Forget chasing chlorine headaches and battling algae wars alone. The Talking Pools Podcast is your weekly escape from pool purgatory, where 250+ years of combined pro wisdom explodes into actionable hacks, mind-blowing tips, and secrets so ancient they make Poseidon jealous. Think of it as your weekly poolside braintrust, fueled by eight seasoned pros, each a rockstar in their own aquatic lane. Got a filtration fiasco? Chemical conundrum? Equipment enigma? No problem. We've got a host for th ...
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Rudy Stankowitz Podcasts
Coming to you every week with tips, tricks, and knowledge about everything from pool construction to maintenance and chemistry. Frank and Jacque Disher invite you into their world of water. Frank loves chemistry and will quickly blow your mind as he rattles off chemicals and combinations. All the while, his sidekick Jacque will keep him reigned in and on topic...most of the time. Listen in for a fantastic, fun, and educational time. The Deep End Hosts Frank and Jacque Disher were childhood s ...
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Purposeful Marketing with Laci Davis, Phosphate Mysteries & Chlorine Lock
1:03:52
1:03:52
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1:03:52Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Laci Davis from The Grit Game, discussing her journey in the pool industry, leadership, creativity, and the importance of purposeful marketing. A listener question on why phosphate removers often cloud water. Another where we lay it on the line - ALWAY…
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Text us a pool question! This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to one of the most talked-about episodes with Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood, two of the most respected educators and consultants in the pool industry. Between Wayne’s decades of experience leading water chemistry education at Taylor Water Technologies and Steve’s reputation as…
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This Is Your Brain on Pools: Gen X vs Gen Z
31:24
31:24
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31:24Text us a pool question! In this engaging conversation, Sarah and Rudy explore a variety of topics ranging from the pool industry to 80s pop culture references. They share insights about their experiences in the field, discuss nostalgic catchphrases, and delve into the evolution of slang over the decades. The light-hearted banter and humor make for…
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Pregnant, Poolside, and Probably High on Fumes
25:20
25:20
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25:20Text us a pool question! Welcome to the most accidentally themed episode of Talking Pools, where we started with “fuck it, we’ll do it live” and somehow ended up knee-deep in pregnancy, chlorine jugs, and naming babies after pool chemicals. Don’t ask how we got here — we don’t know either. This week, Andrea & Paulette juggle barking dogs, clinking …
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Mondays Down Under, host Lee Salisbury dives into essential strategies for pool service businesses to prepare for the upcoming summer season. Lee emphasizes the importance of pricing strategies, labor costs, logistics, customer contracts, database management, and effective payment systems to enhance profi…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Q Hales, a prominent figure in pool chemistry and maintenance. They discuss the formation of OnBalance, a collaborative effort aimed at educating pool professionals about water chemistry and sustainable practices. Q shares insights from his extensive e…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss the top 10 nominees for the Mentor of the Year award in the pool industry, highlighting the importance of mentorship. They also delve into the differences between cold plunge pools and chillers, explaining their distinct purposes and benefits. The c…
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You Wanted the Pool—Now It Wants You Back
32:37
32:37
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32:37Text us a pool question! In this episode, Sarah dives into an uncomfortable but necessary truth: too many pool owners think the work ends the day the pool is filled. From the outside, the water may look like a backyard dream, but if it’s left without care, it quickly becomes a breeding ground for problems—algae, unsafe water, and costly damage. Sar…
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More Pool Service Complaints. I quit. I'm done.
38:11
38:11
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38:11Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Show, Andrea and Paulette discuss their experiences with pool maintenance, including challenges with customer complaints and the importance of proper pool care. They also touch on health concerns like swimmer's ear, tragic incidents in water parks, and the need for hurricane preparedness…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts celebrate Peter's contributions to the industry while discussing the characteristics of ideal clients in both retail and mobile pool services. They share personal anecdotes about challenging customer interactions, the importance of setting clear expectations, and strategies for ma…
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Floc Hard or Go Home: Greg Beard’s 35 Summers of Pool Wisdom
1:13:03
1:13:03
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1:13:03Text us a pool question! This week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy sits down with Greg “Beard Man” Beard—poolside philosopher, calcium whisperer, and one of the Top 10 Mentors nominated for the 2025 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award. Greg has spent 35 summers in the field training rookies, guiding veterans, and mentoring like it’s a martial ar…
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You have to reevaluate your pricing structure.
