Episode 257 of the Pool Nation Podcast. This week on the Pool Nation Podcast, we bring you a Best Of episode packed with the most inspiring, entertaining, and educational moments from our recent interviews with pool pros, innovators, and industry leaders. From entrepreneurial journeys and product launches to wild industry stories and lessons on overcoming adversity, this episode is your all-access pass to the people, products, and personalities shaping the pool industry.

Listen in for:

• Entrepreneurial stories from the trenches

• Industry-changing product launches

• Candid conversations about success, setbacks, and comebacks

• Audience questions answered, and more!

Whether you’re a pool technician, business owner, or just love a good story, you won’t want to miss this one!

[00:00] Welcome & Show Intro Kicking off with the Pool Nation crew: Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zach “The Pool Boy” Nicholas. What’s in store on this special best-of episode.

[04:12] Family, Fatherhood & Pool Pro Life Hilarious parenting confessions, colicky baby survival tips, and the reality of working late-night podcasts at home.

[12:08] Guest: Chris Galvan of Blu-Ray XL Chris shares his journey from waterpark pool pro to creating Blu-Ray XL, and the story behind his breakthrough mineral-based water treatment product.

[23:45] Facing Adversity: Lawsuits, the EPA, and Not Giving Up Chris details the intense legal and regulatory battles that nearly ended his business—and how perseverance, family, and belief in his product kept him going.

[36:11] Announcement: Pool Nation Awards Nominations Celebrate excellence! Nominate your favorite pool pros, trainers, sales reps, and game-changing products at PoolNationAwards.com. Nominations close August 6th!

[38:02] Pool Nation Conference Promo The only business-focused conference in the pool industry returns Oct 24-25 at the PSP Expo, Las Vegas. Hands-on business, technical, and financial training—plus live demos and networking. Register at PoolNation.com.

[39:37] Guest: Josh Sherwood of Sherwood’s Outdoors Josh’s incredible story: from rodeo to landscaping to pool building—and giving away a full backyard and pool to a deserving family.

[47:15] Learning by Failing: Soldering Disaster & The Value of Resilience Josh recalls his first big mistake in landscaping, what went wrong, and how learning from failure (instead of quitting) changed his business.

[52:30] Guest: Todd Pierre & Jamie Novak, AquaStar Pool Products Meet the people behind some of the industry’s most innovative new products and hear about their accidental (but life-changing) entry into the pool business.

[01:06:22] Why Disruption Matters: The Pipeline Filter Story A candid look at what it takes to innovate in an industry that can sometimes resist change.

[01:12:08] Guest: Mike Farley, Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge Mike shares what it’s like designing the “crazy” pools of Texas, tackling difficult projects, and the evolution of the backyard resort trend.

[01:25:10] From Failure to Fame: Social Media, Swim-Up Bars & Pool Industry Trends How viral pool designs are influencing backyard builds nationwide.

[01:33:30] Guest: Paul Sim, Ariel (Solar Skimming Robot) From firefighting equipment to robotic pool cleaners—Paul’s journey into pool tech, product innovation, and surviving the challenges of manufacturing.

[01:45:20] The Power of Community: Listener Shoutouts & Live Q&A Edgar, John, and Zach answer audience questions, share stories, and highlight the supportive Pool Nation community.

[01:52:41] Pool Nation Announcements & Closing Conference details, shoutouts, and how to connect with the Pool Nation team for future episodes and live events.

• Listen live every Friday at 9am PST / 11am CST / 12pm EST

• On all major podcast platforms, PoolNation.com, and Pool Nation Podcast

• Follow on Instagram and Facebook @PoolNation

Episode 256 of the Pool Nation Podcast. Ready to build a pool service business that doesn’t just keep pools blue, but also pays you what you’re worth? This week, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “the Pool Boy” Nicholas get real about what it actually takes to succeed—and stay profitable—in the pool industry.

