Best Rudy Stankowitz Podcasts (2025)

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Bromide Ban, Insta Drama, Borate Chemistry 33:38

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6h ago33:38

33:38

Text us a pool question! In this episode, Rudy discusses the importance of borates in pool chemistry, particularly their role in stabilizing pH levels, reducing chemical usage, and enhancing water clarity. He explains the chemistry behind borates, their effects on algae, and practical applications for pool maintenance. Additionally, Rudy addresses …

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Back in Our Day, Pool Techs Worked in the Rain — And Didn’t Cry About It 1:00:36

17h ago1:00:36

1:00:36

Text us a pool question! In this episode, Steve Sherwood discusses the challenges of pool maintenance during rainy weather, emphasizing the importance of effective communication with clients regarding service times and expectations. He also delves into the significance of proper water testing and the differences between commercial and residential p…

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Airbnbs, Fences, and Flow Rates — Yes, You’re Doing It Wrong. 30:48

3h ago30:48

30:48

Text us a pool question! Mondays Down Under – Understanding Pool & Spa Standards in Australia & New Zealand This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee and Shane dive into a topic that every pool and spa professional thinks they understand—until they don’t: standards, regulations, and the rules that actually govern your work on both sides of the Tasman. F…

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Pool Leak Myths Millennials Love… and Why Gen X Knows Better. 38:26

4h ago38:26

38:26

Text us a pool question! Welcome to an in-depth exploration of leak detection in pools, a topic that often goes unnoticed yet is crucial for any pool owner. In this blog post, we’ll highlight key insights and practical tips from a recent podcast episode featuring industry experts Natalie Hood and Jared Medeiros. Let’s dive in and unravel the myths …

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The Episode That Made Pool Pros Love with Their Shirts 46:15

7h ago46:15

46:15

Text us a pool question! Featuring Don Douglas of Revd Up Apparel — Gold Sponsor of the Mentor of the Year Award Some episodes age like fine wine. This one… aged like a perfectly balanced LSI reading. Andrea and Paulette crack open a legendary conversation from the Talking Pools archives — the day Don Douglas of Revd Up Apparel stopped by and chang…

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Total Alkalinity. PLUS, Mentor of the Year REVEALED 38:06

11h ago38:06

38:06

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

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

11d 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

12d 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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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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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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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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Getting Rid of Swimming Pool Algae 57:09

1M 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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Pool Wars: Ron DeLoux Talks Survival of the Smartest + A Hard Truth About Unlicensed Work 43:24

1M 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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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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“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

1M 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

2M 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…

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

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

1M 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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Mentors Speak, Leslie’s Reacts, and Sarah Creates 35:03

2M ago35:03

35:03

Text us a pool question! This week’s episode is a little bit of everything — industry insight, real talk, and a peek behind the curtain of what’s happening with the people who keep this trade moving forward. We’re starting with something close to home: our Mentor Awards. You’ll hear from a few of the folks whose names carry serious weight in this i…

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The Chloramine Chronicles: Breaking Down Monochloramine, Dichloramine & Trichloramine 1:02:49

2M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea and Paulette dive into the often-misunderstood world of chloramines—the compounds that cause everything from pool odor to swimmer irritation. They explore the science behind monochloramine, dichloramine, and trichloramine, explaining how each one forms, how they differ, a…

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When the SH!T Hits the FAN 37:47

1M ago37:47

37:47

Text us a pool question! This week, Lee and Shane dive into one of the most frustrating—and head-scratching—realities of running a pool service company: employees who decide to quit right in the middle of peak season. From the “you’ve got to be kidding me” timing to the domino effect it has on routes, scheduling, and client relationships, they pull…

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Pool Industry Innovations and Challenges with John Poma 41:07

1M ago41:07

41:07

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz interviews John Poma, a prominent figure in the pool industry. They discuss the Alum-CyA removal method, John's background, his experiences in pool service and construction, and the importance of mentorship in the industry. The conversation delves into the c…

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Stains and Solutions 1:03:39

1M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne delve into the complexities of pool staining, focusing on metal stains and their causes, including the impact of pH levels. They discuss the importance of maintaining balanced water chemistry and the challenges of closing pools for the season, including lia…

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Alkalinity Deconstructed w/ Sarah the Pool Girl 28:12

1M ago28:12

28:12

Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Sarah and Andrew discuss the importance of alkalinity in water chemistry, particularly in pools. They explore the different types of alkalinity, how to manipulate it using bicarb and acid, and the seasonal changes that affect water chemistry. The conversation also highlights the significance of maintai…

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Phosphates, Salt Cells & the ‘Cloudy Test’ Myth (+ a quick AI cameo) 1:13:01

2M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

Text us a pool question! Hosts: Andrea & Paulette Cameo: Rudy with Joe Trusty (Pool Magazine / PoolMarketing.com) Sponsor: Revvdup Apparel Andrea and Paulette kick off with shop talk, cooler temps, and a spike in phosphate readings. They unpack the long-running “are phosphates a thing?” debate, why South Florida sees big swings, and how phosphates …

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If you don't ask, you don't get 39:26

2M ago39:26

39:26

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Lee and Shane discuss the onset of spring and the busy season for pool maintenance. They explore the importance of heating solutions, sales strategies, and the role of preventative maintenance with specialty chemicals. The conversation emphasizes understanding customer pain poin…

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Floating Pools & Future Rules: Kevin Post on +POOL, CMAHC, and Mentoring 46:28

2M ago46:28

46:28

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Kevin Post, CEO of Councilman Hunsaker, discussing innovative projects like the Plus Pool, the importance of mentorship in the aquatics industry, and the future of AI in pool management. Kevin shares insights on staying passionate in the industry, the significanc…

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Stop Doomscrolling, Start Backwashing 52:15

2M ago52:15

52:15

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss various topics related to pool maintenance, safety protocols, and industry insights. They share a recent incident involving chlorine handling that highlights the importance of proper training and safety measures. The conversation also covers the sig…

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pH: The Real Main Character of Your Pool 💧✨ 23:30

2M ago23:30

23:30

Text us a pool question! Okay fam, let’s get real—your pool’s pH isn’t just some random number you check because the test kit says so. It’s literally the gatekeeper for whether your water feels crisp and comfy 🌊 or turns into a chemical warzone. In this episode, Host Sarah chats about why pH balance matters more than you think: Why the “sweet spot”…