Talking Pools Podcast
If you’ve ever stared at a test kit like it personally insulted your family… welcome home.
Talking Pools Podcast is the pool industry’s “pull up a chair” show—part shop talk, part field manual, part therapy session—built for people who actually live on pool decks: commercial operators, service techs, builders, facility managers, and anyone responsible for water that can’t afford to go sideways. The network was created to level up the pool industry with real-world conversations on water chemistry, filtration, troubleshooting, construction, safety, and the business side of keeping pools open and budgets intact.
Here’s the hook: it’s not theory-first. It’s experience-first—a roster of seasoned pros (with 250+ years of combined “been there, fixed that” wisdom) turning complicated problems into practical moves you can use the same day. And it’s not one voice, one vibe, one corner of the industry: it’s a network of shows designed to reflect how diverse this work really is—different regions, different specialties, different personalities.
Also worth saying out loud: women aren’t “special guests” here—they’re on the mic as hosts, from the beginning, with an intentionally balanced roster. That matters, because the best ideas in this industry don’t come from one lane—they come from the whole road.
If you want a podcast that can make you laugh and make you better at what you do—without pretending the job is easier than it is—Talking Pools is the one you queue up before the first stop, and keep on when the day starts getting weird.
Talking Pools Podcast
Economic Insights for Pool Professionals
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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the importance of mentorship in the pool service industry through the story of Chlorine Carl and his mentee Benny. The conversation transitions into an analysis of the latest industry reports from Aqua Magazine and Skimmer, highlighting economic insights, labor challenges, and the impact of technology on the industry. The episode concludes with a comparative analysis of the two reports, emphasizing the need for pool service professionals to adapt and evolve in a changing landscape.
takeaways
- Mentorship can lead to personal and professional growth.
- Sharing knowledge helps the entire industry improve.
- Industry reports can provide valuable insights but may lack depth.
- Economic challenges are affecting profitability in the pool service sector.
- Labor retention is a significant issue in the industry.
- Technology adoption is rising, but ROI measurement is lacking.
- Marketing strategies need to evolve to attract younger customers.
- The pool service industry is at a crossroads with many opportunities.
- Understanding your business model is crucial for success.
- The next five years will be critical for the future of pool service.
Sound Bites
- "Teach me, Carl. I want to learn from the best."
- "You should talk to Benny. He's got that down cold."
- "Don't hoard your knowledge like a squirrel."
- "Revenue is vanity, profit is reality."
- "You need both reports."
- "This industry is evolving fast."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Mentor Award Announcement
02:48
The Story of Chlorine Carl and Benny
04:10
The Importance of Mentorship in Pool Service
12:06
State of the Industry Reports Overview
13:02
Economic Insights and Challenges
20:12
Comparative Analysis of Industry Reports
32:01
Conclusion and Call to Action
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