Best Pool Service Pros Podcasts (2025)

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🎃 Haunted Pools & Hair-Raising Cleanups 31:17

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1h 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

3h 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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The Five Types of Customers I Avoid at All Costs 20:41

3h ago20:41

20:41

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I share how to spot and avoid bad customers. From late payers to micromanagers and unrealistic pool owners, I’ll walk you through the red flags I’ve learned to recognize over the years. I’ll also give you my strategies for setting expectations, protecting yourself with agreements, and knowing when it’s …

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Shotcrete Science (w/ Charles Hanskat, P.E.) 49:23

1d ago49:23

49:23

[00:00] - Introducing Charles Hanskat, P.E. [01:26] - Shotcrete History [06:39] - Shotcrete depends on velocity for compaction [09:44] - Wet mix vs. Dry mix. What's right for you? [11:38] - Water, Cement, and Time [15:39] - Slump [17:58] - Compressive strength [19:46] - Aggregates [21:25] - Standards and Minimums [24:36] - Shrinkage and Cracks [32:…

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The Secret Referral Network Every Pool Pro Should Tap Into 21:06

1d ago21:06

21:06

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I share how I’ve landed new accounts through networking with builders, realtors, and HOAs. These groups already have the trust of homeowners — and if you position yourself the right way, they can become your biggest referral sources. I’ll break down my personal approach. I’ll also give you some practica…

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How Much Is a Hurricane Shutter Company REALLY Worth? 38:01

2d ago38:01

38:01

A storm-ready shutter business with $1.3M in profit and a million-dollar backlog gets picked apart for pricing, growth potential, and tricky deal terms. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/north-carolina-hurricane-shutter-business/2298331/ Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Ever…

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Algaecide 1:08:16

2d 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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Scam Alert: What Every Pool Pro Should Know 17:38

2d ago17:38

17:38

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I’m exposing a scam that’s been making the rounds in our industry and costing pool pros real money. The setup sounds innocent — someone calls saying they’re moving in soon and want to hire you for pool service. They send you a check that looks legitimate, but it’s written for too much, and then they ask…

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Talking Pools Origins 27:40

3d 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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From Salt Cell Deaths to Root Damage: Fails 19:04

3d ago19:04

19:04

In this episode of The Pool Guy Podcast Show, I’m sharing some of the biggest pool fails I’ve run into over the years. I’ll talk about the headaches of trying to get warranty coverage through a home warranty policy, why salt pools with dead cells can bring everything to a halt, and the hidden dangers of running your pool with low water. I’ll also d…

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$5M Mobility Business: Solid Franchise or Aging Market Risk? 31:50

6d ago31:50

31:50

A profitable multi-location mobility solutions franchise is under the microscope in this episode, with the team digging into payer mix, growth potential, and the real value of a franchise model. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/established-leader-in-mobility-and-accessibility-solutions/2225890/ Welcome to Acquisiti…

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

6d 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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From Blotchy to Spotty: Pool Surface Problems Explained 20:30

6d ago20:30

20:30

In this episode, I’m going to cover the main appearance problems that affect different pool surfaces — discoloration, mottling, and staining. Whether it’s plaster that develops blotchy mottling, quartz that fades unevenly, pebble finishes that pick up scale or stains, fiberglass that yellows, vinyl that wrinkles and discolors, or tile that shows ca…

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

7d 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 …

1
Testing Smarter, Not Harder: Weekly Pool Care 22:36

7d ago22:36

22:36

I’m diving into the essentials of pool care—what I personally test for each and every week to keep a pool sparkling and safe. From chlorine to pH, alkalinity to calcium hardness, I’ll share not only what to check but also why it matters. Think of this episode as your quick-start guide to building a weekly pool maintenance routine that actually work…

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The Pool Bug Survival Guide with Terry Arko 21:57

8d ago21:57

21:57

Let’s face it — no one wants to swim with bugs. In this episode, I talk with Terry Arko from HASA about one of the most common (and annoying) pool problems: bugs in your pool. From backswimmers to water boatmen, we cover what they are, why they show up, and most importantly — how to get rid of them and keep them from coming back. Terry explains how…

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How Ghost Gear Tech Built a Paranormal Equipment Empire 23:06

9d ago23:06

23:06

In this Halloween-ready episode, a ghost-hunting equipment business with sky-high margins and questionable ethics gets the full deep dive. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/profitable-ghost-hunting-equipment-brand-original-designs-growing/2383182/ Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business…