Join us for a candid, behind-the-scenes roundtable as we break down the Pool Nation Roadmap to Profitability, from rookie mistakes to seasoned strategies.You’ll hear how most pool pros start out obsessed with water chemistry and “splash and dash” service, only to realize—sometimes after years of burnout and struggle—that real success requires learning the business side. The team shares their personal journeys: seven-day workweeks, long hours, undercharging, and near-burnout, plus the exact turning points that helped them finally build thriving, profitable companies.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why most pool pros focus on cleaning and chemistry first, but ignore business basics

• The actual progression from service to repairs—and why so many get stuck

• The hidden dangers of chasing account numbers instead of profit

• Real talk on burnout: what it feels like, and how to pivot before it’s too late

• Why knowing your numbers—from cost per pool to true take-home pay—changes everything

• The “Profit Crossroads:” that critical moment every owner faces (and how to survive it)

• How top pool companies achieve more with fewer pools and fewer headaches

• Why quality of service—and quality of customers—beats quantity every time

• How a shift in mindset, confidence, and education leads to a more enjoyable, sustainable business

• Exclusive preview: Upcoming Pool Nation Boot Camps, Women’s Summit, and the business-focused Pool Nation Conference at the PSP Expo

[00:00:00] — Welcome & July 4th stories: The team shares family time, fireworks, and what it’s like juggling business during the summer rush. [00:03:00] — Deepfakes, AI, and Pool Myths: How fake news (and viral pool “hacks”) are impacting the industry, and why learning to separate fact from fiction matters for pool pros. [00:08:00] — Event Rundown: Key dates and reasons not to miss the hands-on Boot Camp, Pool Nation Awards nominations, Women’s Summit, $10K Pool Pro Challenge, and the only business-focused conference in the industry. [00:16:00] — Why Most Pool Pros Start with Service: Edgar and Zac explain the overwhelming pull toward water chemistry and service basics, and why business training often comes last. [00:23:00] — From Cleaner to Water Manager: John and Zac talk about changing the customer perception from “pool boy” to water management expert, and why it’s crucial for long-term success. [00:26:00] — Graduating to Repairs: The team gets honest about the messy, expensive, and sometimes humbling transition into equipment repairs—and how most pros learn the hard way. [00:31:00] — Where Most Pros Go Wrong: The dangers of underpricing, not paying yourself first, and letting cash flow dictate your business. [00:34:00] — Burnout & The Profit Crossroads: Candid stories of working seven days a week, living on cash flow, and the exact moment each host realized they needed to change. [00:38:00] — How to Build a Profitable Company: Why focusing on fewer, better accounts (and charging what you’re worth) creates freedom, growth, and a healthier work-life balance. [00:49:00] — Quality Over Quantity: A look at how great customers, higher service standards, and business systems can supercharge your income—and enjoyment—without scaling up your headaches. [00:52:00] — What’s Next? A sneak peek at the upcoming “Profit Killers” episode, plus the basic math every pool pro should know to calculate cost of service and profit margin.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Start with your numbers: Knowing your true cost per pool and setting profit targets is the fastest way to build a business that pays you back.

• Don’t chase every account: Not all growth is good growth—sometimes less is more.

• Profit is freedom: When you’re profitable, you can take time off, invest in your team, and actually enjoy your business.

• Mindset matters: The right education and support turns a “pool boy” into a respected business owner.

Don’t forget: 👉 Register for upcoming Pool Nation Boot Camps and the only business-focused Pool Nation Conference at poolnation.com 👉 Nominate your favorite pool pros, trainers, and products at poolnationawards.com (nominations close August 6!) 👉 Download the Pool Man University app for exclusive business and finance courses

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

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

Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[00:00] Pool Nation Intro The signature intro, sponsor shoutouts, and a Texas-sized heat check.

[05:35] Summer Survival Hacks How pros handle the brutal summer heat and keep morale high on the route.

[09:40] Algae Trends & Chemical Cost Warnings Why algae (especially mustard!) is tougher this year, and how to avoid skyrocketing chemical bills.

[13:58] Pool Nation Event Rundown Key dates: Pop-Up Bootcamps, Pool Nation Awards, Women’s Summit, Pool Pro Challenge, and Conference preview.

