Pool Pros text questions here

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Natalie Hood and Casey McGovern discuss the critical topic of water safety and drowning prevention. They address common myths surrounding swim lessons, the importance of early education, and the need for constant supervision around water. Casey shares her personal journey as a mother of a drowning victim and her advocacy work with Every Child a Swimmer. The conversation emphasizes the importance of year-round swim lessons, the dangers of floaties, and the need for funding and resources to support water safety programs. They also highlight the necessity of normalizing discussions about water safety to prevent future tragedies.

takeaways

• Water safety is layered and often misunderstood.
• Supervision alone is not enough to prevent drowning.
• Swim lessons can start as early as six months.
• Drowning can happen quickly and silently.
• Floaties provide a false sense of security.
• Drowning risks exist beyond just pools.
• Year-round swim lessons are essential for skill retention.
• Funding for swim programs is often limited.
• Education is key to preventing drowning incidents.
• Every child deserves access to swim lessons.

Sound Bites

• "Drowning is fast and silent."
• "Invest in swim lessons early."
• "Every child can learn to swim."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Water Safety and Myths

01:25
Casey's Personal Journey and Advocacy

04:35
The Importance of Early Swim Lessons

08:56
Understanding Drowning: Myths and Realities

12:41
Supervision and Safety Measures

19:32
Drowning Risks Beyond the Pool

24:48
The Dangers of Floaties

31:33
Year-Round Swim Lessons

37:19
Funding for Water Safety Programs

43:32
Normalizing Water Safety Conversations

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Pool Pros text questions here

Andrea and Paulette walk through how to troubleshoot circulation problems, filtration issues, heaters, automation quirks, and equipment that technically powers on but doesn’t actually do its job. They talk about why symptoms lie, why homeowners unintentionally sabotage diagnostics, and how skipping fundamentals leads to repeat service calls.

The Breaking News segments explore documented reports of ghost sightings and cryptid encounters connected to swimming pools, how those stories end up in newspapers and local news outlets, and why pools—controlled, predictable spaces—become lightning rods for “something’s not right” moments. These interludes also reinforce the importance of documentation, camera footage, and not dismissing reports until conditions are verified.

Throughout the episode, Andrea and Paulette emphasize thinking before acting, documenting before reacting, and knowing when a situation is a pool problem, a wildlife problem, or a “this is above our pay grade” problem.

Support the show

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

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Pool Pros text questions here

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Lee and Shane discuss strategies for expanding pool service businesses in 2026. They explore the transition from residential to commercial pools, the importance of qualifications and insurance, and the need for proactive maintenance and testing. The conversation also highlights the significance of utilizing existing databases, creating innovative service packages, and networking to uncover new revenue streams. The hosts emphasize the importance of being proactive in business growth and adapting to market demands.

takeaways

• The New Year is a great time to consider business growth.
• Qualifications are essential for entering the commercial pool space.
• Insurance is crucial when dealing with commercial pools.
• Understanding the difference between residential and commercial pools is key.
• Testing and maintenance frequency increases with commercial pools.
• Utilizing your database can uncover untapped business opportunities.
• Innovative service packages can enhance customer offerings.
• Networking can lead to valuable partnerships and referrals.
• Exploring new revenue streams can diversify income.
• Being proactive in business strategies is essential for success.

Sound Bites

• "New Year, new you."
• "Think outside that square."
• "Be proactive, not reactive."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and New Year Aspirations

02:08
Exploring Commercial Pool Opportunities

06:49
Understanding Qualifications and Insurance for Commercial Pools

15:53
Defining Commercial vs Residential Pools

19:47
Navigating Responsibilities and Risks in Commercial Pool Management

23:46
Leveraging Your Database for Business Growth

27:22
Expanding Service Offerings and New Revenue Streams

31:30
Networking and Collaborating for Business Success

35:36
The Importance of Proactive Business Strategies

39:36
Conclusion and Future Outlook

#PoolService
#CommercialPools
#BusinessGrowth
#IndustryQualifications
#PoolInsurance
#PoolMaintenance
#ServiceOfferings
#IndustryNetworking
#RevenueStreams
#ProactiveStrategies

Support the show

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

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Pool Pros text questions here

In this episode, Rudy discusses the complexities of pool chemistry, focusing on the importance of understanding oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and its implications for effective pool management. He emphasizes the need to shift focus from merely adding chemicals to understanding the real-time capabilities of water, particularly in relation to pH and cyanuric acid. Through a case study of the Olympic dive pool incident, he illustrates the potential pitfalls of misinterpreting ORP readings and stresses the importance of continuous monitoring and adjustment in pool maintenance.

takeaways

• The first Friday of 2026 marks a new beginning.
• Understanding the difference between what is added and what the water can do is crucial.
• ORP is a key indicator of water's oxidative power.
• pH affects chlorine behavior but is not the only factor.
• Cyanuric acid plays a significant role in chlorine effectiveness.
• The Olympic dive pool incident highlights the importance of ORP understanding.
• ORP should not be treated as a standalone measure.
• Continuous monitoring of ORP is essential for effective pool management.
• Chlorine's effectiveness is influenced by various factors, including sunlight and bather load.
• Operators must interrogate the system rather than rely solely on ORP readings.

