Pool Nation Podcast

Pool Nation
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Welcome to Pool Nation. The Podcast where it’s all Pool Talk. We are talking about becoming a nation of pool pros. We talk about the latest products, trends and training in the Swimming Pool Industry. We interview leaders, and educators in the swimming pool industry.

  1. 12 hr ago

    E-316 Pool Nation Podcast - From Imposter Syndrome to Impact: Lessons from the 2026 Women’s Summit

    Episode 316 Pool Nation Podcast - What happens when 130 women from across the swimming pool industry come together to learn, connect, and grow? In this special episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, guest host Emily Lemenzo Washkovich joins Doreen, Leanne, Sarah, and Spider to recap the unforgettable 2026 Pool Nation Women’s Summit. The group explores how the summit has evolved from an inspirational event into an intentionally designed leadership-development experience. They discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, building trust, communicating with impact, becoming a “multiplier” instead of a diminisher, and creating a safe environment where women feel empowered to use their voices. Emily also shares her deeply personal journey with bipolar disorder, burnout, boundaries, and rebuilding a healthier relationship with work. The conversation continues with practical ways pool professionals can use AI as a thought partner, highlights from the summit’s mentor sessions and awards, and a look at how the new Pool Nation headquarters will create year-round opportunities for training, collaboration, and industry growth. Whether you own a pool service company, lead a team, work for a manufacturer or distributor, or are building your career in the pool and spa industry, this episode is packed with leadership lessons and real-world encouragement you can put into action. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Women’s Summit recap 03:00 – Why women need connection and community in the pool industry 05:00 – Taking the summit from inspirational to aspirational 07:00 – Communicating with impact, building trust, and creating culture 08:30 – Multipliers, diminishers, and becoming a better leader 11:00 – Creating a safe space where women can find their voices 12:00 – The Drive assessment and understanding what energizes you 15:00 – Sponsor support and the summit’s surprise-and-delight boxes 25:00 – Facilitation training and developing industry educators 35:00 – Audience engagement, boundaries, and stepping away from the business 43:00 – How the Pool Nation Women’s Summit began and evolved 49:00 – Mentor conversations, workplace culture, and industry relationships 55:00 – Selecting Emily as the keynote speaker 59:00 – Emily’s personal journey with work, mental health, and bipolar disorder 01:05:00 – Establishing boundaries and building a healthier relationship with work 01:15:00 – Recognizing courageous women and summit award recipients 01:25:00 – Using AI and ChatGPT as practical tools for pool professionals 01:34:00 – Heritage’s commitment to the Women’s Summit 01:35:00 – Year-round leadership development and the Pool Nation headquarters 01:37:00 – Final takeaways from the 2026 Women’s Summit 01:41:00 – What’s next for Pool Nation leadership programs 01:45:00 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Pool Nation THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS This episode and the Pool Nation Women’s Summit would not be possible without the organizations that invest in education, leadership development, and the future of the pool and spa industry. A huge thank-you to: SPPA BlueRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products Encore Brands Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec OnCore Filtration Special thanks to the partners, mentors, facilitators, volunteers, and team members who helped create such a meaningful experience for the women of the pool industry. Learn more and connect with Pool Nation at PoolNationPodcast.com, follow Pool Nation on Facebook and Instagram at @poolnationpodcast, and explore industry training and community resources at PoolManUniversity.com.

  2. 24 Aug

    E-315 Pool Nation Podcast - How to Build a Pool Business That Does It All | Hot Springs Pools & PoolGoods.com

