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Talking Pools Podcast
Forget chasing chlorine headaches and battling algae wars alone. The Talking Pools Podcast is your weekly escape from pool purgatory, where 250+ years of combined pro wisdom explodes into actionable hacks, mind-blowing tips, and secrets so ancient they make Poseidon jealous.
Think of it as your weekly poolside braintrust, fueled by eight seasoned pros, each a rockstar in their own aquatic lane. Got a filtration fiasco? Chemical conundrum? Equipment enigma? No problem. We've got a host for that:
- The Tech Titan: Unravels the mysteries of pumps, filters, and gizmos that make pools tick (without the electrical shocks).
- The Chem Crusader: Your personal alchemist, whipping up potion-perfect water balance with a dash of science and a sprinkle of magic.
- The Maintenance Maverick: From tile tricks to algae assassins, he's got the lowdown on keeping your pool looking like a liquid emerald palace.
- The Customer Calmer: Smooths ruffled feathers faster than a pool noodle bouquet, turning hangry homeowners into poolside pals.
But Talking Pools isn't just about technical wizardry. It's about camaraderie, the shared language of pool pros who've seen it all, from exploding filters to synchronized swimming squirrels (no, really, we had an episode!).
Every week, you'll:
- Steal game-changing secrets: Learn pro-grade hacks to make you the "Pool Whisperer" in your market
- Laugh until you spit out your piña colada: These guys are as witty as they are wise, turning pool problems into poolside punchlines.
- Get ahead of the curve: Stay on top of industry trends and tech before your competitors even smell the chlorine.
- Feel the love (and the sunshine): Remember why you got into this business in the first place – the joy of creating backyard oases where memories are made.
So, ditch the Drano, grab your headphones, and dive into the Talking Pools Podcast. It's your weekly dose of poolside wisdom, laughter, and community. We'll see you on the flip side!
P.S. Subscribe now and you might just win a case of pool party essentials (floaties not included, sorry squirrels).
P.P.S. Tell your pool-loving friends – sharing knowledge is like sharing sunscreen, it protects everyone!
Talking Pools Podcast
Airbnbs, Fences, and Flow Rates — Yes, You’re Doing It Wrong.
Mondays Down Under – Understanding Pool & Spa Standards in Australia & New Zealand
This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee and Shane dive into a topic that every pool and spa professional thinks they understand—until they don’t: standards, regulations, and the rules that actually govern your work on both sides of the Tasman.
From fencing laws to suction entrapment prevention, from dangerous goods handling to new fiberglass standards, this episode breaks down exactly what service technicians, retail pros, and builders need to know to stay compliant, stay safe, and avoid being on the wrong side of an inspector—or worse, an accident.
What Lee & Shane Cover This Episode:
- Why even Airbnbs and bed-and-breakfast pools count as commercial pools in most regions
- The most commonly used Australian standard: AS 1926 (safety barriers, location, and recirculation systems)
- How New Zealand’s rules differ—and where they mirror Australia
- The growing crackdown on inflatable, portable, and pop-up pools in New Zealand
- Real-world stories of councils interpreting rules their own way
- The often-ignored but critical AS 1926.3 standard: suction fittings, skimmer boxes, and entrapment prevention
- Suction cover flow-rate differences between brands like Waterco and Spa Electrics—and how choosing the wrong replacement can create a hazard
- Why every technician needs to match pump selection to compliant flow-rate limits
- Old but still referenced: the private pool water quality standard AS 3633 and its upcoming rewrite
- Where water quality rules actually come from (hint: your state health guidelines)
- Dangerous goods standards including:
- AS 3780 – storage and handling of corrosive substances
- AS/NZS 3833 – mixed classes of dangerous goods (recently updated to 2024)
- Additional niche standards builders and installers should know:
- AS/NZS 1477 – PVC pressure pipes & fittings
- AS 3634 – solar heating systems
- AS 5348 – pool covers
- The massive update to the fiberglass pool installation standard:
- Former AS/NZS 1838:1994 → now AS/NZS 1839:2025
- Why SPASA is currently seeking industry feedback for the new concrete pool standard under development
The Big Message:
If you work on a pool—service, retail, install, or build—you need to know the standards that govern your work. They protect your customer, and they protect you.
Links & Mentions:
- SPASA contact for contributing to the new concrete pool standard: ben@spasa.com.au
- Check your state health guidelines for water-quality requirements
- Remember: Commercial pool rules apply to Airbnb, holiday rentals, and any property where someone is paying to stay—whether the pool is big, small, or inflatable.
Have a Question for Lee & Shane?
Send your suggestions, questions, or episode ideas to:
📩 talkingpools@gmail.com
Thanks for listening to Mondays Down Under! Stay safe, stay compliant, and stay curious.
We’ll catch you next week!
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
