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
Trade Show Attendance
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss the ongoing trade show season in the pool industry, the impact of weather on attendance, and the importance of insurance and liability considerations for pool service professionals. They share personal anecdotes and insights about navigating trade shows, the significance of networking, and the challenges of managing liability in pool services, especially concerning diving boards and hillside pools.
Takeaways
Trade shows are crucial for networking and education in the pool industry.
Weather can significantly impact attendance at trade shows, but it's not the only factor.
Insurance coverage is essential for pool service professionals to protect against liability.
Diving boards and slides pose significant risks and require careful management.
It's important to have clients sign hold harmless agreements for risky features.
Trade shows can be expensive, but they offer valuable opportunities for learning and connection.
Understanding the nuances of insurance can save professionals from costly claims.
Networking at trade shows can lead to long-term industry relationships.
The timing of trade shows is often influenced by economic factors and industry schedules.
Attending trade shows requires planning to maximize benefits and minimize costs.
Sound bites
"Trade show season is well underway."
"It's all about the money."
"Insurance claims can be costly."
Chapters
00:00 Trade Show Season Insights
17:06 Navigating Pool Inspections and Liability
24:43 Navigating Legal Risks in Pool Service
25:43 Understanding Liability with Diving Boards and Slides
28:16 Risk Management Strategies for Pool Service Providers
29:28 The Importance of Communication with Clients
29:54 Trade Shows: Opportunities and Challenges
33:55 The Evolution of Trade Show Costs
36:52 Feedback and Interaction at Trade Shows
38:23 Maximizing Value from Trade Show Attendance
41:59 Common Pool Maintenance Challenges
47:58 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
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
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