    In episode 314 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and Ryan Morson sit down with Jake Riggs and Stuart Lockhart of Hot Springs Pools & Spas and PoolGoods.com for a powerful conversation about building and scaling a swimming pool business, family-business succession, pool construction, service, retail, e-commerce, marketing, AI, leadership, and creating opportunities for the next generation. Hot Springs Pools & Spas started in 1989 with Jake's father and uncle and has grown from selling hot tubs into a business spanning nearly every vertical of the pool industry. Today, the company has four locations with a fifth on the way, more than 100 employees, builds approximately 400 pools per year, and operates PoolGoods.com, an e-commerce platform shipping to 48 states. Jake and Stuart share how they're taking the foundation the previous generation built and combining it with new technology, better marketing, e-commerce, data, content, and new ways of thinking about the customer experience. One of the biggest conversations in this episode is about the changing way customers find pool companies. Stuart shares how Hot Springs tracks marketing attribution across Facebook, Instagram, Google and other channels, and reveals that customers are already discovering the company through ChatGPT and other AI platforms, including a customer who purchased an approximately $25,000 hot tub after finding them through ChatGPT. This episode is about more than growth. It's about building a business that creates opportunities for employees, serves customers for the entire life of their pool, and leaves something stronger for the generation that comes next. IN THIS EPISODE 00:01:00 – Meet Jake Riggs & Stuart Lockhart and the Hot Springs Pools & Spas story 00:07:00 – Jake's journey from growing up in the family business to building his own path 00:10:00 – Stuart's path from commercial and residential sales to retail, service and marketing 00:12:00 – How PoolGoods.com was born and why convenience changed their strategy 00:15:00 – Building multiple pool business verticals: construction, service, retail and e-commerce 00:20:00 – Content, SEO, AI and why pool companies can't assume customers know who they are 00:23:00 – Why e-commerce can strengthen and protect your brick-and-mortar pool store 00:31:00 – Taking an old-school family pool business into the next generation 00:34:00 – HubSpot, marketing attribution, Facebook, Instagram and tracking where leads really come from 00:35:00 – The ChatGPT effect: how AI is already driving customers and high-ticket sales 00:40:00 – The future of Hot Springs, finding great people and expanding into new markets 00:42:00 – Building a pool business ecosystem where retail, service, construction and e-commerce feed each other 00:49:00 – Advice for young pool professionals and the next generation entering a family business 00:53:00 – Legacy, leadership and what Jake wants to leave behind 00:57:00 – Why money alone won't build a successful or fulfilling business KEY TAKEAWAY There isn't one single blueprint for building a great pool business. Jake and Stuart's story shows what can happen when you respect the foundation that was built before you while still being willing to challenge old ways of doing things. Whether you're running a pool service route, building pools, operating a retail store, selling online, or trying to grow into multiple revenue streams, the lesson is the same: Know your customer. Build great people. Tell your story. Use the data. And never stop looking for ways to make the business better. For second and third-generation pool professionals, there's another important message: respect the people who paved the way, but don't be afraid to bring new ideas to the table. Come prepared with the data, the plan, and the willingness to put in the work. And ultimately, build something that's bigger than you. THANK YOU TO OUR VISIONARY PARTNERS The Pool Nation Podcast is made possible by the companies that continue to invest in pool pros and the future of the swimming pool industry. Thank you to: SPPA BlueRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products Encore Brands Poolside Tech PoolBrain Nidec / U.S. Motors OnCore Filtration Thank you for continuing to support Pool Nation and our mission to help pool professionals grow their businesses, strengthen their teams, and elevate the industry. If you're a pool service professional, pool builder, pool retailer, business owner, or anyone looking to grow in the swimming pool industry, this is an episode you don't want to miss. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe to the Pool Nation Podcast, and share this episode with another pool pro. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

  3. 17 Aug

    E -314 Pool Nation Podcast The $10,000 Opportunity Hiding in Your Existing Customers | Jeff Morrow Jr.

