E-223 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Nation Conference, Awards Recap, and Industry Highlights

The pool service industry has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the hunger for professional business education among pool service professionals. The recent Pool Nation Conference marked a pivotal moment for the industry, revealing just how ready pool pros are to elevate their operations from simple service providers to sophisticated business owners.

The Evolution From Boot Camp to Conference

What started as a small gathering has grown into something much larger and more impactful. The journey from intimate boot camps to a full-scale conference represents more than just growth in numbers—it reflects the maturation of an entire industry.

Looking at the first one, that was really exciting. Like we had a great turnout. It was very busy. There was a lot of buzz. It was a lot of fun. But to see it transition or I guess evolve into the conference was super exciting.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

The transformation didn't happen overnight. It began with simple educational sessions held in smaller venues, where pool professionals could gather to learn technical skills and basic business concepts. However, as the industry has matured, so has the sophistication of the questions being asked and the level of education being sought.

This evolution reflects a broader trend in the pool service industry: the shift from viewing pool maintenance as a simple trade to recognizing it as a complex business requiring multiple skill sets, from technical expertise to financial acumen, marketing savvy, and operational efficiency.

The Surprising Demand for Business Education

Perhaps the most significant revelation from the conference was the overwhelming demand for business-focused content over purely technical training. This shift caught even the organizers by surprise and signals a fundamental change in how pool professionals view their careers and businesses.

The demand or the want for the business courses far exceeded what we initially, because look, when we create this, especially do anything for the first time, we have a vision or we have what we predict or what we think, what we believe people want.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This hunger for business knowledge stems from a growing realization among pool service professionals that technical skills alone aren't enough to build a thriving, sustainable business. Many pool service operators have discovered they can "stumble along" with basic business knowledge, but to truly thrive and build something lasting, they need sophisticated business acumen.

The topics that generated the most interest included:

• Financial management and pricing strategies
• Marketing and customer acquisition
• Operational systems and processes
• Team building and employee management
• Technology integration and automation
• Long-term business planning and exit strategies

This shift represents a maturation of the industry, where professionals are moving beyond the mindset of simply trading time for money to building scalable, profitable enterprises.

Creating a Safe Space for Learning and Growth

One of the most impressive aspects of the conference was the level of engagement and participation from attendees. In many large gatherings, participants can be hesitant to ask questions or share challenges, but the Pool Nation Conference created an environment where open dialogue flourished.

What was amazing to me is my passion lies in learning business and things like that. And it was how much of a desire there is for the business aspect of running your company. But just going in that room and seeing how many questions were being asked and how many people were engaged.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

This level of engagement speaks to something deeper than just educational content—it reflects the creation of a true community. When professionals feel safe to ask questions, share challenges, and learn from each other's experiences, the entire industry benefits.

The conference succeeded in breaking down the barriers that often prevent professionals from seeking help or admitting knowledge gaps. By fostering an environment where "there are no stupid questions," the event encouraged the kind of vulnerable learning that leads to real growth and improvement.

Industry-Wide Transformation and Professionalization

The success of the conference reflects a broader transformation happening throughout the pool service industry. What was once viewed primarily as a trade is increasingly being recognized as a sophisticated service business requiring diverse skills and knowledge.

This professionalization is driven by several factors:

• Increased competition: As more professionals enter the market, those with superior business skills have a competitive advantage
• Rising customer expectations: Today's pool owners expect professional service, clear communication, and reliable systems
• Technology advancement: Modern pool service requires understanding of complex equipment and digital tools
• Economic pressures: Rising costs and inflation require more sophisticated financial management
• Scaling challenges: Growing beyond a one-person operation requires systems, processes, and business knowledge

The conference addressed these challenges head-on, providing practical education that attendees could immediately implement in their businesses.

Learning From Real-World Experience

Beyond the formal education sessions, the conference provided invaluable networking opportunities where professionals could learn from each other's real-world experiences. The hosts themselves demonstrated this principle, sharing their own challenges and ongoing learning process.

We got back on the weekend and we hit the ground running and it's been busy. Yesterday, it was weird. I gave you a call, Edgar, and I said, we didn't talk for, I don't know, I think it was like 10 hours.

— John JJ Flawless, Pool Nation Podcast

This authenticity—sharing both successes and struggles—creates a more relatable and practical learning environment. When industry leaders are transparent about their own challenges, it gives other professionals permission to be honest about theirs and seek the help they need.

The conference also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Even successful business owners continue to face new challenges and need ongoing education and support to navigate them effectively.

Looking Forward: Building on Success

The success of the first Pool Nation Conference has already sparked planning for future events, with organizers taking feedback seriously and committing to continuous improvement. The next conference is planned for Las Vegas in late October 2025, building on the lessons learned from this inaugural event.

Key improvements being considered include:

• Expanded business education tracks
• More hands-on workshops and practical sessions
• Additional networking opportunities
• Specialized content based on attendee feedback
• Integration of new industry trends and technologies

The commitment to evolution and improvement reflects the same growth mindset that the conference encourages among attendees—always looking for ways to get better and provide more value.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Pool Professional Development

The first Pool Nation Conference represented more than just an educational event—it marked a turning point for professional development in the pool service industry. The overwhelming response to business education content, the high level of engagement from participants, and the creation of a supportive learning community all point to an industry ready to take its professionalism to the next level.

For pool service professionals, the message is clear: the industry is evolving, and those who invest in developing both their technical and business skills will be best positioned for long-term success. The conference provided a roadmap for this development and, perhaps more importantly, demonstrated that professionals don't have to navigate these challenges alone.

As the pool service industry continues to mature, events like the Pool Nation Conference will play an increasingly important role in elevating standards, sharing best practices, and building the kind of professional community that benefits everyone—from individual service technicians to large companies to the customers they serve.

The success of this first conference suggests that the appetite for professional development in the pool industry is just beginning to be satisfied, and the future looks bright for continued growth and improvement across the sector.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
• 05:00 Pool Nation Conference Overview
• 15:00 Business Education Demand
• 25:00 Engagement and Community Building
• 35:00 Industry Transformation Discussion
• 45:00 Future Planning and Improvements