Pool Nation Podcast

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!

E-240 Pool Nation Podcast - Brace for Impact: Surviving Tariff Hikes in the Pool Industry

Welcome to Episode 240 of the Pool Nation Live Podcast – your ultimate insider guide to the pool service and repair industry! In this action-packed episode, host Edgar De Jesus (the reigning Marco Polo champion) teams up with co-host John JJ Flawless and Zac "the pool boy" Nicklas  to dive deep into the challenges and trends shaping the pool business today. With over a decade of industry expertise, the team dissects the impact of new tariffs on imported pool products, rising equipment costs, and the crucial need to know your numbers in today’s competitive market.
Not only do they tackle serious topics—like how tariffs on chemicals, pumps, motors, and LED lights can squeeze profit margins—but they also sprinkle in plenty of humor and lively banter. From playful jabs about belts and beards to candid discussions on customer experience and operational efficiencies, this episode delivers actionable insights to help pool pros adjust their pricing strategies and protect their bottom line in an ever-evolving economic landscape.
Episode Timeline:00:00 – 03:00: Introduction & Banter• Meet Edgar, John, and Zach, and enjoy a fun exchange on belts, beards, and pool pro personas.
03:00 – 06:00: Branding & Industry Vibes• Discussion on personal branding, pool industry images, and the spirit of Mr. Universe.
06:00 – 10:00: Tariffs Explained• A clear breakdown of what tariffs are, how they work, and why they matter for pool products.
10:00 – 15:00: Impact on Profit Margins• Deep dive into how tariffs are driving up costs on everything from pool equipment to chemicals and what that means for your pricing strategy.
15:00 – 20:00: Tracking Your Numbers• Best practices for monitoring job costs, adjusting quotes, and staying ahead of rising expenses.
20:00 – 25:00: Enhancing Customer Experience• Tips on maintaining a competitive edge through operational efficiencies and exceptional service.
25:00 – 30:00: Final Thoughts & Call to Action• Wrap-up with final insights, sponsor shout-outs, and advice on preparing your business for ongoing challenges.
Tune in for expert insights, real-life strategies, and plenty of laughs to help your pool business thrive—even when the going gets tough. Don’t miss this must-listen episode that’s both informative and entertaining. Subscribe now and join the Pool Nation family every Friday at 9:00 AM Pacific for your weekly dose of pool talk!

E-239 Pool Nation Podcast: The Ultimate Blueprint for Scaling Your Pool Business into a thriving empire

In this power-packed episode 239 of the Pool Nation Podcast, host Edgar De Jesus, along with co-hosts JJ Flawless  and Zac “the Pool Boy” Nicholas, break down the ultimate blueprint for scaling your pool business into a thriving empire. Discover insider strategies on leadership, team building, operational efficiencies, and creating a winning company culture—essential for any pool pro aiming for the 250+ pool stage. Whether you're looking to sharpen your management skills, boost customer retention, or get the lowdown on the upcoming Pool Pro Championship and bootcamp events, this episode delivers actionable insights and real-world experiences that you won’t want to miss!
Time Stamps:
00:00 – 00:01: Introduction & welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast
00:01 – 00:02: Kicking off “Cracking the Code” – the journey toward a pool empire
00:02 – 00:03: Real talk: Morning updates, gym stories, and setting the tone
00:03 – 00:06: Diving into industry challenges, new streaming experiments, and bootcamp insights
00:06 – 00:08: Bootcamp & championship details: Hands-on classes, business tracks, and more
00:08 – 00:10: Inside scoop on the Pool Pro Championship, dynamic leaderboards, and real-time scoring
00:10 – 00:13: Travel tales, networking insights, and innovative pool tech updates
00:13 – 00:18: Deep dive into success keys: Leadership, team management, and balancing internal vs. external customers
00:18 – 00:22: Cultivating a culture of excellence & accountability in your business
00:22 – 00:29: Unpacking leadership styles – feared, loved, and the respected leader you need to be
00:29 – 00:34: Overcoming challenges in promoting from within & training future leaders
00:34 – 00:40: Strategies to scale up: Efficient systems, delegation, and real-world management
00:40 – 00:45: Final thoughts on pushing boundaries, inspiring your team, and embracing the empire stage
01:03 – 01:04: Wrap-up, shoutouts, and a sneak peek at upcoming events
Discover insider strategies on leadership, team building, operational efficiencies, and creating a winning company culture—essential for any pool pro aiming for the 250+ pool stage. Whether you're looking to sharpen your management skills, boost customer retention, or get the lowdown on the upcoming Pool Pro Championship and bootcamp events, this episode delivers actionable insights and real-world experiences that you won’t want to miss!
 

E-238 Pool Nation Podcast - From Pool Pro to CEO: Mastering the Empire Pool Pro Phase

In episode 238 of the Pool Nation Podcast , host Edgar de Jesus – along with co-host John JJ Flawless and Zac the Pool Boy – dives deep into the journey of transforming a small pool service business into a full-scale empire. The conversation covers the ups and downs of growth, from early hustle to mastering delegation, leadership, and team building in the “empire phase.” Listeners get a mix of valuable business insights, personal anecdotes (yes, even about aging and the perils of old man glasses!), and a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of scaling a pool business.
Chapters & Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro & WelcomeMeet Edgar, John, and Zac as they kick off the episode with a warm welcome and a lighthearted introduction to the pool pros lifestyle.
[00:01] Meet the HostsEdgar introduces himself as the reigning champion of Marco Polo and brings on John – the fastest netter in the West – and Zac the Pool Boy, setting the tone for a candid, fun discussion.
[00:02 – 00:05] Banter & Personal StoriesThe hosts share humorous insights on aging, new glasses, and everyday struggles, giving a personal touch that resonates with anyone balancing business growth and life changes.
[00:11] Upcoming Events & Bootcamp DetailsEdgar outlines the upcoming Heritage Bootcamp in Dallas and previews the 10,000 Pool Pro Challenge, offering details on hands-on training sessions, business strategy classes, and qualification events for pool pros.
[00:19 – 00:25] The Business Growth JourneyA deep dive into the evolution of a pool business—from the foundational phase to the balancing act and scaling stages, culminating in the empire phase. The hosts discuss the transition from doing everything yourself to strategically building a team.
[00:26 – 00:33] Overcoming Leadership ChallengesConversation turns to the critical elements of successful delegation, empowering employees, and the importance of trust and structured systems to keep the business thriving as it grows.
[00:38 – 00:42] Leadership Lessons & Final ThoughtsReflecting on personal experiences and drawing inspiration from leadership legends, the discussion emphasizes learning from mistakes and nurturing employee growth without micromanaging.
[00:55] Outro & Next StepsEdgar wraps up the episode with reminders about bootcamp registrations, the Pool Pro Challenge, and upcoming live Instagram sessions, inviting listeners to join the community and keep the conversation going.
Throughout the episode, the hosts balance humor with hard-hitting advice on managing growth, fostering a strong team culture, and stepping back from day-to-day tasks to focus on long-term business strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned pool pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your game.