    Episode # 314 Pool Nation Podcast. What if one pool deck job could put $10,000 in profit into your business in less than three days? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John “JJ Flawless” sit down with Jeff Morrow Jr. of Encore Brands and The Cool Pool Deck Coating to uncover one of the biggest overlooked revenue opportunities in the swimming pool industry: pool deck renovation. Pool service professionals walk through backyards every single day looking at pumps, filters, heaters, automation, water chemistry, and repairs. But what if one of the most profitable opportunities is something you're already walking across? Jeff explains how pool service companies can add pool deck resurfacing and renovation without becoming a full-scale construction company, buying expensive grinding equipment, or building an entirely new crew. The opportunity is simple: generate more revenue from customers you already have. Instead of adding more pool accounts, more trucks, more technicians, and more overhead, pool professionals can identify the right existing customers and offer a high-margin service that solves a real homeowner problem. Jeff shares how the Cool Pool Deck Coating was developed as a cement-based coating system that can be installed using standard brushes and rollers. He explains the difference between traditional knockdown pool deck systems, ordinary concrete paint, and a system designed specifically for pool deck environments. You'll also hear the incredible story of a 9,000-square-foot HOA pool deck project Jeff completed while his business was still struggling. Without his own crew or specialized equipment, he hired local help, completed the project in four days, and walked away with a $36,000 check. Today, Jeff teaches pool professionals how to recognize these same opportunities in their own businesses. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why pool deck renovation may be one of the most overlooked profit opportunities for pool service companies • How to generate more revenue from customers you already have • Why you don't necessarily need specialized equipment or a large construction crew • The difference between traditional knockdown coatings, ordinary paint, and cement-based pool deck coatings • How Jeff turned a 9,000-square-foot HOA project into a $36,000 job • How a pool deck project can potentially generate thousands of dollars in profit in just a few days • How to identify the “cherry” pool decks that may be ideal renovation opportunities • The warning signs that should make you walk away from a pool deck project • How to check bare concrete for efflorescence and potential moisture issues • Why older knockdown pool decks can represent a major resurfacing opportunity • How pool professionals can become the project manager instead of doing every part of the job themselves • The simple three-step process: Clean It. Coat It. Seal It. • How custom colors can completely transform a customer's backyard • Why commercial pools, HOAs, hotels, resorts, and residential pools can all represent opportunities • How adding just two or three pool deck projects per year could dramatically impact your company's profitability If you're a pool service professional, pool repair company, pool builder, pool contractor, swimming pool technician, or pool business owner looking for ways to increase revenue, improve margins, and grow without simply adding more weekly service accounts, this episode is for you. The next opportunity for your pool company may not be inside the equipment room. It may be the surface you're walking across every single day. ⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 The opportunity hiding in your existing pool customers 03:00 Special midweek episode with Jeff Morrow Jr. 07:00 Pool Nation announcements and what's coming next 09:00 Upcoming Pool Nation and Hayward training 14:00 Meet Jeff Morrow Jr. and Encore Coatings 17:00 Starting a business during the recession 19:00 The challenge of introducing a new product to contractors 21:00 How YouTube and online sales changed the business 23:00 Why Encore moved from wood decks to pool decks 25:00 The “turbocharger” opportunity for pool service companies 28:00 Why pool pros often avoid pool deck renovations 31:00 Why John changed his mind about pool deck coatings 35:00 What makes the Cool Pool Deck Coating different from paint 37:00 The cement-based technology behind the coating 38:00 When pool pros should walk away from a deck 39:00 Growing revenue without adding more pool accounts 41:00 How to learn more about the Cool Pool Deck Coating 43:00 Sponsor break 48:00 Pool deck heat and the commercial market opportunity 50:00 Testing the coating at a major resort 51:00 The incredible barefoot pool deck reaction 53:00 How the heat-reduction technology works 54:00 Custom colors and matching a homeowner's backyard 57:00 The pool deck job that changed Jeff's financial situation 58:00 Taking on a 9,000-square-foot HOA pool deck 1:00:00 Completing the job in four days and collecting $36,000 1:01:00 How to subcontract the work and become the project manager 1:02:00 The economics behind a $10,000-profit pool deck job 1:03:00 How the same HOA deck held up years later 1:05:00 The “Knockdown Dilemma” 1:08:00 Millions of aging pool decks and a massive opportunity 1:09:00 The picture-perfect profitable pool deck 1:10:00 How to identify the best pool decks on your existing route 1:11:00 Red flags pool professionals need to recognize 1:12:00 Efflorescence and concrete problems explained 1:13:00 How to test a pool deck for moisture issues 1:16:00 The three-step system: Clean It, Coat It, Seal It 1:17:00 Tools and installation process 1:18:00 Measuring pool decks remotely and estimating materials 1:20:00 Sponsor break 1:25:00 Why pool deck renovation can be a high-margin add-on 1:27:00 Contractor pricing and potential margins 1:29:00 Start getting your share of pool deck renovation revenue 1:30:00 John's message to pool service professionals 1:32:00 Pool Nation proposes a real-world hands-on pool deck class 1:34:00 Commercial pool renovation season and final thoughts 1:35:00 Closing THANK YOU TO OUR VISIONARY PARTNERS The Pool Nation Podcast is made possible by the incredible companies that continue to support Pool Nation and the swimming pool industry: SPPA BlueRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak OnCore Filtration Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / U.S. Motors The Cool Pool Deck Coating / Encore Brands Thank you to every one of our partners for investing in the education, growth, and success of pool professionals. ABOUT POOL NATION Pool Nation is dedicated to helping swimming pool professionals Master the Business and Perfect the Craft. From pool service and repair to water chemistry, construction, leadership, business growth, profitability, training, and the latest pool industry products and technology, Pool Nation is committed to elevating the swimming pool industry and helping pool pros build stronger, more profitable businesses. Subscribe to the Pool Nation Podcast and share this episode with another pool professional who needs to stop leaving money in the backyard.

