Best Pool Service Pros Podcasts (2025)

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Full Service Pool Routine: What Pros Actually Do 20:29

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10d ago20:29

20:29

Stop overdelivering for free and start running a cleaner, faster, more profitable route. We break down a practical pool service system that scales, from smart service tiers to a weekly workflow that keeps quality high and labor tight. You’ll learn how to set expectations with chemical-only, mid-tier, and full-service offerings, and when to upgrade …

1
Winterizing Pools Against Crystals (w/ Rob Romano and Bill Drakeley) 1:14:13

21h ago1:14:13

1:14:13

[00:00] - Intro [00:33] - Pool industry lifers [07:25] - How pools are winterized in the Northeast [11:51] - How cold is too cold to plaster? [16:50] - Calcium chloride in the plaster mix [22:06] - Freeze damage protection [27:40] - Dilution's impact on the LSI during the winter [33:51] - Testing fill water, and smart winterizing [36:10] - Company …

1
The 2-Cups-Equals-a-Pound Lie, Available Chlorine, Active Strength 30:25

43m ago30:25

30:25

Pool Pros text questions here It’s the day after Christmas, and Rudy is not here to sing carols—he’s here to correct one of the most common (and most expensive) field habits in pool service: measuring dry chemicals like you’re baking cookies. The “two cups equals a pound” rule gets dragged into the sunlight, and then the episode pivots into a full …

1
Bob Lowry on Surface Cautions Every Pool Pro Should Know 19:58

2h ago19:58

19:58

Pools don’t fail just from age or weather; they fail when chemistry, circulation, and surface type don’t match. We dig into the real-world differences between vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, and pebble finishes, showing how each material changes your approach to water balance, sanitizer levels, and maintenance. From ground prep that keeps nutgrass from…

1
Your Contract Ruined Christmas - Holiday Woes: Part l 43:47

3h ago43:47

43:47

Pool Pros text questions here In this holiday edition of Thursdays with Steve, Steve Sherwood checks in from a festive (and very on-brand) Hawaiian Christmas shirt and talks straight to the pros who keep pools running even when the calendar says “day off.” From commercial clients who expect service 365 days a year, to the reality of managing staff …

1
Commercial vs Residential: Bob Lowry Explains the Big Differences 22:10

13h ago22:10

22:10

The calm of a backyard pool and the chaos of a hotel deck look similar from the waterline—but they run on different rules. We pull back the curtain on why commercial water turns volatile under heavy bather load, how chlorine gets consumed faster than you can pour it, and what it really takes to keep guests safe and inspectors satisfied. From oxidat…

1
Retail Is Not Dead, with Ryan Walker 32:21

24h ago32:21

32:21

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode, Natalie Hood sits down with Ryan Walker to unpack how retail sales in the pool industry have evolved over the last two decades—and what dealers, builders, and retailers need to understand to stay competitive today. From the rise of online shopping and social media influence to changing homeowner expect…

1
Bob Lowry’s Start-Up Science for Every Pool Surface 27:44

1d ago27:44

27:44

Fresh plaster only gets one chance to cure right, and most problems start before the first cannonball. We dive straight into the real-world startup decisions that determine whether your pool finishes smooth and stain‑free or inherits permanent issues. With veteran insights from chemical expert Bob Lowry, we compare the big methods—barrel, tradition…

1
LSI: The Key to Pool Chemistry 58:08

2d ago58:08

58:08

Pool Pros text questions here In this conversation, Paulette and Andrea discuss their recent hiatus due to personal losses and the challenges faced in pool maintenance. They delve into the importance of understanding the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and its role in water chemistry, emphasizing the need for proper water balance to prevent issues…

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The Low pH Danger Zone: Bob Lowry Breaks It Down 19:34

3d ago19:34

19:34

Ever wonder why a pool can look fine one week and show stains, rough plaster, or a failing heater the next? The culprit is often low pH—water that turns aggressive, dissolves metals, and etches surfaces long before the damage is obvious. We walk through how acidic water behaves, where metals come from, and why stains show up only after the water hi…

