Pool Nation Podcast

E-250 Pool Nation Podcast - How to Build a 5-Star Pool Business: Rick Harvey & Alicia Stephens with Biolab

In episode 250 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and Zac are joined in-studio by Alicia Stephens and Rick Harvey from BioLab for a hilarious, insightful, and business-packed episode you won’t want to miss. They dive deep into what it really takes to build a 5-star pool business—from premium customer experience and staff onboarding to powerful loyalty strategies that keep customers coming back year after year.
🎤 Plus: Rick shares how he went from Red Bull to pool pros, Alicia spills the story of accidentally giving “the talk” to a 6-year-old, and the crew talks about the magic of time management, retention strategies, and why every pool pro needs to stop shopping with their own wallet.
This episode is a must-listen for service pros, retailers, and anyone looking to level up their business through education, relationships, and premium customer care.
Sponsored by: SPPA, BluRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, BioLab, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Hayward, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, Pool Invoice and Nidec.
⏱️ Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Welcome to the show – The Pool Nation crew is back with Alicia Stephens & Rick Harvey
[00:01:30] Marco Polo champions, vacation stories, and wasp attacks
[00:03:00] Meet Rick Harvey: Yes, he’s not Steve Harvey’s brother… but he’s got the good looks
[00:06:30] Hilarious family stories, chaos crew updates, and why Edgar now cherishes loud homes
[00:10:00] Pool Nation Awards nominations, women’s summit prep & Alicia’s comedy debut
[00:14:00] Pool Nation Conference business classes revealed: Profit, pricing, financials & teams
[00:19:00] Why Alicia is doing stand-up comedy—and yes, drinks will be required
[00:23:00] Rick Harvey’s origin story: From Red Bull to BioLab to business strategist
[00:27:00] Why Biolab is built on education—and how it drives premium retail success
[00:31:00] How BioLab elevates pool pros through training, coaching, and business support
[00:34:00] Why fun + learning = retention (and the secret to Alicia’s powerful classes)
[00:38:00] The ROI of training your employees—even if they’re only with you one season
[00:41:00] Simple but powerful ways to elevate the customer experience (Retail + Service)
[00:47:00] Are you a 5-Star Business? Here’s how to find out (and fix it fast)
[00:50:00] “Don’t shop with your wallet”—How to sell premium without assuming budget
[00:57:00] What actually builds retention—and why most pool pros overlook it
[01:04:00] The key to follow-up, trust, and customer loyalty (plus a shout-out to veterinarians)
[01:08:00] Social reviews, negative feedback, and turning critics into loyal fans
[01:13:00] Why retaining customers is 10x more powerful than finding new ones
[01:23:00] Bonus Story: Alicia’s infamous “birds and the bees” moment babysitting Rick’s daughter
[01:27:00] Final thoughts: What’s your business really doing to go from 4.8 stars to 5?

E-249 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Pro Lawsuits Acid Fails & Million Dollar Mistakes

Episode 249 Pool Nation Podcast - In this can’t-miss episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar welcomes back Danielle and Laurel from the SPPA to uncover the real-life insurance claims that have cost pool pros thousands—even millions. From acid spills that destroy driveways to overfilled pools flooding homes, this episode is packed with eye-opening stories, practical tips, and the must-have insurance coverage every pool business should have.
Plus, we reveal the one thing that can take out your entire business overnight—and how to protect yourself and your family before it’s too late. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the pool industry, you’ll walk away with game-changing knowledge that could save your business.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast – and the legend of the rodeo divorce party
[05:21] Fun in Texas, bull riding, and million-dollar bulls (literally)
[11:10] Edgar reveals Danielle’s SPPA Awards streak and what’s new in Vegas 2025
[15:55] The most common pool insurance claims and how to avoid them
[22:44] How a bottle of acid ruined a $30,000 driveway – and who paid for it
[28:16] Overfilling pools: Why it’s one of the costliest mistakes
[33:25] The danger of dark-bottom pools and Tri-Chlor—$6,500 later
[37:18] Destroying heaters with water chemistry – a silent profit killer
[44:10] Edgar shares the chilling story of a Legionella outbreak
[50:12] Real lawsuits: from dog bites to pool pop-ups and property damage
[56:35] Why umbrella policies and faulty workmanship coverage are crucial
[1:01:28] The cost of not planning: Death, disability, and leaving your family unprotected
[1:08:00] Affordable disability and life insurance plans that every pool pro needs
[1:15:20] Real stories of broken legs, skateboards, and business disaster
[1:18:55] Edgar and SPPA commit to launching new video education series for pool pros
[1:21:45] Edgar becomes the hero of every girls’ trip...and the podcast party planner