  4. 10 Aug

    E-313 Pool Nation Podcast - 5 Mid-Season Checks Every Pool Service Business Needs to Make Right Now

    Is your pool service business making money this summer, or is the summer running your business? In Episode #313 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and John "JJ Flawless" break down the 5 mid-season checks every pool professional should be making right now to protect their customers, employees, equipment, routes, and most importantly, their profits. August is one of the toughest months in the swimming pool industry. Water temperatures are climbing, chlorine demand is increasing, equipment is working harder, technicians are battling extreme heat, customers are using their pools more, and chemical, fuel, labor, and operating costs can quietly destroy your margins. This episode is a mid-season business checkup for pool service companies. Edgar and John break down five critical areas: • Water & Chemistry → Why the chemistry strategy that worked in May may not work in August, how higher water temperatures accelerate demand, and why pool pros have to stay ahead of problems instead of reacting to them. • Pool Equipment & Filtration → Pumps, filters, salt systems, automation, plumbing, seals, circulation, and other equipment are under maximum stress during the summer. Learn what you should be watching before a small issue becomes an emergency call. • Route Efficiency → Driving all over town costs more than time. Poor route density, unnecessary drive time, fuel costs, and inefficient scheduling can quietly destroy the profitability of your pool route. • Your Team → Your technicians are dealing with the same summer heat and pressure you are. Edgar and John discuss workload, heat, burnout, employee retention, leadership, and why taking care of your team becomes even more important during peak season. • The Profit Check → The check almost nobody wants to do. Are your pools actually profitable? Increased chemical usage, overtime, fuel, callbacks, filter neglect, equipment issues, and extra service time can turn what looks like a profitable account into a pool that is quietly costing you money every week. They also dive deep into one of the most overlooked parts of summer pool maintenance: filtration. Putting off filter cleanings doesn't just create water problems. It can lead to increased chemical consumption, algae, callbacks, unhappy customers, longer service stops, lost filter-cleaning revenue, employee frustration, and ultimately lost customers. John shares a real-world example of how his company has prioritized filter cleanings during peak season and how properly maintaining filtration can create additional revenue while making the route easier to manage. The bigger lesson? Summer exposes the weaknesses in your pool service business. Your systems. Your pricing. Your routes. Your equipment. Your leadership. Your customer service. And your profitability. If you own or operate a pool service company, pool cleaning business, pool repair company, pool maintenance route, or swimming pool business, this episode will help you identify the problems that could be costing you money before the season is over. Edgar and John also share a personal Pool Nation update as Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas steps away from Pool Nation to focus on the continued growth of The Pool Boys, his family, employees, and business. The guys reflect on Zac's contribution to Pool Nation and why sometimes business growth requires making difficult decisions and focusing on the opportunity directly in front of you. Plus, Pool Nation gives an update on upcoming industry training and a major announcement coming August 14 at 4:00 PM Central Time. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 → Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 → The 5 Mid-Season Checks Every Pool Pro Should Make 02:00 → Surviving Extreme Summer Heat 05:00 → Pool Nation's August 14 Major Announcement 06:00 → Pool Nation Women's Summit & Upcoming Events 07:00 → Upcoming Hands-On Pool Industry Training 11:00 → A Personal Update About Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas 16:00 → The Pool Nation Mission Moving Forward 17:00 → Is Your Business Running You This Summer? 20:00 → Protecting Pool Technicians During Extreme Heat 22:00 → Growth, Experience & Surviving Peak Pool Season 23:00 → Why Summer Is the Best Time to Grow Your Pool Route 27:00 → The 5-Part Mid-Season Pool Business Checkup 30:00 → The Profit Check Every Pool Company Needs to Make 33:00 → What August Heat Does to Pool Water Chemistry 36:00 → Why Summer Pool Chemistry Is Harder 38:00 → Sponsor Break 43:00 → Summer Pool Equipment Problems 46:00 → Circulation, Pumps & Equipment Stress 47:00 → Why Filter Cleaning Matters More in Summer 49:00 → The Expensive Mistake Pool Pros Make With Filters 52:00 → How Filter Neglect Costs Your Pool Business Money 54:00 → The Hidden Revenue Opportunity in Filter Cleaning 57:00 → Sponsor Break 1:02:00 → Mid-Season Checkup Recap & What's Coming Next 1:03:00 → The August 14 Pool Nation Announcement 1:04:00 → Final Thoughts 1:06:00 → Closing THANK YOU TO OUR VISIONARY PARTNERS The Pool Nation Podcast would not be possible without the companies that continue to support Pool Nation, professional education, and the swimming pool industry. Thank you to: SPPA BluRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products OnCore Filtration Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / U.S. Motors Encore Brands Your continued support helps Pool Nation provide education, training, resources, events, and conversations designed to help pool professionals Master the Business and Perfect the Craft. ABOUT THE POOL NATION PODCAST The Pool Nation Podcast is built for swimming pool professionals who want to build better businesses, become stronger leaders, improve their technical knowledge, and become more profitable. From pool service and repair, water chemistry, filtration, pumps, heaters, automation, and equipment to pricing, leadership, employees, route efficiency, customer retention, business growth, and profitability, Pool Nation is committed to helping pool pros build businesses and lives they are proud of. It's all pool talk, and we ain't talking about netting and jetting or splashing and dashing. We're talking about becoming a Nation of Pool Pros. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

