03/03/2025
E-237 of the Pool Nation Podcast - Welcome to the Feb 28 Pool Nation podcast—the go-to resource for pool service, repair, and industry insights. In this extensive episode, host Edgar DeJesus, along with co-hosts John JJ Flawless and Zach the Pool Boy (plus special guest Spider), dive deep into the world of Calcium Hypochlorite (Cal Hypo). Learn about its history, production, and why it’s the powerhouse sanitizer in both residential and commercial pools. The conversation covers everything from the technical chemistry and safe handling of Cal Hypo to the exciting details of the upcoming $10K Pool Pro Challenge and hands-on bootcamps in Texas and California. Whether you’re a seasoned pool professional or just getting started, this episode is packed with expert insights, actionable tips, and a healthy dose of industry banter to help you elevate your pool business and service game.
00:00:00 – Intro: Welcome to the Pool Nation podcast; Edgar introduces the show, the hosts, and sets the stage for a deep dive into pool industry topics.00:01:00 – Host & Guest Introductions: Edgar, John, and Zach introduce themselves and welcome special guest Spider, highlighting the pool pro spirit.00:02:00 – Sponsor Shoutouts: A thank you to visionary partners like SPPA, Blu ray Excel, AquaStar, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, and Pool Marine.00:03:00 – Live Banter & Weather Chat: Casual conversation about cold Texas weather, energy levels, and a preview of the day’s discussion.00:04:00 – Personal Updates & Humor: Light-hearted exchanges on personal energy, filters, and humorous banter among the hosts.00:05:00 – Bootcamp Announcements: Edgar previews the Heritage Bootcamp in McKinney, Texas, detailing the hands-on training in pumps, filters, wiring, and business courses.00:07:00 – Technical Deep Dive Begins: Introduction to the Pool Pro Challenge and qualifiers; discussion on scoring, judging, and the upcoming Las Vegas championship.00:08:00 – Cash & Competition Talk: Funny moments about the $10K prize, cash props, and the promise of big bragging rights for winners.00:09:00 – Championship & Qualifier Details: Explanation of the competition structure, qualification rounds in McKinney and Oxnard, and the automated leaderboard system.00:10:00 – Manuals & Safety Protocols: Emphasis on reading manufacturer manuals to ensure proper dosing and safety during the challenges.00:12:00 – Business & Training Courses: Overview of additional bootcamp events (including the Raypak bootcamp) focused on business efficiency and operational strategies.00:13:00 – Community & Awards: Discussion about the Pool Nation Award, celebrating pool pros by the pool pros, and the importance of community recognition.00:14:00 – Transition to Cal Hypo Deep Dive: Introduction to the educational segment on Calcium Hypochlorite (Cal Hypo) and its significance in pool sanitation.00:17:00 – Meet the Solenis Team: Shay Parker and Robbie Walker introduce themselves and share insights on Solenis’ role in water treatment and pool chemistry.00:18:00 – Industry Legacy & Personal Stories: Personal anecdotes and the evolution of pool maintenance from the early days to modern methods.00:19:00 – The Journey Begins: Discussion on career paths, regional pride, and the importance of pool chemistry expertise.00:20:00 – Cal Hypo Fundamentals: Detailed explanation of what Cal Hypo is, from its raw materials to its manufacturing process and grading for industrial vs. residential use.00:21:00 – Solenis Overview & Impact: In-depth look at Solenis, its global presence, and how its product portfolio supports various water treatment applications.00:22:00 – Product Portfolio & Brands: Conversation on recognizable brands under Solenis, including Pool Life, Bacquacil, Serona, and equipment like feeders and granulated chlorine.00:24:00 – Cal Hypo Production Process: How Cal Hypo is made—from the chlorinated lime paste to granulated pool chlorine and slow-dissolve tablets.00:26:00 – Historical Insights: A look back at the origins of Cal Hypo in the 1700s and its evolution into a staple sanitizer in pools since the early 1900s.00:27:00 – Early Uses & Medical Anecdotes: Discussion on Cal Hypo’s early applications in disinfecting wounds and treating potable water during wartime.00:28:00 – Transition into Pool Use: How Cal Hypo became popular for pool sanitation, replacing older methods and revolutionizing water treatment.00:29:00 – Disaster & Industrial Applications: Broader applications of Cal Hypo in flood treatment, chicken processing, and industrial cleaning.00:30:00 – Cal Hypo in Commercial Pools: Insights into why commercial pools favor Cal Hypo for its efficiency and smaller storage footprint.00:31:00 – Efficiency & Storage Benefits: Explanation of Cal Hypo’s high available chlorine concentration and its impact on shock treatments.00:32:00 – Comparative Advantages: Comparing Cal Hypo with sodium hypochlorite in terms of chlorine content and storage efficiency.00:33:00 – Rapid Reaction & Algae Control: How a small dosage of Cal Hypo provides a significant chlorine boost for breaking down chloramines and algae.00:34:00 – Safety in