E-248 Pool Nation Podcast - Game-Changing AI Pool Tech: How Pool Brain’s AI Is Slashing Costs, Killing Green Pools & Super-Charging Profits

E-248 Pool Nation Podcast. Your pools don’t have to turn green—and your profit shouldn’t disappear down the drain. In this powerhouse episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless” and Zac Nicholas sit down with Adam Beech (Founder & CEO, Pool Brain) and Kevin Embree (CRO, Pool Brain) to reveal how today’s smartest service companies are harnessing AI, automated workflows, and real-time inventory to cut chemical costs up to 40 %, end customer churn, and unlock stress-free scaling.
You’ll learn:
The cringe-worthy day that pushed Adam to build his own software (and why seven other “route apps” couldn’t fix the problem).
How guided workflows, live alerts, and automated chemical dosing virtually eliminate green pools.
NEW features dropping this year—credit-card surcharge automation, full inventory with truck-level tracking, Heritage Pool Supply price syncing, and tab-dosing driven by AI weather modeling.
Why remote monitoring + Pool Brain will let you guarantee “green-pool immunity” (and charge more for it).
Proven tactics to turn hidden chemical waste and billing leaks into pure profit.
Whether you run 20 pools or 20 trucks, this episode is packed with real numbers, step-by-step advice, and a vision for the tech-powered future of pool service. Hit play and dive in!
Timestamp Chapter
00:00 – 01:00 Welcome & sponsor shout-outs01:00 – 06:00 Meet Adam Beech & Kevin Embree – why Pool Brain exists06:00 – 10:00 Pool Nation Awards & upcoming events rundown10:00 – 16:00 Adam’s origin story: Failed service companies and a DIY route buy-out16:00 – 20:00 Hitting the 20-truck “glass ceiling” and the birth of Pool Brain20:00 – 28:00 Early wins: quality-control workflows & 40 % chemical-cost drop28:00 – 33:00 Training techs, stopping churn & the power of photo proof33:00 – 40:00 Payroll, pricing and why credit-card billing matters40:00 – 46:00 Break + sponsor spots46:00 – 54:00 Funding the build, real-world ROI & lowering A/R to 0.6 %54:00 – 59:00 What shocks new users most: profit reports & hidden waste59:00 – 1:09:00 Brand-new features: surcharging, inventory, Heritage price sync1:09:00 – 1:19:00 AI tab dosing & weather modeling—fully automated chemistry1:19:00 – 1:25:00 Remote monitoring, WaterGuru integration & the future vision1:25:00 – 1:32:00 Final thoughts, industry challenge & outro montage
 

E-247 Pool Nation Podcast - Build Systems: The Pool Nation Roadmap to a Profitable, Scalable Pool Business

