Pool Nation Podcast

Pool Nation
  • 4.6 (45)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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. 5d ago

    E-321 Pool Nation Podcast - The Next Generation of Pool Industry Leaders | 30 Under 40

    Episode 321 Pool Nation Podcast. The next generation of pool industry leaders is already here. In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus sits down with Meagan Kendrick, owner of Pool Pro Magazine, and four of the women nominated for the 2026 Pool Nation Awards 30 Under 40. Their paths into the swimming pool industry couldn't be more different. From pool renovations and plaster to commercial pool management, lifeguarding, pool design, landscaping, customer service and leadership, these women show just how many opportunities exist inside the pool and spa industry. Chelsea shares how she went from receptionist to helping lead an operation completing hundreds of pool renovations each year, and why creating a “Disney-level” customer experience has become part of how she approaches the business. Julia takes us inside a side of the pool industry that doesn't get talked about nearly enough: commercial aquatics. She explains what it takes to manage HOA and country club pools, recruit and train hundreds of seasonal lifeguards, maintain safety standards and manage the responsibility that comes with keeping swimmers safe. Courtney shares her journey from studying agricultural science to helping grow Texas Outdoor Oasis from a four-person company into a full-service outdoor living business. She also explains how design, permitting, landscaping and construction all have to work together to deliver a better customer experience. Amanda takes us inside the massive operation behind seasonal commercial pools, including lifeguard recruiting, international staffing, pool openings and closings, inspections, maintenance, customer relationships and overseeing dozens of aquatic facilities. The conversation also gets into something bigger: where the swimming pool industry is headed. Meagan and Edgar discuss how much the industry has changed, the growth of education and collaboration among pool professionals, the opportunities available to the next generation, and why there truly is a place for almost anyone to build a career in the pool industry. If you're a pool service professional, pool business owner, builder, designer, technician, manufacturer, distributor or someone considering a career in the swimming pool industry, this episode gives you a look at just how big this industry really is. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:20 - Meet Meagan Kendrick and the 30 Under 40 nominees 02:00 - New Orleans and the upcoming pool industry expo 10:00 - Getting ready for the PSP Expo 12:00 - $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge and Pool Nation Awards 14:00 - Chelsea's journey into the pool industry 17:00 - Completing hundreds of pool renovations each year 18:00 - Creating a Disney-level customer experience 23:00 - From receptionist to industry leader 28:00 - Julia's journey from competitive swimming to aquatics leadership 30:00 - How commercial pool management actually works 32:00 - Recruiting hundreds of seasonal employees and lifeguards 34:00 - Lifeguard training, safety and liability 39:00 - Swim lessons, water safety and the post-COVID swimming gap 42:00 - Pool codes, compliance and keeping commercial pools safe 46:00 - Sponsor break 51:00 - Back with the 30 Under 40 nominees 57:00 - Courtney's journey into pool design and construction 59:00 - Building a one-stop outdoor living company 1:00:00 - Design, permitting and improving operational efficiency 1:04:00 - Finding your role as a company grows 1:09:00 - Amanda's journey from lifeguard to regional manager 1:11:00 - Managing 80 commercial pool facilities 1:14:00 - Customer service, problem-solving and leadership 1:16:00 - Training the next generation of pool professionals 1:17:00 - The lifeguard shortage and international recruiting 1:19:00 - What seasonal pool operations really look like 1:21:00 - Pool openings, inspections and the spring rush 1:23:00 - Leadership, family and relying on your team 1:25:00 - The side of the pool industry nobody talks about 1:27:00 - Why there is a career for everyone in aquatics 1:29:00 - Sponsor break 1:34:00 - Has the pool industry changed for the better? 1:36:00 - Technology, collaboration and building industry community 1:38:00 - A new idea for the future of 30 Under 40 1:42:00 - Could a 30 Under 40 industry event be next? 1:44:00 - Final thoughts and congratulations to the nominees THANK YOU TO OUR VISIONARY PARTNERS A huge thank you to the companies that continue to support Pool Nation and our mission to elevate, educate and help pool pros succeed: SPPA -  BluRay XL -  AquaStar Pool Products -  Natural Chemistry -  Raypak -  Heritage Pool Supply -  Hayward Pool Products -  Poolside Tech -  Pool Brain -  US Motors -  OnCore Filtration -  Encore Brands   Thank you to every one of our partners for continuing to invest in pool professionals and the future of the swimming pool industry. Subscribe to the Pool Nation Podcast for conversations about pool service, pool business, swimming pool maintenance, pool construction, leadership, training, technology and the people shaping the future of the pool and spa industry. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

  2. Sep 28

    E-320 Pool Nation Podcast - Your Pool Route Is Full. So Why Aren’t You Making More Money?

