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Pool Nation Podcast

Pool Nation Podcast

By: Pool Nation
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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.Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • E-304 Pool Nation Podcast - AquaLink Edge Igniting What's Next: Fluidra's Vision for the Future of Pool Technology
    Jun 8 2026

    In episode # 304 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Jeremy Young and Orlando Gadea from Fluidra to reveal one of the biggest pool industry technology launches in years: the all-new AquaLink Edge platform.

    This isn't just another automation panel. Fluidra shares how AquaLink Edge is built around edge computing, smarter equipment communication, local processing, enhanced homeowner experiences, and a future ecosystem designed to help pool professionals run more efficient and profitable businesses.

    The conversation dives deep into automation, connected equipment, wireless communication, AI-driven pool management, smarter service operations, and how Tracker IO is helping transform the way pool companies manage routes, inventory, service calls, and customer experiences.

    Whether you're a pool service professional, builder, repair technician, retailer, or industry leader, this episode provides an exclusive first look at where pool technology is heading and how it will impact your business over the next decade.

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Introduction & Welcome

    02:00 Meet Fluidra's Jeremy Young & Orlando Gadella

    06:00 Heritage Pro Service Academy & Pool Pro Challenge Updates

    08:00 Jeremy's Journey: From Pool Construction to Fluidra Innovation

    15:00 Why Education & Training Matter in the Pool Industry

    24:00 Orlando's Background in Digital Technology & Why He Joined Fluidra

    27:00 The Official AquaLink Edge Reveal

    28:00 Edge Computing vs Cloud Computing Explained

    30:00 Creating Better Pool Owner Experiences

    32:00 New In-Can Display & Home Display Features

    35:00 Why Pool Automation Must Work Without Internet

    40:00 Built-In Flow Monitoring & Smarter Equipment Control

    43:00 Five Years of Development Behind AquaLink Edge

    47:00 Easier Setup, Faster Installation & Wireless Communication

    52:00 Personalized Access for Homeowners, Service Pros & Airbnb Properties

    56:00 Service Mode Improvements & Smart Notifications

    01:03:00 Wireless Equipment Discovery & Future Product Ecosystem

    01:08:00 Customer Experience vs Traditional Automation

    01:15:00 The Future of Connected Pool Equipment

    01:19:00 Tracker IO & The Future of Pool Service Management

    01:27:00 How Data Will Transform Pool Businesses

    01:32:00 Future Integration Between Pool Builders & Service Companies

    01:35:00 AquaLink Edge Release Timeline & Launch Plans

    01:37:00 Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

    A special thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting Pool Nation and helping us elevate the pool industry through education, training, and community:

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

    Your commitment to pool professionals helps us continue delivering world-class education and content to the industry.

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    1 hr and 40 mins
  • E-303 Pool Nation Podcast - This is a Best Of Episode packed three-hour-plus episode with three segments
    Jun 1 2026
    Episode 303 Pool Nation Podcast is a Best of Episodes. This is a packed three-hour-plus episode with three segments (the Raypak heat pump deep dive, the Women's Summit podcast, and the Pool Nation Awards crew show) Pool heat pumps are the future of pool heating, and in this episode the Pool Nation crew breaks down exactly how they work, why they beat gas heaters on cost, and how to sell them without scaring off your customers. Host Edgar De Jesus sits down with Raypak's Brad Duncan and Akshaya Shekhar for a no-nonsense heat pump deep dive built for working pool service pros. Learn how heat pumps work, why they are becoming increasingly important across the industry, and how to position them as a long-term solution that delivers real value for your customers. Then we hand the microphone over to the women of Pool Nation for a powerful recap of the Third Annual Pool Nation Women's Summit. Hear firsthand stories about leadership, authenticity, confidence, mentorship, and what it takes to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry. We also take a deep dive into the Pool Nation Awards, discuss why nominations matter, spotlight some of the industry's rising stars, and share inspiring stories from pool pros who are making an impact every day. Whether you're a one-person operation, a growing service company, a repair technician, or a business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, business lessons, and industry insights. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Pool Nation: Meet the Hosts & Guests 02:00 Why Heat Pumps Are the Future of Pool Heating 05:00 Meet Brad Duncan & Akshaya Shekhar from Raypak 08:00 Heat Pump Deep Dive Begins 09:00 How a Pool Heat Pump Actually Works 10:30 Heat Pump Performance by Climate & the 80/80/80 Rule 13:00 Can a Heat Pump Heat a Spa? 14:30 COP vs Gas Heater Efficiency Explained 17:00 Why Combining Heat Pumps & Gas Heaters Changes Everything 19:30 Heat/Cool Models: Turning Hot Pools Into Profit Centers 21:00 Initial Investment vs Long-Term Savings 24:00 Selling Heat Pumps Without Scaring Customers 25:00 The Maserati vs Beetle Explanation Every Pool Pro Should Know 26:00 Pool Nation Women's Summit Special Begins 27:30 Women's Summit Recap & Industry Updates 32:00 Meet Janie Flawless & Jeanette Horn 39:00 The Growth of the Women's Summit 46:00 Finding Your Voice & Being Your Authentic Self 53:00 Leadership Lessons & Personal Growth 59:00 Sponsor Break 1:04:00 Pool Nation Live Returns 1:11:00 Pool Nation Awards Nominations Recap 1:18:00 Why Pool Nation Awards Matter 1:24:00 Recognizing Pool Pros Who Make a Difference 1:33:00 Pool Nation Conference & Heritage Event Updates 1:36:00 Education Funds & Industry Opportunities 1:43:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: James Broderick 1:52:00 Customer Education & Building Trust 2:03:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: Aiden Dunn 2:08:00 Growing a Business & Right-Sizing Your Route 2:16:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: Nick LaPoint 2:25:00 Competition vs Community in the Pool Industry 2:33:00 Using Data to Build a Better Pool Company 2:40:00 Final Thoughts & Sponsor Break 2:46:00 Lessons From the Next Generation of Pool Pros 2:51:00 Inside the New Training Headquarters 2:54:00 Gold Medal Pools: The Origin Story 2:59:00 Surviving the 2008 Economic Crash 3:02:00 Building Massive Commercial Water Features 3:11:00 The Dallas Cowboys Connection 3:13:00 Closing Thoughts 🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How pool heat pumps actually workThe 80/80/80 efficiency ruleCOP vs gas heater efficiencyHeat pump operating costs and ROIWhy hybrid heating systems are becoming more popularCooling pools with heat/cool heat pumpsSelling premium equipment to customersLeadership lessons from the Women's SummitThe importance of authenticity in businessWhy industry recognition mattersBuilding a successful pool companyCustomer education strategiesGrowing through economic downturnsCreating long-term business relationshipsBuilding community within the pool industry 🙏 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors and visionary partners who make the Pool Nation Podcast possible: ✅ Encore Brands ✅ The SPPA ✅ BlueRay XL ✅ AquaStar Pool Products ✅ Natural Chemistry ✅ Raypak ✅ Heritage Pool Supply Group ✅ Hayward Pool Products ✅ Poolside Tech (The Attendant) ✅ Pool Brain ✅ Encore Brands ✅ OnCore Filtration ✅ Nidec / US Motors Your support helps us continue our mission of building a nation of pool pros through education, community, and industry advancement.
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    3 hrs and 14 mins
  • E-302 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Business Growth Mistakes: The Warning Signs Every Pool Pro Must Watch Before Scaling
    May 25 2026

