You’re Not Fighting Mustard Algae—You’re Feeding It

The Shocking Truth About Your Mustard Algae Treatment

If you've been battling mustard algae in pools and feeling like you're fighting an uphill battle, there's a reason for that frustration. According to the latest episode of Talking Pools Podcast, many pool professionals have discovered that their go-to weapons against this persistent algae may have been rendered ineffective—or worse, illegal. Host Rudy Stankiewicz delivers some hard truths about mustard algae that every pool professional needs to hear.

This revelation comes at a time when the pool industry is facing multiple challenges, from cybersecurity threats to regulatory changes, making it more critical than ever for professionals to stay informed about effective treatment methods and industry developments.

Understanding the Science Behind Effective Algae Treatment

The episode dives deep into the biochemical warfare happening in your pool when dealing with stubborn algae. Stankiewicz explains the mechanism behind one of the most effective treatments:

So, copper sulfate, that's the heavy hitter. It works by binding to proteins in the aloe cell wall and disrupting enzyme function. Once inside the cell, copper ions interfere with the Calvin cycle, which inhibits photosynthesis.

— Rudy Stankiewicz, Talking Pools Podcast

This scientific approach to understanding algae treatment represents a shift from the traditional "throw chemicals at it" mentality to a more targeted, educated approach. By understanding how treatments work at the cellular level, pool professionals can make more informed decisions about which products to use and when to use them.

The key insight here is that effective algae treatment isn't just about killing what you can see—it's about disrupting the fundamental biological processes that allow algae to survive and reproduce in pool environments.

The Mentorship Crisis and Recognition in Pool Industry

Beyond technical challenges, the podcast highlights a deeper issue within the industry: the critical need for mentorship and recognition of those who truly make a difference. Stankiewicz addresses this head-on:

What makes someone a mentor? Is it the hours they spend in the field? The decades of experience? Sure, those help. But it's more than that. In a service-based industry like ours, mentorship isn't a bonus. It's the backbone.

— Rudy Stankiewicz, Talking Pools Podcast

The inaugural 2025 Mentor of the Year Award represents more than just recognition—it's an acknowledgment of the quiet heroes who shape the next generation of pool professionals. With 67 nominations received, it's clear that the industry recognizes the value of mentorship, even if it doesn't always celebrate it publicly.

The criteria for this award focus on tangible impact rather than industry popularity, looking for professionals who share knowledge selflessly, demonstrate measurable impact on mentees' growth, and consistently show up for their peers and community.

Industry Resilience in the Face of Cyber Threats

The episode also addresses a growing concern for businesses across all industries: cybersecurity. The recent attack on Merlin Industries serves as a wake-up call for pool industry companies of all sizes. The response from Andrew Magion, president of Merlin Industries, demonstrates how proper incident response can minimize damage:

Upon discovery, we immediately activated our incident response protocols, engaged leading cyber security experts, and notified the relevant authorities. We have since contained the threat, restored affected systems, and are conducting a thorough investigation to ensure the integrity of our data and infrastructure.

— Andrew Magion, President of Merlin Industries

What's particularly noteworthy about Merlin's response is their refusal to pay the ransom and their transparent communication with partners. This approach not only protected their data but also maintained trust with their customer base during a critical period.

For pool service companies, this incident highlights the importance of having cybersecurity protocols in place, regardless of company size. Even small businesses handle sensitive customer information and financial data that could be targeted by cybercriminals.

Legislative Changes Affecting Pool Service Companies

The episode touches on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed into law on July 4th, 2025, and its implications for pool service businesses. While the effects might not be immediately obvious, the legislation contains several provisions that directly impact how pool companies operate and plan for the future.

The permanent extension of the 20% pass-through deduction on qualified business income particularly benefits pool service companies structured as LLCs, sole proprietorships, and S-corporations. This change allows businesses to retain more capital for reinvestment in equipment, fleet expansion, or workforce development.

For pool service companies, this represents an opportunity to:

• Reassess business structure to maximize tax benefits
• Plan long-term investments with greater tax certainty
• Improve employee retention through enhanced financial stability

The legislation also includes provisions for individual tax rates and deductions that can improve household financial security for both business owners and employees, potentially leading to reduced turnover in an industry that often struggles with seasonal employment challenges.

Building a Future-Focused Pool Industry

The podcast emphasizes that real change in the industry comes from bringing together diverse voices and perspectives. Stankiewicz's decision to speak at the All Things Aquatics Conference rather than traditional trade shows reflects this philosophy:

This event, All Things Aquatics, it's not about product launches or booth displays. It's about the people who keep aquatics alive. It's about the lifeguards, the swim instructors, the operators, and the pool service techs, the ones who show up every single day to make sure the water's clean, the gates are locked, the staff is trained, and the public is safe.

— Rudy Stankiewicz, Talking Pools Podcast

This approach recognizes that the future of the pool industry depends not just on new products or technologies, but on the people who implement and maintain these systems daily. By focusing on education, mentorship, and cross-sector collaboration, the industry can address long-standing challenges more effectively.

The announcement of the Mentor of the Year Award at this venue rather than a traditional trade show reinforces the message that real industry leadership comes from those who do the work and teach others to do it well, not necessarily from those with the highest profiles or biggest booths.

Practical Implications and Next Steps

For pool professionals listening to this episode, several immediate action items emerge. First, review current algae treatment protocols in light of recent regulatory changes and scientific understanding. If copper sulfate or similar treatments have been part of your arsenal, ensure you're using them legally and effectively.

Second, consider your role as a mentor in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or relatively new to the field, there are opportunities to share knowledge and support others. The industry's future depends on this knowledge transfer.

Third, evaluate your business's cybersecurity preparedness. The Merlin Industries incident demonstrates that cyber threats are real and can affect companies of all sizes. Having protocols in place before an incident occurs can make the difference between a manageable disruption and a business-threatening crisis.

Finally, stay informed about legislative changes that affect your business structure and operations. The tax implications of recent legislation could provide opportunities for business growth and improved employee retention if properly leveraged.

As the pool industry continues to evolve, success will depend on staying informed, building strong professional relationships, and maintaining focus on the fundamental goal of providing safe, clean water for communities. The challenges discussed in this episode—from algae treatment to cybersecurity to mentorship—all point to the same conclusion: the industry's strength lies in its people and their commitment to continuous learning and mutual support.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Flock It Friday
• 05:30 Sponsor Messages and Industry Updates
• 12:15 2025 Mentor of the Year Award Announcement
• 18:45 All Things Aquatics Conference Preview
• 22:30 Merlin Industries Cybersecurity Update
• 28:10 One Big Beautiful Bill Act Analysis
• 35:00 Mustard Algae Treatment Science