot sauce production.
- Rob's Revenge hot sauce was born from an abundance of jalapeno peppers.
- The hot sauce recipe was inspired by a Trinidadian sauce but uniquely modified.
- Rob emphasizes the importance of flavor over heat in his sauces.
- He uses organic ingredients and avoids vinegar for a distinct taste.
- Rob's hot sauce production is done in a commercial kitchen to meet health standards.
- He gives away samples to build a customer base and gather reviews.
- Rob's marketing strategy focuses on local distribution due to shipping costs.
- The hot sauce industry presents both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
- Rob's passion for quality and flavor drives his hot sauce business.
Sound Bites
- "I have a brand of hot sauce."
- "I just give them away."
- "I use zero vinegar."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
02:59
Rob's Journey in Pool Industry and Hot Sauce Creation
05:53
The Evolution of Rob's Revenge Hot Sauce
17:00
Flavor vs. Heat: The Unique Selling Point of Rob's Sauce
19:58
Sourcing Ingredients and Production Challenges
22:54
Marketing and Distribution of Hot Sauce
25:57
The Character of Rob's Revenge: A Fun Analogy
28:59
Rob's Commitment to Education and Quality in the Industry
36:24
The Science of Hot Sauce Production
42:04
Building a Brand Through Sampling
51:24
Challenges and Rewards in Hot Sauce Making
58:29
Connecting with Customers and Future Plans
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
