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In this episode of Let's Talk About Pools Live, Lauren Broom and Rob Stewart tackle some of the biggest issues facing the pool industry today. They discuss the 2026 Pool Nation Awards nominations and recognize the professionals making an impact across the industry.

The conversation then shifts to the growing popularity of backyard pool rental platforms like Swimply. Are these pools private, or should they be regulated like public pools? The hosts explore the safety concerns, liability issues, and why states like Minnesota are beginning to regulate this emerging market.

The discussion continues with vacation rental pools, examining whether they should be subject to additional regulations and the unique challenges health agencies face in inspecting and enforcing safety standards for short-term rental properties.

Lauren and Rob also preview upcoming pool industry trade conferences, highlighting the tremendous value of continuing education, professional development, and the networking opportunities that help move the industry forward.

Finally, they dive into concerns surrounding public health inspections, discussing the importance of consistency, fairness, and ensuring both public health professionals and pool industry experts have equal representation on committees that shape pool regulations and safety standards.

Join us for another informative discussion covering today's hottest topics in the pool industry.

Strategic Podcast Sponsor: Pool Brain

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In Episode #80 of Let's Talk About Pools, host Lauren Broom sits down with Jeff Johnson, owner and inventor of the Mini Bucket Test, to discuss one of the most common questions pool owners and service professionals face: Is it a leak, or is it just evaporation?

Jeff shares the story behind developing the Mini Bucket Test, how it simplifies the traditional bucket test, and why it has become a valuable first-step diagnostic tool for homeowners, pool service companies, and retail pool stores. Together, Lauren and Jeff discuss common causes of water loss, misconceptions about pool leaks, when professional leak detection is necessary, and how early diagnosis can save pool owners time, money, and frustration.

Whether you're a pool professional looking to educate your customers or a pool owner trying to determine if your pool is losing more water than normal, this episode provides practical insights and real-world advice to help you make informed decisions before investing in costly leak detection services.

Strategic Podcast Sponsor: Pool Brain

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Join Lauren Broom and co-anchor Rob Stewart for an informative episode covering two important topics affecting the aquatics industry. First, they discuss the National Reflection Pool, including the suspected vandalism that damaged the painted surface, caused the water to turn green, and the restoration efforts underway to return this iconic landmark to its original condition. They also dive into recent pool chemical incidents that have resulted in serious injuries, highlighting the critical importance of chemical safety, proper operator training, and the use of chemical interlocks, flow switches, and safety alarms to help prevent dangerous chemical feed events.

Strategic Podcast Sponsor: Pool Brain