Skip to content
Aquatic Facility Training and Consultants
  • CPO Class Schedule
    • CPO Class Schedule
    • CPO Practice Test
    • U.S. Public Swimming Pool Codes👮
      • Florida’s CPO Certification Requirement for Public Pool Service Technicians
      • Georgia CPO Certification requirement
      • Louisiana CPO Certification Requirement
    • Test Kit Store
    • Pool Merchandise
  • Online Pool Pro Classes
  • AFT&C news🗞️
  • Talking Pools Podcast🎧
  • Keynote & Professional
    • Rudy’s AQUA Column
    • Swimming Pool EXPO Speaker
    • Expert Witness
    • Consulting Services
  • Rudy’s Algae Book
  • Contact Me
    • CPO Class FAQs
    • Message us!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Home
  • Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award
  • Inspiring Excellence in Aquatic Training with Rudy Stankowitz
  • 0
  • Toggle website search
0 Menu Close
  • CPO Class Schedule
    • CPO Class Schedule
    • CPO Practice Test
    • U.S. Public Swimming Pool Codes👮
      • Florida’s CPO Certification Requirement for Public Pool Service Technicians
      • Georgia CPO Certification requirement
      • Louisiana CPO Certification Requirement
    • Test Kit Store
    • Pool Merchandise
  • Online Pool Pro Classes
  • AFT&C news🗞️
  • Talking Pools Podcast🎧
  • Keynote & Professional
    • Rudy’s AQUA Column
    • Swimming Pool EXPO Speaker
    • Expert Witness
    • Consulting Services
  • Rudy’s Algae Book
  • Contact Me
    • CPO Class FAQs
    • Message us!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Home
  • Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award
  • Inspiring Excellence in Aquatic Training with Rudy Stankowitz
  • 0
  • Toggle website search

Author: Rudy

This author has written 131 articles
  1. Home>
  2. Rudy
Fb-Button
Read more about the article Regulations & Guidelines

Regulations & Guidelines

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:April 10, 2026
  • Post category:CPO Certification Class
  • Post comments:0 Comments

A Professional Summary for Certified Pool Operators - Regulations & Guidelines Executive Summary Aquatic facility operations are not governed by a single rulebook. They function within a layered regulatory framework…

Continue ReadingRegulations & Guidelines
Read more about the article Maintaining Safe Water Chemistry

Maintaining Safe Water Chemistry

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:March 24, 2026
  • Post category:Water Chemistry

One of the primary responsibilities of a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) is to maintain not just proper swimming pool water chemistry but also safe water chemistry. Balanced water chemistry is essential…

Continue ReadingMaintaining Safe Water Chemistry
Read more about the article What Does a Certified Pool Operator Actually Do?

What Does a Certified Pool Operator Actually Do?

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:March 17, 2026
  • Post category:CPO Certification Class

What Does a Certified Pool Operator Actually Do? (Beyond Just Testing Pool Water) When many people hear the term Certified Pool Operator (CPO), they imagine someone walking around the pool…

Continue ReadingWhat Does a Certified Pool Operator Actually Do?
Read more about the article Oxidation Is Not Sanitation: What a CPO Needs to Know

Oxidation Is Not Sanitation: What a CPO Needs to Know

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:March 3, 2026
  • Post category:Pool News

Oxidation Is Not Sanitation: What Certified Pool Operators Need to Understand About ORP The Olympic Pool, ORP Misinterpretation, Copper Expression, and Why Green Water Is a Symptom — Not a…

Continue ReadingOxidation Is Not Sanitation: What a CPO Needs to Know
Read more about the article Heavy Metals and Algae Control in Swimming Pools

Heavy Metals and Algae Control in Swimming Pools

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:February 24, 2026
  • Post category:Pool News

Advanced Pool Chemistry for Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Classes - Algae Control in Swimming Pools In many pool industry conversations, the wrong question gets asked: “Do metals kill algae?” That…

Continue ReadingHeavy Metals and Algae Control in Swimming Pools
Read more about the article The Truth About Phosphates, Algae, and Pool Chemistry

The Truth About Phosphates, Algae, and Pool Chemistry

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:February 17, 2026
  • Post category:Pool News

The Truth About Phosphates, Algae, and Pool Chemistry Let us start with the sentence that will upset half the internet: Phosphates do not reduce chlorine effectiveness.Moreover, on top of that,…

