Text us a pool question!

In this engaging conversation, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Ron DeLoux from Big Blue Pool Service, exploring the evolution of the pool service industry, the importance of customer relationships, and the future of pool technology. Ron shares his insights on the shift from repair to replacement, the significance of pool chemistry, and the challenges faced by newcomers in the business. He emphasizes the value of education, mentorship, and community support, while also reflecting on the impact of natural disasters on pool services. The discussion concludes with Ron's advice for enjoying the work and maintaining a positive attitude in the industry.

takeaways

• The pool service industry has evolved significantly over the years.
• Education and continuous learning are crucial for success in the pool business.
• Customer relationships can be challenging but are essential for growth.
• Pool chemistry knowledge is becoming increasingly important.
• The shift from repair to replacement is a notable trend in the industry.
• Natural disasters can have a profound impact on pool services.
• Mentorship and community support play a vital role in professional development.
• Technology is changing the way pool services operate.
• Enjoying your work and maintaining a positive attitude is key.
• Newcomers should focus on building relationships and gaining knowledge.

Sound Bites

• "Pool chemistry is gonna be big."
• "Education is key for newcomers."
• "Enjoy what you do. Have a laugh."

Chapters

00:00
Welcome to San Diego: A Beautiful Introduction

07:30
The Evolution of the Pool Service Industry

10:47
The Future of Pool Repairs and Robotics

12:37
The Importance of Pool Chemistry

17:36
Navigating Challenges in Pool Maintenance

22:51
Lessons Learned in Pool Repair

25:03
Hands-On Learning and Individual Approaches

26:13
Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence

27:11
Understanding Customer Needs

28:45
Mentorship and Impact on Others

31:32
Resilience in the Face of Adversity

31:43
Dealing with Natural Disasters

33:39
Survival Guide for Newcomers

34:49
Handling Mistakes in the Field

35:57
Attention to Detail in Pool Maintenance

36:25
Advice for Future Generations

37:14
The Importance of Enjoying Your Work

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!

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

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!

Got mystery stains, teal-tinted water, or customers blaming your chlorine for their new “seafoam highlights”? Andrea and Paulette dive into high metal levels in pools—where they come from (source water, corrosion, “helpful” copper products), how to confirm what you’re dealing with (iron vs. copper vs. manganese), and the smartest ways to treat the water and the stain without turning the pool into a chemistry crime scene. Real talk, step-by-step protocols, and the dos/don’ts that save callbacks.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00 – Cold Open: “No, chlorine didn’t dye your hair green.”
• 02:10 – Metal 101: Iron, copper, manganese—how they look, act, and stain
• 07:45 – Where They Come From: Source water, heaters, low-pH corrosion, old copper algaecides
• 12:30 – Testing That Doesn’t Lie: Spot tests, stain ID, metal test kits, source-water pulls
• 16:20 – Immediate Triage: When water is tinted vs. when you have bonded stains
• 20:15 – Stain-Lift Playbook: Ascorbic/citric protocols that actually work
• 25:50 – Sequestrants & Chelants: HEDP/ATMP, maintenance dosing, timing with chlorine
• 30:10 – Actual Removal: Partial drain/replace, prefilters, metal capture media, poly-fill hacks
• 34:30 – Prevention Clinic: LSI balance, anodes, heater protection, product choices
• 39:00 – Rapid-Fire Q&A & Takeaways

Key Symptoms & What They Usually Mean

• Brown/tea stains or yellowing: Often iron; may cloud when pH rises or after superchlorination
• Turquoise/black smudges; blonde hair turning green: Usually copper; often tied to low pH/heater corrosion or copper algaecides
• Black/grey/purple blotches: Possible manganese; shows up in well water regions

Testing & Identification (Fast & Reliable)

• Pull a source-water sample (hose bib before softener) to see what you’re adding every fill/top-off.
• Use metal test kits (iron/copper/manganese) and stain ID tests (vitamin C for iron, etc.).
• Verify pH & LSI first—metals love to fall out when pH/alk/CH swing.
• If a heater is present and copper is high, inspect for low pH corrosion and flow/erosion issues.

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!

