Pool Nation Podcast

E-273 Pool Nation Podcast - What Pool Pros Must Know Before It’s Too Late. Goodbye Single Speeds!

In this episode 273 of the Pool Nation Podcast, John “JJ Flawless”, Zac the Pool Boy Nicholas, and special guests Tim Moore and Jim D’Angelo from US Motors/Nidec dive deep into one of the biggest changes hitting the pool industry — the new DOE pool pump regulation.
They break down what it means for pool professionals, how to stay compliant, and how this regulation can actually become a profitable opportunity. Discover why the Neptune Variable Speed Motor is becoming a must-have for service techs, how it works with existing pumps, automation systems, and time clocks, and how to educate your customers on energy savings without sounding “salesy.”
Whether you’re a pool service tech, repair pro, or business owner, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve — and turn regulation into revenue.
Episode Timeline
[00:00] Intro: Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast — hosted by John and Zac, with Edgar out of studio.
[00:03:00] Guests Introduced: Tim Moore and Jim D’Angelo from US Motors join to talk about DOE regulations.
[00:04:00] Regulation Overview: The new DOE rule for replacement motors — what changed since 2021.
[00:06:30] Phase Two Coming: The 2027 addendum that will extend variable-speed requirements.
[00:09:00] Impact on Pool Pros: How variable speed motors affect day-to-day operations.
[00:12:00] The Opportunity for Growth: Turning the regulation into a positive and educating homeowners.
[00:15:00] Selling Smart, Not Hard: How to explain energy savings simply and effectively.
[00:17:00] Variable Speed Advantage: The Neptune motor’s affordability, efficiency, and flexibility.
[00:21:00] Stocking Smarter: How to carry fewer SKUs and save time with the Neptune lineup.
[00:23:00] DOE Mode Feature: The “smart mode” that calculates run time and flow for maximum efficiency.
[00:27:00] Real Energy Savings: Explaining ROI and the financial benefits to customers.
[00:31:00] Compatibility: How Neptune integrates with time clocks, automation, and older systems.
[00:37:00] The MAP Policy Conversation: How US Motors is pursuing MAP pricing to protect pool pros.
[00:44:00] Time Clocks & Booster Pumps: How to wire and repurpose time clocks with variable speed motors.
[00:48:00] Freeze Protection Solutions: Repurposing thermostats for better freeze control.
[00:52:00] Automation Systems: Step-by-step on connecting Neptune motors with major automation brands.
[00:56:00] Educating Customers: Selling efficiency without sounding like an upsell.
[01:00:00] Cleaner, Safer Pools: How proper circulation improves clarity and safety.
[01:05:00] Training Resources: Where pros can find installation videos, manuals, and calculators.
[01:07:00] Real-World Savings Calculations: How to show customers the dollar value of switching.
[01:13:00] Final Thoughts: Why the future is bright for pool pros embracing change.
[01:16:00] Outro: Closing thanks and shoutouts to reps across the country.
Special Guests
Tim Moore, Neptune Sales – US Motors/Nidec
Jim D’Angelo, National Sales Manager – US Motors/Nidec
Thank You to Our Visionary Sponsors
The SPPA – 
US Motors / Nidec – 
BluRay XL – 
AquaStar Pool Products – 
Natural Chemistry – 
Raypak – 
Hayward – 
Heritage Pool Supply,
Poolside Tech, 
Pool Brain – 
 
 
 

E-272 Pool Nation Podcast - 35 Years, 5 Guests, 1 Epic Episode — Pool Nation Unplugged

In this Episode 272 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we’re bringing together some of the most memorable, powerful, and inspiring moments from across the Pool Nation Podcast. From laughter and lessons to heartbreak and hustle — this episode is packed with real stories from pool pros who are shaping the future of our industry.
Hear from Jennifer Melee, Kristen Meow, Megan Hightower, Alicia Rowe, and Casey McGovern as they share life, leadership, and resilience — followed by conversations with Jamie Novak and Chris Marcano from Natural Chemistry, celebrating 35 years of innovation, and a deep-dive with the PHTA team (Sabina Hickman, Jeannie Mendelson, and Jeff Hendrickson) on leadership, education, and uniting the industry.
We wrap it up with laughs and insights from Todd Pieri, Corey Wax, and Michael Kraus of AquaStar — talking about the power of team culture, innovation, and community.
Whether you’ve been part of the Pool Nation family from the start or you’re new to the show, this episode captures what Pool Nation is all about: education, connection, and raising the bar for pool professionals everywhere.
🔹 Featuring stories on leadership, tragedy and triumph, business culture, product innovation, and the heart behind the pros.🔹 Brought to you by the Pool Nation Podcast — where we’re building a Nation of Pool Pros.
🕒 Chapter TimestampsTime Segment00:00 Intro – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 “Best Of” setup and guest lineup03:15 Jennifer, Kristen, Megan & Alicia – Life, business, and laughter in the field16:30 Casey McGovern – Tragedy, water safety, and the ripple effect37:45 Natural Chemistry’s 35 Years – Chris Marcano & Jamie Novak on innovation and legacy1:23:50 AquaStar’s Dream Team – Todd Pieri, Corey Wax & Michael Kraus on culture and teamwork1:51:40 Closing reflections and Pool Nation updates
 
