Pool Nation Podcast

Your pool service business is busy. You're cleaning pools, making repairs, bringing in revenue, and maybe even hiring employees. But are you actually making money? In this episode of the Pool Nation Live Podcast, host Edgar De Jesus kicks off a new business education series called "Nobody Taught Us This," tackling the challenges of building and running a successful, profitable swimming pool service company. Being a great pool technician doesn't automatically make you a successful business owner. You can have a full route, loyal customers, and strong revenue while still struggling with cash flow, rising expenses, employee management, and profitability. Drawing from his own experience growing a pool service company, Edgar breaks down four essential areas every pool business owner needs to understand: 1. Define the Business You Want to Build: Whether you're a one-person operation or managing multiple trucks, learn why success should be measured by your goals, not someone else's. 2. Understand Your Financial Numbers: Discover the difference between revenue, profit, and cash flow, why your bank balance doesn't tell the whole story, and how to begin understanding your true cost per pool. 3. Price Your Services to Protect Your Profit: Learn why two pools paying the same monthly rate can generate completely different profits, how to evaluate your pool service pricing, and when to consider raising your rates. 4. Build a Business That Doesn't Depend on You for Every Decision: Explore leadership, employee accountability, standard operating procedures, and how to create a more efficient pool service operation. If you've ever wondered why your pool business is growing but your bank account isn't, whether you can afford another employee, or how to make your pool routes more profitable, this episode is for you. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Pool Nation Live 02:30 – Pool Nation Business Groups and the 13 Steps to Profitability 07:30 – Introducing "Nobody Taught Us This" 09:00 – Why great pool technicians struggle with business ownership 19:00 – Defining the pool business you want to build 25:00 – Setting realistic business and financial goals 35:00 – Understanding your financial numbers 37:00 – Revenue vs. profit vs. cash flow 40:00 – Breaking down a $30,000 month in a pool business 49:00 – Calculating your true cost per pool 58:00 – Pricing your pool services for profitability 1:02:00 – Why two pools paying the same rate produce different profits 1:11:00 – How to communicate pool service price increases 1:16:00 – Leadership and better business decisions 1:18:00 – Creating standard operating procedures 1:22:00 – Delegating responsibility and building accountability 1:31:00 – Making time to work ON your business 1:33:00 – Using AI to improve business operations 1:36:00 – Final thoughts and upcoming Business Groups JOIN THE POOL NATION BUSINESS GROUPS Pool Nation is on a mission to help 400 pool professionals gain financial clarity in 2027. Our next Business Group meeting is November 24, 2026, where we'll focus on understanding your business financials and building a properly structured Chart of Accounts. Join us in person at Pool Nation HQ in Dallas or virtually through Zoom. Register at PoolNation.com THANK YOU TO OUR VISIONARY PARTNERS The SPPA | BlueRay XL | AquaStar Pool Products | Natural Chemistry | Raypak | Heritage Pool Supply | Hayward Pool Products | PoolSide Tech | Pool Brain | Nidec | OnCore Filtration Your continued support helps Pool Nation provide education, training, and resources to swimming pool professionals across the country. CONNECT WITH POOL NATION Website: https://poolnation.com Instagram: @poolnationpodcast Master the Business. Master the Craft. Subscribe to the Pool Nation Live Podcast and share this episode with another pool professional who's ready to build a stronger, more profitable business.

