Talking Pools Podcast
If you’ve ever stared at a test kit like it personally insulted your family… welcome home.
Talking Pools Podcast is the pool industry’s “pull up a chair” show—part shop talk, part field manual, part therapy session—built for people who actually live on pool decks: commercial operators, service techs, builders, facility managers, and anyone responsible for water that can’t afford to go sideways. The network was created to level up the pool industry with real-world conversations on water chemistry, filtration, troubleshooting, construction, safety, and the business side of keeping pools open and budgets intact.
Here’s the hook: it’s not theory-first. It’s experience-first—a roster of seasoned pros (with 250+ years of combined “been there, fixed that” wisdom) turning complicated problems into practical moves you can use the same day. And it’s not one voice, one vibe, one corner of the industry: it’s a network of shows designed to reflect how diverse this work really is—different regions, different specialties, different personalities.
Also worth saying out loud: women aren’t “special guests” here—they’re on the mic as hosts, from the beginning, with an intentionally balanced roster. That matters, because the best ideas in this industry don’t come from one lane—they come from the whole road.
If you want a podcast that can make you laugh and make you better at what you do—without pretending the job is easier than it is—Talking Pools is the one you queue up before the first stop, and keep on when the day starts getting weird.
Talking Pools Podcast
It’s Not Personal — It’s Just Good Business
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Welcome back to the Talking Pools Podcast — We're opening up the vault and this one snuck out! The real-life challenges and strategies shaping the pool industry. I’m Rudy, here with the always insightful Andrea, and today we’re tackling a topic that every pool pro eventually has to face: how to handle price increases without losing your cool or your margins.
This episode isn’t about confrontation — it’s about confidence and strategy.
Rudy and Andrea open up about their own experiences dealing with chemical price hikes and share smart, professional ways to push back when suppliers raise costs. They unpack the importance of comparing distributor pricing, shopping competitors, and making informed, data-driven decisions to protect your bottom line.
The conversation reminds listeners that questioning a price increase or exploring new supplier options doesn’t make you disloyal — it makes you a smart business owner. It’s not a personal attack on your rep or distributor. It’s simply how responsible professionals keep their companies healthy and profitable.
So tune in as we break down the right way to say “no” to a price hike, when to explore your options, and how to do it with respect, tact, and professionalism.
Because in this business, just like we say — it’s not personal, it’s just good business.
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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
[Opening Music]
Rudy: Welcome, pool pros, to another episode of Talking Pools Podcast! I'm Rudy, and with me as always is the insightful Andrea. Today, we're tackling a topic that's crucial for all of us in the pool business – handling those pesky price increases with finesse.
Andrea: That's right, Rudy. Pool chemicals are the backbone of our industry, but they often feel like interchangeable commodities. In this episode, we'll share our experiences and tips on how to reject a price hike with tact.
Rudy: Absolutely, Andrea. We're diving deep into the art of negotiation and encouraging all our pool service professionals out there to be savvy shoppers. Pool pros, you don't have to settle for the first offer – explore your distributor's competitors.
Andrea: And remember, when negotiating, it's not personal; it's just business. We'll discuss how rejection or the desire to price shop isn't an affront to the distribution center manager. It's an essential part of running a successful pool business.
Rudy: So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting in the industry, join us as we unravel the nuances of rejecting price hikes and navigating the dynamic waters of the pool business. It's not personal – it's just good business.
[Closing Music]
