Talking Pools Podcast

07/09/2025

🌟 Spotlight: Andrea Nannini

Andrea Nannini brings nearly two decades of hands-on pool service expertise to the mic as the dynamic “Perfect Pool Gal.” She’s not just keeping pools sparkling—she’s redefining what it means to make waves in a male-dominated field. As owner of Hibiscus Pool & Spa, Andrea blends humor, grit, and technical mastery to deliver real-world pool wisdom every step of the way.

On the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea pairs candid storytelling with pro tips to educate and entertain pool professionals everywhere. Her hilarious, down-to-earth style makes even the trickiest service tales feel like a backyard chat.

She’s earned recognition as the 2018 Pleatco Perfect Pool Gal, a nod to her leadership and excellence in the pool industry. Through her viral social page “Adventures of the Pool Girl,” and her TikTok prowess, Andrea shares the daily comedic and chaotic moments from her route—think filters, chemicals, and candid poolside confessions.

Featured across industry publications and podcasts, Andrea is a passionate advocate for women in the trades—challenging assumptions, inspiring future pool pros, and proving that passion and expertise know no gender.

06/09/2025

From skater troublemaker to standout employee 🛹➡️💼 Shannon tells Rudy how hiring a kid she kept chasing out of the parking lot turned out to be one of the best decisions she ever made. Sometimes the people you least expect surprise you the most! 🙌

🎧 Catch the full episode of Talking Pools with Rudy Stankowitz & Shannon D. Wilson—available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

05/09/2025

👶✨ Sarah and Andruu get real: after years of giving up on starting a family and focusing on careers (and TikTok 😏), life threw them a surprise. And the wild part? The pregnancy dates back to Andruu’s birthday. 🎉 Talk about a birthday gift! 😂

🎧 Hear the full episode with Sarah & Andruu on Talking Pools—now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

05/09/2025

We acknowledge an error regarding Service Industry News in our recent communication. This publication is crucial for pool service professionals, providing timely insights and updates. Our sincere apologies for the oversight, and we thank Service Industry News for their unwavering dedication to our industry. Stay informed and connected!

https://conta.cc/4gdY82r

Email from Aquatic Facility Training & Consultants SIN Deserves Our Praise and my apologies     Stay Up-To-Date on New Industry Trends   Rudy SNAFU! Greetings!, I need to set the record straight. In m

05/09/2025

💥 Chlorine + Chlorine ≠ a good idea. Shannon shares a wild explosion story from her early days in the pool industry—when mixing the wrong chlorine tablets went kaboom, sent shrapnel flying, and brought out the fire department. 😳 Thankfully no one was hurt!

🎧 Hear the full story on Talking Pools with Rudy Stankowitz & Shannon D. Wilson—available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

05/09/2025

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Shannon Wilson, a top mentor in the pool care industry. They discuss the importance of mentorship, safety, and training in pool management, as well as the role of enzymes in maintaining pool clarity. Shannon shares insights on accountability, learning from mistakes, and the significance of chemical knowledge in pool care. The conversation highlights the challenges of leadership and the impact of mentorship on professional development, concluding with valuable lessons and best practices for aspiring pool professionals.
takeaways

Mentorship is crucial for growth in the pool industry.
Enzymes play a significant role in maintaining pool clarity.
Safety training is essential for pool management.
Consistency and accountability are key in leadership.
Learning from mistakes is part of the growth process.
Effective communication can resolve employee challenges.
Understanding pool chemistry is vital for maintenance.
Reading product labels can prevent costly mistakes.
Good mentorship can come from unexpected sources.
Asking questions fosters a learning environment.
Sound Bites
Shannon Wilson Natalie Hood

"You have to document everything."
"Ask questions to spark learning."
"Read the directions on the label."

Podcast Episode · Talking Pools Podcast · 09/05/2025 · 53m

04/09/2025

Wayne and guest Natalie Hood talk about the refreshing philosophy Johnny & Lacy bring to the pool industry—especially how they approach and work with manufacturers. 🌊 But what really sets The Grit Game apart from other groups? 👀

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

04/09/2025

At the Talking Pools Podcast, we prioritize mentorship in the pool industry, believing that stepping into a mentorship role is one of the greatest contributions anyone can make to an individual’s growth and our industry’s future. We believe the other contributions and accolades are well represented by our peers. So, we will stay laser-focused on our mission, without expanding into other categories or introducing voting options. Instead, we’ll dedicate ourselves to honoring the incredible mentors in our industry every year.

04/09/2025

Wayne and Natalie Hood drop some BIG news 👏 Talking Pools is ranked #1 on the list—and now The Grit Game is stepping up to host CPO® classes 🌊📚. Huge moves happening in the pool industry!

🎧 Catch the full episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

04/09/2025

🔥NEW EPISODE ALERT!
In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne and Natalie Hood discuss the Grit Game, a rising player in the pool industry. Natalie shares her journey with the Grit Game, emphasizing their commitment to education, collaboration, and support within the industry. They explore the meaning behind the name 'Grit', the importance of manufacturer representation, and the growth trajectory of the Grit Game. The conversation also highlights upcoming events, resources for industry professionals, and the launch of CPO classes, showcasing the Grit Game's dedication to elevating industry standards and knowledge.
takeaways Johnny Davis Laci Davis Natalie Hood

The Grit Game is gaining popularity in the pool industry.
Natalie Hood has been with the Grit Game for over four months.
The Grit Game focuses on education and certification for manufacturers.
The name 'Grit' symbolizes determination and going above and beyond.
The Grit Game has representatives across various territories.
They are committed to providing free education and resources.
The Grit Game is expanding its team and partnerships.
Collaboration within the industry is essential for growth.
They are launching a comprehensive events calendar for industry professionals.
The Grit Game is now hosting CPO classes to enhance education.

"Do you have grit?"
"We're here to support our customers."
"Education is key in this industry."

Podcast Episode · Talking Pools Podcast · 09/04/2025 · 50m