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The plaster looks like hell, and somehow the guy holding the net is already the prime suspect. Case closed? Natalie Hood and Greg Beard have a few follow-up questions.
On this Wednesday Mythbusting Session of the Talking Pools Podcast, Natalie welcomes Greg back for part two of their conversation about plaster problems, hands-on mentorship, and an industry that occasionally treats collaboration like somebody suggested sharing a toothbrush.
With more than 35 years of pool experience, Greg shares his perspective on what can happen before a pool is filled, why documentation matters, and how helping another professional solve a problem can accomplish more than another social media pissing contest.
In this episode:
- Plaster problems before the fill: Greg discusses water-to-cement ratios, application practices, and the work of John Temple.
- Water chemistry and the blame game: Looking beyond an automatic verdict against the service professional.
- Acid-wash timing: Natalie challenges the idea that washing new plaster sooner always produces a better finish.
- Mentorship that sticks: Teaching someone to troubleshoot instead of handing them an answer—or encouraging another expensive round of parts roulette.
- Knowing your worth: Building the knowledge and confidence to answer a homeowner’s questions.
- Community over turf wars: Sharing experience, supporting newcomers, and learning from other businesses.
- The business behind the route: Long-term customer relationships, the work Greg’s wife contributes, and his own struggle to find balance.
Somewhere along the way, there’s a stubborn pool-light cord, a boating challenge, and a pizza discussion that takes an unnecessary but thoroughly on-brand detour through the bathroom.
Also in this episode: A clip from our mental health conversation and a welcome to Tru in the Loop with Truman, the newest Tuesday show on Talking Pools. If you missed Truman’s debut, go back and give it a listen.
Sponsor appreciation
Thank you to PoolBrain, Revved Up Apparel, and H2Flow Controls, featured in this episode.
We also recognize the sponsors of the 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor Awards: BlueRay XL and United Chemical as Title Sponsors, LaMotte as Gold Sponsor, Revved Up Apparel as Silver Sponsor, and AquaComfort Water Group as Supporting Sponsor.
Music credit
“How Life Goes” by Wendy Lucas. Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your music with Talking Pools.
🎵 Listen to “How Life Goes” on Spotify.
Listener note: Contains adult language and a mental health excerpt referencing PTSD and grief.
Keep challenging the myths, keep learning, and keep sharing what you know.
Spotify music credit verified. Spotify
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Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
