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

    E-318 Pool Nation Podcast - Six Years of Pool Nation: The Stories, Sacrifices, and People Behind It
    2026/09/14

    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.
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    1 時間 29 分
  • E-317 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Business Growth: Inside Rising Sun Pools’ 54-Year Success Story

    E-317 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Business Growth: Inside Rising Sun Pools’ 54-Year Success Story
    2026/09/07

    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
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    1 時間 3 分
  • E-316 Pool Nation Podcast - From Imposter Syndrome to Impact: Lessons from the 2026 Women’s Summit

    E-316 Pool Nation Podcast - From Imposter Syndrome to Impact: Lessons from the 2026 Women’s Summit
    2026/08/31

    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.
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    1 時間 47 分
  • E-315 Pool Nation Podcast - How to Build a Pool Business That Does It All | Hot Springs Pools & PoolGoods.com

    E-315 Pool Nation Podcast - How to Build a Pool Business That Does It All | Hot Springs Pools & PoolGoods.com
    2026/08/24
    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/...
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    1 時間
  • E -314 Pool Nation Podcast The $10,000 Opportunity Hiding in Your Existing Customers | Jeff Morrow Jr.

    E -314 Pool Nation Podcast The $10,000 Opportunity Hiding in Your Existing Customers | Jeff Morrow Jr.
    2026/08/17
    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 ...
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    1 時間 36 分
  • E-313 Pool Nation Podcast - 5 Mid-Season Checks Every Pool Service Business Needs to Make Right Now

    E-313 Pool Nation Podcast - 5 Mid-Season Checks Every Pool Service Business Needs to Make Right Now
    2026/08/10
    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 ...
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    1 時間 7 分
  • E-312 Pool Nation Podcast - The Financing Mistakes Costing Pool Pros Thousands Every Month. Joe Garcia, Lyon Financial

    E-312 Pool Nation Podcast - The Financing Mistakes Costing Pool Pros Thousands Every Month. Joe Garcia, Lyon Financial
    2026/08/03

    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
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    1 時間 35 分
  • E-311 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Filtration Explained: The Truth About Cartridge Filters Every Pool Pro Needs to Know

    E-311 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Filtration Explained: The Truth About Cartridge Filters Every Pool Pro Needs to Know
    2026/07/27

    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.
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    1 時間 30 分