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This conversation delves into the Skimmer State of the Pool Service 2025 report, analyzing its findings and implications for the pool industry. Not everyone will like everything I say, but I shoot straight and share my honest evaluation of the collected information. It highlights the industry's growth, service professionals' challenges, and the importance of understanding data context. The discussion also covers marketing strategies, the impact of private equity, hiring practices, and the role of technology in shaping the future of pool service businesses.

takeaways

• The pool industry is experiencing significant growth, projected to reach $10.33 billion by 2029.
• Sample bias in industry reports can lead to misleading conclusions.
• Marketing is becoming a critical component for success in the pool industry.
• Private equity is reshaping the competitive landscape of pool service companies.
• Hiring and retaining skilled labor remains a major challenge for pool service businesses.
• Technology adoption is maturing, with companies using existing tools more effectively.
• Cultural shifts are necessary for improving employee engagement and retention.
• Understanding customer expectations is crucial for service providers.
• The industry is moving towards a focus on profit per pool rather than just increasing the number of pools serviced.
• The future of the pool industry will depend on adaptability and strategic growth.

Sound Bites

• "Trust is who understand your pricing."
• "The silent battlefield is marketing."
• "It's a wake-up call."

Chapters

00:00
Welcome to the Weekend

23:51
Understanding Market Dynamics

37:04
Marketing in the Pool Industry

47:01
The Role of Private Equity

54:55
The Future of Pool Service

01:00:59
New Chapter

01:01:01
Blueray commercial.mp4

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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss the misleading marketing of pool products, particularly focusing on monoprosulfate. They explore the advantages and limitations of this chemical, its proper usage, and the common misconceptions surrounding it. The conversation also touches on the importance of accurate water testing and the historical context of monoprosulfate in the pool industry. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, focusing on indoor pools, water chemistry, and the use of ionizers. They emphasize the importance of understanding the limitations of different products, particularly ionizers, and the role of copper and silver in pool sanitation. The conversation also touches on client management, setting realistic expectations, and the significance of documentation in maintaining good relationships with clients.

takeaways

• Marketing often exaggerates the effectiveness of pool products.
• Monoprosulfate is a non-chlorine oxidizer, not a sanitizer.
• Proper dosage of monoprosulfate is crucial to avoid issues.
• It can be used in high-traffic pools with minimal downtime.
• Monoprosulfate can lead to false readings in water tests.
• Understanding the chemical composition of pool products is essential.
• Homeowners often lack knowledge about the chemicals they use.
• Monoprosulfate can lower alkalinity and increase TDS.
• It's important to follow manufacturer guidelines for usage.
• Misleading marketing can lead to misuse of pool chemicals. Indoor pools require careful management of air circulation and water chemistry.
• High occupancy in pools can lead to sanitation issues.
• Ionizers are not a standalone solution for pool sanitation.
• Copper and silver can be effective algaecides but must be used correctly.
• Marketing claims about pool products can be misleading.
• Non-chlorine sanitizers have limitations and require careful handling.
• Client expectations must be managed to avoid misunderstandings.
• Documentation and communication are crucial in pool service.
• Taking before-and-after pictures helps in client communication.
• Understanding the chemistry of pool products is essential for effective maintenance.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Marketing Concerns

03:02
The Misleading Nature of Pool Products

05:49
Understanding Monopersulfate

08:56
Benefits and Limitations of Monopersulfate

11:52
Misconceptions About Monopersulfate

15:10
Practical Applications and Recommendations

17:58
Testing and Measurement Challenges

21:01

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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Andrea and Paulette discuss the challenges of preparing pools for the summer season in South Florida. They share their experiences with algae problems, customer expectations, and the importance of proper pool maintenance. The conversation also touches on customer interactions, misunderstandings regarding pool care, and the myths surrounding salt chlorinators. The hosts provide insights into their daily routines and the unique challenges they face in the pool cleaning industry.

takeaways

• It's important to prepare pools for summer by changing filters and checking stabilizer levels.
• Algae problems can arise from customer actions, such as adding too much water.
• Communication with customers is key to managing expectations about pool maintenance.
• Bird droppings can be a significant issue for pool cleanliness.
• Understanding the mechanics of salt chlorinators is crucial for proper maintenance.
• Customer misunderstandings can lead to frustration for pool service providers.
• Maintaining a lower stabilizer level can help prevent algae growth.
• Properly managing evaporation and water levels is essential during the summer.
• The hosts share humorous anecdotes about their experiences in pool maintenance.
• It's important to stay informed about best practices in pool care.

