Pool Nation Podcast

In episode # 294 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus sits down live at AquaStar with Bryan Chrissan and Michael Kraus to break down one of the most important topics in the pool industry today training, repetition, and real-world experience.
From early career mistakes to high-level field knowledge, this episode dives into what it really takes to build confidence, skill, and success in the pool service industry.
You’ll hear real stories from the field including costly mistakes, hard-earned lessons, and the power of mentorship along with a deep conversation on how education in the industry has evolved from basic classroom learning to hands-on, immersive training.
Whether you’re a new pool tech or a seasoned pro, this episode will challenge how you think about learning, growth, and what it takes to become elite in this industry.
💡 If you’re not getting reps… you’re not getting better.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Podcast intro & Visionary Partners01:00 – Meet Bryan & Michael + setting the stage03:00 – Industry changes: Then vs. now in training07:30 – Real-world mistakes (and what they teach you)12:00 – Travel story + behind-the-scenes laughs20:00 – Why networking is EVERYTHING in this industry25:00 – Pool Nation Bootcamps & $10K Pool Pro Challenge30:00 – The importance of reps in building confidence36:00 – Rookie mistakes: filters, pumps, heaters & more41:00 – Learning from failure vs. wasting time45:00 – The power of mentorship & calling for help50:00 – Evolution of pool industry education56:00 – Why hands-on training beats classroom learning01:05:00 – Creating a safe learning environment01:10:00 – Real impact: changing lives through training01:18:00 – Long-term thinking vs. short-term sales01:25:00 – Relationships vs. transactions in business01:30:00 – Final thoughts: learn, share, grow01:40:00 – Outro + where to connect
🙌 Sponsor Acknowledgment (SEO-Friendly)
A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners for supporting this podcast and the pool industry:
The SPPA
Blu-ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec
OnCore Filtration
We appreciate everything you do to help move the industry forward.

In episode #293 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we sit down with industry leaders Alicia Stephens and Michael G to break down what innovation really looks like in the pool industry—and why it matters more than ever for pool service pros, retailers, and business owners.
From next-generation pool chemicals and faster-dissolving chlorine technology to AI-powered training platforms and the future of education, this conversation goes deep into how the industry is evolving—and how you can stay ahead of it.
We’re not just talking about products—we’re talking about thinking differently, solving real problems, and building a better experience for your customers.
You’ll hear how innovation is reshaping:
Water chemistry and treatment strategies
Pool service efficiency and troubleshooting
Retail and customer experience
Training, certifications, and workforce development
Plus… we tease some major upcoming industry disruption you’re going to want to keep your eye on 👀
If you’re a pool pro, business owner, or industry leader looking to stay competitive, this is a must-listen episode.
🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Why “old school” pool chemistry thinking is holding you back
How new chemical innovations are solving real field problems
The role of AI in training the next generation of pool pros
How to simplify your service process and reduce errors
Why innovation isn’t just for big companies—it’s for YOU
⏱️ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Pool Nation02:00 – Meet Alicia Stephens & Michael G04:30 – Industry energy, culture & community06:30 – Why innovation matters right now in the pool industry09:30 – Michael’s background (Harvard, toys, marketing & beyond)12:00 – Storytelling, branding & marketing in pools15:00 – What “real innovation” actually means18:00 – How the pool industry is changing (environment, chemicals, behavior)22:00 – New product innovation: faster dissolving trichlor & shock technology26:00 – Solving real problems for pool pros in the field30:00 – Retail vs service: simplifying chemistry for success34:00 – Multi-benefit products (the “multivitamin” approach)38:00 – Algaecide + phosphate innovation explained42:00 – New category: pool fragrance (yes… seriously 👀)47:00 – AI-powered training & BioGuard University breakdown52:00 – The future of education in the pool industry57:00 – Why embracing change is critical for growth1:01:00 – Final thoughts: innovation, mindset & opportunity1:04:00 – Teasing what’s coming next (major disruption ahead)
🙌 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
A huge thank you to our amazing partners who continue to support the Pool Nation mission:
SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec / U.S. Motors
OnCore Filtration
Your support helps us continue to bring education, innovation, and growth to pool pros everywhere.
🚀 FINAL 
If you’re serious about growing your pool business, improving your chemistry knowledge, and staying ahead of industry trends—make sure you:
✔️ Subscribe to the Pool Nation Podcast✔️ Share this episode with your team✔️ Stay plugged into everything Pool Nation
Because the future of this industry belongs to those who learn faster, adapt quicker, and think differently.

