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This Friday episode digs into one of the most argued topics in pool care: range chemistry and the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI).

Rudy takes us back to 1936 and the work of Wilfred F. Langelier, who developed a model to prevent municipal water pipes from dissolving or scaling shut. LSI was never designed for swimmers. It was built to answer one simple question:

Will this water dissolve calcium carbonate… or deposit it?

That’s it.

Pools adopted LSI later because plaster behaves like municipal concrete. Your pool is essentially a miniature water system — just with sunscreen and cannonballs.

What LSI Does (and Doesn’t Do)

LSI predicts calcium carbonate equilibrium. It protects:

• Plaster
• Grout
• Heaters
• Salt cells
• Tile lines

What it does not tell you:

• If chlorine is killing pathogens fast enough
• If chloramines are rising
• If nitrification is occurring
• If biofilm is forming
• If oxidation demand is being met

LSI protects the vessel.
It does not guarantee sanitation.

Where 7.2–7.8 Came From

No single person invented the modern pH range. It evolved from the overlap of:

• Human physiology (comfort and irritation)
• Chlorine chemistry (HOCl vs OCl⁻ balance)
• Cement durability research
• Regulatory standards

Even phenol red test kits influenced it — operators standardized what they could clearly see and control.

The Cyanuric Acid Blind Spot

If you don’t subtract roughly one-third of CYA from total alkalinity before calculating LSI, your saturation balance is wrong.

And LSI does not account for chlorine kinetics at all.

You can have:

• A perfect 0.00 LSI
• High CYA
• Slower disinfection
• Rising combined chlorine
• Biofilm quietly developing

The plaster may be safe.
The water may not be optimal.

Salt Cells, Heaters & Microenvironments

LSI models bulk water.

Inside salt cells and heaters, localized pH spikes can create scaling even when your overall LSI reads balanced. Context matters. Temperature matters. Ionic strength matters.

Water chemistry is not binary — it’s gradient-based.

The Real Takeaway

Range chemistry isn’t stupid. It’s probabilistic. It works under average conditions in average pools.

The mistake is believing ranges are universal laws.

LSI is necessary — but not sufficient.
Balance is not a number.
It’s interaction between thermodynamics, kinetics, microbiology, and material science.

Stop worshiping the calculator.
Start managing the system.

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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.

Support the show

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

• Facebook
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• Tik Tok

Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Pool Pros text questions here

keywords

Aquatics, Program Directors, Leadership, Communication, Emergency Preparedness, Delegation, Myths, Burnout, Learning Opportunities, Professional Development

summary

In this episode, Natalie Hood engages with Cara Green, the Aquatics Program Director at the University of Houston, to discuss the often misunderstood role of aquatics directors. They explore the journey into aquatics, the myths surrounding the profession, the importance of delegation, communication skills, and emergency preparedness. Cara emphasizes the need for setting boundaries to prevent burnout and encourages listeners to embrace learning opportunities and not fear failure.

takeaways

• Aquatics Program Directors play a crucial role in managing aquatic facilities.
• Delegation is essential for effective leadership and team growth.
• Mistakes should be viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures.
• Strong communication skills are vital for successful aquatics management.
• Emergency preparedness is a key responsibility of aquatics directors.
• Setting boundaries is important to prevent burnout in the aquatics industry.
• Continuous learning and development are necessary for professional growth.
• Hard conversations are part of leadership and should not be avoided.
• Understanding and addressing myths about aquatics can improve the profession's image.
• Embracing failure as a part of the learning process is essential for success.

Sound Bites

• "Delegation is key to success in leadership."
• "Mistakes are opportunities for growth."
• "Protect your peace and personal time."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Aquatics Program Directors

00:29
Busting Myths: It's Just a Summer Job

11:55
Understanding Codes and Compliance

20:26
Handling Emergencies: The Role of Aquatics Directors

35:23
Advice for Aspiring Aquatics Professionals

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

Pool Pros text questions here

In this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee and Shane take us behind the scenes of a massive Australian water theme park — and the conversation quickly turns from wave pools and plant rooms on steroids to something much more serious:

Safety.

