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.
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.
Episodes

May 25, 2026
May 25, 2026
1 hr 7 min
Episode 302 of the Pool Nation Podcast
What if your pool business has been warning you about bigger problems... and you just haven’t been listening?
In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas dive deep into one of the most important business conversations pool pros can have: the signals your business sends you every single day.
From burnout and busy work to growth plateaus, employee problems, customer issues, and financial blind spots, the guys break down why so many pool companies mistake movement for progress. This episode sets the stage for a powerful multi-part conversation on how to recognize the warning signs before they become major business problems.
They also discuss:→ The illusion of success in the pool industry→ Why growth without systems creates chaos→ The importance of listening to your numbers and team→ How experienced business owners identify patterns before disasters happen→ Why “one pool at a time” thinking can limit long-term growth→ Pool Nation Boot Camps and the $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge→ Encore Filtration’s Dirty Filter Contest→ The Heritage Pro Service Academy in Van Nuys, California
If you’re a pool service professional trying to scale your company, improve profitability, build a stronger team, or simply avoid burnout, this episode is packed with real talk and business insight from three pool pros who have lived it.
Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Pool Nation Podcast Intro01:00 – Zac gets Edgar sick03:00 – John talks family, graduation season & podcast studio plans07:30 – International Swimming Hall of Fame experience12:00 – The hidden importance of pool pros in the swimming industry16:30 – Heritage Pro Service Academy announcement18:00 – $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers20:00 – Pool Nation Awards updates & category changes21:00 – Encore Filtration Dirty Filter Contest24:00 – Edgar’s AI-generated “Smokey and the Bandit” John photo29:30 – Sponsor break34:30 – Zac discusses rebuilding and refining The Pool Boys brand36:30 – Why successful businesses never stop evolving39:00 – Your business is talking to you every day41:00 – Listening to the warning signs in your company44:00 – Fixing problems vs solving root causes49:00 – The illusion of success in pool service businesses52:00 – Why busy does not equal productive54:00 – The danger of comparing your business to others56:00 – Scaling too fast and losing control57:00 – Final thoughts on business growth and self-awareness01:07:00 – Closing remarks
Special Thanks to Our Valued Sponsors & Visionary Partners
A huge thank you to our sponsors and partners who continue supporting the pool industry and Pool Nation:
→ SPPA→ BlueRay XL→ AquaStar Pool Products→ Natural Chemistry→ Raypak→ Heritage Pool Supply→ Hayward Pool Products→ Poolside Tech→ Pool Brain→ Nidec / US Motors→ OnCore Filtration→ Encore Brands
Your continued support helps us educate, inspire, and elevate pool professionals everywhere.
Heritage Pro Service Academy
Join us in Van Nuys, California for the Heritage Pro Service Academy powered by Pool Nation.
Hands-on training includes:→ Heater installation & troubleshooting→ Automation setup→ Variable speed motor training→ Pump installation→ Cool deck application→ Live Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers
Registration is FREE thanks to the Heritage Education Fund.
Visit PoolNation.com to register today.
Encore Filtration Dirty Filter Contest
Think you’ve found the dirtiest pool filter in the industry?
Submit your worst filter photos and videos for a chance to win cash and prizes from Encore Filtration.
#PoolBusiness #PoolService #PoolNation #PoolPro #PoolServiceBusiness #PoolIndustry #Entrepreneurship #PoolCleaning #PoolRepair #BusinessGrowth #PoolRoute #SwimmingPoolIndustry #PoolTech #ServiceBusiness #PoolNationPodcast
May 25, 2026
1 hr 7 min