Episode 325 Pool Nation Podcast - Are you just cleaning pools, or are you actually building a successful pool service business? Running a swimming pool service company takes more than knowing water chemistry, equipment repairs, and how to maintain a route. It takes leadership, financial discipline, customer retention, employee training, and the ability to make smarter business decisions. In this special Pool Nation Podcast compilation episode, Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," Zac "The Pool Boy," and special guests revisit some of the most valuable conversations about what it really takes to succeed in the swimming pool industry. From collecting payments on time and protecting your cash flow to developing employees, improving business operations, and learning from other successful pool companies, these conversations tackle the real challenges pool business owners face every day. In this episode, we cover: Cash Flow and Getting Paid: Why chasing late payments hurts your pool service business and how advance billing, automation, and payment policies can make a difference. Growing a Pool Company: How better processes, stronger systems, and clear responsibilities help owners move beyond simply managing a pool route. Employee Training and Leadership: Why consistent training, onboarding, and accountability matter when building a team. Customer Retention: The importance of building relationships and keeping customers as part of long-term business success. Learning From Other Pool Pros: How seeing successful pool companies operate can inspire meaningful improvements in your own business. Industry Challenges: Lessons from rising chemical costs, economic uncertainty, severe weather, and changing conditions across the swimming pool industry. The Power of Community: Why bringing pool professionals together to share experiences and develop their businesses helps elevate the entire industry. Whether you're a one-person pool service operator, managing hundreds of accounts, or building a larger swimming pool service and repair company, this episode is about helping you become a better business owner. Because success isn't just about how many pools you service. It's about building a business that is profitable, sustainable, and positioned for growth. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 00:00:08 - Looking back at lessons, accomplishments, and challenges 00:08:00 - Pool industry training, manufacturer tours, and education 00:11:00 - Building successful events and learning from experience 00:15:00 - Leadership, teamwork, and overcoming the fear of failure 00:19:30 - Pool business conversations and the new year 00:27:00 - Business goals, financial KPIs, and accountability 00:30:00 - Swimming pool industry trends and business planning 00:37:00 - Why pool service customers pay late and what to do about it 00:38:00 - Advance billing, automation, and protecting cash flow 00:43:00 - Confidence in pricing and collecting payments 00:43:30 - Sponsor messages 00:48:00 - Customer retention and real-world industry challenges 01:04:00 - Pool business growth and new opportunities 01:12:00 - Bringing pool business owners together to learn and grow 01:14:00 - Employee onboarding and training systems 01:17:00 - Creating consistency, accountability, and better teams 01:22:00 - Sponsor messages 01:27:00 - Learning from successful pool companies 01:28:00 - Inside Gold Medal Pools and lessons in leadership 01:32:00 - Challenges facing pool professionals across the country 01:42:00 - Recognizing outstanding women in the pool industry 01:43:00 - Pool Nation Awards and celebrating pool professionals 01:47:00 - Closing remarks SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR POOL NATION SPONSORS We want to thank our incredible partners for supporting Pool Nation and our mission to help pool professionals become more successful in their businesses and their craft. SPPA | Blu-Ray XL | AquaStar Pool Products | Natural Chemistry | Raypak | Heritage Pool Supply | Hayward Pool Products | PoolSide Tech | Pool Brain | Nidec | OnCore Filtration | Encore Brands Your commitment to the swimming pool industry helps us continue delivering education, resources, conversations, and opportunities that move our industry forward. JOIN THE POOL NATION COMMUNITY Pool Nation is more than a podcast. We're building a community dedicated to helping swimming pool professionals master the business and master the craft. Explore Pool Nation education, business training, membership, and resources at: https://poolnation.com Follow Pool Nation on social media and share this episode with another pool professional who wants to build a stronger business. Master the Business. Master the Craft.

BioLab Just Changed the Game for Pool Pros! Here's What You Need to Know | Pool Nation Podcast Ep. 324 What if pool service professionals could purchase professional-grade pool chemicals directly from a major manufacturer, access competitive pricing, receive rebates, and get products delivered straight to their businesses? BioLab is making a major move into the pool service industry with the launch of ProGuard, a complete line of professional-grade swimming pool chemicals designed specifically for pool pros. In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" welcome Rick Harvey, Senior Director of Sales at BioLab, and Michael Giampaolo, Director of Pro Brands, for an exclusive conversation about the new ProGuard brand and what it could mean for the future of pool service businesses. This isn't just another chemical product launch. BioLab is introducing a dealer-direct purchasing model, a complete portfolio of pool chemicals, a rebate program, and dedicated technical support for service professionals. And here's where things get interesting: A 5% first-year rebate starting from dollar one. A $2,500 minimum order with the ability to mix and match products. Direct delivery to qualifying pool businesses. A complete line of sanitizers, shock, balancers, and specialty pool chemicals. Professional-grade