E-217 Pool Nation Podcast - Mastering Business Operational Efficiencies

The Pool Industry's Seasonal Surge: When Business Gets Real

As summer winds down and temperatures start to drop (well, sort of—they're still hitting 110-115°F in some areas), the pool industry enters one of its most demanding phases. While many businesses might be slowing down, successful pool professionals know this is when the real work begins.

The phenomenon is all too familiar to industry veterans. After months of clients being away, everyone suddenly wants everything done at once. It's a testament to the cyclical nature of the pool business and the importance of being prepared for these seasonal surges.

We literally have a laundry list of pools and where our clients are coming down after being gone for six months. They all of a sudden want to do the things we talked about before. Hey, let's handle this during the summer while you're gone, you know?

— John JJ Flawless, Pool Nation Podcast

This seasonal challenge highlights a critical aspect of pool business operations: the need for efficient systems that can handle dramatic workload fluctuations while maintaining quality service.

Building Your Professional Network: It Starts with Taking the First Step

One of the most inspiring segments of this episode featured a shout-out to Keegan from No Excuses Pool Service in Riverside, California. At just 22 years old, Keegan represents the next generation of pool professionals who understand that success isn't just about technical skills—it's about building connections and continuously learning.

The story resonates because it highlights a common challenge: breaking out of your local bubble to see the bigger picture of the industry. Many pool professionals operate in relative isolation, knowing only their immediate competitors and suppliers.

And I remember my first show and it's like, we kind of live in our bubble, might know some people in the area. And then once you get to a show, you're like, wow, this is much bigger than I originally thought it was.

— Zach the Pool Boy Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

The courage to attend your first industry event, especially as a young professional, demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking that separates thriving businesses from those that merely survive.

The Evolution of Industry Education: Beyond Traditional Learning

The pool industry is experiencing a significant shift in how education and training are delivered. Gone are the days when learning meant sitting in a classroom listening to lectures. Today's pool professionals need hands-on, practical experience that directly translates to real-world applications.

This evolution is exemplified by innovative approaches like the Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation Event, which takes a radically different approach to professional development. Instead of traditional presentations, this event focuses on immersive, hands-on experiences.

So what is going to happen is let's say that you want to tear apart a Ray Pack Avia heater. They'll be able to do that right there on the floor. You want to learn how to install a pump, you'll be able to do it there. You want to replace motors, you'll be able to do it right there on the floor.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This approach recognizes that pool professionals learn best by doing, not just by listening or reading. It's education that respects the practical nature of the work and provides immediate value.

The Business Bar Concept: Expert Consultation Made Accessible

Perhaps one of the most innovative concepts discussed in this episode is the "Business Bar"—a fresh take on getting business advice and support. Drawing inspiration from the Apple Genius Bar concept, this approach makes expert business consultation accessible and judgment-free.

The Business Bar addresses a critical gap in the pool industry: access to business expertise. While technical knowledge is readily available, business guidance—covering everything from scaling operations to marketing and HR—has been harder to come by.

So if you are a Pool Pro and you want to talk about scaling, you want to talk about marketing, you want to talk about HR, you want to talk about branding, you want to talk about anything. We're going to have 16 different stations there with people that will be able to help you, be able to answer your questions.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This concept recognizes that many pool professionals are excellent technicians but may lack formal business training. By providing easy access to experts in various business disciplines, the Business Bar helps level the playing field.

Financial Support for Professional Development: Making Education Accessible

One of the most practical pieces of information shared in this episode concerns the IPSA Education Fund—a resource that many pool professionals may not know about. This fund can reimburse up to $200 for training, essentially making professional education free for qualifying business owners.

The fund represents a recognition that continuous education is vital for industry growth, but cost can be a barrier for smaller operators. With many courses priced at $125-149, this reimbursement can completely cover the cost of professional development.

What makes this particularly valuable is that it's not limited to IPSA members—any qualifying business owner can apply. The requirements are straightforward: pay for the training, complete it, get your certificate, and submit your documentation for reimbursement.

Operational Efficiency Under Pressure: Thriving in Chaos

The conversation reveals an important truth about successful pool businesses: they don't just survive busy periods—they thrive during them. The ability to scale operations quickly, manage increased demand, and maintain quality service during peak periods separates professional operations from amateur ones.

The hosts' discussion of their current workload—preparing for a major conference while managing seasonal business demands—illustrates how successful professionals handle multiple priorities simultaneously. It's not about avoiding stress or busy periods; it's about having systems and mindsets that can handle them effectively.

There is no time to relax, but I enjoy this and I'm built this way. This is what I like. It helps keep me young. Otherwise, I think I'll just wither away or just get crazy and go into a loony bin or loony whatever if I sat there and had nothing to do.

— John JJ Flawless, Pool Nation Podcast

This attitude—viewing challenges as energizing rather than draining—is characteristic of successful business operators across industries.

Looking Forward: The Future of Pool Industry Events

As the pool industry continues to evolve, so too must the events and conferences that serve it. The approach being taken by Pool Nation represents a significant shift toward more practical, hands-on, and immediately applicable education and networking opportunities.

The emphasis on creating "experiences" rather than just events reflects a deeper understanding of what pool professionals need: practical knowledge, genuine connections, and support systems that extend beyond the event itself.

With limited spots available and growing interest, these types of focused, high-value events may become the new standard for professional development in the pool industry. They represent a move away from generic, one-size-fits-all conferences toward specialized events designed specifically for the unique needs of pool professionals.

The success of this approach will likely influence how the entire industry thinks about professional development, networking, and business support—creating a more connected, educated, and successful community of pool professionals.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Updates
• 05:30 Seasonal Business Challenges
• 12:15 Shout-out to Young Pool Professional
• 18:45 Pool Nation Conference Details
• 25:20 Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation Event
• 32:10 Business Bar Concept
• 38:30 IPSA Education Fund Information