Pool Nation Podcast

E-289 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Show Recap & Industry Rising Stars

In Episode 289 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” recap the energy and momentum from the Western Pool & Spa Show and the Southwest Pool & Spa Show, then dive into powerful conversations featuring some of the brightest rising stars and top sales professionals in the swimming pool industry.
This episode highlights:
The impact of industry trade shows on pool service businesses
Leadership development and next-generation talent in aquatics
The importance of customer relationships and pool education
What separates top-performing sales reps in the pool industry
The Pool Nation Awards 30 Under 40 nominees
Sales Rep of the Year nominees and what drives their success
You’ll hear stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, business growth, and the mindset it takes to build a sustainable and profitable pool service or pool building company.
Whether you're a pool service professional, pool builder, sales rep, or industry supplier, this episode delivers insight, motivation, and practical takeaways to help you level up your business.
If you're serious about growing your pool company, scaling operations, improving customer retention, and becoming a true Pool Pro — this episode is for you.
 
⏱ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Western & Southwest Pool & Spa Show Recap03:00 – Zac’s Idaho adventure & team banter09:00 – Introducing 30 Under 40 Male of the Year Nominees13:00 – IPSA Education Fund & Investing in Industry Training15:00 – James Broderick’s Journey: From Pandemic Startup to Growth Through Referrals21:00 – Pool Education & “Pool School” for Homeowners24:00 – Sales Rep of the Year Nominee Introduction28:00 – Sales Rep Leadership, Market Growth & Industry Relationships32:00 – Andrew’s Career: Distribution to Manufacturer Rep40:00 – Daniel’s 30-Year Industry Journey: Retail, Service, Building & Manufacturing48:00 – Relationship-Driven Sales & Building Market Trust55:00 – Industry Growth, Mentorship & What’s Next for Pool Pros
🙌 Thank You to Our Visionary Partners & Sponsors
We want to thank our incredible Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast and the pool industry:
SPPA
BlueRay XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
PoolSide Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec / US Motors
OnCore Filtration
Your commitment to education, innovation, and supporting pool professionals nationwide makes this platform possible.

E-288 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Service Growth: Why Being Busy Is Killing Your Profit

Episode 288 Pool Nation Podcast. Are you busy… or are you actually building a profitable pool service business?
In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac break down one of the biggest traps in the swimming pool industry: confusing being busy with being successful.
As we head into peak pool season, many pool pros find themselves working longer hours, adding more pools, and filling every minute of the day — but still feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and underpaid.
This episode dives deep into:
• Why long hours don’t equal profitability• How busyness hides skill gaps and financial problems• The dangerous cycle of “organized chaos” in pool companies• Why scaling without readiness leads to burnout• How to transition from technician to operator• The role of planning, pricing, and financial clarity in sustainable growth
If you’re a pool service business owner trying to grow, scale, or simply survive the busy season without burning out — this conversation is for you.
Because readiness isn’t about knowing more.It’s about making better decisions before chaos hits.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Why “Busy” Doesn’t Mean Profitable05:30 – Western & Southwest Pool Shows + Boot Camp Updates08:45 – The $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge & Raypak AVIA Giveaway12:00 – The “Busy Trap” in the Pool Industry15:00 – Hustle vs. Structure: Why Long Hours Aren’t the Answer19:00 – How Busyness Masks Skill Gaps in Pool Service22:00 – Stop Being a “Field Medic” – Fix Root Causes Instead25:00 – The Illusion of Success in a Packed Schedule28:00 – Why Adding More Pools Isn’t Always the Solution31:00 – Warning Signs You’re Running in Organized Chaos34:00 – Creating Space in the Day for Preventative Work41:00 – Readiness vs. Reaction: Making Better Decisions45:00 – Where Pool Businesses Get Stuck as They Grow50:00 – Financial Readiness as a Competitive Advantage56:00 – Final Thoughts: Work Smarter, Not Just Harder
🙌 Special Thanks to Our Visionary Partners
A huge thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast and helping us elevate the pool industry:
SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
PoolSide Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec
OnCore Filtration
We appreciate your commitment to helping pool pros grow stronger businesses.