products designed around the needs of service technicians. Access to BioLab sales representatives, technical resources, and training. Products expected to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2027. We also go behind the scenes to discover what it takes to develop and launch an entirely new chemical brand, from research and development to EPA regulations, packaging, manufacturing, pricing, and distribution. More importantly, we discuss what this new approach could mean for independent pool service companies, smaller operators, and pool business owners looking for better purchasing options and stronger profitability. Can a new approach to purchasing pool chemicals help pool pros become more competitive and profitable? That's the conversation we're having this week. Whether you operate a one-person pool route, manage a growing pool service company, own a pool retail store, or work in swimming pool repair and maintenance, this is an episode you don't want to miss. ⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 - Introducing Rick and Michael from BioLab 06:00 - PSP Expo, Pool Nation Awards, and the Pool Pro Challenge 10:00 - Pool Nation Business Groups and industry updates 11:00 - Meet the team behind ProGuard 15:00 - The secret project BioLab has been developing 17:00 - Official introduction of the new ProGuard brand 18:00 - Why BioLab is investing in pool service professionals 21:00 - What it takes to launch an entirely new chemical brand 26:00 - Professional-grade chemicals, performance, and competitive pricing 30:00 - EPA regulations and the challenges of bringing chemicals to market 34:00 - ProGuard vs. BioGuard: What's the difference? 38:00 - Sponsor break 43:00 - Inside the new ProGuard chemical lineup 46:00 - Product sizes designed for pool service businesses 49:00 - Why more chemical choices matter for pool pros 51:00 - The big announcement: BioLab's dealer-direct purchasing model 52:00 - When ProGuard products will become available 53:00 - Product packaging, safety, and bilingual labeling 56:00 - BioLab's sales strategy and support for pool professionals 1:00:00 - Competitive pricing and rebates 1:01:00 - The 5% rebate program and how to get started 1:03:00 - Sponsor break 1:08:00 - How ProGuard pricing and ordering will work 1:10:00 - The $2,500 minimum order and mix-and-match purchasing 1:11:00 - Product availability and early purchasing opportunities 1:13:00 - Working directly with BioLab sales representatives 1:14:00 - Technical support and customer service resources 1:16:00 - Where pool pros can learn more about ProGuard 1:18:00 - ProGuard giveaways and the Pool Pro Challenge 1:19:00 - Final thoughts on the future of ProGuard LEARN MORE ABOUT PROGUARD Interested in learning more about BioLab's new ProGuard chemical line? Visit https://proguardpool.com to request information and connect with the ProGuard sales team. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS The Pool Nation Podcast is made possible by the incredible companies and organizations that continue to invest in pool professionals and support our mission to elevate the swimming pool industry. A special thank you to: SPPA BluRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / US Motors Encore Brands OnCore Filtration We appreciate your continued commitment to the pool industry and the professionals who keep it moving forward. JOIN THE POOL NATION Pool Nation is committed to helping swimming pool professionals become more successful through education, business resources, technology, and a community focused on building stronger businesses. Visit https://poolnation.com to learn more about Pool Nation Membership, Business Groups, training, and upcoming events. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the Pool Nation Podcast, leave us a five-star review, and share this episode with another pool professional. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

Pool Nation Podcast Episode 323 - What does it take to grow a pool service business from zero to nearly 2,000 pools—and keep customers coming back? Edgar De Jesus and John “JJ Flawless” sit down with Mark Doody, Eric Johnston, and Evan Ferl of California Pool Partners for an honest conversation about buying pool routes, learning the trade, and building a business that can grow without losing its local relationships. The founders share the mistakes, customer conversations, and strategic decisions that changed their approach to pool business growth. From their first acquisition of roughly 240 pools to partnering with established companies like Payan Pools, they explain why getting bigger requires more than adding accounts. In this episode: • Buying your first pool route—and why the seller’s support matters. • Building a partnership around complementary strengths. • Connecting service quality, pricing, employee pay, and profitability. • How customer feedback changed their expansion strategy. • Why five 2,000-pool businesses became a better vision than one 10,000-pool operation. • Supporting local managers with shared resources and clear performance metrics. • How their ownership and funding differ from a traditional private equity model. • What calling former customers revealed about churn—and why consistency matters. Whether you’re starting a pool cleaning business, managing technicians, buying a pool route, or scaling a swimming pool service and repair company, this conversation offers practical lessons in customer retention, leadership, and sustainable growth. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 00:00:41 Introducing California Pool Partners 00:01:26 Thank you to our visionary partners 00:06:48 Pool Nation Awards and PSP Expo updates 00:12:00 Leaving tech and finding the pool industry 00:22:16 Building a team around complementary strengths 00:31:37 Vision, service quality, and pricing for growth 00:38:54 Buying the first pool route: roughly 240 pools 00:42:30 Customer calls that changed the growth strategy 00:46:47 Five 2,000-pool businesses versus one giant company 00:51:18 Expanding through partnerships with local owners 00:54:38 The Payan Pools partnership 00:58:21 Sponsor break 01:05:43 California Pool Partners’ long-term vision 01:08:38 Local leadership, shared support, and performance metrics 01:16:51 Are they a private equity firm? 01:24:26 Customer churn: learning why people really leave 01:32:35 Final thoughts, industry collaboration, and connecting 01:35:40 Outro and learning resources THANK YOU TO OUR VISIONARY PARTNERS Thank you to SPPA, BlueRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, Nidec / U.S. MOTORS, OnCore Filtration, and Encore Coatings for supporting Pool Nation and helping us educate and elevate pool professionals. CONNECT AND LEARN MORE California Pool Partners: https://californiapoolpartners.com Subscribe to the Pool Nation Podcast and share this episode with a pool pro who’s ready to build a stronger business. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

In Episode 322 Pool Nation Podcast More Pools, More Money? The Truth About Growing a Pool Business | Pool Nation Podcast Is growing your pool service business actually making you more money, or just creating more work? In this special Best of Pool Nation Podcast episode, Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas revisit some of the most valuable conversations with pool industry professionals, successful business owners, and industry leaders. From building a pool service company and retaining customers for decades to managing employees, improving route efficiency, and creating consistent cash flow, this episode is packed with real-world experiences and business lessons for pool pros. What does it really take to build a successful and profitable pool business? We hear from rising professionals James Broderick, Aiden Dunn, and Nick LaPointe, alongside Pool Pro Magazine's Megan Kendrick, as they share their journeys in the swimming pool industry and discuss the importance of customer relationships, education, and building a reputation that lasts. We also revisit conversations with Pool Nation Awards Sales Rep of the Year nominees Brian Crisan, Johnny Davis, Andrew Ragland, and Daniel Nicholas about the important role manufacturer representatives play in helping pool professionals succeed. Plus, Josh Sandler, CEO of Gold Medal Pools, shares his family's remarkable journey in the pool industry, the challenges of growing a business, and how his company found opportunities during one of the toughest economic periods in recent history. Finally, the Pool Nation crew dives into two critical areas of pool business profitability: route efficiency and getting paid. In this episode, you'll learn: Why adding more swimming pool customers doesn't automatically mean greater profitability. How successful pool professionals build customer loyalty and generate referrals. Why customer education and communication can separate your company from the competition. The importance of building relationships with pool equipment manufacturers and their representatives. What it takes to grow a swimming pool construction or service company. How smarter pool service route planning can reduce drive time, fuel costs, and vehicle expenses. Why automated billing, consistent invoicing, and payment expectations are essential to healthy cash flow. How successful pool business owners approach growth, leadership, and long-term success. Whether you're a one-person pool service company, managing multiple technicians, repairing pool equipment, or building swimming pools, this episode offers valuable lessons to help you build a stronger, more profitable business. Episode timestamps 00:00:00 - Welcome to Pool Nation and what's coming next 00:02:00 - Pool Nation Awards: 30 Under 40 nominees 00:06:00 - James Broderick: Starting a pool service business 00:09:00 - Customer education, pool chemistry, and building trust 00:16:00 - Aiden Dunn: Growing a family pool business 00:22:00 - Nick LaPointe: Decades of customer relationships 00:28:00 - Pool Sales Rep of the Year nominees 00:36:00 - Andrew Ragland: From distribution to Hayward 00:42:00 - Why great manufacturer reps matter to pool pros 00:45:00 - Daniel Nicholas: 30 years in the pool industry 00:56:00 - A word from our sponsors 01:01:00 - Brian Crisan: Building relationships and industry knowledge 01:06:00 - Josh Sandler, CEO of Gold Medal Pools 01:12:00 - The Sandler family's pool industry legacy 01:17:00 - Growing a pool business during the recession 01:20:00 - A word from our sponsors 01:25:00 - Pool business operations and efficiency 01:30:00 - Pool service route planning and profitability 01:33:00 - Hidden costs and wasted time on pool routes 01:36:00 - Billing, invoicing, and getting paid 01:39:00 - Digital payments and improving cash flow 01:42:00 - Building consistent billing systems 01:43:00 - Closing remarks Thank you to our visionary partners A huge thank you to the companies that continue supporting Pool Nation and our mission to elevate the swimming pool industry. SPPA | BlueRay XL | AquaStar Pool Products | Natural Chemistry | Raypak | Heritage Pool Supply | Hayward Pool Products | Poolside Tech | Pool Brain | Nidec / US Motors | OnCore Filtration | Encore Brands Your continued support helps us bring education, training, business knowledge, and meaningful conversations to pool professionals across the country. Connect with Pool Nation Website: https://poolnation.com Instagram: @pool.nation and @poolnationpodcast Join us as we continue helping pool professionals build stronger businesses, become better leaders, and improve their financial success. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft. Subscribe and share If you're a swimming pool service professional, pool business owner, pool repair technician, or swimming pool builder, subscribe to the Pool Nation Podcast for more conversations about pool service business management, profitability, pool equipment, industry training, and leadership. If this episode provides value, share it with another pool pro who's working to grow their business.

