Thinking about remodeling your home but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place. The Quality First Builders podcast is the no-fluff, real-world show from our team of licensed experts that has been transforming Los Angeles homes since 2014. We specialize in full home renovations, ADUs, garage conversions, custom builds, and architectural design, all delivered through a seamless design-build process that puts planning and communication first. Every episode tackles important question ...
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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 th ...
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How Long Does a Full Home Renovation Take in Los Angeles?
4:57
4:57
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4:57Thinking about remodeling your home but unsure how long it’ll actually take? In this episode, we break down the real timeline for a full home renovation in Los Angeles, based on over 15 years of on-the-ground experience. 📞 Get a free quote today: https://posts.gle/kdjQHFTKQiRMFCuy8 Quality First Builders Sherman Oaks: 15250 Ventura Blvd, Unit 601, …
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Building a Pool Business Like a Boss & The Chemistry of Pool Maintenance
45:06
45:06
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45:06Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the importance of building a solid business model in the pool service industry, emphasizing smart scaling and effective systems. He introduces a new voice to the podcast, shares insights from industry news, and delves into the chemistry of pool maintenance, particu…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Wayne Ivusich shares his recent experiences traveling to Fiji and on a cruise through the Southern Pacific islands. He discusses the cultural aspects of Fiji, the quality and maintenance of pools and spas at resorts, and the practices observed on cruise ships. Rudy reflects on the importanc…
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Step in a Pool Skimmer, Break Your Leg, and more...
39:13
39:13
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39:13Text us a pool question! Andrea & Paulette, with special guests Sarah and Andrew Bero, share a variety of humorous and serious stories related to pool maintenance, including encounters with dead animals, challenges faced in the industry, and the importance of safety. They discuss the bizarre situations that arise in their line of work, from unexpec…
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Empowering Pool Service with Effective SOPs
32:20
32:20
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32:20Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss the significance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the context of aquatic facilities and service businesses. They emphasize the need for consistency, compliance, and the empowerment of staff through well-documented procedures. The discussion also touches on the ro…
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MIA: Key Metrics for Pool Service Success
54:38
54:38
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54:38Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz addresses the pressing issues within the pool industry, including illegal practices and the importance of understanding key business metrics. He emphasizes the need for customer retention, satisfaction, and effective technician training. The discussion also cover…
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Mastering Chemical Management for Pool Pros
33:35
33:35
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33:35Text us a pool question! In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz and Steve discuss various challenges and innovations in the pool industry, focusing on chemical management, service agreements, and the importance of mentorship. They explore the significance of accurate chemical dosing, the role of insurance in risk management, and the latest advancements i…
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The Importance of Community in The Pool Business
36:34
36:34
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36:34Text us a pool question! In this episode, Lee and guest host Peter Legaz discuss significant changes in the pool industry, including leadership transitions within Spasa and the impact of these changes on the industry. They explore the importance of community engagement, the challenges of staff management, and personal experiences that shape their b…
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Biolab WILL NOT Reopen GA & Pool Industry Insights
30:40
30:40
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30:40Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy discusses a significant industrial safety incident at the Biolab Chemical Plant in Conyers, Georgia, highlighting the implications for community health and the pool industry. He also provides a weekly roundup of developments in the pool and spa industry, including legislati…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Rudy discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, including the challenges of maintaining pools on cruise ships, the importance of water quality management, and effective strategies for preventing and treating algae. They also delve into the role of phosphates in…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Andrea and Paulette discuss their weekly experiences in pool maintenance, including challenges with a new pool, algae issues, and the importance of proper chemical balancing. They also delve into the pricing strategies within the pool service industry, emphasizing the need for fair compensa…