From razor blades hidden in slide seams (yes, that actually happened) to real-world design flaws causing injuries, this episode dives deep into the responsibility that comes with running aquatic facilities — whether it’s a multi-million-dollar water park or your own pool service business.

Lee shares her experience training maintenance staff at a high-risk commercial water park facility in New South Wales, including:

• Massive commercial pump systems
• Giant wave pool air blowers (not baffle plates!)
• 35 slides requiring daily walk-through inspections
• Structured risk management protocols
• The difference between low-risk and high-risk commercial facilities

She explains how commercial aquatic operations in Australia are tiered under state health guidelines — and why every service professional should understand the compliance responsibilities of the facilities they work with.

🩸 The Razor Blade Incident (1980s Water Park Case)

Lee recounts a chilling true story from the 1980s where razor blades were inserted into the seams of a waterslide, seriously injuring a child. Once thought to be folklore — it wasn’t.

The takeaway?
Daily inspections are not optional. Vigilance is non-negotiable.

🍺 When Safety Gets Awkward

Shane shares a recent experience where a client repeatedly offered him beer while he was on the job. That sparks a broader discussion about:

• Drinking on the job (even “just one”)
• Leading by example as a business owner
• The culture shift once staff are involved
• Why perception matters just as much as legality

Your team doesn’t see nuance. They see behavior.
And monkey see, monkey do.

🦺 PPE: If You Don’t Wear It, Neither Will They

The conversation turns to Personal Protective Equipment and workplace standards.

Topics covered:

• Respirator use when handling acid
• Goggles and chemical gloves
• Full-face masks in commercial settings
• Spill kits (vehicle and warehouse)
• First aid kits
• SDS registers (including digital access)
• Incident response training

Lee emphasizes something critical:

If your staff see you skipping PPE, every toolbox talk you’ve ever given becomes meaningless.

🚨 Safety Audit Checklist for Pool Pros

This episode challenges business owners to ask:

• When was the last time you did a safety audit?
• Are your vehicles compliant?
• Are your placards displayed correctly?
• Do staff know how to respond to chemical splashes?
• Are you conducting regular toolbox talks?
• Are you leaving pool gates propped open?

And perhaps most importantly:

Are you leading by example?

🎙️ Also in This Episode

• Trade show FOMO as the U.S. ramps up pool season
• Southern Hemisphere summer winding down
• Wave pool mechanics explained
• Design flaws in a Christchurch facility causing injuries
• The legal and financial risks of unsafe practices
• Preview of next week’s t

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

Pool Pros text questions here

In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz discusses significant developments in the pool service industry, including a major acquisition that consolidates market power. He also delves into the importance of understanding water chemistry, specifically focusing on silica and sulfates, which are often overlooked in pool maintenance. The conversation highlights the implications of these elements on pool equipment and overall maintenance practices, emphasizing the need for pool professionals to adapt to these changes for better service delivery.

takeaways

• The pool service industry is experiencing significant consolidation.
• Larger operators can invest in better technology and training.
• Silica and sulfates are critical yet often ignored in pool chemistry.
• Municipalities add silicates to drinking water to prevent corrosion.
• Silica fouling can lead to equipment inefficiencies.
• Sulfates can cause long-term damage to pool structures.
• Monitoring silica and sulfate levels is essential for pool maintenance.
• Dilution is the most effective way to manage silica and sulfate levels.
• Understanding water chemistry can prevent costly repairs.
• Advanced knowledge in pool chemistry is crucial for professionals.