E-287 Pool Nation Podcast - Why Pool Pros Still Struggle After Training | Information vs Real-World Pool Education (Part 2)

In Episode 287 of Pool Nation Podcast is Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Edgar , John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas break down the real difference between information and actual training—and why most pool professionals aren’t truly prepared when they walk into a backyard.
This episode dives deep into training readiness, skill gaps, and why mistakes keep happening at customer pools instead of in controlled learning environments. If you’ve ever felt confident in a class but froze when things went sideways in the field, this episode explains exactly why—and how to fix it.
You’ll hear real-world stories from the field, honest conversations about YouTube education, hands-on training, repetition, and why confidence only comes from practice, not just knowledge. The team also explains how seasonality, pressure, and poor training structures hold pool businesses back—and what owners must do differently moving forward.
This episode is a must-listen for:
Pool service techs
Repair technicians
Business owners
Managers training teams
Anyone serious about growing skills, confidence, and profitability in the pool industry
If you want to stop learning the hard way in customers’ backyards and start building real readiness, this episode is for you.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Why Part 2 matters: Training vs information03:00 – YouTube education: Helpful or harmful?07:00 – Why information feels like progress (but isn’t)10:00 – The real danger of learning under pressure15:00 – Why mistakes show up at customer pools first19:00 – Repetition, muscle memory, and real confidence23:00 – Hands-on training vs classroom learning28:00 – Why “figuring it out in the field” became normalized33:00 – Seasonality and why training gets pushed aside37:00 – How skill gaps show up operationally, emotionally, and financially42:00 – Why owners stop training themselves47:00 – What effective training actually looks like52:00 – How to choose the right education for your team58:00 – Final thoughts: Raising the standard in pool education
🤝 Thank You to Our Visionary Partners
A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners who make this podcast possible:
The SPPA
BlueRay XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
PoolSide Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec / U.S. Motors
Encore Filtration – Welcome to the Pool Nation family
Your continued support helps elevate education, professionalism, and profitability across the pool industry.

E-286 - Pool Nation Podcast - Training vs. Readiness: Why Pool Education Isn’t Translating to the Field

In episode 286 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by co-hosts John “JJ Flawless” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas for a powerful, honest conversation about training, readiness, and real-world skill development in the pool industry.
With trade show season, boot camps, and certifications ramping up, the guys break down the difference between consuming information and being truly prepared to execute in the field. They explore why watching videos and attending classes feels productive—but often falls short when real-life variables, customers, and safety risks enter the picture.
You’ll hear why:
Information alone doesn’t equal competence
Pools are one of the most challenging environments to learn in
Repetition, practice, and hands-on training matter more than ever
“Figuring it out on the fly” has been normalized—and why that’s a problem
The right education now leads to fewer mistakes, more confidence, and more time with your family later
This episode is a must-listen for pool service techs, repair techs, builders, retailers, and business owners who want to stop guessing, sharpen their skills, and approach training with the right mindset in 2026.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps (Chapters)
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Why this conversation about training matters right now03:30 – Kicking off 2026 & returning to show season08:00 – Industry shout-outs & community updates10:00 – Trade shows, boot camps & upcoming Pool Nation events16:30 – Upskilling vs. reskilling: what pool pros actually need18:30 – Information vs. training: why most education doesn’t stick22:30 – Why confidence disappears in the field27:00 – YouTube learning vs. real-world execution31:30 – Why repetition and practice are missing in education36:30 – Sponsor break41:00 – Why pools are one of the hardest environments to learn in47:00 – Working alone in backyards & pressure from homeowners52:30 – The danger of “figuring it out on the fly”58:30 – How the industry must evolve training standards01:06:00 – Final thoughts: education now = freedom later01:19:00 – Closing & where to see Pool Nation next
 
Sponsors (Thank You)
Big thank you to our sponsors for supporting Pool Pros and helping us keep the education and conversations rolling:
SPPA• Blu-ray XL• AquaStar Pool Products• Natural Chemistry• Raypak• Heritage Pool Supply• Hayward Pool Products• Poolside Tech• US Motors / Nidec
Also, thank you to Pool Invoice and PoolManUniversity.com for supporting pool industry training and business systems.

E-285 Pool Nation Podcast - Upskilling vs Reskilling: How Pool Pros Stay Relevant, Profitable, and Ahead of the Industry

