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In this special edition of the Talking Pools Podcast, we're interrupting our regular Tuesday broadcast to bring you an urgent conversation about critical legislative threats facing Florida's pool industry. Pool Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Joe Trusty sits down with Dallas Deason, Chief Government Relations Officer for the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA), to break down the serious legislative challenges that nearly slipped through unnoticed — and what the industry did to stop them.

Joe and Dallas dive deep into two explosive topics:

• SB 712/HB 683 Amendment: A last-minute proposal that would have dangerously expanded the ability of general and building contractors to build wet deck areas around swimming pools, bypassing the licensed pool contractors entirely.
• HB 991: A sweeping and alarming bill aimed at dismantling the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and eliminating mandatory continuing education requirements, not only for pool contractors but across 32 professional categories in Florida.

Dallas explains why these bills would have been catastrophic for both consumers and industry professionals, outlines how FSPA rapidly mobilized to defeat the SB 712/HB 683 amendment, and gives an insider look at the ongoing battle to stop HB 991 before it can cause lasting damage.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why the proposed wet deck amendment was a threat to pool safety and professional standards
• How FSPA mobilized industry professionals to advocate at the state Capitol
• The critical role of the CILB and why its elimination would lead to a rise in poor workmanship and deregulation chaos
• The vital importance of continuing education for contractors and inspectors
• What pool professionals and consumers can do right now to help fight HB 991
• What happens next if HB 991 passes — and why the consequences could ripple far beyond the pool industry

Guest:

• Dallas Deason, Chief Government Relations Officer, Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA)

Host:

• Joe Trusty, Editor-in-Chief, Pool Magazine

Action Steps for Listeners:

• Visit the Florida House of Representatives website
• Find and contact your legislators — urge them to vote NO on HB 991
• Stay informed and engaged with FSPA's legislative updates

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In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by seasonal changes, the importance of filter media, and the signs indicating when maintenance is needed. They also delve into the use of zeolite in filtration systems and share techniques for replacing filter media effectively. The conversation is light-hearted yet informative, with anecdotes and practical advice for pool service professionals. In this conversation, the speakers discuss best practices for filter replacement in pools, emphasizing the importance of replacing the entire filter rather than just the media. They explore the evolution of filter media, comparing traditional sand to modern glass media, and touch on the maintenance of DE filters. The discussion highlights the significance of proper filtration for water quality and concludes with an invitation for listeners to engage in future training opportunities.

takeaways

• Connectivity issues can affect outdoor activities.
• Seasonal changes bring unique challenges for pool maintenance.
• Worms and other creatures often end up in pools during wet weather.
• Filter media needs regular maintenance to ensure water clarity.
• Pressure gauges are essential for monitoring filter performance.
• Clarity of water can indicate filter media issues.
• Zeolite requires recharging and can hold onto phosphates.
• Proper agitation of filter media can improve performance.
• Old filters may still provide clear water despite needing replacement.
• Innovative tools can simplify media replacement tasks. Encouraging customers to replace the whole filter is best practice.
• The cost of parts often makes a full replacement comparable to repairs.
• Filters are becoming increasingly expensive, impacting customer decisions.
• Gravel is rarely used in modern filters, with sand and glass being preferred.
• Glass media offers better filtration and longevity compared to sand.
• DE filters are effective but require more maintenance than other types.
• Proper filtration is crucial for maintaining water quality in pools.
• The age and condition of filters can significantly affect performance.
• Using beach sand in pools is illegal and detrimental to filtration.
• Engaging with listeners during training sessions fosters community and learning.

Sound Bites

• "You really don't want zeolite."
• "Sometimes it just needs to be agitated."
• "Filters are getting awfully expensive."
• "Gravel used to be the thing."
• "Beach sand is illegal to use in pools."
• "Glass is naturally negatively charged."
• "DE filters have superior water quality."
• "It's not just about the filtration."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Connectivity Challenges

03:04
Seasonal Pool Maintenance Issues

06:01
Understanding Filter Media and Maintenance

12:11
Signs of Filter Media Issues

18:02
Zeolite and Its Challenges

23:58
Media Replacement Techniques

25:08
Filter Replacement Best Practices

30:02
The Evolution of Filter Media

36:00
Glass vs. Sand: The Media Debate

39:07
Understan

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz delves into the often misunderstood world of pool care, focusing on enzymes, phosphate removers, and clarifiers. He explains how enzymes work, their limitations, and the importance of proper dosing and water chemistry. The discussion then shifts to phosphate removers, clarifying their role in preventing algae growth and their effectiveness when used correctly. Finally, Rudy covers clarifiers, detailing how they enhance water clarity and improve filter efficiency. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the significance of understanding pool chemistry to optimize the use of these tools and save costs.

takeaways

• Enzymes break down organic contaminants in pools.
• Proper dosing of enzymes is crucial for effectiveness.
• Enzymes do not replace sanitizers; they support them.
• Phosphate removers help prevent algae growth by removing nutrients.
• Not all pools require phosphate removers; assess before use.
• Clarifiers help improve water clarity by clumping particles together.
• Overdosing clarifiers can lead to cloudiness instead of clarity.
• Specialty chemicals can help reduce chlorine demand and costs.
• Understanding water chemistry is key to effective pool maintenance.
• Using the right tools at the right time enhances pool care efficiency.

Sound Bites

• "Enzymes are legit. They the truth?"
• "Enzymes are not sanitizers."
• "Enzymes are tools, not miracles."

Chapters

00:00
Understanding Enzymes in Pool Care

15:00
The Role of Phosphate Removers

21:46
Clarifiers: Enhancing Pool Clarity

26:29
Specialty Chemicals and Cost Efficiency

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tik Tok

Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com