E-229 Pool Nation Podcast: Mastering Pool Business Billing: Tips for Getting Paid on Time

As we dive into 2025, pool professionals across the nation are gearing up for what promises to be another challenging yet opportunistic year in the pool industry. The Pool Nation Podcast team recently launched their first episode of the year with insights that every pool business owner should hear, covering everything from industry trends to business development strategies that can make or break your success this year.

Setting the Stage: Pool Industry Outlook for 2025

The pool industry continues to evolve, and understanding the current landscape is crucial for business planning. According to the podcast hosts, the trends we saw in 2024 are expected to continue into 2025, with some important distinctions between different sectors of the industry.

Really, we take a look at 2025. We are obviously continuing the trends that we're seeing in 2024. We continue to see construction. Pools are being built. They're not being built at that fast pace that they were being built. So we continue to see the builder side a little bit slower.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

The construction side of the pool industry faces headwinds from high interest rates, increased costs, and changing consumer spending habits. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners who might have invested in pools are now choosing to spend their discretionary income on travel and other experiences they missed during lockdowns.

However, it's not all challenging news. The service side of the pool industry remains robust and relatively recession-proof. Pool maintenance, repairs, and ongoing service needs continue regardless of new construction trends, providing stability for service-focused businesses.

Business Development: The Importance of Planning and Systems

One of the standout themes from this episode was the emphasis on business systems and planning. Zach Nicholas shared his experience of updating critical business documents and preparing for growth, highlighting a common challenge many pool professionals face.

Man, I went on Christmas break with my grand plan of knocking a bunch of stuff out and getting it done, which I failed horribly on. But I have made up the last few days and we've been just rallying. We laid out quarter four. Here's some big things that we want to try to wrap up and be done for 2025 so that we can go into the year and just execute.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

This honest admission reveals a critical business truth: having systems and documentation in place is essential for scaling operations. Zach's focus on updating terms of service, creating training manuals, and developing service books demonstrates the foundational work required for sustainable business growth.

The discussion also touched on hiring and training, with Zach mentioning they had just hired someone new and were already looking for the next person. This rapid hiring cycle is common in growing pool service companies and underscores the importance of having robust training systems in place.

The Pool Nation Business Matrix: Structured Learning for Pool Professionals

A significant portion of the episode was dedicated to announcing the Pool Nation Business Matrix, a structured training program designed to help pool professionals develop critical business skills. The program takes a systematic approach to business development, starting with goal setting and progressing through financial management and employee lifecycle management.

The first training session, scheduled for January 18th, focuses on goal setting using the SMART goals framework. Participants will be required to set two goals: one personal business development goal and one broader business goal. This accountability-based approach ensures participants don't just learn concepts but actually implement them.

Here's the accountability part of it. You're going to come over. You're going to learn the smart goals process. There's five different versions of setting goals, but we chose the smart goals. It's a little bit more effective. It's measurable. And what's going to happen is by the end of that training, you're going to set two goals.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

Subsequent training sessions will cover Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), financial management, and employee lifecycle management. The program's structure shows a clear progression from basic goal setting to advanced business operations, providing a comprehensive foundation for pool business success.

Financial Literacy: The Foundation of Pool Business Success

The podcast emphasizes financial literacy as a cornerstone of successful pool businesses. The Business Matrix program includes dedicated sessions on financial KPIs, chart of accounts, and understanding critical metrics like cost of service and profit per pool.

This focus on financial education addresses a common gap in the pool industry, where many skilled technicians and service providers excel at the technical aspects of pool care but struggle with the business fundamentals. Understanding your numbers isn't just about tracking revenue – it's about making informed decisions that drive profitability and growth.

The program's approach to financial training is practical, requiring participants to implement what they learn by tracking specific KPIs and preparing their own financial statements. This hands-on methodology ensures that theoretical knowledge translates into real-world application.

Industry Memory: Learning from Past Challenges

The hosts took time to reflect on past industry challenges, particularly the dramatic price increases in chlorine and trichlor that caught many pool professionals off guard. This historical perspective serves as a valuable reminder about the importance of industry awareness and proactive planning.

And that was one of our main things when we first started our podcast almost five years ago, when we had the crunch with COVID. And we were talking about the industry and the feel for it... Should we call it the $88 days? The $88 days, right? I was even getting cheaper than that.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

The reference to '$88 days' – when trichlor tablets were available for around $88 per bucket – serves as a stark reminder of how quickly industry conditions can change. Pool professionals who were prepared for price increases and supply chain disruptions were better positioned to maintain profitability and serve their customers effectively.

This historical context reinforces the importance of staying informed about industry trends and building resilient business models that can adapt to changing market conditions.

Building a Community of Pool Professionals

Throughout the episode, the hosts demonstrated their commitment to building a supportive community within the pool industry. They took time to acknowledge various industry professionals, celebrate milestones, and encourage networking among participants.

The community aspect extends beyond just the podcast, with initiatives like the 'lighten up the sphere' campaign that encourages pool professionals to participate in industry-wide improvements. This collaborative approach recognizes that the success of individual businesses contributes to the overall health and reputation of the pool industry.

The emphasis on community building also appears in the Business Matrix program structure, with plans for breakout groups and collaborative learning experiences. This peer-to-peer learning model can be particularly valuable in an industry where practical experience and local knowledge play crucial roles in business success.

As we move into 2025, the pool industry faces both challenges and opportunities. While new construction may slow due to economic factors, the service sector remains strong and essential. The key to success lies in building robust business systems, developing financial literacy, setting clear goals, and staying connected with industry trends and community.

The Pool Nation Podcast's focus on business fundamentals provides a roadmap for pool professionals who want to move beyond just technical expertise to build sustainable, profitable businesses. Whether you're a solo operator looking to systematize your operations or a growing company preparing for expansion, the principles discussed in this episode offer valuable guidance for navigating the year ahead.

The pool industry has always been resilient, adapting to challenges while continuing to provide essential services to pool owners across the nation. By focusing on business excellence, financial management, and continuous learning, pool professionals can position themselves not just to survive but to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and 2025 Kickoff
• 05:30 Host Updates and Holiday Recap
• 12:15 Industry Outlook for 2025
• 18:45 Pool Nation Business Matrix Announcement
• 25:20 Goal Setting and Accountability Systems
• 32:10 Financial Training and KPI Development
• 38:45 Industry History and Lessons Learned