56:34
56:34
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56:34Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Steve and Wayne discuss the significance of mentorship in the pool industry, emphasizing how it can lead to breakthroughs and prevent burnout. They explore the dynamics of competition, pricing strategies, and the essential role of insurance for pool service businesses. The conve…
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Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Sarah discusses the importance of self-care and equipment maintenance for pool technicians. She emphasizes the need for proper hydration, nutrition, and safety precautions while working in extreme weather conditions. Sarah also highlights the significance of stretching and physical maintenance to preve…
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Route Shuffle Drama: Andrea’s Unexpected Detour
47:54
47:54
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47:54Text us a pool question! This week on the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea shares a behind-the-scenes story that every pool pro can relate to—getting reassigned to a different service route after a property manager’s complaint. What really happened? Was it about the water? The filter? Or something completely out of left field? Andrea takes us through …
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Peter, Shane, and Lee reflecting on personal health challenges, and career transitions. They explore the emotional aspects of leaving a long-standing career, the impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth, and the importance of prioritizing family and well-being. T…
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Who are the TOP 10 Mentors? Who are you? What is WOW? Is BIG BROTHER Watching? 👀
29:16
29:16
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29:16Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy discusses the launch of the Women of Water initiative by Pool Corp and PHTA, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions of women in the pool industry. He shares insights on how personal stories and motivations can shape professional identities and the need …
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Natural Disasters in the Service Industry and Crucial Role of Communication
56:33
56:33
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56:33Text us a pool question! communication, natural disasters, insurance, client relations, pool maintenance, service industry, water chemistry, customer service, liability, business management In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss various topics ranging from recent natural disasters to the importance of effective …
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Text us a pool question! pool equipment, color vision bubblers, Pentair IntelliBright, construction challenges, installation issues, foundation problems, pool maintenance, electrical breakers, pool lighting, pool repair In this conversation, Drew and Sarah discuss various challenges faced in the pool maintenance and installation industry. They delv…
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Borates, Dangers Lurking in Hotel Pools, and Heat Stroke
31:52
31:52
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31:52Text us a pool question! Borates, pool safety, heat stroke, MRSA, chlorine, health risks, swimming pool maintenance, heat-related illnesses, summer safety, pool infections, public safety In this episode of Talking Pools - BORATES! Followed by Andrea on the alarming health risks associated with swimming pools, particularly focusing on a case of a to…
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The Emotional Journey of Selling a Business
28:10
28:10
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28:10Text us a pool question! In this episode of Mondays Down Under, the hosts discuss the recent sale of a pool shop and the emotional and logistical aspects of running a business in the pool industry. They explore the importance of preparation for selling a business, the role of staff during transitions, and the impact of technology and AI on the indu…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz dives into the complexities of the pool industry, discussing personal updates, the importance of mentorship, the impact of climate change, the rise of automation and AI, challenges posed by unlicensed technicians, and the evolving landscape of water chemistry reg…
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How to Seek Out Mentors in the Pool Industry
53:38
53:38
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53:38Text us a pool question! Wayne and Steve kick off the episode with a light-hearted discussion about their busy weeks and the unexpected busyness of retirement. Steve's Storytime: Steve shares a detailed account of a challenging pool renovation project in Palisades, involving fire damage and complex insurance requirements. Mentorship Discussion: The…
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Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Andrew discusses the intricacies of pool startups, focusing on the importance of proper plaster care, chemical procedures, and maintenance practices. He emphasizes the significance of using calcium over acid during startups and the necessity of regular brushing and filter cleaning to ensure optimal poo…
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Text us a pool question! Episode Highlights: Florida HVAC Bill Debate: Dive into the ongoing discussion about a new bill that could allow HVAC professionals to install pool heaters, a move opposed by the Florida Swimming Pool Association. Viral Pool Trends: Discover the story behind a viral TikTok video featuring a unique black pool design that has…
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Turns Out You Can Win Awards Without Being a Total Tool
38:12
38:12
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38:12Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss the challenges of winter in Australia, the importance of work-life balance in business ownership, and the value of mentorship in the pool industry. They also explore the role of awards in recognizing excellence and the evolution of award criteria ov…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the challenges and triumphs within the pool industry. He reflects on personal experiences with adversity, emphasizes the importance of mentorship, and introduces the exciting new Championship Belt Award for the Mentor of the Year. Rudy also addresses pr…
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Time is valuable, and you should be paid for it.
