Best Pool Service Pros Podcasts (2025)

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Engaging the Next Generation of Pool Pros with Maddy Vandiver, AOP, and ACC 48:25

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7h ago48:25

48:25

Text us a pool question! In 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 te…

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Behind the Buttons: Pool Automation Ins & Outs 20:12

2h ago20:12

20:12

Send us a text In this episode, I’m breaking down the world of pool automation. From smart controls and apps to pumps, heaters, and lights, I’ll walk you through what’s worth the investment and what might just drain your wallet. I’ll share my insider perspective on how automation can make pool ownership easier — and when it can actually complicate …

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Honoring Heroes: the 9-11 Memorial Pools 17:30

1d ago17:30

17:30

Text us a pool question! This episode of the Talking Pools podcast reflects on the significance of September 11th, honoring the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on that day. It transitions into a detailed exploration of the engineering behind the 9-11 Memorial Pools, highlighting their design, operation, and the advanced technologies that main…

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Are Salt Pools Actually Cheaper in the Long Run? 22:34

1d ago22:34

22:34

Send us a text One of the biggest questions I get from pool owners is whether a salt water pool is better than a chlorine pool. In this episode, I’ll break it down in simple terms, go over the pros and cons of each system, and help you figure out which one really saves money and hassle in the long run. Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HA…

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Beyond the Strip: Getting TDS Right 45:20

1h ago45:20

45:20

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Steve Sherwood discusses various topics related to the pool service industry with Pat of the California Pool Association, including the differences between W2 and 1099 employment structures, the importance of having the right insurance coverage, and the challenges of hiring and …

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Gear That Transformed My Route 20:40

3d ago20:40

20:40

Send us a text In this episode, I share the gadgets that have completely changed the way I run my pool service route. From tools that save me time to equipment that makes the job easier and more efficient, I’ll go over what’s actually worth having in your truck and what I can’t live without on the job. Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HA…

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Training for AI with Stephanie Donahue 40:34

31m ago40:34

40:34

How do you get your organization trained up to use AI tools? Richard talks to Stephanie Donahue about her work implementing AI tools at Avanade and with Avanade's customers. Stephanie discusses how many workers are bringing their own AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to work and the risks that represent to the organization. Having an approved set of tools…

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Andrea Debunks the Chlorine Lock Myth 1:11:40

9h ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Andrea and Paulette discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, focusing on the importance of taking time off, the misconceptions surrounding cyanuric acid, and the myth of chlorine lock. They emphasize the need for proper chemical balance in pools and the significance of charging fo…

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The Hidden Headaches of Infinity Pools 21:43

2h ago21:43

21:43

Send us a text Infinity edge pools look incredible — they’re the kind of pools you see on Instagram or in luxury resorts. But as a pool pro, I can tell you they come with a unique set of headaches. In this episode, I’m going to share the real troubles that homeowners face with infinity edge pools — from water loss and high maintenance to expensive …

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AI and the Future of Pool Maintenance 46:56

22h ago46:56

46:56

Text us a pool question! In this episode, Shane and Lee discuss the transition into the spring pool season, the impact of weather on pool maintenance, and the increasing presence of AI in the pool service industry. They emphasize the importance of human connection in business, especially in a field where personal relationships can significantly inf…

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My Proven Solutions for High pH in Saltwater Pools 23:53

1d ago23:53

23:53

Send us a text Saltwater pools are amazing, but one thing nearly every pool owner runs into is rising pH. In this episode, I’ll explain why pH tends to drift up in saltwater pools, and more importantly, how you can control it. From aeration and salt cell activity to practical strategies like acid dosing, CO₂ systems, and borates, I’ll share the rea…

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Fueling Growth with Shannon Wilson, Enzymes, CyA Secrets 52:33

4d ago52:33

52:33

Text us a pool question! In 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 mistak…

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The Ultimate Showdown of Automatic Pool Cleaners 22:20

4d ago22:20

22:20

Send us a text Ever wonder which automatic pool cleaner is right for you? In this episode, I take a deep dive into the three main types—suction, pressure, and robotic. I’ll share how each one works, the pros and cons, and which situations they’re best for. I’ll also give you my personal top pick in each category so you can make a confident choice f…

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Education and Growth: Wayne with Natalie Hood 50:01

5d ago50:01

50:01

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne and Natalie Hood discuss the Grit Game, a rising player in the pool industry. Natalie shares her journey with the Grit Game, emphasizing their commitment to education, collaboration, and support within the industry. They explore the meaning behind the name 'Grit', the impo…

