Talking Pools Podcast · Yesterday · 57 min

Same Pool, Different Math: Rudy & Eric Knight, Part 2

Ask a question here Rudy Stankowitz and Eric Knight of Pool Brain continue their three-part crossover conversation with a question that gets uncomfortable fast: How can the same water readings look balanced in one calculation and aggressive in another? They compare the PHTA/NPC calculation Rudy teaches with the Orenda calculator Eric helped develop, explain where their approaches differ, and discuss what those differences mean when you’re standing beside an actual pool. Then there’s everything your standard test kit might miss, the challenge of managing water between weekly visits, and the difference between teaching someone a range and teaching them how to make a decision. In this episode: Beyond the basic test kit: Sulfates, nitrates, manganese, and what your source-water report can tell you. Cold-plunge testing: Why sample temperature belongs in the conversation. Ranges, alkalinity, and pH: Where Rudy and Eric agree—and where their targets differ. Same readings, different LSI: A comparison of calculation methods, including how they account for CYA and borates. Every pool has an environment: Trees, covers, turbulence, and adapting your approach to the backyard. Seven days between visits: Customer participation, specialty chemicals, and automation across different budgets. Teaching judgment: How to move technicians from memorizing numbers to understanding the pool. Manufacturer education: Bias, transparency, and Eric’s account of how the Orenda calculator evolved. Phosphates and algae: Their role in a service strategy, recurring problems, and the importance of brushing. Salt-cell flakes: Eric challenges a familiar explanation and discusses the testing behind his position.. Follow the crossover: Part 1: Rule Your Pool — October 28. Part 2: Talking Pools — this episode. Part 3: Rule Your Pool — November 4, the conclusion. Sponsors featured in this episode: Service Industry News, Pool Brain, Blueray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, and Jack’s Magic. #TalkingPools #RuleYourPool #PoolChemistry #PoolService #LSI #PoolProfessionals Support the show Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

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Ask a question here

Rudy Stankowitz and Eric Knight of Pool Brain continue their three-part crossover conversation with a question that gets uncomfortable fast: How can the same water readings look balanced in one calculation and aggressive in another?

They compare the PHTA/NPC calculation Rudy teaches with the Orenda calculator Eric helped develop, explain where their approaches differ, and discuss what those differences mean when you’re standing beside an actual pool.

Then there’s everything your standard test kit might miss, the challenge of managing water between weekly visits, and the difference between teaching someone a range and teaching them how to make a decision.

In this episode:

Beyond the basic test kit: Sulfates, nitrates, manganese, and what your source-water report can tell you.
Cold-plunge testing: Why sample temperature belongs in the conversation.
Ranges, alkalinity, and pH: Where Rudy and Eric agree—and where their targets differ.
Same readings, different LSI: A comparison of calculation methods, including how they account for CYA and borates.
Every pool has an environment: Trees, covers, turbulence, and adapting your approach to the backyard.
Seven days between visits: Customer participation, specialty chemicals, and automation across different budgets.
Teaching judgment: How to move technicians from memorizing numbers to understanding the pool.
Manufacturer education: Bias, transparency, and Eric’s account of how the Orenda calculator evolved.
Phosphates and algae: Their role in a service strategy, recurring problems, and the importance of brushing.
Salt-cell flakes: Eric challenges a familiar explanation and discusses the testing behind his position..