Text us a pool question!

What starts as a casual “round two” turns into one of the most important — and hilarious — conversations pool pros need to hear. Rudy and Andrea dive deep into DOT (Department of Transportation) requirements for pool service trucks, and what every tech should know before hitting the road loaded with chemicals in this #WaybackWeekend thing we've been doing. Spoiler: if you’re hauling 100-pound buckets or 100-gallon tanks, you might be breaking the law — and not in the cool Judas Priest way Andrea sings about.

Rudy breaks down the federal regulations (yep, this isn’t just Florida) including:

• The 440-pound chlorine and acid limit per vehicle
• Why your bucket can’t weigh more than 66 pounds
• The “8-gallon max” rule for liquid containers
• SDS sheet requirements (and why they belong in a binder, not on a tablet)
• Placard rules, shipping papers, and the $10,000 fines waiting for violators

Andrea confesses what’s really on her truck (“way over the limit”), and the two compare real-world setups with what’s actually legal. They talk about EPA pullovers for unlabeled jugs, illegal chemical transfers on-site, and even the torque wrench you’re supposed to carry for chlorine jugs — which Rudy swears a DOT officer once actually checked.

The episode blends serious education with their trademark chaos — green beans, Texas Roadhouse rolls, and Andrea’s eternal battle between hunger and compliance.

Key Takea

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

Text us a pool question!

Hey, Pool Pros! Welcome back to another exciting episode of Talking Pools Podcast with your hosts, Kelli and Dan. Today, we dive into the world of pool adventures, business updates, and industry innovations. Dan kicks things off, sharing his recent hectic schedule with office remodeling, travel plans, and preparations for upcoming events like the Pool and Spa show in Atlantic City. Joining him on this whirlwind journey is Kelli, who reveals her own busy off-season, enjoying a slower pace and relishing the breathing room before the upcoming pool season madness.

As the dynamic duo navigates through their off-season experiences, they touch upon fascinating topics such as high-end pool designs, cutting-edge control systems, and even beta-testing new pool products. Get ready for insights into Kelli's expertise with the latest control system she's been testing, providing a glimpse into the potential future of pool technology. It's a fun and informative episode that not only captures the essence of the pool industry's bustling off-season but also hints at the exciting advancements shaping the future of pool maintenance and enjoyment. Tune in for laughter, knowledge, and the latest updates on Talking Pools!

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

Text us a pool question!

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz dives deep into the essential aspects of pool water chemistry, focusing primarily on pH. He emphasizes the importance of understanding pH as the core of water chemistry, explaining how it influences chlorine effectiveness, the role of alkalinity, and the buffering systems that stabilize pH levels. Rudy discusses the impact of electrolysis, CO2 behavior, and the Langelier Saturation Index on pH management. He also highlights the challenges of accurate measurement and the biological influences on pH. The episode concludes with practical takeaways for pool professionals to master pH control and maintain balanced water.

takeaways

• pH is the most influential factor in pool water stability.
• Understanding pH requires knowledge of its dynamic nature.
• Alkalinity acts as a buffer to stabilize pH.
• Cyanuric acid and borates play crucial roles in pH management.
• Electrolysis in saltwater pools consistently raises pH levels.
• CO2 behavior is central to controlling pH fluctuations.
• The Langelier Saturation Index is heavily influenced by pH.
• Accurate measurement of pH is essential for effective pool management.
• Biological factors can cause local pH variations in pools.
• Maintaining balanced water reduces the need for constant chemical adjustments.

