July 21, 2025

E-257 Pool Nation Podcast Best of Pool Nation Podcast: Industry Journeys, Big Wins, and Lessons Learned

1 hour 6 minutes

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!

⏱️ Timestamps / Episode Highlights

[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.

📱 How to Listen:

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

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