May 18, 2026
May 18, 2026
1 hr 44 min
In Episode 301 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we bring you a special “Best Of Pool Nation” compilation featuring some of the most impactful conversations, emotional moments, business lessons, and industry insights from the podcast.
From pool business growth strategies and operational efficiency to powerful conversations about water safety, leadership, and industry innovation, this episode highlights why Pool Nation continues to be the leading voice for pool professionals across the country.
You’ll hear incredible discussions with industry leaders from Heritage Pool Supply, AquaStar Pool Products, Terry Arko, Steve Barnes, and more as we dive into topics that every pool pro, service company owner, repair technician, and industry professional can relate to.
This episode covers:→ Pool route efficiency and operational growth→ Building stronger pool businesses→ Leadership and mentorship in the pool industry→ Water safety awareness and Every Child A Swimmer→ Pool industry innovation and training→ Pool Nation Hall of Fame stories→ Business systems, scaling, and profitability→ The future of pool industry education
If you're a pool service company owner, pool technician, builder, retailer, or manufacturer looking to grow your business and stay connected to the pulse of the swimming pool industry, this episode is packed with valuable insight and inspiration.
Time Stamps:
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Heritage Pool Supply leadership and behind-the-counter perspectives10:00 – Transitioning into the pool industry and learning the business18:00 – Retail management, distribution, and customer relationships24:00 – AquaStar partnership and Every Child A Swimmer initiative42:00 – Casey’s emotional water safety story and drowning prevention awareness52:00 – AquaStar’s mission and pool safety innovation58:00 – Pool Nation Hall of Fame special segment with Terry Arko & Steve Barnes1:10:00 – Industry recognition, education, and legacy building1:24:00 – Pool business operational efficiency discussion1:33:00 – Route optimization and maximizing profitability1:41:00 – Time management and scaling a pool service business1:44:00 – Closing thoughts and Pool Nation community updates
Special Thanks To Our Visionary Partners & Sponsors
A huge thank you to all of our incredible sponsors and visionary partners who continue to support Pool Nation, pool industry education, and the growth of pool professionals across the country. Your partnership helps us continue building the #1 platform for swimming pool service, repair, business, and leadership education.
Thank You To:
→ Heritage Pool Supply Group→ AquaStar Pool Products→ Raypak→ Natural Chemistry→ BlueRay XL→ Hayward Pool Products→ US Motors→ SPPA→ Poolside Tech→ Pool Brain→ OnCore Filtration→ Encore Brands
May 18, 2026
1 hr 44 min

May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026
1 hr 28 min
In Episode 300 of the Pool Nation Podcast Edgar and John sit down with Mike from Quick Shop Pools and Bellafina Outdoors to talk about the future of pool construction, pool design, and pool business mentorship. If you are a pool service pro, pool builder, or pool business owner looking to grow, this is the pool podcast episode you cannot miss.
Mike spent 20 years in law enforcement working federal fugitive task forces, including the team that helped apprehend Whitey Bulger, before going all in on the pool industry. Today, he runs one of the most innovative pool construction companies and pool design showrooms in the country out of Huntington Beach, California. Pool pros who have walked through Bellafina Outdoors are calling it the Disneyland of pool design.
We also welcome Luz, Director of Operations at Bellafina, who brings over 20 years of brand and marketing experience into the pool industry, plus Thomas from PAL Lighting and Michelle from Heritage Pool Supply for a full Pool Nation studio conversation on pool builder education, customer experience, and elevating the pool trade for the next generation of pool pros.
IN THIS POOL NATION PODCAST EPISODE:- How Mike built a pool construction business from the ground up- The real story behind the Whitey Bulger fugitive apprehension- How the 2008 crash shaped a new vision for the pool industry- Why pool builder mentorship is the missing piece in pool construction- The Bellafina Pro Academy and the future of pool builder education- How to deliver a true pool design experience to homeowners- Why collaboration beats competition in the pool industry- Heritage Pool Supply's quarterly open house partnership with Bellafina
POOL NATION PODCAST TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast02:00 Thank you to our Pool Nation sponsors and partners08:30 Meet Mike from Quick Shop Pools and Bellafina Outdoors10:30 Heritage Pro Service Academy pool boot camp June 6 in Van Nuys14:30 From law enforcement to the pool industry16:30 The Whitey Bulger story behind one of America's biggest fugitive captures21:30 Surviving the 2008 crash and launching a new pool design model25:00 Why mentorship for younger pool builders matters30:00 Inside the Disneyland of pool design showrooms38:00 Why healthy competition makes the entire pool industry stronger46:00 Industry tea: big changes coming to the pool industry47:30 Luz on bringing fresh marketing talent into the pool world58:00 Thomas from PAL Lighting on pool and landscape lighting design01:08:00 The Outdoor Plus partnership and the tower of fire bowls01:13:00 Introducing the Bellafina Pro Academy for pool builders01:17:30 Heritage Pool Supply quarterly open house at Bellafina01:24:30 Final thoughts for pool pros
THANK YOU TO OUR POOL NATION PODCAST SPONSORS:SPPA, Blueray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Hayward Pool Products, EnCore BrandsHeritage Pool Supply Group, Pool Brain, Poolside Tech, NidecOnCore Filtration
May 11, 2026
1 hr 28 min