    Episode 302 of the Pool Nation Podcast

    What if your pool business has been warning you about bigger problems... and you just haven’t been listening?

    In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas dive deep into one of the most important business conversations pool pros can have: the signals your business sends you every single day.

    From burnout and busy work to growth plateaus, employee problems, customer issues, and financial blind spots, the guys break down why so many pool companies mistake movement for progress. This episode sets the stage for a powerful multi-part conversation on how to recognize the warning signs before they become major business problems.

    They also discuss: → The illusion of success in the pool industry → Why growth without systems creates chaos → The importance of listening to your numbers and team → How experienced business owners identify patterns before disasters happen → Why “one pool at a time” thinking can limit long-term growth → Pool Nation Boot Camps and the $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge → Encore Filtration’s Dirty Filter Contest → The Heritage Pro Service Academy in Van Nuys, California

    If you’re a pool service professional trying to scale your company, improve profitability, build a stronger team, or simply avoid burnout, this episode is packed with real talk and business insight from three pool pros who have lived it.

    Chapter Timestamps

    00:00 – Pool Nation Podcast Intro 01:00 – Zac gets Edgar sick 03:00 – John talks family, graduation season & podcast studio plans 07:30 – International Swimming Hall of Fame experience 12:00 – The hidden importance of pool pros in the swimming industry 16:30 – Heritage Pro Service Academy announcement 18:00 – $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers 20:00 – Pool Nation Awards updates & category changes 21:00 – Encore Filtration Dirty Filter Contest 24:00 – Edgar’s AI-generated “Smokey and the Bandit” John photo 29:30 – Sponsor break 34:30 – Zac discusses rebuilding and refining The Pool Boys brand 36:30 – Why successful businesses never stop evolving 39:00 – Your business is talking to you every day 41:00 – Listening to the warning signs in your company 44:00 – Fixing problems vs solving root causes 49:00 – The illusion of success in pool service businesses 52:00 – Why busy does not equal productive 54:00 – The danger of comparing your business to others 56:00 – Scaling too fast and losing control 57:00 – Final thoughts on business growth and self-awareness 01:07:00 – Closing remarks

    Special Thanks to Our Valued Sponsors & Visionary Partners

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

    → SPPA → BlueRay 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 helps us educate, inspire, and elevate pool professionals everywhere.

    Heritage Pro Service Academy

    Join us in Van Nuys, California for the Heritage Pro Service Academy powered by Pool Nation.

    Hands-on training includes: → Heater installation & troubleshooting → Automation setup → Variable speed motor training → Pump installation → Cool deck application → Live Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers

    Registration is FREE thanks to the Heritage Education Fund.

    Visit PoolNation.com to register today.

    Encore Filtration Dirty Filter Contest

    Think you’ve found the dirtiest pool filter in the industry?

    Submit your worst filter photos and videos for a chance to win cash and prizes from Encore Filtration.

    #PoolBusiness #PoolService #PoolNation #PoolPro #PoolServiceBusiness #PoolIndustry #Entrepreneurship #PoolCleaning #PoolRepair #BusinessGrowth #PoolRoute #SwimmingPoolIndustry #PoolTech #ServiceBusiness #PoolNationPodcast
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    1 hr and 8 mins
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