1:03:04
1:03:04
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1:03:04Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal health updates to the challenges of insurance in the pool industry. They delve into the advancements in medical technology, particularly in hip replacement surgeries, and share personal experiences with insurance claims…
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A Robot Can’t Replace a Human Giving a F*ck
21:58
21:58
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21:58Text us a pool question! In this episode, Sarah Bero walks through the pros, cons, and must-know facts about the most common pool cleaning systems—suction cleaners, pressure cleaners, robotic cleaners, and in-floor cleaning systems. With a no-BS approach, Sarah breaks down what each system does, what they don’t do, and why no machine will ever full…
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Strange Injury After a Dive into a Client's Pool
51:04
51:04
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51:04Text us a pool question! In this episode, the hosts discuss personal experiences, including health issues related to a ruptured eardrum, and share positive feedback from the community regarding their pool maintenance services. They also address safety concerns in the pool industry, recent news about pool recalls, and delve into the challenges of ma…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee is mad. The hosts discuss the evolution of payment methods over the years, reflecting on the transition from traditional methods like checks and cash to modern electronic funds transfers and cashless transactions. They explore the implications of these changes for businesses and co…
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90°F Water and The Dark Side of Pool Maintenance
54:20
54:20
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54:20Text us a pool question! Here's what we do differently when the pool water temp is up!!! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz delves into a chilling true crime story intertwined with the pool industry from his book, Blades of Glass available on Amazon.com. The conversation shifts to industry insights, discussing recent tren…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode, the hosts, Wayne and Steve, discuss the importance of mentorship in the pool industry, the diverse roles professionals can take on, and the significance of communication and relationships with clients. They explore the complexities of pool chemistry, the necessity of understanding equipment, and the challen…
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What Happens When Gen Z Joins the Pool Industry?
31:42
31:42
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31:42Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Andrew shares his journey into the pool industry, discussing his initial entry, training experiences, and the transition from service work to construction. He highlights the unique aspects of his role as a startup technician, the importance of customer interactions, and his career aspirations. The dial…
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The Water Turned Green and So Did Our Hearts
34:19
34:19
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34:19Text us a pool question! In this episode, Andrea and Paulette discuss their week in pool maintenance, including challenges faced due to rain and the importance of maintaining chlorine levels. They announce a design contest for pool-themed apparel and share tragic news about pool safety incidents. The conversation shifts to the skilled trades, highl…
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Text us a pool question! takeaways Weather can impact work conditions significantly. Hiring the right employee requires thorough background checks. It's crucial to switch off from work after hours. Finding a balance between work and personal life is essential. Taking time off is important for mental health. Engaging in hobbies can help relieve work…
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You’re Not Fighting Mustard Algae—You’re Feeding It
1:10:07
1:10:07
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1:10:07Text us a pool question! It’s Floc It Friday, and Rudy’s bringing the fire—along with borates, polyquats, and the brutal truth about mustard algae. In what might be our most packed episode to date, Rudy Stankowitz dives headfirst into the evolving mustard algae crisis in 2025—why your go-to treatment (sodium bromide) is now banned, how diatoms are …
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🛑 Ransomware Reloaded: The Cyber Threat That Won’t Cover Itself (Merlin Attack Pt. 2)
50:28
50:28
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50:28Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss various topics related to pool maintenance, including the importance of reliable staffing, the impact of ransomware attacks on the industry, and the significance of effective water testing. They emphasize the need for strong cybersecurity measures, …
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Text us a pool question! In this episode, Sarah the Pool Girl dives deep into the world of pool filtration, exploring the pros and cons of cartridge, DE (Diatomaceous Earth), and sand filters. With her signature blend of humor and hands-on know-how, Sarah breaks down the maintenance requirements, efficiency levels, and practical realities of each f…
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Text us a pool question! In this lively conversation, Andrea and Paulette share their weekend experiences, focusing on pool maintenance challenges, unexpected wildlife encounters, and community events. They discuss the joys and frustrations of managing pools, including a memorable 4th of July pool adventure and a design contest announcement. The co…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss various aspects of fiberglass pools and skimmer boxes, including their design, safety features, and the challenges of installation and repair. They share insights on the importance of learning in the pool industry and emphasize the need for proper techniques an…
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Ep 183 Respect For The Pool Professionals, And Preventing Summer Algae Issue Tips.