Continue ReadingThe Truth About Phosphates, Algae, and Pool Chemistry
Read more about the article Langelier vs. Carrier vs. Wojtowicz: Strengths, Shortfalls, and Accuracy in Swimming Pool Water

Langelier vs. Carrier vs. Wojtowicz: Strengths, Shortfalls, and Accuracy in Swimming Pool Water

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:December 10, 2025
  • Post category:Water Chemistry

The Langelier Saturation Index, or LSI, was developed by Wilfred Langelier in 1936 to predict the stability of calcium carbonate in water systems. His original method calculated a saturation pH…

Continue ReadingLangelier vs. Carrier vs. Wojtowicz: Strengths, Shortfalls, and Accuracy in Swimming Pool Water
Read more about the article Tech Bulletin: Metals & Pool Water Quality

Tech Bulletin: Metals & Pool Water Quality

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:November 12, 2025
  • Post category:Pool News

Metals in Swimming Pools: Pool Water Quality, Diagnostics, Decision Paths, and Alum Copper Stain Removal Diagnostics Metals in pool water—copper, iron, manganese—show up as stains, odd water colors, or persistent…

Continue ReadingTech Bulletin: Metals & Pool Water Quality
Read more about the article Technical Bulletin: Aluminum Sulfate Chemical Reduction of Cyanuric Acid

Technical Bulletin: Aluminum Sulfate Chemical Reduction of Cyanuric Acid

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:October 15, 2025
  • Post category:Pool News

Chemical Reduction of Cyanuric Acid in Swimming Pools Using Aluminum Sulfate- from the published research and field methods of Rudy Stankowitz, with independent confirmations from Service Industry News, PoolSharkH2O, and…

Continue ReadingTechnical Bulletin: Aluminum Sulfate Chemical Reduction of Cyanuric Acid
Read more about the article Rich Gallo: We’ll bend over backward for our customers. We’re just not going to bend over forward.

Rich Gallo: We’ll bend over backward for our customers. We’re just not going to bend over forward.

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:October 12, 2025
  • Post category:Pool News

From rolling a Bobcat at 14 to building Los Angeles’ most concierge-level pool company, Pure Swim’s founder, Rich Gallo, has a mantra: bend over backward for people—and teach them to…

Continue ReadingRich Gallo: We’ll bend over backward for our customers. We’re just not going to bend over forward.
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 14
  • Go to the next page
Read Rudy's Column in AQUA Magazine
Talking Pools Podcast
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. 

Breakpoint Is Wrong (And Enzymes Aren’t What You Think) – Rudy
byRudy Stankowitz

Pool Pros text questions here

In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz breaks down two industry staples—breakpoint chlorination and enzymes—and explains why what’s commonly taught doesn’t fully match the chemistry happening in your water.

This isn’t about being wrong.
 It’s about going one level deeper.

⚗️ Breakpoint Chlorination – The Reality

  •  The 10x rule is not how breakpoint is defined in chemistry 
  •  True breakpoint is based on ammonia (as nitrogen), not combined chlorine 
  •  Pools measure combined chlorine (as chlorine) → not a direct match 

👉 Result:
 You’re applying a fixed rule to a variable system

💡 Key Insight

  •  Oxidation starts immediately 
  •  Breakpoint is not a moment—it’s a process
  •  Real demand depends on: 
    •  Organics 
    •  Nitrogen compounds 
    •  pH 
    •  reaction conditions 

⚡ Salt Systems Reality Check

  •  Salt cells produce chlorine slowly
  •  They are built to maintain, not spike

👉 In high demand situations:
 External chlorine is often required 

🧬 Enzymes – What Actually Happens

  •  Enzymes break down organics (true) 
  •  But they are proteins in an oxidizing system

👉 Chlorine can chemically alter and deactivate them

⏱️ Why Enzymes Still Work

It’s a competition for reaction:

  •  Chlorine reacts with everything in the water 
  •  Enzymes survive temporarily because chlorine is “busy” 

👉 They work within a limited time window

  •  Higher chlorine = shorter window 
  •  Less time = less impact 

🧱 Enzymes & Biofilms

  •  Enzymes do not remove biofilms
  •  They weaken the protective matrix

👉 This allows chlorine to penetrate more effectively 

Best results require:

  •  Proper chemistry 
  •  Physical disruption (brushing) 

AquaStar Pool Products
The Global Leader in
Safety, Dependability, & Innovation
in Pool Technology.