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Revolutionizing Recycling in the Pool Industry
29:48
29:48
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29:48Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss the journey of Algon, a company focused on recycling and sustainability in the pool industry. Founders John and Ted share their experiences in establishing a recycling program, the challenges they faced, and the positive impact on the environment and their business. They e…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the importance of mentorship in the pool service industry through the story of Chlorine Carl and his mentee Benny. The conversation transitions into an analysis of the latest industry reports from Aqua Magazine and Skimmer, highlighting economic insight…
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Fostering Respect and Empathy Among Professionals
51:11
51:11
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51:11Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, the hosts discuss the significance of mentorship in the pool industry, the launch of the Mentor of the Year Award, and the importance of respect and empathy among professionals. They explore the challenges of navigating online communities, the value of building relationships, an…
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Revolutionizing Pool Service: A New Approach
26:18
26:18
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26:18Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Andrea and her co-host Paulette discuss the challenges and inefficiencies in the pool service industry, particularly in Florida. They explore a post that suggests changing the tone around pool service to enhance respect and efficiency. The discussion covers various policies that could improve service, …
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Text us a pool question! In this episode, the hosts discuss their recent travels, training experiences, and the importance of safety in pool maintenance, particularly regarding electrical hazards. They share insights from training sessions, feedback from participants, and personal anecdotes about dealing with customer inquiries and electrical issue…
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What Skimmer's State of the Pool Service 2025 Report is Really Saying
55:09
55:09
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55:09Text us a pool question! This conversation delves into the Skimmer State of the Pool Service 2025 report, analyzing its findings and implications for the pool industry. Not everyone will like everything I say, but I shoot straight and share my honest evaluation of the collected information. It highlights the industry's growth, service professionals…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss the misleading marketing of pool products, particularly focusing on monoprosulfate. They explore the advantages and limitations of this chemical, its proper usage, and the common misconceptions surrounding it. The conversation also touches on the im…
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Here's Why Algae is NOT the Pool Pros Fault
25:14
25:14
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25:14Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Andrea and Paulette discuss the challenges of preparing pools for the summer season in South Florida. They share their experiences with algae problems, customer expectations, and the importance of proper pool maintenance. The conversation also touches on customer interacti…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss various topics related to the pool service industry, including the current weather conditions, a spike in equipment sales, and the upcoming federal election in Australia. They delve into workplace injuries, sharing personal stories and emphasizing the importance of safety …
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Pool Storytelling - Mentorship, Water safety, & News
25:28
25:28
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25:28Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Rudy Stankowitz emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the pool industry, encouraging listeners to nominate their mentors for recognition at mentoraward.com He discusses innovations in pool safety and maintenance, highlighting the National Drowning Prevention Alliance's init…
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Decoding the Model Aquatic Health Code: Safety, Science, and Future Innovations
1:02:30
1:02:30
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1:02:30Text us a pool question! Welcome to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! Today, host Steve Sherwood welcomes special guests Kristy Riester, Executive Director of the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), and Dewey Case, Technical Director, to discuss the significance of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAC) and its impact on poo…
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FSPA's Fight Against Last-Minute Legislation
23:33
23:33
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23:33Text us a pool question! In this special edition of the Talking Pools Podcast, we're interrupting our regular Tuesday broadcast to bring you an urgent conversation about critical legislative threats facing Florida's pool industry. Pool Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Joe Trusty sits down with Dallas Deason, Chief Government Relations Officer for the Flo…
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Pool Filter Media F**k ups: Don't let this happen to you!
