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
Beyond the Strip: Getting TDS Right
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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 managing employees. Wayne Ivusich then takes the conversation into water chemistry testing, explicitly focusing on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and calibration methods for testing equipment. Wayne emphasizes the importance of contacting manufacturers for clarification on testing procedures and the significance of maintaining accurate testing standards.
takeaways
- It's crucial to hire trustworthy employees in the pool service industry.
- Understanding the differences between W2 and 1099 employment is essential for business owners.
- Having the right insurance coverage protects your business from potential liabilities.
- High TDS levels can slow down chemical reactions in pool water.
- Regular testing of water chemistry is vital for maintaining pool health.
- Contacting manufacturers for testing instructions ensures accurate results.
- Employee management is a significant challenge in the pool service industry.
- Test strips are less reliable than electronic testing methods.
- Calibration of testing equipment is necessary for accurate readings.
- Maintaining clear communication with employees is key to successful management.
Sound Bites
- "It's important to have the right insurance coverage."
- "High TDS can slow down chemical reactions."
- "If you're not sure, contact the manufacturer."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Overview of the Episode
03:07
Understanding W2 vs 1099 Employment Structures
08:06
Insurance Policies for Pool Service Companies
12:49
Hiring and Managing Employees in the Pool Industry
17:50
TDS and Water Testing in Pools
27:53
Conclusion and Listener Engagement
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