Episode 321 Pool Nation Podcast. The next generation of pool industry leaders is already here. In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus sits down with Meagan Kendrick, owner of Pool Pro Magazine, and four of the women nominated for the 2026 Pool Nation Awards 30 Under 40. Their paths into the swimming pool industry couldn't be more different. From pool renovations and plaster to commercial pool management, lifeguarding, pool design, landscaping, customer service and leadership, these women show just how many opportunities exist inside the pool and spa industry. Chelsea shares how she went from receptionist to helping lead an operation completing hundreds of pool renovations each year, and why creating a “Disney-level” customer experience has become part of how she approaches the business. Julia takes us inside a side of the pool industry that doesn't get talked about nearly enough: commercial aquatics. She explains what it takes to manage HOA and country club pools, recruit and train hundreds of seasonal lifeguards, maintain safety standards and manage the responsibility that comes with keeping swimmers safe. Courtney shares her journey from studying agricultural science to helping grow Texas Outdoor Oasis from a four-person company into a full-service outdoor living business. She also explains how design, permitting, landscaping and construction all have to work together to deliver a better customer experience. Amanda takes us inside the massive operation behind seasonal commercial pools, including lifeguard recruiting, international staffing, pool openings and closings, inspections, maintenance, customer relationships and overseeing dozens of aquatic facilities. The conversation also gets into something bigger: where the swimming pool industry is headed. Meagan and Edgar discuss how much the industry has changed, the growth of education and collaboration among pool professionals, the opportunities available to the next generation, and why there truly is a place for almost anyone to build a career in the pool industry. If you're a pool service professional, pool business owner, builder, designer, technician, manufacturer, distributor or someone considering a career in the swimming pool industry, this episode gives you a look at just how big this industry really is. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:20 - Meet Meagan Kendrick and the 30 Under 40 nominees 02:00 - New Orleans and the upcoming pool industry expo 10:00 - Getting ready for the PSP Expo 12:00 - $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge and Pool Nation Awards 14:00 - Chelsea's journey into the pool industry 17:00 - Completing hundreds of pool renovations each year 18:00 - Creating a Disney-level customer experience 23:00 - From receptionist to industry leader 28:00 - Julia's journey from competitive swimming to aquatics leadership 30:00 - How commercial pool management actually works 32:00 - Recruiting hundreds of seasonal employees and lifeguards 34:00 - Lifeguard training, safety and liability 39:00 - Swim lessons, water safety and the post-COVID swimming gap 42:00 - Pool codes, compliance and keeping commercial pools safe 46:00 - Sponsor break 51:00 - Back with the 30 Under 40 nominees 57:00 - Courtney's journey into pool design and construction 59:00 - Building a one-stop outdoor living company 1:00:00 - Design, permitting and improving operational efficiency 1:04:00 - Finding your role as a company grows 1:09:00 - Amanda's journey from lifeguard to regional manager 1:11:00 - Managing 80 commercial pool facilities 1:14:00 - Customer service, problem-solving and leadership 1:16:00 - Training the next generation of pool professionals 1:17:00 - The lifeguard shortage and international recruiting 1:19:00 - What seasonal pool operations really look like 1:21:00 - Pool openings, inspections and the spring rush 1:23:00 - Leadership, family and relying on your team 1:25:00 - The side of the pool industry nobody talks about 1:27:00 - Why there is a career for everyone in aquatics 1:29:00 - Sponsor break 1:34:00 - Has the pool industry changed for the better? 1:36:00 - Technology, collaboration and building industry community 1:38:00 - A new idea for the future of 30 Under 40 1:42:00 - Could a 30 Under 40 industry event be next? 1:44:00 - Final thoughts and congratulations to the nominees THANK YOU TO OUR VISIONARY PARTNERS A huge thank you to the companies that continue to support Pool Nation and our mission to elevate, educate and help pool pros succeed: SPPA -  BluRay XL -  AquaStar Pool Products -  Natural Chemistry -  Raypak -  Heritage Pool Supply -  Hayward Pool Products -  Poolside Tech -  Pool Brain -  US Motors -  OnCore Filtration -  Encore Brands   Thank you to every one of our partners for continuing to invest in pool professionals and the future of the swimming pool industry. Subscribe to the Pool Nation Podcast for conversations about pool service, pool business, swimming pool maintenance, pool construction, leadership, training, technology and the people shaping the future of the pool and spa industry. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

