Send us a text

In this episode of Thursdays with Wayne & Steve, the hosts tackle the tough but necessary topic of firing customers. Wayne and Steve dive into the signs that it’s time to cut ties with a problematic client, exploring how to assess when the drama outweighs the revenue. They break down the common red flags—late payments, unrealistic expectations, and constant complaints—and discuss how to weigh those against the value of keeping a customer on the books.

The duo also highlights when not to fire a customer, stressing the importance of separating emotion from business decisions. They offer practical tips on determining just how much hassle is too much, sharing personal stories of clients who pushed the boundaries of professionalism.

Most importantly, Wayne and Steve cover the critical part: what to say when it’s time to let a customer go. They share professional yet firm scripts for maintaining your dignity and reputation while showing a bad customer the door.

This episode is a must-listen for any pool service professional trying to navigate the tricky waters of customer relationships!

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

Send us a text

Andrea and Paulette are back, and this time, they're schooling us on two things: Andrea's eager-but-clueless helper and, well, let’s just say some tadpoles didn’t make it out alive. Tragic but hilarious.

Just when you think it's safe to get back in the water, BAM! You get hit with a Biolab update. You know, the place that had that massive fire. Trying to get things back on track after that has been a mess. Things are looking up, according to this Press Release.

Picture this: Andrea’s got a new guy on the team, right? And this guy is the definition of enthusiastic ignorance. He doesn’t know squat about pool service, but he’s like a sponge—ready to soak it all in, except maybe some chlorine, 'cause I think he missed that memo. The whole time, Andrea’s like, “I appreciate your effort, but please, for the love of God, stop messing with the equipment before you turn the filter into a Space X rocket.”

And speaking of science experiments… let's talk tadpoles. RIP to those little guys. Yeah, apparently, while learning the ropes, the new guy thought it was totally normal to skim out frogs and their tiny swimming babies with, like, zero remorse. Andrea tried to stop him, but at some point, you gotta just let it happen and give the tadpoles a funeral they didn’t ask for. "And here we lay these little amphibians to rest—plop—in the chlorine-soaked afterlife. May they hop in peace."

Andrea and Paulette just wrap it up like, “So yeah, tadpoles dead, chlorine shortage is a concern, and this new guy… still has no idea what he’s doing. But he’s learning!” It's like a reality show where the stakes are lower, but the laughs are higher.

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

Send us a text

In this episode of Mondays Down Under, Peter, Shane, and Lee are joined by Spiros Dassakis, the Chief Policy Officer of SPASA, to dive into important updates regarding pool safety regulations, specifically changes to AS1926.1, which governs pool barriers in Australia. Spiros provides valuable insights into how these changes impact both pool service professionals and homeowners, emphasizing the critical role of proper barrier installation in ensuring pool safety.

This episode is particularly relevant for Australian listeners, as the updates to AS1926.1 directly affect compliance and safety standards across the country. The team discusses practical steps for implementing these changes and staying ahead of the new regulations. For more details, listeners can check out relevant resources at spasa.com.au and stay informed about upcoming events at spasa.com.au/events.

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

Send us a text

In this conversation, Rudy Stankowitz delves into the intricate world of pool chemistry, focusing on the critical role of cyanuric acid in maintaining chlorine levels. He emphasizes the importance of digital marketing strategies for pool service companies, including SEO and social media engagement. The discussion also covers the delicate balance between chlorine and cyanuric acid, offering practical tips for pool professionals to optimize their maintenance practices.

takeaways

• Cyanuric acid is essential for effective chlorine use.
• Digital marketing is crucial for pool service visibility.
• Social media can enhance customer engagement.
• SEO strategies can drive more traffic to pool services.
• Understanding molecular dynamics helps in pool maintenance.
• Balancing chlorine and cyanuric acid is key to sanitation.
• Regular testing of water chemistry is necessary.
• Using Google My Business can improve local search results.
• Dilution is a practical solution for high cyanuric acid levels.
• Aluminum sulfate can effectively lower cyanuric acid levels.

Sound Bites

• "Cyanuric acid plays a crucial role in maintaining your chlorine level."
• "You must be in the arcane rituals of molecular dynamics."
• "It's all about how the sunlight glistens off the 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

Send us a text

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Steve and Wayne take listeners on an emotional journey, imagining what the life of a pool guy would look like in a perfect world. From the first few words, you can feel the deep passion they have for the pool industry and the people who make it run. They paint a picture of an industry where pool service techs are treated like the professionals they truly are—where respect, appreciation, and recognition are part of everyday life.

Wayne begins by describing a world where pool service pros are valued for their expertise and not just seen as “the pool guy.” He envisions clients who understand the complexities behind what techs do, recognizing that pool maintenance is more than just skimming the surface. The conversation takes on a nostalgic and wistful tone, as Wayne and Steve both reflect on moments when they felt unseen or underappreciated in their own careers.

Steve chimes in, imagining a world where techs have all the tools and resources they need—where they aren’t scrambling to find parts or dealing with outdated equipment. In this perfect world, pool techs are equipped with the latest technology and software to streamline their work, making their lives easier and giving them more time for what matters most: spending time with family, pursuing passions, or simply relaxing after a hard day's work.