May 4, 2026
May 4, 2026
1 hr 18 min
In Episode 299 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” break down one of the most important conversations every pool pro needs to hear — the signals your business is sending you every single day.
From pricing mistakes and route inefficiencies to hiring too late and chasing the wrong growth, this episode dives deep into the real challenges pool service companies face — and how to fix them.
But that’s not all…
🚨 BIG NEWS: The Pool Pro Challenge just leveled up — now officially a $20,000+ competition (and pushing toward $25K) thanks to industry partners like BioLab and ProGuard.
If you’re serious about scaling your pool business, increasing profitability, and building something sustainable — this episode is a must-listen.
🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why more pools doesn’t always mean more profit
The hidden cost of poor route density and wasted drive time
How growth exposes every weak system in your business
When to hire (and why waiting can cost you thousands)
How to build additional revenue streams right in your customers’ backyards
Why branding builds trust — not just recognition
The real reason most pool businesses plateau
How top pool pros are scaling to hundreds (even thousands) of pools
🚀 Industry Updates & Announcements:
The Pool Pro Challenge Prize Pool jumps to $20K+ (on the way to $25K)
Upcoming Heritage Pro Service Academy hands-on training event
Launch of Pool Nation certifications
New Pool Nation Spotlights featuring real pool pros scaling their businesses
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – What your business is really telling you02:30 – AI, technology, and adapting in today’s world05:00 – Real talk: health, burnout, and the grind12:30 – Heritage Pro Service Academy announcement15:00 – Creating new revenue streams (cool deck, services, upsells)19:00 – 🚨 Pool Pro Challenge hits $20K+23:00 – Why this prize money is a game changer31:00 – Pool Nation Spotlights: real growth stories45:00 – Top 10 lessons from successful pool pros54:00 – Route density and profitability breakdown57:00 – Hiring mistakes and the cost of bad employees01:00:00 – Scaling vs staying small: choosing your path01:05:00 – Final thoughts and key takeaways01:17:00 – Outro
🙌 Special Thanks to Our Visionary Partners
A huge thank you to our incredible partners who make this podcast possible:
SPPA
BlueRay XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
ONCore
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Neodeck
Encore Filtration
👉 Want to grow your business faster?Visit PoolNation.com and get plugged into training, events, and the community that’s changing the industry.
May 4, 2026
1 hr 18 min

Apr 27, 2026
Apr 27, 2026
1 hr 22 min
In Episode 298 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and Zac are joined by industry experts Robbie Walker and Michael Viegas from Solenis to break down one of the most misunderstood areas in the pool industry — spa, hot tub, and cold plunge water chemistry.
If you’ve ever treated a spa like a pool… this episode will change everything.
We dive deep into:
Why hot water chemistry behaves completely differently
The truth about biofilm, bacteria, and “human juice” in spas
The real differences between chlorine, bromine, and biguanide systems
How aeration, temperature, and bather load destroy your chemistry
Why your sanitizer disappears overnight
The rise of cold plunges and wellness systems
And how pool pros can turn spas into a profitable service category
This is a must-listen for pool service pros, repair techs, and anyone looking to level up their understanding of water chemistry — especially in smaller bodies of water like spas and hot tubs.
👉 Bottom line: If you're not treating spas differently, you're doing it wrong.
⏱️ Podcast Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Pool Nation Podcast02:30 – Meet the Guests: Robbie Walker & Michael Viegas (Solenis) 06:45 – Why Spa Chemistry is NOT Pool Chemistry10:20 – History of Spas: From Romans to Modern Hot Tubs15:30 – The Rise of Cold Plunges & Wellness Trends20:10 – The 3 Biggest Differences in Spa Water Chemistry25:40 – Bather Load: The Truth About “Human Juice”30:15 – Chlorine vs Bromine vs Biguanide (What Actually Works Best)38:20 – Why Your Sanitizer Disappears in Hot Water42:10 – Aeration, Jets & pH Drift Explained47:30 – Shocking & Oxidation: What You SHOULD Be Doing52:45 – Biofilm: The Hidden Problem in Every Spa58:10 – Drain, Purge & Refill: The Right Maintenance Schedule1:03:20 – Enzymes, Borates & Supplements (What’s Worth It?)1:08:15 – Ozone, UV & Mineral Systems (Do They Replace Chlorine?)1:12:30 – Final Thoughts: The Future of Spa & Wellness Industry
🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast:
The SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec
OnCore Filtration
EnCore Brands
We appreciate your continued support in helping us grow the pool industry and build a nation of pool pros.
Apr 27, 2026
1 hr 22 min