  5. 3 Aug

    E-312 Pool Nation Podcast - The Financing Mistakes Costing Pool Pros Thousands Every Month. Joe Garcia, Lyon Financial

    Episode # 312 of the Pool Nation Podcast. What if one simple conversation could increase your average ticket by 30-40%? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" sit down with Joe Garcia of Lyon Financial to break down one of the most overlooked opportunities in the swimming pool industry: financing. Whether you're a pool builder, service company, repair technician, remodeler, or equipment installer, financing isn't just for new pool construction anymore. Joe shares how successful pool companies are using financing to help homeowners upgrade pumps, filters, heaters, automation systems, sanitization equipment, complete equipment pads, backyard projects, outdoor living spaces, and much more. The conversation goes far beyond loans. You'll learn how financing can increase customer trust, improve your closing percentage, raise your average invoice, and help homeowners invest in better equipment without putting unnecessary pressure on their budget. The episode also dives into: • The biggest financing myths in the pool industry • Why every pool professional should offer financing • The difference between secured and unsecured loans • Questions every contractor should ask a financing partner • Hidden fees and fine print many contractors never discuss • Why acceptance rate matters more than approval rate • How financing can increase equipment upgrades and overall profitability Joe also shares his unique career journey from Verizon and Bank of America to entrepreneurship, running a successful formal wear business, and ultimately becoming one of the industry's leading educators in pool financing. If you're looking to grow your pool business, increase average ticket size, improve customer experience, and sell more premium equipment, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Topics Covered Pool financing for service companies Pool builder financing Equipment pad upgrades Variable speed pumps Pool automation Pool heaters Heat pumps Pool filters Outdoor living financing Sales training for pool companies Growing a pool service business Pool business marketing Leadership Customer communication Homeowner financing Lyon Financial Episode Timeline 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 02:00 Summer service stories and life in the field 11:45 Upcoming events 17:00 Hayward Training preview 24:00 Meet Joe Garcia 29:45 From Verizon and dark fiber to banking leadership 34:30 Entrepreneurship, leadership and the quinceañera business 44:00 Leadership vs. management 46:00 Sponsor Break 50:00 What Lyon Financial actually does 57:00 Financing beyond pool construction 1:00:00 Secured vs. unsecured financing explained 1:04:00 Hidden financing fees every contractor should understand 1:10:00 Why financing matters for pool service companies 1:15:00 How financing increases average ticket size 1:23:00 Final business lessons and closing thoughts Sponsors A huge thank you to our partners for supporting Pool Nation and helping us educate the swimming pool industry. SPPA BlueRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Group Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / US Motors Encore Coatings Pool Invoice OnCore

