Best Swimming Pool Tips Podcasts (2025)

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

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1d 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

3h ago20:18

20:18

Send us a text 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…

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

2d 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

3d ago20:59

20:59

Send us a text 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 an…

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

3d 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

4d ago19:01

19:01

Send us a text 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 …

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When Customers Meet Chlorine Science 1:06:34

4d 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

5d ago18:32

18:32

By David Van Brunt

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

5d 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

6d ago21:14

21:14

Send us a text 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 syst…

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

8d 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

9d ago21:01

21:01

Send us a text 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 da…

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

9d 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

10d ago20:33

20:33

Send us a text 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 b…

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

10d 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

11d ago18:28

18:28

Send us a text 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 e…

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Grout, Fixed 11:07

11d 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

11d 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

12d ago18:34

18:34

Send us a text 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 st…

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When the SH!T Hits the FAN 37:47

12d 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

13d ago18:39

18:39

Send us a text 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, wh…

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Pool Industry Innovations and Challenges with John Poma 41:07

15d 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

16d ago20:36

20:36

Send us a text 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-fr…

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Stains and Solutions 1:03:39

16d 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

17d ago18:34

18:34

Send us a text 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 busin…

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Alkalinity Deconstructed w/ Sarah the Pool Girl 28:12

17d 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

18d ago23:20

23:20

Send us a text 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. Support the Pool Guy …

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

18d 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

19d ago20:55

20:55

Send us a text 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 won…

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

19d 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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Pool Owner Misconceptions — Debunked 19:19

20d ago19:19

19:19

Send us a text On this episode, I’m diving into some of the most common myths that pool owners believe. You’ve probably heard these before: If the pool looks clear, it must be safe to swim in. Or maybe you’ve been told, You can’t add too much chlorine. And of course, the classic: A salt pool isn’t a chlorine pool. I’ll break down the truth behind e…

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Pro Tile Secrets: Avoid DIY Disasters 11:48

22d ago11:48

11:48

Send us a text Ever stepped into a freshly tiled bathroom only to notice uneven edges, cracked grout, or that hollow sound when you walk across the floor? These telltale signs of DIY gone wrong aren't just aesthetic problems—they're warnings of bigger issues lurking beneath the surface. The difference between stunning, long-lasting tile work and a …

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

22d 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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Keep It Running: Prevent Pool Equipment Breakdowns 21:16

23d ago21:16

21:16

Send us a text In this episode, I talk about the most common pool equipment failures I’ve seen over the years—pumps that burn out, filters that leak, heaters that just won’t fire up. I’ll share real stories from the field and explain what caused the breakdowns, plus the steps I take now to prevent them. If you’ve ever wondered how to extend the lif…

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Stop Doomscrolling, Start Backwashing 52:15

23d 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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When Pools Go Wrong: My Craziest Emergency Calls 20:26

24d ago20:26

20:26

Send us a text In this episode, I share some of the biggest pool emergencies I’ve faced in the field—from green water takeovers and sudden equipment breakdowns to dangerous chemical mix-ups and mysterious leaks. These aren’t just wild stories; they’re real situations with real solutions that every pool pro or pool owner should know. I’ll walk you t…

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

24d 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”…

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Cleaning Pools or Flipping Burgers: Which Pays Better? 20:54

25d ago20:54

20:54

Send us a text In this episode, I dive into one of the hardest truths in the pool service industry—sometimes you’re working hard but not making a profit. I’ll share real strategies I’ve used to recapture lost income, from re-evaluating pricing to cutting hidden costs, and how to make sure your business is working for you, not against you. If you’ve…

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The LSI You Trust Is a False Positive—Here’s the Math 49:01

25d ago49:01

49:01

Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Andrea & Paulette discuss various topics ranging from cooking techniques to the chemistry of pool maintenance. They share a detailed recipe for cooking skirt steak, emphasizing the importance of not gatekeeping culinary knowledge. The conversation then shifts to pool chemistry, focusing on …

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Starting a Pool Service Business: Lessons Learned the Hard Way 24:31

26d ago24:31

24:31

Send us a text In this episode, I share my personal journey of starting a pool service business from scratch—the wins, the mistakes, and everything in between. I talk about what motivated me to get into the pool industry, how I landed my first customers, and the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way. From underpricing my services to dealing wi…

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Stop Letting Suppliers Brainwash You: Why Real Training Beats Free Lunches 23:46

26d ago23:46

23:46

Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Lee and Shane discuss the significance of expertise in the pool service industry, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and training. They explore the growth of training opportunities available to professionals, the pros and cons of product-specific training, and the value of no…

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Before You Dig: Remodeling Tips That Matter 22:06

27d ago22:06

22:06

Send us a text Thinking about remodeling your pool? In this episode, I’m sharing the real-life pitfalls and lessons learned from pool remodels gone wrong. I’ll cover the big things you need to consider before you start — from design choices and budget surprises to dealing with contractors. If a remodel is in your future, this episode could save you…

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Slip Resistance: The Hidden Safety Feature in Tile Design 10:40

29d ago10:40

10:40

Send us a text Slips and falls aren't just embarrassing—they can be dangerous and costly. Yet so many homeowners choose gorgeous tile based purely on looks, only to discover the hard way that beauty doesn't equal safety when water hits the floor. In this deep dive on slip resistance, Mike and Abby break down everything you need to know about keepin…

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Engaging the Next Generation of Pool Pros with Maddy Vandiver, AOP, and ACC 48:25

29d ago48:25

48:25

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy interviews Maddy Van Diver from Pool Butler, discussing the importance of mentorship in the pool industry. They explore effective teaching methods for CPO classes, the significance of quality control in technician training, and the impact of advanced water treatment te…

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Behind the Buttons: Pool Automation Ins & Outs 20:12

30d ago20:12

20:12

Send us a text In this episode, I’m breaking down the world of pool automation. From smart controls and apps to pumps, heaters, and lights, I’ll walk you through what’s worth the investment and what might just drain your wallet. I’ll share my insider perspective on how automation can make pool ownership easier — and when it can actually complicate …

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Honoring Heroes: the 9-11 Memorial Pools 17:30

1M ago17:30

17:30

Text us a pool question! This episode of the Talking Pools podcast reflects on the significance of September 11th, honoring the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on that day. It transitions into a detailed exploration of the engineering behind the 9-11 Memorial Pools, highlighting their design, operation, and the advanced technologies that main…

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Are Salt Pools Actually Cheaper in the Long Run? 22:34

1M ago22:34

22:34

Send us a text One of the biggest questions I get from pool owners is whether a salt water pool is better than a chlorine pool. In this episode, I’ll break it down in simple terms, go over the pros and cons of each system, and help you figure out which one really saves money and hassle in the long run. Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HA…

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Beyond the Strip: Getting TDS Right 45:20

1M ago45:20

45:20

Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Steve Sherwood discusses various topics related to the pool service industry with Pat of the California Pool Association, including the differences between W2 and 1099 employment structures, the importance of having the right insurance coverage, and the challenges of hiring and …

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Gear That Transformed My Route 20:40

1M ago20:40

20:40

Send us a text In this episode, I share the gadgets that have completely changed the way I run my pool service route. From tools that save me time to equipment that makes the job easier and more efficient, I’ll go over what’s actually worth having in your truck and what I can’t live without on the job. Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HA…

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Andrea Debunks the Chlorine Lock Myth 1:11:40

1M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Andrea and Paulette discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, focusing on the importance of taking time off, the misconceptions surrounding cyanuric acid, and the myth of chlorine lock. They emphasize the need for proper chemical balance in pools and the significance of charging fo…