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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Talking Pools Podcast has officially opened nominations for the 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award, an industry recognition created to celebrate the individuals who go beyond their daily work to teach, guide, and elevate others in the swimming pool and spa profession.

Nominations will be accepted from March 15 through May 15, 2026, inviting pool service technicians, builders, retailers, educators, manufacturers, and other professionals across the industry to submit the name of a mentor who helped shape their career.

The award was created by Talking Pools Podcast host and industry educator Rudy Stankowitz to shine a spotlight on the unsung leaders of the trade—those who invest their time and experience in helping others succeed.

“Every great pool professional started somewhere, and chances are someone helped them along the way,” said Stankowitz. “This award exists to recognize the people who take the time to teach judgment, protect standards, and build technicians who will carry the industry forward.”

Recognizing the Quiet Builders of the Industry

Unlike many awards that highlight business growth or product innovation, the Mentor of the Year Award focuses specifically on mentorship—the act of teaching, guiding, and developing professionals in the field.

Eligible nominees must be actively involved in the swimming pool industry or a closely related field, including service, construction, retail, manufacturing, education, or other supporting roles.

To maintain fairness and integrity, the award program does not allow self-nominations, family nominations, or nominations of Talking Pools Podcast hosts. Each submission must come from a professional working within the industry.

A Championship Recognition

The Mentor of the Year recipient will be presented with a custom championship belt, symbolizing the impact mentors have on shaping the next generation of professionals. The belt was designed by Wildcat Belts, the same manufacturer that produces championship titles for organizations like WWE and UFC.

The inaugural 2025 award attracted dozens of nominations from across the global pool industry, with finalists selected through a multi-stage anonymous review process to ensure a merit-based evaluation.

In keeping with the spirit of the award, the winner will not be asked to attend a formal ceremony. Instead, the Talking Pools Podcast team will deliver the championship belt in person, surprising the recipient at their workplace or job site while they are doing what mentors do best—helping others succeed.

How to Nominate a Mentor

Industry professionals can nominate their mentor by submitting the individual’s name along with a description of how that person helped them grow in their career or business.

Submissions can be made online at:
https://cpoclass.com/pool-news/mentor-award/

Alternatively, nominees can be submitted by visiting cpoclass.com and selecting the Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award tab.

The Top 10 nominees will be announced later in 2026, with one individual ultimately earning the title of Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year

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In this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee and Shane discuss a frustrating service case involving an ionizer sanitation system with an integrated salt cell that isn’t producing enough chlorine to maintain a residential pool.

The system is rated for pools up to 150,000 liters, yet the pool in question is only 60,000 liters and repeatedly turns green. Despite increasing runtime to 24 hours per day and raising output to nearly 100%, chlorine levels remain extremely low.

After performing a full troubleshooting process—including cleaning the pool, eliminating algae, verifying circulation, and treating potential biofilm with chlorine dioxide (C5)—the issue still persists.

Manufacturer Advice Raises Questions

When Shane contacted the manufacturer’s representative, the recommendation was to run the unit 24 hours a day at 100% output.

This raised several concerns:

• It dramatically increases electricity costs for the client.
• It may shorten cell lifespan.
• It could exceed the unit’s 10,000-hour warranty limit in just over a year.

Even more confusing, the representative suggested adding cyanuric acid, despite the system being marketed as a “freshwater pool system” and the manual specifically advising against adding stabilizer.

When Manuals and Advice Don’t Match

Lee and Shane point out the contradiction between manufacturer marketing, written instructions, and real-world recommendations. Being told to add chemicals that the manual says not to use places technicians in a difficult position if warranty issues arise later.

Lee stresses an important rule for service professionals:
If a manufacturer instructs you to do something outside their manual, request the instructions in writing to protect yourself.

Not All Ionizers Are the Same

Shane also maintains another pool with a similar ionizer system from a different manufacturer that works perfectly, running 11 hours per day at about 80% output with no stabilizer in the water.