    In Episode 320 of the Pool Nation Podcast - Your pool route is full. The phone is ringing. You’re working six or seven days a week. So why does it still feel like you’re not making the money you should be making? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John “JJ Flawless” break down one of the biggest challenges facing pool service business owners: being incredibly busy without actually building a more profitable, sustainable business. More pools don’t automatically mean more profit. We talk about hidden costs, route efficiency, customer profitability, pricing, burnout, hiring employees, leadership, and why understanding your numbers has to happen BEFORE you try to scale your pool business. We also go inside the vision behind the new Pool Nation Business Group and why Pool Nation is creating monthly meetings where pool business owners and leaders can actually work ON their businesses, not just listen to another presentation. The goal is simple: help pool pros build stronger, more profitable businesses while becoming better owners and leaders. In this episode, we discuss: • Why a full pool route doesn’t necessarily mean a profitable business • Why adding more customers can actually make your problems worse • The hidden cost of windshield time and inefficient routes • Why you need to understand customer profitability • How to know when your business is financially ready to hire • Why hiring your first employee can create MORE chaos • The connection between profitability and burnout • Why pool pros struggle to implement what they learn at training events • How accountability and repetition help business owners actually make changes • The tools Pool Nation is developing to help pool pros understand their businesses • Why leadership becomes critical as your pool company grows • How the Pool Nation Business Group will work • How pool pros, manufacturers, distributors, and industry leaders can participate The first Pool Nation Business Group meeting takes place October 29 at 6:00 PM at Pool Nation Headquarters in Dallas, Texas, with a hybrid option available for those who cannot attend in person. The focus goes beyond financials. We’re talking profitability, leadership, operations, employees, pricing, systems, accountability, and the decisions that determine whether your pool business actually succeeds. Master the Business. Master the Craft. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why Pool Nation is launching Business Groups 06:00 – PSP Expo, hands-on training and business education 13:00 – Why financial success is Pool Nation’s first foundational principle 17:00 – Working ON your pool business, not just IN it 20:00 – Why the Business Group is more than a networking event 22:00 – Your route is full, so why aren’t you making money? 25:00 – Why doing more pools isn’t always the answer 26:00 – The mistake pool companies make when trying to grow 28:00 – Fixing profitability problems before you scale 30:00 – What does financial success actually mean? 32:00 – When can you afford to hire your first employee? 35:00 – Learning from other pool business owners 37:00 – Sponsor break 44:00 – Why great ideas from training rarely get implemented 46:00 – The problem with traditional business education 49:00 – Accountability, repetition and actually doing the work 52:00 – Pool Nation’s new business tools and software 54:00 – How route inefficiency destroys profit 55:00 – Calculating the real cost of windshield time 56:00 – The 13-step business journey 58:00 – When a $200 pool is really a $20 pool 1:00:00 – Turning information into action 1:01:00 – Why profitability alone isn’t enough 1:03:00 – Why hiring an employee can create MORE chaos 1:06:00 – Training, managing and developing employees 1:09:00 – Building leadership skills as your company grows 1:10:00 – How to participate in the Pool Nation Business Group 1:12:00 – Why manufacturers and distributors belong in the room 1:19:00 – Final thoughts on the future of Pool Nation Business Groups 1:22:00 – Making the commitment to work on your business 1:24:00 – How to register and participate remotely THANK YOU TO OUR POOL NATION VISIONARY PARTNERS SPPA BluRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / U.S. Motors OnCore Filtration Encore Brands These partners help Pool Nation continue creating education, training, events, business resources, and content designed to elevate the swimming pool industry and help pool professionals succeed.

