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
Alkalinity Deconstructed w/ Sarah the Pool Girl
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this conversation, Sarah and Andrew discuss the importance of alkalinity in water chemistry, particularly in pools. They explore the different types of alkalinity, how to manipulate it using bicarb and acid, and the seasonal changes that affect water chemistry. The conversation also highlights the significance of maintaining proper calcium levels and the consequences of low alkalinity, including patchy plaster and equipment corrosion. Additionally, they address common mistakes like acid abuse and emphasize the importance of practical chemistry in pool maintenance.
takeaways
- Alkalinity is crucial for stabilizing pH levels in water.
- There are different types of alkalinity, including carbonate and total alkalinity.
- Manipulating alkalinity can be done using bicarb and acid.
- Seasonal changes affect water chemistry and require different approaches.
- Maintaining proper calcium levels is essential for water balance.
- Low alkalinity can lead to equipment corrosion and patchy plaster.
- Acid abuse is a common mistake in pool maintenance.
- Measuring and balancing chemicals accurately is important for water quality.
- Preventative care is better than reactive care in pool maintenance.
- Using the least amount of chemicals possible is ideal for swimmer comfort.
Sound Bites
- "What is alkalinity?"
- "Alkalinity stabilizes your pH."
- "Salt feels good for the skin."
Chapters
00:00
Understanding Alkalinity in Pools
02:31
Manipulating Alkalinity: Techniques and Tips
10:53
Seasonal Changes in Water Chemistry
17:57
Consequences of Imbalanced Alkalinity
22:28
The Importance of Accurate Water Testing
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