This comparison suggests the issue may not be ionization technology itself, but potentially a problem with the specific unit or controller.

Takeaway for Pool Pros

The discussion highlights an ongoing challenge in the industry: technicians often follow a careful process of elimination, only to be told the problem must be something else.

Sometimes, however, the problem is simply the equipment itself.

📧 Have a topic suggestion?
Email the show: talkingpools@gmail.com

Thanks for listening to Mondays Down Under on the Talking Pools Podcast.

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This week, Rudy tackles something the “state of the industry” reports don’t always capture:

First: How the War on Iran is likely to impact the U.S. Boric Acid/Borax Market

Next, the emotional strain underneath the numbers.

From Florida techs charging $70–$100 per month (including chemicals) and still feeling squeezed…
To competitors undercutting bids out of fear…
To Amazon underpricing distribution channels…

The conversation isn’t about collapse.

It’s about reorganization under pressure.

🧾 The Fault Lines Showing Up in the Field

Across warehouse aisles and Facebook threads, several themes emerged:

• Chronic underpricing driven by fear, not math
• Manufacturer channel conflict with online retail giants
• Distribution distrust and eroding brand loyalty
• Software fatigue from per-account pricing models
• Fragmentation from low barriers to entry
• Burnout among seasoned veterans

This isn’t collapse.

It’s an inflection point.

Industries don’t disappear overnight.
They stratify.

High-volume / low-margin operators.
Fearful middle-tier operators.
Disciplined top-tier professionals.

Where you land depends on pricing discipline, positioning, and chemistry literacy.

💬 Simon Sprague’s Question: LSI vs Disinfection

Rudy also responds to Simon Sprague of Tech Pools of Alicante, Spain, diving into:

• The 7.5% Free Chlorine to Cyanuric Acid ratio
• Saturation Index vs. disinfectant balance
• Why ideal ranges still matter
• Why pH affects more than comfort
• Why specialty chemicals have functional pH windows
• Why dumbing down the trade hurts the industry long-term

Education matters.

Not to make techs chemists.

But to prevent the industry from flattening into “chlorine and acid and hope.”

🧪 Deep Dive: What Disinfection Actually Is

This episode goes further than most service conversations ever do.

Rudy breaks down:

• Hypochlorous acid vs hypochlorite ion
• pH-driven speciation and kinetics
• Cyanuric acid equilibrium chemistry
• Breakpoint chlorination and nitrogen chemistry
• ORP as redox potential — not chlorine level
• UV photolysis and chlorine half-life
• Disinfection byproducts (THMs, haloacetic acids)
• Advanced oxidation systems and hydroxyl radicals
• Biofilms and oxidant demand
• Metal redox couples affecting ORP readings

A swimming pool is not a sterile container.

It is a sunlight-exposed, nitrogen-fed, electrochemically active oxidative reactor.

Stop thinking in parts per million.

Start thinking in equilibrium kinetics and mass transfer.

🔥 The Hard Question

As manufacturer and distributor costs rise…

As Amazon undercuts local supply chains…

As customers push back on rate increases…

Is there a ceiling on what homeowners will pay?

And what happens when margin shrinks into single digits?

God bless the pool pro.

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pool management, insurance, pool measurements, chemical calculations, warranty issues, pricing strategies, pool service, pool industry, commercial pools, residential pools

Summary

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss various challenges faced in pool management, including accurate pool measurements, navigating insurance and liability, chemical calculations for pool volume, warranty issues with manufacturers, and pricing strategies in the pool service industry. They emphasize the importance of understanding pool volume for chemical dosing, the complexities of commercial versus residential pools, and the need for strong relationships with manufacturers and insurance agents. The conversation aims to provide insights and practical advice for both new and experienced pool service professionals.

