cold water chemistry Archives - Aquatic Facility Training and Consultants

Cold Plunge Pool Maintenance: Essential Tips for Pool Professionals

Post author:Rudy
Post published:July 1, 2024
Post category:Pool Service Tips

Cold plunge pools maintenance presents a unique challenge in the pool industry due to their relatively recent introduction and the specific requirements of lower water temperatures. Unlike traditional swimming pools…

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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On this week's Tuesday edition of Talking Pools, Andrea delivers a rapid-fire collection of pool industry myths, misconceptions, pet peeves, and hard-earned observations from the field. What started as an episode about common pool myths quickly evolved into a full-blown list of industry hot takes, terminology frustrations, safety reminders, and the kinds of misconceptions that refuse to die.

Before diving into the chaos, Andrea discusses the brutal summer heat, challenges in the field, a commercial pool battling bug issues caused by water level problems, and announces her new merchandise store featuring designs such as ”Mind Your Own Pool Business” and ”I'm Your Pool Guy's Pool Guy.” She also shares plans for subscriber-exclusive content and future Patreon support.

The episode includes industry news from a Kentucky waterpark that was forced to drain and refill a lazy river following an equipment-related hazardous materials incident. Andrea also highlights an extensive list of upcoming pool, spa, aquatics, water safety, and trade events scheduled throughout late 2026 and early 2027.

The main discussion centers on a collection of misconceptions that continue to frustrate pool professionals:

Why calling every chlorine product ”shock” can create dangerous chemical handling situations.
The difference between actual industry standards and practices simply passed down from technician to technician.
What professionals really mean when they say they ”keep” chemistry at a certain level.
Why understanding active ingredients matters more than trusting marketing labels.
The truth about ”chlorine lock” and why chlorine isn't actually locked.
When cyanuric acid levels become problematic and when they don't.
Common misunderstandings surrounding Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
Why phosphates are not always the emergency many people make them out to be.
The reality that algae outbreaks are not always the fault of the service professional.
Misconceptions surrounding Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) compliance and pool safety.
Why safety should never be optional in the pool industry.
Organisms that chlorine struggles to eliminate, including Cryptosporidium and Baylisascaris.
Why urine in pools is not as harmless as some people believe.
Limitations of salt system boost and super-chlorination modes.
A candid discussion on natural swimming pools and the health concerns they raise.

Along the way, Andrea delivers plenty of humor, blunt opinions, practical field experience, and a reminder that many pool problems are far more nuanced than social media comments often suggest. Whether you're a service technician, pool operator, builder, or simply someone who enjoys industry debates, this episode offers a refreshing look at some of the most misunderstood topics in modern pool care.

Topics Covered

Pool chemistry myths
Shock vs chlorine terminology
Cyanuric acid misconceptions
Chlorine lock explained
Phosphates and algae control
TDS and water replacement
VGB compliance and safety
Saltwater pool operation
Commercial pool regulations
Natural pool debate
Industry standards vs tradition
Waterborne illness prevention
Pool service field experiences

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The 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Pool Industry Mentor Award is proudly supported by:

These companies continue to support mentorship, education, and professional development throughout the pool and aquatics industry.

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