🏆 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
This episode is brought to you by the amazing partners who help us raise the tide for the entire pool industry:
SPPA – 
Raypak – 
AquaStar Pool Products –
Natural Chemistry – 
BluRay XL – TUS Motors / Nidec –
Hayward 
AquaStar
Heritage Pool Supply
Nidec
Pool Brain
Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting education, innovation, and growth within the pool industry.

E-271 Pool Nation Podcast - Hall of Fame Moments, Industry Firsts & Untold Stories

In episode 271 of the Pool Nation Podcast — where it’s all pool talk (and we ain’t talking about netting and jetting)! In this Best of Pool Nation special, Edgar, John, Zach, and the Cannonball King himself, Spider, host an action-packed lineup featuring Heritage Pool Supply, Aquastar, and the Pool Nation Hall of Fame inductees.
Get ready for a mix of laughs, real stories, industry insight, and a few surprises — from distribution and leadership to water safety, Hall of Fame jackets, and even where this year’s After Party might be!
Whether you’re a pool pro, supplier, or industry insider, this episode has something for everyone who’s part of the Nation.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast – Intro & the Marco Polo Champ Returns01:30 – The “Best of Pool Nation” and why this episode matters05:20 – Heritage Pool Supply joins the studio: meet Logan, Jeff, Grayson, Chris & Isaac13:40 – Real talk from behind the counter: how distribution supports pool pros24:10 – Building bridges between service, retail, and distribution33:15 – Spider’s Cannonball & JJ’s “two wake-up mornings” story41:00 – Aquastar x Every Child a Swimmer – safety, purpose & partnership56:30 – Casey McGovern, Todd Pierre, and Steve Barnes join the conversation01:10:00 – Why Aquastar’s partnership goes beyond donations01:27:40 – The emotional side of leadership & water safety awareness01:40:00 – Pool Nation Hall of Fame: celebrating legends Steve Barnes & Terry Arko01:54:00 – Behind the scenes: the jacket redesign & Hall of Fame stories02:10:00 – Remembering Bob Lowry and how his legacy shaped Pool Nation02:25:00 – Future of the Pool Nation Awards & 2025 After-Party scouting02:37:00 – Closing thoughts: unity, education, and the future of our industry
💥 Featured Guests
Logan, Jeff, Grayson, Chris, and Isaac – Heritage Pool Supply
Casey McGovern – Every Child a Swimmer
Todd Pierre & Steve Barnes – Aquastar Pool Products
Terry Arko – Industry Hall of Fame Inductee
🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
SPPA – Pool pros’ trusted insurance partner. 
US Motors – Neptune Variable Speed Motor: smart, quiet, efficient. 
BluRay XL – The real mineral purifier. bluerayxl.com
AquaStar Pool Products – Safety, innovation, and performance. 
Natural Chemistry – Simplify your service. 
Raypak – The future of heating with Nitec™ technology. 
Hayward – Innovation that shines bright. 

E-270 Pool Nation Podcast Inspiring Stories from the Pool Pros Shaping Our Industry

