Episode 308 Pool Nation Podcast - What does it take to grow from a few referrals into a company with 50 employees, three locations, hundreds of service accounts, retail stores, remodels, and new construction? In this special Hayward Spotlight episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by Ryan Morson from Hayward and special guests Kyle and Stephanie Burns, owners of Emerald Custom Pools and Emerald Pool Care in Fort Worth, Texas. Kyle shares how his career as a firefighter shaped the way he plans for the future, manages risk, builds systems, and prepares his company for challenges before they happen. Stephanie explains how disciplined financial management, detailed job costing, and accountability have helped them build a profitable business while raising four children together. This conversation is packed with practical advice for pool builders, service companies, retailers, and anyone looking to build a stronger business in the swimming pool industry. In this episode you'll learn: • How Emerald Custom Pools grew from a home-based startup into a multi-division company.• Why forecasting and preparation create a competitive advantage.• The lessons learned from the Texas freeze and how planning paid off.• Why service, remodels and retail are becoming the future of the industry.• How to successfully run a family business as husband and wife.• The importance of hiring for character instead of experience.• Why company culture and training outperform talent alone.• The future of pool automation, affordable pool ownership, and industry growth.• How Emerald's Safe2Swim nonprofit is helping prevent childhood drownings. Whether you're a pool builder, service professional, retailer, business owner, or industry leader, this episode is filled with real-world strategies you can immediately apply to your business. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Meet Kyle and Stephanie Burns02:00 – Emerald Custom Pools' incredible growth story05:45 – Pool Nation Awards, Women's Summit & Hayward Training Hub announcements10:00 – From firefighter to pool company owner16:45 – Building multiple divisions and scaling a business21:00 – Lessons learned from the Texas freeze and preparing for the unexpected26:30 – Launching the service division and investing in training28:00 – The future of pool construction and affordable pool ownership31:00 – Sponsor Break36:00 – Hayward's "Power of Us" initiative41:30 – Running a successful husband-and-wife business44:00 – Job costing, profitability and accountability47:00 – Leadership lessons from managing family in business49:00 – Creating a wellness-focused retail experience52:00 – Why remodels are the future of the pool industry54:30 – Sponsor Break59:30 – Safe2Swim Foundation and drowning prevention1:03:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs entering the pool industry1:06:00 – Final thoughts A huge thank you to our incredible Pool Nation partners for making this episode possible: The SPPA • BluRay XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply Group • Hayward Pool Products • EnCore Brands • Poolside Tech • Pool Brain • Nidec / US Motors • OnCore Filtration Because of your continued commitment to education, innovation, and supporting pool professionals, we're able to continue delivering conversations that help elevate the swimming pool industry. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another pool professional. Every share helps us continue our mission of improving the financial well-being of pool pros through education. Pool Nation — Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

How a Former SWAT Officer Built One of California's Most Successful Pool Companies | Featuring Obie Rodriguez What happens when a 30-year law enforcement veteran and 15-year SWAT officer decides to build swimming pools instead of chasing criminals? In episode # 307 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and Ryan Morse from Hayward sit down with Obie Rodriguez, owner of Majestic Pool Construction, to share one of the most inspiring business stories in the swimming pool industry. After two frustrating experiences hiring pool contractors, Obie decided to learn the trade himself. He earned his contractor's license, built his own company from the ground up, and today completes more than 200 custom swimming pool and remodeling projects every year across multiple locations. This conversation goes far beyond swimming pool construction. It's about leadership, building systems, growing a company, creating a culture that thrives without the owner, using social media to generate qualified leads, and believing in yourself enough to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Whether you're a pool builder, pool service professional, swimming pool contractor, retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or business owner, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately to grow your business. In This Episode: • How two bad pool-building experiences changed Obie's life forever • Transitioning from SWAT officer to successful pool builder • Building a swimming pool company that completes more than 200 projects per year • Creating business systems that allow your company to grow without you • Leadership lessons from law