Apr 20, 2026
Apr 20, 2026
1 hr 34 min
In Episode 297 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJFlawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” sit down with Jose Perez, founder of Encore Filtration also now officially known as The Duke of Dirty Filters.
This episode goes deep into one of the most overlooked yet critical components of pool service: filtration and why it directly impacts water quality, efficiency, customer trust, and profitability.
Jose shares his journey from air filtration into the pool industry, why most pool pros are losing money on filters without realizing it, and how innovation, pricing strategy, and protecting the service professional are reshaping the industry.
This isn’t just a product conversation it’s a business conversation about margins, competition from online retailers, and what it really takes to build a sustainable pool service company.
If you’re a pool pro, service company owner, or industry professional this episode will change how you think about filtration, pricing, and long-term growth.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:30 – Introducing Jose Perez (Encore Filtration)04:15 – Why filtration is overlooked in the pool industry08:20 – Jose’s background: From air filtration to pool innovation13:45 – Taking the leap into entrepreneurship (no customers, no guarantees)18:30 – The biggest gaps in the pool filtration market23:10 – The real problem: Online pricing vs. service profitability29:40 – Why protecting pool pros matters (and why most manufacturers don’t)36:15 – The truth about margins, pricing, and customer trust42:00 – Innovation beyond the product: thinking differently48:20 – The FIT Kit concept (solving real field problems)54:10 – How to build loyalty through customer experience59:30 – The future of filtration & industry standards1:05:20 – Technology center & raising the bar in testing1:10:45 – Why “good is not good enough” in business1:15:30 – Final thoughts & lessons for pool pros1:18:00 – The birth of “The Duke of Dirty Filters”
💥 Key Takeaways
Filtration isn’t just maintenance it’s a profit center
Competing with online pricing is one of the biggest threats to pool pros
Innovation isn’t just products it’s customer experience + business strategy
The companies that win will be the ones that protect the trade
If you’re not improving, you’re falling behind good is not good enough
🎙️ Thank You to Our Sponsors
We want to thank our amazing Pool Nation Visionary Partners for making this podcast possible:
The SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
RaypakEnCore Brands
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec
Encore Filtration
📲 Connect with Pool Nation
Follow us for more content, training, and industry insights:
Website: PoolNation.com
Instagram: @PoolNationPodcast
Podcast: Pool Nation Podcast
Apr 20, 2026
1 hr 34 min

