E-224 Pool Nation Podcast - The Best of Pool Nation

The Pool Nation Community Continues to Grow

The pool industry is more than just chemicals and equipment—it's about building a community of dedicated professionals who share knowledge, support each other through challenges, and celebrate collective achievements. The Pool Nation Podcast's recent 'Best of' episode perfectly captures this spirit, showcasing highlights from their most impactful conversations while demonstrating the resilience and camaraderie that defines the pool professional community.

As host Edgar De Jesus noted during their special episode, the podcast has become a gathering place for pool pros nationwide, with their recent conference drawing an impressive turnout:

I do want to thank all 348 pool pros that have showed up at the Pool Nation Conference from all over the US, Puerto Rico, out to do the education with us, to hang out, to be part of our community.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

Overcoming Technical Challenges: A Lesson in Perseverance

One of the most relatable moments from the episode came when the hosts shared their behind-the-scenes struggle with technical difficulties. Like many businesses in the pool industry, they faced a critical decision: postpone their commitment or push through the obstacles to deliver for their audience.

The night before going live, the team encountered significant issues with their streaming platform that nearly derailed their entire broadcast. However, their approach to problem-solving offers valuable insights for any pool professional facing operational challenges:

And two things, and it's funny because we'll talk about this in today's podcast is, you know, we're sitting there kind of trying to do the logical thing is, you know, do we wait? Do we make sure that we put a good product out? And both of you, you know, John, from your side, you're kind of looking at it and digging deep. And Zach, you're just going, nope, we're going to figure this out. We're just going to keep figuring it out.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This situation highlights the importance of having team members with different approaches—some who analyze carefully and others who push forward with determination. The combination of both mindsets often leads to successful outcomes, whether you're troubleshooting a pool system or launching a live broadcast.

Industry Expo Growth Reflects Market Expansion

The episode featured insights from Chris Osterbush and Megan Magana about the International Pool Spa Patio and Deck Expo, revealing impressive growth that mirrors the broader expansion of the pool industry. The statistics they shared paint a picture of a thriving market with increasing professional interest and participation.

The expo's physical expansion tells a compelling story about industry momentum. As Megan explained, the growth from the previous year was substantial:

But we have been vocal and public that the floor, we're at about 133 and change now, 33,000 square feet. And for comparison, when we closed the show last year, when the doors closed that Thursday at 2.30, we were at 100,000 and change. And so right now we're at 133,000.

— Megan Magana, International Pool Spa Patio and Deck Expo

This 30,000 square foot increase represents more than just additional space—it signifies increased manufacturer participation, more educational opportunities, and a growing network of industry professionals. For pool service companies and contractors, this expansion means access to more innovative products, training opportunities, and potential business partnerships.

Addressing Industry Challenges: The Chlorine Shortage Discussion

The episode touched on one of the most significant challenges the pool industry has faced recently—supply chain disruptions and chemical shortages. The hosts' conversation with Terry Arco from Hassa provided valuable perspective on how media coverage can sometimes amplify concerns while industry professionals work on practical solutions.

The discussion highlighted how misinformation can spread quickly through media channels, creating unnecessary panic among pool owners and even some professionals. However, it also demonstrated the importance of having trusted industry voices who can provide factual information and practical guidance during challenging times.

Terry's participation in the podcast and commitment to supporting industry events like the Pool Nation Awards shows how established companies can contribute to community building and professional development. His enthusiasm for the awards ceremony was evident:

And I'm going to tell you, Edgar, definitely because you're going to be having the pool man and the pool gal awards going on, that HASA definitely wants to be behind that and support that.

— Terry Arco, Hassa

Building Recognition Through the Pool Nation Awards

One of the most exciting developments discussed in the episode was the introduction of the Pool Nation Awards, designed specifically for pool professionals. This initiative represents a significant step toward formal recognition of excellence within the industry, moving beyond informal recommendations to structured acknowledgment of outstanding service and expertise.

The awards program addresses a gap in the industry where exceptional pool professionals often go unrecognized outside their immediate service areas. By creating multiple categories and involving the community in both nominations and voting, the program democratizes recognition while maintaining professional standards.

The timing and location of the awards ceremony—held at the International Pool Spa Patio and Deck Expo—ensures maximum industry exposure and participation. This strategic partnership between content creators and industry events demonstrates how modern pool businesses can leverage multiple platforms to build their reputation and network.

Community Support and Professional Networks

Throughout the episode, the importance of professional networks became clear through various interactions and acknowledgments. When technical difficulties arose, multiple industry professionals stepped in to help, including 'Mama Flawless,' Mike from Salmon Pools, and Dylan from Dylan's Pool.

This collaborative spirit extends beyond podcast production to everyday business operations. Pool professionals who build strong networks find themselves better equipped to handle challenges, whether technical problems, supply shortages, or complex service issues. The willingness of established professionals to mentor and support others creates a stronger industry overall.

The interactive nature of the podcast, with live chat participation and community feedback, mirrors the collaborative environment that makes the pool industry unique. Viewers actively contributed suggestions for award categories and shared encouragement, demonstrating the engaged community that surrounds quality content and professional development initiatives.

Key Takeaways for Pool Professionals

The Pool Nation Podcast's 'Best of' episode offers several important lessons for industry professionals. First, the value of persistence when facing operational challenges cannot be overstated. The hosts' determination to solve technical problems and deliver their promised content reflects the same mindset that successful pool professionals apply to complex service situations.

Second, the significant growth in industry events and exhibitions indicates expanding opportunities for professional development and business growth. Pool service companies and contractors who participate in these events position themselves to take advantage of new technologies, training opportunities, and market trends.

Finally, the emphasis on community building and professional recognition suggests that the industry is maturing beyond simple service provision to include formal acknowledgment of excellence and structured professional development. Pool professionals who engage with these community-building initiatives often find themselves better positioned for long-term success and industry leadership.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Best of Pool Nation Introduction
• 05:30 Technical Challenges and Team Problem-Solving
• 12:15 International Pool Spa Expo Growth and Expansion
• 18:45 Chlorine Shortage Media Coverage Discussion
• 25:20 Pool Nation Awards Launch and Industry Support
• 32:10 Community Building and Professional Networks