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
Total Alkalinity. PLUS, Mentor of the Year REVEALED
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode, Rudy delves into the intricacies of total alkalinity in pool chemistry, explaining its critical role in maintaining pH levels and overall water balance. He discusses the impact of carbon dioxide and borates on pool chemistry, emphasizing the importance of understanding these elements for effective pool maintenance. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by pool service professionals and the need for consistent testing and adjustments to ensure optimal water quality.
takeaways
- Total alkalinity is crucial for stabilizing pH levels in pools.
- High alkalinity can lead to pH drift, making management difficult.
- Carbon dioxide plays a significant role in pH changes in pool water.
- Borates act as a secondary buffer, stabilizing pH against rises.
- Maintaining a balance between alkalinity and borates is essential for water chemistry.
- Regular testing of total alkalinity is important for pool maintenance.
- Understanding the relationship between alkalinity and pH is key to effective pool care.
- The use of borates can enhance chlorine efficiency in pools.
- Pool professionals must adapt to changing chemical dynamics in water.
- A well-balanced pool system leads to predictable water behavior.
Sound Bites
- "Alkalinity is the heart's pacemaker."
- "You're the one keeping families safe."
- "Until next time, be good, be safe."
Chapters
00:00
Understanding Total Alkalinity in Pool Chemistry
04:30
The Impact of Alkalinity on pH Levels
11:15
The Role of Carbon Dioxide and Borates
20:18
Maintaining Balance in Pool Water Chemistry
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
