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
Natural Swimming Pools - Wayne & Steve
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In a riveting episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Thursday hosts Wayne and Steve dive deep into the topic of natural pools, expressing their strong opinions and sparking a lively debate within the pool enthusiast community. This episode stands out not only for its informative content but also for the hosts' candid expressions of their disdain for natural pools.
A Closer Look at Natural Pools
Natural pools, also known as swimming ponds, have gained popularity in recent years for their eco-friendly design and chemical-free water. Unlike traditional pools that rely on chlorine and other chemicals for maintenance, natural pools use plants and biological filters to keep the water clean. Proponents argue that these pools offer a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing alternative, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Wayne and Steve's Perspective
Wayne and Steve, seasoned professionals in the pool industry, don't hold back their critical views on natural pools. They argue that while the concept may seem appealing, the practicalities and maintenance challenges often outweigh the benefits. Here are some key points from their discussion:
- Maintenance Concerns: Wayne points out that maintaining a natural pool requires a deep understanding of biological filtration systems and aquatic plant care. He argues that many pool owners underestimate the effort needed to keep the ecosystem balanced.
- Aesthetic Challenges: Steve highlights that natural pools, despite their promise of a natural look, can sometimes appear unkempt or even swamp-like if not properly maintained. He emphasizes that the visual appeal of a pool is a significant factor for many homeowners, and natural pools can fall short in this aspect.
- Health and Safety: Both hosts express concerns about the health and safety of natural pools. They question the effectiveness of biological filtration in completely eliminating harmful bacteria and pathogens, suggesting that traditional pools offer a more reliable solution for safe swimming.
- Cost and Complexity: Wayne and Steve also discuss the initial costs and complexity of installing a natural pool. They argue that the intricate design and construction required for these pools can be prohibitively expensive, making them less accessible to the average homeowner.
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[Intro Music Fades]
Wayne: Welcome back to another thrilling episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! It’s Thursday, which means you’re stuck with me, Wayne, and my partner-in-crime, Steve. Today, we're diving into the murky waters of...natural pools. Ugh, where do we even start?
Steve: Oh boy, natural pools. The eco-warrior’s wet dream. Because who doesn’t want a swamp in their backyard?
Wayne: Right? Let's just get this out of the way: we hate them. Hate. Them.
Steve: Absolutely. I mean, the idea is cute—no chemicals, all-natural, yada yada. But let’s be real, folks. If I wanted to swim with plants, I’d jump into a lake, not spend a fortune transforming my backyard into one.
Wayne: Exactly! Maintenance is a nightmare. You think keeping a regular pool clean is hard? Try balancing an entire ecosystem. You need to become an overnight expert in botany and aquatic biology.
Steve: And don’t even get me started on aesthetics. “Oh, look at my beautiful natural pool!” No, Karen, it looks like you have a pond that forgot how to be a pond.
Wayne: Right? Half the time they end up looking like an abandoned bog. It’s like, hey, I found Shrek’s vacation home.
Steve: And can we talk about health and safety? Yeah, let's just trust some plants to clean all the bacteria. Because nothing says "safe swimming" like potentially sharing the water with who-knows-what.
Wayne: Yeah, totally safe. Let’s just hope the frogs and mosquitoes do their part in water filtration. Genius.
Steve: Oh, and the cost! People, do you have any idea how expensive it is to install one of these monstrosities? You might as well just dig a hole and throw your money into it.
Wayne: Exactly. And then pray that it doesn’t turn into a mosquito breeding ground. “Oh look, honey, we can host the next malaria outbreak right here!”
Steve: So, in summary, if you want to spend a fortune on a high-maintenance, potentially unsafe, ugly-as-sin pool, natural pools are the way to go.
Wayne: Couldn’t have said it better myself. Alright folks, we’re out of time for today. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably a natural pool.
Steve: Thanks for tuning in. Join us next week when we rant about another terrible idea in the pool industry. Stay chlorinated, everyone!
[Outro Music Fades]