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It’s Floc It Friday, and Rudy’s bringing the fire—along with borates, polyquats, and the brutal truth about mustard algae. In what might be our most packed episode to date, Rudy Stankowitz dives headfirst into the evolving mustard algae crisis in 2025—why your go-to treatment (sodium bromide) is now banned, how diatoms are getting smarter, and what you need to do to fight back.

🧪 MUSTARD ALGAE: THE TRUTH REVEALED
Rudy breaks down the biology of mustard algae (a.k.a. diatoms), the real reasons it's thriving, and the environmental shifts that are turning backyard pools into biofilm playgrounds. From Saharan dust storms to phosphate-packed municipal water, nothing is off-limits.

💥 THE SCIENCE-BASED ERADICATION PROTOCOL
No more half-measures. Rudy shares a complete, step-by-step plan for nuking mustard algae—30 ppm chlorine, pH control, borates, polyquats, filter deep-cleans, and follow-up that matters. This isn’t theory. It’s field-proven strategy with real-world results.

⚗️ BORATES & POLYQUATS: THE NEW DYNAMIC DUO
Learn how 50 ppm borates change the game by starving algae, stabilizing pH, and supercharging chlorine—while polyquats lock down surfaces and prevent reattachment. Together, they create a hostile environment algae can’t survive.

🔬 HEAVY METALS & SMART DOSING
Rudy explains how copper, silver, and zinc work together to stop algae at the cellular level—IF you use them right. Chelated vs. non-chelated? Dosing limits? Timing with shock? He covers it all.

📉 EPA Bans & Industry Shifts
With sodium bromide off the table, Rudy urges pros to stop relying on magic fixes and start understanding their water. This is about long-term control, not short-term cover-ups.

🏆 MENTOR OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCEMENT COMING
Rudy teases the top 10 finalists for the 202

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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss various topics related to pool maintenance, including the importance of reliable staffing, the impact of ransomware attacks on the industry, and the significance of effective water testing. They emphasize the need for strong cybersecurity measures, especially in light of recent attacks, and the importance of clear communication with clients regarding pool maintenance expectations. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by weather conditions and the necessity of understanding pool chemistry for effective maintenance.

takeaways

• Steve shares his recent wedding experience in Turks and Caicos.
• Reliable staffing is crucial for business continuity during personal events.
• Ransomware attacks can affect any business with technology.
• Cybersecurity is essential for protecting business operations.
• Weather significantly impacts pool maintenance and water quality.
• Proper water testing is vital for pool health and safety.
• Communication with clients about pool conditions is key.
• The cost of maintaining pools can vary significantly.
• Understanding pool chemistry is essential for effective maintenance.
• Evaluating client relationships is important for business sustainability.

Sound Bites

• "Congratulations, Steve and Janet."
• "Ransomware affects anyone with tech going on."
• "Is it worth it for me to send a guy out there?"

Chapters

00:00
Celebrating New Beginnings

02:38
The Importance of Reliable Staffing

04:58
Navigating Ransomware Attacks

10:41
The Significance of Proper Pool Maintenance

23:52
Understanding Water Chemistry

30:47
The Dangers of Cheap Testing Kits

36:34
Client Communication and Expectations

42:15
Evaluating Client Relationships

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

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Text us a pool question!

In this episode, Sarah the Pool Girl dives deep into the world of pool filtration, exploring the pros and cons of cartridge, DE (Diatomaceous Earth), and sand filters. With her signature blend of humor and hands-on know-how, Sarah breaks down the maintenance requirements, efficiency levels, and practical realities of each filter type. She clears up common misconceptions and shares real-world tips that come straight from the deck—not the manual. Along the way, she reflects on the value of community engagement and how personal experience can shape smarter pool care decisions.

Takeaways:

• Cartridge filters are often seen as the most low-maintenance option.
• DE filters provide the finest filtration but require more frequent attention.
• Sand filters are simple to operate but may not offer the same clarity as DE.
• Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent algae and extend equipment life.
• Choosing the right filter depends on your pool's specific needs and usage.
• Sharing experiences and engaging with the pool pro community builds knowledge.
• A multi-cyclone unit can reduce the frequency of cartridge cleanings.
• Ruby Red sand can improve the performance of sand filters.
• Backwashing is key for keeping DE and sand filters working efficiently.
• Personal stories often contain the best troubleshooting wisdom.

Sound Bites:

• "Why are we arguing about filters?"
• "You have to take it apart once a year."
• "I hope you can see and hear me."

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Pool Filters
12:30 – Understanding Cartridge Filters
18:56 – Exploring DE Filters
24:44 – The Case for Sand Filters

Support the show

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

• Facebook
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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com