1
Innovative Pool Products for Australia and New Zealand 32:22

3d ago32:22

32:22

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Lee and Shane discuss the holiday season, share nostalgic memories of Christmas, and explore innovative pool products from the US that they wish to see in Australia and New Zealand. They highlight various tools for pool maintenance, emerging technologies in pool care, and l…

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E-280 Pool Nation Podcast How to Raise Pool Service Prices Without Losing Customers | Pool Nation Podcast 1:11:18

3d ago1:11:18

1:11:18

In episode 280 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by co-host Zach “The Pool Boy” Nicholas for Part 5 of the Winter Business Series, where they break down one of the hardest decisions pool service business owners face: how to raise prices with confidence — without losing customers. Raising prices can feel uncomfortable, emotional, …

1
Bob Lowry’s Borate Blueprint for a Better Pool 22:06

4d ago22:06

22:06

Algae pressure, drifting pH, and vanishing chlorine can make pool care feel like a tug of war. We sat down with renowned chemist and educator Bob Lowry to map out a cleaner, calmer path: use borates the right way, match your CYA to your chlorine needs, and stop fighting the water. The conversation cuts through marketing myths to show why boric acid…

1
The one about Chloramines, Breakpoint, and Crystal Lagoons 46:04

8d ago46:04

46:04

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz dives deep into the complexities of pool chemistry, particularly focusing on chloramines and breakpoint chlorination. He shares personal anecdotes, discusses industry events, and answers listener questions about lagoon pools versus traditional pools. The conversation emphasizes the impo…

1
The Clear Choice: How Cartridge Filters Outshine Sand & DE 18:54

7d ago18:54

18:54

Crystal-clear water means more than fine micron ratings; it means steady flow, low pressure spikes, and a filter you can actually live with. We dive into the real-world reasons cartridge filters outperform DE and sand for most pools, from massive surface area that keeps PSI stable to a simple cleaning routine that skips the gray dust and regulatory…

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Life After a Cardiac Event: Lessons Learned 58:04

7d ago58:04

58:04

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Talking Pools, Wayne shares his harrowing experience with a cardiac event that nearly cost him his life. He discusses the support he received from his family and medical professionals, reflecting on the importance of health and recovery. The conversation then shifts to the implications of such health…

1
Campfire Chronicles: True Pool Pro Field Stories 21:31

8d ago21:31

21:31

Ever walked up to a job and found the pool equipment living inside a freshly finished bedroom? We have—and that’s just the start. This story-driven episode shares the funniest, strangest, and most useful moments from decades on the route, each one paired with practical takeaways you can use today. We start with access and liability: a garage conver…

1
Protecting Pool Plaster (w/ Jeff Smith) 26:16

8d ago26:16

26:16

______________________________ Connect with us! Realize your full potential. Watershape University® Water chemistry questions? Orenda® Questions? Comments? Or apply to sponsor the show: [email protected] Facebook: @ruleyourpool YouTube: @rule-your-poolBy Eric Knight, Jeff Smith

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Pool Financing Myths 36:18

8d ago36:18

36:18

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Natalie Hood and Joe Garcia discuss the often misunderstood topic of pool financing. They debunk common myths surrounding financing, emphasizing its accessibility for all income levels and its strategic benefits for homeowners. The conversation highlights the importance of …

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From Trucks to Borates: Pool Service Questions 19:37

9d ago19:37

19:37

Ever wonder why a product that makes your job easier somehow never shows up on store shelves? We tackle that head-on with borates: how 50 ppm boric acid helps tame rising pH in saltwater pools, reduces chlorine and acid use, and even cuts down on algaecide. We walk through where to buy it online, how to test it accurately, and why some retailers av…

1
Cleaning Pools After Bushfires 37:26

10d ago37:26

37:26

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Talking Pools, Lee and Shane discuss the impact of bushfires in Australia and New Zealand, particularly focusing on how these fires affect swimming pools and the necessary cleanup strategies. They share personal experiences and insights on effective pool maintenance post-fire, the importance of commu…