enforcement that apply to every business • Why delegation is one of the hardest skills for business owners • Expanding into multiple locations • Surviving COVID without sacrificing profits • The social media strategy that doubled qualified leads • Why transparency creates better customers • The future of pool automation and smart technology • Advice every entrepreneur needs to hear before starting a business Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Pool Nation 01:30 – Meet Obie Rodriguez 04:00 – Family, RV life, and fishing stories 08:45 – Becoming a police officer at 19 10:00 – Fifteen years on SWAT 15:00 – Two terrible pool-building experiences that changed everything 18:00 – Learning the pool industry by working for free 20:00 – Building pools while serving as a police officer 22:30 – Retiring early and betting on himself 24:00 – COVID, supply shortages, and protecting profits 32:30 – Expanding to multiple locations 35:00 – Building systems that allow the business to run without you 41:00 – What today's pool buyers really want 46:00 – The social media strategy that doubled qualified leads 49:00 – Why transparency creates better customers 55:00 – Final advice for entrepreneurs Special Thanks to Our Sponsors Thank you to our incredible partners for helping Pool Nation educate, inspire, and elevate the swimming pool industry: • OnCore Filtration • Hayward Pool Products • Heritage Pool Supply Group • The SPPA • BluRay XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Poolside Tech Encore Brands • Pool Brain • Nidec / US Motors The Pool Nation Podcast is the premier podcast for the swimming pool industry, delivering weekly conversations with the industry's top pool builders, service professionals, manufacturers, distributors, educators, and business leaders. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft. Subscribe today and join thousands of pool professionals who are growing stronger businesses through education, leadership, and community.

In Episode 306 of the Pool Nation Podcast - The Pool Nation Awards are officially back, and nominations are now open! In this episode , Edgar and John "JJ Flawless" dive deep into the story behind the Pool Nation Awards, why recognizing pool professionals matters, and how these awards have become one of the most anticipated celebrations in the swimming pool industry. The guys break down the 2026 award categories, discuss recent changes based on pool pro feedback, explain the nomination and voting process, and share what it takes to stand out as a nominee. They also reflect on the origins of the awards, the legacy of Bob Lowry, the importance of celebrating industry leaders while they're still with us, and why the Pool Nation community continues to elevate the swimming pool industry year after year. Plus, Edgar and John tease a major industry announcement coming August 7 that they believe will be a game-changer for pool professionals nationwide. Whether you're a pool service professional, builder, retailer, trainer, manufacturer, distributor, or industry leader, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a reminder of why community matters. 👉 Nominate a deserving pool professional today.👉 Get involved in the Pool Nation Awards.👉 Celebrate the people who make our industry stronger every day. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 Today's Topics: Pool Nation Awards & Industry Announcement Tease02:00 Thanking Pool Nation Visionary Partners03:00 Baby Watch 2026 with JJ Flawless08:00 Women's Summit 2026 Update & Sold-Out Event12:00 August 7 Industry-Changing Announcement Teaser14:00 Why August 7 Could Change Pool Industry Education17:00 Hayward Training, Boot Camps & Upcoming Events18:00 Pool Nation Awards 2026 Overview20:00 New Award Categories & Industry Feedback23:00 Trailblazer, Trainer of the Year & Pool Guy/Girl of the Year Discussion24:00 How to Submit Nominations26:00 Voting Process & Important Dates27:00 The Story Behind the Pool Nation Awards29:00 Bob Lowry's Legacy & Lifetime Achievement Award32:00 Why Pool Nation Gives Pool Pros a Voice35:00 Celebrating the Service Industry & Aftermarket Professionals37:00 Sponsor Break43:00 Looking Back at the First Pool Nation Awards46:00 Growth of the Awards & Industry Support48:00 HASA After Party & Award Night Experience49:00 Favorite Award Categories & Why They Matter52:00 Why Pool Guy & Pool Girl of the Year Are Special55:00 The Brotherhood & Sisterhood of Pool Pros57:00 Sponsor Break01:01:00 New Orleans, PSP Expo & Pool Nation Awards 202601:02:00 $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge Updates01:05:00 More Prizes, Bigger Competition & What's Next01:06:00 Final Thoughts & August 7 Reminder01:08:00 Industry Talk: The Washington Memorial Pool Project01:10:00 Closing Remarks Special Thanks to Our Sponsors A huge thank you to our incredible Pool Nation partners and sponsors for supporting education, training, and the future of the swimming pool industry: SPPA BluRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Group Hayward Pool Products NCore Brands Poolside Tech (The Attendant) Pool Brain Nidec / US Motors OnCore Filtration Thank you for helping Pool Nation fulfill its mission of helping pool professionals master the business and perfect the craft.

