E-267 Pool Nation Podcast - How We’re Uniting 7,200 Pros to Raise the Bar - SPPA & Pool Nation

A Historic Partnership That's Changing the Pool Industry Forever

In an industry first, Pool Nation and the Service Professionals Pool Association (SPPA) have joined forces to create the largest member-based program in pool industry history. With over 7,200 pool professionals now united under one roof, this strategic partnership represents a seismic shift toward elevating standards, supporting professionals, and treating the pool industry like the family it truly is.

This isn't just another business alliance—it's a mission-driven collaboration five years in the making, built on shared values and a common goal of helping pool professionals become financially successful while raising the bar for the entire industry.

The Power of Aligned Values: Why This Partnership Makes Sense

When Edgar De Jesus from Pool Nation and Danielle from SPPA sat down to discuss their collaboration, it became clear this partnership was inevitable. Both organizations have spent years working toward the same fundamental goal: protecting and supporting pool professionals.

Since the beginning, since we talked five years ago, we've shared the same goal, which is to protect pool professionals and to support them. We've always aligned like that. And I'm just not an insurance broker. You know, I grew up with pool water in my blood. I know everyone says that. But the pool industry is family to me.

— Danielle, SPPA

This family-first approach isn't just marketing speak—it's the driving philosophy behind both organizations. Danielle's perspective on treating pool professionals like family rather than transactions has been instrumental in SPPA's growth to over 4,000 members and counting.

The partnership leverages Pool Nation's extensive reach and educational resources with SPPA's comprehensive insurance and protection services, creating a one-stop solution for pool professionals looking to elevate their businesses and protect their livelihoods.

Breaking Down Barriers: 7,200+ Professionals United

The numbers speak for themselves—over 7,200 pool professionals are now part of this unprecedented alliance. But what makes this partnership truly special isn't just the scale; it's the collaborative spirit that defines the pool industry.

Pool Nation and the SPPA have come together to create the largest member based program in the pool industry. Over 7,200 pool pros united in the pool industry. It's the first time in the pool industry. It's the first time in history that anybody has done that.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This collaboration addresses a unique aspect of the pool industry—while pool professionals may compete for business in their local markets, they consistently come together to support each other, share knowledge, and elevate the entire industry. The Pool Nation-SPPA partnership harnesses this collaborative spirit on an unprecedented scale.

The unified membership program provides access to educational resources, insurance protection, industry events, networking opportunities, and business development tools that would be difficult for individual professionals to access independently.

Customer Experience: The Secret Sauce Behind Success

One of the most striking aspects of this partnership is both organizations' commitment to exceptional customer service. Pool Nation's Edgar De Jesus shared firsthand experiences with SPPA's team, highlighting their proactive approach to member support.

The SPPA team, including Ashley and Bailey, maintains detailed follow-up systems, ensuring no member falls through the cracks. This attention to detail extends from initial sign-up through ongoing support, creating a customer experience that feels more like family care than business transactions.

You're not transactional with family, right? It's a feeling. It's more of a feeling. It's more of a, you know, an internal goal, I guess, for all of us. So that's why I always think about it. Yeah. I feel like when I'm protecting in the insurance side of it, I feel like I'm taking care of my parents who are still in the pool industry and my brother and my cousins.

— Danielle, SPPA

This customer-centric approach has driven organic growth for both organizations, as satisfied members become advocates who refer colleagues and competitors alike.

Looking Ahead: Pool Nation Conference and Industry Events

The partnership's impact will be immediately visible at upcoming industry events, starting with the Pool Nation Conference and Awards. The $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge at PSP Expo on October 22nd represents the kind of high-profile, industry-elevating event that becomes possible when major organizations collaborate.

The Pool Nation Awards on October 23rd and the three-track Pool Nation Conference on October 24th-25th will showcase the partnership's potential, offering business, hands-on, and technical education tracks for professionals at all levels.

These events aren't just about networking—they're about creating opportunities for pool professionals to learn, grow, and build the relationships that drive long-term success in the industry.

The Bigger Picture: Raising Industry Standards

While the partnership creates immediate benefits for members, its long-term impact could reshape industry standards. By combining Pool Nation's educational focus with SPPA's protection services, the collaboration addresses two critical needs: professional development and risk management.

This comprehensive approach helps pool professionals move beyond survival mode toward genuine business success. When individual professionals succeed, the entire industry benefits through improved service quality, better customer experiences, and enhanced industry reputation.

And that mission has always been to help the pool pros become financially successful. And then in turn, that raises the bar for the entire industry. And that's been the mission all along.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

The partnership creates a virtuous cycle: better-protected, better-educated professionals provide superior service, which attracts more customers, generates more revenue, and creates more opportunities for industry growth.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Pool Professionals

The Pool Nation-SPPA partnership represents more than a business alliance—it's a commitment to treating pool industry professionals with the respect, support, and protection they deserve. With over 7,200 professionals now united under this collaboration, the pool industry has never been stronger or more organized.

For pool professionals considering their next steps, this partnership offers unprecedented access to resources, protection, and community. For the industry as a whole, it signals a new chapter focused on collaboration, education, and mutual success.

As Danielle noted, the pool industry has always been family. Now, that family has the largest, most comprehensive support system in its history. The question isn't whether this partnership will succeed—it's how quickly it will transform the industry for the better.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Partnership Announcement
• 05:30 Welcome Back and Updates
• 12:15 Strategic Partnership Discussion with SPPA
• 18:45 Industry Family Values and Mission Alignment
• 25:20 Customer Service Excellence and Member Support
• 32:10 Upcoming Events and Pool Nation Conference