Text us a pool question!

In this episode of the Talking Pools Show, Andrea and Paulette discuss their experiences with pool maintenance, including challenges with customer complaints and the importance of proper pool care. They also touch on health concerns like swimmer's ear, tragic incidents in water parks, and the need for hurricane preparedness for pools. The conversation wraps up with an announcement about a design contest for the show.

takeaways

• 85 to 90% of the pools are screened in.
• Complaints often arise from screened-in pool owners.
• Swimmer's ear is caused by water trapped in the ear.
• Wave pools can be dangerous and should have restrictions.
• Two drownings occurred on the same day at a Carnival cruise destination.
• Proper pool maintenance is crucial for health and safety.
• Hurricane preparedness includes adding chlorine and securing pool furniture.
• Pool service providers should charge for hurricane cleanup.
• Customer education is key to preventing misunderstandings.
• Value your time and services as a pool maintenance professional.

Sound Bites

• "I have to add some chlorine."
• "I quit. I'm done."
• "Don't drain the pool."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Weekly Updates

02:42
Pool Maintenance Challenges

09:14
Swimmer's Ear and Health Concerns

14:00
Tragic Incidents in Water Parks

20:49
Hurricane Preparedness for Pools

28:40
Conclusion and Contest Announcement

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

• Facebook
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• Tik Tok

Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Text us a pool question!

In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts celebrate Peter's contributions to the industry while discussing the characteristics of ideal clients in both retail and mobile pool services. They share personal anecdotes about challenging customer interactions, the importance of setting clear expectations, and strategies for managing difficult clients. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication and the balance between good and bad clients, ultimately highlighting the significance of client relationships in the pool service business.

takeaways

• Peter's legacy has significantly impacted the pool industry.
• The ideal client is one who trusts your expertise and pays on time.
• Retail and mobile services face different client dynamics.
• Setting clear expectations can prevent misunderstandings.
• Communication is key in managing client relationships.
• Difficult clients can be managed with clear boundaries.
• It's important to respect yourself and your business.
• Not all clients are worth keeping; prioritize good ones.
• 20% of clients often cause the majority of problems.
• Strategies like payment plans can improve client relationships.

titles

• Celebrating Peter's Legacy in the Pool Industry
• Understanding the Ideal Client for Pool Services

Sound Bites

• "Good on you, Peter."
• "What a f***ing waste of time."
• "That's our rant for the day."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Recent Travels

02:42
Ideal Clients in the Pool Industry

12:47
Challenges with Retail Customers

15:47
Customer Stories and Experiences

18:12
Setting Expectations with Clients

21:31
Dealing with Difficult Customers

24:06
The Importance of Good Customer Relationships

26:31
Managing Client Expectations and Payments

29:00
Conclusion and Final Thoughts

36:59
Bufferzone commercial vid.mp4

Australian National Anthem performed by:

• Erin Collins - vocals (1)
• Marjorie Gadd - violin (1)
• Steve Gadd - Guitar (1)
• Susan McGowan - keyboard
• Steve Henderson - didgeridoo
• Sean Daniels - Sound engineer (No link available)
  
  1. Czardas

Support the show

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

• Facebook
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• Tik Tok

Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Text us a pool question!

This week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy sits down with Greg “Beard Man” Beard—poolside philosopher, calcium whisperer, and one of the Top 10 Mentors nominated for the 2025 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award. Greg has spent 35 summers in the field training rookies, guiding veterans, and mentoring like it’s a martial art.

From confronting internet undercutting to saving techs from costly mistakes, Greg shares the lessons, stories, and no-BS truths that define a lifetime in the pool industry. And yes, Rudy announces the full list of Top 10 Mentor of the Year finalists, with shout-outs to the sponsors making it possible.

In This Episode:

💡 Listener Q&A – The Future of Nitrate Removal
Wilmington, DE asks about building a nitrate removal rig—and Rudy delivers a deep dive into how this could be the next big high-margin service for eco-conscious pool owners.

• Why it matters: Chlorine can’t oxidize nitrates, shocking doesn’t touch them, and drain/refill wastes water.
  https://cpoclass.com/nitrate-removal-rig-concept/
• Three design options:
  1. Anion Exchange Resin System – The “sniper rifle” for nitrates, swapping nitrate ions for chloride ions using a resin like Purolite A520E.
  2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) – Full-spectrum filtration removing nitrates, TDS, and more using a high-pressure pump, membranes, and pre-filters.
  3. Hybrid Rig – Resin first to knock down nitrates, followed by RO for extended membrane life and ultra-pure output.
• Key components: Fiberglass pressure tanks, control valves (Fleck 5600 or Clack WS1), brine tanks for regeneration, high-pressure pumps, RO membranes, flow meters, and TDS sensors.
• Wastewater management: Regulatory considerations for nitrate-rich reject water—no dumping into storm drains.
• Profit potential: $900–$1,500+ per treatment with strong drought-region demand.
• Rudy offers to share a sketch layout and parts list in the show notes for anyone ready to innovate.

🔥 Greg Beard Unfiltered

• The three keys to survival in the pool industry: Passion, Dedication, Attention to Detail.
• Why sometimes you raise the price on difficult customers and let them walk.
• The “internet problem” – when homeowners can buy products cheaper than pros can get them from distribution.
• Old-school pumps that outlast modern replacements and what hydraulic mistakes are costing pros.
• Safety concerns: bonding, grounding, and why we’re lucky electrocutions aren’t more common.
• The cost of chemical inclusion in service pricing and the tax implications you need to know.

📜 Industry Realities & Random Wisdom

• Trade shows and training as survival tools for the next generation of pool pros.
• Catastrophic backyard incidents that leave lasting lessons.
• Greg’s approach to route density and why he still runs solo after decades in the business.

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