Contributor, Author at Aquatic Facility Training and Consultants

20 Surprising Tips for New Pool Pros

Post author:Contributor
Post published:September 6, 2020
Post category:Education Pool Service Tips

[responsivevoice_button voice="US English Female" buttontext="Listen to Post"] So you have chosen the Swimming Pool Industry for your livelihood. Or maybe, like a lot of us, you kinda just fell into…

Darth Vader’s Guide to Automatic Pool Cleaners

Post author:Contributor
Post published:August 22, 2020
Post category:Equipment Retail

[responsivevoice_button voice="US English Female" buttontext="Listen to Post"] Automatic pool cleaners make life easier--both for the pool tech and the client. But with so many on the market, how do we…

CDC’s CMAHC to Cap Chlorine Levels

Post author:Contributor
Post published:August 15, 2020
Post category:Pool News

CMAHC Dropping The Max on Chlorine, Part l [responsivevoice_button voice="US English Female" buttontext="Listen to Post"] The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) is voting to lower the maximum…

Ready to Hire Somebody, but…

Post author:Contributor
Post published:August 2, 2020
Post category:Employees Uncategorized

[responsivevoice_button voice="US English Female" buttontext="Listen to Post"] It's just you, right? You want to grow, but the thought of handing the care of a chunk of your customers over to…

How To: Cleaning a Swimming Pool Salt Cell

Post author:Contributor
Post published:July 25, 2020
Post category:Equipment

[responsivevoice_button voice="US English Female" buttontext="Listen to Post"] salt cell care, pH control, & phosphate removal ? More and more people are installing SWGs (saltwater generators) these days. Part of a…

20+ Things You Shouldn’t Tell the Pool Man

Post author:Contributor
Post published:July 18, 2020
Post category:Misc.Pool News

[responsivevoice_button voice="US English Female" buttontext="Listen to Post"] and, the Pool Lady doesn't want to hear it either We have seen it all, and we have heard it all. We know…

Pool Pro Cleared by Autopsy

Post author:Contributor
Post published:July 4, 2020
Post category:Waterborne Illnesses

Necrotizing fasciitis WARNING: This article may contain images that are disturbing to some readers. Every story has two sides. The following account is based solely upon that of Leland Jacobson…

A Model Pool Girl

Post author:Contributor
Post published:June 26, 2020
Post category:Misc.Pool News

The Life of Jules I wanted to introduce myself and give you the skinny on me. We spend so much time together during the week it seemed only right to…

How to Correct an Employee if He/She Gives a Customer the Wrong Information

Post author:Contributor
Post published:June 14, 2020
Post category:Employees

? He told you what? How to Correct an Employee if He/She Gives a Customer the Wrong Information Yelling and screaming at an Employee in front of the customers is…

Improve Your Sex Life With a Pool

Post author:Contributor
Post published:June 6, 2020
Post category:Pool News

The swimming pool industry is our business. It's our livelihood. To some of us, it's our life period. But why do people even get pools anyhoo? A Swimming Pool can…

Talking Pools Podcast

Forget chasing chlorine headaches and battling algae wars alone. The Talking Pools Podcast is your weekly escape from pool purgatory, where 250+ years of combined pro wisdom explodes into actionable hacks, mind-blowing tips, and secrets so ancient they make Poseidon jealous.

Think of it as your weekly poolside braintrust, fueled by eight seasoned pros, each a rockstar in their own aquatic lane. Got a filtration fiasco? Chemical conundrum? Equipment enigma? No problem. We’ve got a host for that:

The Tech Titan: Unravels the mysteries of pumps, filters, and gizmos that make pools tick (without the electrical shocks).

The Chem Crusader: Your personal alchemist, whipping up potion-perfect water balance with a dash of science and a sprinkle of magic.

The Maintenance Maverick: From tile tricks to algae assassins, he’s got the lowdown on keeping your pool looking like a liquid emerald palace.

The Customer Calmer: Smooths ruffled feathers faster than a pool noodle bouquet, turning hangry homeowners into poolside pals.

But Talking Pools isn’t just about technical wizardry. It’s about camaraderie, the shared language of pool pros who’ve seen it all, from exploding filters to synchronized swimming squirrels (no, really, we had an episode!).

Every week, you’ll:

Steal game-changing secrets: Learn pro-grade hacks to make you the “Pool Whisperer” in your market

Laugh until you spit out your piña colada: These guys are as witty as they are wise, turning pool problems into poolside punchlines.

Get ahead of the curve: Stay on top of industry trends and tech before your competitors even smell the chlorine.

Feel the love (and the sunshine): Remember why you got into this business in the first place – the joy of creating backyard oases where memories are made.

So, ditch the Drano, grab your headphones, and dive into the Talking Pools Podcast. It’s your weekly dose of poolside wisdom, laughter, and community. We’ll see you on the flip side!

P.S. Subscribe now and you might just win a case of pool party essentials (floaties not included, sorry squirrels).

P.P.S. Tell your pool-loving friends – sharing knowledge is like sharing sunscreen, it protects everyone!

Text us a pool question!

In this episode, Lee and guest host Peter Legaz discuss significant changes in the pool industry, including leadership transitions within Spasa and the impact of these changes on the industry. They explore the importance of community engagement, the challenges of staff management, and personal experiences that shape their business insights. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability and the value of personal connections in business. The conversation delves into the pressing staffing challenges faced by the swimming pool and spa industry, emphasizing the need for effective training and development initiatives. The speakers discuss the importance of investing in staff to enhance their skills and empower them, ultimately leading to a more competent workforce. They highlight the significance of clear expectations in training and the value of allowing employees to learn from their experiences. The discussion concludes with a call to action for ongoing training opportunities to foster growth within the industry.

takeaways

Peter Legaz has been in the pool industry for 30 years.
Family personas in business can enhance customer connection.
Leadership changes can bring fresh perspectives to an industry.
The importance of unity in industry associations.
Recognition of pool service technicians as a trade is a significant achievement.
Making tough staffing decisions is essential for business health.
Hiring slowly and firing quickly can prevent prolonged issues.
Personal experiences can lead to valuable business insights.
Building personal relationships with clients is crucial.
Adaptability is key in navigating industry changes. Staffing issues have worsened since COVID-19, impacting business operations.
An academy for training new talent in the industry is needed.
Investing in staff training leads to better employee retention.
Empowering employees enhances their sense of value and contribution.
Training programs should be industry-specific to ensure relevance.
Clear expectations are essential for effective training outcomes.
Allowing employees to learn from mistakes fosters growth.
Training can significantly enhance employee skills and confidence.
Investing in staff is crucial for long-term business success.
Ongoing training opportunities are vital for industry development.