In Episode 292 of the Pool Nation Podcast “Best of Pool Nation” episode, host Edgar, along with co-hosts John “JJ Flawless” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas, bring together some of the most powerful conversations from the Pool Nation Podcast.
This episode highlights the voices of pool professionals across the country who are helping shape the future of the swimming pool industry. From leadership lessons and business growth to real stories from the field, this episode captures the spirit of the Pool Nation community and the passion that drives pool pros forward.
You'll hear insights from industry professionals including Jennifer Melee, Kristen Meow, Megan Hightower, Alicia Rowe, and more as they discuss their journeys in the pool industry, the challenges they face, and the lessons they've learned along the way.
In this episode we discuss:
• Leadership lessons from pool professionals• The importance of community and networking in the pool industry• Building strong teams and company culture• The challenges pool professionals face in the field• Growing and scaling a successful pool service business• The power of education and training in the industry
Whether you're a new pool technician, seasoned pool professional, or pool business owner, this episode delivers inspiration, real-world insight, and valuable lessons from the Pool Nation community.
The Pool Nation Podcast continues to bring together the leaders, innovators, and professionals who are helping raise the standard in the swimming pool industry.
 
⏱️ Podcast Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast1:00 – Special “Best Of” episode introduction2:00 – Zac shares leadership lessons after visiting Gold Medal Pools4:00 – Culture, leadership, and motivating your team5:30 – Kristen’s trip to New Jersey and pool industry observations7:00 – Megan discusses balancing family and running a pool business8:20 – Jennifer shares hurricane recovery challenges in Florida11:30 – The impact of major storms on pool businesses13:00 – Alicia Rowe joins the conversation14:30 – Work-life balance and running a pool company17:00 – Pool Nation Awards and Pool Girl of the Year nominations18:00 – Behind the scenes of Pool Nation events20:00 – Industry partnerships and innovation23:00 – Corey’s journey into the pool industry26:00 – Mentorship and opportunity in aquatics29:00 – Innovation in pool equipment and technology34:00 – Aquastar pipeline filter discussion38:00 – The future of innovation in the pool industry41:00 – Hands-on training and educating pool pros45:00 – Why education is critical for the next generation of pool professionals49:00 – The power of networking and community53:00 – How relationships shape careers in the pool industry58:00 – Preparing for the Pool Nation Awards and conference1:02:00 – The future of Pool Nation and the industry
🙌 Thank You to Our Sponsors
A special thank you to the companies that support the Pool Nation Podcast and help us continue delivering education and innovation to the pool industry.
• SPPA• Blu-Ray 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 bring education, training, and industry conversations to pool professionals everywhere.

In episode #291 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas sit down with Michelle Cook from Heritage Pool Supply to discuss the launch of the Heritage Pro Service Program and what it means for pool service professionals across the industry.
Michelle Cooke Transcript
The conversation dives deep into how Heritage is moving beyond the traditional distributor model to become a true partner in helping pool pros build stronger businesses.
Michelle shares the vision behind the new Heritage Pro Service Program, including:
• Loyalty rewards designed specifically for service professionals• Monthly rebate payouts through a debit card system• Transparent tracking of purchases and rewards• A brand-new education platform and certification opportunities• Vendor training sessions and Pro Talks every week• The launch of the Heritage Pro Service Academy in partnership with Pool Nation
This episode also explores the larger mission of raising the standard in the pool industry by providing pool pros with better tools, better education, and stronger business support.
If you're a pool service professional looking to grow your business, improve your technical knowledge, or connect with a stronger industry network, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast1:30 – Introducing Michelle Cook and the Heritage Pro Service Program3:30 – Industry travel, events, and building the pool pro community9:00 – Michelle’s background in the pool industry16:00 – Heritage’s culture and commitment to pool pros20:00 – What makes Heritage different from traditional distributors26:00 – The origin of the Pool Tech program32:00 – Why Heritage launched the new Pro Service Program36:00 – Rewards, rebates, and supporting small service companies42:00 – How the rebate and loyalty program works47:00 – Tracking purchases and rewards through Heritage Pool Plus52:00 – Monthly payouts and financial benefits for pool pros56:00 – Education and training opportunities for service professionals1:03:00 – Certification credits and professional development1:08:00 – The Heritage Pro Service Academy with Pool Nation1:18:00 – Why education is critical for the future of the industry1:24:00 – Business growth, leadership, and scaling a pool company1:35:00 – The vision for raising the professional standard in the pool industry1:45:00 – Final thoughts and closing remarks
🤝 Special Thanks to Our Podcast Partners
A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners for supporting the podcast and helping elevate the pool industry:
SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec
Oncore Filtration
Your support helps us continue educating and empowering pool professionals everywhere.