Episode # 305 Pool Nation Podcast - What does it take to build a pool service company that lasts for decades, retains top talent, and serves more than 1,000 pools? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Nick LaPointe and Ray De Rosa of Golden State Pools to discuss two very different journeys that led to one of Southern California's most respected pool service companies. From the days of gas chlorine service and hand-written route books to modern operations, service management, technician training, inventory systems, and company leadership, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build a sustainable pool business. Nick shares the story of growing up in the family business, while Ray discusses building his own company before merging with Golden State Pools. Together they reveal the systems, leadership philosophies, employee development programs, and business lessons that have fueled their success. Most importantly, they share two lessons every pool professional needs to hear: set boundaries and know your value. Whether you're a solo operator, building your first route, managing technicians, or scaling toward your own pool empire, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience from pool pros who have lived it. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 Meet Nick LaPointe and Ray DeRosa of Golden State Pools06:00 Steak dinner bets, pool industry friendships, and Western Show stories17:00 Nick's family history in the pool industry23:00 The early days of gas chlorine pool service28:00 How 9/11 changed pool sanitation operations forever31:00 Transitioning from gas chlorine to liquid chlorine systems34:00 Growing up in the family business and earning a business degree40:00 How Ray got started in pools and launched his own company42:00 Merging two companies into Golden State Pools46:00 From DOS systems and paper invoices to modern software49:00 Building company culture and leadership partnerships57:00 Why training matters and Golden State's 8-week technician training program1:05:00 Employee development, career paths, and retention strategies1:17:00 Managing repairs, service teams, and operational structure1:24:00 Inventory management, purchasing power, and warehouse operations1:33:00 The importance of boundaries as a business owner1:37:00 Knowing your value and pricing with confidence1:41:00 Final advice for pool professionals and closing thoughts Thank You To Our Sponsors A huge thank you to our Pool Nation partners and sponsors who continue supporting pool professionals across the industry: The SPPA BluRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Group Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / US Motors OnCore Filtration Your support helps us continue educating, elevating, and empowering pool professionals everywhere.

