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
Legacy is not given, it's earned.
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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 pressing issues such as skyrocketing insurance premiums, a chemical supply crisis, and the looming threat of sales tax enforcement on pool service labor. The conversation is a call to action for pool professionals to support one another and navigate these challenges together.
takeaways
- The higher you climb the ladder, the larger the target on your back.
- Personal experiences can shape our desire to help others.
- Mentorship is crucial in the pool industry.
- The Championship Belt Award symbolizes respect and legacy.
- Insurance premiums are rising, threatening small businesses.
- Chemical supply issues are resurfacing, impacting service delivery.
- Sales tax enforcement is becoming stricter for service industries.
- Documentation and transparency are essential for business survival.
- Community support is vital in overcoming industry challenges.
- Proactive measures can help mitigate financial risks.
Sound Bites
- "I kept showing up for my kids, for my clients."
- "We lift each other. We don't tear each other down."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Personal Reflections
04:59
Celebrating Mentorship in the Pool Industry
07:49
The Rising Challenge of Insurance Premiums
12:27
Navigating Chemical Supply Issues
21:05
Sales Tax Enforcement in the Pool Industry
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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
