Quantum Yields, Chlorine Lock, and Cash Flow with Rudy

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the latest trends in the pool industry, focusing on stock market performance, the importance of engaging Gen Z in pool careers, the science behind UV disinfection and quantum yield, and essential financial metrics for pool service businesses. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovation, environmental consciousness, and financial literacy to thrive in the competitive pool service market. 

takeaways 

Analysts are optimistic about the pool industry stocks. 

Gen Z values purpose over paycheck in their careers. 

Pool technicians can be seen as public health warriors.

Flexibility in work schedules is crucial for attracting Gen Z. 

Showcasing technology can attract younger workers to pool care. 

Chlorine Lock Myth

Quantum yield is essential for effective UV disinfection. 

Maintaining UV systems requires careful calibration and maintenance. 

Understanding cash flow is vital for business sustainability. 

Profit margins must be monitored to ensure business health. 

Effective cost management can enhance profitability in pool services. 

titles

Raypak
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BLUERAY XL
The real mineral purifier! Reduce your pool maintenance costs & efforts by 50%

POOL MAGAZINE
Pool Magazine is leading up to the minute news source for Swimming Pool News and Pool Features. Ou

AquaStar Pool Products
The Global Leader in Safety, Dependability, & Innovation in Pool Technology.

Jack's Magic
If you know Jack's you'd have no stains!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Transcript

Rudy Stankowitz (00:00)
Good morning, you absolute total bad-ass. It's Friday. Welcome to the Talking Pools podcast. I am Rudy Stankowitz and I am thrilled that you are here. Want to talk about a bunch of different things today. First, stocks, stock market, swimming pool, equipment manufacturers and suppliers that are public. Analysts are diving deep into the pool industry and here's the splash.

Pentair ticker PNR analysts are buoyant with an average price target of $110 a share suggesting a three and a half percent rise from the current price of $106 and 32 cents They've upgraded their ratings perhaps hoping Pentair will float to the top Nasdaq pool corporation po ol despite a slight dip to 351 point 19 a share analysts remain optimistic likely betting on a cannonball comeback Hayward holdings with a current

price of $15.78, Hayward has achieved an 80 relative strength rating, indicating a significant market leadership. Analysts are impressed, possibly envisioning a synchronized swimming routine. Investors, LESL, Leslie's trading at $2.87. Leslie's is treading water. Analysts are cautious, perhaps waiting for a lifeguard to signal all clear. Latham's group swim. At 542, Latham is making waves. Analysts have raised.

price targets suggesting the company might just backstroke its way to success. In this pool party, some stocks are making a splash while others are just trying to stay afloat.

Now I want to talk about Gen Z for just a moment because again like I had mentioned last week, Gen Z turned 27 so this is something to pay attention to and their purpose over paycheck outlook might be the way for us to connect. Saving lives beats a cubicle farm. Let's be real, today's young folks are all about having purpose. They don't want a soul-crushing desk job. They want meaning. So here's the pitch.

A pool tech isn't just some water janitor, they're a public health warrior. Green pools? That's the swamp of despair, and your techs are knights riding into battle to slay the germs and algae lurking in its murky depths. And don't skimp on the environmental angle. Gen Z wants to save the planet, and guess what? Pools are a perfect place to start. It's your job to communicate that cleaning pools is basically like fighting for the future of our water resources. You're not just selling them a job.

you're recruiting them into the Justice League of Pool Hygiene. Cape optional, but encouraged.

Gen Z is all about personal growth. They don't just want to do the job, they want to master it. They want to become leaders, maybe even give a TED talk entitled, Balancing Water Chemistry Changed My Life. So here's where you sell the training. Point out that this isn't just manual labor, it's a science. A glorious chemical ballet where pH meets chlorine and the water doesn't turn eyeball-melting green. Emphasize that they'll pick up skills that span the rainbow of pool care

how to balance water chemistry, troubleshoot broken equipment, finesse customer relationships, and maybe even throw in a little poolside psychology for those clients who think they know everything but are usually wrong. And let's not forget certifications. CPO anyone? With enough badges they can make their LinkedIn look like veritable shrine to aquatic expertise.

