Rudy, Author at Aquatic Facility Training and Consultants

How Phosphate Removers work

Post author:Rudy
Post published:November 21, 2021
Post category:Chemicals

I'm continuing with the specialty chemical thing. Last week we talked about how enzymes work. This time it's how phosphate removers work. Sadly, this is not something that everyone has…

How enzymes work

Post author:Rudy
Post published:November 14, 2021
Post category:Chemicals Pool News

If you've been following along, I'm sure you've noticed that I've been spending a lot of time talking about specialty chemicals lately. That's because the availability of the critical disinfectants…

Muriatic Acid Alternatives

Post author:Rudy
Post published:July 30, 2021
Post category:Water Chemistry

I guess we can add muriatic acid to the list of pool products that are becoming impossible to find this year. The truth is it's been kind of scarce for…

Coronavirus vaccination record card. Protective mask divided into two parts.Concept of defeating Covid-19. High quality photo

Can your customer require proof of Vaccine?

Post author:Rudy
Post published:July 22, 2021
Post category:Pool News

This came up the other day because a peer was asked, so I thought I would snoop around. As we go through this, I am not a HIPAA Lawyer; I…

BIG POOLS IMMUNE TO CHLORINE CRISIS

Post author:Rudy
Post published:May 28, 2021
Post category:Pool News Pool Operator Talk News

Memorial Day weekend is here, and many pool owners continue to investigate alternative means of disinfecting water in hopes of salvaging what could have been the swimming pool season that…

CALCULATE POOL GALLONS CHEMICALLY

Post author:Rudy
Post published:May 8, 2021
Post category:Pool Service Tips

That's it! One method for calculating gallons will work in every pool, no matter what the shape or size. Rectangle, oval, or amoeba-shaped, you'll have greater accuracy if you calculate…

CMAHC’s Dewey Case Discusses Importance of Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act

Post author:Rudy
Post published:February 27, 2021
Post category:Pool Safety

Pool Pro Podcast and Ask the Masters' Podcast Spotlight Critical Requirements and Expiration Dates for Pool Service Professionals and Builders RALEIGH, N.C. – Dewey Case, technical director for the Council…

Public Pool Code Inspections

Post author:Rudy
Post published:February 19, 2021
Post category:Pool News

[responsivevoice_button voice="UK English Male" buttontext="Listen to Post"] Health Department Public Pool Code Inspections. If you have a pool at a property that you maintain I am certain you have realized…

What To Do When Pool Water Freezes

Post author:Rudy
Post published:February 15, 2021
Post category:Pool Service Tips

If you own a swimming pool and have winterized it because you are in an area where that is the common practice - This is NOT for you! You have…

How to Get Rid of Swimming Pool Algae

Post author:Rudy
Post published:February 12, 2021
Post category:Pool News Author Rudy Stankowitz

On the Verge of a More Active Algae Season than Ever Before Due to a Nation Wide Chlorine Shortage - There Are Steps That You Can Take to Prevent a…

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.

Ask a question here

WARNING:Intentionally Abrasive Language – Every service business wants to be the company everyone recommends—the local expert called after three other contractors have replaced the wrong parts, collected their checks, and left the customer with the same damn problem.

But authority doesn’t come from putting “premier,” “elite,” or “superior” on the side of a truck. It comes from becoming exceptionally good at solving difficult problems, teaching people what you know, documenting your results, and earning a reputation that reaches the customer before you do.

In this episode, Rudy explains how pool professionals and other service-business owners can become the recognized expert in their county—and why anyone who earns that position should charge at least 10% more than the interchangeable competition.

In This Episode

Why calling yourself an expert doesn’t make you one
How to attach your name to a specific, difficult problem
Why teaching customers increases your value
The difference between generic content and useful local expertise
How informed opinions make professionals memorable
Turning difficult jobs into compelling case studies
Why detailed testimonials beat meaningless five-star reviews
Building referral relationships with inspectors, agents, managers, and tradespeople
Becoming the person local media calls for an explanation
Using Google reviews to demonstrate authority
Why experienced professionals should charge more
How to state your price without apologizing or negotiating against yourself
Why premium pricing requires premium communication and reliability
The importance of continuing to learn after becoming the recognized expert

The Bottom Line

Advertising tells people you exist. Expertise convinces them you understand the problem. Reputation makes them trust you to solve it.

Own a difficult problem. Teach what you know. Develop an informed point of view. Document your results. Answer the phone. Show up when promised. Fix the problem correctly.

Eventually, your name becomes shorthand for the solution—and when that happens, charge like you fucking mean it.

The cheapest contractor charges for the visit. The expert charges for the answer.

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Connect With Talking Pools

Follow the Talking Pools Podcast for blunt industry commentary, technical education, business advice, and the occasional uncomfortable truth every pool professional needs to hear.

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com