E-186 Pool Nation Podcast Unveiled: Secrets to Becoming a Pool Pro

The pool industry's conference season is like a whirlwind - packed with back-to-back trade shows, intensive training sessions, and enough caffeine consumption to power a small city. In episode 186 of the Pool Nation Podcast, hosts Edgar Day Hazus, John "J.J. Flawless," and Zach "The Pool Boy" Nicholas dive deep into what it takes to navigate this high-energy world while building the skills needed to become a true pool professional.

The Energy-Fueled Reality of Pool Professionals

Anyone who's worked in the pool industry knows that energy drinks and coffee aren't just beverages - they're survival tools. The podcast opens with a candid discussion about the caffeine dependency that seems to plague pool professionals, especially during the busy trade show circuit.

I probably drink about $25 worth of energy drinks a day or more and that's not I'm not exaggerating. No, not at all and they're not cheap.

— John J.J. Flawless, Pool Nation Podcast

Zach Nicholas recently took on the challenge of going cold turkey on energy drinks, describing the withdrawal process with humor and honesty. His experience highlights a common issue in high-pressure industries where professionals rely on stimulants to maintain their energy levels throughout long days of training, networking, and problem-solving.

The discussion reveals an important truth about work-life balance in the pool industry. While the camaraderie and excitement of trade shows create an almost festival-like atmosphere, the physical and mental demands can take a toll on professionals who are constantly on the go.

The Trade Show Circuit: A Non-Stop Learning Marathon

The pool industry's conference season is notoriously intense, with major shows packed into the first three months of the year. From Atlantic City to Fort Worth, from Huntington Beach to Texas, industry professionals find themselves ping-ponging across the country to stay current with the latest products, trends, and training opportunities.

It's crazy how all those shows are just crammed into the first three months of the year and i'm watching a lot of these this year i'm more aware so i'm watching certain people and it's like you look at terri arco he looks like a ping pong ball like picture of him on an airplane picture of him on an airplane.

— Edgar Day Hazus, Pool Nation Podcast

The hosts discuss their observations of industry veterans who attend multiple shows each month, emphasizing the dedication required to stay at the forefront of pool technology and techniques. This commitment to continuous learning is what separates true pool professionals from casual service providers.

Looking ahead, the Pool Nation team is planning to expand their presence at various regional shows to reach untapped markets and connect with professionals who may not have easy access to advanced training resources. This expansion represents a significant commitment to growing the pool professional community nationwide.

Western Pool and Spa Show: A Deep Dive Into Professional Development

The Western Pool and Spa Show represents more than just another industry event - it's a comprehensive educational experience designed to transform good pool technicians into exceptional pool professionals. The Pool Nation team has structured their bootcamp to address common feedback from previous events.

Based on participant feedback, they've redesigned their training format to include longer, more intensive sessions spread across two days rather than cramming four two-hour classes into a single day. This adjustment allows for more personalized attention and practical application of learned concepts.

Some of the feedback has been sometimes I have units out there and I'm having an issue with it so some of the questions that we want to do after the classes be able to go to them and say hey whatever it is I'm trying to program this and I don't know how to program it.

— Edgar Day Hazus, Pool Nation Podcast

The bootcamp covers four essential areas: Hayward Automation, advanced troubleshooting techniques, equipment programming, and hands-on problem-solving. Each session is designed to provide practical skills that technicians can immediately apply in the field.

The Business Side of Pool Professional Development

Attending trade shows and bootcamps requires significant investment - not just in registration fees and travel expenses, but in time away from revenue-generating activities. The hosts acknowledge this challenge while emphasizing the long-term benefits of professional development.

For business owners, taking time away from day-to-day operations to attend training can feel counterproductive, especially during busy season. However, the knowledge gained from these intensive learning experiences often translates into improved service quality, faster problem resolution, and ultimately, increased customer satisfaction and profitability.

The Pool Nation team addresses this concern by structuring their training to provide immediate, practical value. Rather than theoretical discussions, their bootcamps focus on real-world scenarios and hands-on learning that participants can implement as soon as they return to work.

Building a Network of Pool Professionals

Beyond the technical training, these industry events serve as crucial networking opportunities. The pool industry, while large, operates very much like a close-knit community where relationships matter tremendously. The connections made at trade shows often lead to partnerships, referrals, and collaborative problem-solving opportunities.

There's so many other pull guys and y'all's out there that needs some help or are looking for friends in the industry and that's why we're going to be branching out a little bit and going to some of these shows.

— John J.J. Flawless, Pool Nation Podcast

The podcast emphasizes that professional development in the pool industry isn't just about learning new techniques - it's about building relationships with fellow professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the field. These connections often prove invaluable when facing complex technical problems or seeking advice on business growth strategies.

Looking Forward: The Future of Pool Professional Training

The Pool Nation team is continuously evolving their training approach based on participant feedback and industry needs. Their upcoming schedule includes specialized classes at Raypack facilities, multi-day bootcamps in Dallas, and collaborations with industry leaders like Academy Pools, the retailer of the year.

The integration of hands-on training with real equipment, combined with theoretical knowledge and practical application, represents the gold standard for pool professional development. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants don't just learn concepts - they develop the confidence and competence to handle complex situations in the field.

As the industry continues to evolve with new technologies and customer expectations, the importance of continuous professional development becomes even more critical. The professionals who invest in their education and skill development today will be the industry leaders of tomorrow.

The Western Pool and Spa Show bootcamp represents more than just a training opportunity - it's an investment in professional excellence. For pool professionals serious about elevating their skills, expanding their knowledge, and building lasting industry relationships, events like these aren't just beneficial - they're essential. The combination of intensive technical training, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities creates a comprehensive professional development experience that can transform careers and businesses alike.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Energy Drink Dependencies
• 05:30 Trade Show Season Overview
• 12:00 Western Pool and Spa Show Details
• 18:45 Bootcamp Structure and Format Changes
• 25:20 Industry Networking and Relationships
• 32:15 Future Training Plans and Events