Episode 270 Pool Nation Podcast. Welcome to a special Best of Pool Nation Podcast episode! This week, we’re celebrating some of the most inspiring and hardworking professionals in the pool industry — the people who embody what it means to be part of a Nation of Pool Pros.
In this special feature, Megan Kendrick from Pool Pro Magazine joins Edgar De Jesus to talk with James Broderick, Aiden Dunn, and Nick LaPointe — all nominees for the Pool Nation 30 Under 40 Pool Pro of the Year Award. Hear how James built JB Pools from the ground up, how Aiden grew his family business into a thriving operation, and what drives each of them to raise the bar for service and professionalism.
We also feature highlights from powerful interviews with industry leaders like Josh Sandler, CEO of Gold Medal Pools, who shares his family’s multi-generation legacy and how they grew through the 2008 recession, and a fun conversation with Brian Croson, Johnny Davis, Andrew Raglin, and Daniel Nicholas, all nominees for Pool Sales Rep of the Year, sharing stories, laughter, and lessons from the field.
💡 Whether you’re just starting out or running a multi-team operation, these stories remind us why passion, grit, and integrity matter most in the pool industry.
🎧 Listen now to get inspired, laugh with the crew, and celebrate the people moving the pool industry forward.
Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Welcome to the Best of Pool Nation01:20 – Megan Kendrick joins the show03:00 – James Broderick on building JB Pools12:15 – Aiden Dunn’s family legacy and growth18:50 – Customer trust and service lessons24:00 – Green-to-Clean of the Month shout-out27:10 – Interview with Josh Sandler, CEO of Gold Medal Pools49:00 – Building through the 2008 recession58:30 – Sales Rep of the Year nominees panel: Brian, Johnny, Andrew & Daniel1:10:00 – Funny behind-the-scenes moments1:20:00 – Final thoughts and wrap-up

E-269 Pool Nation Podcast - How 4 Women Are Rewriting the Rules of the Pool Industry

In Episode 269 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus sits down with Megan Kendrick from Pool Pro Magazine and the incredible female nominees from the Pool Nation Awards 30 Under 40 — Nelly Allen, Katie Morrissey, Maddy Vandiver, and Sarah Hoopes.
These powerhouse women share their journeys, challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned while shaping the pool industry’s future. From leadership and training to innovation and resilience, each story highlights the strength and passion behind the next generation of pool pros.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
How each nominee built their career and broke through barriers
Leadership lessons from women redefining success in the pool industry
Balancing personal growth, mentorship, and career in a demanding trade
Behind-the-scenes stories from Pool Pro Magazine’s 30 Under 40
What to expect at the Pool Nation Awards in Las Vegas
🎧 A must-listen for anyone passionate about growth, recognition, and empowering women in the pool industry.
 
🕒 Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Introducing Megan Kendrick & the Queen of Marco Polo02:00 – Shoutout to sponsors and audience04:00 – Meet the 30 Under 40 Female Nominees06:00 – How Nelly transitioned from hospitality to the pool industry10:00 – The evolution and impact of Amenity Collective15:00 – Customer service lessons from hospitality to pool service20:00 – Building communication and customer trust25:00 – Katie’s journey from Happy Pools to Aquastar28:00 – Surviving California wildfires and rebuilding a business35:00 – Wiring pumps and the $10K Pool Pro Challenge40:00 – Maddy’s journey from lifeguard to industry trainer45:00 – Leadership through teaching and empowering technicians50:00 – Managing large teams and running a thriving Atlanta company55:00 – Sarah’s story: from swim instructor to GM in Arizona58:00 – Leading a 700-pool operation under Arizona’s heat01:02:00 – Running marathons and pushing limits01:05:00 – The importance of education and community in the pool industry01:07:00 – Closing thoughts and invitation to the Pool Nation Awards
💙 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
This episode is brought to you by our Visionary Partners, who help make the Pool Nation Podcast possible:
🌟 The SPPA – The premier insurance provider for pool pros🌟 Blu-Ray XL🌟 AquaStar Pool Products🌟 Natural Chemistry🌟 Raypak🌟 Heritage Pool Supply🌟 Hayward Pool Products🌟 Poolside Tech🌟 Pool Brain🌟 Nidec
Thank you for your continued support in driving education, recognition, and excellence across the pool industry.

E-268 Pool Nation Podcast - From Napkin to Shelf: How BioLab Creates the Chemicals That Run Your Pools