Takeaways

• Accurate pool measurements are crucial for effective service.
• Understanding insurance coverage is essential for liability management.
• Chemical calculations can be done using a chemical method for accuracy.
• Building strong relationships with manufacturers can ease warranty issues.
• Pricing strategies should reflect market conditions and product costs.
• New pool service professionals should seek guidance to avoid costly mistakes.
• Communication with insurance agents can clarify coverage for different jobs.
• Knowing the volume of water in a pool is vital for chemical dosing.
• Regular follow-ups with manufacturers can expedite warranty claims.
• Understanding the differences between commercial and residential pools is important.

Sound Bites

• "I always go to the top of the skimmer box."
• "You can calculate pool gallons chemically."
• "You have to be nice with the manufacturers."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Pool Maintenance Topics

04:44
Measuring Pool Depth and Surface Area

17:04
Understanding Reagents and Their Shelf Life

52:53
Inventory Management and Quality Control in Reagents

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pool industry, innovation, entrepreneurship, customer service, vacuum bags, COVID-19, cleaning efficiency, myths, hidden costs, technology

Summary

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Natalie Hood interviews Gary Richards, the CEO of VacBags, about his journey from the restaurant industry to the pool industry. They discuss the importance of customer service, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and debunk common myths about vacuum bags. Gary shares insights on the hidden costs of cheap vacuum bags and the significance of quality in cleaning efficiency. The conversation highlights innovations in vacuum bag technology and concludes with Gary's encouraging message to strive for excellence in the pool industry.

Takeaways

• Gary transitioned from the restaurant industry to the pool industry after losing his restaurants.
• Customer service is crucial in the pool industry and can set you apart from competitors.
• COVID-19 forced many in the pool industry to adapt and innovate due to supply shortages.
• Many people believe all vacuum bags are the same, but quality varies significantly.
• Cheap vacuum bags can lead to hidden costs that add up over time.
• Quality vacuum bags improve cleaning efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Innovations like the VaxBags can simplify the cleaning process for pool professionals.
• It's important to have spare products on hand to avoid delays in service.
• Gary emphasizes the need for problem-solving and finding solutions in the industry.
• A positive attitude and commitment to quality can lead to success in the pool industry.

Sound Bites

• "COVID was such a turning point."
• "You get what you pay for."
• "Not at all. Not at all."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Innovation in Pool Service

04:26
The Birth of VaxBags

09:02
Customer Service and Relationship Building

12:02
Debunking Myths About Vacuum Bags

15:28
The Importance of Quality in Pool Maintenance

19:46
The Future of Pool Cleaning Solutions

23:17
Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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pool safety, maintenance, leaking pools, commercial pools, health and safety, pool inspections, pool repairs, pool technician, safety standards, pool equipment

Summary

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Lee and Shane discuss various safety concerns related to pool maintenance and inspections. They share real-life experiences with leaking pools, unsafe structures, and the importance of adhering to safety standards. The conversation emphasizes the need for preventative maintenance, awareness of pool conditions, and the responsibility of pool technicians to ensure safety for both themselves and pool users. They also highlight the significance of communication with clients regarding safety hazards and the necessity of proper training for staff.

Takeaways

• Preventative maintenance is crucial to avoid costly repairs.
• Always assess the safety of a pool before servicing.
• Communication with clients about safety is essential.
• Pool technicians must be aware of their limitations.
• Unsafe pool structures can lead to serious injuries.
• Regular inspections can prevent dangerous situations.
• Staff safety should be a priority in pool maintenance.
• Understanding local safety standards is vital for compliance.
• Training staff to recognize hazards is important.
• It's acceptable to refuse unsafe jobs.

Sound Bites

• "You need to build steps here."
• "It's not worth it at all."
• "It's a big safety issue."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Overview of Pool Safety Concerns

01:40
Case Study: The Leaking Vinyl Liner Pool

08:58
Unsafe Pools: Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned

30:41
Work Health and Safety in Pool Maintenance

45:03
Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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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.

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