Rudy talks Zinc, Copper, Silver, and Google My Business

In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz dives deep into the fascinating world of metal-based biocides, particularly focusing on zinc, copper, and silver, and their critical roles in swimming pool treatment. Rudy begins by explaining the biocidal properties of these metals, discussing how each one targets and eliminates harmful microorganisms like algae and bacteria in pool water. He outlines the specific mechanisms through which these metals operate—zinc disrupting cellular membranes, copper inhibiting enzymatic functions, and silver interfering with DNA replication—showing how each metal brings unique strengths to pool water treatment.

Rudy emphasizes the concept of synergy when using these metals together. By combining zinc, copper, and silver, pool operators can enhance the overall biocidal effectiveness, achieving broader-spectrum microbial control while reducing the need for harsh chemical treatments. Rudy shares insights from real-world case studies where this multi-metal approach has led to cleaner, safer, and more sustainable pool environments. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how to implement these strategies in their own pool maintenance routines to ensure optimal water quality and reduce operational challenges.

In the second half of the episode, Rudy shifts gears to discuss the powerful impact of Google My Business (GMB) and Google Maps on growing a swimming pool service business. He guides listeners through the essential steps of setting up and optimizing a GMB profile, highlighting how a well-maintained online presence can attract new customers and boost visibility. Rudy delves into the practical aspects of leveraging Google Maps features, such as location tags, service areas, and customer reviews, to enhance credibility and connect with potential clients in the local area.

Rudy also explores effective marketing strategies, including local SEO, Google Posts, and targeted Google Ads, that can drive traffic to a GMB profile and increase customer engagement. He explains how tools like Google Maps can streamline operations through route optimization, location-based task management, and asset tracking, ultimately leading to a more efficient and customer-focused business.

By the end of the episode, listeners will have a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate the biocidal power of zinc, copper, an

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Transcript

[Intro Music]

Rudy Stankowitz:
Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! I’m your host, Rudy Stankowitz, and today we’re diving into some pretty exciting territory—literally and figuratively. We’re going to explore the fascinating world of metal-based biocides and their critical roles in keeping our swimming pools clean, clear, and safe. After that, I’ll be shifting gears to talk about how you can leverage Google My Business and Google Maps to grow your swimming pool service business. So, whether you’re a pool service pro or just someone who’s passionate about pools, there’s something here for you.

Let’s start with the science behind metal-based biocides. We all know that keeping algae and bacteria at bay is a constant battle in pool maintenance. Traditionally, we’ve relied heavily on chemicals like chlorine to do the heavy lifting. But today, I want to talk about three metals—zinc, copper, and silver—that offer an effective, and often more sustainable, approach to this problem.

[Transition Sound]

Rudy Stankowitz:
First up, let’s talk about zinc. Zinc is a fascinating metal because, while it’s an essential nutrient for living organisms, it’s also a potent biocide at higher concentrations. When zinc is added to pool water, it dissolves and forms zinc ions, which are really the active agents here. These ions disrupt the cellular membranes of microorganisms like algae and bacteria, effectively punching holes in their defenses. Once these membranes are compromised, the cells can’t maintain their integrity and eventually die. Zinc also messes with the enzymes that these microorganisms need to produce energy and replicate, which further cripples their ability to survive.

Zinc is particularly effective against algae. It interferes with the photosynthesis process that algae rely on to grow. So, when you add zinc to your pool, you’re not just killing off the existing algae; you’re also preventing new algae from forming. This makes zinc a great preventative measure, especially during those hot summer months when algae growth is at its peak.

But it’s not just algae that zinc tackles. Zinc is also effective against bacteria, which is crucial for maintaining overall water hygiene. The best part? Zinc provides long-lasting protection, so you’re not constantly having to add more to keep the water clean. It’s a powerful tool in our arsenal, but like all tools, it needs to be used correctly. Overdosing on zinc can lead to staining on pool surfaces, so regular monitoring is key.

[Transition Sound]

Rudy Stankowitz:
Now, let’s move on to copper. Copper is another metal that has been used for centuries, and for good reason—it’s incredibly effective at controlling both algae and bacteria. When copper ions are released into pool water, they bind to the cell membranes of microorganisms. This disrupts the membrane’s structure, making it more permeable and eventually leading to cell death. Copper also inhibits crucial enzymes that algae and bacteria need to survive. Without these enzymes, the cells can’t produce energy or replicate, which stops their growth in its tracks.

Copper is particularly good at dealing with some of the more stubborn types of algae, like black algae, which can be a real headache for pool owners. By disrupting the algae’s ability to photosynthesize, copper prevents it from growing and spreading. And like zinc, copper also provides residual protection, so it continues to work long after the initial treatment.

Copper’s effectiveness against bacteria is another reason why it’s so widely used. It targets a broad range of bacteria, including some pretty nasty ones like E. coli and Legionella. This makes copper an excellent choice for pools that see a lot of use, like public or commercial pools. Again, the key here is proper dosing and monitoring to avoid issues like staining or water turning a blue-green color.

