Thank you.

The End of an Era: A Heartfelt Goodbye to Rule Your Pool

After six years and 169 episodes, the Rule Your Pool Podcast has reached a bittersweet milestone. Host Eric Knight recently announced his departure from the show to take on a new challenge as executive director of Watershape University. In what can only be described as one of the most emotional podcast episodes in the swimming pool industry, Knight took listeners on a journey through his career transformation, introduced exciting new app features, and delivered heartfelt thanks to the people who made it all possible.

A New Chapter: From Pool Chemistry to Industry Education

Eric Knight's announcement came as a surprise to many in the pool industry. His move to Watershape University represents not just a career change, but a broader vision for pool industry education.

My role is to help build a world-class education system. My goal is to make it the best swimming pool education you can possibly get anywhere. I'm really looking forward to this challenge.

— Eric Knight, Rule Your Pool Podcast

Knight emphasized that while water chemistry has been his passion, there are numerous other issues plaguing the pool industry that can devastate both businesses and homeowners. From construction problems to renovation nightmares, the industry needs comprehensive education that goes beyond chemical balance. His new role at Watershape University will allow him to address these broader challenges while maintaining his commitment to excellence in pool education.

The transition appears to be amicable, with Knight noting that everything remains positive between all parties involved. He's not in the business of burning bridges and looks forward to maintaining ongoing relationships with his former team at Orenda.

Orenda App 6.0: The Final Gift

Before departing, Knight helped complete one final project: the release of Orenda app version 6.0. This update represents years of user feedback and requests finally coming to fruition, with four major new features that will revolutionize how pool professionals manage water chemistry.

Lockable Desired Side Dials

One of the most requested features is now reality. Users can lock their preferred water chemistry parameters, ensuring consistent dosing recommendations based on their specific preferences.

You can now have the option to lock them in place... So if you have a place that you really like your water chemistry to be... You can say hey, I always want to have a 65 alkalinity and a 380 calcium or whatever it is for you. And it will dose that way until you unlock the dials and change your preferences.

— Eric Knight, Rule Your Pool Podcast

Drain and Dilute Calculator

The new drain calculator solves complex dilution mathematics that have challenged pool professionals for years. Whether dealing with high cyanuric acid from too many chlorine tablets or excessive calcium levels, the calculator accounts for fill water chemistry to provide accurate drainage requirements.

Knight revealed that this calculator incorporates the mathematical work of the late Bob Lowry, whose intellectual property now lives on through Orenda's platform, ensuring his contributions continue to benefit the industry.

User Profiles and Cost Calculator

The app now allows users to create personalized profiles, making the experience more tailored and user-friendly. But perhaps the most significant addition is the cost calculator, which Knight admits took months to perfect.

There were just so many variables of so many different ways you can buy so many versions of the same product... Like calcium chloride. Well is it flake? Is it prill? Is it powder? What size? 5 pounds? 1 pound? 50 pounds? Is it a bucket? Is it a bag?

— Eric Knight, Rule Your Pool Podcast

The elegant solution integrates pricing directly into dosing recommendations, allowing users to see real-time costs for their chemical treatments while maintaining the flexibility to hide pricing information when sharing results with customers.

Six Years of Industry Transformation

The impact of the Rule Your Pool Podcast extends far beyond entertainment. Over 169 episodes, Knight and his team fundamentally changed how the pool industry approaches water chemistry education. The show moved the industry away from outdated paper charts and guesswork toward scientific precision and digital tools.

Paper dosing charts and formulas, results and how we got them... Our app made easy calculations that could dose and change the game. And it could show you water balance, so you could focus on your talents.

— Eric Knight, Rule Your Pool Podcast

The podcast became more than just an educational tool—it created a community of pool professionals committed to excellence. Knight's approachable teaching style, combined with his willingness to challenge industry conventions, earned him respect across the pool service sector.

Interestingly, Knight revealed that his co-host Jared initially resisted many of the innovations that became central to their success, including the current app design, the podcast itself, and even the blog content. This resistance-turned-collaboration created the perfect balance needed to build something truly special in the industry.

Gratitude and Recognition: The People Behind the Success

Perhaps the most touching part of Knight's farewell was his extensive recognition of the team members, industry partners, and mentors who made his journey possible. From Monica, the first team member he met at Orenda, to the late Lauren Granstrom, who became both mentor and friend, Knight's success clearly stems from collaborative relationships built on mutual respect and shared vision.

He specifically thanked team members like Laura, who handled marketing and back-end operations; Joe, who finally filled the sales management role Knight was originally hired for but never actually performed; Miguel, discovered poolside and transformed into a key team member; and Tyler, whose rapid development and teaching abilities impressed Knight throughout his tenure.

The independent representatives across the country received special recognition for their tireless work building territories, supporting trade shows, and maintaining distributor relationships. These unsung heroes of the pool industry made Knight's educational mission possible by connecting him with pool professionals who needed to hear his message.

Industry Legacy and Future Vision

Knight's departure marks the end of an era, but his influence on the pool industry will continue through the tools, education, and mindset changes he helped implement. The Orenda app has become an industry standard, and the scientific approach to water chemistry he championed has replaced outdated methods across the country.

His new role at Watershape University promises to expand this educational impact beyond water chemistry into construction, renovation, and other critical areas where industry knowledge gaps create problems for both professionals and homeowners.

The Rule Your Pool Podcast demonstrated that complex technical subjects could be made accessible through consistent, quality education delivered with passion and authenticity. Knight's approach proved that the pool industry was hungry for better information and willing to embrace change when presented with clear benefits.

Conclusion: A Foundation Built to Last

Eric Knight's farewell to the Rule Your Pool Podcast represents more than just a career transition—it's a testament to what's possible when passionate educators commit to improving their industry. Over six years and 169 episodes, Knight transformed pool water chemistry from guesswork into science, created tools that serve thousands of pool professionals daily, and built a community committed to excellence.

His move to Watershape University extends this mission beyond chemistry into comprehensive industry education. While the Rule Your Pool Podcast may be ending, the foundation Knight built—combining scientific accuracy, practical application, and accessible education—will continue influencing the pool industry for years to come.

The new features in Orenda app 6.0 serve as a fitting capstone to Knight's tenure, providing pool professionals with even more sophisticated tools to serve their customers effectively. As he embarks on his new journey, Knight leaves behind not just an app or a podcast, but a transformed industry mindset that prioritizes education, precision, and customer service above all else.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Musical Introduction and Reflection
• 05:30 Announcement of Departure
• 08:15 New Role at Watershape University
• 12:45 Orenda App 6.0 Features Overview
• 25:30 Team Appreciation and Thanks
• 35:20 Industry Relationships and Mentors
• 42:10 Final Thoughts and Farewell