Want to get Gen Z in the game? Show them the tech. We're not talking brooms and nets anymore. We're talking next level smart pool tech. Here's where you showcase the automation, the gadgets, the app that turns water management into a tap and swipe operation. Tell them that in your world, pools text you with their chemical levels, pump speeds, and the exact day they'll get jealous of the hot tub next door.

Gen Z was raised with screens and smart devices and now they can use them to dominate pool care. Imagine their faces when they realize that your company is a tech playground disguised as a pool service gig. You're not hiring a pool cleaner, you're building a crew of water tech wizards.

Flexibility? Gen Z doesn't just want it. They want it like a dog wants bacon. Imagine giving them a gig where they can work around classes, side hustles, and beach days. Pool cleaning schedules have wiggle room. Nobody's throwing a tantrum if the pool's cleaned at 10 a.m. instead of 9.47 a.m. Offer this freedom and they'll think they've hit the jackpot. Suggest part-time options, midday start times, and maybe even the occasional Friday off. Flexible schedules.

could be the perk that pushes them away from a drive-through job and into your chlorine-loving hands.

Gen Z is all about that work vibe, and a lot of them would rather eat a sock than be stuck in a cubicle farm. Luckily for you, pools are as far from cubicles as it gets. Embrace the humor, the weirdness, and the occasional poolside karaoke session, strictly voluntary. Got a teammate who can turn any disaster into a comedy sketch? Highlight that. Plus, make team building events like Bring Your Own Vacuum or Pool Trivia Nights a thing. You might even start an Instagram account for

pool tech memes, featuring funny moments, poolside bloopers, and the occasional epic before and after cleaning shot. You know those, Ruel. If you make your team feel like they're a part of something unique, it'll be easier to find those people who love work that feels more like reality TV than a regular nine to five. When it comes to pay, you don't want to be known as the company that gives peanuts, but...

It's the perks that could make your company the Brad Pitt of pool service employers. Sure, competitive pay is essential, but outside the paycheck, picture this, bonuses for positive Yelp reviews, free sunscreen, nothing says we care like SPF, hydration gear, and maybe even gym memberships or free swim passes. You could even add a Pool Pro of the Month spotlight on social media for the tech who kills it each week. A little swag and recognition.

go a long way, and it doesn't hurt to throw in a few perks that make them feel like poolside royalty instead of plain old employees.

Gen Z loves the environment so much that they might actually hug a tree. Here's where you lean into your eco-friendly practices and products. Maybe you're using fewer chemicals or sourcing the most sustainable tools. Don't just tell them you're eco-conscious. Show them that Pool Service is the perfect platform for eco-warrior values. Teach them the basics of green pool chemistry, how to reduce chemical runoff, and how to recycle pool chemical containers. The bonus?

You get a crew that believes they're saving the planet one clean pool at a time. That's a lot cooler than any retail gig,

and your company's reputation will be going greener than the ass of a leprechaun.

Let's be real, you gotta show up where they are. Social media, Gen Z loves TikTok, Instagram, and all things shareable, so make it a cornerstone of your recruitment strategy. Get creative, post time lapse videos of the worst green pools turned crystal clear, create TikTok dances featuring skimmers, and let them know they'll be starring in your feed with consent. If they can see themselves having fun, learning, and making a difference in your company's Insta or TikTok feed, they're

already halfway sold. Plus, social media isn't just recruiting, it's free marketing. The more you post, the more you reach, and the better your chance you have of landing Gen Z employees who double as your brand ambassadors.

Gen Z is not about dead-end jobs. They want to see where they can go from here, lay out a clear path for them. Start as a tech, move up to a senior tech, become a route manager, and maybe even manage your own crew. Show them that, yes, they might start in the trenches, or the deep end, but the road goes upward. Explain how they could one day open their own pool service, backed by solid experience and the skills they've gained with your company. It's a legit career path where they can make

bank and be their own boss. After all, who wants to flip burgers forever? When they see this job as a stepping stone to potential business ownership, they'll be diving in head first.