In Episode 320 of the Pool Nation Podcast - Your pool route is full. The phone is ringing. You’re working six or seven days a week. So why does it still feel like you’re not making the money you should be making? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John “JJ Flawless” break down one of the biggest challenges facing pool service business owners: being incredibly busy without actually building a more profitable, sustainable business. More pools don’t automatically mean more profit. We talk about hidden costs, route efficiency, customer profitability, pricing, burnout, hiring employees, leadership, and why understanding your numbers has to happen BEFORE you try to scale your pool business. We also go inside the vision behind the new Pool Nation Business Group and why Pool Nation is creating monthly meetings where pool business owners and leaders can actually work ON their businesses, not just listen to another presentation. The goal is simple: help pool pros build stronger, more profitable businesses while becoming better owners and leaders. In this episode, we discuss: • Why a full pool route doesn’t necessarily mean a profitable business • Why adding more customers can actually make your problems worse • The hidden cost of windshield time and inefficient routes • Why you need to understand customer profitability • How to know when your business is financially ready to hire • Why hiring your first employee can create MORE chaos • The connection between profitability and burnout • Why pool pros struggle to implement what they learn at training events • How accountability and repetition help business owners actually make changes • The tools Pool Nation is developing to help pool pros understand their businesses • Why leadership becomes critical as your pool company grows • How the Pool Nation Business Group will work • How pool pros, manufacturers, distributors, and industry leaders can participate The first Pool Nation Business Group meeting takes place October 29 at 6:00 PM at Pool Nation Headquarters in Dallas, Texas, with a hybrid option available for those who cannot attend in person. The focus goes beyond financials. We’re talking profitability, leadership, operations, employees, pricing, systems, accountability, and the decisions that determine whether your pool business actually succeeds. Master the Business. Master the Craft. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why Pool Nation is launching Business Groups 06:00 – PSP Expo, hands-on training and business education 13:00 – Why financial success is Pool Nation’s first foundational principle 17:00 – Working ON your pool business, not just IN it 20:00 – Why the Business Group is more than a networking event 22:00 – Your route is full, so why aren’t you making money? 25:00 – Why doing more pools isn’t always the answer 26:00 – The mistake pool companies make when trying to grow 28:00 – Fixing profitability problems before you scale 30:00 – What does financial success actually mean? 32:00 – When can you afford to hire your first employee? 35:00 – Learning from other pool business owners 37:00 – Sponsor break 44:00 – Why great ideas from training rarely get implemented 46:00 – The problem with traditional business education 49:00 – Accountability, repetition and actually doing the work 52:00 – Pool Nation’s new business tools and software 54:00 – How route inefficiency destroys profit 55:00 – Calculating the real cost of windshield time 56:00 – The 13-step business journey 58:00 – When a $200 pool is really a $20 pool 1:00:00 – Turning information into action 1:01:00 – Why profitability alone isn’t enough 1:03:00 – Why hiring an employee can create MORE chaos 1:06:00 – Training, managing and developing employees 1:09:00 – Building leadership skills as your company grows 1:10:00 – How to participate in the Pool Nation Business Group 1:12:00 – Why manufacturers and distributors belong in the room 1:19:00 – Final thoughts on the future of Pool Nation Business Groups 1:22:00 – Making the commitment to work on your business 1:24:00 – How to register and participate remotely THANK YOU TO OUR POOL NATION VISIONARY PARTNERS SPPA BluRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / U.S. Motors OnCore Filtration Encore Brands These partners help Pool Nation continue creating education, training, events, business resources, and content designed to elevate the swimming pool industry and help pool professionals succeed.