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E-279 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Service Pricing Explained: How to Build Real Profit and Margins That Last 57:29

12d ago57:29

57:29

In episode 279 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by co-hosts Zach “The Pool Boy” Nicholas and John “JJ Flawless” for Part 4 of the Winning Business Series, diving deep into one of the most misunderstood — and most important — topics in the pool industry: profit margins. This conversation goes far beyond “raise your prices.” Edgar…

1
The Pool Tech Trap: Doing More Than You’re Paid For 20:23

11d ago20:23

20:23

Ever feel like your best service is eating your profits? We dig into the quiet ways pool pros lose time and money—free return visits, marathon storm cleanups, and “courtesy” chemicals—and share practical scripts and policies that keep clients happy while protecting your margins. The core idea is simple: set fair expectations, price for real effort,…

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Reinforced PVC Membranes (w/ Tony Jordan and Jeremy Heersink) 34:12

15d ago34:12

34:12

[00:00] - Preface - Education Vacation Recap [03:10] - Actual Introduction [09:13] - New WU Class - C3291: Reinforced PVC Membrane Workshop [14:35] - PVC membranes in cold climates [16:33] - Installation and costs [30:46] - Closing ______________________________ Connect with us! Realize your full potential. Watershape University® Water chemistry qu…

1
LSI Outside the Bubble — What the Scientists Really Say 37:12

13d ago37:12

37:12

Pool Pros text questions here Rudy does something different this week: he takes the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) out of the pool industry echo chamber and walks it through the lens of academics, civil engineers, groundwater chemists, and industrial water experts who don’t care about plaster warranties, brand marketing, or trade show politics. I…

1
Scaling Up: How to Build a Bigger, Better Pool Route 19:36

14d ago19:36

19:36

Growing a pool service business comes down to clear choices and honest math: buy a route, build organically, or blend both. Each path has tradeoffs in cash, time, and risk. Buying through a trusted broker can deliver instant revenue and a safety net, but it requires real capital and commitment. Building through ads and local outreach can be cheaper…

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Steve’s Cautionary Tales, Leak Detection 101 & The Airbnb Insurance Trap 1:11:37

14d ago1:11:37

1:11:37

Pool Pros text questions here This week, Steve flies solo again — but with good news: Wayne is on the mend and expected back very soon. Until then, Steve brings a full toolbox of stories, lessons, and a deep dive into one of the most-requested topics from pool pros: leak detection as a service. 🔥 Segment 1 — Cautionary Tales From the Field Steve op…

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Dive Into Wealth: A Pool Pro’s Guide to Investing 22:38

15d ago22:38

22:38

The work is honest, the sun is relentless, and the clock on your knees is louder than you think. That reality sparked a straight‑talk conversation about converting today’s pool service income into tomorrow’s durable, low‑friction cash flow. We dig into three realistic paths—scaling your route into a managed operation, investing in the markets, and …

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Specialty Chemicals: Making Chlorine Work Smarter, Not Harder with Jody O’Grady 44:06

15d ago44:06

44:06

Pool Pros text questions here On this Talking Pools episode, host Natalie Hood, Director of Education and Network Development for The Grit Game, sits down with Jody O’Grady, Director of Commercial Sales for API Water and long-time industry chemist, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in pool care: specialty chemicals. Chlorine gets all t…

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The Filter Game Plan: Clean, Track, Repeat 22:03

16d ago22:03

22:03

Most routes bleed time and money during filter season, not because the work is hard, but because the system behind it is fuzzy. We break down a simple framework that keeps your margins healthy, your schedule predictable, and your clients happy: when to clean, how to price, what to replace, and which tools shave minutes off every stop. We start with…

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Are They Pools, Ponds, or A GEN Z FAD? 38:58