Sound Bites

• "Just don't add water."
• "I just want to go home."
• "It's going to turn green again."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Weekly Updates

01:32
Preparing Pools for Summer

08:05
Challenges with Pool Maintenance

13:53
Customer Interactions and Misunderstandings

19:45
Salt Chlorinators and Pool Chemistry

26:25
Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

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In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss various topics related to the pool service industry, including the current weather conditions, a spike in equipment sales, and the upcoming federal election in Australia. They delve into workplace injuries, sharing personal stories and emphasizing the importance of safety protocols and PPE. The conversation also touches on the physical demands of the job, employer responsibilities, and the need for risk assessments. The hosts encourage listener engagement by inviting them to share their experiences and insights.

takeaways

• A spike in equipment sales indicates a busy season ahead.
• Workplace injuries can often be avoided with proper safety protocols.
• No jumping fences or climbing fences is a crucial safety policy.
• Educating staff on safety measures is essential for a safe work environment.
• Physical demands of the job require attention to health and safety.
• Employers must provide necessary PPE gear to their staff.
• Risk assessments should be conducted regularly to ensure safety.
• Animal encounters can pose risks that need to be managed.
• Setting a good example for staff is vital in promoting safety.
• Engaging with listeners can help share valuable insights and experiences.

Sound Bites

• "We've seen a big spike in equipment sales."
• "Let's talk injuries."
• "No jumping fences, no climbing fences."
• "You need to be able to deal with it."
• "You need to educate your staff."
• "Practice what you preach."
• "The job is quite taxing on the body."

Chapters

00:00
Welcome and Weather Check

03:03
Equipment Sales and Political Climate

06:04
Workplace Injuries and Safety Protocols

09:01
Personal Injury Stories and Lessons Learned

12:03
Workplace Safety Regulations and Compliance

15:06
Animal Encounters and Risk Assessments

18:05
Physical Demands of the Job

20:58
Employer Responsibilities and Staff Safety

24:10
Conclusion and Call for Listener Engagement

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In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the pool industry, encouraging listeners to nominate their mentors for recognition at mentoraward.com He discusses innovations in pool safety and maintenance, highlighting the National Drowning Prevention Alliance's initiatives. The conversation shifts to industry trends and highlights from leading publications, before delving into the power of storytelling in business. Rudy concludes by urging listeners to reflect on their own stories and the impact they can have in their professional and personal lives.

takeaways

• Mentorship is crucial in shaping the next generation of pool professionals.
• Nominations for the Mentor of the Year award are open until June 30th.
• The NDPA promotes water safety through various initiatives.
• Aqua Magazine's Aqua 100 list recognizes top pool retailers.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for building trust in business.
• People connect with your 'why' more than your credentials.
• Sharing personal stories can enhance relationships and community engagement.
• Effective storytelling can help navigate conflict and inspire others.
• Understanding your own story can lead to personal growth.
• Storytelling skills are valuable beyond the pool industry.

Sound Bites

• "Who mentored you?"
• "Drowning is preventable."
• "Trust is everything."
• "What's your story?"

Chapters

00:00
Celebrating Mentorship in the Pool Industry

03:07
Innovations in Pool Safety and Maintenance

05:56
Industry Highlights and Trends

08:49
The Power of Storytelling in Business

21:03
The Broader Impact of Storytelling

MentorAward.com

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Welcome to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! Today, host Steve Sherwood welcomes special guests Kristy Riester, Executive Director of the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), and Dewey Case, Technical Director, to discuss the significance of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAC) and its impact on pool safety and regulations.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to the MAC – What it is and why it matters.
• Origins and Development – How the MAC came to be and the role of expert involvement.
• State Variations & Guidelines – Why uniform standards are essential across different regions.
• Scientific Insights & Key Health Concerns – Addressing Cryptosporidium, pool sanitation, and safety measures.
• The Role of UV and Ozone in Pool Safety – Innovations in water treatment.
• CDC's Role & the MAC's Evolution – How the MAC adapts and integrates new research.
• Recent Changes & Future Challenges – What updates have been made and where it's headed.
• Education & Advocacy for Code Adoption – Why awareness and engagement matter.
• Membership Benefits & Community Impact – How industry professionals can get involved.
• Future Adaptations & Innovations – The vision for improving pool safety and regulations.