In episode # 304 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Jeremy Young and Orlando Gadea from Fluidra to reveal one of the biggest pool industry technology launches in years: the all-new AquaLink Edge platform. This isn't just another automation panel. Fluidra shares how AquaLink Edge is built around edge computing, smarter equipment communication, local processing, enhanced homeowner experiences, and a future ecosystem designed to help pool professionals run more efficient and profitable businesses. The conversation dives deep into automation, connected equipment, wireless communication, AI-driven pool management, smarter service operations, and how Tracker IO is helping transform the way pool companies manage routes, inventory, service calls, and customer experiences. Whether you're a pool service professional, builder, repair technician, retailer, or industry leader, this episode provides an exclusive first look at where pool technology is heading and how it will impact your business over the next decade. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 02:00 Meet Fluidra's Jeremy Young & Orlando Gadella 06:00 Heritage Pro Service Academy & Pool Pro Challenge Updates 08:00 Jeremy's Journey: From Pool Construction to Fluidra Innovation 15:00 Why Education & Training Matter in the Pool Industry 24:00 Orlando's Background in Digital Technology & Why He Joined Fluidra 27:00 The Official AquaLink Edge Reveal 28:00 Edge Computing vs Cloud Computing Explained 30:00 Creating Better Pool Owner Experiences 32:00 New In-Can Display & Home Display Features 35:00 Why Pool Automation Must Work Without Internet 40:00 Built-In Flow Monitoring & Smarter Equipment Control 43:00 Five Years of Development Behind AquaLink Edge 47:00 Easier Setup, Faster Installation & Wireless Communication 52:00 Personalized Access for Homeowners, Service Pros & Airbnb Properties 56:00 Service Mode Improvements & Smart Notifications 01:03:00 Wireless Equipment Discovery & Future Product Ecosystem 01:08:00 Customer Experience vs Traditional Automation 01:15:00 The Future of Connected Pool Equipment 01:19:00 Tracker IO & The Future of Pool Service Management 01:27:00 How Data Will Transform Pool Businesses 01:32:00 Future Integration Between Pool Builders & Service Companies 01:35:00 AquaLink Edge Release Timeline & Launch Plans 01:37:00 Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks A special thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting Pool Nation and helping us elevate the pool industry through education, training, and community: The SPPA BluRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Group Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / US Motors Encore Brands OnCore Filtration Your commitment to pool professionals helps us continue delivering world-class education and content to the industry.

Episode 303 Pool Nation Podcast is a Best of Episodes. This is a packed three-hour-plus episode with three segments (the Raypak heat pump deep dive, the Women's Summit podcast, and the Pool Nation Awards crew show) Pool heat pumps are the future of pool heating, and in this episode the Pool Nation crew breaks down exactly how they work, why they beat gas heaters on cost, and how to sell them without scaring off your customers. Host Edgar De Jesus sits down with Raypak's Brad Duncan and Akshaya Shekhar for a no-nonsense heat pump deep dive built for working pool service pros. Learn how heat pumps work, why they are becoming increasingly important across the industry, and how to position them as a long-term solution that delivers real value for your customers. Then we hand the microphone over to the women of Pool Nation for a powerful recap of the Third Annual Pool Nation Women's Summit. Hear firsthand stories about leadership, authenticity, confidence, mentorship, and what it takes to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry. We also take a deep dive into the Pool Nation Awards, discuss why nominations matter, spotlight some of the industry's rising stars, and share inspiring stories from pool pros who are making an impact every day. Whether you're a one-person operation, a growing service company, a repair technician, or a business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, business lessons, and industry insights. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Pool Nation: Meet the Hosts & Guests 02:00 Why Heat Pumps Are the Future of Pool Heating 05:00 Meet Brad Duncan & Akshaya Shekhar from Raypak 08:00 Heat Pump Deep Dive Begins 09:00 How a Pool Heat Pump Actually Works 10:30 Heat Pump Performance by Climate & the 80/80/80 Rule 13:00 Can a Heat Pump Heat a Spa? 14:30 COP vs Gas Heater Efficiency Explained 17:00 Why Combining Heat Pumps & Gas Heaters Changes Everything 19:30 Heat/Cool Models: Turning Hot Pools Into Profit Centers 21:00 Initial Investment vs Long-Term Savings 24:00 Selling Heat Pumps Without Scaring Customers 25:00 The Maserati vs Beetle Explanation Every Pool Pro Should Know 26:00 Pool Nation Women's Summit Special Begins 27:30 Women's Summit Recap & Industry Updates 32:00 Meet Janie Flawless & Jeanette Horn 39:00 The Growth of the Women's Summit 46:00 Finding Your Voice & Being Your Authentic Self 53:00 Leadership Lessons & Personal Growth 59:00 Sponsor Break 1:04:00 Pool Nation Live Returns 1:11:00 Pool Nation Awards Nominations Recap 1:18:00 Why Pool Nation Awards Matter 1:24:00 Recognizing Pool Pros Who Make a Difference 1:33:00 Pool Nation Conference & Heritage Event Updates 1:36:00 Education Funds & Industry Opportunities 1:43:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: James Broderick 1:52:00 Customer Education & Building Trust 2:03:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: Aiden Dunn 2:08:00 Growing a Business & Right-Sizing Your Route 2:16:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: Nick LaPoint 2:25:00 Competition vs Community in the Pool Industry 2:33:00 Using Data to Build a Better Pool Company 2:40:00 Final Thoughts & Sponsor Break 2:46:00 Lessons From the Next Generation of Pool Pros 2:51:00 Inside the New Training Headquarters 2:54:00 Gold Medal Pools: The Origin Story 2:59:00 Surviving the 2008 Economic Crash 3:02:00 Building Massive Commercial Water Features 3:11:00 The Dallas Cowboys Connection 3:13:00 Closing Thoughts 🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How pool heat pumps actually work The 80/80/80 efficiency rule COP vs gas heater efficiency Heat pump operating costs and ROI Why hybrid heating systems are becoming more popular Cooling pools with heat/cool heat pumps Selling premium equipment to customers Leadership lessons from the Women's Summit The importance of authenticity in business Why industry recognition matters Building a successful pool company Customer education strategies Growing through economic downturns Creating long-term business relat

Episode 302 of the Pool Nation Podcast What if your pool business has been warning you about bigger problems... and you just haven’t been listening? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas dive deep into one of the most important business conversations pool pros can have: the signals your business sends you every single day. From burnout and busy work to growth plateaus, employee problems, customer issues, and financial blind spots, the guys break down why so many pool companies mistake movement for progress. This episode sets the stage for a powerful multi-part conversation on how to recognize the warning signs before they become major business problems. They also discuss:→ The illusion of success in the pool industry→ Why growth without systems creates chaos→ The importance of listening to your numbers and team→ How experienced business owners identify patterns before disasters happen→ Why “one pool at a time” thinking can limit long-term growth→ Pool Nation Boot Camps and the $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge→ Encore Filtration’s Dirty Filter Contest→ The Heritage Pro Service Academy in Van Nuys, California If you’re a pool service professional trying to scale your company, improve profitability, build a stronger team, or simply avoid burnout, this episode is packed with real talk and business insight from three pool pros who have lived it. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Pool Nation Podcast Intro01:00 – Zac gets Edgar sick03:00 – John talks family, graduation season & podcast studio plans07:30 – International Swimming Hall of Fame experience12:00 – The hidden importance of pool pros in the swimming industry16:30 – Heritage Pro Service Academy announcement18:00 – $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers20:00 – Pool Nation Awards updates & category changes21:00 – Encore Filtration Dirty Filter Contest24:00 – Edgar’s AI-generated “Smokey and the Bandit” John photo29:30 – Sponsor break34:30 – Zac discusses rebuilding and refining The Pool Boys brand36:30 – Why successful businesses never stop evolving39:00 – Your business is talking to you every day41:00 – Listening to the warning signs in your company44:00 – Fixing problems vs solving root causes49:00 – The illusion of success in pool service businesses52:00 – Why busy does not equal productive54:00 – The danger of comparing your business to others56:00 – Scaling too fast and losing control57:00 – Final thoughts on business growth and self-awareness01:07:00 – Closing remarks Special Thanks to Our Valued Sponsors & Visionary Partners A huge