Okay, now I want to get a little bit deep. want to talk quantum yield in UV disinfection, basically exploring the photonic efficiency of UV systems in swimming pool water.

Yes, quantum mechanics meets your local YMCA and may I say it's about as logical as a cheese sandwich in a physics lab. for those of you not wearing lab coats or who won't or don't moonlight as mad scientists, let's start with the basics. UV disinfection, a brilliant chemical free way to rid pools of nasty little pathogens. You know the bits that make your skin crawl?

This system shines light on all those horrid little germs cooking them, poof, like vampires at dawn. But it's not that simple, This is science. Allow me to introduce you to the concept of quantum yield.

Sounds posh, doesn't it? It's a measure of photonic efficiency or in layman's terms, how well is my UV light actually zapping those wretched germs? Think of it like this. Every time a UV photon, the smallest bit of light hits a microorganism, it ought Knock it out senseless. But in reality, it's more like watching cricket. Most of the action happens off the field and half the time you're wondering if anything's really happening at all. Quantum yield is a ratio.

Yes, a ratio. It's the number of photons absorbed versus the number of molecular mishaps in pathogen DNA. It's like scoring how many cannonballs hit the target, except the cannonballs are invisible and the target is uncooperative bacterium that may or may not be on holiday in your pool. But let's not forget the star performer in this spectacle of microbial mayhem, the UV light itself.

It turns out, not all UV is created equal. no. Only the choicest of wavelengths, 254 nanometers to be exact, are particularly good at stopping pathogens in their bacterial tracks. But here's the rub. You need just the right conditions to make it work. The perfect temperature, the ideal wavelength, and heaven help us, a perfectly clear pool. Yes, if there's even a smidgen of debris, a mere flake of skin, or the faintest whiff of sunscreen, your photons will end up ricocheting about

like a frustrated ghost, missing targets entirely. And here we have the crux of the problem. Too fast and the water zips through the UV filter before it's had a chance to get that healthy UV glow. Too slow and well, you're basically turning your pool filter into a cheap tanning bed for germs. So we're looking for optimal photonic efficiency where every photon that sails out of the UV light has one mission.

to obliterate any DNA carrying life form it encounters. Mission Impossible? Close, but that's the name of the game. Now picture this.

We've just installed our top notch state of the art UV system and we're ready for perfect pathogen destruction. But here's the twist. Quantum yield depends on variables. things like lamp degradation. That's right, our little UV lamps do age, sag and weaken like an aging sitcom star who's tired of the limelight. Before you know it, they're not shining like they used to. Your quantum yield goes down and you're back to square one, swimming with the germs.

And yet we're promised improvements. There's talk of UV LEDs, of hybrid systems, of advanced oxidation processes. the future of pool sanitation lies in hydroxyl radicals. Like a revolutionary faction from a 19th century novel, ready to break down barricades and demand liberty, equality, and a pathogen-free pool for all. But here's the reality.

Even with all this fanciful tech and these cutting edge systems, you're still left with an awful lot of tinkering, calibrating and balancing. One false move, one slip up in maintenance, and you're back to a photon light fiasco with more germs lurking about than a public fountain in August. So to sum it up for all you prospective poolside physicists out there, if you thought operating a UV pool system was as simple as flipping on a light switch, you are sadly mistaken.

Instead, think of it as herding a group of microscopic bacteria into a photon disco where only certain wavelengths are allowed. It's a delicate, dancey science. And if you're not careful, you might end up with the most efficient tanning booth for bacteria this side of Brighton. And that, my friends, is quantum yield and UV disinfection for swimming pools. You'll never look at your local pool the same way again.

UV disinfection is a technology rapidly gaining traction in the swimming pool industry, providing a chemical free and highly effective approach to inactivating harmful pathogens. Unlike chlorine based disinfection, which relies on chemical reactions to kill or deactivate UV disinfection employs UV light at specific wavelengths to disrupt the DNA or RNA of bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

This process, however, isn't simply a matter of shining a UV light into pool water. Instead, it's grounded in the principles of quantum mechanics, where the concept of quantum yield becomes essential to understanding

the system's photonic efficiency.

