Best Pool Builder Podcasts (2025)

Text us a pool question! In this episode, Rudy delves into the intricacies of total alkalinity in pool chemistry, explaining its critical role in maintaining pH levels and overall water balance. He discusses the impact of carbon dioxide and borates on pool chemistry, emphasizing the importance of understanding these elements for effective pool main…

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Wayne’s Update, Rich Gallo’s Wisdom & Pool Biz Insights 53:51

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2h ago53:51

53:51

Text us a pool question! 🔑 Episode Highlights: Wayne’s Health Update & Podcast Direction Wayne shares a personal health update and how it’s shaping the future of the show. Celebrating Mentorship: Rich Gallo Named Mentor of the Year A heartfelt tribute to Rich Gallo’s impact on the pool service industry and his dedication to mentoring others. Busine…

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Garrett Niss with Kyle Fischer of Hot Shot's Secret + Kai Smith of Mid-Tenn Media Blasting 33:32

2d ago33:32

33:32

Garrett Niss and Kyle Fischer are in the shop to talk about Garrett's one of a kind custom turbo diesel '06 Dodge Ram and a very cool new product that Hot Shot's Secret has coming out for LS engines. After that, Kai Smith from Mid-Tenn Media Blasting talks with Stacey about his mobile media blasting company and having the grit to decide to leave hi…

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Clear Water Can Still Kill, Part 2: The Myth-Busting Conclusion with Dewey Case & Natalie Hood 29:31

3d ago29:31

29:31

Text us a pool question! In this powerful conclusion to the two-part episode Clear Water Can Still Kill, Natalie Hood and Dewey Case pull back the curtain on the myths that continue to plague both residential and commercial pool operations. From chlorine “smell” misconceptions to Airbnb water safety, they challenge everything we think we know about…

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Avoiding Pool Contractor Scams in Florida 9:02

6d ago9:02

9:02

Florida Pool Contractor Deposits: Don’t Pay & Pray Summary: Too many Florida pool projects stall after a big deposit. This episode gives homeowners (and honest builders) a clear, statute-anchored playbook: the 30-day permit / 90-day start clocks, how to verify a real DBPR CPC license, the red flags before you pay, and exactly how to file complaints…

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It’s Not Personal — It’s Just Good Business 47:00

3h ago47:00

47:00

Text us a pool question! Welcome 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 withou…

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Push suppliers to own issues 32:12

5h ago32:12

32:12

Text us a pool question! Lee’s back on home turf (and grand-dad duty) and Shane’s in the chair from New Zealand for a lively episode that starts with a wild Guy Fawkes blackout story and lands on a pressing industry issue: two major distributors have exited the NZ market, leaving pros scrambling for parts, warranties, and sensible logistics. In thi…

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Is Your Pool Truck a DOT Violation Waiting to Happen 32:24

2h ago32:24

32:24

By Rudy Stankowitz

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Off-Season Hustle: Remodeling, Beta Tests & Big Things Ahead 25:35

13h ago25:35

25:35

Text us a pool question! Hey Pool Pros! We’re back with another Talking Pools Podcast episode from the vault, and this time it's featuring your favorite duo — Kelli and Dan — and trust us, this one’s got it all. Dan’s been burning the candle at both ends with office remodels, travel chaos, and prep for the Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show, while Kelli…

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The One on pH 48:34

5d ago48:34

48:34

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz dives deep into the essential aspects of pool water chemistry, focusing primarily on pH. He emphasizes the importance of understanding pH as the core of water chemistry, explaining how it influences chlorine effectiveness, the role of alkalinity, and the bufferin…

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Oxidation & Sanitation: The Six Faces of Chlorine 35:44

7d ago35:44

35:44

Text us a pool question! Sometimes, to master the science of pool care, you’ve got to rewind all the way to the fundamentals — and that’s exactly what Wayne does in this nostalgic, knowledge-packed Throwback Thursday episode of the Talking Pools Podcast. This week, Wayne strips away the marketing fluff, the industry noise, and the high-tech gadgets…

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Dewey Case of CMAHC to Aquatic Directors: Clear Water Can Still Kill 29:27

1d ago29:27

29:27

Text us a pool question! 🎙️ Talking Pools Podcast – Part 1 Dewey Case of CMAHC to Aquatic Directors: Clear Water Can Still Kill Guest: Dewey Case — Technical Director, Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC); Assistant Aquatic Superintendent, Williamson County Parks & Rec, Tennessee Host: Natalie Hood (The Grit Game) Episode Length: Part …

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You Don’t Get Profitable in a Fortnight 39:14

1d ago39:14

39:14

Text us a pool question! Being the boss sounds great — until payday hits and you realize your new hire just cost you more in pool shock than they’ve made you in revenue. In this episode, we strip away the Instagram gloss and talk about what it really means to grow your team. Spoiler: it’s not all high-fives and financial freedom. Sometimes it’s lon…

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Diesel, Deals & Hydroblast: A Week at Pool Envy (Code-Solid) 11:48