41:47
41:47
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41:47Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by seasonal changes, the importance of filter media, and the signs indicating when maintenance is needed. They also delve into the use of zeolite in filtration systems and share techniques f…
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Enzymes, Phosphate Removers, and Clarifiers: The Unsung Heroes of Pool Care
30:15
30:15
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30:15Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz delves into the often misunderstood world of pool care, focusing on enzymes, phosphate removers, and clarifiers. He explains how enzymes work, their limitations, and the importance of proper dosing and water chemistry. The discussion then shifts to phosphate remo…
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Pool Startups: Best Practices and Industry Insights
59:16
59:16
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59:16Text us a pool question! Welcome to the Talking Pools podcast with Steve and Wayne! In this episode, they dive into the intricacies of pool startups, offering a comprehensive guide to what works, what doesn't, and what makes for a successful startup procedure. Here's what you can expect: Recap of Last Episode: A brief revisit of the key topics cove…
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The Duck Poop Dilemma: A Pool Maintenance Tale
32:22
32:22
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32:22Text us a pool question! In this episode, the hosts discuss various challenges faced in pool maintenance, including dealing with duck poop, customer service issues, and the complexities of leak detection. They share humorous anecdotes about their experiences with clients and wildlife encounters, while also providing insights into effective pool car…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss various aspects of running a pool service business, including personal updates, team structure, role hierarchy, employee training, and the importance of KPIs and accountability. They emphasize the need for flexibility within teams, the significance of employee engagement, …
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Pool Industry Need 2 Know + A Pool Guy Side Hustle with Rob Stewart
54:24
54:24
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54:24Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz welcomes Rob Stewart, a pool industry expert and hot sauce entrepreneur. They discuss Rob's journey from pool openings and closings to creating his own brand of hot sauce, Rob's Revenge. The conversation covers the challenges of producing hot sauce, the impo…
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Text us a pool question! Hosts: Steve Sherwood & Wayne Ivusich Overview of seasonal pool maintenance, especially the critical "100 days of summer" for pool companies in the Northeast. Startup Procedures for Pool Service Importance of preparation from the previous season for a successful pool opening. Challenges faced with new clients and their equi…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode, Andrea and Paulette discuss their experiences in pool service, sharing personal anecdotes about challenging days, communication issues with clients, and the intricacies of cleaning pools. They also touch on their upcoming barbecue plans and the joys of pet ownership, all while maintaining a light-hearted an…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Peter and Shane discuss the seasonal changes affecting pool maintenance, the challenges of servicing pools during the transition to winter, and the complexities of managing commercial versus residential pools. They delve into the risks associated with Airbnb pools, emphasizing t…
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Natalie Hood: You Won't Believe What's Happening to Pool Industry Certifications
40:11
40:11
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40:11Text us a pool question! In this engaging conversation, Natalie Hood shares her extensive experience in the pool and hot tub industry, discussing significant shifts in certifications, the impact of the pandemic on education, and her aspirations for the future. She emphasizes the importance of quality training and the challenges faced by the industr…
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Tariffs and Turbulence: Navigating Challenges in the Pool and Spa Industry
48:20
48:20
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48:20Text us a pool question! In this episode, Steven Wayne and Wayne Ivusich dive into the timely topic of tariffs and their implications for the pool and spa industry. They discuss how government-imposed tariffs on certain countries are affecting product availability, costs, and the overall industry landscape. From treatment chemicals to replacement p…
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Understanding Customer Expectations in Pool Care
36:43
36:43
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36:43Text us a pool question! In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, including personal experiences with pool challenges, customer interactions, and the impact of tariffs on the pool industry. They also touch on health and safety concerns related to pool maintenance and the importance of effective communication with cust…
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Pool Pro Adventures on the Victorian Coast
33:51
33:51
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33:51Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Peter, Shane and Lee discuss their experiences traveling along the Victorian coastline, touching on the beauty of locations like Warrnambool and the Twelve Apostles. They delve into the challenges of pool maintenance, particularly in relation to customer communication and the importan…
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Creating Pool Boy Rubs - Derrick Todd's Flavor Journey
1:00:11
1:00:11