Episode 247 Pool Nation Podcast: Feeling buried in day-to-day chaos? In this jam-packed episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zach the Pool Boy reveal Habit #3 of Highly Successful Pool Pros: Build Systems, Not Just Skills. Discover why documented processes—not the owner’s memory—unlock profit, freedom, and sustainable growth for service, repair, and retail companies.
Edgar and Zach break down a step-by-step blueprint for creating a repeatable training system, preview the business-first course lineup at the 2025 Pool Nation Conference, and share upcoming dates for the Pool Nation Awards and Women’s Summit. Whether you run 20 pools or 2,000, you’ll learn practical ways to:
Reduce chemical costs, labor, and burnout with simple checklists
Onboard new techs in days instead of weeks with video-based SOPs
Turn financial metrics into money by knowing your numbers
Boost team performance through accountability and collaborative culture
Perfect for pool service entrepreneurs, route owners, retail managers, and anyone ready to scale smarter.
Episode Timeline
00:00 High-energy intro & sponsor shout-outs01:30 Zach’s “fine-tuning year” and why 2025 is all about systems04:30 Key dates: Pool Nation Awards nominations (June 18) & Women’s Summit (Aug 21-22)05:30 Sneak peek: Business-focused courses at the 2025 Pool Nation Conference11:00 Talent Life Cycle & leadership tracks with Doreen King15:00 Habit #3 deep dive—why scalable systems beat heroics every time25:00 Real-world examples: daily route checklists, inventory par levels, communication logs33:00 4-Step Training Blueprint: Identify ➜ Create Materials ➜ Schedule ➜ Document & Review52:00 Final takeaways: freedom through systems & building a machine that runs without you59:00 Teaser: customer-retention systems coming in the next episode

E-246 Pool Nation Podcast - The Next Chapter in Pool Nation Education: Welcoming Doreen King to the Team

In Episode 246 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac spill the tea on huge announcements shaping the future of Pool Nation and the pool industry as a whole.
We kick things off by welcoming a new visionary partner, Nidec US Motors, whose innovative approach and focus on education align perfectly with our mission. You’ll hear why this partnership couldn’t come at a better time as pool pros face new challenges with variable speed motor regulations across the country.
Next up, a major milestone for Pool Nation — we officially welcome Doreen King as our new VP of Business and Leadership Development! Doreen shares her incredible journey, career insights, and how she will help us elevate our business education to help pool pros thrive in every stage of their journey — from running solo routes to scaling empires.
The team breaks down the brand-new Pool Nation Path to Growth and Roadmap, unveiling how this strategic framework will support pool pros at each phase of their business evolution. From fundamentals to executive leadership, we’ve built a roadmap to take your business — and YOU — to the next level.
Plus, hear about:
✅ The Executive Edge — a powerful new way to access personalized business and leadership consulting through Pool Nation.✅ Women’s Summit 2025 — registration is open and already filling up fast!✅ The Pool Nation Conference — why this will be the only conference focused entirely on the business side of your pool business.
If you’re ready to elevate your mindset, sharpen your leadership skills, and scale smarter, this is a can’t-miss episode.
⏰ Timestamps
[00:00] - Introduction & Studio VibesMeet Spider, shoutouts, and kicking off the live show energy.
[06:20] - Healthy Mind, Healthy BizZach shares how small changes in health impact stress and business clarity.
[12:50] - Exciting AnnouncementsWelcoming new visionary partner: Nidec US Motors.
[22:12] - A Major Addition to Pool NationIntroducing Doreen King as VP of Business & Leadership Development.
[31:30] - Doreen’s StoryFrom hospitality and corporate leadership to Pool Nation — her journey and why she said "yes."
[45:55] - The Vision Behind Pool NationJohn and Zach reflect on the 10-year vision and why Doreen fits perfectly.
[57:00] - The Path to GrowthDoreen explains the 4 phases of pool business and what skills each stage demands.
[01:10:48] - The Pool Nation RoadmapHow the Fundamentals, Accelerator, Essentials, and Advantage tracks work and why they matter.
[01:23:00] - Executive EdgeIntroducing a new consulting and training solution for pool pros at every level.
[01:28:00] - Final ThoughtsWhy this matters, how it elevates the industry, and where you can get involved.