Sound Bites

• "Silica fouling increases electrical resistance."
• "Sulfate ions can react with calcium aluminate."
• "The ones that get paid a lot of money do."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Industry Update

04:33
Water Chemistry: Silica and Sulfates Overview

05:16
Understanding Silica in Pool Water

17:46
Exploring Sulfates in Pool Water

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

Pool Pros text questions here

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Steve Sherwood and guest Pat Grenon discuss various aspects of pool services, including subcontracting, insurance considerations, the importance of technology in efficiency, pricing strategies, and the significance of proper testing and chemical management in pool maintenance. They emphasize the need for pool professionals to adapt to changing market conditions and to ensure they are providing quality service while maintaining profitability.

takeaways

• Subcontracting can enhance service quality and efficiency.
• Being added as an additional insured protects your business.
• Utilizing technology like Google Earth can save time and money.
• Regularly review and adjust pricing to reflect rising costs.
• Understanding pool size and chemical needs is crucial for profitability.
• Testing water quality accurately is essential for client satisfaction.
• Maintaining clear communication with clients can prevent misunderstandings.
• Investing in robotic vacuums can improve service quality.
• Tracking profit and loss helps identify unprofitable clients.
• Continuous education and adaptation are key in the pool service industry.

titles

• Navigating the Pool Service Industry
• Subcontracting: A Key to Efficiency

Sound Bites

• "It's a protective mechanism."
• "Time and money, right?"
• "You need to track your profit and loss."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Pool Business Insights

02:22
Navigating Subcontractor Relationships

08:38
Understanding Insurance and Liability

12:45
Maximizing Efficiency with Technology

26:31
Pricing Strategies and Cost Management

33:02
Chemical Management and Testing Best Practices

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

Pool Pros text questions here

In Part One of this two-part episode of Talking Pools Podcast, Natalie Hood speaks with Cara Green, Aquatics Program Director at the University of Houston, about the often misunderstood role of aquatics program directors. They discuss the common myths surrounding the profession, the skills required for success, the importance of continuous education, and the necessity of understanding codes and compliance in aquatics. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability and setting high standards for lifeguards to ensure safety and professionalism in the aquatic environment.

takeaways

• Aquatics program directors often start as lifeguards or swim instructors.
• The role is not just a summer job; it requires year-round commitment.
• Continuous education is crucial for career advancement in aquatics.
• Understanding codes and compliance is essential for safety.
• Adaptability is key in managing aquatic facilities.
• Setting high standards for lifeguards is necessary for success.
• Communication is vital for addressing scheduling and training issues.
• Professional development opportunities should be pursued actively.
• Myths about the aquatics profession can hinder understanding of its complexities.
• Leadership development is important for the next generation of aquatics professionals.

Sound Bites

• "It's not just a summer job."
• "You have to continue learning."
• "You can't just walk off that deck."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Aquatics Program Directors

04:14
Busting Myths: It's Just a Summer Job

11:54
The Skills Required: More Than Just Pool Experience

18:22
Navigating Career Paths in Aquatics

23:06
Understanding Codes and Compliance

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

Pool Pros text questions here

In this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee and Shane discuss various aspects of running a business in the pool service industry, focusing on the importance of SEO, the evolving role of AI, and strategies for maximizing online presence. They share insights on how to effectively use social media marketing, the significance of customer reviews, and the potential of AI in streamlining business operations. The conversation also touches on the balance between AI and human interaction, emphasizing the need for personal connections in customer service.

takeaways

• AI is evolving, and businesses must adapt to stay relevant.
• SEO is not outdated, but it is changing with technology.
• Google prioritizes active businesses with updated information.
• Social media marketing can be scheduled and automated.
• AI can assist in customer support and troubleshooting.
• Creating processes can help streamline business operations.
• Investing time in AI can yield long-term benefits.
• Personal connections in business are still crucial.
• Virtual assistants can help manage workloads effectively.
• AI can enhance customer interactions without replacing human touch.

Sound Bites

• "AI can help lighten your load."
• "AI can be extremely helpful."
• "You can create your AI clone."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Super Bowl Talk

03:27
Business Warrant of Fitness and SEO Discussion

05:56
The Evolution of SEO and AI Integration

08:42
AI's Role in Business Marketing and Scheduling

11:49
AI in Customer Service and Technical Support

17:37
Creating AI Clones and Their Applications

22:58
The Future of AI in Business Operations

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