thank you to our sponsors and partners who continue supporting the pool industry and Pool Nation: → 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 educate, inspire, and elevate pool professionals everywhere. Heritage Pro Service Academy Join us in Van Nuys, California for the Heritage Pro Service Academy powered by Pool Nation. Hands-on training includes:→ Heater installation & troubleshooting→ Automation setup→ Variable speed motor training→ Pump installation→ Cool deck application→ Live Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers Registration is FREE thanks to the Heritage Education Fund. Visit PoolNation.com to register today. Encore Filtration Dirty Filter Contest Think you’ve found the dirtiest pool filter in the industry? Submit your worst filter photos and videos for a chance to win cash and prizes from Encore Filtration.   #PoolBusiness #PoolService #PoolNation #PoolPro #PoolServiceBusiness #PoolIndustry #Entrepreneurship #PoolCleaning #PoolRepair #BusinessGrowth #PoolRoute #SwimmingPoolIndustry #PoolTech #ServiceBusiness #PoolNationPodcast

In Episode 301 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we bring you a special “Best Of Pool Nation” compilation featuring some of the most impactful conversations, emotional moments, business lessons, and industry insights from the podcast. From pool business growth strategies and operational efficiency to powerful conversations about water safety, leadership, and industry innovation, this episode highlights why Pool Nation continues to be the leading voice for pool professionals across the country. You’ll hear incredible discussions with industry leaders from Heritage Pool Supply, AquaStar Pool Products, Terry Arko, Steve Barnes, and more as we dive into topics that every pool pro, service company owner, repair technician, and industry professional can relate to. This episode covers:→ Pool route efficiency and operational growth→ Building stronger pool businesses→ Leadership and mentorship in the pool industry→ Water safety awareness and Every Child A Swimmer→ Pool industry innovation and training→ Pool Nation Hall of Fame stories→ Business systems, scaling, and profitability→ The future of pool industry education If you're a pool service company owner, pool technician, builder, retailer, or manufacturer looking to grow your business and stay connected to the pulse of the swimming pool industry, this episode is packed with valuable insight and inspiration. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – Heritage Pool Supply leadership and behind-the-counter perspectives10:00 – Transitioning into the pool industry and learning the business18:00 – Retail management, distribution, and customer relationships24:00 – AquaStar partnership and Every Child A Swimmer initiative42:00 – Casey’s emotional water safety story and drowning prevention awareness52:00 – AquaStar’s mission and pool safety innovation58:00 – Pool Nation Hall of Fame special segment with Terry Arko & Steve Barnes1:10:00 – Industry recognition, education, and legacy building1:24:00 – Pool business operational efficiency discussion1:33:00 – Route optimization and maximizing profitability1:41:00 – Time management and scaling a pool service business1:44:00 – Closing thoughts and Pool Nation community updates Special Thanks To Our Visionary Partners & Sponsors A huge thank you to all of our incredible sponsors and visionary partners who continue to support Pool Nation, pool industry education, and the growth of pool professionals across the country. Your partnership helps us continue building the #1 platform for swimming pool service, repair, business, and leadership education. Thank You To: → Heritage Pool Supply Group→ AquaStar Pool Products→ Raypak→ Natural Chemistry→ BlueRay XL→ Hayward Pool Products→ US Motors→ SPPA→ Poolside Tech→ Pool Brain→ OnCore Filtration→ Encore Brands

In Episode 300 of the Pool Nation Podcast Edgar and John sit down with Mike from Quick Shop Pools and Bellafina Outdoors to talk about the future of pool construction, pool design, and pool business mentorship. If you are a pool service pro, pool builder, or pool business owner looking to grow, this is the pool podcast episode you cannot miss. Mike spent 20 years in law enforcement working federal fugitive task forces, including the team that helped apprehend Whitey Bulger, before going all in on the pool industry. Today, he runs one of the most innovative pool construction companies and pool design showrooms in the country out of Huntington Beach, California. Pool pros who have walked through Bellafina Outdoors are calling it the Disneyland of pool design. We also welcome Luz, Director of Operations at Bellafina, who brings over 20 years of brand and marketing