Talking Pools Podcast

By: Rudy Stankowitz
  • Summary

  • Forget chasing chlorine headaches and battling algae wars alone. The Talking Pools Podcast is your weekly escape from pool purgatory, where 250+ years of combined pro wisdom explodes into actionable hacks, mind-blowing tips, and secrets so ancient they make Poseidon jealous.


    Think of it as your weekly poolside braintrust, fueled by eight seasoned pros, each a rockstar in their own aquatic lane. Got a filtration fiasco? Chemical conundrum? Equipment enigma? No problem. We've got a host for that:


    • The Tech Titan: Unravels the mysteries of pumps, filters, and gizmos that make pools tick (without the electrical shocks).


    • The Chem Crusader: Your personal alchemist, whipping up potion-perfect water balance with a dash of science and a sprinkle of magic.


    • The Maintenance Maverick: From tile tricks to algae assassins, he's got the lowdown on keeping your pool looking like a liquid emerald palace.


    • The Customer Calmer: Smooths ruffled feathers faster than a pool noodle bouquet, turning hangry homeowners into poolside pals.


    But Talking Pools isn't just about technical wizardry. It's about camaraderie, the shared language of pool pros who've seen it all, from exploding filters to synchronized swimming squirrels (no, really, we had an episode!).


    Every week, you'll:


    • Steal game-changing secrets: Learn pro-grade hacks to make you the "Pool Whisperer" in your market


    • Laugh until you spit out your piña colada: These guys are as witty as they are wise, turning pool problems into poolside punchlines.


    • Get ahead of the curve: Stay on top of industry trends and tech before your competitors even smell the chlorine.


    • Feel the love (and the sunshine): Remember why you got into this business in the first place – the joy of creating backyard oases where memories are made.


    So, ditch the Drano, grab your headphones, and dive into the Talking Pools Podcast. It's your weekly dose of poolside wisdom, laughter, and community. We'll see you on the flip side!


    P.S. Subscribe now and you might just win a case of pool party essentials (floaties not included, sorry squirrels).


    P.P.S. Tell your pool-loving friends – sharing knowledge is like sharing sunscreen, it protects everyone!

    © 2025 Talking Pools Podcast
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Episodes
  • Deadly Wildlife causes of Pool Failures
    Mar 10 2025

    Text a pool service question HERE!

    In this episode, the hosts discuss various topics ranging from the impact of natural disasters in Australia, including cyclones and floods, to the unique challenges posed by the country's deadly wildlife. They delve into the intricacies of pool maintenance, particularly the complications that arise from combining spas and pools, and share insights on software solutions for managing pool services. The conversation also covers the importance of using the right adhesives in pool construction and the pitfalls of poor landscaping choices around pools. The episode concludes with a call for community engagement and sharing experiences related to pool maintenance.

    takeaways

    • Australia faces frequent natural disasters like cyclones and floods.
    • The funnel-web spider is one of the most venomous creatures in Australia.
    • Pool maintenance can be complicated by the presence of spas.
    • Using the right adhesive is crucial for pool repairs.
    • Landscaping choices can significantly impact pool maintenance.
    • Software solutions can streamline pool management processes.
    • Understanding water chemistry is essential for pool and spa combinations.
    • Community engagement is important for sharing maintenance challenges.
    • Proper installation techniques can prevent future pool issues.
    • Awareness of local wildlife is necessary for safety.

    Sound Bites

    • "It's amazing we have a tourism industry at all."
    • "It's not as scary as that if you wanted to move."
    • "You want small chunks, put that down on there."
    • "It's much easier to deal with a thousand liters."
    • "The pH in the spa is extremely low."
    • "We could have just let it go on and on and on."
    • "The whole thing's just a train wreck."
    • "We all suffer the same influences of landscaping."

    Chapters

    00:00
    Weather Woes and Natural Disasters

    02:55
    Australia's Deadly Creatures

    06:06
    Pool Maintenance Challenges

    09:00
    The Dangers of Spa and Pool Combinations

    11:48
    Software Solutions for Pool Management

    15:06
    Adhesives and Repairs in Pool Construction

    18:01
    Landscaping Nightmares

    20:54
    Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

    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

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    43 mins
  • Customer Reviews - The Good, The Bad, and the Libel
    Mar 7 2025

    Text a pool service question HERE!