E-245 Pool Nation Podcast -This ONE Habit Skyrockets Your Pool Business

In episode 245 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas rip the curtain off the five habits that separate average pool service companies from industry superheroes.
After some laugh-out-loud banter about rental-property stress, sleepless nights, and the wild Shannon Sharpe lawsuit, the crew dives deep into Habit #2: Investing in Learning and Education—showing you how constant learning transforms stress-filled service calls into profitable, confidence-boosting wins.
You’ll learn:
Why mastering new tech, chemistry, and business skills instantly boosts authority and lets you charge premium prices.
How to turn every class, boot camp, or podcast into cash-generating “aha” moments (even if you’ve heard the topic before).
The mindset shift that eliminates backyard anxiety forever—so you can solve ANY problem without second-guessing.
Real-world stories: pop-up heads, phantom spa leaks, and the in-floor check-valve fix seven other companies missed.
Plus:
Pool Nation Awards timelines, Women’s Summit dates, and the upcoming $10K Pool Pro Championship.
Why Google’s AI revenue surge matters to pool pros.
Sponsor shout-outs packed with tools that cut costs and fatten margins.
Listen in, level up, and start using education as a profit multiplier today.
Timestamps
Timecode Segment
01:00 Edgar, John & Zach recap the week: rental house sold, no-sleep winds, Shannon Sharpe drama07:00 The hidden stress of unfinished to-dos—and why focus matters11:30 Pool Nation event rundown: Awards nominations, Women’s Summit, $10K Championship18:50 Habit #1 recap: Knowing Your Numbers24:00 Deep dive—Habit #2: Investing in Education32:45 Phosphate “aha” moments & why old-school thinking kills growth38:10 How lifelong learning builds brand authority and premium pricing power44:20 Train-the-Trainer stories: beating stage fright and sharpening your saw49:30 Real-world case study: the spa leak seven companies couldn’t fix56:00 Sponsor break (SPPA, Pool Invoice, Blu-Ray XL, AquaStar, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Hayward)60:30 Final thoughts: turning knowledge into marketing gold63:40 Teaser: next week’s big Pool Nation Conference reveal

E-244 Pool Nation Podcast - Want to Grow Your Pool Business? Master These 5 Habits First

In episode 244 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac dive into the first of the 5 Habits of Highly Successful Pool Pros—and it's the one that most pool pros overlook: Knowing Your Numbers. From understanding your cost of service to building a business with purpose, we break down what sets thriving companies apart from those just grinding day to day.
Whether you're managing 40 pools or scaling to 13,000, this habit is the foundation of profitability and long-term success. Plus, hear wild stories from Coachella Fest chaos, ducks in pools, and John’s analogy that will have you thinking differently about your business horsepower.
🚨 Bonus: We announce the return of the Pool Nation Awards, the Women's Summit, and the brand-new Filthy Five series—covering the worst habits pool pros need to break.
✅ Perfect for service techs, repair pros, and business owners ready to level up their pool business.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Intro: Edgar botches the intro and adds “flavor”03:15 – John breaks down Coachella chaos and AirBnB pool nightmares14:30 – The Five Habits of Highly Successful Pool Pros (overview)17:45 – John suggests: Let’s do “The Filthy Five” next!19:00 – Habit #1: They Know Their Numbers25:30 – Why most pool pros grind hard but don’t grow29:10 – John’s “horsepower vs. traction” analogy 🔥34:00 – Why knowing your cost of service is a game-changer38:00 – The dangerous grind: scaling without clarity43:00 – Zach’s early journey of avoiding financials48:00 – How tracking numbers saved Zach’s business53:10 – John: “We’re not a charity—we’re a business.”59:30 – Eric’s takeaway: Trade shows break the grind1:02:15 – Rich: “The biggest room is the room for improvement”1:05:00 – Final Thoughts: Track it, manage it, profit from it1:09:00 – Preview of next episode: Habit #2 and beyond1:10:00 – Sign-off: Zach owes John and Edgar $18 each 😂
🎧 Listen now and start building a business that thrives, not just survives.🔗 Visit PoolNationPodcast.com for episodes, boot camps, and more!