40:26
40:26
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40:26Send us a text Welcome back to The Deep End Pool Podcast! After a brief hiatus, Frank and Jacque are back to dive into more pool problems and solutions. In Episode 183, we discuss common issues faced by pool owners and service professionals, and the unwarranted criticism and accusations Pool Pros receive from Pool Owners. And also highlighting prac…
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The Quiet Bromide Ban, the Sudden Pentair Cap, and the PIC Bond That Could Save You
37:37
37:37
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37:37Text us a pool question! Pentair just dropped a bombshell on pool pros: effective immediately through August 31, 2025, they’re capping purchase orders at 30% above your July–August 2024 levels. Anything above that? Denied. Pentair caps your buying power. The EPA quietly bans sodium bromide. And bonding? Finally, some clarity. In this episode, we ta…
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Navigating Client Communication in the Pool Industry
51:21
51:21
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51:21Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and his co-host discuss their personal lives, including upcoming vacations and wedding plans. They delve into the challenges of client communication in the service industry, emphasizing the importance of setting expectations and maintaining open lines of communicatio…
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Sodium Bromide, Silver Bullets, and Poolside Science
20:57
20:57
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20:57Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Sarah discusses the recent regulatory changes affecting pool chemicals, particularly sodium bromide, and its implications for pool maintenance. She shares insights on effective algae treatment techniques, the importance of managing metal levels in pools, and the role of chlorine in controlling algae. S…
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REVDUP Apparel: A Game Changer for Pool Pros
46:15
46:15
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46:15Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Andrea and Paulette welcome Don Douglas from Revd Up Apparel. They discuss the evolution of Don's apparel company, which specializes in custom, chemical-resistant clothing for pool professionals. The conversation also touches on a design contest for listeners, safety tips …
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss the challenges and solutions related to older fiberglass pools, particularly focusing on the issue of black spot. They explore the causes of black spot, the evolution of fiberglass pool technology, and the importance of proper maintenance and treatment. The conversation al…
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Ransomware, Myths, Facts, & Pool SH!T!
1:13:38
1:13:38
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1:13:38Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz is interrupted with breaking news on a malware attack that has left an industry manufacturer paralyzed. He also addresses common myths and misconceptions that plague the industry, as well as how Podcasts and Trade Magazines are the only reliable sources of inform…
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The Importance of Documentation in Pool Operations
50:29
50:29
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50:29Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne & Steve discuss various challenges faced in the pool service industry, including legal issues, the importance of documentation, and compliance with safety regulations. They share personal experiences with subpoenas and lawsuits, highlight historical legal cases that have i…
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Preventing Algae in Your Pool: Essential Tips
21:20
21:20
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21:20Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Sarah discusses the common causes of algae growth in swimming pools and provides practical advice on how to prevent it. She emphasizes the importance of proper pump operation, filter maintenance, and managing chemical levels such as phosphates and CYA. Sarah also addresses common pool issues and offers…
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Text us a pool question! Andrea and Paulette talk about the pools they don't want as customers 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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