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Europe’s Hottest Pool Tool PoolWaterLab 2.0 (PoolLab 2.0) 17:49

5d ago17:49

17:49

Send us a text I’m excited to share my experience with the PoolLab 2.0, a powerful water testing tool making waves in the European market. In this episode, I break down what it does, why it matters, and how it changes the game for accurate, on-the-go water testing. Whether you’re already in the industry or just curious about the latest tools, this …

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Pool Girl 2.0 39:42

6d ago39:42

39:42

Text us a pool question! Sarah (aka Sarah the Pool Girl) drops some big news—she and her husband Andrew are expecting a baby in February! The conversation takes a wild ride from pregnancy excitement to pool safety, splash pad water systems, childhood hamster revenge plots, and why puddle jumpers might not be the best option for teaching kids to swi…

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How to Prevent Burnout in Your Pool Service Business 18:56

6d ago18:56

18:56

Send us a text Running a pool service business can be demanding, but I’ve learned firsthand that burnout doesn’t have to be part of the journey. In this episode, I share practical strategies I use to keep energy, focus, and motivation high—so the business runs smoothly without running me down. From balancing workload to protecting personal time, th…

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Episode 1000! 1:14:01

6d ago1:14:01

1:14:01

Episode 1000! Richard Campbell invites Paul Thurrott to join him to celebrate the milestone episode and answer questions from listeners. From the creation of the podcast to the role of Windows in the modern world, the impact of ARM, Cloud, and many other technologies - all addressed in this super-sized episode. And yes, artificial intelligence is p…

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TDS and Toss 'em Back Tuesday with Andrea 20:30

7d ago20:30

20:30

Text us a pool question! The show kicks off with a bit of unexpected humor as Andrea’s scheduled guest ghosts her—leaving her to set the tone and carry the intro solo. The surprise absence creates a light but awkward opening that transitions smoothly into Rudy stepping in with a solid educational segment. He dives into Total Dissolved Solids (TDS),…

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Mindset Matters More Than Marketing 23:08

7d ago23:08

23:08

Send us a text I’ve seen how much a positive mindset changes not just my outlook, but my business results. In this episode, I dive into why attitude truly matters in customer service, leadership, and even in tackling daily challenges. I’ll share real stories and lessons that prove positivity is one of the strongest tools any pool service pro—or bus…

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Kazakhstan's Unique Pools 37:50

8d ago37:50

37:50

Text us a pool question! In this episode, Lee and Shane discuss their recent travels to Kazakhstan, exploring the unique architecture and swimming pool facilities they encountered. They delve into the differences in pool maintenance and chemistry standards between Kazakhstan and New Zealand, highlighting the importance of community and learning wit…

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Blueprint for Pool Service Success 19:49

8d ago19:49

19:49

Send us a text Every strong pool service company starts with a clear plan—and I’ll walk you through what that really means. In this episode, I outline the key elements of a solid business plan, from route setup to budgeting, marketing, and scaling. This is the framework I wish I had when I first started, and it’s the blueprint you can use to build …

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Purposeful Marketing with Laci Davis, Phosphate Mysteries & Chlorine Lock 1:03:52

11d ago1:03:52

1:03:52

Text us a pool question! In 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 - ALWAY…

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Balancing Pools Like a Pro with James Smith 25:25

11d ago25:25

25:25

Send us a text On today’s episode, I’m joined by James Smith, Registered Nurse, Certified Pool Operator, and the mind behind the Pool Pro Training Course at Homestead Pool Services. James brings a unique background—combining years of clinical nursing with hands-on pool care—to teach pros how to truly understand water chemistry. We talk about why so…

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The Wild World of Pool Service with Terry Arko of HASA 17:22

16d ago17:22

17:22

Send us a text This one’s just for fun! Terry Arko and I swap some of the funniest pool service complaints we’ve ever heard, along with a few downright scary horror stories from the field. From the outrageous requests to the unbelievable situations we’ve walked into, you’ll laugh, shake your head, and maybe even feel better about your own service c…

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Throwback POOL INSPECTIONS 55:17

12d ago55:17

55:17

Text us a pool question! This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to one of the most talked-about episodes with Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood, two of the most respected educators and consultants in the pool industry. Between Wayne’s decades of experience leading water chemistry education at Taylor Water Technologies and Steve’s reputation as…