Episode 290 Pool Nation Podcast - Are you stuck at 200 pools and can’t break through to the next level?
In this powerful episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John,  and Zac sit down with Adam Beech, founder of Pool Brain, to break down the real reason pool service companies struggle to scale.
It’s not hustle.It’s not marketing.It’s not “better techs.”
It’s consistency.
Adam shares how he scaled his pool service company past 1,000 pools and why traditional checklists, rockstar technicians, and reactive management nearly kept him stuck.
If you're a pool service business owner looking to grow from 100 to 500 pools (or beyond), this episode dives deep into:
• Why hiring “better techs” doesn’t solve scale• The hidden cost of inconsistency• Checklists vs. true workflow systems• How green pools destroy profit margins• Why turnover crushes scaling companies• How automation and AI are changing pool service operations• Reducing chemical costs by up to 40%• Eliminating margin bleed• Building a business that runs without you
This episode is packed with real-world operational insights for pool professionals, service companies, and owners who want to build structure instead of chaos.
If you want predictable growth, better margins, and fewer fires to put out; this one is for you.
⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:30 – Why most pool companies hit a growth wall05:00 – The myth of the “rockstar technician”12:00 – What inconsistency really looks like at scale18:30 – Hustle vs. structure: why effort isn’t enough22:00 – Why checklists fail in pool service30:00 – What a true workflow system looks like36:00 – PSI readings and preventing green pools44:00 – Chemical automation & margin control52:00 – AI tab dosing explained1:05:00 – Eliminating training bottlenecks1:15:00 – Inventory automation & Heritage integration1:25:00 – The future of AI in pool service1:40:00 – Remote monitoring, Water Guru & automation1:55:00 – Final thoughts: Building scalable pool businesses
🙌 THANK YOU TO OUR VISIONARY PARTNERS
We want to thank our Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast:
• SPPA• Blu-Ray XL• AquaStar Pool Products• Natural Chemistry• Raypak• Heritage Pool Supply• Hayward Pool Products• US Motors• Encore Filtration• Pool Brain
Your support helps us continue building a Nation of Pool Pros.
If this episode brings value to you, share it with another pool pro who’s ready to level up.
We’re not just cleaning pools.
We’re building better businesses.
#PoolNation #PoolServiceBusiness #PoolPros #ScalingBusiness #PoolIndustry #Entrepreneurship #ServiceBusinessGrowth

In Episode 289 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” recap the energy and momentum from the Western Pool & Spa Show and the Southwest Pool & Spa Show, then dive into powerful conversations featuring some of the brightest rising stars and top sales professionals in the swimming pool industry.
This episode highlights:
The impact of industry trade shows on pool service businesses
Leadership development and next-generation talent in aquatics
The importance of customer relationships and pool education
What separates top-performing sales reps in the pool industry
The Pool Nation Awards 30 Under 40 nominees
Sales Rep of the Year nominees and what drives their success
You’ll hear stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, business growth, and the mindset it takes to build a sustainable and profitable pool service or pool building company.
Whether you're a pool service professional, pool builder, sales rep, or industry supplier, this episode delivers insight, motivation, and practical takeaways to help you level up your business.
If you're serious about growing your pool company, scaling operations, improving customer retention, and becoming a true Pool Pro — this episode is for you.
 
⏱ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Western & Southwest Pool & Spa Show Recap03:00 – Zac’s Idaho adventure & team banter09:00 – Introducing 30 Under 40 Male of the Year Nominees13:00 – IPSA Education Fund & Investing in Industry Training15:00 – James Broderick’s Journey: From Pandemic Startup to Growth Through Referrals21:00 – Pool Education & “Pool School” for Homeowners24:00 – Sales Rep of the Year Nominee Introduction28:00 – Sales Rep Leadership, Market Growth & Industry Relationships32:00 – Andrew’s Career: Distribution to Manufacturer Rep40:00 – Daniel’s 30-Year Industry Journey: Retail, Service, Building & Manufacturing48:00 – Relationship-Driven Sales & Building Market Trust55:00 – Industry Growth, Mentorship & What’s Next for Pool Pros
🙌 Thank You to Our Visionary Partners & Sponsors
We want to thank our incredible Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast and the 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
Your commitment to education, innovation, and supporting pool professionals nationwide makes this platform possible.

