Talking Pools Podcast

Vinyl Liner Repairs & Installs, Farewell to a Pool Industry Titan

• Rudy Stankowitz • Season 5 • Episode 702

Text a pool service question HERE!

🎙 Hosts: Peter, Lee, and Shane

G'day, pool pros! Welcome back to another episode of Mondays Down Under on the Talking Pools Podcast. This week, Peter, Lee, and Shane dive into a mix of pool industry insights, personal stories, and some big news shaking up the Australian pool industry.

🔹 On the Road Again – Lee’s Upcoming Travel Plans

  • Lee shares updates on her travel schedule, training deliveries via Zoom, and her upcoming journey through Victoria and South Australia.
  • Pool shops and service companies looking for extra hands while key staff are away—Lee’s available to help!

🔹 Vinyl Liner Repairs & Installs

  • Shane encounters a record-breaking 18-patch vinyl liner job—when is it time to stop patching and replace the liner?
  • Lee shares her experience with vinyl liner installations, from first-time installs (on the day her first child was born!) to the meticulous process of measuring and fitting liners.
  • Peter admits he’s never installed a vinyl liner but would love to tag along on an install. If you're in Perth and need an extra set of hands, let him know!
  • The team discusses the mesmerizing process of installing liners and even the cool way acrylic spa shells are molded.

🔹 Farewell to a Pool Industry Titan: Lindsay McGrath Steps Down as SPASA CEO

  • SPASA Australia CEO Lindsay McGrath is leaving his position after 10 years of leadership.
  • Lindsay played a pivotal role in uniting state associations into a national body, strengthening the industry, and growing SPASA’s revenue from $350,000 to $8 million.
  • Lee shares personal insights from a road trip conversation with Lindsay—covering everything from pool hydraulics to legislation.
  • Debunking the rumor mill: No scandals, no drama—just a leader moving on to new opportunities.
  • A call to all industry professionals—if you're not a member of SPASA, you should be! The association works behind the scenes to improve the industry for everyone.

🔹 Virtual Assistants & Managing Customer Calls

  • Listener Josh asks about the best way to manage incoming calls when running a pool business.
  • Lee and Shane discuss virtual assistants vs. managing customer expectations with voicemail and email auto-replies.
  • Tips for setting boundaries and training customers to respect your work hours.
  • Shane shares how his company uses a website form to streamline customer inquiries while ensuring they accept service terms.

🔹 Industry Distractions & Time Management Hacks

  • How distractions (like constant phone calls) can eat away at productivity.
  • Strategies for maximizing work efficiency—like setting email response times, batch-processing calls, and taking advantage of early morning quiet hours.
  • The importance of setting customer expectations from day one to avoid burnout.

👂 Listen Now for industry insights, personal stories, and a few laughs along the way!

📩 Got a question for the team? Email talkingpools@gmail.com—Rudy assigns the best host to answer your questions.

🎧 Subscribe & follow for more Mondays Down Under!

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