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.
Episodes
1005 episodes
Wellness Water, Cold Plunges & The Future of Spa Care with John Harding - Mondays Down Under
This week on the 🇦🇺🇳🇿 edition of the Talking Pools Podcast, Lee, Shane, and Nick welcome longtime industry veteran and chemistry expert John Harding of Lo-Chlor Chemicals for a fascinating deep dive into the rapidly expanding world of wellness ...
EPA Fines and Why Your Algaecide Didn't Work - Rudy
On this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy dives headfirst into one of the most controversial chemistry and regulatory topics currently shaking the pool industry: sodium bromide, EPA labeling law, and the reality of enforcement under FI...
Here's What Every Pool Service Company is MISSING - Steve
On this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Steve dives into the realities of commercial pool liability, leak detection, client communication, and the hidden responsibilities that separate true professionals from “just the pool guy.”Th...
Pool Inspections Exposed - Dennis Boyd with Natalie Hood
Pool Inspections, Liability, Codes & the Dangerous Assumptions That Cost Thousands. Part 2 of this 2 part episode.With Host Natalie Hood of The Grit Game and Special Guest ...
Andrea Unedited Episode on Swimming Pool Safety
On this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea takes a deep dive into one of the most important — and often overlooked — topics in the swimming pool industry: safety. With summer approaching and pool usage increasing across th...
Pool Industry Time-Saving Hacks - Mondays, Australia, News Zealand
On this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Lee Salisbury, Shane from Auckland, and Nick from Brisbane dive headfirst into one of the biggest challenges facing pool professionals everywhere: time management. From subscription fati...
The Sodium Bromide Ban - Rudy talks with Scott Hamilton, CEO, United Chemical
This 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 regulator...
Is Information Generated by AI Covered by Your Insurance?
This episode explores the impact of AI on the insurance industry, business practices, and legal considerations, featuring insights from industry expert Pat Grigno.keywordsAI, insurance, business, contracts, legal, t...
10 Myths About Pool Inspections Debunked by Industry Expert Dennis Boyd - Wednesdays
Join us as we explore the critical, often-overlooked world of pool inspections with expert Dennis Boyd. Discover the myths, safety concerns, and essential knowledge every homeowner, builder, and inspector needs to prevent disasters and legal is...
Mastering HR in Small Pool Businesses - Mondays Down Under
In this episode, Heidi Weeks from Peppermint HR shares expert insights on HR best practices for small businesses, especially in the pool industry. Topics include compliance, structuring, connection, and practical tips for building a strong HR f...
Your Pool Truck Might Be Illegal - Rudy
On 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 eve...
Swimming Pools at Student Housing and the Headaches that Ensue - Steve
hosts Steve Sherwood and Pat Rignyan from the California Pool Association take a deep dive into one of the busiest and most overlooked risk seasons in the pool industry: commercial and student housing pools. As pool professionals across the cou...
Coast Guard Aviation: Rescue Swim Myths, Missions, and Career Paths _ Natalie
Natalie Hood (the Grit Game) explores the diverse roles and responsibilities of Coast Guard aviation professionals with Nicholas L. Gavin. This includes, but is not limited to myths about AMTs, AETs, and ASTs, and gain insights into their train...
Andrea's Pool Prep 2026
Andrea shares practical tips for pool maintenance and storm preparation, emphasizing water chemistry, cleaning protocols, and hurricane readiness to ensure safe and clean pools during the summer season.keywordspool ...
10 Counter-Seasonal Essential Strategies - Mondays, Business
This episode covers the challenges and opportunities of pool service businesses during winter, including cost management, database maintenance, and team engagement strategies. Learn practical tips to streamline operations, enhance professionali...
Cyanuric Acid Isn’t Sunscreen… It’s a Regulator - Rudy
This 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...
The Price of Doing Business - Steve & Wayne
Thursdays with Steve & Wayne“The Price of Doing Business”🧠 OverviewThis week on Talking Pools Podcast, Steve and Wayne break down the reality of running a pool service company—where one service call can derail yo...
The Future of Fire Features - Natalie Hood with Matt Doll
In an industry where misinformation spreads faster than wildfire, this episode pulls no punches.Natalie Hood sits down with Matt Doll, CEO of American Fire Products, to dismantle some of the most persistent—and dangerous—myths surroundin...
Andrea is Making Social Media Work for You (Without Letting It Take Over Your Route)
🎙️ Making Social Media Work for You (Without Letting It Take Over Your Route)In this episode of Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea breaks down a question she’s been hearing more and more from pool pros in the field:👉
The Chlorine Panic Is Missing the Point - Mondays
In this continuation of their conversation, Lee, Shane, and Nick are joined again by industry expert Spiros from Next Gen Experts to break down a topic that’s generating serious noise across the pool industry right now: proposed workplace expos...
Gaps That Can Destroy a Pool Business - Kelli Clancy
In this powerhouse roundtable, returning host Kelli Clancy leads a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood—and most critical—topics in the pool industry: insurance and risk management. Joined by members connected to the Pool ...
Legal Cases Involving Pool Chemicals
This 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 formulati...
Talk to your insurance agent before big projects
In this episode, Steve Sherwood interviews Pat Grignone from California Pool Association to explore how pool service professionals can optimize their business operations, partnerships, and insurance strategies to grow profitably and sustainably...
Debunking Water Chemistry Myths with Eric Knight
This episode busts common water chemistry myths, explores the science behind pool maintenance, and discusses the future of industry education. Featuring Eric Knight from Watershape University, it offers practical insights for professionals seek...
AI can cost you thousands if you're not careful - Mondays
In this episode, industry expert Spiros De Sarkis shares insights on professionalizing the swimming pool and spa industry, emphasizing safety, legislation, and business growth strategies. Discover how to elevate industry standards, manage risks...