experience into the pool industry, plus Thomas from PAL Lighting and Michelle from Heritage Pool Supply for a full Pool Nation studio conversation on pool builder education, customer experience, and elevating the pool trade for the next generation of pool pros. IN THIS POOL NATION PODCAST EPISODE:- How Mike built a pool construction business from the ground up- The real story behind the Whitey Bulger fugitive apprehension- How the 2008 crash shaped a new vision for the pool industry- Why pool builder mentorship is the missing piece in pool construction- The Bellafina Pro Academy and the future of pool builder education- How to deliver a true pool design experience to homeowners- Why collaboration beats competition in the pool industry- Heritage Pool Supply's quarterly open house partnership with Bellafina POOL NATION PODCAST TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast02:00 Thank you to our Pool Nation sponsors and partners08:30 Meet Mike from Quick Shop Pools and Bellafina Outdoors10:30 Heritage Pro Service Academy pool boot camp June 6 in Van Nuys14:30 From law enforcement to the pool industry16:30 The Whitey Bulger story behind one of America's biggest fugitive captures21:30 Surviving the 2008 crash and launching a new pool design model25:00 Why mentorship for younger pool builders matters30:00 Inside the Disneyland of pool design showrooms38:00 Why healthy competition makes the entire pool industry stronger46:00 Industry tea: big changes coming to the pool industry47:30 Luz on bringing fresh marketing talent into the pool world58:00 Thomas from PAL Lighting on pool and landscape lighting design01:08:00 The Outdoor Plus partnership and the tower of fire bowls01:13:00 Introducing the Bellafina Pro Academy for pool builders01:17:30 Heritage Pool Supply quarterly open house at Bellafina01:24:30 Final thoughts for pool pros THANK YOU TO OUR POOL NATION PODCAST SPONSORS:SPPA, Blueray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry,  Raypak, Hayward Pool Products, EnCore BrandsHeritage Pool Supply Group, Pool Brain, Poolside Tech, NidecOnCore Filtration

In Episode 299 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” break down one of the most important conversations every pool pro needs to hear — the signals your business is sending you every single day. From pricing mistakes and route inefficiencies to hiring too late and chasing the wrong growth, this episode dives deep into the real challenges pool service companies face — and how to fix them. But that’s not all… 🚨 BIG NEWS: The Pool Pro Challenge just leveled up — now officially a $20,000+ competition (and pushing toward $25K) thanks to industry partners like BioLab and ProGuard. If you’re serious about scaling your pool business, increasing profitability, and building something sustainable — this episode is a must-listen. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why more pools doesn’t always mean more profit The hidden cost of poor route density and wasted drive time How growth exposes every weak system in your business When to hire (and why waiting can cost you thousands) How to build additional revenue streams right in your customers’ backyards Why branding builds trust — not just recognition The real reason most pool businesses plateau How top pool pros are scaling to hundreds (even thousands) of pools 🚀 Industry Updates & Announcements: The Pool Pro Challenge Prize Pool jumps to $20K+ (on the way to $25K) Upcoming Heritage Pro Service Academy hands-on training event Launch of Pool Nation certifications New Pool Nation Spotlights featuring real pool pros scaling their businesses ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – What your business is really telling you02:30 – AI, technology, and adapting in today’s world05:00 – Real talk: health, burnout, and the grind12:30 – Heritage Pro Service Academy announcement15:00 – Creating new revenue streams (cool deck, services, upsells)19:00 – 🚨 Pool Pro Challenge hits $20K+23:00 – Why this prize money is a game changer31:00 – Pool Nation Spotlights: real growth stories45:00 – Top 10 lessons from successful pool pros54:00 – Route density and profitability breakdown57:00 – Hiring mistakes and the cost of bad employees01:00:00 – Scaling vs staying small: choosing your path01:05:00 – Final thoughts and key takeaways01:17:00 – Outro 🙌 Special Thanks to Our Visionary Partners A huge thank you to our incredible partners who make this podcast possible: SPPA BlueRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply ONCore Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Neodeck Encore Filtration 👉 Want to grow your business faster?Visit PoolNation.com and get plugged into training, events, and the community that’s changing the industry.