inspiration Archives

Que Hales and the Ripple Effect of Mentorship

Post author:Rudy
Post published:August 24, 2025
Post category:Talking Pools Podcast

Tucson, Arizona isn’t just cactus and sunsets—it’s also home to one of the sharpest and most stubbornly curious minds in swimming pool chemistry. Que Hales, co-founder of OnBalance and longtime…

Top 10 Finalists Named for 2025 Mentor of the Year Award

Post author:Rudy
Post published:August 5, 2025
Post category:Talking Pools Podcast

Top 10 Finalists Named for Talking Pools Podcast 2025 Mentor of the Year Award 🔍 Behind the Process: How We Chose the Top 10 Mentors of the Year in the…

Talking Pools Podcast

Forget chasing chlorine headaches and battling algae wars alone. The Talking Pools Podcast is your weekly escape from pool purgatory, where 250+ years of combined pro wisdom explodes into actionable hacks, mind-blowing tips, and secrets so ancient they make Poseidon jealous.

Think of it as your weekly poolside braintrust, fueled by eight seasoned pros, each a rockstar in their own aquatic lane. Got a filtration fiasco? Chemical conundrum? Equipment enigma? No problem. We’ve got a host for that:

The Tech Titan: Unravels the mysteries of pumps, filters, and gizmos that make pools tick (without the electrical shocks).

The Chem Crusader: Your personal alchemist, whipping up potion-perfect water balance with a dash of science and a sprinkle of magic.

The Maintenance Maverick: From tile tricks to algae assassins, he’s got the lowdown on keeping your pool looking like a liquid emerald palace.

The Customer Calmer: Smooths ruffled feathers faster than a pool noodle bouquet, turning hangry homeowners into poolside pals.

But Talking Pools isn’t just about technical wizardry. It’s about camaraderie, the shared language of pool pros who’ve seen it all, from exploding filters to synchronized swimming squirrels (no, really, we had an episode!).

Every week, you’ll:

Steal game-changing secrets: Learn pro-grade hacks to make you the “Pool Whisperer” in your market

Laugh until you spit out your piña colada: These guys are as witty as they are wise, turning pool problems into poolside punchlines.

Get ahead of the curve: Stay on top of industry trends and tech before your competitors even smell the chlorine.

Feel the love (and the sunshine): Remember why you got into this business in the first place – the joy of creating backyard oases where memories are made.

So, ditch the Drano, grab your headphones, and dive into the Talking Pools Podcast. It’s your weekly dose of poolside wisdom, laughter, and community. We’ll see you on the flip side!

P.S. Subscribe now and you might just win a case of pool party essentials (floaties not included, sorry squirrels).

P.P.S. Tell your pool-loving friends – sharing knowledge is like sharing sunscreen, it protects everyone!

Pool Pros text questions here

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss a range of topics related to pool maintenance, health concerns, and industry practices. Wayne shares his recent health challenges, including a hospitalization due to E. coli, which leads to a discussion on the importance of sanitation in pools, particularly concerning E. coli and Giardia. The hosts emphasize the need for proper chlorine levels and regular shocking of pools to maintain safety. They also delve into the nuances of managing commercial versus residential pools, the significance of trade shows for networking, and the challenges of heating pools in older facilities. The episode concludes with listener engagement and a call to action for feedback and questions.

Takeaways

Wayne shares his health challenges and recovery.
E. coli and Giardia are significant concerns in pool sanitation.
Proper chlorine levels are crucial for pool safety.
Regular shocking of pools is necessary to prevent contamination.
Trade shows are valuable for networking and learning.
Commercial pool management differs significantly from residential.
Pool heating can be challenging, especially in older facilities.
It's important to vet commercial clients before taking them on.
Maintaining profitability in the pool business is essential.
Listener engagement is encouraged for future topics.

Sound bites

”We love having you here.”
”You want to make a plan.”
”Turn off the boiler.”

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Health Updates
02:58 Understanding E. Coli and Giardia in Pools
06:00 Sanitation Standards and Pool Maintenance
08:59 Shocking Pools: Best Practices and Guidelines
11:54 Navigating Pool Trade Shows and Networking
14:54 Commercial vs. Residential Pool Management
17:52 Challenges in Pool Heating and Maintenance
21:07 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Support the show

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com