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This Is Your Brain on Pools: Gen X vs Gen Z 31:24

13d ago31:24

31:24

Text us a pool question! In this engaging conversation, Sarah and Rudy explore a variety of topics ranging from the pool industry to 80s pop culture references. They share insights about their experiences in the field, discuss nostalgic catchphrases, and delve into the evolution of slang over the decades. The light-hearted banter and humor make for…

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Is Biofilm Killing Your Chlorine? with Terry Arko of HASA 20:13

14d ago20:13

20:13

Send us a text Terry Arko on Biofilm In this episode, Terry Arko helps me unpack the mystery of biofilm: what it is, where it hides, and why it makes pool care such a challenge. I share some real-world stories about how biofilm has popped up in pools I service and the problems it causes—from cloudy water to sanitizer lock-up. If you’ve ever felt li…

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Common Azure Mistakes with Scott Sauber 34:06

15d ago34:06

34:06

What are common mistakes folks are making with their Azure tenant(s)? While at the Kansas City Developers Conference, Richard chatted with Scott Sauber to run down his top ten list of issues he checks on for all his customers using Azure. From tenant ownership to naming conventions, policies, identities, and cost controls - there are a lot of thing…

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Pool & Hot Tub Alliance in Partnership With POOLCORP Launch Women of Water 20:29

16d ago20:29

20:29

Women of Water, a new initiative developed by the PHTA (Pool & Hot Tub Alliance) in partnership with POOLCORP, seeks to connect, empower, and advocate for women in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry through community, education, and leadership development. WOW officially kicks off at this year's International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Las Vegas. To l…

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Pregnant, Poolside, and Probably High on Fumes 25:20

14d ago25:20

25:20

Text us a pool question! Welcome to the most accidentally themed episode of Talking Pools, where we started with “fuck it, we’ll do it live” and somehow ended up knee-deep in pregnancy, chlorine jugs, and naming babies after pool chemicals. Don’t ask how we got here — we don’t know either. This week, Andrea & Paulette juggle barking dogs, clinking …

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LSI on Salt: Balancing Act in a Salty World with Terry Arko of HASA 19:05

16d ago19:05

19:05

Send us a text Terry Arko on LSI Water Balancing in High CYA Pools and Saltwater Pools Today, I dig into one of the trickiest balancing acts we face: keeping the LSI in range when dealing with high CYA levels and saltwater systems. Terry Arko joins me to explain why these pools behave differently, what adjustments we need to make, and how to keep e…

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The Pool Pro Hunger Games 33:17

15d ago33:17

33:17

Text us a pool question! In this episode of Mondays Down Under, host Lee Salisbury dives into essential strategies for pool service businesses to prepare for the upcoming summer season. Lee emphasizes the importance of pricing strategies, labor costs, logistics, customer contracts, database management, and effective payment systems to enhance profi…

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Bringing Balance to the pH Chase; The LSI and Disinfection with Terry Arko 17:16

16d ago17:16

17:16

Send us a text Terry Arko on why the LSI is different from Pool Water Safety In this episode, I sit down with Terry Arko to clear up a common mix-up: the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) versus pool water safety. LSI is all about protecting the pool surface and keeping the structure healthy, while water chemistry balance for safety is all about pro…

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Exploring Pool Chemistry with Que Hales 58:23

18d ago58:23

58:23

Text us a pool question! In 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 e…

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Blown Away: Dealing with Windy Day Disasters 26:24

19d ago26:24

26:24

Send us a text The wind doesn’t just blow — it blows everything into your pools. I just had one of those brutal wind events that turned half my route into green soup overnight. In this episode, I’ll walk you through my clean-up plan after a windy day, what I do before the storm hits, and how I talk to customers when their pools are trashed. Whether…

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Learn Why Today's Leading Resorts Trust Deckology for Their Pool Decks 10:45

22d ago10:45

10:45

On this episode of Pool Magazine Podcast, we sit down with Sean West, founder and VP of Sales at Deckology, the company behind AquaFlex — the surfacing system trusted by luxury resorts like the Bellagio, Wynn, and Mandalay Bay. From the scorching pool decks of Las Vegas to high-end properties across the country, AquaFlex has become synonymous with …

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A chiller is not a cold plunge pool! 53:47

21d ago53:47

53:47

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss the top 10 nominees for the Mentor of the Year award in the pool industry, highlighting the importance of mentorship. They also delve into the differences between cold plunge pools and chillers, explaining their distinct purposes and benefits. The c…

