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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
Aquatics Management Risks & Myths
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keywords
Aquatics, Program Directors, Leadership, Communication, Emergency Preparedness, Delegation, Myths, Burnout, Learning Opportunities, Professional Development
summary
In this episode, Natalie Hood engages with Cara Green, the Aquatics Program Director at the University of Houston, to discuss the often misunderstood role of aquatics directors. They explore the journey into aquatics, the myths surrounding the profession, the importance of delegation, communication skills, and emergency preparedness. Cara emphasizes the need for setting boundaries to prevent burnout and encourages listeners to embrace learning opportunities and not fear failure.
takeaways
- Aquatics Program Directors play a crucial role in managing aquatic facilities.
- Delegation is essential for effective leadership and team growth.
- Mistakes should be viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures.
- Strong communication skills are vital for successful aquatics management.
- Emergency preparedness is a key responsibility of aquatics directors.
- Setting boundaries is important to prevent burnout in the aquatics industry.
- Continuous learning and development are necessary for professional growth.
- Hard conversations are part of leadership and should not be avoided.
- Understanding and addressing myths about aquatics can improve the profession's image.
- Embracing failure as a part of the learning process is essential for success.
Sound Bites
- "Delegation is key to success in leadership."
- "Mistakes are opportunities for growth."
- "Protect your peace and personal time."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Aquatics Program Directors
00:29
Busting Myths: It's Just a Summer Job
11:55
Understanding Codes and Compliance
20:26
Handling Emergencies: The Role of Aquatics Directors
35:23
Advice for Aspiring Aquatics Professionals
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
