Pool Nation Podcast

E-253 Pool Nation Podcast - High pH, Cloudy Water, and Algae — Are You Making These Mistakes?

In Episode 253 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac take a deep dive into everything pH. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, understanding pH is critical to mastering water chemistry. We break down the science, the myths, and the real-world effects of pH on chlorine efficiency, equipment, and customer satisfaction. Plus, we tease the upcoming Mythbusters Chemistry Edition where John debunks some of the industry's most persistent pH myths.
We also cover the latest updates on the Pool Nation Women's Summit, the $10K Pool Pro Challenge, the upcoming Pool Nation Conference, and new boot camps. It’s a jam-packed episode full of tips, laughs, and insider gold you won’t find anywhere else.
⏱️ Timestamps:
[00:00–02:35] Welcome to Pool Nation – New cameras, new jokes, same amazing crew
[02:36–06:10] Event Rundown: Awards, Women's Summit, $10K Challenge & Conference Highlights
[06:11–08:45] How the Business Track is Revolutionizing Pool Pro Education
[08:46–15:30] Training Highlights: Profit Planning, Business Math & Cash Flow
[15:31–21:45] Day 2 Training Topics: Team Development, Time Management & Accountability
[21:46–23:20] Pool Nation Business Matrix Exclusive Trainings Teased
[23:21–25:00] Behind-the-scenes: Secret projects we can’t talk about… yet
[25:01–28:00] Deep Dive Begins: What is pH and Why It Matters
[28:01–30:35] Common Causes of High pH
[30:36–33:40] What Causes Low pH in Pools?
[33:41–37:55] How pH Affects Chlorine Efficiency
[37:56–41:30] Signs of Imbalanced pH in Pools
[41:31–45:20] Relationship Between pH & Total Alkalinity
[45:21–48:20] Chemicals That Raise and Lower pH
[48:21–53:15] Consequences of High vs. Low pH – What Pool Pros Should Know
[53:16–56:50] How Rain, Heat & Swimmers Affect pH
[56:51–59:55] How Often Should You Test pH & What's the Best Method?
[59:56–1:02:00] Tips to Adjust pH Without Throwing Off Balance
[1:02:01–1:05:25] Final Thoughts, Conference Planning & Upcoming Mythbusters Chemistry Segment
[1:05:26–End] Father’s Day Shoutouts & What’s Coming Next Week
A big thank you to our visionary partners who make this podcast possible:SPPA, Blu-Ray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply Group, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, and US Motors.
Your continued support is helping us build a nation of successful pool pros.

E-252 Pool Nation Podcast - From Skimmers to Smart Tech: Hayward’s Century of Pool Innovation

Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation with Hayward – Lessons from the Past, Present, and Future of the Pool Industry
In this special episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac sit down with Justin Butler and Ryan Morson from Hayward Pool Products to celebrate Hayward’s incredible 100-year anniversary. 🎉
From a small metal valve company in 1925 to one of the “Big Three” in the pool industry, Hayward’s journey is one of innovation, grit, and vision. You’ll hear untold stories of Hayward’s origin, product breakthroughs like OmniPro, OmniX, and the S3 salt system, and how the company has remained relevant through changing economies and evolving technologies.
They also dive into Hayward’s bold investment in training hubs across the country and why manufacturing in the USA remains a pillar of their success. This episode is a must-listen for pool professionals who want to build lasting businesses, grow through training, and get inspired by a company that went from servicing one pump to leading an entire industry.
👉 Perfect for pool techs, service pros, and anyone who wants to grow in the pool business — this episode brings knowledge, motivation, and a look behind the curtain of one of the most iconic brands in our industry.
⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro and Celebrating Hayward’s 100 Years5:22 – What makes reaching 100 years so rare in business10:41 – Hayward’s growth: From private to public and why it matters16:39 – Pool pros can scale just like Hayward — lessons in grit and vision23:18 – Meet Justin and Ryan: From pool tech to VP of Sales34:06 – Hayward’s origin: From metal valves to plastic skimmers44:00 – Game-changing acquisitions: Goldline, Summit, ComfortZone53:15 – How Hayward stayed ahead during the recession1:02:30 – The values of Oscar Davis and their lasting cultural legacy1:09:45 – Hayward’s Flow Control Division: A little-known fact1:18:10 – Product innovation spotlight: OmniPro, S3 salt system1:29:02 – The power of salt cells that work at 800 ppm1:37:49 – Behind the scenes: Hayward’s U.S.-based manufacturing1:47:20 – Next-gen tech: The future of automation with OmniX1:56:13 – Why Hayward’s Training Hubs are transforming the industry2:03:00 – Final thoughts, shout-outs, and what’s next for Hayward

E-251 Pool Nation Podcast - Mastering Pool Water Chemistry: Real-World Answers to Common Questions from the Field

In episode 251 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zach go full pool nerd mode and dive deep into real-world pool chemistry questions submitted by new pool pro Jonah Callahan. From pH creep in saltwater pools to the truth about chlorine lock and how to properly shock your pool, this episode is packed with must-know insights for every pool tech—from beginner to seasoned vet.
John breaks down complex chemistry topics in a way that’s simple and practical, and the team shares insider strategies for managing high CYA, enzymes, calcium hardness, and more. Whether you're battling algae, scaling, or just trying to maintain balanced water, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.
Plus: Edgar announces key dates for the Pool Nation Awards, Women’s Summit, and the $10K Pool Pro Challenge, and the team drops some exclusive details on Business Matrix-only content at the upcoming Pool Nation Conference.
👉 Learn, laugh, and level up your chemistry game—Pool Nation style.
🕒 Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro & Pool Talk Weather Chaos – Palm tree nightmares, flooding in Texas, and summer is here.
[09:00] Pool Nation Awards & Event Announcements – Dates for nominations, Women’s Summit (sold out!), and upcoming events at the PSP Expo.
[10:50] Business Classes Preview at Pool Nation Conference – Edgar, Zach, and John walk through all 10 business-focused class topics and the Matrix-exclusive advanced tracks.
[19:10] Listener Q&A: Saltwater Pools & pH Creep – Why salt systems raise pH and what you can do to manage it.
[23:45] Do Enzymes Really Work in Pool Water? – How and why enzymes like CV-600 can save your time and sanity.
[27:00] Chlorine Lock: Real or Myth? – The CYA-to-chlorine ratio, nitrate interference, and why "chlorine lock" isn't exactly what you think.
[31:30] Testing High CYA Levels Accurately – How to use dilution testing to measure conditioner over 100 ppm.
[39:00] What’s the Best Chlorine for Shocking a Pool? – When to use dichlor, cal hypo, trichlor, or liquid chlorine—and why.
[43:10] How Dangerous is Slightly Off pH? – What a small pH change actually means for chlorine effectiveness and swimmer safety.
[45:50] Is High Calcium Hardness Really a Problem? – The difference between safe and unsafe levels, and how to manage it using LSI.
[54:00] Final Thoughts & Studio Talk – The team recaps the value of bite-size chemistry education and teases future podcast episodes and Pool Man University content.
🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
We want to thank our incredible sponsors who make the Pool Nation Podcast possible:
The SPPA, BluRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry,  Raypak – Hayward Pool Products, Heritage Pool Supply Group, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, US Motors and Pool Invoice

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!