Pool Nation Podcast
Welcome to Pool Nation. The Podcast where it’s all Pool Talk. We are talking about becoming a nation of pool pros. We talk about the latest products, trends and training in the Swimming Pool Industry. We interview leaders, and educators in the swimming pool industry.
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Episodes
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
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.
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Monday Sep 22, 2025
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.
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Monday Sep 15, 2025
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
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 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
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Monday Sep 01, 2025
In episode 263 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we break down what to expect at the Pool Nation Conference at the PSP/Deck Expo in Las Vegas (Oct 24–25): a full day of truly hands-on training (pump wiring, automation, heater tear-downs, and variable-speed motor installs) and Day 1 of the Business Track focused on financial mastery (pricing for profit, key metrics, cost of service, cash flow, and exit planning). We also recap the Pool Nation Women’s Summit, shout out the $5K community giveaway, and share key show dates: $10K Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers (Oct 22) and the Pool Nation Awards (Oct 23). Use code POOLNATION for a free Expo Pass. Limited seats per track — don’t wait.
Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Intro + show open
01:00 – Vegas is coming: Conference dates, 3-track format
02:00 – Catching up: glasses, getting older, and feeling human again
07:30 – Community spotlight: the $5,000 Instagram giveaway & vendor support
10:00 – Wild weather, dust storms, and pool cleanups
11:00 – PSP/Deck Expo week overview
Oct 22: $10K Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers (at our booth)
Oct 23: Pool Nation Awards (voting closes Oct 1)
Oct 24–25: Pool Nation Conference (3 tracks)
12:30 – Women’s Summit recap: energy, networking, and top-tier education
16:45 – Announcing Most Influential Women (2025) & Next Gen Leaders
20:00 – What makes our conference different (intimate size, curated tracks)
24:00 – Why service pros deserve a seat at the table
27:30 – Track design philosophy: a true, step-by-step curriculum
37:00 – Hands-On Day (Oct 24): what you’ll actually do
Pump wiring & VS pump installs (Aquastar carts)
Automation install & programming (Pool Attendant)
Heater teardown, troubleshooting & best practices (Raypak)
Variable-speed motor retrofit & programming (Nidec/US Motors Neptune)
45:00 – “Truly hands-on” explained (tools in hand, small groups, do the work)
46:30 – Business Track Day 1 (Oct 24): Financial Mastery
Turn Pools into Profits (profit mindset & setup)
Turn Metrics into Money (what to track, how to use it)
Know Your Cost, Grow Your Profit (real cost of service)
Financial Planning & Exit Strategy
Profit ≠ Cash: Mastering Cash Flow
51:30 – Technical Track Day 1 (Oct 24): Chemistry & Algae
Responsibilities of the modern pool pro
Precision testing & dosing
Choosing the right chemicals for each pool
Proactive vs. reactive care (specialty chems & minerals)
The science of algae: ID, prevention, elimination
55:30 – Why the curriculum is sequenced the way it is
57:30 – Day 2 tease (coming next episode)
58:30 – Seats are limited (target caps per track) — register early
01:05:00 – How to use code POOLNATION for a free Expo Pass
01:07:00 – A direct message to service pros: why this training matters
01:10:00 – Instructors & announcements coming up
01:11:00 – Awards tickets reminder + massive voting turnout
01:12:00 – Wrap & what’s next (IG Live with nominees next week)
Show Notes
Get ready for Vegas! We’re previewing the Pool Nation Conference at the PSP/Deck Expo (Oct 24–25) and breaking down exactly what you’ll learn.
Hands-On Day (Oct 24)
Wire and install VS pumps (Aquastar)
Install and program automation (Pool Attendant)
Tear down and troubleshoot heaters the right way (Raypak)
Retrofit a variable-speed motor and program it (Nidec/US Motors Neptune)
Business Track: Day 1 — Financial Mastery
Build your business to produce profit (from day one)
The metrics that actually drive decisions
Calculate your true cost of service
Plan your finances and exit strategy
Cash flow > profit: how to never run out of cash
Technical Track: Day 1 — Chemistry & Algae
Responsibilities of a modern pool pro
Precision testing, dosing, and targeted care
Choosing the right chemicals for each pool
Proactive vs. reactive care using specialty chems & minerals
The science of algae: identify, prevent, eliminate
Key Dates (PSP/Deck Expo Week)
Oct 22: $10K Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers (at our booth)
Oct 23: Pool Nation Awards (voting closes Oct 1)
Oct 24–25: Pool Nation Conference (3 curated tracks)
🎟️ Register: poolnation.com or poolspapatio.com🎫 Free Expo Pass: use code POOLNATION (save $60)⚠️ Limited seats per track (intimate, truly hands-on format)
We also recap the Pool Nation Women’s Summit, announce Most Influential Women (2025) and our Next Generation Female Leaders, and shout out the $5K community giveaway that lit up the industry.