[Transition Sound]

Rudy Stankowitz:
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about silver. Silver has been used for its antimicrobial properties for thousands of years, and it’s still one of the most effective biocides we have today. When silver ions are introduced into pool water, they penetrate the cell membranes of microorganisms and bind to their DNA. This prevents the microorganisms from replicating, effectively halting their ability to spread. Silver also inhibits enzymes that are critical for microbial metabolism, and it catalyzes the formation of reactive oxygen species, or ROS, which cause oxidative damage to the cells.

Silver is particularly effective against bacteria, including those that are resistant to antibiotics. It’s not as widely used for algae control on its own, but when combined with copper, it can significantly enhance the overall efficacy of your water treatment program. Silver is usually used in lower concentrations than zinc or copper, but it’s incredibly potent, so a little goes a long way.

One of the great things about silver is its ability to work in synergy with other metals. When you combine zinc, copper, and silver, you get a broader spectrum of microbial control that targets both algae and bacteria. This synergistic effect means that the metals are more effective together than they are individually, which can help reduce the need for harsh chemical treatments.

[Transition Sound]

Rudy Stankowitz:
So, we’ve covered a lot about the science and benefits of using these metals in pool water treatment. The takeaway here is that by using zinc, copper, and silver together, you can achieve more effective and long-lasting results. You’re not just keeping the water clear and clean; you’re also reducing your reliance on chemicals like chlorine, which can have their own drawbacks.

Now, let’s switch gears a bit and talk about something that’s just as important as keeping your pool water clean—growing your pool service business. And one of the best tools you have at your disposal is Google My Business, especially when integrated with Google Maps.

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is absolutely critical. If people can’t find you online, they’re not going to call you for their pool service needs. That’s where Google My Business comes in. Setting up your Google My Business profile is the first step. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s essential. You start by creating an account and entering your business details—name, category, location, contact information, and so on. The key here is consistency. Make sure the name you use is the same one your customers recognize. If you have a physical location, great—enter that. If not, you can specify your service areas instead.

Once your profile is set up, the next step is optimization. You want to make sure your profile stands out. That means adding a detailed description of your services, uploading high-quality photos, and regularly updating your profile with any changes in hours, new services, or special offers. Keywords are also important. Think about what your customers are searching for—terms like “pool maintenance,” “swimming pool cleaning,” and “pool repair”—and make sure those keywords are integrated into your profile.

[Transition Sound]

Rudy Stankowitz:
Google Maps is where things get really interesting. By optimizing your profile and utilizing Google Maps features like location tags and service areas, you can significantly increase your visibility in local searches. When someone in your service area is looking for a pool service company, you want to be the first name that pops up. Encouraging your satisfied customers to leave reviews is another powerful strategy. Positive reviews build trust and credibility, and they can really set you apart from your competitors.

But it doesn’t stop there. Google My Business offers insights and analytics that can give you a deeper understanding of how customers are interacting with your profile. You can see how many people are viewing your profile, what they’re searching for, and even how many requests for directions you’re getting. This data is invaluable for refining your marketing strategies and improving your customer outreach.

Speaking of marketing, let’s talk about local SEO and Google Ads. Local SEO is all about making sure your business appears in relevant local searches. That means doing some keyword research to figure out what terms potential customers are using and then optimizing your website accordingly. Google Posts are another great tool. You can use them to announce special offers, share updates, and even provide tips on pool maintenance.

And if you really want to drive traffic to your profile, Google Ads can be a game-changer. Local Search Ads put your business at the top of local search results, which can be a huge advantage, especially in a competitive market. You can also use display ads to target customers who are browsing websites related to swimming pool services, and remarketing campaigns to reach out to people who have already visited your website or profile.

[Transition Sound]

Rudy Stankowitz:
Finally, let’s not forget about the operational side of things. Google Maps isn’t just about marketing—it can also help you streamline your operations. For example, you can use Google Maps to plan the most efficient routes for your service technicians, minimizing travel time and reducing operational costs. You can also manage tasks based on location, track your equipment, and even set up geofencing to automatically notify customers when a technician is nearby.

The key to success with Google My Business and Google Maps is consistency and engagement. Regularly update your profile, respond to customer feedback, and continuously refine your strategies based on the insights you gather. By doing so, you can establish a strong online presence, build trust with your customers, and drive sustainable growth for your business.

[Outro Music]

Rudy Stankowitz:
So there you have it, folks—a deep dive into the world of metal-based biocides and how they can revolutionize your pool treatment process, followed by some actionable tips on leveraging Google My Business and Google Maps to grow your pool service business. Thanks for tuning in to the Talking Pools Podcast! As always, if you have any questions or want to learn more, feel free to reach out. Until next time, keep your pools clean and your business growing!

[Outro Music Fades Out]