Episode # 319 Pool Nation Podcast. What if your highest-paying pool account is earning you less than one that pays a fraction of the price? In this best-of Pool Nation Podcast episode, we revisit the hidden costs that can quietly drain a pool service business’s profits. Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac discuss pool route efficiency, drive time, customer profitability, and why adding more accounts doesn’t always mean building a better business. Hear how one $500-a-month account earned less than a $150 account once time, chemicals, and service demands entered the picture. We also revisit a conversation with 2023 Pool Nation Hall of Fame inductees Terry Arko and Steve Barnes about education, pool safety, and recognizing the people who have shaped the swimming pool industry—including the legacy of Bob Lowry. Then Leanne De Jesus, Janie Flawless, and Jeanette “The Pool Girl” Horn share lessons from the 2024 Women’s Summit on leadership, confidence, understanding business financials, and finding your voice. Whether you’re building your first pool route, managing technicians, or growing an established pool company, these conversations will challenge you to think differently about your time, your customers, and your business. Topics Covered Pool service business profitability Pool route planning and optimization Drive time and operating costs Customer account profitability Pool technician pay and retention Pool repair opportunities and productivity Pool Nation Hall of Fame Terry Arko, Steve Barnes, and Bob Lowry Women in the swimming pool industry Leadership, confidence, and customer communication Pool Nation Women’s Summit Episode Timeline Approximate timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Pool Nation Best Of 01:00 Terry Arko and Steve Barnes and the Hall of Fame 12:00 Steve Barnes on education and pool safety 15:00 Remembering Bob Lowry 18:00 Behind the scenes of Pool Nation Awards planning 26:00 Business efficiency and partner acknowledgments 34:00 Pool route planning and the cost of growing too fast 40:00 The $500 account that earned less than a $150 account 43:00 Reviewing routes and reducing drive time 46:00 Repair opportunities and the value of minutes saved 48:00 Technician pay, retention, and route efficiency 51:00 Sponsor Break 56:00 Women in the pool industry and the 2024 Women’s Summit 1:09:00 Building community through the Women’s Summit 1:16:00 Authenticity, confidence, and finding your voice 1:21:00 Customer conversations and understanding your numbers 1:24:00 Personality styles and better communication 1:28:00 Productivity and accountability 1:29:00 Closing and Pool Nation resources Sponsors A huge thank-you to our visionary partners for supporting Pool Nation and helping us bring education, business conversations, and community to swimming pool professionals: SPPA BlueRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products Encore Brands Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec OnCore Filtration Thank you also to Encore Coatings, featuring KOOL for pools, and U.S. Motors, featuring the Neptune variable-speed motor, for supporting this episode. Follow Pool Nation for more conversations about growing your pool business, and share this episode with a pool pro who could use a more profitable, productive workday. This best-of episode includes previously recorded conversations. Event announcements and dates reflect the original recordings.

Episode 318 Pool Nation Podcast. Six years ago, we turned on the microphones to have the conversations pool pros needed. We never imagined those conversations would grow into boot camps, the Pool Nation Awards, the Women’s Summit, and a headquarters built for the pool pro community. In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John “JJ Flawless” look back at how it all started, the moments that made the work worth it, and the lessons learned along the way. From the early days of Instagram Live to earning the industry’s trust, we share what it has taken to keep showing up—and why listening to pool pros continues to shape everything we do. We get personal about the sacrifices behind the scenes, talk honestly about mistakes and partnerships, and discuss why growing a mission takes the right people, consistency, and a willingness to change direction. We also share updates on Heritage’s training at Pool Nation headquarters, the Pool Nation Awards, and the $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge. To everyone who has listened, attended a training, shared an idea, or trusted us to be part of their journey: thank you. You are the reason we are Pool Nation. Master the business. Perfect the craft. Make an impact. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and celebrating six years of Pool Nation 03:00 – Remembering September 11 07:00 – Heritage MIT training and a home for pool pros 13:00 – Pool Nation Awards, training, and Pool Pro Challenge updates 16:00 – Looking back: How Pool Nation began 20:00 – From helping pool pros to launching a podcast 27:00 – How the original vision evolved 30:00 – Bob Lowry and the inspiration behind the Pool Nation Awards 34:00 – Building a space and a voice for every pool pro 38:00 – The moments that showed us we were making a difference 42:00 – The Women’s Summit and ideas born from the community 45:00 – Sponsor break 50:00 – Back from the break 52:00 – Earning the industry’s trust through consistency 59:00 – Going all in while running a business and raising a family 1:03:00 – The work and personal sacrifices behind the scenes 1:07:00 – Mistakes, partnerships, and lessons learned 1:10:00 – Building the team and learning to change direction 1:13:00 – Rethinking coaching and reaching more pool pros 1:15:00 – Sponsor break 1:20:00 – JJ’s netting skills and pool service pet peeves 1:22:00 – Finding purpose in teaching and giving back 1:25:00 – Setting up the next conversation: Where is the industry headed? 1:27:00 – Thank you, Pool Nation, and the mission moving forward Thank You to Our Sponsors and Visionary Partners A huge thank-you to SPPA, Blue Ray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, EnCore Brands, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, Nidec / U.S. MOTORS, and OnCore Filtration for helping us bring education, training, and conversations like this to the pool industry.