Sponsors — Thank You for Your Support
SPPA
Nidec / US Motors
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Hayward
Heritage Pool Supply
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Pool Nation Podcast E-262 - In this special Best of Pool Nation Podcast episode, we highlight some of the most inspiring conversations from past shows. From women leaders breaking barriers in pool building, to next-generation innovators making their mark, and the people shaping the future of our industry, this episode is packed with stories you won’t want to miss.
You’ll hear:
Hailey Tu, owner of Lavender Landscape, on building a women-led company and her journey from design to pool construction.
Janie, sharing their experiences in service, networking, and industry growth.
Michael “Spider” Kraus, nominee for Pool Pro of the Year, with his signature “two thumbs up” attitude.
Megan Kendrick, owner of Pool Pro Magazine, on the importance of recognizing young professionals with the 30 Under 40 Awards.
Alyssa & Lindsay, rising leaders nominated for the Rookie of the Year, sharing their passion for pools, leadership, and building businesses.
Plus, a conversation with PSP/Deck Expo director Kris and marketing lead Megan Magna on what’s ahead for the biggest pool & spa show of the year.
This episode is a celebration of pool professionals who inspire, innovate, and elevate the entire industry.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
[00:00:00] Intro – Welcome to the Best of Pool Nation Podcast
[00:01:00] Hailey Tu – Building a women-led pool company & journey into landscape/pools
[00:09:00] Spider Kraus – Living the “two thumbs up” lifestyle & Pool Pro of the Year nominee
[00:11:00] Janie – Networking, service, and building lasting impact
[00:18:00] Janie – Running 60 pools a week, wiring panels & embracing electrical work
[00:24:00] Megan Kendrick – The story behind Pool Pro Magazine & the 30 Under 40 Awards
[00:35:00] Alyssa – From Puerto Rico to building 7-8-7 Serrano Construction in El Paso
[00:46:00] Lindsay – Digital leadership at Hayward & pool marketing innovation
[00:56:00] PSP/Deck Expo with Kris & Megan Magna – Behind the scenes of the industry’s biggest show
[01:15:00] Closing & Outro
A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners & Sponsors who make this podcast possible and continue to support pool professionals everywhere:
The SPPA – Leaders in tailored liability insurance for pool pros (thesppa.com)
US Motors Neptune Variable Speed Motor – Upgrade any pump to variable speed without replumbing (usmotors.com/pool)
Blu-Ray XL Mineral Purifier – Reduce chemical use and labor by up to 50% (blu-rayxl.com)
AquaStar Pipeline Filters – Hydraulic efficiency and top-tier filtration performance (aquastarpoolproducts.com)
Natural Chemistry Pro Series – Specialty water care solutions trusted for over 30 years (naturalchemistry.com)
Raypak Avia Heaters with NiTec – Superior durability and efficiency with EC Heat Exchanger technology (raypak.com)
Hayward Universal ColorLogic 2.0 Lighting – Next-generation pool & spa lighting for vibrant colors (hayward.com)
Heritage Pool Supply
SPPA
Poolside Tech
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
In Episode 261 of the Pool Nation Live Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas dive into Part 2 of the Roadmap to Profitability series. This episode unpacks the biggest profit killers in the pool service business, the pricing mindset traps that hold pool pros back, and the math that proves why profitability must come first.
The team discusses:
Why paying yourself first is non-negotiable.
How to set pricing like you already have employees to avoid burnout.
The financial traps that cause businesses to stall or fail.
Real-world stories from the field—hot installs, customer curveballs, and lessons from poolside battles.
A breakdown of the Pool Nation Conference business track in Las Vegas: profit-first strategies, cash flow mastery, pricing formulas, building high-performing teams, and leadership accountability.
Whether you’re a single-poler just starting out or scaling your business, this episode will give you actionable tools to price with confidence, protect your profits, and future-proof your pool business.