Quantum mechanics and UV disinfection explores how particles at atomic and subatomic scales behave, operating in realms where classical physics no longer applies. In the context of UV disinfection, quantum mechanics helps explain how photons, particles of light, interact with microbial cells, affecting their cellular functions and ultimately their ability to reproduce. A photon's energy, determined by its wavelength, is crucial for this interaction.

UV systems in pool water are typically optimized for the germicidal range of 200 to 300 nanometers

With 254 nanometers being particularly effective for pathogen inactivation, quantum yield in UV disinfection quantifies the efficiency with which photons at this wavelength deactivate pathogens, allowing us to determine the dose of UV energy required for effective treatment.

Quantum yield, in simple terms, the ratio of the number of photons absorbed to the number of molecular events, such as DNA damage, resulting from those photons. In UV disinfection, a high quantum yield indicates that a significant number of photons successfully impact pathogen DNA, leading to efficient inactivation. It can be thought of as a measure of photonic efficiency, capturing how effectively a UV system converts light energy into

biological inactivation.

is essential to understand that not all photons result in DNA disruption. Factors such as water turbidity, dissolved organic compounds, and even UV lamp degradation can reduce quantum yield. A well-designed UV disinfection system considers these factors to optimize photon interactions and increase the likelihood that pathogens are exposed to effective doses of UV light. This concept of quantum yield is central to assessing

the photonic energy of UV system in pool water, and it serves as a benchmark for system performance. Photonic efficiency in UV disinfection is determined by how effectively the UV light targets these pathogens, taking into account the wavelength and the medium through which light travels. UV light at 254 nanometers is particularly effective because it coincides with the peak absorption wavelength of nucleic acids in DNA.

when photons at this wavelength penetrate a microorganism, they cause the formation of...

pyromidine dimers within DNA strands, which is a type of damage that prevents the pathogen from reproducing. Quantum yield here measures the rate at which these DNA disruptions occur relative to photon exposure, providing a direct metric of how well the UV system is performing. However,

achieving high photonic efficiency is not as simple as deploying UV light at the right wavelength. The design and placement of UV lamps, the flow rate of the water and the system, and of course the clarity of the pool water all impact the actual efficiency. For instance, a faster flow rate reduces the exposure time of pathogens to UV light, potentially reducing quantum yield. Similarly, particulate matter and dissolved organic compounds can absorb or scatter UV photons

lowering the effective dose that reaches pathogens.

The choice of wavelength in UV systems is not arbitrary. UVC light, 200 to 280 nanometers, is recognized as the most effective range for pathogen inactivation. UVA and UVB rays, 315 to 400 nanometers and 280 to 315 nanometers respectively are less effective

because they do not interact as efficiently with microbial DNA. Within the UVC range, 254 nanometers is considered optimal for two main reasons. It maximizes DNA absorption

and it minimizes the potential of harmful byproducts. Quantum yield varies with wavelength and research has shown that it is highest when the wavelength closely matches the absorption peaks of nucleic acids. In pool water, selecting the ideal wavelength is complicated by the presence of other substances that absorb UV light. For example,

Nitrate or organic contaminants can reduce the effective quantum yield by absorbing UV photons before they even reach the pathogens. This interference emphasizes the need for precise calibration of wavelength and intensity in pool water.

UV systems need to maintain high photonic efficiency and ensure effective pathogen and activation. The UV dose in disinfection is a critical concept closely related to quantum yield. It is typically expressed as the product of UV light intensity and exposure.

However, practical applications measuring the exact quantum yield for all pathogens is kind of challenging, as each species may have a unique sensitivity to UV light.

In swimming pool systems, a general UV dose, usually between 30 to 40 microjoules per centimeter squared, is often applied, which is sufficient for inactivating most common pathogens. Quantum yield calculations help refine this dose, particularly when targeting specific resistant organisms A higher quantum yield indicates a more efficient disinfection process, allowing the system to achieve the desired level of inactivation with a lower UV dose.