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Getting Rid of Swimming Pool Algae 57:09

9d 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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Phosphates Demystified: A Conversation with Terry Arko 19:20

9d ago19:20

19:20

In this episode, I’m joined again by Terry Arko from HASA to tackle a big topic in pool chemistry — phosphates. We talk about what phosphates are, how they get into your pool, and whether they’re really the enemy everyone says they are. Terry breaks down the science behind phosphates, algae growth, and why managing your sanitizer level is still the…

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Hire Slow, Fire Fast 42:21

10d 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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Resistant Algae and the Science Behind It with Terry Arko 20:40

10d ago20:40

20:40

In this episode, I sit down with Terry Arko from HASA to dive deep into one of the toughest pool problems out there — chlorine-resistant algae, including the dreaded black algae that laughs at your shock treatments. We talk about why some algae survive even in well-maintained pools, how biofilms protect them, and what steps actually work to beat th…

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Would You Pay $16M for a Crypto News Site? 32:16

13d ago32:16

32:16

In this episode, the hosts dissect a $16M listing for a crypto news media company claiming $6M in revenue—raising serious questions about valuation, legitimacy, and what the business actually does. Business Listing – https://www.loopnet.com/biz/business-opportunity/top-10-crypto-news-media-brand-global-syndication-6-5m-revenue/2358000/ Welcome to A…

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

13d 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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Don’t Blow It: Pool Filter Survival Guide 22:02

13d ago22:02

22:02

I’ve seen it all when it comes to pool filters—from the catastrophic blowouts that send water blasting across the yard, to the minor little drips and leaks that slowly waste water and drive you crazy. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the full range of filter issues: how to spot them early, what causes them, and most importantly, what to do be…

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How to Become a CPO Instructor 28:10

14d 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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Filter Smarter, Not Harder: Pool Clarity Made Easy 19:39

14d ago19:39

19:39

In this episode, I’m talking about how to filter your pool smarter, not harder. I’ll cover when and why you should replace filter elements, how long you really need to run your pool for proper circulation, and the big benefits of adding a Waterco MultiCyclone pre-filter to cut down on maintenance. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your pool cryst…

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Sand, Cartridge, or DE? Let’s Filter It Out 21:07

15d ago21:07

21:07

Today I’m diving into the world of pool filters and breaking down the three main types every pool owner should know: sand, cartridge, and DE filters. I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each, share what works best for different pool setups, and help you figure out which one is right for your backyard oasis. By the end of this episode, you’ll…

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Inside a $26M Industrial Inspection Device Company 30:25

16d ago30:25

30:25

A $12M revenue, $3.8M EBITDA “Project Lucid” branded inspection device distributor sparks heated debate on IP risk, exclusivity with its manufacturer, and the eyebrow-raising $5M liquid funds buyer requirement. Business Listing – https://www.caldergr.com/business-listing/306-project-lucid-branded-inspection-device-company/#inquire Welcome to Acquis…

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

16d 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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1776 and the Pool Industry Revolution 20:31

16d ago20:31

20:31

In this episode, I’m exploring the revolutions that have shaken up the pool industry over the years. From breakthroughs in pool design and construction to next-level filtration, eco-friendly chemicals, and smart automation, these changes have transformed how we build, maintain, and enjoy our pools. I’ll break down the big innovations, share stories…

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

17d 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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Diving Into Dollars and Cents 21:31

17d ago21:31

21:31

Running a pool service is more than cleaning and balancing water—it’s running a business. In this episode, I’m diving into the importance of proper accounting. I’ll share how separating business and personal finances saved me a major headache at tax time, why tracking every chemical, part, and mile driven matters, and how simple tools like QuickBoo…

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Inside a $1.5M Pool Service Company Making $450K Profit 34:01

20d ago34:01

34:01

A long-standing Northeastern Ohio pool service company with ~$1.95M revenue and ~$454k EBITDA is up for sale at ~3x SDE, sparking debate on seasonality, retail real estate, and debt structures in a niche where private equity rarely ventures. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/pool-service-company-in-northeastern-ohio…

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

20d 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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Chemical Chaos: When Pool Fixes Backfire 20:18