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The Route to Ruin: Injury-Proofing Your Pool Career 22:09

20d ago22:09

22:09

Send us a text Let’s be real — this job is hard on the body. In this episode, I’m talking about the injuries I’ve faced over the years running a pool route — from pulled backs to tweaked shoulders — and what I’ve learned about working smarter. I’ll share my daily habits, tool swaps, and simple adjustments that’ve helped me stay in the game without …

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Inside PSP/Deck Expo 2025: What to Expect in Vegas 19:03

20d ago19:03

19:03

Each year, the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, co-located with Deck Expo, sets the tone for the industry — and 2025 in Las Vegas is shaping up to be the biggest yet. In this episode, Show Manager Megan Magaña shares what attendees can expect, from intensive pre-conference education with PHTA and Genesis to hands-on demos on the show floor. W…

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Pool Industry Council Publishes Landmark Study on Swimming Pool Equipotential Bonding 13:52

23d ago13:52

13:52

In this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking safety study on equipotential bonding, commissioned by the Pool Industry Council and conducted by John Antonelli in partnership with the Florida Swimming Pool Association. The report compared different bonding methods — including single copper wire, copper grids, and bonding within pool structures — to…

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You Wanted the Pool—Now It Wants You Back 32:37

20d ago32:37

32:37

Text us a pool question! In this episode, Sarah dives into an uncomfortable but necessary truth: too many pool owners think the work ends the day the pool is filled. From the outside, the water may look like a backyard dream, but if it’s left without care, it quickly becomes a breeding ground for problems—algae, unsafe water, and costly damage. Sar…

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YouTube Q& A Vol 24: Fix Your Pool Pumps, Salt Cells & Cleaner Parts—Answered! 18:50

24d ago18:50

18:50

Send us a text In this episode, I'm diving into the questions you left me on YouTube. From clogged impellers and pumps that won’t prime to figuring out if your Truclear salt cell is the right size and whether aftermarket cleaner parts are worth it—I’m giving you straight answers, pro tips, and a few things most pool pros don’t talk about. If you’ve…

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Data Governance for AI with Martina Grom 38:43

24d ago38:43

38:43

How do you secure your organization's data to let AI technologies work safely? Richard chats with Martina Grom about her experiences helping sysadmins responsibly bring the power of Microsoft M365 Copilot into their organizations. Martina discusses setting up security and monitoring with tools like Microsoft Purview, enabling visibility into where …

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More Pool Service Complaints. I quit. I'm done. 38:11

21d ago38:11

38:11

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Show, Andrea and Paulette discuss their experiences with pool maintenance, including challenges with customer complaints and the importance of proper pool care. They also touch on health concerns like swimmer's ear, tragic incidents in water parks, and the need for hurricane preparedness…

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VacDaddy or Bottom Feeder — Which One Sucks Better? 20:07

25d ago20:07

20:07

Send us a text I’m diving into a showdown I’ve been asked about a lot lately — VacDaddy vs. The Bottom Feeder. If you're a pool pro, you know how much time and energy your vacuum can save… or waste. I’ve used both of these power vacuums in the field, and I’ll break down what I like, what frustrates me, and which one makes more sense depending on yo…

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The Ideal Customer? Good on you, Peter. 44:48

22d ago44:48

44:48

Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts celebrate Peter's contributions to the industry while discussing the characteristics of ideal clients in both retail and mobile pool services. They share personal anecdotes about challenging customer interactions, the importance of setting clear expectations, and strategies for ma…

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Dirt — Here's How I Actually Clean It Up 21:19

23d ago21:19

21:19

Send us a text Ever look at your pool and wonder how that much dirt even got in there? I do too—and in this episode, I break down the smartest, fastest, and most effective ways to get that junk out and get your pool looking crystal clear again. I share exactly what I do, what tools I use (and avoid), and why some of the newest tech just doesn’t cut…

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Floc Hard or Go Home: Greg Beard’s 35 Summers of Pool Wisdom 1:13:03

28d ago1:13:03

1:13:03

Text us a pool question! This 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 ar…

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Stain Science with Bob Lowry 15:07

26d ago15:07

15:07

Send us a text Today, I talk with Bob Lowry about a common and frustrating problem: metal staining in swimming pools. Whether it’s iron, copper, or manganese, stains can make even the cleanest pool look neglected. Bob breaks down where these metals come from, how to identify the stains, and—most importantly—how to treat and prevent them. Support th…