In this episode 273 of the Pool Nation Podcast, John “JJ Flawless”, Zac the Pool Boy Nicholas, and special guests Tim Moore and Jim D’Angelo from US Motors/Nidec dive deep into one of the biggest changes hitting the pool industry — the new DOE pool pump regulation.

They break down what it means for pool professionals, how to stay compliant, and how this regulation can actually become a profitable opportunity. Discover why the Neptune Variable Speed Motor is becoming a must-have for service techs, how it works with existing pumps, automation systems, and time clocks, and how to educate your customers on energy savings without sounding “salesy.”

Whether you’re a pool service tech, repair pro, or business owner, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve — and turn regulation into revenue.

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast — hosted by John and Zac, with Edgar out of studio.

• [00:03:00] Guests Introduced: Tim Moore and Jim D’Angelo from US Motors join to talk about DOE regulations.

• [00:04:00] Regulation Overview: The new DOE rule for replacement motors — what changed since 2021.

• [00:06:30] Phase Two Coming: The 2027 addendum that will extend variable-speed requirements.

• [00:09:00] Impact on Pool Pros: How variable speed motors affect day-to-day operations.

• [00:12:00] The Opportunity for Growth: Turning the regulation into a positive and educating homeowners.

• [00:15:00] Selling Smart, Not Hard: How to explain energy savings simply and effectively.

• [00:17:00] Variable Speed Advantage: The Neptune motor’s affordability, efficiency, and flexibility.

• [00:21:00] Stocking Smarter: How to carry fewer SKUs and save time with the Neptune lineup.

• [00:23:00] DOE Mode Feature: The “smart mode” that calculates run time and flow for maximum efficiency.

• [00:27:00] Real Energy Savings: Explaining ROI and the financial benefits to customers.

• [00:31:00] Compatibility: How Neptune integrates with time clocks, automation, and older systems.

• [00:37:00] The MAP Policy Conversation: How US Motors is pursuing MAP pricing to protect pool pros.

• [00:44:00] Time Clocks & Booster Pumps: How to wire and repurpose time clocks with variable speed motors.

• [00:48:00] Freeze Protection Solutions: Repurposing thermostats for better freeze control.

• [00:52:00] Automation Systems: Step-by-step on connecting Neptune motors with major automation brands.

• [00:56:00] Educating Customers: Selling efficiency without sounding like an upsell.

• [01:00:00] Cleaner, Safer Pools: How proper circulation improves clarity and safety.

• [01:05:00] Training Resources: Where pros can find installation videos, manuals, and calculators.

• [01:07:00] Real-World Savings Calculations: How to show customers the dollar value of switching.

• [01:13:00] Final Thoughts: Why the future is bright for pool pros embracing change.

• [01:16:00] Outro: Closing thanks and shoutouts to reps across the country.

• Tim Moore, Neptune Sales – US Motors/Nidec

• Jim D’Angelo, National Sales Manager – US Motors/Nidec

Thank You to Our Visionary Sponsors

• The SPPA –

• US Motors / Nidec –

• BluRay XL –

• AquaStar Pool Products –

• Natural Chemistry –

• Raypak –

• Hayward –

• Heritage Pool Supply,

• Poolside Tech,

• Pool Brain –

In this Episode 272 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we’re bringing together some of the most memorable, powerful, and inspiring moments from across the Pool Nation Podcast. From laughter and lessons to heartbreak and hustle — this episode is packed with real stories from pool pros who are shaping the future of our industry.

Hear from Jennifer Melee, Kristen Meow, Megan Hightower, Alicia Rowe, and Casey McGovern as they share life, leadership, and resilience — followed by conversations with Jamie Novak and Chris Marcano from Natural Chemistry, celebrating 35 years of innovation, and a deep-dive with the PHTA team (Sabina Hickman, Jeannie Mendelson, and Jeff Hendrickson) on leadership, education, and uniting the industry.

