Fostering Respect and Empathy Among Professionals

The Power of Mentorship in the Pool Industry

Every successful pool professional has a story about someone who helped them navigate the complexities of the industry when they were just starting out. On a recent episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Stephen Wayne reflected on his own journey and the critical role mentors play in shaping careers in the pool and spa industry.

I had a mentor when I first started back in the early 90s. He's no longer with us. But Lowry, for those of you who are long in the tooth who might remember him, he helped me a lot when I was first starting because I knew shit. Back then, basically, I knew a pool was a big hole in the ground with water in it. That's it.

— Stephen Wayne, Talking Pools Podcast

This personal reflection highlights a universal truth in the pool industry: we all start somewhere, and the guidance of experienced professionals can make the difference between struggling alone and thriving with support. The podcast is now sponsoring the first-ever Mentor of the Year Award, recognizing those individuals who have made significant contributions to others' careers in the pool industry.

Recognizing Those Who Lift Others Up

The Mentor of the Year Award represents more than just recognition—it's a celebration of the collaborative spirit that has traditionally defined the pool industry. The nomination process is straightforward and inclusive, welcoming submissions for mentors whether they're currently active in the industry or have passed on.

To nominate someone who has made a difference in your pool career, visit mentoraward.com and follow the prompts. The nomination period runs through the end of June, giving professionals ample time to reflect on those who have shaped their careers. The award recognizes various types of mentorship, from technical guidance to business advice to emotional support during challenging times.

What makes this award particularly meaningful is its focus on genuine impact rather than popularity. As the podcast emphasizes, this isn't about who has the most connections, but about recognizing the real leaders who have dedicated time and energy to helping others succeed in the industry.

The Troubling Rise of Online Disrespect

While discussing the positive aspects of mentorship, the podcast hosts also addressed a concerning trend they've observed in online pool industry communities. The traditional collegiality that has characterized the pool industry is being challenged by increasing levels of disrespect and negativity in digital spaces.

Recently on several of the pool spa sites that I'm a member of or an admin for, I've noticed a really deep level of disrespect for each other that I really don't like. And that's not something that we in the pool industry normally experience because we all kind of know each other, really.

— Stephen Wayne, Talking Pools Podcast

This shift is particularly troubling because the pool industry has historically been characterized by mutual support and shared knowledge. Professionals have traditionally helped each other solve problems, share resources, and collaborate even when they might be competitors in the same market.

The hosts noted that this online behavior often reflects broader professionalism issues. When someone displays disrespect in public forums, it raises questions about how they conduct themselves in business relationships and customer interactions.

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Co-host Steve shared his experiences with Facebook groups in the pool industry, illustrating both the tremendous benefits and significant challenges of online professional communities. He started a Facebook group in 2010 specifically to create a resource for field professionals who needed quick answers to technical questions.

I love the groups because I sent a picture of this filter. And within 15 minutes, the manufacturer of Posi flow was in the group. And he was like, hey, that's the A115 model or what, you know, whatever it is. And I was like, oh, shit. Like that was super helpful, you know.

— Steve, Talking Pools Podcast

This example perfectly demonstrates the potential of online communities when they function as intended. The ability to connect directly with manufacturers, experienced technicians, and industry experts can solve problems in minutes that might otherwise take hours or days to resolve.

However, Steve also highlighted the negative aspects that have emerged over time. Simple questions can trigger unnecessarily harsh responses, with some members making assumptions about the questioner's competence or experience level.

Sometimes I'll say something and I'll be like, hey, you know, I have a question about this. And then someone jumps on and they're like, well, you didn't put it in rinse after you backwashed it. And it's like we're in a pool group. Like I shouldn't have to explain in my post when I say that I backwashed the filter that I also put it in rinse.

— Steve, Talking Pools Podcast

Security and Privacy Concerns in Professional Networking

Beyond interpersonal issues, the podcast also addressed growing security concerns related to online professional networking. Steve described having to investigate friend requests and profile authenticity, noting instances where scammers have created fake profiles using real professionals' names and photos.

This creates a challenging balance for pool professionals who want to maintain accessibility for legitimate business purposes while protecting themselves from fraud and privacy violations. The hosts noted that a simple internet search can reveal surprising amounts of personal information, making privacy protection increasingly important.

Building a Better Professional Community

Despite these challenges, the podcast hosts emphasized that the solution isn't to abandon online communities entirely, but rather to approach them more thoughtfully. Steve described adapting his posting style to focus on facts rather than opinions and taking time to consider responses before posting.

The key is maintaining the collaborative spirit that has always characterized the pool industry while adapting to the realities of digital communication. This means:

• Assuming good intent when colleagues ask questions
• Providing helpful responses rather than criticism
• Sharing knowledge generously while maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Recognizing that written communication lacks the nuance of face-to-face interaction

The pool industry's strength has always been its willingness to help others succeed, even potential competitors. Preserving this culture in digital spaces requires conscious effort from all participants.

Moving Forward with Respect and Professionalism

The conversation ultimately returns to the core values that should guide professional interactions: respect, empathy, and mutual support. The Mentor of the Year Award serves as a positive example of how the industry can celebrate these values and encourage their continuation.

As the pool season ramps up and professionals across the country prepare for their busiest months, the podcast's message is timely. The challenges faced by pool professionals—from complex chemistry problems to equipment failures to difficult customers—are best addressed through collaboration and shared expertise.

The industry's future depends not just on technical competence, but on maintaining the professional culture that has made it a welcoming place for newcomers and a supportive environment for career growth. By recognizing mentors, addressing negative behaviors, and consciously choosing respect over conflict, pool professionals can ensure that their online communities reflect the best aspects of their industry.

Whether you're nominating a mentor who changed your career trajectory or simply choosing to respond helpfully to a colleague's question in an online forum, every action contributes to the overall professional culture of the pool industry. The choice between building others up or tearing them down is one that every professional makes daily, and the cumulative effect of these choices shapes the industry for everyone.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Mentor Award Announcement
• 05:30 The Problem of Online Disrespect
• 12:15 Facebook Groups: Benefits and Challenges
• 18:45 Security Concerns and Privacy Issues
• 25:20 Maintaining Professional Standards Online