Sound Bites

• "pH always matters!"
• "ORP does not clean pools!"
• "Interrogate the system!"

Chapters

00:00
Welcome to 2026: A New Beginning

01:48
Understanding Water Chemistry: The Shift in Focus

03:31
The Importance of ORP in Pool Management

07:59
Clarifying Misconceptions: pH, CYA, and ORP

13:36
The Role of Cyanuric Acid in Pool Chemistry

19:12
Case Study: The Olympic Dive Pool Incident

24:11
Interpreting ORP: A Tool for Pool Operators

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Pool Pros text questions here

Steve Sherwood kicks off the New Year’s Day conclusion of the holiday two-parter with a no-fluff reminder: if you’re not doing chemical dosing calculations, what are you even doing out there? This episode is a practical, field-first toolbox talk—equal parts profitability and liability prevention.

Steve breaks down why measuring accurately (liquid and dry) isn’t “extra,” it’s literally the difference between making money and quietly donating it to every pool you touch. He walks through the core measurement tools every tech should carry, then pivots into operational safety: SDS sheets, chemical transport, bonding/grounding awareness at equipment pads, and how to avoid expensive (and reputation-killing) accidents like flooding a yard or dropping a $4,000 heater on the highway.

He closes with a promise: next week he’ll get into a full wish list of gear you should be buying for your techs (and yourself) to make the job easier in 2026—plus he offers to share his calculation sheets if you email the show.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Accurate dosing isn’t nerd stuff—it’s profit protection
Steve calls out the casual “just eyeball it” culture and explains how small overpours multiply fast across a route. A little extra per stop becomes real money by the end of the week and month.

The reality of app-based dosing
Using an app is fine—if you actually set it up correctly. Steve points out the common failure: techs use apps without confirming product strengths (cal-hypo % varies, liquid chlorine strength varies), which makes the output garbage.

Field measurement tools every tech should carry
Steve emphasizes having simple, cheap tools that prevent waste:

• A fluid-ounce measuring cup (so “half a gallon” isn’t a guess)
• A dedicated dry-chemical scoop system (like “smart scoops”) for more consistent dosing—unless you’re willing to go full-pro and carry a scale

Route management: track chemical usage like you mean it
He talks about using modern apps and reporting to review chemical spend by account—so you can see who’s profitable and who’s quietly eating your margins.

Safety and Liability: The Stuff That Can Ruin Your Year

SDS sheets in the truck, always
Steve stresses having a physical SDS binder/folder for everything you carry—because in an accident, nobody else is going to “handle your chemical problem.” If there’s a spill or cleanup, it’s coming back to you.

Bonding and grounding checks at the equipment pad
Steve urges techs to stop ignoring the pad. Take a minute and look. Missing or improper bonding/grounding isn’t just “code talk”—it’s a safety risk that can become a negligence nightmare if something goes wrong.

Carry extra bonding wire
He recommends keeping a roll of the correct gauge bonding wire on the truck because he runs into missing or incorrect bonding more often than he should.

Secure loads in your truck
He highlights straps (rocket straps / heavy-duty straps) because the worst-case scenario is catastrophic: equipment or chemicals falling out at highway speed, causing injury or damage—and liability lands on you.

“Stop Flooding People’s Yards” Tools

Water timers save your ass

Flow meters for smarter fills and commer

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Pool Pros text questions here

In the conclusion of Natalie Hood’s conversation with Ryan Walker, the focus shifts from “selling pool stuff” to selling outcomes: experience, lifestyle, confidence, and trust. This episode pulls the curtain back on what’s really happening in today’s retail and builder sales environment—homeowners aren’t shopping locally anymore. They’re shopping globally through TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, then walking into your store or your design meeting with Dubai-level expectations and a Michigan budget… and they still want you to make it real.

Ryan breaks down why dealers and retailers can’t win by being defensive, dismissive, or stuck in “this is how we’ve always done it.” Instead, the winning move is customer-centric discovery: show what’s possible, guide the customer through tradeoffs, and give them a solution—not a shutdown. Along the way, the conversation hits pricing psychology, upselling ethically, supplier partnerships, training your staff in the off-season, and why one bad review can punch harder than ten great ones.

What This Episode Covers

Selling the vision, not just the pool
Homeowners aren’t buying “a body of water.” They’re buying backyard life that replaces travel, replaces entertainment, and becomes the family experience hub. Pools (and even above-ground setups) have evolved into full environments—decks, lighting, wellness add-ons, the whole vibe.

Why “cheap” isn’t the conversation anymore
With pool projects regularly crossing the $100K mark, obsessing over saving $50–$200 can be meaningless against the total investment (and the loan). The real job is to help the buyer spend smarter, not just spend less.

