E-195 Pool Nation Podcast - Launch of Pool Nation Conference

Picture this: you're a pool professional looking to level up your skills, connect with industry peers, and stay ahead of the latest trends. Where do you turn? If you're smart, you tune into the Pool Nation Podcast, where hosts Heather De Jesus (the reigning Marco Polo champion) and John JJ Flawless deliver the real talk about becoming true pool pros. In their latest episode, they dropped some major news that has the entire pool industry buzzing – the launch of the Pool Nation Conference at the PSB Expo.

The Big Announcement: Pool Nation Conference Takes Center Stage

The pool industry is about to get a major education upgrade. The Pool Nation Conference is set to launch at the PSB Expo, promising to bring together pool professionals from across the nation for intensive training, networking, and industry insights. This isn't your typical conference – it's designed specifically for those who want to transform from basic service techs to true pool nation pros.

We're talking about becoming a nation of pool pros. And yes, we will talk about the latest products trends and training in the pool industry.

— Heather De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

The conference represents a significant investment in professional development for the pool industry, backed by major sponsors including Hayward Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypack, Heritage Pool Supply, and other industry leaders. This level of support indicates the industry's commitment to raising professional standards and providing serious educational opportunities.

Heritage Pool Supply's Grand Opening: More Than Just Ribbon Cutting

Speaking of industry excitement, Heritage Pool Supply is making waves with their new store opening in Covington, Louisiana. But this isn't just any grand opening – they're giving away a truck worth up to $40,000. Located at Team 384 Seymour Myers Boulevard, the event features food, live music, vendor showcases, and the chance to spin and win big.

What makes this giveaway particularly attractive is its flexibility. Winners can either apply the $40,000 toward a truck purchase or take the cash value. No purchase is necessary, making it accessible to anyone who stops by during the May 10th celebration.

Grand prize winner has the option to apply $40,000 on a truck purchase or take the cash value... That's a lot of money and no purchase necessary, right?

— Heather De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This type of generous giveaway demonstrates how pool supply companies are investing in community engagement and supporting the professionals who keep the industry running. It's also a smart business move that generates excitement and brings potential customers through the doors.

Hands-On Learning: The Ray Pack Boot Camp Experience

For pool professionals serious about mastering heater technology, the Ray Pack boot camp in Oxnard, California (May 17th) promises an unprecedented hands-on learning experience. This isn't your typical classroom training – participants will literally take apart live heaters, examine every component, and put them back together again.

The training starts with a networking event on Thursday (May 16th) from 4-6 PM in Ventura, allowing attendees to connect before diving into the intensive technical training. The Friday session begins at 9 AM and features a 201-series heater class that goes far beyond basic troubleshooting.

There's not going to be anything left inside of that heater that you're not going to touch, feel, smell, taste, whatever you're getting in there into that heater. And these are live heaters.

— Heather De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This level of hands-on training is rare in the industry. Most technicians learn heater repair through trial and error on customer equipment. Having the opportunity to disassemble and reassemble heaters in a controlled educational environment provides invaluable experience without the pressure of a service call.

Real-World Heater Horror Stories: Learning from Experience

The podcast hosts didn't just talk theory – they shared real experiences that every pool professional can relate to. From heaters that literally blow apart to equipment that "dances" due to calcification, these stories highlight why proper training is essential.

John shared a recent service call where a 30-year-old Jandy LX had essentially exploded: "literally the shell, the top is like completely off and the front panel is like blown off." Meanwhile, Heather recounted her early training experiences, including a heater with water in the gas line that created gunshot-loud bangs during startup.

These aren't unusual occurrences. Every experienced pool professional has similar stories, and they underscore the importance of proper installation, maintenance, and safety protocols. When heaters fail catastrophically, it's often due to age, poor maintenance, or installation issues that could have been prevented with proper knowledge.

When they're really calcified, man, those suckers are coming off the ground. Yeah, it's like they're possessed.

— Heather De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

Building the Pool Nation Community

Beyond the technical training and industry news, the Pool Nation Podcast is building something bigger – a community of professionals who support each other's growth. The live podcast format allows real-time interaction with listeners across the country, from Connecticut to California.

During the episode, hosts connected with listeners dealing with various challenges: Derek from Connecticut reported that only 50% of pools were open due to horrible weather that "feels like March," while others shared their own experiences and questions. This type of peer-to-peer communication is invaluable in an industry where technicians often work alone.

The networking aspect extends beyond the podcast itself. The Ray Pack boot camp's networking event and the Pool Nation Conference are designed to create lasting professional relationships. In an industry where word-of-mouth recommendations and peer referrals are crucial, these connections can be career-changing.

The Future of Pool Industry Education

The initiatives discussed in this podcast episode – the Pool Nation Conference, intensive hands-on training, and community building – represent a shift in how the pool industry approaches professional development. Instead of learning solely through on-the-job experience, professionals now have access to structured, comprehensive education programs.

This evolution is crucial as pool technology becomes more sophisticated and customer expectations rise. Homeowners expect their pool professionals to understand complex automation systems, energy-efficient equipment, and advanced water chemistry. The days of learning everything through trial and error are ending.

The strong sponsor support for these educational initiatives also indicates industry recognition that investing in professional development ultimately benefits everyone – manufacturers, distributors, service companies, and customers alike.

Conclusion: Diving Into Professional Growth

The Pool Nation Podcast's latest episode delivers more than just industry chatter – it announces real opportunities for professional growth and community building. The Pool Nation Conference launch at PSB Expo represents a significant investment in raising industry standards, while events like the Ray Pack boot camp provide the hands-on technical training that's often missing in traditional education programs.

For pool professionals serious about their careers, these initiatives offer pathways to expertise that go far beyond basic service calls. Whether you're interested in advanced heater technology, business networking, or staying current with industry trends, the resources are increasingly available.

The combination of technical education, community building, and industry support creates an ecosystem where pool professionals can truly thrive. As Heather and John consistently emphasize, the goal isn't just to maintain pools – it's to become part of a nation of true pool pros who elevate the entire industry through their expertise and professionalism.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Missing Zach
• 03:00 Heritage Pool Supply Truck Giveaway
• 08:00 Ray Pack Boot Camp Announcement
• 12:00 Pool Nation Conference Launch Discussion
• 18:00 Heater Horror Stories and Real Experiences
• 25:00 Community Building and Listener Interaction