Industry Insights, JMax High-Profile Projects and Navigating Market Fluctuations with Greg, Justin, & Mike

Game-Changing Innovation in Pool Returns

The pool industry has long struggled with a fundamental problem: creating beautiful, high-volume overflow returns for luxury features like 360-degree spill spas, negative edges, and vanishing edge pools. Enter a groundbreaking collaboration between JMaxx Plumbing and Pool Products that's set to revolutionize how we approach these challenging installations.

There's nothing that exists. There's some things that you can do. You can use suction grates in the wall, you can do an array of one inch eyeballs, you can do a sump drain, put it in the wall, but there's nothing purpose built for it. There's stay right floor returns, which are ugly. There's everything out there doesn't exist to either handle the high volume or be beautiful.

— Justin, Pool Chasers Podcast

The result is a sleek one-inch by 34-inch slit return that can be plumbed directly into the pool wall. This innovative design handles an impressive 250 gallons per minute while maintaining ultra-low velocity water movement at just 2.5 feet per second. The low turbulence output creates a smooth, professional appearance that's been missing from the market.

What makes this collaboration particularly impressive is the speed of development. Pool Products was already developing a matching drain system, which allowed them to adapt their existing mold and bring the return to market in just three months after the initial concept discussion.

Real-World Performance and Aesthetics

Beyond the technical specifications, the real test comes in actual pool installations. The team's hands-on testing revealed some surprising visual elements that weren't immediately apparent from the prototype stage.

I definitely think the real life footage you got of it underwater was not exactly how I imagined it would look but it was every bit as impressive as I thought it would be.

— Justin, Pool Chasers Podcast

The underwater appearance proved to be a pleasant surprise, with Mike noting that it reminded him of "a piggy bank like dropping a little coin slot." This playful observation highlights how the return's unique slit design creates an interesting visual element rather than the typical utilitarian look of traditional returns.

Debris removal capabilities also impressed during field testing. When leaves were deliberately pushed toward the return, they were immediately drawn in once within the suction zone, demonstrating effective functionality alongside the aesthetic improvements.

Common Installation Pitfalls with New Pentair 620 Filters

While innovation brings exciting opportunities, it also introduces new challenges for installers. The team discussed a recurring issue they've encountered with Pentair's new 620 cartridge filters - incorrect plumbing orientation that's causing significant problems in the field.

We've seen a lot of plumbing installations where we're getting reversed and problem with that you know you're pushing debris inside of the cartridges instead of outside and causing some potential big issues if left unchecked.

— Justin, Pool Chasers Podcast

The problem stems from installers assuming the new 620 filters plumb identically to previous models. However, Pentair has swapped the inlet and outlet positions. When installed backwards, dirty water gets pushed to the inside of the cartridge pleats instead of flowing from outside to inside as designed. This reverse flow can rapidly clog the filter internally and dramatically reduce efficiency.

The new 620 design does offer several improvements, including 2.5-inch plumbing for better flow, dual drain plugs positioned on the sides rather than the problematic front-mounted plug of previous models, and integrated handles for easier maintenance. The sleek, "spaceship-like" appearance also represents a significant aesthetic upgrade.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Distribution

The JMaxx and Pool Products collaboration extends beyond product development into strategic distribution arrangements. Pool Products offered JMaxx a 12-month exclusive distributorship deal in recognition of their development contributions, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that could serve as a model for other industry partnerships.

This approach recognizes a crucial industry insight - the installers who work with products daily are best positioned to identify problems and solutions. By incentivizing the actual plumbers and giving them stake in a product's success, manufacturers can ensure better field performance and adoption rates.

I think we have the largest amount of advanced pools in the country and JMAX is definitely like the leader in plowing all of those pools so why not take advice from the people that are actually going to be installing them.

— Greg, Pool Chasers Podcast

The team noted how this collaborative approach differs from typical manufacturer relationships, where feedback often gets lost in corporate hierarchies. Direct partnerships with skilled installers can accelerate product refinement and market acceptance.

Field Reception and Installation Challenges

One of the biggest hurdles for any new pool product is field acceptance. Construction crews, from rebar installers to shotcrete operators, can make or break a product's success through their willingness to adapt to new installation requirements.

The overflow return system has received surprisingly positive reception across all trades involved in pool construction. This smooth adoption contrasts sharply with typical new product rollouts that often face resistance from crews comfortable with established methods.

The streamlined installation process has helped drive this acceptance. Rather than requiring extensive retraining or complex new procedures, the return system integrates relatively seamlessly into existing workflows while delivering dramatically improved results.

Market Evolution and Future Outlook

The discussion reveals broader trends shaping the pool industry. Luxury features like infinity edges, vanishing edges, and elaborate spa spillovers are becoming increasingly common, driving demand for more sophisticated plumbing solutions. Traditional approaches that prioritized function over form are giving way to systems that deliver both performance and aesthetics.

The shift toward cartridge filtration over DE (diatomaceous earth) systems also reflects changing market preferences. Maintenance convenience and environmental considerations are driving homeowners toward cartridge systems, despite DE filters' superior filtration capabilities.

Innovation partnerships like the JMaxx-Pool Products collaboration may become more common as manufacturers recognize the value of installer expertise. Rather than developing products in isolation, successful companies are likely to engage skilled tradespeople throughout the design process.

Key Takeaways for Pool Professionals

This episode offers several crucial insights for pool industry professionals. First, the importance of purpose-built solutions over makeshift workarounds becomes clear when examining the overflow return development. While installers have found ways to create high-volume returns using existing components, purpose-designed solutions deliver superior results.

Second, the Pentair 620 installation issues highlight why staying current with product changes is essential. Assumptions about new products based on previous models can lead to costly mistakes and callbacks. Regular training and clear communication channels with manufacturers help prevent these problems.

Finally, the collaborative approach between JMaxx and Pool Products demonstrates how industry partnerships can drive meaningful innovation. By involving actual installers in product development, manufacturers can create solutions that work better in real-world conditions while building market support through installer advocacy.

The pool industry continues evolving toward more sophisticated, aesthetically-focused solutions. Professionals who embrace innovation while maintaining installation excellence will find the greatest success in this changing landscape. Whether it's mastering new return systems, avoiding filter installation pitfalls, or building strategic partnerships, staying ahead of industry trends remains crucial for long-term success.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Expensive Beer Tasting
• 05:00 JMaxx and Pool Products Collaboration Overview
• 12:00 Overflow Return System Technical Details
• 18:00 Underwater Performance and Visual Appeal
• 25:00 Pentair 620 Filter Installation Issues
• 32:00 Distribution Partnership and Market Strategy
• 38:00 Field Reception and Installation Challenges