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
Your Contract Ruined Christmas - Holiday Woes: Part l
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In this holiday edition of Thursdays with Steve, Steve Sherwood checks in from a festive (and very on-brand) Hawaiian Christmas shirt and talks straight to the pros who keep pools running even when the calendar says “day off.” From commercial clients who expect service 365 days a year, to the reality of managing staff with families, to planning holiday schedules before the season hits—Steve breaks down how to protect your time, your team, and your business.
Then the episode pivots into a practical “Insurance Interlude” conversation with Pat of the California Pool Association about high-level pool inspections, protecting yourself from liability, and why general liability is not the same thing as professional liability. If you’re putting numbers in writing, making recommendations, or supporting insurance-related claims, this one is essential listening.
The episode closes with a reminder that your business doesn’t matter if your health falls apart—and Steve shares real talk on building more time off into your calendar, managing workload creep, and protecting your energy so you can stay in the game long-term.
Steve covers what pool pros actually deal with during the holidays—and how to make it easier next year:
Holiday service reality for commercial clients, and why some contracts quietly force you to work on sacred days. How to prevent that with better language and upfront communication, including shifting service times on holidays when possible and setting expectations months in advance.
How to plan time off like a real business owner instead of panicking the week of Christmas. Steve explains why the holiday conversation needs to happen before Thanksgiving, sometimes as early as October, especially when you have employees with kids or anyone traveling.
The “sweet spot” for single-operator pool pros. Steve shares his view that around 40–60 clients is the zone where an owner can still deliver high-level service without the wheels wobbling—while also keeping enough time for repairs, life, and sanity.
Time, money, and energy—the three currencies that actually run your business. Steve reinforces that if you can save even one of these without sacrificing quality, you’re building a company that lasts.
Why LA traffic is a business expense—whether you admit it or not. Steve talks about scheduling appointments during smarter time windows to avoid burning hours that you can’t bill for.
A holiday reminder about health and longevity. Steve encourages listeners to treat physical and mental health like a business asset, not an afterthought—because burnout doesn’t care how many clients you have.
Pool Industry Trade Organization
LaMotte Company
LaMotte Company is a leading manufacturer of water quality testing products & pool test kits
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