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1:00:11Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz welcomes Derrick Todd, the creator of Pool Boy Rubs. They discuss Derrick's journey from running a retail store to creating unique barbecue rubs, the inspiration behind his flavors, and the importance of flavor in life. Derrick shares insights on sourcing ingredi…
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In Control of Yelp and Online Reviews
1:09:13
1:09:13
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1:09:13Text us a pool question! In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of customer service in the pool industry, including the challenges of dealing with difficult customers, the importance of service industry experience, and the impact of online reviews, particularly Yelp. They share personal anecdotes about customer interactions, the si…
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Text us a pool question! RATED R FOR LANGUAGE In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Andrea and Paulette discuss various challenges faced in pool maintenance, including frustrations with clients and the impact of environmental factors on pool cleanliness. They also delve into new legislation aimed at improving pool safety to prevent dr…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss the emerging trend of ice baths, exploring their benefits, health regulations, and the microbiological risks associated with their use. They delve into the differences between fixed and mobile ice baths, the importance of hygiene, and personal experiences with ice baths. T…
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The Customer Report Card: Rating Clients Before They Rate You
50:17
50:17
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50:17Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses customer reviews, defamation, and the challenges faced by service providers with Mike Meadows, the founder of Customers Karma. They explore the concept of risk assessment in business, the functionality of Customers Karma as a platform for reporting diff…
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Understanding Pool and Spa Certifications and Professional Growth in Australia
1:11:14
1:11:14
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1:11:14Text us a pool question! In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of certifications and licensing in the pool and spa service industry, particularly within Australia. Here’s what we explore: State-Specific Licensing Laws: The unique regulatory landscape across different Australian states and its impact on pool and spa service professionals. Ce…
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Ser un Piscinero Hispano: Adaptación, Superación y Orgullo en la Industria de las Piscinas
12:25
12:25
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12:25Text us a pool question! Notas del episodio: Talking Pools Podcast en Español – Ser un Piscinero Hispano en los Estados Unidos En este episodio especial del Talking Pools Podcast en Español, Pete the Pool Guy comparte una reflexión sobre lo que significa ser un piscinero hispano en los Estados Unidos. Con su experiencia personal y la de muchos de s…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Show, hosts Andrea and her mother discuss their recent experiences, including a reggae music festival and the pool show. They share insights about the attendance at the pool show, personal health experiences related to plasma donation, and the importance of community engagement through I…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss their experiences in the pool industry, emphasizing the importance of customer service, open-mindedness, and the impact of attitude on business success. They share insights from their travels, highlighting the need for continuous learning and investment in staff training. The c…
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Adding Chems to a Skimmer Takes Pool Pro's Life?
33:33
33:33
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33:33Text us a pool question! In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the critical importance of chemical safety in pool maintenance, particularly focusing on the dangers of mixing certain chemicals like sodium bromide and calcium hypochlorite. He emphasizes the need for pool service professionals to understand the chemical reactions that can occur a…
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Border Trouble: US Pool Manufacturers Struggle with Canada's Export Laws
36:11
36:11
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36:11Text us a pool question! Episode Date: March 19, 2025 Hosts: Steve and Wayne Episode Highlights: Introduction to Pool Industry Challenges Hosts greet listeners and introduce the episode. Discussion about regulatory and labeling complexities in the pool and chemical industries. Regulatory Compliance for Chemical Labeling Challenges of cross-border s…
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La Química del Agua: Clave para Piscinas Limpias
20:32
20:32
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20:32Text us a pool question! En este episodio de Talking Pools Podcast en Español, se discute la importancia de la química del agua en las piscinas, incluyendo la dureza, el cloro, el pH, la alcalinidad y los fosfatos. Se ofrecen recomendaciones sobre cómo mantener estos niveles y se abordan las manchas comunes en las piscinas, así como su identificaci…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools show, hosts Andrea and Paulette discuss various topics related to pool maintenance, including challenges faced with pool toys, health department regulations, and the excitement of upcoming pool shows. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences in the pool industry, including t…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Mondays Down Under, the hosts, Peter, Shane, and Lee discuss various topics related to pool maintenance, including the impact of recent storms, the rise of AI in providing pool care advice, and the absurdity of some common misconceptions in the industry. They share humorous anecdotes about ridiculous pool…
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