In episode 285 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesús sits down with leadership expert Leanne De Jesús for an in-depth conversation on how pool business owners, service techs, retailers, and builders can grow without burning out, falling behind, or constantly starting over.
What is upskilling?Upskilling means improving and expanding the skills you already use in your role — not changing careers, but getting better, smarter, and more effective at what you’re already doing.
In the pool industry, upskilling can look like:
Developing leadership and people-management skills
Improving pricing, financial clarity, and decision-making
Learning new equipment, technology, and automation
Building sales and customer communication skills
Training your team so the business doesn’t rely only on you
Reskilling, on the other hand, is learning an entirely new role or function — like moving from service into building, retail, or management.
Throughout this episode, Edgar and Leanne break down why most frustration, burnout, and leadership struggles aren’t people problems — they’re skill gaps. They also explain why access to information alone doesn’t create better leaders, and how structure, mentorship, and intentional learning are what actually drive growth.
Whether you’re a one-truck operator or scaling a multi-location business, this conversation will help you:
Understand when to upskill vs when to reskill
Recognize early signs of burnout and stagnation
Build stronger leaders and more accountable teams
Create growth without chaos
Shift from operator thinking to owner thinking
This episode isn’t about working harder — it’s about thinking differently so your business can grow with clarity and control.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:05 – Why upskilling and reskilling matter right now03:00 – Pool Nation events, shows, and upcoming education06:10 – What upskilling really looks like in real life09:45 – AI, technology, and staying relevant13:20 – How pool pros upskill without realizing it16:10 – The difference between upskilling and reskilling18:50 – When you should reskill vs improve your current skills21:40 – Why people think they need to quit when they really need new skills25:10 – Learning, testing, applying, and sharing knowledge30:00 – Burnout, overwhelm, and hidden skill gaps33:10 – Leadership problems vs skill problems37:20 – Why information alone doesn’t create better leaders40:50 – Time, structure, and intentional learning44:30 – Sponsor break46:00 – Upskilling business owners for growth and scale50:30 – Hiring for skill vs hiring for personality55:10 – Upskilling pool techs: sales, safety, and trust1:01:40 – Retail teams, product knowledge, and relationships1:07:30 – Why training fails without structure1:12:00 – Train-the-trainer mindset and leadership confidence1:17:40 – Why guided learning and mentorship matter1:21:10 – The most important mindset shift: growth mindset1:26:30 – Final thoughts and takeaways1:30:00 – Closing remarks and where to find Pool Nation
🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to our visionary partners who make Pool Nation education possible:
SPPA – 
US Motors (Nidec) – 
Blu-Ray XL – 
AquaStar Pool Products – 
Natural Chemistry – 
Raypak –
Hayward Pool Products – 
Heritage Pool Supply
Your support helps us continue to educate, elevate, and strengthen the pool industry.

E-284 Pool Nation Podcast - Rocco Russo - From HVAC to Pool Industry Leader: How Training Builds Confidence & Profit

In episode 284 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we sit down with Rocco Russo, the 2025 Pool Nation Trainer of the Year, to break down what it really takes to become an elite pool professional.
Rocco shares his journey from the HVAC and mechanical trades into the pool industry, how early failures shaped his career, and why confidence, training, and preparation are the true differentiators between average techs and top performers. This is not just a conversation about equipment — it’s about mindset, leadership, and professionalism in the pool service and repair industry.
We dig deep into:
Why most pool techs undervalue themselves
How proper training builds confidence and profitability
The parallels between HVAC, mechanical systems, and modern pool equipment
Why calling tech support is a strength — not a weakness
How trainers and manufacturers can elevate the entire industry together
Whether you’re a new pool tech, a seasoned repair pro, or a business owner trying to level up your team, this episode delivers insight you can apply immediately.
👉 If you care about doing the job right, charging what you’re worth, and building a sustainable pool business, this is a must-listen episode.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast02:00 – Introducing 2025 Trainer of the Year, Rocco Russo06:30 – Rocco’s early career in HVAC & mechanical systems14:45 – First pool heater failure & lessons learned the hard way22:30 – Why pool techs need confidence, not just tools32:00 – Training vs. guessing in the field44:15 – Manufacturer support & why tech support matters55:30 – Selling value, not price1:09:00 – What separates average techs from elite professionals1:25:00 – Rocco’s transition into training & industry impact1:38:00 – Winning Trainer of the Year & final reflections1:55:00 – Final thoughts on leadership, education, and growth
🤝 Thank You to Our Visionary Partners
This episode is brought to you by our Pool Nation Visionary Sponsors, who continue to support education, training, and growth in the pool industry:
SPPA (Swimming Pool Pro Alliance)
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
PoolSide Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec / U.S. Motors
We appreciate your continued commitment to elevating pool professionals across the country.

