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In this episode of Talking Pools, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Chris Galvin, President and CEO of Blu-ray XL. They discuss the evolution of the pool industry post-COVID, the innovative mineral-based products offered by Blu-ray XL, and the importance of sustainability in pool maintenance. Chris explains the science behind their products, debunks common myths about copper usage in pools, and shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges in building his company. The conversation emphasizes the need for education in pool care and the unique advantages of Blu-ray XL's offerings. In this conversation, Chris and Rudy discuss the innovative Blu-ray technology for pool maintenance, its impact on filtration and energy efficiency, and the management of phosphates. They also touch on future distribution plans, upcoming trade shows, and personal anecdotes about family life and holiday traditions. The discussion emphasizes the environmental benefits of using Blu-ray and the importance of community support among service professionals.

• The pool industry is still in a startup phase post-COVID.
• Blu-ray XL has created a new category in pool maintenance with minerals.
• Sustainability is a key focus for the younger generation of pool owners.
• Chemical consumption can be reduced by up to 75% with Blu-ray XL products.
• Education is crucial for homeowners to avoid costly mistakes in pool care.
• Chelation helps prevent metals from bonding and causing stains.
• The journey of building Blu-ray XL involved significant challenges and legal battles.
• The product's effectiveness leads to competition backlash.
• Blu-ray XL products help maintain clear pools even with low chlorine levels.
• Investing in proper pool care is essential for homeowners. Blu-ray effectively removes particles from pool water, improving clarity.
• Users reported significant reductions in chemical usage and energy costs.
• One dose of Blu-ray can last up to six months, simplifying maintenance.
• The product is designed to reduce phosphate use by up to 90%.
• Blu-ray acts as an adjuvant, enhancing the effectiveness of other biocides.
• Future plans include partnering with a national distributor for wider reach.
• Trade shows are crucial for connecting with service professionals.
• Personal experiences highlight the

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Summary: In this episode, Wayne and Steve discuss the importance of cost value association with clients and the necessity of raising prices to keep up with increasing costs. They emphasize the importance of making sure you're making enough money to cover expenses and not feeling guilty about raising prices, as it's a common practice even among manufacturers. They also share their holiday wishes and express gratitude to their listeners.

Key Topics:

1. Cost Value Association:
   • Importance of associating cost value with clients.
   • Strategies for ensuring profitability.
   • Including price increase clauses in contracts.
2. Price Increases:
   • Justifying price increases due to rising costs.
   • Comparison with manufacturers' quarterly price adjustments.
   • Implementing annual price increases of 2.5% to 5%.
3. Holiday Wishes:
   • Wishing listeners a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
   • Expressing gratitude to listeners for their support and feedback.
   • Encouraging listeners to send in comments, questions, and topic suggestions.

Listener Engagement:

• Listeners are encouraged to send comments, questions, and topic suggestions to talkingpools@gmail.com.
• If a listener's idea is used on air, they will receive a small present.

Closing Remarks:

• Reflecting on the end of 2024 and looking forward to 2025.
• Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

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Episode Highlights:
Join Andrea and Paulette for a festive and entertaining Christmas Eve edition of the Talking Pools Podcast! In this lighthearted episode, the duo covers poolside trivia, holiday cheer, and some unexpected chlorine and Legionella-related news stories.

What’s Inside:
🎄 Christmas Cheer: Andrea and Paulette share their holiday experiences, from customer tips to juggling pool service schedules during the festive season.

📰 Poolside News:

• A suspicious chlorine-related incident in New York sparks curiosity.
• Legionella bacteria detected in Baltimore courthouses highlights the importance of water system maintenance and awareness.

💡 Tips of the Day:

• Learn why maintaining fountains is crucial to avoid the spread of Legionella bacteria.
• Hear Andrea’s New Year’s resolution to avoid pools with heaters and spas, and the challenges of dealing with caretakers.

🤓 Trivia Time:

• Discover the U.S. city with the most residential pools (hint: it’s not in Florida!).
• Find out who owns the largest residential pool in America (yes, it’s 350,000 gallons!).

🎶 Holiday Humor: Andrea learns who Rick Ross is, while Paulette speculates on Wyoming’s sparse population and ice fishing culture.

Takeaways:

• Stay diligent with pool maintenance, especially with water features, to prevent health risks.
• Embrace holiday tips and cookies from appreciative clients!
• Celebrate the lighter side of pool service with fun trivia and stories.

Merry Christmas from Andrea, Paulette, and the Talking Pools team!

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Summary: Welcome back to another Mondays Down Under on the Talking Pools Podcast! This week, Peter and Lee delve into the chaos and comedy of managing pool service for rental properties. From tenants turning off equipment to dodgy property managers, they share hilarious anecdotes and battle-tested strategies for keeping your cool (and your business profitable) when handling rental pool service accounts.

Shane is absent this week, but Peter and Lee hold down the fort with their signature wit, diving into everything from ugly pool equipment sightings to managing unreasonable customer expectations. Plus, Peter shares the story of a tenant who wouldn’t take no for an answer—even after being fired—and Lee reveals a clever “revenge” tale from her honeymoon!

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• 🌡️ Aussie Weather Woes: Why 28°C (82.4°F) feels "hot" to some and just right to others.
• 💼 Tenants vs. Agents: The pitfalls of dealing with tenants directly and why Lee insists on only working through property managers.
• 🤦‍♂️ Ugly Equipment Throwback: Peter’s encounter with a 1980 Stroud media filter and a call for listeners to share their ugliest pool equipment stories.
• 📖 Tenant Troubles: Hilarious and frustrating tales of late-night texts, green pools caused by power cutbacks, and tenants refusing to top off water levels.
• 🧹 Setting Boundaries: Lee’s tips for being firm, consistent, and professional when handling property managers and tenants to avoid business headaches.
• 🎄 Christmas Grinch Alert: Peter rants about early holiday singers in shopping centers, solidifying his status as a self-proclaimed Christmas Grinch.