🎟️ Don’t forget: Register now for the Pool Nation Conference, happening October 24–25 at the PSP Expo in Las Vegas, and claim your free expo floor pass with code POOLNATION at checkout.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Welcome & sponsor shoutouts04:50 – Zach returns from vacation refreshed, John and Edgar worn out12:15 – Brutal heat, pump installs, and unexpected repair curveballs21:40 – PSP Expo preview & $10K Pool Pro Challenge announcement28:00 – Pool Nation Awards nominations & Alley Lounge After Party details34:45 – Pool Nation Conference business & leadership tracks explained46:20 – Recap of Part 1: Why profits aren’t a bonus, they’re the foundation51:05 – Profit Killer #1: Not paying yourself1:08:40 – Pricing like you have an employee (even if you don’t yet)1:27:15 – Burnout, turnover, and the hidden costs of underpricing1:43:55 – The career path mindset: Building wages & growth into your model1:57:30 – Final thoughts: Know your numbers & plan for 3–5 years ahead2:05:00 – Wrap-up & next week’s Nomination Night women’s livestream
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
In episode 259 of the Pool Nation Podcast, hosts Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless”, and Zac the Pool Boy sit down with Tim Moore and Jim D’Angelo from US Motors / Nidec to discuss the upcoming DOE pool pump regulations and what they mean for pool service professionals nationwide.
They explain how the new rules will phase out single-speed pool pump motors and why the Neptune Variable Speed Motor is a cost-effective, energy-efficient replacement option. Learn how this innovative motor allows pros to upgrade existing pumps to variable speed without costly replumbing, helping customers save money while meeting DOE requirements.
From freeze control integration and automation system compatibility to real-world installation tips and energy savings strategies, Tim and Jim share proven solutions that make compliance easier and open new business opportunities for pool pros. They also discuss the importance of field feedback in product design and how US Motors works directly with service technicians to improve performance.
If you’re a pool technician, service company owner, or equipment installer looking to stay ahead of regulations and grow your business, this episode is packed with expert guidance and practical takeaways.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & sponsor thank-yous
01:00 – Welcoming Tim & Jim from US Motors/Nidec
04:00 – Behind the scenes of the photo shoot & Pool Man University content
05:00 – The passion factor in product knowledge
06:30 – Jim’s background and decades with US Motors
08:00 – Who Nidec is and where their motors show up in daily life
13:00 – Tim’s career journey from startup pools to variable-speed technology
15:00 – DOE history and the upcoming September 29th regulation change
25:00 – Breaking down the 1.15 THP to 5.0 THP cutoff & exemptions
33:00 – Educating customers on variable speed benefits
35:00 – Energy savings math: Affinity Laws explained
37:00 – Filtration, circulation, and the “low and slow” advantage
41:00 – Pool pro perspectives on embracing the change
45:00 – Introducing the Neptune Variable Speed Motor: sizes, applications, and adaptability
50:00 – Stocking strategy for service vans & motor myths busted
59:00 – Standalone mode features & DOE mode optimization
01:02:00 – Integrating with older time clocks and booster pump systems
01:13:00 – Freeze control integration with the Neptune
01:18:00 – Automation system compatibility and setup steps
01:27:00 – How to get training, support, and find your local rep
01:29:00 – Why the Neptune offers a real alternative for customers and pros
01:30:00 – Closing thoughts & upcoming events
🙏 Sponsor Thank-Yous
The SPPA – Insurance for Pool Pros
BluRay XL – The real mineral purifier
AquaStar Pool Products – Innovation in safety and efficiency
Natural Chemistry – Simplifying pool care
Raypak – Industry-leading heaters
Heritage Pool Supply – Supporting pool professionals nationwide
Hayward Pool Products – Leading pool and spa innovation
Poolside Tech – Smart automation
Pool Brain – Service business automation
US Motors – Neptune variable-speed motors for energy savings
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
In Episode 259 of Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" dive deep into a critical safety topic in the pool industry: Equipotential Bonding. They’re joined by Dallas Thiesen from the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) and John Ritenour, VP of Engineering at SunSmart Engineering, to break down the findings from a landmark bonding study conducted by the Pool Industry Council.
Learn the difference between bonding and grounding, explore the two main methods of bonding (copper wire vs. copper grid), and understand why this topic matters to pool service techs, builders, and inspectors alike. The episode covers safety implications, real-world retrofit challenges, and how this research could affect upcoming National Electric Code changes.
Whether you're a pool pro servicing backyards daily or a builder navigating evolving code standards, this episode is packed with practical tips, technical insights, and industry updates that could impact your work.