E-283 Pool Nation Podcast - Marketing with Crystal Lengua, Algae Fixes with Alicia Stephens, and Hiring Laws with Leanne

Pool Nation Podcast Episode 283, a special “best of” style episode packed with real conversations, pool industry insights, and business lessons for pool service, repair, and retail pros.
Edgar, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “the Pool Boy” kick things off with a quick reset for the new year, including Edgar’s recap from the BioGuard (BioLab) retailer conference in Tulum, Mexico, plus what Pool Pros should focus on as the season ramps up.
From there, this compilation jumps into some of the most talked-about topics in the industry: marketing and branding, algae prevention and green pool recovery, a full backyard and pool giveaway, and the legal side of hiring and HR that most pool companies struggle to navigate. The episode wraps with a fun behind-the-scenes conversation with Pool Pro Magazine about creativity, industry trends, and what it takes to produce standout content in the pool world.
If you want a single episode that covers pool business growth, pool marketing, algae troubleshooting, hiring compliance, and industry community, this one delivers.
Chapter Timestamps
00:00:00 Welcome to Pool Nation + January reset, season ramp-up, and BioGuard conference recap in Tulum
00:05:00 Crystal Rael (SMP + Ultra Lift): marketing, branding foundations, and leading two companies
00:16:00 Alicia Stephens: why algae is worse this year, chlorine costs, prevention strategy, and treatment approaches
00:33:00 Sponsor break
00:43:00 Josh Sherwood: his story in business and the backyard + pool giveaway (how nominations work)
00:53:00 Leanne: HR and the legal side of hiring, compliance resources, and how to protect your business decisions
01:03:00 Sponsor break
01:07:00 Megan Kendrick (Pool Pro Magazine): behind-the-scenes content creation, industry trends, and the shoot stories
01:14:40 Closing message + where to find Pool Nation, Pool Invoice, and Pool Man University
Sponsors (Thank You)
Big thank you to our sponsors for supporting Pool Pros and helping us keep the education and conversations rolling:
SPPA• Blu-ray XL• AquaStar Pool Products• Natural Chemistry• Raypak• Heritage Pool Supply• Hayward Pool Products• Poolside Tech• US Motors / Nidec
Also, thank you to Pool Invoice and PoolManUniversity.com for supporting pool industry training and business systems.

E-282 Pool Nation Podcast - Busy Doesn’t Mean Profitable: Why Pool Business Owners Must Know Their Numbers

In Episode 282 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar breaks down why financial clarity—not activity—is what actually creates control in your pool business. If you’ve ever felt stressed, overwhelmed, or unsure why your business feels heavy even when it’s growing, this episode will hit home.
Edgar explains the illusion of control that many pool pros live in and walks through the three numbers every pool business owner must know to build a stable, profitable operation:
Average rate per pool• Cost per pool• Net margin
This episode is designed specifically for January, when pool businesses finally have breathing room to slow down, think clearly, and make intentional decisions before the busy season hits. Edgar shares real-world lessons from his own journey—from running routes himself to scaling a business—and explains why avoiding your numbers doesn’t eliminate problems, it only delays them.
If you’re serious about building a pool business that pays you, protects you, and doesn’t rely on constant hustle to survive, this episode will help you reset how you think about money, growth, and leadership in 2026.
🎯 This episode is for:• Pool service business owners• Pool repair professionals• One-man operations and growing teams• Anyone feeling busy but financially uncertain
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Why being busy doesn’t mean your business is healthy05:00 – The illusion of control in pool businesses08:00 – Why clarity creates control (and reduces stress)12:00 – Guessing vs knowing your numbers18:00 – The three numbers that actually matter24:00 – Average rate per pool: growth vs dilution30:00 – Cost per pool and emotional pricing decisions35:00 – Net margin: the difference between a business and a risky job40:00 – Why not paying yourself is a warning sign44:00 – What happens when you avoid your numbers52:00 – How uncertainty creates burnout58:00 – Why January is the most important month for clarity1:05:00 – Using slow season to reset before peak season1:11:00 – Final thoughts: clarity over comfort1:13:00 – Closing remarks and 2026 outlook
🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to the visionary partners who make the Pool Nation Podcast possible:
SPPA• Blu-ray XL• AquaStar Pool Products• Natural Chemistry• Raypak• Heritage Pool Supply• Hayward Pool Products• Poolside Tech• US Motors / Nidec
Your continued support helps Pool Nation deliver real-world education, business clarity, and leadership insights to pool pros across the industry.
 