Keywords

spa maintenance, water treatment, sanitization, pool care, spa treatments, bromine, chlorine, water balance, spa technology, pool service


Takeaways

Summer is approaching, and clients have varying perceptions of swimming temperatures.
Spa maintenance requires more frequent attention than regular pools due to their smaller size and higher usage.
Educating staff in front of customers can undermine trust; it's better to do it privately.
CO2 gas in carbonated drink bottles can affect water testing accuracy.
Spas can have a high bathylode, equivalent to many more people in a pool.
Regular servicing of spas is crucial to maintain water quality.
Secondary sanitizers like UV and ozone can enhance spa water treatment.
Hydrogen peroxide can be an effective sanitizer in domestic spas but not in commercial settings.
Replacing spa water regularly can be more cost-effective than treating contaminated water.
Understanding the chemistry of sanitizers is essential for effective spa maintenance.


Summary

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the nuances of spa maintenance, emphasizing the importance of regular servicing and the unique challenges posed by smaller bodies of water. They explore various sanitization methods, including bromine and chlorine, and highlight the significance of educating staff on water chemistry. The discussion also touches on innovations in spa care and the necessity of replacing spa water to maintain optimal conditions.

Sound bites

"Secondary sanitizers can enhance spa water treatment."
"Understanding the chemistry of sanitizers is essential."
"Replacing spa water regularly can be more cost-effective."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Seasonal Changes
29:46 Understanding Spa Treatments and Maintenance
39:54 Sanitization Methods for Spas
50:31 Innovations in Spa Care and Closing Thoughts

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 interviews Rich Gallo, founder and CEO of Pure Swim. Rich shares his journey from growing up in a family of pool professionals to establishing a successful concierge-level pool service in Los Angeles. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the impact of fatherhood on his business philosophy, and the lessons learned from mistakes in customer relationships. Rich emphasizes the significance of building a team with purpose, innovative service models, and the law of reciprocity in business. He concludes with reflections on the challenges of entrepreneurship and the importance of having fun in life.

takeaways

• Rich Gallo is the founder of Pure Swim, a premium pool service company.
• He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and investing in people.
• Fatherhood significantly influenced his approach to business and team building.
• Mistakes in customer relationships can lead to valuable lessons.
• Innovative service models can enhance customer satisfaction and team morale.
• The law of reciprocity is a key principle in Rich's business philosophy.
• Building a team with purpose leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.
• Navigating challenges in the pool service industry requires adaptability and resilience.
• Rich believes in creating opportunities for his employees to grow and succeed.
• Having fun and enjoying the journey is essential in life and business.

Sound Bites

• "It's an art form."
• "You gotta pay that guy."
• "I teach him the law of reciprocity."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Rich Gallo and Pure Swim

04:50
Early Memories and Family Influence

12:12
The Impact of Fatherhood on Business

17:12
Building a Team with Purpose

22:10
Navigating Pricing Challenges in the Industry

26:03
Building a Strong Team Culture

31:41
Recognizing and Nurturing Talent

37:12
The Importance of Giving Back

41:25
Lessons from the Apprenticeship Program

43:15
Starting from Scratch: Key Habits for Success

44:13
Sustaining Passion in the Pool Business

47:09
The Law of Reciprocity and Its Impact

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!

This week, Wayne and Steve are diving deep into the kind of stuff that separates pros from pretenders — communication, integrity, and the responsibility of owning your mistakes. Whether it’s a misread water test, a filter left in bypass, or a promise made too quickly, these two veterans talk about what it means to stand behind your word, make things right, and protect your reputation even when it costs you.

They share stories from the field where honesty cost them money — but saved their business. From awkward client conversations to handling internal slip-ups with your team, this episode gets real about accountability in the pool industry. Wayne breaks down how transparency builds long-term trust, while Steve reminds us that good communication isn’t just about talking — it’s about listening, learning, and following through.

If you’ve ever faced that gut-punch moment when something went wrong and you had to decide between excuses and integrity, this episode is your reminder that character pays dividends in the long run.

Takeaways:

• The difference between excuses and explanations.
• How to communicate mistakes without losing client trust.
• Why integrity isn’t negotiable in business.
• Real stories of taking a loss to make things right — and why it mattered.

#TalkingPoolsPodcast #PoolPros #IntegrityMatters #CommunicationIsKey #OwnYourMistakes #PoolServiceLife #WayneAndSteve #BeGoodBeSafe

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!

If you thought pool care was boring, you clearly haven’t heard Sarah break it down. This week she dives headfirst into the bubbling, backwashing, beautifully chaotic world of pool chemistry — with zero filters and a full cup of caffeine. It’s educational, hilarious, slightly unhinged, and 100% Sarah.

She’s here to make sure you understand what’s really happening in that pool water — why your readings are off, why “shock” isn’t a personality type, and why that weird smell isn’t chlorine, it’s your own bad decisions dissolving in the deep end.