Key Takeaways for Pool Professionals:

• Always require work orders for rental properties to ensure clarity and avoid payment issues.
• Communicate clear policies to property managers and tenants to set expectations and protect your business.
• Document everything, from equipment settings to tenant responsibilities, for accountability and future reference.
• Be consistent with your policies, and don’t hesitate to fire problematic clients—your time is valuable!
• Sometimes, a good sense of humor and a strong coffee are the best tools in your toolbox.

Listener Challenge: Got a story about the ugliest pool equipment you’ve ever seen or a tenant horror story that beats Peter’s? Share it with us on the Talking Pools Podcast Facebook page!

Sponsored By:
Buffer Zone Systems – Revolutionize your pool business with the most comprehensive software suite available. Visit Buffer Zone Systems for a demo today!

Connect With Us:
📧 Email: TalkingPools@gmail.com
📱 Facebook: Talking Pools Podcast Community

Closing Note:
To all our Southern Hemisphere listeners, hang in there during the holiday rush! Stay cool, stay sane, and remember—you’re not alone in the madness. Catch you next week!

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In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the evolution of pool care, addressing critiques of industry podcasts and emphasizing the importance of education and adaptation in the field. He reflects on the historical context of pool service, the shift towards eco-friendly practices, and the cultural significance of gestures like the middle finger. The episode concludes with insights on upcoming events and a call to embrace sustainability in the pool industry.

takeaways

• The pool service industry has evolved significantly over the decades.
• Criticism of podcasts can spark important discussions about realism in the industry.
• Education is crucial for adapting to new technologies and methods in pool care.
• Nostalgia can hinder progress in the pool service field.
• Eco-friendly practices are becoming essential in pool maintenance.
• Sustainability can lead to cost savings for pool service companies.
• The future of pool care will increasingly focus on environmental responsibility.
• Understanding the history of gestures like the middle finger can provide cultural insights.
• Technological advancements are transforming traditional pool maintenance methods.
• Engaging with customers about eco-friendly practices fosters a culture of sustainability.

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Hosts: Wayne and Steve

Episode Summary: In this episode, Wayne and Steve discuss the challenges of dealing with demanding clients, often referred to as "Karens," and share valuable tips on maintaining clear communication and documentation in the pool maintenance business. They also touch on the importance of capturing detailed records of service visits to ensure smooth business operations.

Key Topics:

1. Introduction and Weather Reflections
   • Brief discussion on the current weather and its impact on pool maintenance.
2. Perceived Value and Customer Relationships
   • How to manage client expectations and maintain positive relationships.
   • The importance of setting clear expectations and documenting everything.
3. Service Calls and Billing Practices
   • Tips on handling service calls and ensuring accurate billing.
   • The significance of capturing timing and details of service visits.
4. Commercial vs Residential Service Dynamics
   • Differences between commercial and residential pool maintenance.
   • Strategies for managing both types of clients effectively.
5. Scope of Work and Client Expectations
   • Defining the scope of work clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
   • Examples of handling client complaints and setting realistic expectations.
6. Final Thoughts and Conclusion
   • Recap of the episode's main points.
   • Encouragement to listeners to send in their questions or topic suggestions to TalkingPools@gmail.com.
   • Appreciation for the audience's support and a reminder to have a fantastic week.

Listener Engagement:

• If you have any questions or topics you'd like us to touch base on, please pop an email to TalkingPools@gmail.com. If we use your topic or idea, we'll send you a little thank you present.

Closing Remarks:

• Wayne and Steve thank the listeners for their continued support and wish everyone a great and fantastic week.

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Andrea and Paulette talk about swimming pool service and tell it like it is. Paulette hates a customer, Andrea is annoyed with chlorine-free tech, and more.

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In this festive episode of Mondays Down Under, Peter, Shane, and Lee bring their signature humor and insights to a special Christmas-themed discussion. The trio dives into the quirks and challenges of the holiday season for pool service professionals, reflecting on customer chaos, overbooked schedules, and the industry’s unique holiday pressures.

The conversation begins with lighthearted banter as the hosts exchange festive greetings and discuss their own Christmas traditions, from roast turkey in sweltering 40°C weather to seafood spreads with salads. They also share amusing stories about holiday preparations, including the often-overlooked struggles of juggling family responsibilities with work demands.

The podcast takes a practical turn as Shane introduces a game-changing PVC cutting tool, sparking a lively discussion about must-have gadgets for pool techs. The hosts swap tales of their favorite tools, from reciprocating saws to the long-missed "Wall Whale" pool brooms, lamenting the disappearance of industry favorites and offering advice on choosing quality over cost for reliable equipment.

As the holiday season amplifies customer demands, Peter and Lee share anecdotes about last-minute service requests and challenging interactions, including a customer attempting to "bully" Peter into immediate service. The hosts emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining professionalism while managing the "Christmas crazies" that flood the pool industry in December.

In true Mondays Down Under fashion, the episode wraps up with festive cheer as the hosts reflect on their year of podcasting, thank their listeners, and share hopes for a relaxing holiday break. With plenty of laughs, practical advice, and relatable stories, this episode is a delightful gift for anyone navigating the busy pool service season.

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating holiday traditions in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer heat.
• Game-changing tools for pool techs and their practical applications.
• Setting boundaries with customers during the hectic Christmas season.
• Reflecting on the year and spreading festive cheer with the pool industry community.

Mondays Down Under delivers another engaging and relatable episode, combining industry expertise with holiday humor and camaraderie.

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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com