  6. 27 Jul

    E-311 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Filtration Explained: The Truth About Cartridge Filters Every Pool Pro Needs to Know

    Episode #311 Pool Nation Podcast What really makes one pool filter better than another? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" sit down with Rich Medina, Engineering Leader at OnCore Filtration, to take one of the deepest dives we've ever done into pool filtration. Rich brings over 34 years of engineering and pool industry experience, sharing how cartridge filters are designed, how filtration media actually works, why point-bonded media outperforms traditional materials, and how proper filtration directly impacts water chemistry, customer satisfaction, equipment longevity, and profitability. Whether you're a pool service company, builder, retailer, manufacturer, or simply want to better understand what separates premium filters from inexpensive alternatives, this episode is packed with practical knowledge that will immediately improve the way you think about water quality. In this episode you'll learn: • Why filtration is the foundation of crystal-clear water • How cartridge filters actually work • What "point bonded" filter media means • Why cheap cartridge filters often fail • Injection molded cores vs. PVC cores • Why filter bands matter more than you think • Proper cartridge cleaning techniques • Common mistakes pool professionals make • When filters should actually be replaced • Why turnover rate may be more important than PSI • How engineering decisions impact your customer's pool If you've ever wondered why some pools stay crystal clear while others constantly struggle, this episode explains the science behind it. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 Meet Rich Medina from OnCore Filtration 05:45 Rich's engineering background and military experience 12:00 How Rich entered the swimming pool industry 27:00 Building filtration technology through engineering 36:30 Why filtration is the foundation of water quality 44:00 How cartridge filtration actually works 50:00 Filter media explained: point bonded vs. flat bonded 59:45 Injection molded cores vs. PVC cores 1:07:00 Why filter bands matter 1:12:30 The correct way to clean cartridge filters 1:17:00 When should pool filters be replaced? 1:20:00 Creating a maintenance schedule that saves customers money 1:22:00 Why turnover rate matters more than pressure 1:25:00 Final thoughts and takeaways Thank You to Our Visionary Partners A huge thank you to the incredible companies helping us educate and elevate the swimming pool industry. • 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 • OnCore Filtration Your continued support allows Pool Nation to bring free education to pool professionals across the world.

  7. 20 Jul

    E-310 Pool Nation Podcast - How Dunrite Pools Built a 58-Year Family Legacy | Pool Secrets with Ken & Sandy Barthman