In this episode, Sarah covers:

• Why every pool pro needs to stop treating “chlorine” and “shock” like they’re two different life forms.
• The real deal behind oxidation, sanitation, and why ORP is the pool’s version of a mood ring.
• Test kit interferences that’ll make you question your career choices.
• How pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer all play together (and what happens when they don’t).
• The customer who swore their pool “cleaned itself” — and how that went.
• Her completely rational rage against people who eyeball chemical doses “by vibe.”

Top Sarah-isms from this episode:

• “If your pool smells like a YMCA locker room, congratulations — you’ve just invented chloramines!”
• “It’s called a test kit, not a guess kit. Stop pretending you’re psychic.”
• “ORP doesn’t measure how much you care, but it definitely shows when you don’t.”
• “Shock is chlorine. Chlorine is shock. It’s not algebra, it’s pool school — and apparently, I’m the principal now.”
• “If I had a dollar for every time someone said ‘it looks clear so it’s clean,’ I’d retire and buy a pool with a lifeguard who never argues with me.”

Why you’ll love it:
This episode is like sitting in chemistry class if your teacher had road rage and a sense of humor. Sarah explains the science in plain English — then yells about it until you’ll never forget it again. Equal parts entertainment and education, it’s a masterclass in chlorine and chaos.

Episode Highlights:
🧪 Real-world pool chemistry decoded without the boring parts
💬 Rants, real talk, and rogue logic from the trenches
😂 Laugh-out-loud moments you’ll quote all week
💧 Takeaways that’ll make you sound like the smartest person at the pool store

Connect & Support:
💬 Share your favorite “Sarah-isms” in the Talking Pools Facebook Group
🌐 Grab more pool wisdom at CPOClass.com

📲 Follow @TalkingPoolsPodcast on Instagram & TikTok for clips and chaos

Closing Line:
“This has been Sarah reminding you — if your test results make no sense, it’s not the pool’s fault. Be good. Be safe. And for chlorine’s sake, use your damn meter!”

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!

Andrea kicks off the episode venting about her latest headache — a string of finicky customers inside a gated community who think pool service comes with mind-reading included. From access codes that don’t work to residents insisting their “pool smells too clean,” Andrea’s got stories that’ll make any tech feel seen. Paulette chimes in with her trademark humor and hard-earned wisdom, grounding the chaos with her calm-but-deadly insights on customer communication and setting boundaries.

But the episode doesn’t stay in the HOA drama zone for long — it quickly pivots into an impromptu chemistry deep dive. When one customer complains about chlorine levels “being too high because it smells,” Andrea and Paulette use the opportunity to unpack the truth behind chlorine chemistry, how Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) actually works, and why the “chlorine smell” myth refuses to die.

They break down:

• What ORP means in plain English (and why it’s a better measure of sanitation than free chlorine alone)
• How environmental factors like pH, sunlight, and CYA influence oxidation potential
• Common test kit interferences that can make readings go haywire — from residual monopersulfate (MPS) to copper and even dirty sample cells
• Why color-matching tests in the field are not the chemistry gospel some pool owners think they are

Andrea’s frustration turns into a mini chemistry class, with Paulette walking through troubleshooting steps that balance humor and hard science. The result? A perfect blend of real-world technician talk and science-backed pool wisdom that every service pro and water chemistry nerd will love.

Key Takeaways:

• Gated communities = gated logic (sometimes). Access and attitude are both part of the job.
• Chlorine smell ≠ too much chlorine — it’s usually chloramines, a sign of not enough free chlorine.
• ORP gives you a snapshot of water’s true oxidizing potential, not just the chlorine ppm number.
• Test interference can ruin your data faster than a leaf in a sample cell. Know your kit, rinse your vials, and don’t trust a color block alone.
• Customer education starts with confidence in your own chemistry knowledge.

Closing Moment:
Andrea ends the episode with a sigh and a laugh — “Maybe I’ll just put up my own gate next time.” Paulette replies, “As long as it keeps the chloramines out.”

Episode Length: ~42 minutes
Perfect For: Pool techs who love a mix of field stories and chemistry truth bombs — and anyone who’s ever been buzzed in by a gate code that didn’t work.

Hashtags:
#TalkingPoolsPodcast #PoolPros #WaterChemistry #ORP #ChlorineMyths #PoolServiceLife #AndreaAndPaulette #CPOClass #PoolTechTalk

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