Invasive SwimmingPool – Nonnative Species found in Florida Swimming Pools

Post author:Rudy
Post published:June 9, 2019
Post category:Outside the Pool

See You Later, Alligator? It's only a matter of time before more alien species, like others released into the wild from the pet trade, begin to expand beyond the Everglades…

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 Thursday edition of Talking Pools, hosts Steve Sherwood and Wayne Ivusich dive into the realities of running a successful pool service company. From referral programs and pricing challenges to difficult customer interactions and the importance of building relationships with manufacturer representatives, this episode offers practical business advice for pool professionals. The conversation also includes an insurance-focused discussion on the growing topic of natural swimming pools and the unique risks they present.

Topics Covered

Why Referrals Are Still the Best Marketing Tool

Steve explains why customer referrals continue to be one of the most effective ways to grow a pool service business. Rather than chasing online reviews or discount programs, he discusses building trust with existing clients and rewarding long-term customer relationships.

The Reality of Pool Service Pricing

Not all pool companies charge the same rates. Steve shares a real-world example of a prospective client comparing prices and why competing solely on price often creates problems. The discussion highlights the importance of communicating value, professionalism, reliability, and service quality.

Managing Difficult Customer Expectations

From emergency requests to customers demanding specific service times, the hosts discuss how setting boundaries and maintaining clear expectations protects both the customer and the service company. They explain why not every client is the right fit for every business.

Commercial vs Residential Pool Customers

Why are commercial clients often easier to work with than residential customers? Steve shares his perspective on dealing with engineering departments, facility managers, and property owners versus individual homeowners with highly specific expectations.

Insurance Interlude with Pat Granon

Can Natural Swimming Pools Be Insured?

Pat Granon from the California Pool Association joins the show to discuss insurance considerations surrounding natural swimming pools. The conversation explores whether natural pools are classified as pools for insurance purposes and what coverage options may be necessary for companies servicing them.

Additional Risks of Natural Pools

The discussion examines concerns involving:

Communicable disease exposure
Pollution liability
Professional liability risks
Biological filtration systems
Potential legal exposure from waterborne illnesses

Pat explains why standard general liability coverage may not always be enough and discusses additional policy options that service companies should consider when working with natural swimming pools.

Is a Natural Pool Really a Pool?

The hosts debate where natural pools fit within the industry and whether maintaining biology instead of traditional water chemistry creates a fundamentally different risk profile for operators and service providers.

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com