    Episode 310 Pool Nation Podcast What does it take to build a pool company that lasts nearly six decades? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by Ryan Morson from Hayward along with Ken and Sandy Barthman of Dunrite Pools, a second-generation family business that has been building swimming pools on Long Island for over 58 years. From starting in the business as a teenager to now constructing more than 125 pools every year, Ken and Sandy share what it takes to build a lasting reputation, work together as husband and wife, and prepare the next generation to carry the company forward. The conversation dives deep into the unique challenges of vinyl liner pools, high water table construction, dewatering systems, custom liner measurements, heat pumps, customer service, online reviews, company culture, and why reputation remains the most valuable asset any pool company can have. Whether you're a pool builder, service professional, business owner, or simply passionate about the swimming pool industry, this episode is packed with practical lessons on leadership, craftsmanship, family business, and building a legacy that lasts. In This Episode You'll Learn • How Dunrite Pools has remained successful for over 58 years • What it's really like running a pool company as husband and wife • Building approximately 125 vinyl liner pools each year • How dewatering works in high water table construction • Why accurate liner measurements are critical • Heat pumps vs. gas heaters in northern markets • Preparing your business for multi-generational leadership • Managing customer expectations and protecting your online reputation • Why family businesses continue to thrive in the pool industry • The importance of building trust one customer at a time Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Meet Ken & Sandy Barthman of Dunrite Pools 05:45 Pool construction on Long Island 08:45 Hayward's "Power of Us" initiative 10:00 How Ken & Sandy met and built a life together 15:00 The history of DunritePools 18:00 Dewatering explained 23:00 Building 125 vinyl liner pools every year 26:00 Heat pumps vs. gas heaters 30:00 Custom vinyl liner measurements 33:00 The complete vinyl liner installation process 40:00 Running a family business together 43:00 Building a multi-generation company 47:00 Protecting your reputation through customer service 49:00 Life outside the pool industry 52:00 Final thoughts and legacy Thank You to Our Sponsors A huge thank you to our visionary partners for helping us educate and elevate the swimming pool industry: • SPPA • BluRay 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 allows us to provide free education to pool professionals across the industry. Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode: ✔ Subscribe to Pool Nation ✔ Leave us a 5-star review ✔ Share this episode with another pool professional ✔ Join thousands of pool pros who are committed to mastering the business and perfecting the craft.

  8. 13 Jul

    E-309 Pool Nation Podcast - What does a true partnership between manufacturers and pool pros actually look like

    Episode # 309 of the Pool Nation Podcast - What does a true partnership between manufacturers and pool professionals actually look like? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Todd Pieri of AquaStar Pool Products for one of the most honest conversations we've had about the future of the swimming pool industry. From pricing strategies and manufacturer transparency to product innovation, warranties, and building trust with pool professionals, this episode dives into the issues that affect every builder, service company, retailer, and distributor. Todd explains why AquaStar believes consistency matters more than promotions, why they reduced prices on multiple products in 2026 instead of raising them, and how listening to pool pros has driven some of their biggest product innovations. The team also tackles one of the industry's hottest topics—constant manufacturer price increases—and discusses how those decisions impact builders, service companies, homeowners, and the long-term health of the pool industry. If you're serious about growing your business, protecting your profits, and staying ahead of where our industry is headed, this is an episode you don't want to miss. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why consistency builds stronger partnerships than rebates and promotions • AquaStar's philosophy on transparent pricing • Why AquaStar lowered prices on multiple products • How pool professionals directly influence new product development • The real cost of warranty programs—and a different way to handle them • How innovation can make service companies more profitable • Why "Run Your Freaking Pump" is more than just a slogan • What manufacturers can do to better support pool professionals • The future vision for AquaStar and the swimming pool industry Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 02:00 – Meet Todd Pieri from AquaStar Pool Products 10:00 – The AquaStar story: From startup to industry leader 14:00 – What real manufacturer partnerships should look like 18:00 – How pool pros inspire AquaStar product innovation 24:00 – The truth about pricing, inflation, and manufacturers 34:00 – Why AquaStar reduced prices instead of increasing them 41:00 – Why rebates don't always benefit pool professionals 50:00 – Net pricing vs. rebate programs explained 57:00 – Warranty philosophy and improving products through feedback 1:07:00 – AquaStar's vision for becoming the "Pros' Pro Brand" 1:16:00 – The "Run Your Freaking Pump" movement 1:18:00 – Final thoughts and closing Special Thanks To Our Visionary Partners A huge thank you to our incredible Visionary Partners for helping us continue to educate, inspire, and elevate the swimming pool industry: • The SPPA • BluRay XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply Group • Hayward Pool Products • EnCore Brands • Poolside Tech – The Attendant • Pool Brain • Nidec / U.S. Motors • OnCore Filtration Your support allows us to continue providing free education and resources to thousands of pool professionals around the world. Subscribe & Connect If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another pool professional. For more education, events, certifications, and business training, visit Pool Nation and become part of the fastest-growing community in the swimming pool industry. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

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About

Welcome to Pool Nation. The Podcast where it’s all Pool Talk. We are talking about becoming a nation of pool pros. We talk about the latest products, trends and training in the Swimming Pool Industry. We interview leaders, and educators in the swimming pool industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Pool Nation
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    315
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Pool Nation Podcast

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