20d ago20:18

20:18

In this episode, I dive into what happens when chemical usage in pools goes wrong. From overdosing chlorine that strips liners to shortcuts with chlorine that leave stains, I’ll share real stories and practical advice on avoiding these mistakes. I’ll also break down the science behind why these mishaps happen and how you can fix them before they sp…

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

21d 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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Safe & Sound: Protect Yourself and Your Customers 20:59

21d ago20:59

20:59

I’ve learned the hard way that rushing through a pool service job can be risky—for me and my customers. In this episode, I’m talking about simple safety habits that protect everyone: checking gates, watching out for pool toys, and never sacrificing care for speed. Safety doesn’t have to slow you down—it just makes your job smarter and your clients …

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

22d 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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Fast Tracks: Speeding Up Your Pool Route 19:01

22d ago19:01

19:01

I’m always looking for ways to make my pool route more efficient without cutting corners, and in this episode, I’m sharing my favorite tips to save time and energy. From tightening up your route to keeping spare parts on hand, these tricks will help you get the job done faster so you can enjoy your evenings instead of running around like a maniac. …

1
Buying a Viral Cat Video Empire? Think Twice Before You Do 38:11

23d ago38:11

38:11

By Bill D'Alessandro, Mills Snell, Heather Endresen, and Michael Girdley

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When Customers Meet Chlorine Science 1:06:34

23d ago1:06:34

1:06:34

By Rudy Stankowitz

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The Weather-Proof Pool Route: How I Handle Harsh Conditions 18:32

23d ago18:32

18:32

Running a pool service in normal conditions is one thing, but throw in extreme weather—whether it’s desert heat, heavy rains, or freezing winters—and the challenges multiply fast. In this episode, I share how I’ve learned to adapt service routines to keep safe out there and when to cut and run. Send us a text Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Spons…

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

24d 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…

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The Worst-Engineered Pool Products Ever Made 21:14

24d ago21:14

21:14

Not every product in the pool industry hits the mark. In this episode, I call out some of the worst-engineered pool products I’ve run across over the years. From the awkwardly placed Pentair drain plug that turns a simple job into a wet mess, to the unreliable Hayward NorthStar pump, to costly and failure-prone in-floor cleaning systems, I’ll break…

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KidStrong Franchise Deal: Smart Buy or Overpriced Risk? 22:25

27d ago22:25

22:25

In this episode, a $5.1M portfolio of seven KidStrong gyms in Texas is analyzed for its valuation, investor fit, and whether a multi-location kids fitness business is a scalable opportunity or operational headache. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/turnkey-multi-unit-kidstrong-franchise-opportunity-in-texas/2381018/…

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Tim Bolden: Navy Discipline, Pool Butler Growth, and Gen Z’s Take on Work-Life Balance 31:21

27d ago31:21

31:21

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Tim Bolden of the Pool Butler. They discuss Tim's journey from the Navy to leading a successful pool service company, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of running a business during a pandemic. Tim shares insights on leadership, work-life…

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Engineering Excellence in the Pool Industry 21:01

27d ago21:01

21:01

In this episode, I highlight some of the best-engineered products in the swimming pool industry—the tools and equipment that really get it right. From the PoolSkim that takes a simple idea and makes it incredibly effective, to the Pentair 4000 Series filter that’s built to last, to the Hayward PoolCleaner that just works day after day without drama…

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The Pros and Cons of Being Your Own General Contractor 19:03

28d ago19:03

19:03

This Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode focuses on the pros and cons of serving as your own general contractor when embarking on home renovations or other residential projects. David Burch, DPS residential inspections manager, and DPS Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, discuss the risks and rewa…

1
What Jersey Got Right and Florida Still Doesn’t Get 53:03

28d ago53:03

53:03

Text us a pool question! In this episode, Steve and Wayne—the Talking Pools Podcast’s own dynamic duo—compare notes on closing pools from coast to coast. Steve draws on his years of experience in New Jersey, where fall meant back-to-back closings, freeze guards, and a race against the first frost. Wayne, from his Florida base, shares stories of dea…

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Portable Vac Wars: Which Pool Vacuum Reigns Supreme? 20:33

28d ago20:33

20:33

In this episode, I dive into a head-to-head comparison of two powerhouse portable pool vacuums: the WaterTech Precision V10 and the VacDaddy. Both promise to make pool pros’ lives easier, but they take very different approaches — one cordless with long battery life, the other corded with unlimited runtime and suction strength. I’ll break down the p…