Apr 13, 2026
Apr 13, 2026
1 hr 25 min
In Episode 296 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar breaks down the pool service business systems that help companies scale without losing control. This is Part 2 of the series and it moves from the problem to the solution. If you want to know how to scale a pool service business, this episode walks through the systems that protect profit, improve consistency, and make growth sustainable.
Edgar covers the real structure behind pool business growth, including chemical systems, route structure, service consistency, repairs, customer communication, and the numbers every pool pro needs to know. If your company is adding pools but still feels chaotic, these pool business systems can help you create repeatable results and build a stronger operation.
This episode is for pool service business owners who want better route efficiency, stronger margins, improved customer retention, and a clearer path to scaling. If you are trying to grow your pool service company without breaking your operations, this episode gives you a practical roadmap.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro and Part 2 overview03:00 What systems really mean in a pool business07:30 Why operations break before money12:00 Chemical systems and hidden profit leaks20:30 How to control chemical creep28:00 Route structure and profit36:00 Drive time and margin loss44:00 Service consistency and reputation52:00 SOPs and repeatable results59:00 Repairs and captured profit1:08:00 Customer communication and trust1:17:00 The numbers every pool pro must know1:26:00 What real scaling looks like1:34:00 Building one system at a time1:41:00 Final thoughts and Matrix invite
Sponsor Section
Special thanks to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners for supporting the podcast and the pool industry.
SPPABlu-Ray XLAquaStar Pool ProductsNatural ChemistryRaypakHeritage Pool SupplyHayward Pool ProductsPoolside TechPool BrainNidecOncore Filtration
EnCore Brands
Apr 13, 2026
1 hr 25 min

Apr 8, 2026
Apr 8, 2026
59 min
E-295 Pool Nation Podcast. If you’ve ever felt like your pool business is growing… but somehow getting harder, more stressful, and less profitable—this episode is for you.
In this episode, Edgar breaks down one of the biggest problems in the pool industry: why companies break when they try to grow. And more importantly, what you need to fix before it happens to you.
This isn’t about working harder. It’s about understanding what growth actually does to your business.
Because growth doesn’t fix your business…👉 Growth reveals your business.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why adding more pools can actually make your business worse
The critical mistake most pool pros make between 50–100 pools
How poor structure leads to burnout, callbacks, and lost profit
Why not knowing your cost per pool is killing your business
The pricing mistake that keeps you stuck and underpaid
How repairs are the hidden profit engine you're walking past every day
The mindset shift from technician to true business owner
If you’re serious about scaling your pool business the right way—and actually making money doing it—this episode will change how you think about growth forever.
This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. In Part 2, we’ll break down the systems and operational structure you need to scale the right way.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Podcast Intro & Welcome01:00 – Why Pool Companies Break When They Grow03:30 – The Illusion of Growth (Why More Pools Feels Right)06:00 – The Most Important Stage in Your Business (And Why You Skip It)09:00 – The Breaking Point: 70–90 Pools11:00 – When Everything Starts to Feel Heavy13:00 – How Small Decisions Turn Into Big Problems15:00 – The Hidden Cost of Rushing (Chemicals, Time, Profit Loss)17:00 – You Didn’t Fail—You Grew Without Structure19:00 – The Most Important Question: Cost Per Pool22:00 – Why Most Pool Pros Don’t Know Their Numbers24:00 – Route Inefficiency & Profit Leaks26:00 – When Growth Makes the Math Worse27:00 – Sponsor Break31:00 – The Pricing Problem (Why Matching Competitors Fails)34:00 – The 3 Things Your Price Must Cover36:00 – The “More Pools” Trap38:00 – Why More Work Doesn’t Fix a Broken System40:00 – The Repair Opportunity You’re Missing44:00 – Turning Pools Into Profit Centers46:00 – Technician vs Business Owner Mindset49:00 – Why Most Pool Pros Stay Stuck50:00 – The Power of Knowing Your Numbers52:00 – Sponsor Break56:00 – Key Takeaways: Fix the Foundation Before You Grow57:30 – What’s Coming in Part 2 (Systems & Scaling)59:00 – Outro
🤝 SPONSOR THANK YOU
A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners for making this podcast possible:
SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply Group
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
EnCore Brands
Pool Brain
Nidec
OnCore Filtration
These companies are investing in the future of pool pros and helping us build a stronger industry.
Apr 8, 2026
59 min