  3. Sep 21

    #319 Pool Nation Podcast - Best of Episode Customer Profitability, and Route Efficiency

    Episode # 319 Pool Nation Podcast. What if your highest-paying pool account is earning you less than one that pays a fraction of the price? In this best-of Pool Nation Podcast episode, we revisit the hidden costs that can quietly drain a pool service business’s profits. Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac discuss pool route efficiency, drive time, customer profitability, and why adding more accounts doesn’t always mean building a better business. Hear how one $500-a-month account earned less than a $150 account once time, chemicals, and service demands entered the picture. We also revisit a conversation with 2023 Pool Nation Hall of Fame inductees Terry Arko and Steve Barnes about education, pool safety, and recognizing the people who have shaped the swimming pool industry—including the legacy of Bob Lowry. Then Leanne De Jesus, Janie Flawless, and Jeanette “The Pool Girl” Horn share lessons from the 2024 Women’s Summit on leadership, confidence, understanding business financials, and finding your voice. Whether you’re building your first pool route, managing technicians, or growing an established pool company, these conversations will challenge you to think differently about your time, your customers, and your business. Topics Covered Pool service business profitability Pool route planning and optimization Drive time and operating costs Customer account profitability Pool technician pay and retention Pool repair opportunities and productivity Pool Nation Hall of Fame Terry Arko, Steve Barnes, and Bob Lowry Women in the swimming pool industry Leadership, confidence, and customer communication Pool Nation Women’s Summit Episode Timeline Approximate timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Pool Nation Best Of 01:00 Terry Arko and Steve Barnes and the Hall of Fame 12:00 Steve Barnes on education and pool safety 15:00 Remembering Bob Lowry 18:00 Behind the scenes of Pool Nation Awards planning 26:00 Business efficiency and partner acknowledgments 34:00 Pool route planning and the cost of growing too fast 40:00 The $500 account that earned less than a $150 account 43:00 Reviewing routes and reducing drive time 46:00 Repair opportunities and the value of minutes saved 48:00 Technician pay, retention, and route efficiency 51:00 Sponsor Break 56:00 Women in the pool industry and the 2024 Women’s Summit 1:09:00 Building community through the Women’s Summit 1:16:00 Authenticity, confidence, and finding your voice 1:21:00 Customer conversations and understanding your numbers 1:24:00 Personality styles and better communication 1:28:00 Productivity and accountability 1:29:00 Closing and Pool Nation resources Sponsors A huge thank-you to our visionary partners for supporting Pool Nation and helping us bring education, business conversations, and community to swimming pool professionals: SPPA BlueRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products Encore Brands Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec OnCore Filtration Thank you also to Encore Coatings, featuring KOOL for pools, and U.S. Motors, featuring the Neptune variable-speed motor, for supporting this episode. Follow Pool Nation for more conversations about growing your pool business, and share this episode with a pool pro who could use a more profitable, productive workday. This best-of episode includes previously recorded conversations. Event announcements and dates reflect the original recordings.

  4. Sep 14

    E-318 Pool Nation Podcast - Six Years of Pool Nation: The Stories, Sacrifices, and People Behind It

    Episode 318 Pool Nation Podcast. Six years ago, we turned on the microphones to have the conversations pool pros needed. We never imagined those conversations would grow into boot camps, the Pool Nation Awards, the Women’s Summit, and a headquarters built for the pool pro community. In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John “JJ Flawless” look back at how it all started, the moments that made the work worth it, and the lessons learned along the way. From the early days of Instagram Live to earning the industry’s trust, we share what it has taken to keep showing up—and why listening to pool pros continues to shape everything we do. We get personal about the sacrifices behind the scenes, talk honestly about mistakes and partnerships, and discuss why growing a mission takes the right people, consistency, and a willingness to change direction. We also share updates on Heritage’s training at Pool Nation headquarters, the Pool Nation Awards, and the $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge. To everyone who has listened, attended a training, shared an idea, or trusted us to be part of their journey: thank you. You are the reason we are Pool Nation. Master the business. Perfect the craft. Make an impact. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and celebrating six years of Pool Nation 03:00 – Remembering September 11 07:00 – Heritage MIT training and a home for pool pros 13:00 – Pool Nation Awards, training, and Pool Pro Challenge updates 16:00 – Looking back: How Pool Nation began 20:00 – From helping pool pros to launching a podcast 27:00 – How the original vision evolved 30:00 – Bob Lowry and the inspiration behind the Pool Nation Awards 34:00 – Building a space and a voice for every pool pro 38:00 – The moments that showed us we were making a difference 42:00 – The Women’s Summit and ideas born from the community 45:00 – Sponsor break 50:00 – Back from the break 52:00 – Earning the industry’s trust through consistency 59:00 – Going all in while running a business and raising a family 1:03:00 – The work and personal sacrifices behind the scenes 1:07:00 – Mistakes, partnerships, and lessons learned 1:10:00 – Building the team and learning to change direction 1:13:00 – Rethinking coaching and reaching more pool pros 1:15:00 – Sponsor break 1:20:00 – JJ’s netting skills and pool service pet peeves 1:22:00 – Finding purpose in teaching and giving back 1:25:00 – Setting up the next conversation: Where is the industry headed? 1:27:00 – Thank you, Pool Nation, and the mission moving forward Thank You to Our Sponsors and Visionary Partners A huge thank-you to 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, and OnCore Filtration for helping us bring education, training, and conversations like this to the pool industry.

