Pool Nation Podcast cover art

Pool Nation Podcast

Pool Nation Podcast

By: Pool Nation
Listen for free

About this listen

 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.Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • E-263 Pool Nation Podcast - Hands-On Training + Financial Mastery (Day 1)

    E-263 Pool Nation Podcast - Hands-On Training + Financial Mastery (Day 1)
    Sep 1 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
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • E-262 Pool Nation Podcast - Inspiring Stories, Rising Leaders & Industry Insights

    E-262 Pool Nation Podcast - Inspiring Stories, Rising Leaders & Industry Insights
    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 (hayward.com)

    • Heritage Pool Supply
    • SPPA
    • Poolside Tech
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • E-261 Pool Nation Podcast: Roadmap to Profitability Part 2: Avoiding Profit Killers for Pool Pros

    E-261 Pool Nation Podcast: Roadmap to Profitability Part 2: Avoiding Profit Killers for Pool Pros
    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 shoutouts 04:50 – Zach returns from vacation refreshed, John and Edgar worn out 12:15 – Brutal heat, pump installs, and unexpected repair curveballs 21:40 – PSP Expo preview & $10K Pool Pro Challenge announcement 28:00 – Pool Nation Awards nominations & Alley Lounge After Party details 34:45 – Pool Nation Conference business & leadership tracks explained 46:20 – Recap of Part 1: Why profits aren’t a bonus, they’re the foundation 51:05 – Profit Killer #1: Not paying yourself 1:08:40 – Pricing like you have an employee (even if you don’t yet) 1:27:15 – Burnout, turnover, and the hidden costs of underpricing 1:43:55 – The career path mindset: Building wages & growth into your model 1:57:30 – Final thoughts: Know your numbers & plan for 3–5 years ahead 2:05:00 – Wrap-up & next week’s Nomination Night women’s livestream
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.