Best Swimming Pool Tips Podcasts (2025)

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

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1h 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

43m 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

11h 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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Testing Smarter, Not Harder: Weekly Pool Care 22:36

1d 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

1d 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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Torpedo Swimtalk Podcast with Strength Coach Jack Brown - How to lift more and swim faster 53:23

1d ago53:23

53:23

Send us a text Ready to rethink how strength work fits into your swim life? We welcome strength coach Jack Brown of Aqua Strength Performance to Torpedo Swimtalk Podcast and unpack a smarter approach to dryland that actually shows up on the clock. Jack blends a swimmer’s background with strength and conditioning chops to build programs that scale a…

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Getting Rid of Swimming Pool Algae 57:09

2d 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

2d 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

3d 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

3d 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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Pool Wars: Ron DeLoux Talks Survival of the Smartest + A Hard Truth About Unlicensed Work 43:24

6d 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

6d 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

7d 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

7d 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

9d 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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The Metal Menace: Andrea & Paulette 1:20:32

9d 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

10d 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

10d 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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Diagnosing That Hollow Tile Thud—and What To Do Before It Cracks 10:58

10d ago10:58

10:58

Send us a text A dull, echoing thud under your tile can feel like a gut punch—does it mean cracks are coming, or worse, a full floor redo? We dig into what that hollow sound really means, why it happens, and how to tell if you’re dealing with one loose tile or a wider coverage and substrate problem. Along the way, we share a clear plan to diagnose,…

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Diving Into Dollars and Cents 21:31

11d 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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“Charge What You’re Worth," Rich Gallo Says. (Gen Z, Cover Your Ears) 53:36

13d 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

14d 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

14d 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

15d 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

15d 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

16d 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. …

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When Customers Meet Chlorine Science 1:06:34

16d 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

17d 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

17d 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

18d 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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Tim Bolden: Navy Discipline, Pool Butler Growth, and Gen Z’s Take on Work-Life Balance 31:21

21d 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

21d 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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What Jersey Got Right and Florida Still Doesn’t Get 53:03

22d 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

22d 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…

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

23d 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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Do You Really Need to Vacuum That Pool? 18:28

23d ago18:28

18:28

In this episode, I break down one of the most common questions pool pros face on the route: When should you vacuum a pool — and when is a skim or partial vacuum enough? I’ll share how to quickly assess debris levels, save time by choosing the right cleaning method, and keep pools sparkling without overworking your filter or wasting energy. From lig…

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Grout, Fixed 11:07

25d ago11:07

11:07

Send us a text Grout is where tile projects win or lose. We’ve all seen perfect floors turn into crumbly, stained headaches, so we pulled back the curtain on what really causes failure and how to stop it before it starts. From subfloor movement to water-heavy mixes, we unpack the hidden factors that crack lines, and then map the smarter path: match…

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

24d 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 Walking Away Means Winning 18:34

24d ago18:34

18:34

In this episode, I share why learning to say “no” can be one of the most powerful tools in your pool service business. Whether it’s an account that drains your energy, a customer who constantly asks for extra work without paying for it, or cleanup jobs that just aren’t worth your time, knowing when to walk away keeps your business strong and profit…

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When the SH!T Hits the FAN 37:47

25d 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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DIY Pool Care Disasters (and How to Avoid Them) 18:39

25d ago18:39

18:39

Today I break down the most common mistakes I see homeowners make when they try to take care of their own pool. From dumping in way too much chlorine to ignoring their filters or trusting test strips over a good kit, these errors can cost more in the long run than hiring a professional. I’ll explain the myths behind DIY pool care, why “clear water”…

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Pool Industry Innovations and Challenges with John Poma 41:07

28d 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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Bob Lowry Meets Ben’s Best Guess Chart: Pool Chemistry Unlocked 20:36

29d ago20:36

20:36

In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most important—and misunderstood—relationships in pool chemistry: free chlorine (FC) and cyanuric acid (CYA). Using Ben’s Best Guess Chart as a foundation, and layering in insights from Bob Lowry, I’ll explain how to find the sweet spot for chlorine levels so your pool stays safe and algae-free. This is poo…

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Stains and Solutions 1:03:39

30d 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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Doubling Income: The Pool Scaling Playbook 18:34

1M ago18:34

18:34

In this episode, I’ll walk you through the systems, tools, and strategies that helped you expand, and I’ll also talk about scaling outside the business — investing in real estate, side hustles, and other ways to create long-term financial stability. If you’ve ever wondered how to move from just cleaning pools to building a true business and lifesty…

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Alkalinity Deconstructed w/ Sarah the Pool Girl 28:12

30d 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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Out of Business? What Happened to Sutro 23:20

1M ago23:20

23:20

I just found out the Sutro Smart Water Monitor has been discontinued, and I want to dive into why this once-promising pool tech didn’t quite make it. In this episode, I’ll share what Sutro set out to do, where it went wrong, and what lessons we as pool pros and entrepreneurs can take away from its rise and fall. Send us a text Support the Pool Guy …

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

1M 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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Myth vs. Math: The Economics of Pool Ownership 20:55

1M ago20:55

20:55

Today, I’m tackling another set of myths: A pool doesn’t add value to your house. Or how about, It’s cheaper to do it yourself. And of course, Owning a pool is just too expensive to maintain. I’ll share the real numbers, the hidden benefits of professional service, and why these misconceptions keep floating around. If you’ve ever wondered whether a…

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

1M 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…