The conversation grows even more emotional when Wayne speaks about the physical toll pool service takes. He dreams of a world where techs have lighter, ergonomic equipment to reduce strain on their bodies, with health benefits and mental health support built into the job. The perfect world they describe is one where burnout is a thing of the past, and every tech feels supported and energized.

Steve paints the final strokes of their vision, imagining a culture of mutual respect between service pros and clients. In this world, homeowners don’t just expect perfection—they appreciate the effort and expertise it takes to achieve it. Clients tip generously, express gratitude, and trust their techs enough to give them flexibility in scheduling. He envisions a world where pool pros go home satisfied, not stressed, knowing their hard work is appreciated.

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

Send us a text

In this Talking Pools Podcast episode, Andrea and Paulette dive into the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, where pools were left in chaos, strewn with debris, and demanding far more than a simple skim and brush. Yet, one of the most pressing questions they tackle is: Why are pool service professionals so hesitant to charge extra for the extra work that comes with storm cleanup?

Andrea and Paulette, seasoned pros in the pool industry, know all too well the hesitation that comes with asking clients for additional payment. It's almost like there's an unspoken fear among pool techs that customers will flip out the moment they hear "extra charge." And that’s the problem!

It’s baffling that homeowners, who’ve just lived through the same hurricane, often seem surprised or—worse—offended that their pool guy or gal wants to charge more for what’s obviously more work. Trees uprooted, dirt blown in, and leaves plastering the pool surface like confetti after a parade—shouldn't it be common sense that this level of cleanup requires extra effort and, naturally, extra compensation?

Andrea highlights that, post-hurricane, pool pros aren't just dealing with a little extra dirt. They're working overtime to remove heavy debris, restore proper water chemistry, and prevent long-term damage from becoming an even bigger issue. This is hours of back-breaking labor—far beyond the usual weekly check-up.

Paulette chimes in, pointing out that it's a mindset issue. Many pool techs feel almost guilty for charging more, as if they're letting down their customers by needing compensation for their time. But let’s be real—if a tree guy gets to charge you for removing that massive oak limb from your backyard, why shouldn't the pool tech charge to haul out the aftermath from your pool?

What it really boils down to is communication. Pool service professionals should feel confident and assertive in explaining the reasons for additional fees after a weather event. The reality is, homeowners need to understand that pool care doesn’t come with a flat rate for all scenarios—especially when Mother Nature decides to whip up a storm.

Andrea and Paulette’s discussion is a reminder to pool techs that asking for more isn't greedy—it’s professional. If homeowners want their oasis restored after a storm, they need to realize it comes with a fair price tag.

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

Send us a text

In this gripping episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Peter shares a shocking story that will leave pool professionals both horrified and deeply aware of the dangers that lurk when chemicals are mishandled. He recounts an unforgettable moment when one of his customers mistakenly poured chlorine into an old sulfuric acid barrel. The hosts, Lee and Shane, are immediately taken aback, and the weight of the potential disaster sinks in. Peter explains that the reaction could have been catastrophic, triggering the release of toxic gases or even causing an explosion. He then recalls witnessing a competitor pool service technician making the same reckless mistake, cementing the lesson that even seasoned professionals aren't immune to carelessness.

The conversation takes an emotional turn as the hosts dive into the critical importance of never mixing incompatible chemicals. With their usual candor, Peter, Lee, and Shane stress that the risk isn't just property damage—it’s life-threatening. The gravity of their words hangs in the air as they speak about the unseen dangers that pool techs encounter daily, often while feeling invincible due to routine. Shane passionately urges listeners to re-examine their habits and ensure they educate both employees and customers about the dangers of improper chemical storage and handling.

It’s a sobering episode, packed with the kind of hard-hitting reality that serves as a wake-up call. The risks associated with mixing pool chemicals are real, and this episode doesn’t shy away from the terrifying consequences that could result from just one moment of oversight.

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

Send us a text

Summary: In this episode, Rudy covers two distinct but equally important topics. The show kicks off with an important news update on the Biolab fire that occurred on September 30, 2024, in Conyers, Georgia. Rudy discusses the impact of the fire, the ongoing investigation by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB), and the legal and environmental fallout from the event. He highlights the company's troubling safety history and how local residents are responding with class action lawsuits.

Following the news, Rudy dives into a technical deep-dive on electrochemical interactions in saltwater pools. He explains the principles of chlorine generation in saltwater systems, discussing redox reactions, the role of the electrolytic cell, and the challenges posed by water chemistry variations. Rudy emphasizes the importance of maintaining the correct pH levels and keeping an eye on scaling issues to ensure the efficiency of chlorine generation. He also touches on potential byproducts like chlorates and perchlorates, which can form under certain conditions.

In the second half of the episode, Rudy switches gears to discuss leveraging technology for pool service businesses. He covers the benefits of scheduling software, CRM systems, and automation, stressing the importance of adopting digital tools to streamline operations and improve customer service. Rudy breaks down how these technologies can help pool service companies stay competitive, enhance communication, and optimize their workflows for future growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Biolab Fire Update: On September 30, 2024, a fire at the Biolab factory in Conyers, Georgia, led to toxic gas being released, forcing over 90,000 residents to shelter in place. The fire, the second major incident for Biolab in 2024, sparked legal action, community skepticism, and an ongoing investigation by the CSB.

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