13d ago11:48

11:48

This week had range. Jason tracks down a diesel return-line drip on the plaster truck, spends time sharpening the website and comms, lands the most fun project of the year, and explains why November in Wisconsin is the perfect window to hydroblast and set a project up for a fast spring start. We keep it big picture, not DIY—how we diagnose, how we …

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Leak Suspection: the diagnostic hypothesis phase of leak detection 37:26

4d ago37:26

37:26

Text us a pool question! Swimming Pool Leak Suspection refers to the initial stage of identifying and investigating potential water loss in a swimming pool system when there is reason to believe a leak may exist. In practical terms, it means a pool owner or service technician has observed indicators suggesting abnormal water loss—such as a consiste…

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No Participation Trophies in Pool Service 29:31

13d ago29:31

29:31

Text us a pool question! Welcome 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 con…

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Plumb Dumb: The Gen Z Pool Build Edition 36:12

5d ago36:12

36:12

Text us a pool question! Welcome back to the Talking Pools Podcast — where the water’s clear, but the talk can get rough. I’m Kelli, here with the man who can smell bad plumbing from a mile away, Dan. This one’s from the vault, a throwback episode that still hits hard because, let’s be real — some things never change. We’re revisiting one of the bi…

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Custom Car Builder Ben Smithson 33:03

6d ago33:03

33:03

Ben Smithson from SMITHSON SPEED & ENGINEERING is in the shop today. He and Stacey dive deep into the ins & outs, do's & don'ts, and everything in between about opening and running your own premier hot rod and custom car shop.

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The Truth About Shock, PHTA, Horror Pick & Empty Pools 47:20

6d ago47:20

47:20

Text us a pool question! In 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 …

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🎃 Haunted Pools & Hair-Raising Cleanups 31:17

7d ago31:17

31:17

Text us a pool question! In this Halloween classic from the Talking Pools Podcast vault, Andrea and Paulette return to the mic with goosebump-worthy stories from the field — the kind that make your skin crawl and your test kit hand tremble. From murky green pools that seemed to breathe on their own, to mysterious ripples that moved when no wind ble…

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Tradeshow Junkies and Pool Inspection Insurance 52:05

9d ago52:05

52:05

Text us a pool question! This is the one where Wayne and Steve discuss the secrets behind the booths, the untold tales of Pool Industry Tradeshows. Also, What insurance do you need to conduct a pool inspection? Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.…

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Algaecide 1:08:16

9d ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Text us a pool question! This is the one where Andrea and Paulette discuss their go-to algaecides Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: [email protected] Rudy Stankowitz

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Pool Heater Pressure & Volume: How Good Looks Under Code 9:44

20d ago9:44

9:44

Title: Pool Heater Gas Sizing: Heat Without Headaches Summary: Your heater doesn’t run on vibes—it runs on pressure and volume. In this episode we define what “good” looks like under IFGC §402 / NFPA 54 so owners and builders can communicate clearly and avoid the lockout blame game. No DIY here—this is the big picture, outcomes, and documentation y…

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Talking Pools Origins 27:40

18d ago27:40

27:40

Text us a pool question! A look back at the first episode of the Talking Pools Podcast... In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Rudy Stankowitz and Andrea Nannini reflect on the challenges currently facing the pool industry, particularly focusing on the chlorine shortage and its implications. They discuss the panic purchasing behavior…

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Government Shutdowns, Setbacks, and Standing Strong — The Pool Pros Who Keep Us Going 1:14:09

13d ago1:14:09

1:14:09

Text us a pool question! In 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 del…

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Pool Inspections and The Importance of Public Speaking 1:10:52

14d ago1:10:52

1:10:52

Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Steve and Wayne delve into the world of community theater and its impact on personal development, particularly in public speaking. They discuss the evolution of community theater, the decline of dinner theaters, and the intersection of their theater experiences with their work in the …

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Ring of Safety: Equipotential Bonding Around Your Pool (NEC 680.26) 7:17

27d ago7:17

7:17

Standards & references cited NEC 680.26 intent & scope: equipotential bonding to reduce voltage gradients; overview of (B)(1)–(7). ECM Web NEC 680.26(B)(2) perimeter surfaces: 3 ft zone; 12×12 in copper grid option; four points around conductive shells; note on nonconductive shells. Electrical License Renewal+1 NEC 680.26(C) pool water bonding: ≥ 9…

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Getting Rid of Swimming Pool Algae 57:09

21d ago57:09

57:09

Text us a pool question! Andrea and Paulette go long on algae—the real science, the field diagnostics, and the no-nonsense remediation that actually works on a Tuesday in August when the phone won’t stop ringing. Pulling from training content and field notes, they break down how to tell algae from look-alikes (metals, pollen, fine dust), why water …

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Hire Slow, Fire Fast 42:21

19d ago42:21

42:21

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss the busy pool season, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance to prevent costly clean-ups. They delve into the hiring process, sharing insights on training staff, crafting engaging job advertisements, and the diverse career opportunities within the po…

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Anthony Sims of Lucky Dog Guitars 26:39

20d ago26:39

26:39

The STUNT DOUBLE is on the road. Of course, no GEARZ project is truly completed without an accompanying guitar. So, Stacey has Anthony Sims from LUCKY DOG GUITARS in the shop to discuss the custom built six string. Anthony talks about how his love for music and playing live led to him and a group of buddies opening up a dance hall at 18 years old, …