16d ago38:58

38:58

Pool Pros text questions here Imagine Rudy, Allen Schnaak, Andrea The Pool Girl, and Frank Disher from The Deep End Podcast sitting around a table — the kind of table where coffee gets cold because the conversation gets that good. What starts as a friendly discussion about natural pools quickly spirals into a wild, brain-stretching rollercoaster of…

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Bonded or Busted: Pool Motor Electrical Safety 18:10

17d ago18:10

18:10

Electricity and water don’t forgive small mistakes. We walk through the real hazards hiding at the equipment pad and show how two simple safeguards—proper bonding and a working GFCI—stop shocks, fires, and scary surprises before they start. From tracing that lone copper wire to pressing the GFCI test button, we share the steps pros use daily and th…

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Kangaroos, Cows & Vinyl Liners: Modern Liner Tech with Jamie from Aquatec 53:22

17d ago53:22

53:22

Pool Pros text questions here On this Mondays Down Under episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Shane in Auckland and Lee on the chilly NSW coast are joined by Jamie from Aquatec, a family business that’s been making swimming pool liners since the late 1970s. They dive into how vinyl liners have evolved from “one blue fits all” to highly engineered,…

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E-278 Pool Nation Podcast - What Drives Successful Pool Pros: A Deep Dive with Michelle Watson & Max O’Brien 54:45

19d ago54:45

54:45

In Episode 278 of Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and Todd broadcast straight from the AquaStar Studio in Ventura, California, where they sit down with two incredible industry leaders: Michelle Watson (Shell’s Pool & Spa) and Max O’Brien (Ventura Pool Pro & IPSA Region 2 Officer). In this powerful, conversation-driven episode, Michelle and Max open up a…

1
The Danger Zone: Why Filter Cleaning Requires Real Safety 21:54

18d ago21:54

21:54

Pressure doesn’t look dangerous—until the instant it is. We take you right to the two moments that matter most in filter service—when the lid comes off and when it goes back on—and show you how to turn a risky task into a safe, repeatable routine. We start by reframing the filter as a pressure vessel, not a harmless canister. Sand filters are usual…

1
The Role of Calcium and TDS 35:39

20d ago35:39

35:39

Pool Pros text questions here In this conversation, Rudy Stankowitz emphasizes the critical role of calcium hardness and total dissolved solids (TDS) in pool chemistry. He explains how these factors influence the effectiveness of chlorine, algaecides, and other pool chemicals, highlighting the importance of maintaining the right balance for optimal…

1
Rain Rules For Pool Pros 19:32

21d ago19:32

19:32

Storm clouds don’t just bring water—they rewrite your entire pool route. We dive into a practical, low-drama system for handling rain without wasting chemicals, damaging equipment, or risking your safety. From the first messy storms of the season to those frustrating back-to-back rainy Tuesdays, we share how to protect margins and maintain clean, c…

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The Role of Weather in Swimming Pool Property Damage 28:12

21d ago28:12

28:12

Pool Pros text questions here The conversation explores the complexities of insurance claims, particularly in unusual circumstances involving property damage due to weather events. The speaker shares a vivid account of a claim involving a fallen tree that caused significant damage to a pool area, illustrating the challenges faced by both homeowners…

1
The Pool Tech Knowledge Guide – Volume 1 18:49

22d ago18:49

18:49

Ever opened a pump lid and watched the pool start emptying onto the pad? We’ve been there, and today we map out the simple field habits that stop the flood, speed up service, and keep clients happy. From spotting below-waterline equipment to shutting down both sides of the system, we share practical, low-cost tricks that save a service day—think te…

1
Mastering Pool Measurements: Essential Tools and Techniques 33:27

22d ago33:27

33:27

Pool Pros text questions here In this conversation, Natalie discusses the essential tools and preparations needed for accurate pool measurements with Carl Cullers or the Grit Game. They emphasize the importance of having the right equipment, such as measuring forms, tapes, and documentation tools, to ensure a successful measurement process. Additio…

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Level Up Your Route: Scaling Like a Pro 18:55