E-243 Pool Nation Podcast Boot Camps, and 5 Habits of Highly Successful Pool Pros

In episode 243 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we dive deep into the recent Pool Nation Boot Camps at Heritage Pool Supply and Raypak Headquarters in Oxnard, California. Edgar and Zac break down key moments from both events, including highlights from the $10,000 Pool Pro Repair Tech Challenge qualifiers, hands-on training with automation and heaters, and powerful business education sessions focused on leadership, KPIs, and cost of service.
Hear real stories from pool pros who traveled from across the country—Arizona, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, New York—to invest in their businesses and grow their teams. We also talk about the rise of team-focused training, peer-to-peer networking, and the kind of education that goes beyond the technical side of pool service and repair.
Plus, we introduce a new topic for our next podcast series: The 5 Habits of Highly Successful Pool Professionals—a deep dive into the traits that separate good pool pros from great business leaders in the pool industry.
Whether you're a pool service tech, repair pro, or business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and practical takeaways you can use today.
Powered by our amazing partners: SPPA, BluRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Hayward, Heritage Pool Supply, Poolside Tech, and Pool Brain.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] – Podcast Intro
[00:01:00] – Edgar and Zac talk life updates: college visits and real estate transitions
[00:04:00] – Recapping the Heritage Boot Camp: attendance, energy, and team participation
[00:08:00] – Employee engagement, team-building, and national attendees
[00:12:00] – Hands-on training: wiring automation, heater repair, teamwork at the stations
[00:16:00] – Business education: foundational leadership principles for every business stage
[00:20:00] – Doreen’s leadership framework tied to the 4 business phases
[00:22:00] – Touring Gold Medal Pools: operations, systems, and culture
[00:24:00] – Matrix training recap: operational KPIs, financial KPIs, and business fundamentals
[00:26:00] – Accountability training: driving real results after training
[00:33:00] – Raypak Boot Camp Recap: intimate vibe, deep heater training, and IPSA support
[00:39:00] – Hot Room at Raypak: live fire heater testing and manometer training
[00:43:00] – Automation training with The Attendant: streamlined, hands-on experience
[00:45:00] – Business day at Raypak and why attendance exceeded expectations
[00:49:00] – Championship qualifiers: energy, pressure, and standing ovation moments
[00:55:00] – Upcoming podcast preview: The 5 Key Habits of Successful Pool Pros
[00:58:00] – Final thoughts and gratitude for attendees, sponsors, and the Pool Nation family

E-242 Pool Nation Podcast Best of 2024 - Hilarious Stories, Business Gold & Industry Legends

In Episode 242 of the Pool Nation Podcast Get ready to laugh, learn, and level up in this Best of 2024 - Part 1 episode of the Pool Nation Podcast! We’re taking you on a wild ride through the most unforgettable moments of the year – from highway shoutouts and Yelp horror stories to golden advice on running a successful pool business.
We highlight the community spirit of Pool Nation, feature inspirational journeys from retail pros, and dive into powerful strategies on handling complaints, growing your brand through social media, and innovating your business during tough times (yes, even during the tab shortage!).
🚨 Don’t miss this jam-packed episode full of laughs, learning, and legendary guests!
00:00 – Intro: Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast00:50 – Jay Breakfield freeway story & Instagram shoutout02:15 – Big shoutout to Jeanette – Pool Nation family03:00 – Interview: Eugene Lockman – “Chlorine and Cashflow”04:45 – How to handle customer complaints (and the Yelp nightmare)07:00 – Turning problems into opportunities and loving your customers08:00 – Nathan joins the podcast and “solves world hunger”09:15 – Doreen King & Leanne De Jesus join the show – leadership, influence, and podcast debuts10:00 – Pool Pro Magazine’s 30 Under 40 Winners11:00 – Zach’s Black Onyx bracelet saga and bad mojo continues…12:30 – Megan Kendrick joins the show in person13:15 – Dustin Anderson, Danielle Barr & studio shoutouts15:00 – Behind the scenes of the photo shoot fail (Poo shirt alert!)16:30 – Zach, John, and Leanne reunite in Texas – mini road trip meltdown18:30 – Bootcamp class preview: Hiring Right with Leanne21:00 – Jeanette spotted on magazine cover at Texas Pool Supply22:00 – Real talk on car sickness, old photos, and John’s driving26:30 – Podcast with Omar & Todd (Aquastar) – giveaways, events & banter29:00 – Failing at promo: the audience tells us what to fix32:00 – In-studio with Academy Pool Supply (Retailer of the Year)39:00 – Social media strategy and content that actually works41:30 – The power of video and building trust before the sale43:00 – Building long-term customer loyalty through quality installs45:00 – Back-to-back sponsor shoutouts48:00 – Javier Pian – 1987 to now: 30+ years of professionalism54:00 – Damien & Sarah’s $75K idea: Renting liquid chlorine systems57:00 – Raypak Training Team joins live – Brad, Dave, Ken, and TJ

