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50 Years in the Trenches with George Williams & Ken Rogner: Pool Industry Myths, Money, and Mistakes
About this Episode
In this myth-busting, industry-deep-dive episode, host Natalie Hood sits down with two absolute heavyweights of the pool industry:
- George Williams – 50+ years shaping pool equipment innovation
- Ken Rogner – 50+ years in distribution, sales, and training
Together, they break down long-standing myths, challenge misconceptions, and pull back the curtain on how the industry actually works—from filtration truths to homeowner expectations and the real cost of doing business.
This is part one of a conversation that blends history, hard truths, and a little bit of “back in my day” wisdom that still hits in 2026.
💡 What You’ll Learn
🔬 The Truth About DE Filters
- Why diatomaceous earth (DE) has been unfairly labeled as dangerous
- The real health risk (and when it actually matters)
- Why DE still delivers unmatched water clarity (down to 1–2 microns)
- Best practices for safe handling and application
- How regulations—especially disposal laws—have influenced filter trends
⚙️ Why Cartridge Filters Took Over
- The real reason service companies prefer cartridges
- Speed, simplicity, and truck-stock efficiency
- How distribution realities shape what gets installed in backyards
💸 The Myth: Pools Are Too Much Work
- Why this belief is outdated (and costing homeowners joy)
- How automation has changed everything:
- Salt systems
- Chemical controllers
- Smartphone-based pool management
- Real-world example: a pool requiring almost zero chemical additions all season
📉 The Myth: Pools Are Expensive to Operate
- Variable-speed pumps = drastically lower energy costs
- What actually drives operating expenses (hint: not what homeowners think)
- Why modern pools are cheaper to run than they were 30 years ago
🏡 Regional Reality Check
- Why:
- Florida = service-heavy market
- Midwest/Northeast = DIY-heavy (historically)
- How geography shapes:
- Customer expectations
- Service models
- Buying decisions
⚠️ Industry Insight of the Episode
“95% of the time, you’re looking at your pool—not using it.”
That one line explains:
- Why clarity sells
- Why filtration matters
- Why perception often outweighs chemistry
🔧 Pro Takeaway
There’s a quiet shift happening in the industry:
- Homeowners are less involved than ever
- Technology is removing friction
- But expectations are higher than ever
And if you’re a service pro?
👉 The job isn’t just cleaning pools anymore
👉 It’s managing systems, t
a custom apparel company built for the pool industry. Founded by pool professionals
The Grit Game
The Grit Game, is not just playing the game, we’re changing it. 500+ years industry experience,
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Hosts & Guests
No transcript available for this episode.