This efficiency is not only a cost-saving measure, but also reduces the environmental impact of UV disinfection by optimizing energy use. Several factors influence quantum yield and photonic efficiency in UV pool systems. One key factor, again, is water quality, as the presence of dissolved organic matter, suspended particles, and certain ions can reduce quantum yield.

Organic materials absorb UV light, decreasing the amount of photonic energy available for pathogen inactivation. High levels of suspended particles also reduce clarity, causing photons to scatter and thus decreasing the photonic efficiency. Additionally, UV lamp characteristics play a role. Over time, lamps experience degradation.

leading to a decrease in output intensity. This lamp aging affects quantum yield as fewer photons reach the target pathogens. Regular maintenance and replacement schedules for UV lamps help mitigate this issue and maintain optimal performance. Lastly, the geometry.

of the UV reactor affects photon distribution. Systems designed with optimal hydraulic flow paths ensure that water is evenly exposed to UV light,

enhancing photonic efficiency and consequently quantum yield. In practical terms, understanding quantum yield helps pool operators assess the efficiency of their UV systems and make adjustments to maximize pathogen inactivation For instance, in an outdoor pool exposed to sunlight, natural UV from the sun can interact with chemical disinfectants like chlorine

leading to complex photochemical reactions that impact both UV efficiency and chlorine effectiveness. A UV system with high quantum yield compensates for these variables, ensuring that the disinfection process remains robust even as the external factors change. Some UV systems are equipped with sensors to measure real-time UV dose, enabling operators to monitor quantum yield indirectly by observing system performance.

These measurements help diagnose issues such as suboptimal lamp performance or excessive organic contamination, which can be rectified to restore efficiency. In systems where quantum yield is accurately managed, pools experience improved water clarity, reduced reliance on chemical disinfectants, and lower operating costs.

research into hybrid systems combining UV with advanced oxidation processes, AOPs, we spoke about those the other week. Those utilize hydroxyl radicals, which are highly reactive species generated by UV to further degrade organic pollutants and improve overall water quality by combining high quantum yield with AOP technology.

These hybrid systems provide even more efficient method of disinfection, offering comprehensive pathogen control with minimal chemical input.

Understanding quantum yield helps pool service entrepreneurs

fine-tune their systems for maximum efficiency.

As pool operators continue to seek chemical-free solutions, UV disinfection systems with optimized quantum yield offer a compelling pathway forward. With ongoing advancements in UV, LED, and hybrid technologies, the potential to refine quantum yield further promises even greater efficiency and reliability in the future. For the pool service entrepreneur, embracing these innovations provides a competitive edge, delivering safer, cleaner water with

reduced environmental impact and cost.

Okay, now I want to talk about understanding key financial metrics in pool service, specifically cash flow, profit margins, and cost management.

I know what you're thinking, this sounds about as exciting as a damp sponge, but I assure you these metrics are the key to transforming your pool service business from a leaky rubber ring into a shimmering chlorinated empire. first, on our magical tour of financial enchantment, cash flow.

If money is water, cash flow is the pump that keeps your business floating, not floundering. You see, positive cash flow means that, quite miraculously, more cash is flowing into your business than out. This, my friends, is a rare and beautiful sight. Negative cash flow, on the other hand, is a bit like watching your bath water spiral down the drain. You stand there, towel at the ready, as all your earnings gurgle away into oblivion. Now,

Let me paint a picture. Imagine your customer, dear Mrs. Fiddlesticks, insists on paying you next Thursday. Next Thursday comes and goes and suddenly she's dodging you at the local market, hiding behind the turnips. Mrs. Fiddlesticks' procrastination leaves you with no cash in hand. And so, dear Pool Pros, I suggest a reliable invoicing system. Set reminders, send her polite but firm notices, or if all else fails, follow her around the produce aisle until she coughs up that cash.

Now we weigh deeper into the financial pool. Yes, brace yourselves. It's time for profit margins. That tricky percentage that tells you how much actual profit you're making after expenses. Imagine if you will, you're selling pool services, perhaps even posh ones like deluxe chlorine boost or luxury algae removal. You're pulling in sales left and right and center, but if your margins are thin as pond scum, all of your earnings will just float away. Poof, gone.

