. Poop in Pool Archives - Aquatic Facility Training and Consultants

Oh Crap, Someone Pooped In The Pool!

Post author:Rudy
Post published:July 14, 2019
Post category:Apartment Pool Maintenance CPO Certification Class Home Owner Pool Care Hotel Pool Maintenance Pool Safety Pool Service Tips Water Chemistry

Code Brown!!! Sh*t happens, right? A fecal incident can occur from someone being ill, a child not wanting to get out because they are having too much fun, or even…

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 special Fourth of July bonus episode, Kelly and Dan celebrate Independence Day by tackling a topic every pool professional feels at the pump—and on the balance sheet.

As fuel prices rise and suppliers introduce surcharges, many service companies immediately wonder whether they should pass those costs on to their customers. But is that really the answer?

Drawing on four decades of industry experience, Dan breaks down the real numbers behind operating a service vehicle, revealing that fuel often isn't the financial monster many believe it to be. Instead, the discussion shifts toward something even more important: knowing your costs, pricing your services correctly, and building a business that can weather temporary economic swings.

The conversation also explores venture capital's growing presence in the pool industry, the dangers of competing solely on price, and why reputation, education, and customer service remain the greatest competitive advantages independent pool professionals have.

It's a timely conversation about business, freedom, and the value of doing things the right way.

In This Episode

A special Fourth of July conversation
The real cost of operating a service vehicle
Why fuel prices aren't always the biggest expense
Breaking down vehicle ownership costs
Fuel surcharges: when they make sense—and when they don't
Why your pricing should absorb normal market fluctuations
Understanding your true hourly operating costs
Why many pool companies undercharge
The danger of pricing based on competitors
Venture capital and corporate acquisitions in the pool industry
Competing against large national companies
Why reputation beats low prices
The importance of customer service and education
Building a sustainable pool business
Marketing your certifications and professional training

Key Takeaway

Temporary increases in fuel prices shouldn't force a well-run business into panic mode.

The companies that succeed over the long term aren't the ones with the lowest prices—they're the ones that understand their costs, know their value, and refuse to compete solely on price.

In the end, your greatest asset isn't your truck, your chemicals, or your equipment.

It's your reputation.

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

From everyone at the Talking Pools Podcast Network, we wish you and your family a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Fourth of July.

Thank you to the pool professionals who work long hours throughout the holiday weekend helping families create memories in clean, safe water.

Have a wonderful Independence Day, and thank you for all you do for our industry.

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New episodes every week from the Talking Pools Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

#TalkingPools #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay #PoolService #PoolBusiness #SmallBusiness #FuelPrices #PoolIndustry #SwimmingPools #Entrepreneur #CustomerService #PoolProfessional

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com