23d ago18:55

18:55

Ready to earn more without adding more hours to your week? We break down three practical paths pool pros use to scale: hiring your first tech with clean pricing and standards, selling select accounts for lump‑sum cash, and building passive income that compounds over time. You’ll hear the exact numbers, the customer conversations that make handoffs …

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Natural Pools: Healthier… or Just Trendier? 56:20

23d ago56:20

56:20

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode 'FROM THE VAULT', we revisit part two of our three-part deep dive with Rudy, Allen Schnaak, and Andrea The Pool Girl, and yeah—we’re talking about natural pools again. On paper, natural pools check every eco-friendly box Gen Z cares about: fewer synthetic chemicals, more biology, more “let nature do the…

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Insurance in the Deep End: How UPA Keeps You Afloat 36:07

24d ago36:07

36:07

A runaway hose, a rooftop spa, and a driveway that cost $90,000 to fix—small choices can turn a routine stop into a six-figure claim. We dive into the three risks that quietly drain profits for pool professionals: water damage, chemical spills, and water chemistry mistakes. Along the way, we share hard-earned stories and the simple, repeatable habi…

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Proactive Management: Pool Business 38:19

24d ago38:19

38:19

Pool Pros text questions here In this episode of Mondays Down Under, hosts Lee and Shane discuss the importance of self-audits in business management, particularly in the pool industry. They emphasize the need for proactive management, effective communication with staff, and the value of customer feedback. The conversation covers practical tips for…

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E-276 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Service Pricing 2026: 5 Hidden Profit Leaks Killing Your Cost Per Pool 1:05:03

26d ago1:05:03

1:05:03

In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar continues the Winter Business Series with Part 3: uncovering the hidden leaks that silently destroy profitability in your pool service business. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working harder than ever but your bank account doesn’t show it, this episode is for you. Edgar breaks down five of the bigg…

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Insurance Horror Stories: Scared Straight! With Sean Reardon UPA 23:46

25d ago23:46

23:46

A pool route looks peaceful from the curb, but the work sits where chemistry, electricity, plumbing, and customer trust collide. We brought on Sean Reardon, the insurance broker serving the United Pool Association, to unpack the real risks pool technicians face and why generic coverage so often misses the mark. From the UPA’s origins as a mutual su…

1
Cyanuric Acid: The Most Misunderstood Chemical in Pools 52:00

27d ago52:00

52:00

Pool Pros text questions here Rudy dives headfirst into cyanuric acid — CYA, stabilizer, conditioner — the most misquoted, weaponized, and argued-about chemical in the pool industry. He breaks down what the science actually says about HOCl in stabilized water, why that old HOCl / OCl⁻ chart belongs in a museum, how CYA really impacts ORP, TA, and L…

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Is Copper a Friend or Foe in Your Pool? – Bob Lowry Explains 21:21

28d ago21:21

21:21

Copper promises a cleaner pool with less work, but the chemistry tells a different story. We walk through what copper really does well—suppressing algae at low levels—and where it falls short, especially on fast disinfection and heavy oxidation. If you have ever wondered why water looks clear but still isn’t truly safe, or why blond hair turns gree…

1
“How Do I Cover My Ass?” Protecting Your Pool Business When a Pool is Structurally Failing 30:38

28d ago30:38

30:38

Pool Pros text questions here In this week’s episode of Insurance Interludes, host Steve Sherwood teams up once again with Pat Grignon, Vice President of the California Pool Association (CPA), to tackle a real-world scenario hitting every service tech’s nightmare list: A failing shell. A leaking pool. Conflicting opinions. And YOU stuck in the midd…

1
More Rookie Pool Chemistry Mistakes Pt.2 – Bob Lowry 18:05

1M ago18:05

18:05

Think a four-hour pump schedule is “good enough”? We put that myth to rest with clear math, real-world examples, and a simple plan for dialing in filtration so you stop chasing cloudy water and recurring algae. With Bob Lowry in the chair, we unpack why three turnovers is the sweet spot for clarity and safety, how to measure true flow instead of gu…