Talking Pools Podcast

Dirty Pool Jobs

Rudy Stankowitz Season 4 Episode 584

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 In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Peter, Shane, and Lee dive into the gritty world of some of the dirtiest swimming pool jobs that pool techs encounter. They share stories and experiences from their time in the field, highlighting the challenges of cleaning pools that have been neglected, dealing with stubborn algae blooms, and tackling the aftermath of storms that fill pools with debris. The hosts discuss the importance of using the right equipment, maintaining a strong stomach, and the satisfaction that comes from turning a dirty pool into a sparkling oasis. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the industry who’s faced the messiest of messes and lived to tell the tale. 

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[Intro Music Fades In]

Peter: Welcome back to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! I’m Peter, and as always, I’m joined by my good mates Shane and Lee. Today, we’re getting down and dirty—literally. We’re talking about some of the absolute filthiest jobs we’ve ever tackled in this industry. You ready for this, fellas?

Shane: Oh, I’m ready. You know, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of turning a swamp into a swimming pool again. But man, the stuff we’ve seen...it’s not for the faint of heart.

Lee: Definitely not. I’ve got a few horror stories that still make me shudder. And trust me, they aren’t just about the pools themselves. Sometimes, it’s what you find in them!

Peter: Yeah, I think every pool tech has a story or two like that. So, Shane, why don’t you kick us off? What’s one of the dirtiest jobs you’ve had to deal with?

Shane: Oh, where do I even start? There was this one pool...it hadn’t been touched in probably two years. The water was black, like ink, and the stench—oh man, the stench was something else. I had to use a pump just to get rid of the sludge at the bottom. It wasn’t water anymore; it was more like a thick, soupy mess.

Lee: Sounds like a swamp monster’s lair, mate.

Shane: Pretty much! And the kicker? The homeowners wanted it clean in a week because they were having a big party. It took days of scrubbing, vacuuming, shocking the heck out of it, and praying to the pool gods, but we finally got it clear. But I think I threw out my boots after that job—they were never the same.

Peter: That’s the kind of job that separates the pros from the rookies, right? Lee, what about you? Got any dirty pool tales?

Lee: Oh, plenty. One that stands out was after a massive storm rolled through. The pool wasn’t just dirty; it was buried. Branches, leaves, dirt—you name it, it was in there. It was like someone had dumped a whole forest into the pool. It took two full days just to clear the debris before we could even start on the water. And don’t even get me started on the critters...

Shane: Critters?

Lee: Yep. Frogs, snakes, and what I’m pretty sure was some sort of prehistoric bug. The worst part was finding a decomposed raccoon at the bottom. It’s those unexpected surprises that really make your day, right?

Peter: Oh, nothing like a decomposed raccoon to brighten your workday! I’ve had a few jobs like that too. Once, I had to clean a pool that had turned into a full-blown algae farm. The water was so green you couldn’t see your hand if you stuck it in. I think the algae had started evolving—might’ve been close to developing a consciousness.

Shane: [Laughs] Algae with a mind of its own!

Peter: Pretty much! It took a solid week of treatment, brushing, and vacuuming, but we finally won the battle. It’s one of those jobs where you take a before-and-after photo, just to remind yourself it was worth it.

Lee: Yeah, and that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Turning something that looks impossible into a beautiful, sparkling pool. It’s tough, dirty work, but there’s nothing more satisfying.

Shane: Absolutely. And for all the pool techs out there listening, just remember—no matter how bad it gets, you’ve got the skills and the tools to make it right. And hey, at the end of the day, you’re the hero who brought that pool back to life.

Peter: Well said, Shane. Alright, that’s all the time we’ve got for today. We hope you enjoyed our trip down the dirty side of pool maintenance. If you’ve got your own dirty pool stories, we’d love to hear them! Drop us a line or hit us up on social media.

Lee: And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps other pool pros find us and join in on the fun.

Shane: Until next time, keep it clean—unless, of course, you’re dealing with one of these dirty jobs.

Peter: [Laughs] Take care, everyone!

[Outro Music Fades Out]