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
The Chloramine Chronicles: Breaking Down Monochloramine, Dichloramine & Trichloramine
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In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea and Paulette dive into the often-misunderstood world of chloramines—the compounds that cause everything from pool odor to swimmer irritation. They explore the science behind monochloramine, dichloramine, and trichloramine, explaining how each one forms, how they differ, and why they matter. The conversation goes deeper into the differences between organic and inorganic chloramines, uncovering how bather waste, nitrogen compounds, and pool chemistry all play a role in their development.
Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of what’s really happening in the water, why “that pool smell” isn’t chlorine at all, and practical insights into preventing and managing chloramine formation in pools.
Key Takeaways:
- Chloramines are responsible for eye irritation, respiratory discomfort, and that notorious “pool smell.”
- Monochloramine is the first stage of chlorine bonding with nitrogen.
- Dichloramine and trichloramine form as chlorination continues, each with stronger odor and irritation potential.
- Organic chloramines are formed from reactions with organic matter (like sweat, urine, and skin cells), while inorganic chloramines form with nitrogenous waste (like ammonia).
- Proper breakpoint chlorination and good water management can prevent chloramine buildup.
- Ventilation in indoor pools plays a critical role in reducing trichloramine exposure.
- Chloramines don’t just affect swimmer comfort—they also corrode pool equipment over time.
Memorable Sound Bites:
- “That smell you think is chlorine? Nope—it’s chloramines.”
- “Chlorine isn’t the villain here. Poor management is.”
- “Organic or inorganic, chloramines are a wake-up call for pool pros.”
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Clearing the Air on Chloramines
03:42 – What Are Chloramines?
08:25 – Monochloramine, Dichloramine & Trichloramine Explained
15:11 – Organic vs. Inorganic Chloramines
21:03 – The Role of Ventilation in Indoor Pools
27:18 – Breakpoint Chlorination & Prevention Strategies
33:00 – Final Thoughts: Managing the Unseen Villains of Pool Care
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