[20:22] Business Track Sneak Peek Edgar breaks down the ONLY conference track in the industry that’s 100% focused on profitability, business growth, and building high-performing teams.

[26:45] Registration Details & Pro Tips How to claim your seat for business, technical, and hands-on classes—before they’re gone.

[30:30] Pool Chemistry Mythbusters (Rapid Fire Begins!) John takes on the top 10 pool chemistry myths, with Edgar & Zach on standby:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[58:10] Final Thoughts & Takeaways Why busting bad info is so important, and how to submit your follow-up questions.

[1:01:20] Event Reminders & Sign Off How to connect with the Pool Nation crew, get registered, and join the fastest-growing pool pro community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A big thank you to our visionary partners who make this podcast possible: SPPA, Blu-Ray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply Group, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, and US Motors.

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

Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation with Hayward – Lessons from the Past, Present, and Future of the Pool Industry

In this special episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac sit down with Justin Butler and Ryan Morson from Hayward Pool Products to celebrate Hayward’s incredible 100-year anniversary. 🎉

From a small metal valve company in 1925 to one of the “Big Three” in the pool industry, Hayward’s journey is one of innovation, grit, and vision. You’ll hear untold stories of Hayward’s origin, product breakthroughs like OmniPro, OmniX, and the S3 salt system, and how the company has remained relevant through changing economies and evolving technologies.

They also dive into Hayward’s bold investment in training hubs across the country and why manufacturing in the USA remains a pillar of their success. This episode is a must-listen for pool professionals who want to build lasting businesses, grow through training, and get inspired by a company that went from servicing one pump to leading an entire industry.

👉 Perfect for pool techs, service pros, and anyone who wants to grow in the pool business — this episode brings knowledge, motivation, and a look behind the curtain of one of the most iconic brands in our industry.

0:00 – Intro and Celebrating Hayward’s 100 Years 5:22 – What makes reaching 100 years so rare in business 10:41 – Hayward’s growth: From private to public and why it matters 16:39 – Pool pros can scale just like Hayward — lessons in grit and vision 23:18 – Meet Justin and Ryan: From pool tech to VP of Sales 34:06 – Hayward’s origin: From metal valves to plastic skimmers 44:00 – Game-changing acquisitions: Goldline, Summit, ComfortZone 53:15 – How Hayward stayed ahead during the recession 1:02:30 – The values of Oscar Davis and their lasting cultural legacy 1:09:45 – Hayward’s Flow Control Division: A little-known fact 1:18:10 – Product innovation spotlight: OmniPro, S3 salt system 1:29:02 – The power of salt cells that work at 800 ppm 1:37:49 – Behind the scenes: Hayward’s U.S.-based manufacturing 1:47:20 – Next-gen tech: The future of automation with OmniX 1:56:13 – Why Hayward’s Training Hubs are transforming the industry 2:03:00 – Final thoughts, shout-outs, and what’s next for Hayward

In episode 251 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zach go full pool nerd mode and dive deep into real-world pool chemistry questions submitted by new pool pro Jonah Callahan. From pH creep in saltwater pools to the truth about chlorine lock and how to properly shock your pool, this episode is packed with must-know insights for every pool tech—from beginner to seasoned vet.

John breaks down complex chemistry topics in a way that’s simple and practical, and the team shares insider strategies for managing high CYA, enzymes, calcium hardness, and more. Whether you're battling algae, scaling, or just trying to maintain balanced water, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Plus: Edgar announces key dates for the Pool Nation Awards, Women’s Summit, and the $10K Pool Pro Challenge, and the team drops some exclusive details on Business Matrix-only content at the upcoming Pool Nation Conference.

👉 Learn, laugh, and level up your chemistry game—Pool Nation style.

• [00:00] Intro & Pool Talk Weather Chaos – Palm tree nightmares, flooding in Texas, and summer is here.

• [09:00] Pool Nation Awards & Event Announcements – Dates for nominations, Women’s Summit (sold out!), and upcoming events at the PSP Expo.

• [10:50] Business Classes Preview at Pool Nation Conference – Edgar, Zach, and John walk through all 10 business-focused class topics and the Matrix-exclusive advanced tracks.