POOL MAGAZINE
Pool Magazine is leading up to the minute news source for Swimming Pool News and Pool Features. Ou

the 'How to Get Rid of Algae' handbook
The most comprehensive guide on algae prevention and remediation you will ever own.

BLUERAY XL
The real mineral purifier!
Reduce your pool maintenance costs & efforts by 50%

CPO Certification Classes
Attend your CPO class with Rudy Stankowitz!

Online Pool Classes
The difference between you and your competition is what you know!

Jack's Magic
If you know Jack's you'd have no stains!

Service Industry News

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Tik Tok

Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Breakpoint Is Wrong (And Enzymes Aren’t What You Think) – Rudy
Breakpoint Is Wrong (And Enzymes Aren’t What You Think) – Rudy
April 10, 2026
Rudy Stankowitz
The Pool Problem You Don’t See… Until It’s Too Late – Wayne & Steve
April 9, 2026
Rudy Stankowitz
Here’s How You Grow Your Pool Business by 50% – Laci Davis
April 8, 2026
Rudy Stankowitz
Andrea Unfiltered: The Liver of the Pool (Chemistry That Actually Matters)
April 7, 2026
Rudy Stankowitz
Build It Right… Or Regret It Later (Mondays Down Under)
April 6, 2026
Rudy Stankowitz
180 ppm Cyanuric Acid Level – with Rudy Stankowitz
April 3, 2026
Rudy Stankowitz
You Saw it, You Own it! Steve Sherwood on Pool Inspections
April 2, 2026
Rudy Stankowitz
Pools Don’t Add Value? Yeah… That’s a Lie. (Featuring Natalie Hood, George Williams & Ken Rogner)
April 1, 2026
Rudy Stankowitz
Andrea Unfiltered – Stop Using Test Strips Like They Know What They’re Doing
March 31, 2026
Rudy Stankowitz
Mondays – Your Prices Are Wrong… and It’s About to Hurt.
March 30, 2026
Rudy Stankowitz
Search Results placeholder

Talking Pools Podcast Sponsors

Resources for the Pool Professional (below)

  • Algae
  • Apartment Pool Maintenance
  • Author Rudy Stankowitz
  • Borates
  • Builders
  • Chemical Safety
  • Chemicals
  • COVID-19
  • CPO Certification Class
  • Drain & Fill
  • Education
  • Employees
  • Equipment
  • Home Owner Pool Care
  • Horror Movie Reviews
  • Hotel Pool Maintenance
  • Lowering pH
  • Marketing
  • Misc.
  • Noticias de piscinas españolas
  • Outside the Pool
  • Pets & Pools
  • pH Adjustments
  • Pool Management
  • Pool News
  • Pool Operator Talk News
  • Pool Safety
  • Pool Service
  • Pool Service Tips
  • Pool Tools
  • Product Review
  • Retail
  • Risk Management
  • Science Fair Project
  • Shock
  • Sponsors
  • Staining
  • Subscription Content
  • Swimming Pool News
  • Swimming Pool Safety
  • Talking Pools Podcast
  • Uncategorized
  • University Aquatics
  • Water Chemistry
  • Water Quality
  • Waterborne Illnesses
  • CPO Class Schedule
    • CPO Class Schedule
    • CPO Practice Test
    • U.S. Public Swimming Pool Codes👮
      • Florida’s CPO Certification Requirement for Public Pool Service Technicians
      • Georgia CPO Certification requirement
      • Louisiana CPO Certification Requirement
    • Test Kit Store
    • Pool Merchandise
  • Online Pool Pro Classes
  • AFT&C news🗞️
  • Talking Pools Podcast🎧
  • Keynote & Professional
    • Rudy’s AQUA Column
    • Swimming Pool EXPO Speaker
    • Expert Witness
    • Consulting Services
  • Rudy’s Algae Book
  • Contact Me
    • CPO Class FAQs
    • Message us!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Home
  • Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Award
  • Inspiring Excellence in Aquatic Training with Rudy Stankowitz
Copyright - WordPress Theme by OceanWP
error

Help support a Veteran Owned Small Business by sharing this page

  • RSS
  • Follow Us
  • Facebook
    fb-share-icon
  • Twitter
    Post on X
  • Youtube
  • Pinterest
    fb-share-icon
  • Linkedin
    Share
  • Instagram
×
×

Cart

Verified by MonsterInsights

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy