In episode 251 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zach go full pool nerd mode and dive deep into real-world pool chemistry questions submitted by new pool pro Jonah Callahan. From pH creep in saltwater pools to the truth about chlorine lock and how to properly shock your pool, this episode is packed with must-know insights for every pool tech—from beginner to seasoned vet.

John breaks down complex chemistry topics in a way that’s simple and practical, and the team shares insider strategies for managing high CYA, enzymes, calcium hardness, and more. Whether you're battling algae, scaling, or just trying to maintain balanced water, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Plus: Edgar announces key dates for the Pool Nation Awards, Women’s Summit, and the $10K Pool Pro Challenge, and the team drops some exclusive details on Business Matrix-only content at the upcoming Pool Nation Conference.

👉 Learn, laugh, and level up your chemistry game—Pool Nation style.

[00:00] Intro & Pool Talk Weather Chaos – Palm tree nightmares, flooding in Texas, and summer is here.

[09:00] Pool Nation Awards & Event Announcements – Dates for nominations, Women’s Summit (sold out!), and upcoming events at the PSP Expo.

[10:50] Business Classes Preview at Pool Nation Conference – Edgar, Zach, and John walk through all 10 business-focused class topics and the Matrix-exclusive advanced tracks.

[19:10] Listener Q&A: Saltwater Pools & pH Creep – Why salt systems raise pH and what you can do to manage it.

[23:45] Do Enzymes Really Work in Pool Water? – How and why enzymes like CV-600 can save your time and sanity.

[27:00] Chlorine Lock: Real or Myth? – The CYA-to-chlorine ratio, nitrate interference, and why "chlorine lock" isn't exactly what you think.

[31:30] Testing High CYA Levels Accurately – How to use dilution testing to measure conditioner over 100 ppm.

[39:00] What’s the Best Chlorine for Shocking a Pool? – When to use dichlor, cal hypo, trichlor, or liquid chlorine—and why.

[43:10] How Dangerous is Slightly Off pH? – What a small pH change actually means for chlorine effectiveness and swimmer safety.

[45:50] Is High Calcium Hardness Really a Problem? – The difference between safe and unsafe levels, and how to manage it using LSI.

[54:00] Final Thoughts & Studio Talk – The team recaps the value of bite-size chemistry education and teases future podcast episodes and Pool Man University content.

We want to thank our incredible sponsors who make the Pool Nation Podcast possible:

The SPPA, BluRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry,  Raypak – Hayward Pool Products, Heritage Pool Supply Group, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, US Motors and Pool Invoice