E-241 Pool Nation Podcast: Pool Pros Beware: Tariff Shocks & Price Hikes That Could Ruin Your Bottom Line!

In Episode 241 of the Pool Nation Podcast join industry veterans Edgar De Jesus, John JJ Flawless, and Zac the pool boy Nicholas on this power-packed episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, where they dive deep into the impact of new tariffs on the pool service industry. Discover how rising costs on chemicals, pumps, motors, and more can affect your profit margins—and learn actionable strategies to stay ahead of the game!
In this episode, our hosts share insider tips on:• Tariff Breakdown & Price Increases: How tariffs could mean 20-50% hikes on key pool products, and what that means for your bottom line.• Inventory & Pricing Strategies: The importance of tracking expenses in real time, maintaining the right stock, and locking in costs before prices surge.• Customer Communication & Relationship Building: Proven methods to transparently communicate changes to your customers, ensuring trust and long-term loyalty.• Business Growth Tactics: Insights on leadership, operational efficiencies, and adjusting pricing to fuel expansion—even in uncertain times.
Time Stamps:
[00:00:00] Intro & Welcome: Get introduced to the Pool Nation Podcast and our seasoned hosts.
[00:01:00] Meet the Hosts: Edgar, John JJ, and the ever-energetic Zach set the stage.
[00:02:00] Event Prep & Bootcamp Insights: Zach shares his hectic pre-event schedule and what to expect at the Heritage Bootcamp.
[00:04:00] Business & Technical Tracks: A sneak peek into the dual-track bootcamp covering leadership, operations, and technical training.
[00:08:00] Tariff Deep Dive: An explanation of the new tariffs affecting imported pool products.
[00:10:00] Impact on Product Pricing: Discussing how cost increases on chemicals and equipment could hit hard.
[00:13:00] Proactive Cost Management: The need for continuous cost tracking and avoiding the “rear view mirror” approach.
[00:17:00] Adjusting Pricing Strategies: Tips on reevaluating and adjusting service rates to maintain profitability.
[00:23:00] Communication Tactics: How to keep your customers informed and build strong relationships.
[00:29:00] Networking & Reps: Emphasizing the value of strong industry relationships and open communication with suppliers.
[00:34:00] Growth & Pricing Adjustments: Strategies for adapting pricing as your business scales.
[00:41:00] Real Talk on Rate Adjustments: A candid discussion on overcoming the challenges of rising costs.
[00:47:00] Selling Value Over Price: How educating your customers about quality service can set you apart.
[00:56:00] Final Thoughts & Future Outlook: Wrapping up with key takeaways and what to look forward to in upcoming episodes.
Subscribe and tune in every Friday at 9:00 AM Pacific for the latest trends, product insights, and training tips to help you become a nation of pool pros. Stay informed, get proactive, and keep your business thriving even when times are tough!