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 ORP Dashboard
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In this episode, Rudy discusses the complexities of pool chemistry, focusing on the importance of understanding oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and its implications for effective pool management. He emphasizes the need to shift focus from merely adding chemicals to understanding the real-time capabilities of water, particularly in relation to pH and cyanuric acid. Through a case study of the Olympic dive pool incident, he illustrates the potential pitfalls of misinterpreting ORP readings and stresses the importance of continuous monitoring and adjustment in pool maintenance.
takeaways
- The first Friday of 2026 marks a new beginning.
- Understanding the difference between what is added and what the water can do is crucial.
- ORP is a key indicator of water's oxidative power.
- pH affects chlorine behavior but is not the only factor.
- Cyanuric acid plays a significant role in chlorine effectiveness.
- The Olympic dive pool incident highlights the importance of ORP understanding.
- ORP should not be treated as a standalone measure.
- Continuous monitoring of ORP is essential for effective pool management.
- Chlorine's effectiveness is influenced by various factors, including sunlight and bather load.
- Operators must interrogate the system rather than rely solely on ORP readings.
Sound Bites
- "pH always matters!"
- "ORP does not clean pools!"
- "Interrogate the system!"
Chapters
00:00
Welcome to 2026: A New Beginning
01:48
Understanding Water Chemistry: The Shift in Focus
03:31
The Importance of ORP in Pool Management
07:59
Clarifying Misconceptions: pH, CYA, and ORP
13:36
The Role of Cyanuric Acid in Pool Chemistry
19:12
Case Study: The Olympic Dive Pool Incident
24:11
Interpreting ORP: A Tool for Pool Operators
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