Episode 288 Pool Nation Podcast. Are you busy… or are you actually building a profitable pool service business?
In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac break down one of the biggest traps in the swimming pool industry: confusing being busy with being successful.
As we head into peak pool season, many pool pros find themselves working longer hours, adding more pools, and filling every minute of the day — but still feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and underpaid.
This episode dives deep into:
• Why long hours don’t equal profitability• How busyness hides skill gaps and financial problems• The dangerous cycle of “organized chaos” in pool companies• Why scaling without readiness leads to burnout• How to transition from technician to operator• The role of planning, pricing, and financial clarity in sustainable growth
If you’re a pool service business owner trying to grow, scale, or simply survive the busy season without burning out — this conversation is for you.
Because readiness isn’t about knowing more.It’s about making better decisions before chaos hits.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Why “Busy” Doesn’t Mean Profitable05:30 – Western & Southwest Pool Shows + Boot Camp Updates08:45 – The $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge & Raypak AVIA Giveaway12:00 – The “Busy Trap” in the Pool Industry15:00 – Hustle vs. Structure: Why Long Hours Aren’t the Answer19:00 – How Busyness Masks Skill Gaps in Pool Service22:00 – Stop Being a “Field Medic” – Fix Root Causes Instead25:00 – The Illusion of Success in a Packed Schedule28:00 – Why Adding More Pools Isn’t Always the Solution31:00 – Warning Signs You’re Running in Organized Chaos34:00 – Creating Space in the Day for Preventative Work41:00 – Readiness vs. Reaction: Making Better Decisions45:00 – Where Pool Businesses Get Stuck as They Grow50:00 – Financial Readiness as a Competitive Advantage56:00 – Final Thoughts: Work Smarter, Not Just Harder
🙌 Special Thanks to Our Visionary Partners
A huge thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast and helping us elevate the pool industry:
SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
PoolSide Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec
OnCore Filtration
We appreciate your commitment to helping pool pros grow stronger businesses.

In Episode 287 of Pool Nation Podcast is Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Edgar , John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas break down the real difference between information and actual training—and why most pool professionals aren’t truly prepared when they walk into a backyard.
This episode dives deep into training readiness, skill gaps, and why mistakes keep happening at customer pools instead of in controlled learning environments. If you’ve ever felt confident in a class but froze when things went sideways in the field, this episode explains exactly why—and how to fix it.
You’ll hear real-world stories from the field, honest conversations about YouTube education, hands-on training, repetition, and why confidence only comes from practice, not just knowledge. The team also explains how seasonality, pressure, and poor training structures hold pool businesses back—and what owners must do differently moving forward.
This episode is a must-listen for:
Pool service techs
Repair technicians
Business owners
Managers training teams
Anyone serious about growing skills, confidence, and profitability in the pool industry
If you want to stop learning the hard way in customers’ backyards and start building real readiness, this episode is for you.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Why Part 2 matters: Training vs information03:00 – YouTube education: Helpful or harmful?07:00 – Why information feels like progress (but isn’t)10:00 – The real danger of learning under pressure15:00 – Why mistakes show up at customer pools first19:00 – Repetition, muscle memory, and real confidence23:00 – Hands-on training vs classroom learning28:00 – Why “figuring it out in the field” became normalized33:00 – Seasonality and why training gets pushed aside37:00 – How skill gaps show up operationally, emotionally, and financially42:00 – Why owners stop training themselves47:00 – What effective training actually looks like52:00 – How to choose the right education for your team58:00 – Final thoughts: Raising the standard in pool education
🤝 Thank You to Our Visionary Partners
A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners who make this podcast possible:
The SPPA
BlueRay XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
PoolSide Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec / U.S. Motors
Encore Filtration – Welcome to the Pool Nation family
Your continued support helps elevate education, professionalism, and profitability across the pool industry.