We wrap it up with laughs and insights from Todd Pieri, Corey Wax, and Michael Kraus of AquaStar — talking about the power of team culture, innovation, and community.

Whether you’ve been part of the Pool Nation family from the start or you’re new to the show, this episode captures what Pool Nation is all about: education, connection, and raising the bar for pool professionals everywhere.

🔹 Featuring stories on leadership, tragedy and triumph, business culture, product innovation, and the heart behind the pros. 🔹 Brought to you by the Pool Nation Podcast — where we’re building a Nation of Pool Pros.

🕒 Chapter Timestamps Time Segment 00:00 Intro – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 “Best Of” setup and guest lineup 03:15 Jennifer, Kristen, Megan & Alicia – Life, business, and laughter in the field 16:30 Casey McGovern – Tragedy, water safety, and the ripple effect 37:45 Natural Chemistry’s 35 Years – Chris Marcano & Jamie Novak on innovation and legacy 1:23:50 AquaStar’s Dream Team – Todd Pieri, Corey Wax & Michael Kraus on culture and teamwork 1:51:40 Closing reflections and Pool Nation updates

This episode is brought to you by the amazing partners who help us raise the tide for the entire pool industry:

• SPPA –

• Raypak –

• AquaStar Pool Products –

• Natural Chemistry –

• BluRay XL – TUS Motors / Nidec –

• Hayward

• AquaStar

• Heritage Pool Supply
• Nidec
• Pool Brain

Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting education, innovation, and growth within the pool industry.

In episode 271 of the Pool Nation Podcast — where it’s all pool talk (and we ain’t talking about netting and jetting)! In this Best of Pool Nation special, Edgar, John, Zach, and the Cannonball King himself, Spider, host an action-packed lineup featuring Heritage Pool Supply, Aquastar, and the Pool Nation Hall of Fame inductees.

Get ready for a mix of laughs, real stories, industry insight, and a few surprises — from distribution and leadership to water safety, Hall of Fame jackets, and even where this year’s After Party might be!

Whether you’re a pool pro, supplier, or industry insider, this episode has something for everyone who’s part of the Nation.

00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast – Intro & the Marco Polo Champ Returns 01:30 – The “Best of Pool Nation” and why this episode matters 05:20 – Heritage Pool Supply joins the studio: meet Logan, Jeff, Grayson, Chris & Isaac 13:40 – Real talk from behind the counter: how distribution supports pool pros 24:10 – Building bridges between service, retail, and distribution 33:15 – Spider’s Cannonball & JJ’s “two wake-up mornings” story 41:00 – Aquastar x Every Child a Swimmer – safety, purpose & partnership 56:30 – Casey McGovern, Todd Pierre, and Steve Barnes join the conversation 01:10:00 – Why Aquastar’s partnership goes beyond donations 01:27:40 – The emotional side of leadership & water safety awareness 01:40:00 – Pool Nation Hall of Fame: celebrating legends Steve Barnes & Terry Arko 01:54:00 – Behind the scenes: the jacket redesign & Hall of Fame stories 02:10:00 – Remembering Bob Lowry and how his legacy shaped Pool Nation 02:25:00 – Future of the Pool Nation Awards & 2025 After-Party scouting 02:37:00 – Closing thoughts: unity, education, and the future of our industry

• Logan, Jeff, Grayson, Chris, and Isaac – Heritage Pool Supply

• Casey McGovern – Every Child a Swimmer

• Todd Pierre & Steve Barnes – Aquastar Pool Products

• Terry Arko – Industry Hall of Fame Inductee

• SPPA – Pool pros’ trusted insurance partner.

• US Motors – Neptune Variable Speed Motor: smart, quiet, efficient.

• BluRay XL – The real mineral purifier. bluerayxl.com

• AquaStar Pool Products – Safety, innovation, and performance.

• Natural Chemistry – Simplify your service.

• Raypak – The future of heating with Nitec™ technology.

• Hayward – Innovation that shines bright.