  5. Sep 7

    E-317 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Business Growth: Inside Rising Sun Pools’ 54-Year Success Story

    Episode 317 Pool Nation Podcast - What does it take to grow a family-owned pool business from a backyard shed into three retail locations, 70 employees, and a customer database of 17,000? This week on the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and guest co-host Ryan Morrison welcome Tara Soto of Rising Sun Pools in Raleigh, North Carolina, for a Hayward Spotlight conversation about pool business growth, customer loyalty, and carrying a family legacy forward. Founded by Tara’s father, Charlie, in 1972, Rising Sun Pools has grown into a full-service swimming pool company offering pool construction, service, maintenance, and retail. Tara shares how the business evolved—and what it takes to keep customers coming back across generations. Hear how her team connects seasonal pool openings with recurring maintenance and in-store water testing, why they expanded into vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete pools, and how personal customer service helps distinguish their stores from larger competitors. Tara also opens up about taking over after her father’s unexpected passing, navigating business decisions with her siblings, and earning respect as a woman in the pool industry. Plus, she explains how Rising Sun Pools is approaching online competition through customer rewards, a planned website overhaul, and delivery options—and why social media engagement doesn’t always translate into sales. Whether you’re a pool service professional, swimming pool builder, retailer, or family business owner, this episode offers practical lessons in building customer relationships, managing growth, and marketing to the people who actually buy. IN THIS EPISODE: • Growing a pool company across construction, service, and retail • Turning seasonal pool openings into ongoing customer relationships • Pool heat pumps, winterization, and customer education • Managing a family business and preparing the next generation • Women in the pool industry and the importance of being heard • Competing with online retailers through convenience and service • Focusing pool business marketing on customers instead of likes TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 02:00 — Meet Tara Soto and Rising Sun Pools 03:00 — Thank you to our visionary partners 09:00 — Why Tara returned to the family pool business 11:00 — How Rising Sun Pools began in 1972 13:00 — Three stores and three types of inground pools 15:00 — Pre-scheduling, repeat customers, and seasonal demand 17:00 — Connecting pool openings, maintenance, and retail 19:00 — Heat pumps and extending the swimming season 21:00 — Freeze preparation and customer communication 22:00 — Sponsor messages 28:00 — Handshake deals, early buys, and old-school pool marketing 33:00 — Building service expertise and supplier relationships 35:00 — “Everything under the sun” for the backyard 37:00 — Expansion, 30 trucks, and 70 employees 38:00 — Family business leadership and the next generation 41:00 — Taking over after the loss of the founder 44:00 — Building loyalty through personal customer service 46:00 — Earning respect as a woman in the pool industry 49:00 — Sponsor messages 54:00 — Meet Ryan “The Muscle” Morrison 55:00 — Competing with Amazon: rewards, online ordering, and delivery plans 57:00 — Why engagement doesn’t always equal sales 60:00 — Closing thoughts and shout-outs 62:00 — Where to connect with Pool Nation THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: A huge thank-you to our visionary partners: SPPA, BlueRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, OnCore Brands, Poolside Tech, PoolBrain, Nidec / U.S. MOTORS, and OnCore Filtration. Thank you also to Encore Coatings / KOOL for Pools, featured in this episode’s sponsor messages. Your continued support helps Pool Nation bring pool professionals together through education, industry conversations, and community. Enjoyed the episode? Follow the Pool Nation Podcast, leave a review, and share this conversation with a pool pro or business owner who’s building something that lasts. Follow us on Instagram: @pool.nation @poolnationpodcast

  6. Aug 31

    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.

  7. Aug 24

    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. Today Hot Springs Pools & Spas has locations in Greenville, SC, Charleston, SC, Franklin, NC, and Arden, NC (Asheville area). 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.   Check them out at  Hot Springs Pools & Spas: https://www.hotspringspools.net/  and PoolGoods.com: https://www.poolgoods.com/

  8. Aug 17

    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.

See All (320)

4.6
out of 5
45 Ratings

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
    320
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Pool Nation Podcast

You Might Also Like