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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.
Read more about the article Tim Bolden: From Navy Life in Guam to Poolside Royalty in Atlanta

Tim Bolden: From Navy Life in Guam to Poolside Royalty in Atlanta

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:October 5, 2025
  • Post category:Pool News

  When you meet Tim Bolden, owner of The Pool Butler in Atlanta, you quickly realize this isn’t just another guy running a service company. He’s a Navy veteran, a…

Continue ReadingTim Bolden: From Navy Life in Guam to Poolside Royalty in Atlanta
Read more about the article Technical Bulletin: Sodium Carbonate vs. Sodium Bicarbonate

Technical Bulletin: Sodium Carbonate vs. Sodium Bicarbonate

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:September 30, 2025
  • Post category:Pool News

Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) vs. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) in Swimming Pool Treatment Author: Compiled from research and field guidance by Rudy Stankowitz Purpose & Scope This bulletin consolidates Rudy…

Continue ReadingTechnical Bulletin: Sodium Carbonate vs. Sodium Bicarbonate
Read more about the article Technical Field Guide: Mustard Algae (Diatoms)

Technical Field Guide: Mustard Algae (Diatoms)

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:September 6, 2025
  • Post category:Algae/Pool News

Mustard Algae (Diatoms) – Prevention and Cleanup Responding to the EPA Sodium Bromide Ban For Pool Pro Use Only: This guide is written specifically for professional pool service technicians. It…

Continue ReadingTechnical Field Guide: Mustard Algae (Diatoms)
Read more about the article Laci Davis: The Art of Grit

Laci Davis: The Art of Grit

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:August 31, 2025
  • Post category:Pool News

On the west coast of Florida, in the small community of Hudson, there’s a business with a name that sounds more like a mantra than a company: The Grit Game.…

Continue ReadingLaci Davis: The Art of Grit
Read more about the article 2025 Mentor Awards Finalists and Sponsorship Lineup

2025 Mentor Awards Finalists and Sponsorship Lineup

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:July 19, 2025
  • Post category:Pool News

Talking Pools Podcast Announces 2025 Mentor Awards Finalists and Sponsorship Lineup July 19, 2025 – Gainesville, Florida – The Talking Pools Podcast is proud to announce the 2025 Mentor of…

Continue Reading2025 Mentor Awards Finalists and Sponsorship Lineup
Read more about the article Preparing Your Pool for a Hurricane

Preparing Your Pool for a Hurricane

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:October 16, 2024
  • Post category:Pool News/Home Owner Pool Care/Pool Operator Talk News/Pool Service Tips

Hurricane Damage courtesy of Hurricane Helene

Continue ReadingPreparing Your Pool for a Hurricane
Read more about the article New Research on Reducing Cyanuric Acid Levels in Swimming Pools

New Research on Reducing Cyanuric Acid Levels in Swimming Pools

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:April 3, 2024
  • Post category:Pool News

The Service Industry News article Studies Show Alum Reduces Cyanuric written by Marcelle Dibrell provides valuable information about using aluminum sulfate (alum) in reducing cyanuric acid levels in swimming pools.…

Continue ReadingNew Research on Reducing Cyanuric Acid Levels in Swimming Pools
Read more about the article CPO Certification Class to Expert in Swimming Pools

CPO Certification Class to Expert in Swimming Pools

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:January 14, 2024
  • Post category:Pool News

In the realm of swimming pool maintenance, the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) class stands out as a crucial stepping stone for individuals looking to establish a solid foundation in the…

Continue ReadingCPO Certification Class to Expert in Swimming Pools
Read more about the article CPO Certification Class discount code

CPO Certification Class discount code

  • Post author:Rudy
  • Post published:January 7, 2024
  • Post category:CPO Certification Class/Pool News

Unlock your path to professional excellence in swimming pool maintenance with the exclusive 2024UP discount code for the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification class at CPOclass.com, hosted by Aquatic Facility…

Continue ReadingCPO Certification Class discount code
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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. 

If You’re the Local Expert, Stop Charging Like the Local Idiot
byRudy Stankowitz

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

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  • CPO Class Schedule
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    • 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
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  • Rudy’s Algae Book
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