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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
How to Become a CPO Instructor
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Keywords
pool industry, CPO, instructor assessment, education, teaching skills, PHTA, pool classes, water chemistry, instructor program, professional development
Summary
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne discusses his experiences and insights from being a member of the PHA Instructor Assessment Committee. He shares stories from a recent instructor class, the assessment process for potential instructors, and the importance of teaching skills in the pool industry. Wayne also highlights the broader educational opportunities available in the industry and encourages listeners to consider becoming instructors themselves.
Takeaways
Wayne has been on the PHA Instructor Assessment Committee for 18 years.
The instructor assessment process is rigorous and takes time.
Teaching CPO classes requires strong communication skills.
The assessment process is mentally intensive for proctors.
There are various educational programs available in the pool industry.
Sound bites
"It's an involved process to become an instructor."
"Teaching is mentally intensive but worthwhile."
"Consider looking into the instructor program."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:15 Insights from the Instructor Assessment Committee
06:15 Class Structure and Assessment Process
08:50 Opportunities for CPO Instructors
16:22 The Importance of Education in the Pool Industry
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
