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
Turns Out You Can Win Awards Without Being a Total Tool
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss the challenges of winter in Australia, the importance of work-life balance in business ownership, and the value of mentorship in the pool industry. They also explore the role of awards in recognizing excellence and the evolution of award criteria over the years. The conversation highlights the significance of mystery shopping as a quality control measure and emphasizes the need to raise industry standards. The hosts conclude with reflections on the importance of learning and supporting one another in the industry.
takeaways
- Finding balance in business is crucial for success.
- Mentorship can significantly impact professional growth.
- Awards serve as a powerful marketing tool for businesses.
- Recognition in the industry can boost morale and credibility.
- Mystery shopping can enhance quality control in services.
- The criteria for awards have evolved to ensure fairness.
- It's important to acknowledge the contributions of mentors.
- Continuous learning is essential in the pool industry.
- Building a strong customer base relies on trust and word of mouth.
- Supporting each other in the industry fosters growth and improvement.
Sound Bites
- "It's bloody cold and wet over here."
- "Mentorship is a big thing."
- "Stay warm. That's important."
Chapters
00:00
Welcome to Winter in Australia
03:25
The Challenges of Business Ownership
06:09
The Importance of Mentorship
09:08
Recognition and Awards in the Industry
12:02
The Role of Awards in Marketing
15:00
The Evolution of Award Criteria
19:43
Mystery Shopping and Quality Control
22:59
Raising Industry Standards
25:50
The Value of Mentorship and Learning
28:50
Closing Thoughts and Future Awards
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
