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Artwork for The Pools Scientific Podcast

The Pools Scientific Podcast

John Cooper
Langelier Saturation Index
Cyanuric Acid
Pool Chemistry
Salt Chlorine Generator
Chlorine
Algae
Calcium Hardness
Free Chlorine
7.5 Percent Rule
Pump Sizing
Ph and Saturation Index
Languilier Saturation Index
Water Balance
Sand (filter Media)
Copper Ionization
Sulfates
Water Testing
Algaecide
CYA
Pool Store Business Model

The Pools Scientific Podcast is the only science-based pool care podcast hosted by a credentialed engineer. John Cooper — M.S. Nuclear Engineering, B.S. Chemical Engineering, U.S. Navy Nuclear Operator and submarine veteran, and five-time PHTA certified professional — breaks down pool water chemistry, the Langelier Saturation Index, salt chlorine generators, CYA management, water balance, and ever... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes14Founded3 months ago
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Artwork for The Pools Scientific Podcast

Latest Episodes

Shock has become the answer to every pool problem, which is the first sign nobody's actually answering the question. There's exactly one chemistry accurate definition of shocking a pool: achieving breakpoint chlorination. Everything else calling itse... more

If your pool smells like chlorine and your eyes are stinging, you've probably heard the same explanation everybody hears: too much chlorine. 

That answer is backwards.

In this episode, John Cooper breaks down what's actually happening in that water... more

A short, straight answer to what the Chemist's Circle is, what it costs, and why it exists. Two personalized chemistry submissions a month, a real response within twenty four hours, written for your pool, not a general answer. Plus the founding rate,... more

This week, John answers real questions from real listeners. No filler. Plus the first-ever So What? segment, and a check-in with Warren Bell, three weeks after we first told his story.

Contributors to this episode:

• Mark Yancey

• U/Barnacle_Meat, ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Warren Bell
63 and a retired television writer
None specified
Episode: Episode 11: Ask John, Part 1 Real Pool Chemistry Questions, Real Answers | The Pools Scientific Podcast

Host

John Cooper
Engineer and host with expertise in nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, and PHTA-certified pool care; leads science-based discussions on water balance, LSI, CYA, and chlorination strategies.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 23 ratings
  • Stuff you need to know about pool chemistry

    John is the best. If you own a pool and don’t want to pay a guy to come look at your pool for 5 minutes every week you need to listen to this podcast. “John is the Neil deGrasse Tyson of pools!”

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Wellerna
    United States11 days ago
  • Misleading credentials

    This is a good podcast that I will likely reference as we learn more about our pool and how to best take care of it.

    The creator / host has chemical and nuclear engineering experience….but it’s not clear from his LinkedIn that he actually has degrees. Navy nuclear power school and training has often been referred to as a “master degree equivalent”….but it is NOT a degree. It would be better if the host changed his introduction to reflect his experience in various engineering disciplines and ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    BecomeRage
    United Statesa month ago
  • If you own a pool DO NOT MISS THIS PODCAST

    I built a new pool last year and everything went great — I did the testing, added chemicals when necessary, easy peasy. Then this spring everything went sideways. I have white water mold, high cyanuric acid, high total alkalinity, and nothing I tried would work.

    Enter John Cooper. He is the Einstein of pool science — okay, maybe not Einstein but let’s say Neil DeGrasse Tyson, the guy who can explain water chemistry to you and even make it kind of fun. Now that I’ve listened to his podcast I c... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    WBell
    United States2 months ago
  • Thank you!!

    I’m so incredibly thankful for this pod cast. I’ve had a very difficult time finding digestible and accurate info on maintaining pool chemistry. As much as I’d love to pay someone to do this, I’ve found that nobody I’ve hired has any clue what they’re doing. Thank you John!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pure clean fun!!
    United States2 months ago
  • The pool chemistry podcast I didn’t know I needed

    I’ve owned a pool for eleven years and thought I understood the basics. pH, chlorine, shock it when it turns green. Turns out I was doing several things wrong and had no idea why.

    The Pools Scientific Podcast is hosted by John Cooper, who brings a background in nuclear and chemical engineering to every episode. The difference between this show and anything else is that he actually explains the chemistry. Not just what to do, but why it works, what the science says, and where the conventional w... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Penrik the great!
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Rigorous, evidence-based approach that elevates industry professionalism.
Practical and data-backed guidance; not just theory.
The host explains concepts in an accessible way for owners and pros.
Clear, science-driven insights on pool chemistry.
Engaging mix of theory and real-world tips for maintenance.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 11: Ask John, Part 1 Real Pool Chemistry Questions, Real Answers | The Pools Scientific Podcast
Q: What does borates do in terms of safety and maintenance, and is it safe for pets?
Borates act as a pH buffer and contribute to stabilizing the water; at typical levels around 50 ppm, they provide buffering without posing significant risk to pets; LD50 data indicates risk is minimal at normal concentrations, though toxicology awareness is warranted.
Episode 11: Ask John, Part 1 Real Pool Chemistry Questions, Real Answers | The Pools Scientific Podcast
Q: Why are two different LSI readings a concern, and how should they be reconciled in a salt pool?
Because TDS is a real input in the LSI equation for salt pools, you should use a calculator that includes TDS; relying on a calculator that ignores TDS can mislead you into thinking the water is less aggressive than it actually is.
Episode 11: Ask John, Part 1 Real Pool Chemistry Questions, Real Answers | The Pools Scientific Podcast
Q: What CYA level do you recommend for a saltwater pool and why?
I recommend 30-50 ppm CYA as a practical ceiling; higher levels demand more chlorine and more aggressive dosing that normal equipment and owners can't reliably sustain, especially in salt pools where the chemistry and cell operation differ.
Episode 11: Ask John, Part 1 Real Pool Chemistry Questions, Real Answers | The Pools Scientific Podcast
Q: Does the screen on my pool cage reduce the UV that degrades my chlorine, and by how much?
Yes, it blocks a significant portion of UV—roughly 30-50%—but the impact on chlorine management is that you still rely on test-kit data and the 7.5% rule relative to CYA rather than the UV reduction alone.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Pools Scientific Podcast

What is The Pools Scientific Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A science-forward show about pool water chemistry, balancing chemistry, and practical maintenance, led by a credentialed engineer. Episodes regularly unpack topics like pH drift, Langelier Saturation Index, CYA management, salt systems, UV/ozone integrations, and real-world testing strategies, with a focus on evidence-based steps rather than ritual. The host translates complex chemistry into actionable guidance for pool owners, service pros, and business owners who want to optimize equipment life, cost, and safety. A standout angle is framing pool care as a solvable, test-and-adjust problem grounded in chemistry, not guesswork, making it helpful for listeners seeking clear explanations and dependable routines.

Noteworthy traits include a r... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Pools Scientific Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Pools Scientific Podcast:

1. Freakonomics Radio
2. The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
3. The President's Daily Brief
4. Accidental Tech Podcast
5. Radiolab

How many episodes of The Pools Scientific Podcast are there?

The Pools Scientific Podcast launched 3 months ago and published 14 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Pools Scientific Podcast?

Recent guests on The Pools Scientific Podcast include:

1. Warren Bell

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