👉 Access the full study: PoolBondingStudy.com
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00–02:00 – Intro, shout-out to sponsors, and setup for the podcast
02:01–05:00 – Florida heat, location confusion, and pool pro banter
05:01–07:00 – Edgar introduces guests Dallas (FSPA) and John (SunSmart Engineering)
07:01–09:00 – What is equipotential bonding and why it matters
09:01–14:00 – Bonding vs grounding, stray voltage explained
14:01–18:00 – How bonding wires connect to pool shells and equipment
18:01–21:00 – Risks of severed bonds and retrofit challenges in older pools
21:01–25:00 – How techs can test bonding continuity in the field
25:01–28:00 – Retrofit cost shock: why grids are problematic for renovations
28:01–33:00 – Details of the FSPA bonding study setup and testing methods
33:01–35:00 – Study results: Copper grid vs copper wire performance
35:01–39:00 – Real-world impact and code implications for pool pros
39:01–42:00 – Risks of unbonded pools and shocking stories
42:01–45:00 – Safety statistics: bonding rarely fails when installed correctly
45:01–48:00 – How pool pros can get involved and push back on code changes
48:01–51:00 – Final takeaways, where to find the study, and podcast wrap-up
🙏 Thank You to Our Visionary Sponsors:
We'd like to give a huge thank you to the visionary sponsors who make this podcast possible:
SPPA – Insurance for Pool Pros
BluRay XL – The real mineral purifier
AquaStar Pool Products – Innovation in safety and efficiency
Natural Chemistry – Simplifying pool care
Raypak – Industry-leading heaters
Heritage Pool Supply – Supporting pool professionals nationwide
Hayward Pool Products – Leading pool and spa innovation
Poolside Tech – Smart automation
Pool Brain – Service business automation
US Motors – Neptune variable-speed motors for energy savings
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Pool Nation Podcast E-258 - In this landmark episode, the Pool Nation team takes you behind the scenes of the brand-new AquaStar Studios in Ventura, California. We’re the very first to record inside this industry-changing facility—and we’re bringing you the full experience, streaming live on Instagram and Restream for the first time ever! Join Edgar, John, and Zac as they tour the state-of-the-art studio, test out its massive interactive screen, and chat with Todd and the AquaStar crew about why content and education are transforming the pool industry.
Whether you’re a pool pro, a business owner, or just a fan of next-level tech and team culture, this episode is packed with laughs, insider stories, and powerful takeaways on innovation, collaboration, and why investing in the pool community matters now more than ever.
Timelines & Highlights:
[00:00:00] – Intro & Welcome:Meet the crew as they kick off at AquaStar’s stunning new studio in Ventura, sharing first impressions and setting the vibe for a special live-streamed episode.
[00:03:00] – Pool Nation On the Road:Travel stories, Airbnb mishaps, and the lengths Edgar will go for a cup of coffee.
[00:06:00] – Studio Reveal & First Impressions:Blindfolded arrivals, team reactions, and the story behind building a one-of-a-kind industry studio.
[00:13:00] – Pool Nation Conference Sneak Peek:Upcoming events, including the Women’s Summit, Pool Pro Challenge, and business training track breakdown.
[00:23:00] – Why Build a Studio? Vision & ROI:Todd shares the inside story on what inspired AquaStar to invest big in a content studio, the changing needs of pool pros, and the challenge of justifying ROI in education and media.
[00:31:00] – Building It Right: Design, Details, & Team Culture:Hear how the AquaStar team took on the build, the philosophy of “everything makes a difference,” and how internal talent and attention to detail brought the vision to life.
[00:40:00] – The Massive Interactive Wall Demo:Live demo of the 10x20ft high-res screen—see what it can do, why it matters for training, and the plans for future immersive content.
[00:47:00] – Community, Team, and Social Media:The importance of company culture, embracing social media, and making pool pros feel like family—not just customers.
[01:03:00] – Growth & Team Expansion:How AquaStar built its rep team from scratch, what’s next, and why Mandy deserves a spotlight!
[01:10:00] – Live Audience Q&A & Fun:Live shoutouts, Brian’s birthday, and the legendary “Omar on a horse” photo goes up on the big screen.
[01:17:00] – Final Thoughts & Takeaways:Gratitude, future vision, and why this launch is just the beginning for both AquaStar and Pool Nation.
Pool Nation
Welcome to Pool Nation. The Podcast where it’s all Pool Talk. We are talking about becoming a nation of pool pros. We talk about the latest products, trends and training in the Swimming Pool Industry. We interview leaders, and educators in the swimming pool industry.