E-281 Pool Nation Podcast - You Raised Your Pool Service Prices — Now What? The First 90 Days Explained

In Episode 281 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus dives into a topic most pool business owners aren’t prepared for - what really happens after you raise your prices.
You’ve done the hard part. You ran the numbers. You sent the email. You raised your rates.But then comes the silence… the second guessing… and the fear.
This episode focuses on the first 90 days after a price increase, breaking down the emotional, financial, and leadership shifts pool pros experience during this critical window. Edgar explains why post-increase anxiety is normal, how to avoid self-sabotage, and how understanding your true cost per pool transforms pricing from an emotional decision into a leadership strategy.
You’ll learn why losing a few customers isn’t failure, how margin creates stability (not just profit), and how aligned pricing leads to calmer leadership, better customers, and a stronger business long-term.
If you’re a pool service owner, repair pro, or business operator who wants to raise prices with confidence and keep control of your business after you do - this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Topics include:
The psychology of pricing after you hit “send”
Why silence after a rate increase feels dangerous (but isn’t)
The difference between emotional vs intentional pricing
Understanding true cost per pool and margin protection
Why fewer pools can actually mean more profit
How pricing affects leadership, stress, and customer retention
What to do with new margin (and what NOT to do)
Why strong businesses wait 90 days before reacting
This episode is part of the Pool Nation Winter Business Series and is designed to help pool pros stop surviving — and start leading.
Pool Nation 27th Dec Episode Tr…
⏱️ Episode Timestamps (YouTube / Spotify / SEO Friendly)
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast
01:10 – Today’s Topic: You Raised Your Prices… Now What?
03:40 – Why the Silence After a Price Increase Feels So Uncomfortable
06:30 – Intentional Pricing vs Emotional Pricing
10:05 – Fear Source #1: Being Underpaid for Too Long
12:00 – Fear Source #2: Emotional Attachment to Customers
14:30 – Fear Source #3: Equating Customer Loss With Failure
17:00 – Why Margin Is Protection, Not Extra Money
20:10 – Understanding True Cost Per Pool
24:00 – Why One Billing Cycle Never Tells the Whole Story
28:00 – Sponsor Break
31:30 – Real Customer Behavior After Price Increases
35:00 – Filtering vs Losing Customers
38:20 – Why Better Customers Matter More Than More Customers
42:00 – How Aligned Pricing Changes Leadership
46:00 – What To Do With Your New Margin
52:30 – Leadership, Strategy, and Long-Term Pricing Reviews
59:00 – Final Thoughts & 2026 Outlook
🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast and the pool pro community:
SPPA (Swimming Pool Pro Alliance)
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
PoolSide Tech
Pool Brain
US Motors / Nidec
Your continued support helps Pool Nation deliver real education, real tools, and real results for pool professionals everywhere.

E-280 Pool Nation Podcast How to Raise Pool Service Prices Without Losing Customers | Pool Nation Podcast

In episode 280 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by co-host Zach “The Pool Boy” Nicholas for Part 5 of the Winter Business Series, where they break down one of the hardest decisions pool service business owners face: how to raise prices with confidence — without losing customers.
Raising prices can feel uncomfortable, emotional, and risky — especially when you’ve worked hard to build your route. Edgar and Zach walk through the real math, the mental hurdles, and the practical strategies pool pros need to protect their margins, improve profitability, and build a sustainable business in today’s changing economy.
You’ll learn:
Why waiting to raise prices actually makes it harder later
How to communicate price increases clearly and professionally
What customers really care about (hint: it’s not just price)
Why losing a few low-margin accounts can actually grow your business
How profitability, consistency, and service quality drive customer retention
This episode is packed with real-world examples, mindset shifts, and actionable advice for pool service business owners who want to stop underpricing their work and start running a business that supports their life — not drains it.
👉 Next week: Edgar and Zach continue the conversation with a deep dive into customer retention and value-based service.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Christmas intro & end-of-year reflection
01:30 – Why raising prices feels so uncomfortable for pool pros
05:45 – The hidden cost of not knowing your numbers
10:15 – When is the right time to raise prices?
14:30 – Why waiting actually makes price increases worse
20:00 – How to communicate price increases clearly and confidently
26:30 – What customer pushback really looks like
33:00 – Losing customers vs. building a healthier business
41:00 – Real-world math: fewer pools, more profit
48:00 – Handling common objections (“I can find someone cheaper”)
54:00 – Fixed-income customers & tough emotional decisions
59:00 – Why customers actually leave pool companies
1:05:30 – Final thoughts & preview of Part 6 (Customer Retention)
🙌 Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors
A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Podcast sponsors for supporting pool pros and helping us deliver real education to the industry:
SPPA (Swimming Pool Pro Alliance)
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec / US Motors
Your continued support helps elevate education, professionalism, and profitability across the pool industry.