Episode 317 Pool Nation Podcast - What does it take to grow a family-owned pool business from a backyard shed into three retail locations, 70 employees, and a customer database of 17,000? This week on the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and guest co-host Ryan Morrison welcome Tara Soto of Rising Sun Pools in Raleigh, North Carolina, for a Hayward Spotlight conversation about pool business growth, customer loyalty, and carrying a family legacy forward. Founded by Tara’s father, Charlie, in 1972, Rising Sun Pools has grown into a full-service swimming pool company offering pool construction, service, maintenance, and retail. Tara shares how the business evolved—and what it takes to keep customers coming back across generations. Hear how her team connects seasonal pool openings with recurring maintenance and in-store water testing, why they expanded into vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete pools, and how personal customer service helps distinguish their stores from larger competitors. Tara also opens up about taking over after her father’s unexpected passing, navigating business decisions with her siblings, and earning respect as a woman in the pool industry. Plus, she explains how Rising Sun Pools is approaching online competition through customer rewards, a planned website overhaul, and delivery options—and why social media engagement doesn’t always translate into sales. Whether you’re a pool service professional, swimming pool builder, retailer, or family business owner, this episode offers practical lessons in building customer relationships, managing growth, and marketing to the people who actually buy. IN THIS EPISODE: • Growing a pool company across construction, service, and retail • Turning seasonal pool openings into ongoing customer relationships • Pool heat pumps, winterization, and customer education • Managing a family business and preparing the next generation • Women in the pool industry and the importance of being heard • Competing with online retailers through convenience and service • Focusing pool business marketing on customers instead of likes TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 02:00 — Meet Tara Soto and Rising Sun Pools 03:00 — Thank you to our visionary partners 09:00 — Why Tara returned to the family pool business 11:00 — How Rising Sun Pools began in 1972 13:00 — Three stores and three types of inground pools 15:00 — Pre-scheduling, repeat customers, and seasonal demand 17:00 — Connecting pool openings, maintenance, and retail 19:00 — Heat pumps and extending the swimming season 21:00 — Freeze preparation and customer communication 22:00 — Sponsor messages 28:00 — Handshake deals, early buys, and old-school pool marketing 33:00 — Building service expertise and supplier relationships 35:00 — “Everything under the sun” for the backyard 37:00 — Expansion, 30 trucks, and 70 employees 38:00 — Family business leadership and the next generation 41:00 — Taking over after the loss of the founder 44:00 — Building loyalty through personal customer service 46:00 — Earning respect as a woman in the pool industry 49:00 — Sponsor messages 54:00 — Meet Ryan “The Muscle” Morrison 55:00 — Competing with Amazon: rewards, online ordering, and delivery plans 57:00 — Why engagement doesn’t always equal sales 60:00 — Closing thoughts and shout-outs 62:00 — Where to connect with Pool Nation THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: A huge thank-you to our visionary partners: SPPA, BlueRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, OnCore Brands, Poolside Tech, PoolBrain, Nidec / U.S. MOTORS, and OnCore Filtration. Thank you also to Encore Coatings / KOOL for Pools, featured in this episode’s sponsor messages. Your continued support helps Pool Nation bring pool professionals together through education, industry conversations, and community. Enjoyed the episode? Follow the Pool Nation Podcast, leave a review, and share this conversation with a pool pro or business owner who’s building something that lasts. Follow us on Instagram: @pool.nation @poolnationpodcast