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.