Commercial Settings: Discussion on non-stabilized chlorine options for commercial pools and related safety considerations.00:35:00 – Stabilizer Effects & Regulations: The impact of stabilizers on chlorine efficiency and varying state regulations regarding pool water treatment.00:36:00 – Managing Calcium Levels: Addressing concerns about calcium buildup and the real-world effects of Cal Hypo dosing on water chemistry.00:37:00 – How Cal Hypo Works: The chemistry behind Cal Hypo—its breakdown into hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion and its role as a sanitizer.00:38:00 – Byproducts & Alternatives: Discussion on cyanuric acid buildup in other chlorine forms versus Cal Hypo’s benefits.00:39:00 – Sponsor Break #1: First round of sponsor messages from SPPA, Pool Invoice, Blu ray XL, and more.00:40:00 – Sponsor Break #2: Additional sponsor highlights focusing on innovative pool products and tools.00:41:00 – Back to Technical Talk: Transition back to discussing Cal Hypo specifics and listener Q&A.00:43:00 – pH & Cal Hypo Characteristics: Insights into Cal Hypo’s high pH (around 11–12) and its effects on pool water chemistry.00:44:00 – Optimizing Water Chemistry: Best practices for maintaining ideal pH and alkalinity levels when using Cal Hypo.00:45:00 – Key Benefits: Discussion on the unique sparkle and clarity Cal Hypo provides to pool water.00:46:00 – Shock Treatment & Algae Control: How Cal Hypo serves as an effective shock treatment and aids in algae elimination.00:47:00 – Borates & Chemical Interactions: The role of borates in enhancing Cal Hypo performance and suppressing unwanted growth.00:48:00 – Addressing Misconceptions: Tackling common concerns about calcium buildup and clarifying real versus perceived impacts.00:49:00 – Managing Hard Water: Strategies for pool pros dealing with high-calcium tap water and maintaining balanced LSI levels.00:50:00 – Multiple Sanitizer Approaches: Emphasizing that no single method fits every pool—choosing the right tool for the job.00:51:00 – Diverse Toolset Discussion: Comparing different sanitation methods (bleach, trichlor, dichlor, Cal Hypo) for varied pool scenarios.00:52:00 – Cyanuric Acid & Dosing Considerations: The importance of managing byproducts and maintaining proper chemical balance.00:53:00 – Filtration & Calcium Management: How proper backwashing minimizes calcium accumulation in the pool water.00:54:00 – Real-World Impact: Clarifying that Cal Hypo’s calcium contribution is gradual and manageable through filtration.00:55:00 – Liner Safety Q&A: Addressing listener questions on whether Cal Hypo can bleach pool liners when used correctly.00:56:00 – Proper Dosing Practices: The importance of broadcasting Cal Hypo rather than pre-dissolving it, to avoid hazardous reactions.00:57:00 – Dosing Safety Tips: Explaining why pre-dissolving in a bucket can be dangerous and the benefits of proper application.00:58:00 – Handling Cloudiness: Tips on resolving temporary cloudiness through proper circulation and pH adjustments.00:59:00 – Ensuring Even Distribution: Best practices for achieving clear water after dosing with Cal Hypo.01:00:00 – Temperature & Saturation Effects: How environmental factors affect the dissolution and clarity of Cal Hypo.01:01:00 – Final Chemistry Insights: Recap of key factors like pH, alkalinity, and temperature for optimal pool water clarity.01:02:00 – Distribution & Circulation: Emphasizing the need for proper mixing to avoid localized high concentrations.01:03:00 – Storage & Handling Guidelines: Detailed safety and DOT regulations for storing and transporting Cal Hypo.01:04:00 – Vehicle Safety & Segregation: Tips on safely segregating chemicals in service vehicles and preventing cross-contamination.01:05:00 – DOT Regulations Reminder: Overview of weight limits and container size rules for hazardous materials transport.01:06:00 – Container & Transport Limits: Additional safety guidelines for handling larger quantities of Cal Hypo.01:07:00 – Sponsor Break #3: Final sponsor messages highlighting products and services for pool professionals.01:08:00 – Sponsor Break #4: Continued sponsor highlights from industry partners, supporting pool business growth.01:09:00 – Sponsor Break #5: More sponsor messages and promotions to keep you up-to-date with the latest tools.01:10:00 – Technical Recap: Summarizing the key takeaways on Cal Hypo application, water chemistry, and safety.01:11:00 – Final Banter & Money Talk: Humorous exchanges on cash props and the pool pro lifestyle.01:12:00 – Final Thoughts: Wrap-up discussion on the importance of education, safety, and innovation in pool maintenance.01:13:00 – Personal Reflections: Hosts share final reflections on the evolution of pool chemistry and industry legacy.01:14:00 – Final Wrap-Up: Closing remarks, gratitude to guests, and a reminder to stay educated and safe on the job.01:15:00 – Outro: Thank you for listening! Stay connected with Pool Nation for more expert pool repair tips and industry news.01:16:00 – End of Podcast.
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The Pool Nation is a podcast dedicated to the swimming pool service and repair industry.
