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)

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

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:

[00:03:00] – Pool Nation On the Road:

[00:06:00] – Studio Reveal & First Impressions:

[00:13:00] – Pool Nation Conference Sneak Peek:

[00:23:00] – Why Build a Studio? Vision & ROI:

[00:31:00] – Building It Right: Design, Details, & Team Culture:

[00:40:00] – The Massive Interactive Wall Demo:

[00:47:00] – Community, Team, and Social Media:

[01:03:00] – Growth & Team Expansion:

[01:10:00] – Live Audience Q&A & Fun:

[01:17:00] – Final Thoughts & Takeaways:

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

[04:12] Family, Fatherhood & Pool Pro Life

[12:08] Guest: Chris Galvan of Blu-Ray XL

[23:45] Facing Adversity: Lawsuits, the EPA, and Not Giving Up

[36:11] Announcement: Pool Nation Awards Nominations

[38:02] Pool Nation Conference Promo

[39:37] Guest: Josh Sherwood of Sherwood’s Outdoors

[47:15] Learning by Failing: Soldering Disaster & The Value of Resilience

[52:30] Guest: Todd Pierre & Jamie Novak, AquaStar Pool Products

[01:06:22] Why Disruption Matters: The Pipeline Filter Story

[01:12:08] Guest: Mike Farley, Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge

[01:25:10] From Failure to Fame: Social Media, Swim-Up Bars & Pool Industry Trends

[01:33:30] Guest: Paul Sim, Ariel (Solar Skimming Robot)

[01:45:20] The Power of Community: Listener Shoutouts & Live Q&A

[01:52:41] Pool Nation Announcements & Closing

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.

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:

In this heartfelt and powerful episode #255 of the Pool Nation Podcast, hosts Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas welcome Jay Laughrey, an inspiring figure in the pool industry. Jay opens up about his incredible journey, sharing how his brother Jeff's mentorship shaped him, the devastating loss he faced, and how he turned tragedy into purpose, becoming a beacon of positivity and leadership.

Jay's story is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and community within the pool industry, offering valuable lessons on mental health awareness, communication, and business leadership. This conversation is emotional, impactful, and filled with practical insights for both new and veteran pool professionals.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & Welcome: Meet your hosts and special guest, Jay Laughrey.

10:25 - Jay’s Early Life: From auto shop dreams to computer networking.

18:40 - Board Shorts & Checks: How Jay’s brother Jeff entered the pool industry.

27:30 - Taking the Plunge: Jay’s first experiences and anxieties as a new pool professional.

38:55 - Tragedy Strikes: Jay shares the painful story of losing his brother to suicide and how it reshaped his life.

55:50 - Grieving and Healing: Jay discusses the ongoing journey of grief, acceptance, and how he found purpose.

1:05:15 - Honoring Jeff’s Legacy: How Jay continues his brother's passion for helping others in the industry.

1:15:20 - Embracing Leadership: Jay’s unexpected journey into leadership with IPSA.

1:25:40 - Advice for New Pool Pros: Communication tips and taking on challenges confidently.

1:35:00 - Final Thoughts & Reflections: The hosts share heartfelt takeaways and gratitude.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: SPPA, Blu-Ray XL, Aquastar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, and Nidec

Mental Health Resource: If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988.

Welcome to Episode 254 of the Pool Nation Podcast, where we’re not just netting and jetting—we’re building a nation of pool pros! In this myth-busting episode, Edgar, John, and Zac tackle the biggest misconceptions in pool water chemistry, breaking down what’s true, what’s not, and what every pool tech needs to know to protect pools, profits, and reputations.

Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, you’ll get actionable advice, real-world examples, and the latest science on water balance, chemical dosing, salt systems, and more. We also update you on the hottest events of the year, from the Pool Nation Awards to the $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge!

Special thanks to our sponsors: SPPA, BluRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, Nidec, and US Motors. Their support makes this show—and your education—possible!

[00:00] Pool Nation Intro

[05:35] Summer Survival Hacks

[09:40] Algae Trends & Chemical Cost Warnings

[13:58] Pool Nation Event Rundown

[20:22] Business Track Sneak Peek

[26:45] Registration Details & Pro Tips

[30:30] Pool Chemistry Mythbusters (Rapid Fire Begins!)

[31:00] Myth 1: “If chlorine’s good, pH doesn’t matter.”

[34:10] Myth 2: “Muriatic acid lowers pH and alkalinity equally.”

[37:45] Myth 3: “Always correct alkalinity before pH.”

[41:00] Myth 4: “Eyeball your acid or soda ash dose.”

[43:36] Myth 5: “7.2 to 7.8 pH = always fine.”

[46:02] Myth 6: “Strong chlorine smell means clean water.”

[48:25] Myth 7: “If it looks clear, chemistry is fine.”

[50:04] Myth 8: “You don’t need to test CYA often.”

[52:32] Myth 9: “Saltwater pools don’t use chlorine.”

[55:00] Myth 10: “Shock will fix any pool issue.”

[58:10] Final Thoughts & Takeaways

[1:01:20] Event Reminders & Sign Off

In Episode 253 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac take a deep dive into everything pH. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, understanding pH is critical to mastering water chemistry. We break down the science, the myths, and the real-world effects of pH on chlorine efficiency, equipment, and customer satisfaction. Plus, we tease the upcoming Mythbusters Chemistry Edition where John debunks some of the industry's most persistent pH myths.

We also cover the latest updates on the Pool Nation Women's Summit, the $10K Pool Pro Challenge, the upcoming Pool Nation Conference, and new boot camps. It’s a jam-packed episode full of tips, laughs, and insider gold you won’t find anywhere else.

[00:00–02:35] Welcome to Pool Nation – New cameras, new jokes, same amazing crew

[02:36–06:10] Event Rundown: Awards, Women's Summit, $10K Challenge & Conference Highlights

[06:11–08:45] How the Business Track is Revolutionizing Pool Pro Education

[08:46–15:30] Training Highlights: Profit Planning, Business Math & Cash Flow

[15:31–21:45] Day 2 Training Topics: Team Development, Time Management & Accountability

[21:46–23:20] Pool Nation Business Matrix Exclusive Trainings Teased

[23:21–25:00] Behind-the-scenes: Secret projects we can’t talk about… yet

[25:01–28:00] Deep Dive Begins: What is pH and Why It Matters

[28:01–30:35] Common Causes of High pH

[30:36–33:40] What Causes Low pH in Pools?

[33:41–37:55] How pH Affects Chlorine Efficiency

[37:56–41:30] Signs of Imbalanced pH in Pools

[41:31–45:20] Relationship Between pH & Total Alkalinity

[45:21–48:20] Chemicals That Raise and Lower pH

[48:21–53:15] Consequences of High vs. Low pH – What Pool Pros Should Know

[53:16–56:50] How Rain, Heat & Swimmers Affect pH

[56:51–59:55] How Often Should You Test pH & What's the Best Method?

[59:56–1:02:00] Tips to Adjust pH Without Throwing Off Balance

[1:02:01–1:05:25] Final Thoughts, Conference Planning & Upcoming Mythbusters Chemistry Segment

[1:05:26–End] Father’s Day Shoutouts & What’s Coming Next Week

A big thank you to our visionary partners who make this podcast possible:

Your continued support is helping us build a nation of successful pool pros.