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.

• 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

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

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.

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