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 competencePools are one of the most challenging environments to learn inRepetition, practice, and hands-on training matter more than ever“Figuring it out on the fly” has been normalized—and why that’s a problemThe right education now leads to fewer mistakes, more confidence, and more time with your family laterThis 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) 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 / NidecAlso, thank you to Pool Invoice and PoolManUniversity.com for supporting pool industry training and business systems.