“Natural Pools” vs. Actual Sanitation + Warranty Claims, Documentation, and Manufacturer Finger-Pointing.

Pool Pros text questions here

Wayne goes full soapbox after watching an HGTV/Magnolia renovation show that builds a commercial-style pool using “biofilters” as a chemical-free solution—without ever addressing sanitation, oxidation, or code-required disinfectant residuals. Steve backs him up with real-world field logic: filtration doesn’t equal disinfection, and “natural” systems can turn into expensive science projects fast.

Then the episode shifts into the Insurance Interlude with Pat Grignon (California Pool Association), digging into warranty claims, liability, how insurance carriers investigate faults, and why documentation (photos/video/notes) protects your business for years.

Segment 1 — Wayne’s HGTV rant: Biofilters, “natural pools,” and reality TV chemistry (00:00–25:14)

Key takeaways

• Filtration is not sanitation. Even DE filtration doesn’t catch bacteria/viruses reliably because pathogens are below typical filter micron ratings.
• Biofilters often rely on nitrifying bacteria (Wayne names Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter) that convert:
  • ammonia → nitrites → nitrates
• Wayne’s red flag: nitrates feed algae, and there’s no easy chemical “undo” once nitrates climb—drain and replace is often the only practical correction.
• Real-world reality check: if bathers are involved, ammonia shows up (sweat/urine), and you still need an actual sanitizer system.
• The pool “looked great” on reveal day… but nobody wanted to get in (which Steve jokes is basically the fate of many pools anyway).
• Wayne predicts the biofilter setup becomes a regret purchase—$15,000 spent before eventually converting to conventional filtration + sanitation.

Quoteable moments

• “Natural pool” = Wayne’s eyes bug out.
• “People want to swim in water, not chemicals… but safe water takes chemistry.”
• Steve’s “pimp my ride but for houses” comparison for the show’s projects.

Segment 2 — Insurance Interlude w/ Pat Grignon: Warranty work, liability, and documenting the mess (25:14–40:18)

What’s covered

• Steve explains the reality of warranty service: no urgency unless someone becomes the “pain in the ass” pushing it forward.
• Pat outlines how manufacturers protect themselves:
  • Warranty/service stations often required to carry high insurance limits and endorsements that shield the manufacturer.
• Waiver of subrogation explained:
  • Normally, your insurer pays then may subrogate (recover) from a manufacturer if a defect caused the loss.
  • Waiver blocks that upstream recovery—so your policy can get stuck holding the bag even when the part was defective.

Notable mentions

• HGTV / Magnolia Network renovation show: “Building Outside the Lines”
• Movie drop: True Romance (Hans Zimmer soundtrack, Tarantino script)
• Brands mentioned in discussion/examples: Hayward, Jandy (AquaLink), Pentair, plus references to warranty stations and commercial systems.

Call to action (from the hosts)

Got a technical question or topic idea? Email: TalkingPools at gmail.com
Wayne says if your question makes it onto the show, he’ll send a small thank-you gift.

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