Mar 30, 2026
Mar 30, 2026
1 hr 46 min
In episode # 294 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus sits down live at AquaStar with Bryan Chrissan and Michael Kraus to break down one of the most important topics in the pool industry today training, repetition, and real-world experience.
From early career mistakes to high-level field knowledge, this episode dives into what it really takes to build confidence, skill, and success in the pool service industry.
You’ll hear real stories from the field including costly mistakes, hard-earned lessons, and the power of mentorship along with a deep conversation on how education in the industry has evolved from basic classroom learning to hands-on, immersive training.
Whether you’re a new pool tech or a seasoned pro, this episode will challenge how you think about learning, growth, and what it takes to become elite in this industry.
💡 If you’re not getting reps… you’re not getting better.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Podcast intro & Visionary Partners01:00 – Meet Bryan & Michael + setting the stage03:00 – Industry changes: Then vs. now in training07:30 – Real-world mistakes (and what they teach you)12:00 – Travel story + behind-the-scenes laughs20:00 – Why networking is EVERYTHING in this industry25:00 – Pool Nation Bootcamps & $10K Pool Pro Challenge30:00 – The importance of reps in building confidence36:00 – Rookie mistakes: filters, pumps, heaters & more41:00 – Learning from failure vs. wasting time45:00 – The power of mentorship & calling for help50:00 – Evolution of pool industry education56:00 – Why hands-on training beats classroom learning01:05:00 – Creating a safe learning environment01:10:00 – Real impact: changing lives through training01:18:00 – Long-term thinking vs. short-term sales01:25:00 – Relationships vs. transactions in business01:30:00 – Final thoughts: learn, share, grow01:40:00 – Outro + where to connect
🙌 Sponsor Acknowledgment (SEO-Friendly)
A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners for supporting this podcast and the pool industry:
The 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 everything you do to help move the industry forward.
Mar 30, 2026
1 hr 46 min

Mar 23, 2026
Mar 23, 2026
1 hr 47 min
In episode #293 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we sit down with industry leaders Alicia Stephens and Michael G to break down what innovation really looks like in the pool industry—and why it matters more than ever for pool service pros, retailers, and business owners.
From next-generation pool chemicals and faster-dissolving chlorine technology to AI-powered training platforms and the future of education, this conversation goes deep into how the industry is evolving—and how you can stay ahead of it.
We’re not just talking about products—we’re talking about thinking differently, solving real problems, and building a better experience for your customers.
You’ll hear how innovation is reshaping:
Water chemistry and treatment strategies
Pool service efficiency and troubleshooting
Retail and customer experience
Training, certifications, and workforce development
Plus… we tease some major upcoming industry disruption you’re going to want to keep your eye on 👀
If you’re a pool pro, business owner, or industry leader looking to stay competitive, this is a must-listen episode.
🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Why “old school” pool chemistry thinking is holding you back
How new chemical innovations are solving real field problems
The role of AI in training the next generation of pool pros
How to simplify your service process and reduce errors
Why innovation isn’t just for big companies—it’s for YOU
⏱️ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Pool Nation02:00 – Meet Alicia Stephens & Michael G04:30 – Industry energy, culture & community06:30 – Why innovation matters right now in the pool industry09:30 – Michael’s background (Harvard, toys, marketing & beyond)12:00 – Storytelling, branding & marketing in pools15:00 – What “real innovation” actually means18:00 – How the pool industry is changing (environment, chemicals, behavior)22:00 – New product innovation: faster dissolving trichlor & shock technology26:00 – Solving real problems for pool pros in the field30:00 – Retail vs service: simplifying chemistry for success34:00 – Multi-benefit products (the “multivitamin” approach)38:00 – Algaecide + phosphate innovation explained42:00 – New category: pool fragrance (yes… seriously 👀)47:00 – AI-powered training & BioGuard University breakdown52:00 – The future of education in the pool industry57:00 – Why embracing change is critical for growth1:01:00 – Final thoughts: innovation, mindset & opportunity1:04:00 – Teasing what’s coming next (major disruption ahead)
🙌 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
A huge thank you to our amazing partners who continue to support the Pool Nation mission:
SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec / U.S. Motors
OnCore Filtration
Your support helps us continue to bring education, innovation, and growth to pool pros everywhere.
🚀 FINAL
If you’re serious about growing your pool business, improving your chemistry knowledge, and staying ahead of industry trends—make sure you:
✔️ Subscribe to the Pool Nation Podcast✔️ Share this episode with your team✔️ Stay plugged into everything Pool Nation
Because the future of this industry belongs to those who learn faster, adapt quicker, and think differently.
Mar 23, 2026
1 hr 47 min

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.