In Episode 268 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, Zac, and Spider sit down with Alicia Stephens and Ted Lawrence from BioLab to uncover what really goes into developing the pool products we all use. From the first spark of an idea to the science labs, testing pools, and final packaging, you’ll hear how innovation happens in the world of pool chemistry.
Discover how products like phosphate removers, enzymes, and multi-purpose chlorine tabs are developed, tested, and approved. Ted and Alicia pull back the curtain on research & development, product testing, AI-powered education tools, and even wild stories from their labs (yes — human hair testing and “bather waste” simulations are real).
The team also talks about AI’s growing role in education and production at BioLab, industry collaboration, and the importance of elevating the pool industry through innovation and training.
Perfect for service pros, retailers, and manufacturers who want to understand how products are made and why quality matters.
[00:00] Intro and opening banter with Spider, Alicia, and Ted
[00:06] $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge and Pool Nation Awards update
[00:10] Pool Nation Conference overview — tracks and classes
[00:14] Introducing BioLab’s innovation process (“Napkin to Shelf”)
[00:18] How ideas become products & the role of formulation chemists
[00:23] Wild testing methods — human hair, bather waste & lab pools
[00:26] Product safety, shelf life & field testing in real pools
[00:31] Encapsulated chlorine tabs and BioLab’s manufacturing difference
[00:38] Patents and IP — protecting formulas and technology
[00:41] The evolution of phosphate removers & BioLab’s shift in philosophy
[00:47] Market research and deciding which products to launch
[00:52] Packaging engineering, label testing, and launch process
[00:57] How BioLab educates dealers and service pros nationwide
[01:18] AI in education — avatars and BioGuard University
[01:26] The future of training and collaboration in the pool industry
[01:31] Closing thoughts and Matrix class plans at BioLab HQ
Special thanks to our visionary sponsors for making this episode possible:SPPA – Service Professionals Pool Association,BluRay XL,AquaStar Pool Products,Natural Chemistry,BioLab,Raypak,Heritage Pool Supply,Hayward Pool Products,Poolside Tech,Pool Brain, and Nidec US Motors.
Your partnership helps us continue to educate, elevate, and celebrate pool professionals everywhere.

E-267 Pool Nation Podcast - How We’re Uniting 7,200 Pros to Raise the Bar - SPPA & Pool Nation

Today in Episode 267 of the Pool Nation Podcast we drop a big announcement: Pool Nation and SPPA are partnering to unite more than 7,200 pool pros under one roof — the largest member-based program our industry has ever seen. Edgar and Zac sit down with Danielle, CEO of SPPA, to unpack what this means for you: a revamped Pool Man University platform, a Pool Nation Water Chemistry Certification path, quarterly business mastermind groups, member perks, rebates, and resources, plus mini-course learning tracks you can implement the next day.
We also preview the $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge finals at PSP/Deck Expo Las Vegas, the Pool Nation Awards, and the two-day Pool Nation Conference (Business, Technical & Hands-On tracks). If you care about profitability, customer retention, leadership, safety, and chemistry, this episode is your new playbook for 2026.
Chapters & timestamps
00:00 – Intro, sponsors, and… finding a nickname for Devon
02:40 – Zac returns; quick banter & show setup
06:45 – $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge (PSP Expo: Oct 22 qualifiers, Oct 24 finals)
07:50 – Pool Nation Awards + Conference overview (Oct 24–25; 3 tracks)
08:45 – Big headline: Pool Nation × SPPA strategic partnership
10:00 – Why this partnership? Mission alignment: protect & make pool pros financially successful
12:45 – Customer experience & SPPA service mindset (Ashley/Bailey shoutouts)
16:10 – Scale matters: uniting 7,200+ members to drive ROI
17:10 – What’s rolling out: revamped LMS/PMU, water chemistry certification, perks & resources
19:30 – The 5 core pillars: Business/Profit, Chemistry, Safety, Leadership, Customer Experience/Retention
23:05 – Practical training you can implement the next day
24:05 – From “motivated” to executing: one-page action plans & success stories
26:05 – One-stop shop vision: all the training in one place
26:55 – Perks, rebates, promos at scale (prices keep rising—here’s help)
33:00 – Education Fund: lowering the barrier for new/smaller companies
50:45 – 2026 launch preview: Water Chemistry Certification with levels, quizzes, in-person options
55:00 – Quarterly Business Mastermind Groups (free year one for SPPA members); first topic: Turning Pools Into Profits
1:01:00 – Mini-courses / tracks: deep dives on one topic (e.g., Profitability, Hiring, etc.)
1:08:00 – Not just a platform — an ecosystem (Nation of Pool Pros)
1:08:45 – Roadmap & timing: emails, registration link, staged rollouts, early rebates
1:11:00 – Where SPPA sees members in a few years: faster growth through access & community
1:26:30 – Final thoughts: alignment, mission, and how we lift the industry together
1:31:30 – What’s next: watch your inbox for the registration link to activate benefits
Thanks to our visionary partners & sponsors
Huge thank-you to our partners who make this possible:SPPA, Blu-Ray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, and U.S. Motors (Neptune Variable Speed Motor) — plus everyone supporting the Pool Nation Conference, Awards, and the $10K Pool Pro Challenge.

