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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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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

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Welcome to the Talking Pools podcast with Steve and Wayne! In this episode, they dive into the intricacies of pool startups, offering a comprehensive guide to what works, what doesn't, and what makes for a successful startup procedure. Here's what you can expect:

• Recap of Last Episode: A brief revisit of the key topics covered last week, including pool openings and covers.
• Startup Procedures: Wayne and Steve highlight the importance of following proper procedures and share expert insights on starting up pools effectively.
• Competition in the Industry: A discussion on the competitive nature of the pool services sector and tips for setting yourself apart from competitors.
• Retail and Manufacturer Relationships: Exploring the role of retail in pool services, strategies for understanding list pricing and warranties, and the significance of building strong relationships with manufacturers.
• Identifying and Documenting Pool Issues: Practical advice for spotting potential problems early and ensuring proper documentation for effective solutions.

Tune in for practical advice, industry knowledge, and a bit of banter! Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the pool service world, Steve and Wayne have something for everyone.

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In this episode, the hosts discuss various challenges faced in pool maintenance, including dealing with duck poop, customer service issues, and the complexities of leak detection. They share humorous anecdotes about their experiences with clients and wildlife encounters, while also providing insights into effective pool care solutions.

takeaways

• Duck poop can be a significant problem for pool maintenance.
• Enzymes are preferred over chemical solutions for cleaning pools.
• Customer misunderstandings can complicate service calls.
• Leak detection is often met with client denial.
• Clients frequently interfere with pool maintenance equipment.
• Wildlife encounters can add unexpected challenges to pool care.
• Communication is key in managing client expectations.
• Proper maintenance can prevent algae problems in pools.
• Difficult clients can lead to frustration and burnout.
• Taking breaks and vacations is essential for service professionals.

Sound Bites

• "Duck off, duck off."
• "I could drain it."
• "I wish they would cancel."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Pool Problems

02:58
Duck Poop Dilemmas

07:14
New Chapter

08:19
The Egg Incident

11:17
Crow Challenges

14:23
Bitching About Customer Issues

20:19
Leak Detection Frustrations

25:28
Customer Service Nightmares

29:16
Wildlife Encounters

34:21
Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss various aspects of running a pool service business, including personal updates, team structure, role hierarchy, employee training, and the importance of KPIs and accountability. They emphasize the need for flexibility within teams, the significance of employee engagement, and the necessity of having a clear onboarding process. The conversation wraps up with a focus on transparency and communication as key elements for business success.

takeaways

• The immune system is largely controlled by the X chromosome.
• Creating a clear hierarchy in a business helps set expectations.
• Flexibility in roles can enhance employee satisfaction.
• Professional development is crucial for employee retention.
• KPIs are essential for measuring business success.
• Regular employee reviews foster engagement and accountability.
• Onboarding processes should be well-defined and transparent.
• Investing in employees' personal interests can boost morale.
• Communication is key to a successful team environment.
• Celebrating employee achievements enhances team spirit.

titles

• Building a Strong Team in Pool Service
• The Importance of Role Hierarchy
• Flexibility in Business Operations
• Investing in Employee Development

Sound Bites

• "I hate being sick."
• "This is our level of expectation."
• "It's really important to have a crossover."
• "Creating professionalism and creating experts."
• "It's all about transparency, communication."
• "You have to put in the hard work."
• "You only get one chance at a first impression."
• "We like it when we get those ideas."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Personal Updates

02:55
Business Growth and Team Structure

06:05
Role Hierarchy and Responsibilities

08:57
Flexibility and Cross-Training in Teams

12:03
Professional Development and Training

14:51
KPIs and Accountability in Business

18:10
Employee Engagement and Satisfaction

21:00
Onboarding and Employee Handbook

24:10
Conclusion and Future Topics

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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz welcomes Rob Stewart, a pool industry expert and hot sauce entrepreneur. They discuss Rob's journey from pool openings and closings to creating his own brand of hot sauce, Rob's Revenge. The conversation covers the challenges of producing hot sauce, the importance of flavor and quality control, and the unique marketing strategies Rob employs. Listeners will gain insights into the entrepreneurial spirit and the passion behind crafting a product that stands out in the market.

takeaways

• Rob Stewart transitioned from the pool industry to hot sauce production.
• Rob's Revenge hot sauce was born from an abundance of jalapeno peppers.
• The hot sauce recipe was inspired by a Trinidadian sauce but uniquely modified.
• Rob emphasizes the importance of flavor over heat in his sauces.
• He uses organic ingredients and avoids vinegar for a distinct taste.
• Rob's hot sauce production is done in a commercial kitchen to meet health standards.
• He gives away samples to build a customer base and gather reviews.
• Rob's marketing strategy focuses on local distribution due to shipping costs.
• The hot sauce industry presents both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
• Rob's passion for quality and flavor drives his hot sauce business.

Sound Bites

• "I have a brand of hot sauce."
• "I just give them away."
• "I use zero vinegar."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:59
Rob's Journey in Pool Industry and Hot Sauce Creation

05:53
The Evolution of Rob's Revenge Hot Sauce

17:00
Flavor vs. Heat: The Unique Selling Point of Rob's Sauce

19:58
Sourcing Ingredients and Production Challenges

22:54
Marketing and Distribution of Hot Sauce

25:57
The Character of Rob's Revenge: A Fun Analogy

28:59
Rob's Commitment to Education and Quality in the Industry

36:24
The Science of Hot Sauce Production

42:04
Building a Brand Through Sampling

51:24
Challenges and Rewards in Hot Sauce Making

58:29
Connecting with Customers and Future Plans

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Do you have an idea for a podcast episode?

Hosts: Steve Sherwood & Wayne Ivusich

• Overview of seasonal pool maintenance, especially the critical "100 days of summer" for pool companies in the Northeast.

Startup Procedures for Pool Service

• Importance of preparation from the previous season for a successful pool opening.
• Challenges faced with new clients and their equipment.

Types of Pool Covers and Their Impact

• Comparison between solid and mesh covers: benefits and drawbacks.
• Introduction of super mesh covers for better efficiency and client satisfaction.

Efficient Pool Opening Strategies

• Step-by-step preparation for a smooth spring pool opening.
• Tips to avoid revisiting issues and prioritizing timely service.

Client Management and Scheduling

• Balancing recurring clients with new ones.
• Transitioning responsibilities to employees while maintaining quality standards.

Safety and Testing

• Importance of accurate water testing and keeping testing kits updated.
• Emphasis on safety compliance and standards.

Automating Pool Maintenance

• Modern tools and technologies to streamline tasks and improve client retention.

Pricing and Communication

• Strategies for fair pricing while ensuring business sustainability.
• The significance of clear communication and feedback loops with clients.

Conclusion

• Summary of best practices for seasonal pool service.
• Encouragement for listeners to adapt and innovate in their businesses.

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