Let's dive into gross profit margin. Now this is the amount you make after all of your immediate expenses like chemicals, labor, and tiny rubber ducks are paid for. If this margin is high, rejoice! You are practically swimming in success. But if it's low, it means something's off. Perhaps your prices are too low or maybe you're using up far too many rubber ducks per pool. Either way, it's time to make some adjustments.

Don't let me forget the operating profit margin. This considers your indirect expenses, things like rent, insurance, that luxury coffee machine you bought for the clients, but really we all know it's for you. If your operating margin is thin, it's a sign that you might need to scale back a little bit. Maybe consider fewer cappuccinos Finally, we reach the grand net.

profit margin, the true measure of your business's success. This is the margin that tells you quite definitively if you're actually making money or merely splashing around aimlessly. A low net margin might be a sign that it's time to adjust prices or manage costs. A high margin, well, bravo! You're not just floating, you're practically Olympic swimming. Now, we plunge into the murky waters of cost management because, let's be honest, while spending less is ideal,

Sacrificing quality to save a penny here and there can make your clients start whispering, was that really a pool technician or a madman with a net? You need to manage those expenses widely. First, differentiate between fixed expenses, the ones that never change like rent, insurance,

your yearly subscription to Pool Technician Monthly, and then we have variable expenses, which go up and down with your work volume like fuel, chemicals, and emergency goggles. Next, consider that silent monster leaking beneath the waters. Labor costs. Skilled technicians are absolutely necessary, yes, but they can also drain your profits faster than a busted pool pump.

After all, we don't want clients calling to say, why is my pool only half clean? Or worse, where did that inflatable flamingo go? Moving along, let's talk inventory management. You see, there's nothing worse than stocking up on mountains of pool supplies only to find you've become the proud owner of the world's largest mountain of chlorine tablets come winter.

Strategic inventory management ladies and gents it is a matter of balance order just enough for the season keep track of usage trends and most importantly don't let your Don't let yourself be hypnotized by sales pitches for revolutionary multi-purpose skimmer nets now

As any fine businessman knows, tracking key performance indicators or KPIs is the true pathway to financial mastery. These are your scorecards, the metrics that tell you whether your business is in fact thriving or merely treading water. Let's begin with accounts receivable turnover, which basically asks how quickly can you wrestle payments from your clients? If you're collecting quickly, congratulations. If not,

Perhaps you should consider adding some light threats to your invoices. Politely, of course. Then we have labor utilization rate. The goal here is to keep your technicians fully occupied, not parked under the nearest palm tree sipping iced tea. If your labor utilization rate is low, you're probably not using your workforce effectively. Just imagine them milling about with pool nets and no pools to service. It's tragic. Finally,

return on assets, this measures how efficiently you're using your assets like those route trucks, vacuums, and skimmers to generate profit. If you're getting a low return, perhaps it's time to consider whether you truly need four vacuum heads or if one would suffice. Or maybe that deluxe truck with custom leather seats is more of an indulgence than an asset. Hard to admit, but possibly true. And there you have it, the piece de resistance, increasing profitability.

the golden goose of any business. To boost profits, you must find ways to add high margin services, perhaps premium pool service latte. That would be the service for your clients with discerning tastes or deluxe weekly skimmer netting where your technicians strike dramatic poses while they clean. It's all about giving your customers more reasons to part with their hard earned cash. Additionally, a loyal customer is worth 10

new ones, make them feel pampered, keep them coming back, singing your praises in community forums and town newsletters. There's no cost saving measures quite as effective as a satisfied customer who will refer you to every pool owning neighbor

financial literacy is not merely an add-on skill but an essential component of successful business in an industry that combines technical skill with a high demand for seasonal services, understanding and managing financial metrics.

can make the difference between a thriving business and one constantly struggling to stay afloat.

That's all I have for you for today. Thank you for checking in with me. I really thoroughly enjoy these conversations we have every Friday.

Until next time, be good, be safe.