In episode 286 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by co-hosts John “JJ Flawless” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas for a powerful, honest conversation about training, readiness, and real-world skill development in the pool industry.
With trade show season, boot camps, and certifications ramping up, the guys break down the difference between consuming information and being truly prepared to execute in the field. They explore why watching videos and attending classes feels productive—but often falls short when real-life variables, customers, and safety risks enter the picture.
You’ll hear why:
Information alone doesn’t equal competence
Pools are one of the most challenging environments to learn in
Repetition, practice, and hands-on training matter more than ever
“Figuring it out on the fly” has been normalized—and why that’s a problem
The right education now leads to fewer mistakes, more confidence, and more time with your family later
This episode is a must-listen for pool service techs, repair techs, builders, retailers, and business owners who want to stop guessing, sharpen their skills, and approach training with the right mindset in 2026.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps (Chapters)
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Why this conversation about training matters right now03:30 – Kicking off 2026 & returning to show season08:00 – Industry shout-outs & community updates10:00 – Trade shows, boot camps & upcoming Pool Nation events16:30 – Upskilling vs. reskilling: what pool pros actually need18:30 – Information vs. training: why most education doesn’t stick22:30 – Why confidence disappears in the field27:00 – YouTube learning vs. real-world execution31:30 – Why repetition and practice are missing in education36:30 – Sponsor break41:00 – Why pools are one of the hardest environments to learn in47:00 – Working alone in backyards & pressure from homeowners52:30 – The danger of “figuring it out on the fly”58:30 – How the industry must evolve training standards01:06:00 – Final thoughts: education now = freedom later01:19:00 – Closing & where to see Pool Nation next
 
Sponsors (Thank You)
Big thank you to our sponsors for supporting Pool Pros and helping us keep the education and conversations rolling:
SPPA• Blu-ray XL• AquaStar Pool Products• Natural Chemistry• Raypak• Heritage Pool Supply• Hayward Pool Products• Poolside Tech• US Motors / Nidec
Also, thank you to Pool Invoice and PoolManUniversity.com for supporting pool industry training and business systems.

In episode 285 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesús sits down with leadership expert Leanne De Jesús for an in-depth conversation on how pool business owners, service techs, retailers, and builders can grow without burning out, falling behind, or constantly starting over.
What is upskilling?Upskilling means improving and expanding the skills you already use in your role — not changing careers, but getting better, smarter, and more effective at what you’re already doing.
In the pool industry, upskilling can look like:
Developing leadership and people-management skills
Improving pricing, financial clarity, and decision-making
Learning new equipment, technology, and automation
Building sales and customer communication skills
Training your team so the business doesn’t rely only on you
Reskilling, on the other hand, is learning an entirely new role or function — like moving from service into building, retail, or management.
Throughout this episode, Edgar and Leanne break down why most frustration, burnout, and leadership struggles aren’t people problems — they’re skill gaps. They also explain why access to information alone doesn’t create better leaders, and how structure, mentorship, and intentional learning are what actually drive growth.
Whether you’re a one-truck operator or scaling a multi-location business, this conversation will help you:
Understand when to upskill vs when to reskill
Recognize early signs of burnout and stagnation
Build stronger leaders and more accountable teams
Create growth without chaos
Shift from operator thinking to owner thinking
This episode isn’t about working harder — it’s about thinking differently so your business can grow with clarity and control.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:05 – Why upskilling and reskilling matter right now03:00 – Pool Nation events, shows, and upcoming education06:10 – What upskilling really looks like in real life09:45 – AI, technology, and staying relevant13:20 – How pool pros upskill without realizing it16:10 – The difference between upskilling and reskilling18:50 – When you should reskill vs improve your current skills21:40 – Why people think they need to quit when they really need new skills25:10 – Learning, testing, applying, and sharing knowledge30:00 – Burnout, overwhelm, and hidden skill gaps33:10 – Leadership problems vs skill problems37:20 – Why information alone doesn’t create better leaders40:50 – Time, structure, and intentional learning44:30 – Sponsor break46:00 – Upskilling business owners for growth and scale50:30 – Hiring for skill vs hiring for personality55:10 – Upskilling pool techs: sales, safety, and trust1:01:40 – Retail teams, product knowledge, and relationships1:07:30 – Why training fails without structure1:12:00 – Train-the-trainer mindset and leadership confidence1:17:40 – Why guided learning and mentorship matter1:21:10 – The most important mindset shift: growth mindset1:26:30 – Final thoughts and takeaways1:30:00 – Closing remarks and where to find Pool Nation
🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to our visionary partners who make Pool Nation education possible:
SPPA – 
US Motors (Nidec) – 
Blu-Ray XL – 
AquaStar Pool Products – 
Natural Chemistry – 
Raypak –
Hayward Pool Products – 
Heritage Pool Supply
Your support helps us continue to educate, elevate, and strengthen the pool industry.