Social media has changed the customer’s brain
Customers aren’t looking at “what sells in this zip code.” They’re looking at what looks insane on a reel. Dealers who don’t adapt to global inspiration trends risk sounding outdated or dismissive—and that’s how you lose the room (and the sale).

Dealers must stop taking trends personally
If a customer brings you an idea that’s unrealistic or “not right for your market,” the answer isn’t a slammed door. The answer is:

• explain why it’s hard,
• explain what it would require,
• and offer an alternative solution that gets the same feeling with fewer headaches.

How to upsell without being gross
Ryan points out that strong sales isn’t pressure—it’s clarity. Customers want you to guide them. If you can retain attention, build trust, and connect features to outcomes, you can justify premium choices without acting like a carnival barker.

Heat pump myth-busting (yes, even in cold markets)
The episode calls out the “heat pumps don’t work here” mindset and reframes it: heat pumps work in Canada, and Canada is colder than Michigan. Translation: the barrier isn’t physics—it’s explanation and expectation-setting.

Supplier relationships: stop waiting to be visited
Reps cover huge territories and get flooded with requests. If you want training, product support, or attention—ask for it. Call. Get the rep’s number from the distributor. The hungriest dealers get the most support because they create the reason to show up.

Off-season is training season

Retail’s biggest killer: bad reviews

Training staff f

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Pool Pros text questions here

This week, Andrea and Paulette pull back the curtain on one of the most uncomfortable truths in pool service: you don’t need to be reckless to get seriously hurt. You just need to be casual. From cracked buckets rolling around in the back of trucks to “I’ve done it this way for years” shortcuts, this episode explores the many real-world ways pool professionals can poison themselves, gas homeowners, or trigger violent chemical reactions—without ever intending to.

Drawing from field experience, incident reports, and stories every pool pro recognizes immediately, Andrea and Paulette break down how common mistakes with storage, transport, mixing, and disposal turn everyday service routes into rolling hazards. This isn’t about scare tactics. It’s about respect for chemistry and understanding that pool chemicals don’t forgive familiarity.

The conversation covers how fumes accumulate in enclosed vehicles, why moisture is the silent enemy of oxidizers, how cross-contamination happens without anyone realizing it, and why “just this once” thinking has put techs in emergency rooms and neighborhoods under evacuation orders. Along the way, Andrea and Paulette deliver their trademark mix of straight talk, lived experience, and uncomfortable laughs—because sometimes humor is the only way to get people to actually listen.

If you’ve ever tossed a bucket in the truck without checking the lid, stacked incompatible products because space was tight, or assumed that a smell would “just air out,” this episode is for you. It’s not about shaming. It’s about making it home at the end of the day.

What You’ll Take Away:
A clearer understanding of how easily chemical exposure happens in pool service work, why trucks are one of the most dangerous places for mistakes, how minor storage and handling decisions escalate into major incidents, and why chemical safety is not about intelligence—it’s about discipline and consistency.

Why This Episode Matters:
Because most chemical injuries in this industry don’t happen during dramatic spills or explosions. They happen quietly. Over time. In hot trucks. In damp compartments. In moments when no one thinks they’re doing anything wrong.

Andrea and Paulette remind listeners that chemistry doesn’t care how experienced you are, how busy the route is, or how many pools you’ve cleaned before lunch. It only cares about conditions—and conditions are always under your control until they aren’t.

Podcast: Talking Pools Podcast
Hosts: Andrea and Paulette

Listener Advisory:
This episode discusses real-world chemical exposure risks and incidents for educational purposes. No procedures, recipes, or mixing instructions are provided. Safety, awareness, and prevention are the focus throughout.

Support the show

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

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Pool Pros text questions here

In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Lee and Shane reflect on the past year in the swimming pool industry, discussing significant changes in leadership, the recognition of the trade, and the importance of planning for the future. They emphasize the need for work-life balance and personal growth as they look forward to 2026 and the upcoming Splash trade show.

takeaways

• The swimming pool industry has seen significant leadership changes recently.
• Recognition as a trade is a major milestone for the industry.
• Planning for the future is essential for personal and business growth.
• Work-life balance is crucial for long-term success in the industry.
• The upcoming Splash trade show in 2026 is highly anticipated.
• It's important to appreciate achievements from the past year.
• Setting goals for the new year can help maintain focus and direction.
• The industry needs more formal training and apprenticeships.
• Taking time for personal enjoyment is vital for overall well-being.
• Engaging with the community can lead to new opportunities and connections.

link : https://courses.thepoolshopcoach.com.au/store

Sound Bites

• "It's sink or swim for our industry."
• "We are a trade that can electrocute you."
• "Take care of your golf balls first."

Chapters

00:00
Welcome and Reflections on the Year

01:44
Industry Changes and Leadership Transitions

05:38
Recognition of the Swimming Pool Trade

10:50
Personal Growth and Business Planning for 2026

24:17
Work-Life Balance and Future Aspirations

Support the show

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

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com