E-258 Pool Nation Podcast - Inside the Industry’s Most Advanced Pool Studio: First Podcast from AquaStar Studios!

Picture this: You're about to witness history in the making. The pool industry's most beloved podcast trio just stepped into what might be the most sophisticated recording studio ever built specifically for pool professionals. Welcome to the inaugural broadcast from AquaStar Studios in Ventura, California – a facility so impressive that it left seasoned industry veterans speechless and feeling like podcast rookies all over again.

Breaking New Ground: AquaStar Studios Sets the Standard

When AquaStar decided to build a dedicated podcast studio, they didn't just create a recording space – they crafted an experience. The Pool Nation Podcast team, consisting of hosts Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zach "the Pool Boy" Nicholas, had the honor of being the first to broadcast from this cutting-edge facility.

I am absolutely stunned. This is the first time we're actually doing a podcast where I feel like new at it again. You know what I mean? Where we've been doing this now for I don't know how many years... And this time it's, oh my God, this is, you get the little bit of the butterflies and you're looking at this wonderful studio that the folks over at Aquastar put together.

— John JJ Flawless, Pool Nation Podcast

The studio features multiple camera angles, professional lighting, and even accommodates a live studio audience – a first for the Pool Nation Podcast. The attention to detail is so meticulous that one of the hosts noted how realistic the studio walls looked, creating an immersive environment that elevates the entire podcasting experience.

The Pool Nation Podcast: More Than Just Talk

For those unfamiliar with the Pool Nation Podcast, it's become a cornerstone of industry education and networking. As Edgar De Jesus puts it in their signature opening, this is "the podcast where it's all pool talk, and we ain't talking about netting and jetting or splashing and dashing. We are talking about becoming a nation of pool pros."

The show focuses on the latest products, trends, and training in the pool industry, supported by an impressive roster of visionary partners including SPPA, Blu-Ray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Ray Pack, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, and U.S. Motors.

What sets this podcast apart is its authentic, conversational approach. The hosts don't just discuss industry topics – they live them, sharing real experiences from their travels, challenges, and successes in the field.

Behind the Scenes: The Human Side of Pool Professionals

One of the most endearing aspects of this episode was witnessing the genuine friendship and camaraderie between the hosts. Their recent travel mishap to California perfectly illustrates the unpredictable nature of their work and their ability to find humor in challenging situations.

I get a message from our VRBO host and he goes, I made a mistake. We can only host you for one night. You got to find a place for the next two nights. Right as I'm ready to take off, right?

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

The story of their late-night scramble to find accommodation, ending up at a Yard House at midnight searching for hotels, reveals the behind-the-scenes reality of traveling industry professionals. Yet their ability to laugh about these situations and support each other demonstrates the strong relationships that drive success in the pool industry.

Even their morning coffee ritual became part of the entertainment, with John's dependence on his morning caffeine fix leading to humorous exchanges about expectations and friendship dynamics on the road.

Industry Events: Building Community Through Education

The episode highlighted several upcoming industry events that demonstrate the pool profession's commitment to continuous learning and community building. The PEP bootcamp in Van Nuys was expecting around 40 attendees but had grown to 72 people, showing the hunger for quality education in the industry.

These events aren't just about technical training – they're about building relationships and creating a supportive network of professionals. The fact that Edgar couldn't say no to additional attendees speaks to the inclusive nature of the pool industry community.

As a matter of fact, one of the moments I went out and I took a phone call and they're like, hey, I have one more employee. I'm like, bring them down. What the heck?

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

The lineup of upcoming events is impressive: the PEP bootcamp, nomination night at Heritage Headquarters, the Women's Summit on August 21st and 22nd, and the PSP Expo. Each event serves a different purpose but all contribute to the overall goal of elevating the pool industry.

The AquaStar Difference: Setting New Standards

Throughout the episode, it becomes clear that AquaStar's approach to everything they do follows a consistent pattern of excellence. As Edgar noted about Todd Pieri and the AquaStar team, when they decide to do something, the expectation is that it will exceed whatever you can imagine.

The blindfolded reveal of the studio to the hosts (minus Zach, who arrived later) created a memorable moment that speaks to AquaStar's attention to experience design. This isn't just about having good equipment – it's about creating moments that matter and facilities that inspire.

The studio's capabilities extend beyond just recording podcasts. With multiple camera angles, professional lighting, and the ability to stream live to platforms like Instagram while maintaining different viewing perspectives, it represents a new level of content creation capability for the pool industry.

Looking Forward: Innovation in Industry Communication

The launch of AquaStar Studios represents more than just a new facility – it signals a shift toward more sophisticated, professional communication within the pool industry. The investment in high-quality production capabilities suggests a recognition that content quality directly impacts audience engagement and learning outcomes.

The integration of live streaming capabilities, multiple camera angles, and professional production values sets a new standard for how industry education and communication can be delivered. This isn't just about keeping up with digital trends – it's about leveraging technology to create more effective learning experiences.

The studio also demonstrates the collaborative spirit of the pool industry. By opening their facility to the Pool Nation Podcast team and creating content that benefits the entire industry, AquaStar exemplifies the kind of partnership mentality that drives the sector forward.

As the pool industry continues to evolve and professionalize, facilities like AquaStar Studios will likely become more common. The investment in quality communication infrastructure reflects an understanding that information sharing and education are critical to industry growth and success. This first broadcast from AquaStar Studios may well be remembered as a pivotal moment in how the pool industry approaches professional communication and education delivery.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Studio Reveal
• 05:00 Welcome to AquaStar Studios
• 10:00 Behind the Scenes Travel Stories
• 15:00 Upcoming Industry Events
• 20:00 Studio Features and Capabilities
• 25:00 Industry Partnerships and Sponsors