The Truth About Pool Shock

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz goes solo as his co-host, Andrea Nannini, is out managing pool maintenance after some severe storms. Rudy dives into one of Andrea's pet peeves: the use of the word "shock" in the pool industry. He explores whether "shock" should be used as a noun or a verb and discusses the industry's terminology. Rudy clarifies that "shocking" a pool is an action, primarily aimed at achieving breakpoint chlorination to eliminate combined chlorine. He critiques common practices and misconceptions, particularly the overuse of the 10-times rule for dosing chlorine, which stems from a mathematical error. Rudy advocates for more accurate testing and dosing methods to avoid unnecessary chemical use and expense. He emphasizes the importance of using DPD tests to determine when to shock a pool and warns against blindly following bucket instructions. Throughout the episode, Rudy offers practical advice, aiming to save pool professionals money and improve their pool care practices. He signs off by reminding listeners that accurate information and careful dosing are key to maintaining pool health and profitability.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 11:16 Discussion Continues
• 22:32 Deep Dive