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This episode of the Talking Pools Podcast Mondays Down Under dives into the challenges and opportunities for pool service professionals working with public and commercial swimming pools, particularly in rural or remote areas of Australia. The discussion explores innovative practices and operational strategies that help community pools stay afloat, including volunteer-run initiatives, creative fundraising, and community engagement events such as dog swimming days at the end of the season.

Key Highlights:

1. Volunteer-Driven Community Pools:
   • Many community pools operate on a small number of paid staff, relying heavily on volunteers for tasks such as ticketing, maintenance, and lifeguarding.
   • Pools host unique events like movie nights and dog-swimming sessions to generate revenue and community interest.
   • Local government and business sponsorships contribute additional financial support, although many facilities are primarily self-funded.
2. Opportunities for Pool Technicians:
   • Pool service professionals in regional areas can become essential resources for public and commercial pools by providing expert advice and specialized services.
   • The importance of understanding state guidelines for public pools and leveraging manufacturer training programs is emphasized.
   • Technicians are encouraged to admit limitations and collaborate with specialists or suppliers for large-scale projects, ensuring the best outcomes for clients.
3. Specialized Training and Certification:
   • Discusses the various certifications required to work on public and commercial pools, such as Group 1 licenses in Western Australia or qualifications for projects over specific monetary thresholds in Queensland and New South Wales.
   • Encourages pool technicians to expand their skill sets through courses on hydraulics, water chemistry, and equipment maintenance, available through suppliers and online resources.
4. Challenges of Commercial Pool Work:
   • Highlights the scale and complexity of commercial systems, such as large pumps, three-phase power systems, and extensive filtration setups.
   • Safety and proper insurance coverage are critical when working on high-stakes projects involving millions of liters of water and heavy-duty equipment.
5. Case Studies and Anecdotes:
   • Hosts share personal experiences with commercial pool projects, ranging from solar heating installations to vinyl liner replacements, illustrating both the rewards and difficulties of these ventures.
   • Shane and Peter note the differing levels of involvement based on local resources and business focus, with Shane targeting strata pools and Peter opting out of public pools entirely due to logistical challenges.
6. Encouragement for Technicians:
   • The hosts stress the potential for rural pool technicians to establish themselves as local experts, building strong relationships with community pools and generating additional revenue streams.
   • They recomm

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