Join the conversation as we break down the importance of proper pool design, safety standards, and the evolving role of the MAC in keeping aquatic environments safe.

Download THE LETTER regarding the CMAHC HERE

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In this special edition of the Talking Pools Podcast, we're interrupting our regular Tuesday broadcast to bring you an urgent conversation about critical legislative threats facing Florida's pool industry. Pool Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Joe Trusty sits down with Dallas Deason, Chief Government Relations Officer for the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA), to break down the serious legislative challenges that nearly slipped through unnoticed — and what the industry did to stop them.

Joe and Dallas dive deep into two explosive topics:

• SB 712/HB 683 Amendment: A last-minute proposal that would have dangerously expanded the ability of general and building contractors to build wet deck areas around swimming pools, bypassing the licensed pool contractors entirely.
• HB 991: A sweeping and alarming bill aimed at dismantling the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and eliminating mandatory continuing education requirements, not only for pool contractors but across 32 professional categories in Florida.

Dallas explains why these bills would have been catastrophic for both consumers and industry professionals, outlines how FSPA rapidly mobilized to defeat the SB 712/HB 683 amendment, and gives an insider look at the ongoing battle to stop HB 991 before it can cause lasting damage.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why the proposed wet deck amendment was a threat to pool safety and professional standards
• How FSPA mobilized industry professionals to advocate at the state Capitol
• The critical role of the CILB and why its elimination would lead to a rise in poor workmanship and deregulation chaos
• The vital importance of continuing education for contractors and inspectors
• What pool professionals and consumers can do right now to help fight HB 991
• What happens next if HB 991 passes — and why the consequences could ripple far beyond the pool industry

Guest:

• Dallas Deason, Chief Government Relations Officer, Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA)

Host:

• Joe Trusty, Editor-in-Chief, Pool Magazine

Action Steps for Listeners:

• Visit the Florida House of Representatives website
• Find and contact your legislators — urge them to vote NO on HB 991
• Stay informed and engaged with FSPA's legislative updates

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In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by seasonal changes, the importance of filter media, and the signs indicating when maintenance is needed. They also delve into the use of zeolite in filtration systems and share techniques for replacing filter media effectively. The conversation is light-hearted yet informative, with anecdotes and practical advice for pool service professionals. In this conversation, the speakers discuss best practices for filter replacement in pools, emphasizing the importance of replacing the entire filter rather than just the media. They explore the evolution of filter media, comparing traditional sand to modern glass media, and touch on the maintenance of DE filters. The discussion highlights the significance of proper filtration for water quality and concludes with an invitation for listeners to engage in future training opportunities.

takeaways

• Connectivity issues can affect outdoor activities.
• Seasonal changes bring unique challenges for pool maintenance.
• Worms and other creatures often end up in pools during wet weather.
• Filter media needs regular maintenance to ensure water clarity.
• Pressure gauges are essential for monitoring filter performance.
• Clarity of water can indicate filter media issues.
• Zeolite requires recharging and can hold onto phosphates.
• Proper agitation of filter media can improve performance.
• Old filters may still provide clear water despite needing replacement.
• Innovative tools can simplify media replacement tasks. Encouraging customers to replace the whole filter is best practice.
• The cost of parts often makes a full replacement comparable to repairs.
• Filters are becoming increasingly expensive, impacting customer decisions.
• Gravel is rarely used in modern filters, with sand and glass being preferred.
• Glass media offers better filtration and longevity compared to sand.
• DE filters are effective but require more maintenance than other types.
• Proper filtration is crucial for maintaining water quality in pools.
• The age and condition of filters can significantly affect performance.
• Using beach sand in pools is illegal and detrimental to filtration.
• Engaging with listeners during training sessions fosters community and learning.

Sound Bites

• "You really don't want zeolite."
• "Sometimes it just needs to be agitated."
• "Filters are getting awfully expensive."
• "Gravel used to be the thing."
• "Beach sand is illegal to use in pools."
• "Glass is naturally negatively charged."
• "DE filters have superior water quality."
• "It's not just about the filtration."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Connectivity Challenges

03:04
Seasonal Pool Maintenance Issues

06:01
Understanding Filter Media and Maintenance

12:11
Signs of Filter Media Issues

18:02
Zeolite and Its Challenges

23:58
Media Replacement Techniques

25:08
Filter Replacement Best Practices

30:02
The Evolution of Filter Media

36:00
Glass vs. Sand: The Media Debate

39:07
Understan

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