    In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz delves into the multifaceted world of customer reviews, discussing their significance in the service industry. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging customer feedback, handling negative reviews effectively, and understanding the legal implications of online reviews. The conversation highlights strategies for leveraging positive reviews as marketing tools while maintaining a strong online reputation. Rudy concludes by stressing the need for businesses to navigate the review landscape with professionalism and integrity.

    takeaways

    • Customer reviews can significantly boost credibility and attract new clients.
    • Timing and personalization are key when asking for reviews.
    • Social proof from existing reviews can encourage more feedback.
    • Negative reviews can be opportunities for improvement and customer engagement.
    • A professional response to negative reviews can enhance a business's reputation.
    • Understanding the legal aspects of reviews is crucial for business owners.
    • Positive reviews should be integrated into marketing strategies for maximum impact.
    • Maintaining a strong overall reputation helps mitigate the effects of negative feedback.
    • Engaging with customers publicly can foster loyalty and trust.
    • Proactive management of online reputation is essential for long-term success.

    Sound Bites

    • "Customer reviews can be great or a thorn in your side."
    • "A well-thought-out strategy can make all the difference."
    • "That's the good, the bad, and the ugly."

    Chapters

    00:00
    The Importance of Customer Reviews

    06:39
    Handling Negative Reviews

    20:42
    Legal Aspects of Customer Reviews

    AquaStar Pool Products
    The Global Leader in Safety, Dependability, & Innovation in Pool Technology.

    POOL MAGAZINE
    Pool Magazine is leading up to the minute news source for Swimming Pool News and Pool Features. Ou

    BLUERAY XL
    The real mineral purifier! Reduce your pool maintenance costs & efforts by 50%

    CPO Certification Classes
    Attend your CPO class with Rudy Stankowitz!

    Online Pool Classes
    The difference between you and your competition is what you know!

    Jack's Magic
    If you know Jack's you'd have no stains!

    Raypak
    Raypak, leading the evolution of environmental efficiency and sustainability in pool heaters.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    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

    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • The Future of Pool Service Software
    Mar 6 2025

    Text a pool service question HERE!

    In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Steve and Wayne welcome Peter Legass from BufferZone, a software solution for pool service management. The conversation explores the evolution of the pool service industry, the importance of software in managing multiple clients, and the unique features of BufferZone that cater to both residential and commercial pool services. Peter shares his journey in the pool industry, the development of BufferZone, and how it addresses common pain points for pool service providers. The discussion also covers onboarding processes, water chemistry management, reporting, and operational efficiency, providing valuable insights for pool professionals looking to enhance their business practices. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various software solutions for invoicing and business management, particularly focusing on BufferZone's capabilities. They explore alternatives to QuickBooks, the flexibility of invoicing for diverse client needs, onboarding options for new users, and the support and pricing structure of BufferZone. Additionally, they touch on exciting developments planned for 2025, including a new app and expansion into other water-based industries.

    takeaways

    • BufferZone is designed for pool service management.
    • Onboarding is crucial for successful software implementation.
    • The best time to adopt software is from the beginning.
    • BufferZone can integrate data from existing software.
    • Transitioning to BufferZone is not as daunting as it seems.
    • Water chemistry management is a key feature of BufferZone.
    • Reporting tools help maintain transparency with customers.
    • Service management tools enhance operational efficiency.
    • Customer feedback drives the evolution of BufferZone.
    • Choosing the right software is essential for long-term success. BufferZone integrates with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Lightspeed.
    • Flexible invoicing options cater to diverse client needs.
    • Users can generate job cards and invoices easily.
    • Onboarding includes demonstrations and data import options.
    • BufferZone offers 24-hour support across different time zones.
    • Pricing is structured per user, not per pool.
    • The software includes payment integrations for easy transactions.
    • A new app is set to be released, enhancing user experience.
    • BufferZone is expanding into commercial software and other industries.
    • The software is designed to simplify business management tasks.

    Sound Bites

    • "Peter's from the future!"
    • "You have to have onboarding!"
    • "BufferZone has tools to onboard customers!"
    • "It's not as scary as that!"
    • "We can put blockers in there!"
    • "You want to make sure it's the right one!"
    • "You can identify what time!"
    • "You need to change your ways to save time."
    • "We
    LaMotte Company
    LaMotte Company is a leading manufacturer of water quality testing products & pool test kits

    California Pool Association
    Pool Industry Trade Organization

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    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

    Show more Show less
    55 mins

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