• [19:10] Listener Q&A: Saltwater Pools & pH Creep – Why salt systems raise pH and what you can do to manage it.

• [23:45] Do Enzymes Really Work in Pool Water? – How and why enzymes like CV-600 can save your time and sanity.

• [27:00] Chlorine Lock: Real or Myth? – The CYA-to-chlorine ratio, nitrate interference, and why "chlorine lock" isn't exactly what you think.

• [31:30] Testing High CYA Levels Accurately – How to use dilution testing to measure conditioner over 100 ppm.

• [39:00] What’s the Best Chlorine for Shocking a Pool? – When to use dichlor, cal hypo, trichlor, or liquid chlorine—and why.

• [43:10] How Dangerous is Slightly Off pH? – What a small pH change actually means for chlorine effectiveness and swimmer safety.

• [45:50] Is High Calcium Hardness Really a Problem? – The difference between safe and unsafe levels, and how to manage it using LSI.

• [54:00] Final Thoughts & Studio Talk – The team recaps the value of bite-size chemistry education and teases future podcast episodes and Pool Man University content.

We want to thank our incredible sponsors who make the Pool Nation Podcast possible:

• The SPPA, BluRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak – Hayward Pool Products, Heritage Pool Supply Group, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, US Motors and Pool Invoice

In episode 250 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and Zac are joined in-studio by Alicia Stephens and Rick Harvey from BioLab for a hilarious, insightful, and business-packed episode you won’t want to miss. They dive deep into what it really takes to build a 5-star pool business—from premium customer experience and staff onboarding to powerful loyalty strategies that keep customers coming back year after year.

🎤 Plus: Rick shares how he went from Red Bull to pool pros, Alicia spills the story of accidentally giving “the talk” to a 6-year-old, and the crew talks about the magic of time management, retention strategies, and why every pool pro needs to stop shopping with their own wallet.

This episode is a must-listen for service pros, retailers, and anyone looking to level up their business through education, relationships, and premium customer care.

Sponsored by: SPPA, BluRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, BioLab, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Hayward, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, Pool Invoice and Nidec.

• [00:00:00] Welcome to the show – The Pool Nation crew is back with Alicia Stephens & Rick Harvey

• [00:01:30] Marco Polo champions, vacation stories, and wasp attacks

• [00:03:00] Meet Rick Harvey: Yes, he’s not Steve Harvey’s brother… but he’s got the good looks

• [00:06:30] Hilarious family stories, chaos crew updates, and why Edgar now cherishes loud homes

• [00:10:00] Pool Nation Awards nominations, women’s summit prep & Alicia’s comedy debut

• [00:14:00] Pool Nation Conference business classes revealed: Profit, pricing, financials & teams

• [00:19:00] Why Alicia is doing stand-up comedy—and yes, drinks will be required

• [00:23:00] Rick Harvey’s origin story: From Red Bull to BioLab to business strategist

• [00:27:00] Why Biolab is built on education—and how it drives premium retail success

• [00:31:00] How BioLab elevates pool pros through training, coaching, and business support

• [00:34:00] Why fun + learning = retention (and the secret to Alicia’s powerful classes)

• [00:38:00] The ROI of training your employees—even if they’re only with you one season

• [00:41:00] Simple but powerful ways to elevate the customer experience (Retail + Service)

• [00:47:00] Are you a 5-Star Business? Here’s how to find out (and fix it fast)

• [00:50:00] “Don’t shop with your wallet”—How to sell premium without assuming budget

• [00:57:00] What actually builds retention—and why most pool pros overlook it

• [01:04:00] The key to follow-up, trust, and customer loyalty (plus a shout-out to veterinarians)

• [01:08:00] Social reviews, negative feedback, and turning critics into loyal fans

• [01:13:00] Why retaining customers is 10x more powerful than finding new ones

• [01:23:00] Bonus Story: Alicia’s infamous “birds and the bees” moment babysitting Rick’s daughter

• [01:27:00] Final thoughts: What’s your business really doing to go from 4.8 stars to 5?