Aluminum sulfate Archives - 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…

Alum CyA Removal Method Step-By-Step

Post author:Contributor
Post published:November 24, 2020
Post category:Chemicals

This is probably a bit overdue, but we decided it would be easiest to bullet point the CyA removal method we are field testing. So, here is the Alum CyA…

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.

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In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Natalie Hood sits down with Michael Thill, Regional Sales Manager with The Grit Game, to tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding sales, distribution, retail operations, dealer support, and business growth in the swimming pool industry. Michael shares lessons learned from more than 15 years in retail, distribution, service, renovations, and manufacturer representation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what really drives success in today's marketplace.

From his unexpected introduction to the industry in 2011 as a part-time helper at Caribbean Pools to leadership roles with PoolCorp and now The Grit Game, Michael discusses the power of company culture, mentorship, relationship building, and why loving what you do can completely transform your career.

Topics Covered in This Episode

Do Dealers Only Care About Price?

Michael explains why price is often the first question asked—but rarely the deciding factor. Customers and dealers alike are willing to pay more when they receive exceptional service, expert guidance, and genuine support. The conversation explores how value consistently outperforms price in long-term business relationships.

Why Product Knowledge Still Matters

The discussion challenges the idea that customers should educate themselves before entering a retail store. Natalie and Michael explain why knowledgeable staff remain one of the most valuable assets a business can have and how ongoing education creates better customer experiences, stronger teams, and increased profitability.

The Real Purpose of Retail Stores

Contrary to popular belief, customers don't only visit pool stores when something breaks. The episode explores how successful retailers create environments that foster loyalty, trust, community, and repeat business long after the initial sale.

Distribution Is More Than Moving Boxes

Michael shares what he learned working inside distribution and why great distributor representatives function as educators, problem-solvers, business developers, and strategic partners—not simply order takers.

Inventory, Forecasting & Supply Chain Realities

The pair discuss common misconceptions about inventory availability, forecasting, lead times, and why communication between dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and reps is critical to maintaining product availability and supporting business growth.

Building Better Dealer Relationships

What makes a dealer easy to support? What creates challenges? Michael shares candid insights about adaptability, openness to change, communication, and why strong relationships remain one of the most powerful business tools available.

Why Great Products Don't Always Win

The conversation explores why even outstanding products can struggle to gain market share and how education, awareness, promotion, and dealer buy-in often matter more than product quality alone.

Promotion vs. Discounting

One of the most practical discussions of the episode focuses on the difference between promoting products and discounting them. Michael explains why businesses often rush to markdowns before fully utilizing effective marketing, customer engagement, and event-driven promotion strategies.

Key Takeaways

Relationships outperform transactions.
Product knowledge remains a competitive advantage.
Great customer experiences create loyalty beyond price.
Distribution and manufacturer reps can be valuable business partners.
Forecasting and communication reduce inventory challenges.
Education fuels growth at every level of the industry.
Promotion creates excitement; discounts should be a last resort.
Long-term success comes from investing in people, not just products.

Memorable Quote

”Plants don't grow in the same pot they started in. They need new soil, new opportunities, and continued cultivation. Businesses are no different.” — Michael Thill

Whether you're a builder, service professional, retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or sales representative, this episode provides valuable insight into the relationships, strategies, and mindset required to thrive in today's pool industry.

#TalkingPools #PoolIndustry #PoolBusiness #DealerSupport #Distribution #SalesLeadership #PoolProfessionals #RetailSuccess #BusinessGrowth #AquaticsIndustry #NatalieHood #MichaelThill

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com