Sound Bites

• "Your job is to conduct, not to fight."
• "Balanced water is calm water."
• "pH is the heartbeat of the pool."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Flock It Friday and Industry Talent

01:43
Back to Basics: Understanding Water Chemistry

02:53
The Importance of pH in Pool Water

08:01
Understanding pH Measurement and Its Implications

09:20
The Carbonate System and Its Role in pH Stability

17:47
The Role of Cyanuric Acid and Borates in pH Management

23:48
The Interplay of pH, Chlorine, and Water Chemistry

28:33
Electrolysis and Its Impact on pH Levels

30:36
Equilibrium and the Dynamics of CO2 in Water

31:56
Biological Influences on pH and Algae Management

39:54
Advanced Oxidation Processes and pH Dynamics

40:49
The Langelier Saturation Index and Its Relationship with pH

41:50
Understanding pH and Water Chemistry

45:20
The Role of Carbon Dioxide in pH Control

49:11
The Impact of pH on Scaling and LSI

50:05
Total Dissolved Solids and pH Readings

51:42
Buffer Systems: Bicarbonate, Cyanuric Acid, and Borate

54:06
Turbulence and Gas Transfer Dynamics

55:08
Salt Systems and pH Drift

56:13
Biological Influences on pH

58:12
Radical Reactions and pH

59:23
The Relationship Between pH and Metals

01:03:11
Practical pH Management Strategies

01:07:02
Mastering pH Control in Pool Chemistry

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

Text us a pool question!

Sometimes, to master the science of pool care, you’ve got to rewind all the way to the fundamentals — and that’s exactly what Wayne does in this nostalgic, knowledge-packed Throwback Thursday episode of the Talking Pools Podcast.

This week, Wayne strips away the marketing fluff, the industry noise, and the high-tech gadgets to return to where it all began: Chlorine 101. He breaks down the true difference between oxidation and sanitation, revealing why so many pros get it wrong — and how that mix-up can mean the difference between crystal-clear water and chaos in a bottle.

From sodium hypochlorite to trichlor, from cal hypo to chlorine gas, Wayne dives into all six types of chlorine, explaining how each one behaves, reacts, and—let’s face it—sometimes misbehaves in a pool. You’ll walk away reminded that this simple element is anything but simple.

Whether you’re a seasoned pool tech who’s been around since chlorine came in glass bottles, or a rookie trying to wrap your head around free vs. combined chlorine, this episode will reignite your respect for the basics that keep every pool sparkling and every customer safe.

💧 Because even the pros need to go back to where it all started sometimes — the chlorine.

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

Text us a pool question!

🎙️ Talking Pools Podcast – Part 1

Dewey Case of CMAHC to Aquatic Directors: Clear Water Can Still Kill

Guest: Dewey Case — Technical Director, Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC); Assistant Aquatic Superintendent, Williamson County Parks & Rec, Tennessee
Host: Natalie Hood (The Grit Game)
Episode Length: Part 1 of 2

Episode Overview

It’s Halloween on the Talking Pools Podcast, and between vegan pumpkin chili, light-up unicorn costumes, and a T-Rex suit, host Natalie Hood sits down with Dewey Case, one of the most respected names in the aquatics industry.

Dewey, who serves as Technical Director for CMAHC and helps oversee operations for Williamson County Parks & Rec, joins Natalie to bust some of the most persistent and dangerous myths in aquatics — from “saltwater pools don’t use chlorine” to “if it’s clear, it must be clean.”

This conversation is as entertaining as it is eye-opening, reminding Aquatic Directors, Operators, and Lifeguards that public health and safety depend on knowing the science behind the sparkle.

What You’ll Learn in Part 1

💧 Myth #1: Saltwater pools don’t use chlorine.
Wrong. Dewey explains why salt systems are chlorine generators — and why undersized or misapplied units can cost facilities thousands.

💧 Residential vs. Commercial Realities.
Not all chlorine generation systems are equal. Dewey shares the hard lessons from pools that went green — and what every HOA and facility manager needs to understand before upgrading.

💧 The Education Equation.
You can’t go to college for aquatics management, so training and curiosity are everything. Dewey outlines where to go — CPO, AFO, AquaTech, Genesis, WaterShape University, and industry conferences — and why Google Scholar might be your new best friend.