E-266 Pool Nation Podcast: From Good Enough to Great: How Private Companies Are Rewiring the Pool Industry

In Episode 266 of the Pool Nation Podcast Edgar John dig in with Aquastar, Poolside Tech, and Raypak on how open collaboration (not vendor lock-in) is unlocking smarter automation, safer equipment, and real freedom of choice for pool pros and builders. We talk best-in-class integration (pump + filter + automation + heater), remote diagnostics that prevent truck rolls, why being privately held matters for innovation, and the mindset shift from “good enough” to category excellence.
Plus: PSP/Deck Expo Las Vegas updates (Pool Nation Conference Oct 24–25), the $10K Pool Pro Challenge (Oct 22), and the Pool Nation Awards (Oct 23) with a call to vote before Oct 1. Sponsor shoutouts to SPPA, Blu-Ray XL, AquaStar, Natural Chemistry, Heritage, Hayward, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, and US Motors/Neptune.
If you service pools, manage vacation rentals/Airbnbs, or build pads, this episode is a masterclass on efficiency, reliability, and customer experience—straight from the teams installing thousands of new systems right now.
 
Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Show open: New intro + welcome to Pool Nation
01:00 – Edgar sets the stage: “The New Three” and freedom of choice
02:30 – Sponsor thanks & co-host banter (Zac’s “Naked & Afraid” bit)
03:45 – Why this matters: vendor lock-in vs. innovation on the pad
07:00 – Event rundown: PSP/Deck Expo, $10K Pool Pro Challenge, Awards & voting deadlines
08:30 – What is “The New Three”? (Aquastar + Poolside Tech + Raypak)
09:45 – Built to work together: category expertise and simple configuration
11:30 – End-user wins: safety, efficiency, quality—why it’s a “homeowner home run”
13:00 – Culture check: collaboration over competition (and why it’s rare)
14:30 – Continuous improvement: using real-world data to ship fixes fast
15:40 – Stop the truck roll: remote diagnostics that save hours (and weekends)
18:00 – Designing for the pool pro: Friday-afternoon problems solved
20:00 – Real stories: Airbnb heat control, setpoint tweaks, going in prepared
21:30 – Knowledge base + support that actually calls you first
24:00 – Proactive support & “did you have a good time installing it?”
26:00 – Live shoutouts to the community
28:00 – How the partnership formed: aligned values → an open ecosystem
31:00 – Breaking the bundle: why choice pressures everyone to build better
33:00 – Non-negotiables: safety, efficiency, quality, longevity
36:00 – Voice of the customer: what pros kept asking for
38:00 – Why being privately held changes everything (no shareholder handcuffs)
41:00 – Culture > strategy: moving fast without red tape
44:00 – Industry rant (facts!): doing the right thing for pros & homeowners
46:00 – Sponsor Break #1 (Conference + partner spots)
51:00 – Back from break: core values lived, not poster-ized
52:30 – Day-to-day collaboration: data sharing & “fix it in days, not quarters”
56:30 – Pool pros as part of the improvement loop (without extra work)
1:03:00 – Meetings? Nah—access, trust, and jumping on issues
1:05:00 – Edgar’s automation pain story → how the new stack solves it
1:07:00 – Why freedom of choice matters to homeowners and pros
1:10:30 – Pads stayed primitive while homes got smart—time to catch up
1:12:00 – Pipeline filter & first-swing wins; what v2 will unlock
1:15:00 – Competition heats up: big three start reacting (that’s good)
1:18:00 – Sponsor Break #2 (Conference + partner spots)
1:23:00 – Final segment setup + more shoutouts
1:24:00 – Final thoughts (Todd): innovation that justifies replacement before failure
1:26:00 – Final thoughts (John): how we position upgrades to deliver real ROI
1:30:00 – Gratitude, teasers (sorry—no spoilers!), Vegas see-you-there
1:32:00 – Outro + where to find us
✅ Sponsor List
We couldn’t do this podcast without the support of our visionary partners:
SPPA – General Liability Insurance for Pool Pros → thesppa.com
Blu-Ray XL – The real mineral purifier that cuts costs & labor
AquaStar Pool Products – Makers of the Pipeline cartridge filter
Natural Chemistry – Specialty water care & phosphate removal solutions
Heritage Pool Supply – Education Fund & industry support
Hayward Pool Products – Pool and spa innovation, including Universal ColorLogic® 2.0
Poolside Tech – Pool Attendant® automation and remote pad intelligence
Pool Brain – Business software built for service companies
US Motors / Nidec – Neptune variable speed motor, versatile VS upgrades
Raypak – Avia HD heaters with NiTec™ technology for scale resistance
📣 About the Pool Nation Conference
This is the only conference in the pool industry that combines business, technical, and hands-on training into one powerhouse event.
📍 When & Where: October 24–25, 2025 at the PSP/Deck Expo, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall📊 Business Track: Financials, pricing, leadership, hiring, and scaling your company🔧 Technical Track: Water chemistry, automation, plumbing, heaters, and troubleshooting🛠️ Hands-On Track: Real equipment, real installs — strip wires, take apart heaters, install pumps
You’ll leave with practical skills, tools you can use immediately, and connections that accelerate your growth.👉 Register today at poolnation.com or poolspapatio.com.
 

