Best Rudy Stankowitz Podcasts (2025)

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The Role of Calcium and TDS 35:39

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13h 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…

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

22h 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…

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Mastering Pool Measurements: Essential Tools and Techniques 33:27

2d 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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Natural Pools: Healthier… or Just Trendier? 56:20

3d ago56:20

56:20

By Rudy Stankowitz

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Proactive Management: Pool Business 38:19

4d 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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Cyanuric Acid: The Most Misunderstood Chemical in Pools 52:00

7d 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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“How Do I Cover My Ass?” Protecting Your Pool Business When a Pool is Structurally Failing 30:38

8d 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…

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Madison Ray lifeguard historian - Hard Truths & Myths 40:51

9d ago40:51

40:51

Pool Pros text questions here On this Wednesday episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Natalie Hood (Director of Education & Network Development for The Grit Game) sits down with lifeguard historian, trainer, and content creator Miss Madison Ray to pull back the curtain on what lifeguards actually do, why they’re leaving the industry, and how d…

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Cold Plunge Pools and Cold Water Chemistry 35:42

10d ago35:42

35:42

Pool Pros text questions here This week, Andrea flies solo while Paulette takes a much-needed break—and the result is a fun, educational, slightly unhinged deep dive into cold water season, winter chemistry, dry skin survival, and why cold pools can actually make your job easier (yes, really). From frozen reagents to stain treatments to elderly Flo…

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It Shouldn’t Take a Child’s Death to Fix Our Industry — But Here We Are 34:27

11d ago34:27

34:27

Pool Pros text questions here This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee (Australia) and Shane (New Zealand) jump in—literally and figuratively—with a conversation that starts with cold weather swims and ends with one of the biggest training breakthroughs for the pool industry across Oceania. What was supposed to be a short topic grew into a full deep-di…

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Bromide Ban & Borate Chemistry 33:38

14d ago33:38

33:38

Pool Pros text questions here 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 addre…

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

15d ago1:00:36

1:00:36

Pool Pros text questions here 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 resident…

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

16d ago30:48

30:48

Pool Pros text questions here 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 Tasm…

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

16d ago38:26

38:26

Pool Pros text questions here 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 m…

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

17d ago46:15

46:15

Pool Pros text questions here 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 …

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

21d ago38:06

38:06

Pool Pros text questions here 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…

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

22d ago53:51

53:51

Pool Pros text questions here 🔑 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. B…

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

23d ago29:31

29:31

Pool Pros text questions here 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 …

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

24d ago47:00

47:00

Pool Pros text questions here 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 w…

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Push suppliers to own issues 32:12

25d ago32:12

32:12

Pool Pros text questions here 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. I…

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

26d ago32:24

32:24

Pool Pros text questions here What starts as a casual “round two” turns into one of the most important — and hilarious — conversations pool pros need to hear. Rudy and Andrea dive deep into DOT (Department of Transportation) requirements for pool service trucks, and what every tech should know before hitting the road loaded with chemicals in this #…

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

27d ago25:35

25:35

Pool Pros text questions here 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 …

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The One on pH 48:34

28d ago48:34

48:34

Pool Pros text questions here 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 buf…

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

29d ago35:44

35:44

Pool Pros text questions here 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 ga…

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

1M ago29:27

29:27

Pool Pros text questions here 🎙️ 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: …

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

1M ago39:14

39:14

Pool Pros text questions here 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’…

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

1M ago37:26

37:26

Pool Pros text questions here 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 con…

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No Participation Trophies in Pool Service 29:31

1M ago29:31

29:31

Pool Pros text questions here 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 th…

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

1M ago36:12

36:12

Pool Pros text questions here 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 t…

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

1M ago47:20

47:20

Pool Pros text questions here 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 listener…

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🎃 Haunted Pools & Hair-Raising Cleanups 31:17

1M ago31:17

31:17

Pool Pros text questions here 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 win…

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Tradeshow Junkies and Pool Inspection Insurance 52:05

1M ago52:05

52:05

Pool Pros text questions here 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@g…

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Algaecide 1:08:16

1M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Pool Pros text questions here 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

1M ago27:40

27:40

Pool Pros text questions here 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 beh…

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

1M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

Pool Pros text questions here 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 contrac…

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

1M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

Pool Pros text questions here 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…

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Getting Rid of Swimming Pool Algae 57:09

2M ago57:09

57:09

Pool Pros text questions here 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 w…

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Hire Slow, Fire Fast 42:21

2M ago42:21

42:21

Pool Pros text questions here 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 t…

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

2M ago43:24

43:24

Pool Pros text questions here 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 ch…

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How to Become a CPO Instructor 28:10

2M ago28:10

28:10

Pool Pros text questions here 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 Commit…

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

2M ago1:20:32

1:20:32

Pool Pros text questions here 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 t…

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

2M ago58:48

58:48

Pool Pros text questions here 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 th…

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

2M ago53:36

53:36

Pool Pros text questions here 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 …

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

2M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

Pool Pros text questions here 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 stan…

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

2M ago31:22

31:22

Pool Pros text questions here 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…

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When Customers Meet Chlorine Science 1:06:34

2M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

Pool Pros text questions here Andrea kicks off the episode venting about her latest headache — a string of finicky customers inside a gated community who think pool service comes with mind-reading included. From access codes that don’t work to residents insisting their “pool smells too clean,” Andrea’s got stories that’ll make any tech feel seen. P…

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

2M ago50:38

50:38

Pool Pros text questions here 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 diff…

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

2M ago31:21

31:21

Pool Pros text questions here 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…

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

2M ago53:03

53:03

Pool Pros text questions here 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 o…

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

2M ago35:03

35:03

Pool Pros text questions here 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 t…