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Pool Wars: Ron DeLoux Talks Survival of the Smartest + A Hard Truth About Unlicensed Work 43:24

20d ago43:24

43:24

Text us a pool question! In this engaging conversation, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Ron DeLoux from Big Blue Pool Service, exploring the evolution of the pool service industry, the importance of customer relationships, and the future of pool technology. Ron shares his insights on the shift from repair to replacement, the significance of pool chemist…

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How to Become a CPO Instructor 28:10

1M ago28:10

28:10

Text us a pool question! Keywords pool industry, CPO, instructor assessment, education, teaching skills, PHTA, pool classes, water chemistry, instructor program, professional development Summary In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne discusses his experiences and insights from being a member of the PHA Instructor Assessment Committee. …

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Bascrete Technologies Bringing Three Exciting New Products to Market in 2025 22:45

23d ago22:45

22:45

In this latest episode of Pool Magazine Podcast, Vito Mariano, president of Basecrete Technologies, announces three exciting new products they're adding to their lineup: Nano-Set, Suede, and their fiberglass mesh system Basecrete Xtreme. With decades of experience and multiple plaster patents, Mariano explains how these innovations improve color re…

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Smarter Pools: Inside the Pentair IntelliFlo3® VSF Pump 16:19

23d ago16:19

16:19

Automation is changing the pool industry, and Pentair’s IntelliFlo3® VSF Pump is leading the charge. In this episode, Senior Product Manager Adam Key explains how this next-generation pump isn’t just about circulation — it’s a complete automation solution. We explore how WiFi connectivity enables homeowners to adjust schedules and monitor energy us…

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Building a Culture Based on Quality: Lessons from Regal Pools 34:51

29d ago34:51

34:51

From humble beginnings cleaning pools to co-founding one of Texas’s most respected luxury pool firms, Joshua Buzzell’s journey with Regal Pools is a masterclass in entrepreneurship and leadership. In this episode, he recounts how he and his partner Edwin Escobar built a culture of quality and accountability that propelled Regal into the Top 50 Pool…

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The Metal Menace: Andrea & Paulette 1:20:32

23d ago1:20:32

1:20:32

Text us a pool question! Got mystery stains, teal-tinted water, or customers blaming your chlorine for their new “seafoam highlights”? Andrea and Paulette dive into high metal levels in pools—where they come from (source water, corrosion, “helpful” copper products), how to confirm what you’re dealing with (iron vs. copper vs. manganese), and the sm…

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Here's Why Pool Pros Bathe in Public Spas 58:48

25d ago58:48

58:48

Text us a pool question! Keywords spa maintenance, water treatment, sanitization, pool care, spa treatments, bromine, chlorine, water balance, spa technology, pool service Takeaways Summer is approaching, and clients have varying perceptions of swimming temperatures. Spa maintenance requires more frequent attention than regular pools due to their s…

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Stop Blaming Regulation: A Builder–Owner Playbook 12:50

1M ago12:50

12:50

Why do so many pool projects melt down? It isn’t “too much regulation”—it’s too little planning. Jason breaks down the fast-“yes” incentives, missing scopes, and communication gaps that push owners, builders, and inspectors into conflict. You’ll hear a clear case study (gas meter/regulator sizing), the homeowner’s 7 questions, and the builder’s 7 c…

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“Charge What You’re Worth," Rich Gallo Says. (Gen Z, Cover Your Ears) 53:36

1M ago53:36

53:36

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Rich Gallo, founder and CEO of Pure Swim. Rich shares his journey from growing up in a family of pool professionals to establishing a successful concierge-level pool service in Los Angeles. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the impact of fatherhood on hi…

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How One Mistake on a Pool Job Nearly Bankrupted Me 1:09:18

28d ago1:09:18

1:09:18

Text us a pool question! This week, Wayne and Steve are diving deep into the kind of stuff that separates pros from pretenders — communication, integrity, and the responsibility of owning your mistakes. Whether it’s a misread water test, a filter left in bypass, or a promise made too quickly, these two veterans talk about what it means to stand beh…

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Sarah Says: The Science, the Sass, and the Suds 31:22

1M ago31:22

31:22

Text us a pool question! If you thought pool care was boring, you clearly haven’t heard Sarah break it down. This week she dives headfirst into the bubbling, backwashing, beautifully chaotic world of pool chemistry — with zero filters and a full cup of caffeine. It’s educational, hilarious, slightly unhinged, and 100% Sarah. She’s here to make sure…

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When Customers Meet Chlorine Science 1:06:34

1M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

By Rudy Stankowitz

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Understanding Mineral Pools, +PSS: Bufferzone Cameo 50:38

1M ago50:38

50:38

Text us a pool question! In this episode, Lee and Shane discuss the growing popularity of mineral pools in Australia, addressing a listener's inquiry about the benefits and drawbacks of mineral pools, particularly in hot climates. Steve pops in with Peter Lagaz of Bufferzone to talk PSS for a stint. Then back to minerals. They explore the differenc…