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.

• [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

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.

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

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.

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

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

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.

Episode 257 of the Pool Nation Podcast. This week on the Pool Nation Podcast, we bring you a Best Of episode packed with the most inspiring, entertaining, and educational moments from our recent interviews with pool pros, innovators, and industry leaders. From entrepreneurial journeys and product launches to wild industry stories and lessons on overcoming adversity, this episode is your all-access pass to the people, products, and personalities shaping the pool industry.

Listen in for:

• Entrepreneurial stories from the trenches

• Industry-changing product launches

• Candid conversations about success, setbacks, and comebacks

• Audience questions answered, and more!

Whether you’re a pool technician, business owner, or just love a good story, you won’t want to miss this one!

[00:00] Welcome & Show Intro Kicking off with the Pool Nation crew: Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zach “The Pool Boy” Nicholas. What’s in store on this special best-of episode.

[04:12] Family, Fatherhood & Pool Pro Life Hilarious parenting confessions, colicky baby survival tips, and the reality of working late-night podcasts at home.

[12:08] Guest: Chris Galvan of Blu-Ray XL Chris shares his journey from waterpark pool pro to creating Blu-Ray XL, and the story behind his breakthrough mineral-based water treatment product.

[23:45] Facing Adversity: Lawsuits, the EPA, and Not Giving Up Chris details the intense legal and regulatory battles that nearly ended his business—and how perseverance, family, and belief in his product kept him going.

[36:11] Announcement: Pool Nation Awards Nominations Celebrate excellence! Nominate your favorite pool pros, trainers, sales reps, and game-changing products at PoolNationAwards.com. Nominations close August 6th!

[38:02] Pool Nation Conference Promo The only business-focused conference in the pool industry returns Oct 24-25 at the PSP Expo, Las Vegas. Hands-on business, technical, and financial training—plus live demos and networking. Register at PoolNation.com.

[39:37] Guest: Josh Sherwood of Sherwood’s Outdoors Josh’s incredible story: from rodeo to landscaping to pool building—and giving away a full backyard and pool to a deserving family.

[47:15] Learning by Failing: Soldering Disaster & The Value of Resilience Josh recalls his first big mistake in landscaping, what went wrong, and how learning from failure (instead of quitting) changed his business.

[52:30] Guest: Todd Pierre & Jamie Novak, AquaStar Pool Products Meet the people behind some of the industry’s most innovative new products and hear about their accidental (but life-changing) entry into the pool business.

[01:06:22] Why Disruption Matters: The Pipeline Filter Story A candid look at what it takes to innovate in an industry that can sometimes resist change.

[01:12:08] Guest: Mike Farley, Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge Mike shares what it’s like designing the “crazy” pools of Texas, tackling difficult projects, and the evolution of the backyard resort trend.

[01:25:10] From Failure to Fame: Social Media, Swim-Up Bars & Pool Industry Trends How viral pool designs are influencing backyard builds nationwide.

[01:33:30] Guest: Paul Sim, Ariel (Solar Skimming Robot) From firefighting equipment to robotic pool cleaners—Paul’s journey into pool tech, product innovation, and surviving the challenges of manufacturing.

[01:45:20] The Power of Community: Listener Shoutouts & Live Q&A Edgar, John, and Zach answer audience questions, share stories, and highlight the supportive Pool Nation community.

[01:52:41] Pool Nation Announcements & Closing Conference details, shoutouts, and how to connect with the Pool Nation team for future episodes and live events.

• Listen live every Friday at 9am PST / 11am CST / 12pm EST

• On all major podcast platforms, PoolNation.com, and Pool Nation Podcast

• Follow on Instagram and Facebook @PoolNation

Episode 256 of the Pool Nation Podcast. Ready to build a pool service business that doesn’t just keep pools blue, but also pays you what you’re worth? This week, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “the Pool Boy” Nicholas get real about what it actually takes to succeed—and stay profitable—in the pool industry.

Join us for a candid, behind-the-scenes roundtable as we break down the Pool Nation Roadmap to Profitability, from rookie mistakes to seasoned strategies.You’ll hear how most pool pros start out obsessed with water chemistry and “splash and dash” service, only to realize—sometimes after years of burnout and struggle—that real success requires learning the business side. The team shares their personal journeys: seven-day workweeks, long hours, undercharging, and near-burnout, plus the exact turning points that helped them finally build thriving, profitable companies.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why most pool pros focus on cleaning and chemistry first, but ignore business basics

• The actual progression from service to repairs—and why so many get stuck

• The hidden dangers of chasing account numbers instead of profit

• Real talk on burnout: what it feels like, and how to pivot before it’s too late

• Why knowing your numbers—from cost per pool to true take-home pay—changes everything

• The “Profit Crossroads:” that critical moment every owner faces (and how to survive it)

• How top pool companies achieve more with fewer pools and fewer headaches

• Why quality of service—and quality of customers—beats quantity every time

• How a shift in mindset, confidence, and education leads to a more enjoyable, sustainable business

• Exclusive preview: Upcoming Pool Nation Boot Camps, Women’s Summit, and the business-focused Pool Nation Conference at the PSP Expo

[00:00:00] — Welcome & July 4th stories: The team shares family time, fireworks, and what it’s like juggling business during the summer rush. [00:03:00] — Deepfakes, AI, and Pool Myths: How fake news (and viral pool “hacks”) are impacting the industry, and why learning to separate fact from fiction matters for pool pros. [00:08:00] — Event Rundown: Key dates and reasons not to miss the hands-on Boot Camp, Pool Nation Awards nominations, Women’s Summit, $10K Pool Pro Challenge, and the only business-focused conference in the industry. [00:16:00] — Why Most Pool Pros Start with Service: Edgar and Zac explain the overwhelming pull toward water chemistry and service basics, and why business training often comes last. [00:23:00] — From Cleaner to Water Manager: John and Zac talk about changing the customer perception from “pool boy” to water management expert, and why it’s crucial for long-term success. [00:26:00] — Graduating to Repairs: The team gets honest about the messy, expensive, and sometimes humbling transition into equipment repairs—and how most pros learn the hard way. [00:31:00] — Where Most Pros Go Wrong: The dangers of underpricing, not paying yourself first, and letting cash flow dictate your business. [00:34:00] — Burnout & The Profit Crossroads: Candid stories of working seven days a week, living on cash flow, and the exact moment each host realized they needed to change. [00:38:00] — How to Build a Profitable Company: Why focusing on fewer, better accounts (and charging what you’re worth) creates freedom, growth, and a healthier work-life balance. [00:49:00] — Quality Over Quantity: A look at how great customers, higher service standards, and business systems can supercharge your income—and enjoyment—without scaling up your headaches. [00:52:00] — What’s Next? A sneak peek at the upcoming “Profit Killers” episode, plus the basic math every pool pro should know to calculate cost of service and profit margin.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Start with your numbers: Knowing your true cost per pool and setting profit targets is the fastest way to build a business that pays you back.

• Don’t chase every account: Not all growth is good growth—sometimes less is more.

• Profit is freedom: When you’re profitable, you can take time off, invest in your team, and actually enjoy your business.

• Mindset matters: The right education and support turns a “pool boy” into a respected business owner.

Don’t forget: 👉 Register for upcoming Pool Nation Boot Camps and the only business-focused Pool Nation Conference at poolnation.com 👉 Nominate your favorite pool pros, trainers, and products at poolnationawards.com (nominations close August 6!) 👉 Download the Pool Man University app for exclusive business and finance courses