💧 Myth #2: Clear water means clean water.
Not even close. Dewey breaks down the unseen dangers of crystal-clear water — from Crypto and Naegleria fowleri (the brain-eating amoeba) to Shigella, E. coli, and Pseudomonas lurking in low-sanitizer environments.

💧 Testing Habits That Save Lives.
Whether you manage a commercial facility, HOA, or residential route, Dewey and Natalie stress one truth: testing frequency is everything. Regulations are minimums, not goals.

💧 The Operator’s Mindset.
Dewey and Natalie share real-world stories — from misinformed HOA technicians to hot tubs that double as Legionella incubators — and challenge every aquatic professional to dig deeper than the surface.

Quotable Moments

• “A salt water pool is a chlorine pool.” – Dewey Case
• “You can’t go to college for this — your best educational tool is your desire to know more.”
• “Clear water doesn’t always mean clean water. Sometimes, it just means invisible danger.”
• “Be curious. Test often. Protect the people who trust you with their swim.”

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

Text us a pool question!

Being the boss sounds great — until payday hits and you realize your new hire just cost you more in pool shock than they’ve made you in revenue. In this episode, we strip away the Instagram gloss and talk about what it really means to grow your team. Spoiler: it’s not all high-fives and financial freedom. Sometimes it’s long days, lost profits, and teaching someone not to vacuum with the backwash line open.

Shane and Lee break down the raw truth of employment — the pain before the gain, the cost before the comeback. Because hiring isn’t just about finding help; it’s about building the future of your business one chlorine-stained rookie at a time.

If you think adding staff means instant profits, buckle up. This episode’s a reality check dipped in muriatic acid.

Takeaways:

• Being an employer isn’t for the faint-hearted (or the impatient).
• Training time hits harder than an Aussie magpie in spring.
• There’s no fast-forward button on ROI.
• You’ve got to bleed a little cash before you build something that lasts.

Sound Bites:

• “There’s pain before there’s gain.”
• “We have to spend money to make money.”
• “You’re taking extra time on a job — and that’s okay.”

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & Personal Updates
00:47 – The Art (and Agony) of Training New Employees

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

Text us a pool question!

Swimming Pool Leak Suspection refers to the initial stage of identifying and investigating potential water loss in a swimming pool system when there is reason to believe a leak may exist.

In practical terms, it means a pool owner or service technician has observed indicators suggesting abnormal water loss—such as a consistently dropping water level, air bubbles in the return lines, excessive chemical use, soggy areas around the pool, or unexplained increases in water bills—but has not yet confirmed the presence or location of a leak.

Leak suspection triggers diagnostic testing, including visual inspections, the bucket test (to distinguish between evaporation and leakage), pressure testing, dye testing, or electronic leak detection. It’s essentially the diagnostic hypothesis phase of leak detection—where symptoms point toward a problem, but confirmation requires controlled testing and data verification.

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

Text us a pool question!

Welcome to a special edition of the Talking Pools Podcast. I’m your host, Rudy Stankowitz, and today we’re doing something a little different. My cohost, Andrea, doesn’t know it yet, but this episode is being recorded live with an audience. We’re opening the door to real-time interaction, bringing our listeners into the conversation as it happens.

This episode isn’t just about surprises—it’s about resilience and change. Recently, I suffered a back injury while cleaning pools. It’s a tough reminder of how physically demanding this work can be. Recovery has forced me to slow down, reassess, and make a few lifestyle adjustments. One of those changes is shifting to a pescatarian diet—trading land-based meals for a diet centered on fish and seafood.

Andrea is also making a change, focusing on balance and mindfulness both in and out of the studio. It’s a good reminder that mental and physical health are just as important as technical skill in this business.

Today’s discussion covers more than just pool care—it’s about the people behind the service, the adjustments we make, and how we adapt when life doesn’t go as planned.

Join us for this live episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, where we’ll talk honestly about challenges, changes, and finding new depth in the work we do every day.

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