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
Steve’s Cautionary Tales, Leak Detection 101 & The Airbnb Insurance Trap
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
This week, Steve flies solo again — but with good news: Wayne is on the mend and expected back very soon. Until then, Steve brings a full toolbox of stories, lessons, and a deep dive into one of the most-requested topics from pool pros: leak detection as a service.
🔥 Segment 1 — Cautionary Tales From the Field
Steve opens with some brutally honest stories from the last month on his route:
- Losing a couple clients — why it happened, what could’ve prevented it, and why sometimes letting a low-margin client go is actually a win.
- The dangers of overpromising on scheduling (the 8–12 weeks of missed Mondays story).
- Why setting expectations — and saying no when you must — is better than apologizing for 12 weeks straight.
- How daylight savings, shorter days, and rushed afternoons can wreck your rhythm if you don’t adjust.
Includes a quick detour into Tales From the Crypt, because of course it does.
🔥 Segment 2 — The Test Kit Incident (AKA: The Accidental Heist)
Steve recounts a hysterical-but-humbling event:
- One of his techs “borrowed” a client’s commercial test kit to refill reagents…
- … forgot it in the truck for DAYS…
- … which triggered a full internal investigation at a massive resort with security footage, engineer meetings, and finger-pointing.
The takeaway:
Communication prevents chaos.
Even innocent mistakes look guilty on camera. Steve made it right, replaced the kit, and lived to fight another day.
🔥 Segment 3 — The Insurance Interlude (with Pat from California Pool Association)
Pat joins Steve to tackle a question EVERY pool pro needs to know:
“If my client is renting out their pool on Airbnb or Swimpley… does that affect MY liability?”
Key takeaways:
- Yes, they should absolutely tell you. It changes the risk profile dramatically.
- Some general liability policies do differentiate between residential/commercial use.
- Airbnb pools are statistically higher risk — more strangers, more alcohol, more incidents.
- If someone is hosting swim lessons, renting the house, or renting just the pool, call your insurance agent.
- Injuries, even small ones (like a teenager scraping their leg) can trigger six-figure claims.
- Acid washes, resurfacing issues, and sharp plaster? Document. Sign waivers. Photograph everything.
Talking Pools listeners get $100 off CPA general liability insurance — mention the podcast when you contact them.
🔥 Segment 4 — Tools, Training & Showing Up Prepared
Steve explains why you should never:
- Show up without channel locks
- Attempt
LaMotte Company is a leading manufacturer of water quality testing products & pool test kits
California Pool Association
Pool Industry Trade Organization
CMAHC
The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code promotes health & safety at public swimming pools
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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
