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Talking Pools PodcastAuthor: Rudy Stankowitz
If youve ever stared at a test kit like it personally insulted your family welcome home.Talking Pools Podcast is the pool industrys pull up a chair showpart shop talk, part field manual, part therapy sessionbuilt for people who actually live on pool decks: commercial operators, service techs, builders, facility managers, and anyone responsible for water that cant 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. Heres the hook: its not theory-first. Its experience-firsta 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 its not one voice, one vibe, one corner of the industry: its a network of shows designed to reflect how diverse this work really isdifferent regions, different specialties, different personalities. Also worth saying out loud: women arent special guests heretheyre on the mic as hosts, from the beginning, with an intentionally balanced roster. That matters, because the best ideas in this industry dont come from one lanethey come from the whole road.If you want a podcast that can make you laugh and make you better at what you dowithout pretending the job is easier than it isTalking Pools is the one you queue up before the first stop, and keep on when the day starts getting weird. Language: en-us Genres: Chemistry, Education, How To, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Is There Too Much Pool Industry Education?
Episode 1066
Wednesday, 26 August, 2026
Ask a question hereIn the conclusion of this two-part Mythbusting Wednesday conversation, Natalie Hood sits down with Erik Knight to discuss his move from Watershape University to Pool Brain—and the bigger problems he hopes to help solve.The pool industry has more education available than ever, but is that actually part of the problem? New technicians are often buried under chemistry, equipment, software, procedures, and safety information before they have enough hands-on experience to understand how it all fits together.Erik explains how guided workflows and point-of-need education could help technicians produce better results from the beginning while developing a deeper understanding over time. Instead of three days riding shotgun followed by “Here are the keys—try not to turn anything green,” technology can provide structure, consistency, and some desperately needed early wins.Natalie and Erik discuss:Why technician turnover is highest at the entry levelWhether the education gap is really an education-overload problemThe weaknesses of traditional pool-company onboardingWhy hands-on learning creates knowledge that actually sticksUsing software to reinforce education instead of replacing itPool Brain’s approach to guided workflows and chemistry recommendationsUsing historical data to predict future pH and water behaviorWhy experience—not intelligence—allows seasoned technicians to anticipate problemsAutomation as a force multiplier for pool professionalsHow technology can free technicians to develop higher-value skillsWhy automation equipment can become a profitable service-company revenue streamThe value of competition among software companies and education providersErik’s continued relationship with Watershape UniversityWhat attracted him to Pool Brain’s long-term visionWhy professional software requires more than an AI-generated interfaceInflation, rising equipment costs, and the need for greater efficiencyRoute optimization, properly stocked trucks, and eliminating costly supply runsErik also addresses the fear that technology will eventually replace the pool professional. Automation may handle repeatable tasks, but it cannot change filter sand, clean a DE grid, diagnose complicated equipment problems, or replace the judgment developed through real experience.Better technology does not eliminate the need for education. It can remove some of the repetitive bullshit, help new technicians succeed sooner, and give experienced professionals more time to solve complicated problems, serve better customers, and operate more profitable routes.Erik’s goal at Pool Brain is straightforward: simplify what makes the job unnecessarily difficult, help pool professionals deliver safer and more predictable water, and give company owners the tools to become more efficient, profitable, and—God forbid—occasionally get home before dark. Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com
