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 Lion 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.

• 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
• Lion Financial

00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast

02:00 Summer service stories and life in the field

11:45 Pool Nation HQ opening announcement and upcoming events

17:00 Hayward Hands-On Boot Camp 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 Lion 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

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

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.

• 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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

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

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.

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.

Episode 308 Pool Nation Podcast - What does it take to grow from a few referrals into a company with 50 employees, three locations, hundreds of service accounts, retail stores, remodels, and new construction?

In this special Hayward Spotlight episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by Ryan Morson from Hayward and special guests Kyle and Stephanie Burns, owners of Emerald Custom Pools and Emerald Pool Care in Fort Worth, Texas.

Kyle shares how his career as a firefighter shaped the way he plans for the future, manages risk, builds systems, and prepares his company for challenges before they happen. Stephanie explains how disciplined financial management, detailed job costing, and accountability have helped them build a profitable business while raising four children together.

This conversation is packed with practical advice for pool builders, service companies, retailers, and anyone looking to build a stronger business in the swimming pool industry.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How Emerald Custom Pools grew from a home-based startup into a multi-division company. • Why forecasting and preparation create a competitive advantage. • The lessons learned from the Texas freeze and how planning paid off. • Why service, remodels and retail are becoming the future of the industry. • How to successfully run a family business as husband and wife. • The importance of hiring for character instead of experience. • Why company culture and training outperform talent alone. • The future of pool automation, affordable pool ownership, and industry growth. • How Emerald's Safe2Swim nonprofit is helping prevent childhood drownings.

Whether you're a pool builder, service professional, retailer, business owner, or industry leader, this episode is filled with real-world strategies you can immediately apply to your business.

00:00 – Introduction & Meet Kyle and Stephanie Burns 02:00 – Emerald Custom Pools' incredible growth story 05:45 – Pool Nation Awards, Women's Summit & Hayward Training Hub announcements 10:00 – From firefighter to pool company owner 16:45 – Building multiple divisions and scaling a business 21:00 – Lessons learned from the Texas freeze and preparing for the unexpected 26:30 – Launching the service division and investing in training 28:00 – The future of pool construction and affordable pool ownership 31:00 – Sponsor Break 36:00 – Hayward's "Power of Us" initiative 41:30 – Running a successful husband-and-wife business 44:00 – Job costing, profitability and accountability 47:00 – Leadership lessons from managing family in business 49:00 – Creating a wellness-focused retail experience 52:00 – Why remodels are the future of the pool industry 54:30 – Sponsor Break 59:30 – Safe2Swim Foundation and drowning prevention 1:03:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs entering the pool industry 1:06:00 – Final thoughts

A huge thank you to our incredible Pool Nation partners for making this episode possible:

The SPPA • BluRay XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply Group • Hayward Pool Products • EnCore Brands • Poolside Tech • Pool Brain • Nidec / US Motors • OnCore Filtration

Because of your continued commitment to education, innovation, and supporting pool professionals, we're able to continue delivering conversations that help elevate the swimming pool industry.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another pool professional. Every share helps us continue our mission of improving the financial well-being of pool pros through education.

Pool Nation — Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

How a Former SWAT Officer Built One of California's Most Successful Pool Companies | Featuring Obie Rodriguez

What happens when a 30-year law enforcement veteran and 15-year SWAT officer decides to build swimming pools instead of chasing criminals?

In episode # 307 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and Ryan Morse from Hayward sit down with Obie Rodriguez, owner of Majestic Pool Construction, to share one of the most inspiring business stories in the swimming pool industry. After two frustrating experiences hiring pool contractors, Obie decided to learn the trade himself. He earned his contractor's license, built his own company from the ground up, and today completes more than 200 custom swimming pool and remodeling projects every year across multiple locations.

This conversation goes far beyond swimming pool construction. It's about leadership, building systems, growing a company, creating a culture that thrives without the owner, using social media to generate qualified leads, and believing in yourself enough to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Whether you're a pool builder, pool service professional, swimming pool contractor, retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or business owner, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately to grow your business.

In This Episode:

• How two bad pool-building experiences changed Obie's life forever

• Transitioning from SWAT officer to successful pool builder

• Building a swimming pool company that completes more than 200 projects per year

• Creating business systems that allow your company to grow without you

• Leadership lessons from law enforcement that apply to every business

• Why delegation is one of the hardest skills for business owners

• Expanding into multiple locations

• Surviving COVID without sacrificing profits

• The social media strategy that doubled qualified leads

• Why transparency creates better customers

• The future of pool automation and smart technology

• Advice every entrepreneur needs to hear before starting a business

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Pool Nation

01:30 – Meet Obie Rodriguez

04:00 – Family, RV life, and fishing stories

08:45 – Becoming a police officer at 19

10:00 – Fifteen years on SWAT

15:00 – Two terrible pool-building experiences that changed everything

18:00 – Learning the pool industry by working for free

20:00 – Building pools while serving as a police officer

22:30 – Retiring early and betting on himself

24:00 – COVID, supply shortages, and protecting profits

32:30 – Expanding to multiple locations

35:00 – Building systems that allow the business to run without you

41:00 – What today's pool buyers really want

46:00 – The social media strategy that doubled qualified leads

49:00 – Why transparency creates better customers

55:00 – Final advice for entrepreneurs

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Thank you to our incredible partners for helping Pool Nation educate, inspire, and elevate the swimming pool industry:

• OnCore Filtration

• Hayward Pool Products

• Heritage Pool Supply Group

• The SPPA

• BluRay XL

• AquaStar Pool Products

• Natural Chemistry

• Raypak

• Poolside Tech

• Encore Brands

• Pool Brain

• Nidec / US Motors

The Pool Nation Podcast is the premier podcast for the swimming pool industry, delivering weekly conversations with the industry's top pool builders, service professionals, manufacturers, distributors, educators, and business leaders.

Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

Subscribe today and join thousands of pool professionals who are growing stronger businesses through education, leadership, and community.

In Episode 306 of the Pool Nation Podcast - The Pool Nation Awards are officially back, and nominations are now open!

In this episode , Edgar and John "JJ Flawless" dive deep into the story behind the Pool Nation Awards, why recognizing pool professionals matters, and how these awards have become one of the most anticipated celebrations in the swimming pool industry.

The guys break down the 2026 award categories, discuss recent changes based on pool pro feedback, explain the nomination and voting process, and share what it takes to stand out as a nominee. They also reflect on the origins of the awards, the legacy of Bob Lowry, the importance of celebrating industry leaders while they're still with us, and why the Pool Nation community continues to elevate the swimming pool industry year after year.

Plus, Edgar and John tease a major industry announcement coming August 7 that they believe will be a game-changer for pool professionals nationwide.

Whether you're a pool service professional, builder, retailer, trainer, manufacturer, distributor, or industry leader, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a reminder of why community matters.

👉 Nominate a deserving pool professional today. 👉 Get involved in the Pool Nation Awards. 👉 Celebrate the people who make our industry stronger every day.

00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 Today's Topics: Pool Nation Awards & Industry Announcement Tease 02:00 Thanking Pool Nation Visionary Partners 03:00 Baby Watch 2026 with JJ Flawless 08:00 Women's Summit 2026 Update & Sold-Out Event 12:00 August 7 Industry-Changing Announcement Teaser 14:00 Why August 7 Could Change Pool Industry Education 17:00 Hayward Training, Boot Camps & Upcoming Events 18:00 Pool Nation Awards 2026 Overview 20:00 New Award Categories & Industry Feedback 23:00 Trailblazer, Trainer of the Year & Pool Guy/Girl of the Year Discussion 24:00 How to Submit Nominations 26:00 Voting Process & Important Dates 27:00 The Story Behind the Pool Nation Awards 29:00 Bob Lowry's Legacy & Lifetime Achievement Award 32:00 Why Pool Nation Gives Pool Pros a Voice 35:00 Celebrating the Service Industry & Aftermarket Professionals 37:00 Sponsor Break 43:00 Looking Back at the First Pool Nation Awards 46:00 Growth of the Awards & Industry Support 48:00 HASA After Party & Award Night Experience 49:00 Favorite Award Categories & Why They Matter 52:00 Why Pool Guy & Pool Girl of the Year Are Special 55:00 The Brotherhood & Sisterhood of Pool Pros 57:00 Sponsor Break 01:01:00 New Orleans, PSP Expo & Pool Nation Awards 2026 01:02:00 $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge Updates 01:05:00 More Prizes, Bigger Competition & What's Next 01:06:00 Final Thoughts & August 7 Reminder 01:08:00 Industry Talk: The Washington Memorial Pool Project 01:10:00 Closing Remarks

A huge thank you to our incredible Pool Nation partners and sponsors for supporting education, training, and the future of the swimming pool industry:

• BluRay XL
• Natural Chemistry
• Raypak
• Hayward Pool Products
• Poolside Tech (The Attendant)
• Nidec / US Motors
• OnCore Filtration

Thank you for helping Pool Nation fulfill its mission of helping pool professionals master the business and perfect the craft.

Episode # 305 Pool Nation Podcast - What does it take to build a pool service company that lasts for decades, retains top talent, and serves more than 1,000 pools?

In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Nick LaPointe and Ray De Rosa of Golden State Pools to discuss two very different journeys that led to one of Southern California's most respected pool service companies.

From the days of gas chlorine service and hand-written route books to modern operations, service management, technician training, inventory systems, and company leadership, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build a sustainable pool business.

Nick shares the story of growing up in the family business, while Ray discusses building his own company before merging with Golden State Pools. Together they reveal the systems, leadership philosophies, employee development programs, and business lessons that have fueled their success.

Most importantly, they share two lessons every pool professional needs to hear: set boundaries and know your value.

Whether you're a solo operator, building your first route, managing technicians, or scaling toward your own pool empire, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience from pool pros who have lived it.

00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 Meet Nick LaPointe and Ray DeRosa of Golden State Pools 06:00 Steak dinner bets, pool industry friendships, and Western Show stories 17:00 Nick's family history in the pool industry 23:00 The early days of gas chlorine pool service 28:00 How 9/11 changed pool sanitation operations forever 31:00 Transitioning from gas chlorine to liquid chlorine systems 34:00 Growing up in the family business and earning a business degree 40:00 How Ray got started in pools and launched his own company 42:00 Merging two companies into Golden State Pools 46:00 From DOS systems and paper invoices to modern software 49:00 Building company culture and leadership partnerships 57:00 Why training matters and Golden State's 8-week technician training program 1:05:00 Employee development, career paths, and retention strategies 1:17:00 Managing repairs, service teams, and operational structure 1:24:00 Inventory management, purchasing power, and warehouse operations 1:33:00 The importance of boundaries as a business owner 1:37:00 Knowing your value and pricing with confidence 1:41:00 Final advice for pool professionals and closing thoughts

A huge thank you to our Pool Nation partners and sponsors who continue supporting pool professionals across the industry:

• The SPPA
• BluRay XL
• AquaStar Pool Products
• Natural Chemistry
• Raypak
• Heritage Pool Supply Group
• Hayward Pool Products
• Poolside Tech
• Pool Brain
• Nidec / US Motors
• OnCore Filtration

Your support helps us continue educating, elevating, and empowering pool professionals everywhere.