E-265 Pool Nation Podcast Inside Heritage: Scott Frost on Culture, Disruption & What’s Next for Pool Pros

In episode 265 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we sit down with Scott Frost, who recently joined Heritage after more than 30 years in the pool industry. From building pools and running service routes to leadership roles in manufacturing and now distribution, Scott brings one of the most complete perspectives in the industry.
We dive deep into:
His career journey and lessons learned
Leadership values and building customer trust
Heritage’s culture, growth, and future vision
Why servant leadership and customer-first mentality drive success
How disruption and innovation are reshaping distribution
This is a powerful conversation for every pool pro, business owner, and industry leader who wants to understand what it takes to succeed and grow in today’s pool industry.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
[00:00] Intro & shoutouts
[06:00] PSP Expo updates & Pool Nation Awards
[10:00] Scott’s background: family, aviation, and pool beginnings
[15:00] Building pools and navigating tough markets
[20:00] Lessons from economic downturns
[22:00] Mentors and leadership influences
[28:00] Rediscovering backyard experiences post-COVID
[35:00] Servant leadership & customer-first approach
[40:00] Building culture and values in business
[50:00] Why Scott joined Heritage & the growth opportunity ahead
[1:02:00] Digital tools, disruption, and the future of distribution
[1:20:00] Professionalism and elevating the industry
[1:30:00] Final thoughts
🙌 Thank You to Our Sponsors
This podcast is made possible thanks to our visionary partners:
SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
Excel
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
PoolBrain
Nidec

E-264 Pool Nation Podcast - The Pool Pro’s Playbook: Education, Networking & Innovation PSP Expo 2025

In this week’s Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac are joined by Meagan MAGAÑA, Show Manager of the PSP/Deck Expo, to give you the ultimate insider guide to the 2025 PSP Expo in Las Vegas (Oct 22–24). We break down everything—from education tracks and new keynote sessions to networking parties, the $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge, and the Pool Nation Awards.
If you’ve ever wondered how to maximize your time at the PSP Expo, plan your route through the 400+ booths, and take advantage of show floor education without being overwhelmed—this is your roadmap.
We also share industry secrets on hotel booking, reveal new product launches debuting at the show, and even get into the details of the Energy Bar (espresso in the morning, mocktails in the afternoon!) on the expo floor.
👉 Pro tip: Use promo code POOLNATION at registration for a FREE Expo Pass.👉 Register at poolspapatio.com or poolnationawards.com.
🕒 Timestamps
[00:00] Intro & sponsor thank-yous
[02:00] Spider’s studio setup & fun banter
[05:00] Welcome Meagan Magia – PSP Expo Show Manager
[07:00] Key show update: October 22–24, 2025 (not November!)
[09:00] Hotel blocks, rates, and hidden savings
[12:00] How Pool Nation Awards started at PSP Expo
[16:00] Venue update – North Hall vs. West Hall (don’t go to MetalCon!)
[18:00] Welcome Party details – Ayu Dayclub
[19:00] Three keynotes explained – industry panel, Darren Woodson, Women of Water
[23:00] Education breakdown: Pre-Con, Core Conference, Show Floor, Post-Con
[29:00] Food, concessions, and the brand-new Energy Bar
[30:00] Pool Nation $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge – qualifiers & finals
[37:00] Pool Nation Awards + HASA After Party at Alle Lounge 66
[45:00] Voting & nominee prep tips (write your speech!)
[55:00] Advice for first-time attendees – how to plan and network
[1:02:00] Product Showcase sneak peek & debuting new tech
[1:06:00] How to register (and get your free pass)
[1:12:00] Matrix members’ Vegas events & Larry’s Pool Nation house party
[1:18:00] Final thoughts from Meagan, Zach & Edgar
🙏 Thank You to Our Sponsors
This episode is made possible by our Visionary Partners:
SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
US Motors