E-243 Pool Nation Podcast Boot Camps, and 5 Habits of Highly Successful Pool Pros

The Evolution of Pool Industry Education: From Small Gatherings to Powerhouse Learning Events

The pool industry is experiencing a training revolution, and it's happening one bootcamp at a time. What started as small, experimental gatherings has evolved into dynamic educational experiences that are transforming how pool professionals develop their skills, build networks, and scale their businesses. In a recent episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, hosts Edgar De Jesus and Zach Nicholas shared insights from their latest bootcamp experiences, revealing not just what makes these events successful, but what separates the most successful pool professionals from the rest of the pack.

With over 90 attendees at their recent Heritage bootcamp and companies bringing entire teams to invest in education, the industry is clearly recognizing the value of structured, hands-on learning combined with strategic networking. But beyond the technical skills and product knowledge, these events are uncovering patterns of success that every pool professional can implement.

The Bootcamp Experience: Where Energy Meets Education

The transformation in bootcamp attendance and energy levels tells a compelling story about the industry's maturation. What once drew hesitant participants who weren't sure what to expect now attracts confident professionals ready to maximize their investment.

I think one of the things that stood out this time around, it was the energy. On that first day when everyone's coming in, I think people are getting accustomed to the idea of the bootcamp and now they're showing up and it's just like everyone's just ready to rock and roll, to learn, to invest in themselves.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

This shift represents more than just familiarity with the format. It demonstrates a fundamental change in how pool industry professionals view continuing education and professional development. Companies are no longer sending just one person to learn—they're bringing entire teams.

The numbers speak volumes: Gold Medal Pools brought 18 employees to a single bootcamp. Companies from Oklahoma, Tennessee, and other states are flying their teams across the country, viewing these events not just as training opportunities but as strategic business investments that combine education, team building, and employee retention strategies.

The Power of Strategic Networking in Pool Industry Success

While technical training forms the foundation of these bootcamps, the networking component has emerged as equally valuable. The emphasis on building professional relationships goes beyond casual conversation—it's a strategic imperative for business growth.

If you came to this bootcamp and you did not network and you don't leave with at least two or three phone numbers in your phone from new people that you've met, you've wasted half of the bootcamp, right? Or you've wasted your time coming to the bootcamp because this is what it's about.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This networking-focused approach creates lasting value that extends far beyond the bootcamp weekend. Professionals are building support networks that span multiple states, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, referrals, and collaborative problem-solving that continues long after the formal training ends.

The beauty of this approach lies in its organic nature. When professionals from different markets and backgrounds work together on hands-on projects, natural mentorship relationships develop. Experienced technicians share techniques with newcomers, business owners exchange operational strategies, and lasting professional relationships form through shared learning experiences.

Hands-On Learning: Breaking Down Technical Barriers

One of the most transformative aspects of these bootcamps is their emphasis on hands-on technical training. Many pool professionals, particularly those in customer-facing roles or business ownership positions, often feel intimidated by the technical aspects of pool equipment and systems.

The automation stations, in particular, have become powerful confidence builders. Participants who have never stripped wires or connected electrical components find themselves successfully completing technical tasks they previously considered beyond their capabilities.

A lot of people just shy away from it. But once they start getting this exposure, they say, I mean, I think it really opens them up to like, you know what? Like I could further my education in this and I can learn these things or that's not as bad as I expected it to be.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

This hands-on approach serves multiple purposes: it builds technical confidence, reduces the intimidation factor around complex equipment, and creates opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. The collaborative environment encourages knowledge sharing, with experienced professionals naturally stepping into mentoring roles.

The Five Habits of Highly Successful Pool Professionals

Through their extensive experience with bootcamps and interaction with hundreds of pool industry professionals, the Pool Nation team has identified patterns that distinguish the most successful individuals and companies in the industry. While the full exploration of these five habits wasn't completely detailed in this episode, the foundation for understanding success in the pool industry becomes clear.

Successful pool professionals demonstrate several key characteristics:

• Continuous Learning Mindset: They invest in ongoing education and bring their teams along for the journey
• Network Building: They actively cultivate professional relationships across geographic and specialty boundaries
• Technical Confidence: They aren't intimidated by learning new technical skills, even if outside their comfort zone
• Team Development: They recognize that investing in their employees' education strengthens the entire organization
• Strategic Thinking: They view training events as multi-purpose investments in education, team building, and retention

These habits reflect a shift from viewing pool service as a simple maintenance business to understanding it as a sophisticated industry requiring ongoing professional development and strategic relationship building.

The Business Case for Educational Investment

The trend toward companies bringing multiple employees to bootcamps reveals sophisticated thinking about human resource development and business scaling. For small to medium-sized pool companies, these events solve multiple challenges simultaneously.

Employee retention becomes easier when team members feel invested in and see opportunities for professional growth. Training becomes more comprehensive when conducted in professional settings with expert instructors and proper equipment. Team building occurs naturally when employees work together in learning environments outside their normal work routine.

The investment in professional development also positions companies for scaling. As businesses grow, having multiple team members with advanced training and industry connections becomes crucial for maintaining service quality and operational efficiency.

Looking Forward: The Future of Pool Industry Professional Development

The evolution of pool industry bootcamps from experimental gatherings to essential professional development events reflects broader changes in how service industries approach workforce development. The combination of technical training, networking opportunities, and team building creates a comprehensive professional development model that other industries might well emulate.

As the pool industry continues to professionalize, those who embrace continuous learning, build strong professional networks, and invest in their teams will likely find themselves with significant competitive advantages. The bootcamp model demonstrates that success in the modern pool industry requires more than just technical knowledge—it demands strategic thinking about professional development and relationship building.

The energy and enthusiasm evident at recent bootcamps suggest that this trend toward comprehensive professional development will continue growing. Companies are recognizing that in an industry facing labor shortages and increasing technical complexity, investment in education and professional development isn't just beneficial—it's essential for long-term success.

For pool industry professionals considering their next steps in professional development, the message is clear: the most successful individuals and companies are those who actively invest in learning, networking, and team development. The bootcamp model provides a proven framework for achieving all three simultaneously, creating a foundation for sustainable business growth and professional advancement in an evolving industry.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
• 05:00 Heritage Bootcamp Experience
• 15:00 The Energy and Evolution of Bootcamps
• 25:00 Networking and Relationship Building
• 35:00 Hands-On Technical Training
• 45:00 Success Habits of Pool Professionals