Pool Nation Podcast Episode 283, a special “best of” style episode packed with real conversations, pool industry insights, and business lessons for pool service, repair, and retail pros.

Edgar, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “the Pool Boy” kick things off with a quick reset for the new year, including Edgar’s recap from the BioGuard (BioLab) retailer conference in Tulum, Mexico, plus what Pool Pros should focus on as the season ramps up.

From there, this compilation jumps into some of the most talked-about topics in the industry: marketing and branding, algae prevention and green pool recovery, a full backyard and pool giveaway, and the legal side of hiring and HR that most pool companies struggle to navigate. The episode wraps with a fun behind-the-scenes conversation with Pool Pro Magazine about creativity, industry trends, and what it takes to produce standout content in the pool world.

If you want a single episode that covers pool business growth, pool marketing, algae troubleshooting, hiring compliance, and industry community, this one delivers.

• 00:00:00 Welcome to Pool Nation + January reset, season ramp-up, and BioGuard conference recap in Tulum

• 00:05:00 Crystal Rael (SMP + Ultra Lift): marketing, branding foundations, and leading two companies

• 00:16:00 Alicia Stephens: why algae is worse this year, chlorine costs, prevention strategy, and treatment approaches

• 00:33:00 Sponsor break

• 00:43:00 Josh Sherwood: his story in business and the backyard + pool giveaway (how nominations work)

• 00:53:00 Leanne: HR and the legal side of hiring, compliance resources, and how to protect your business decisions

• 01:03:00 Sponsor break

• 01:07:00 Megan Kendrick (Pool Pro Magazine): behind-the-scenes content creation, industry trends, and the shoot stories

• 01:14:40 Closing message + where to find Pool Nation, Pool Invoice, and Pool Man University

Big thank you to our sponsors for supporting Pool Pros and helping us keep the education and conversations rolling:

• SPPA • Blu-ray XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply • Hayward Pool Products • Poolside Tech • US Motors / Nidec

Also, thank you to Pool Invoice and PoolManUniversity.com for supporting pool industry training and business systems.

In Episode 282 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar breaks down why financial clarity—not activity—is what actually creates control in your pool business. If you’ve ever felt stressed, overwhelmed, or unsure why your business feels heavy even when it’s growing, this episode will hit home.

Edgar explains the illusion of control that many pool pros live in and walks through the three numbers every pool business owner must know to build a stable, profitable operation:

• Average rate per pool • Cost per pool • Net margin

This episode is designed specifically for January, when pool businesses finally have breathing room to slow down, think clearly, and make intentional decisions before the busy season hits. Edgar shares real-world lessons from his own journey—from running routes himself to scaling a business—and explains why avoiding your numbers doesn’t eliminate problems, it only delays them.

If you’re serious about building a pool business that pays you, protects you, and doesn’t rely on constant hustle to survive, this episode will help you reset how you think about money, growth, and leadership in 2026.

🎯 This episode is for: • Pool service business owners • Pool repair professionals • One-man operations and growing teams • Anyone feeling busy but financially uncertain

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 – Why being busy doesn’t mean your business is healthy 05:00 – The illusion of control in pool businesses 08:00 – Why clarity creates control (and reduces stress) 12:00 – Guessing vs knowing your numbers 18:00 – The three numbers that actually matter 24:00 – Average rate per pool: growth vs dilution 30:00 – Cost per pool and emotional pricing decisions 35:00 – Net margin: the difference between a business and a risky job 40:00 – Why not paying yourself is a warning sign 44:00 – What happens when you avoid your numbers 52:00 – How uncertainty creates burnout 58:00 – Why January is the most important month for clarity 1:05:00 – Using slow season to reset before peak season 1:11:00 – Final thoughts: clarity over comfort 1:13:00 – Closing remarks and 2026 outlook

🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors

A huge thank you to the visionary partners who make the Pool Nation Podcast possible:

• SPPA • Blu-ray XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply • Hayward Pool Products • Poolside Tech • US Motors / Nidec

Your continued support helps Pool Nation deliver real-world education, business clarity, and leadership insights to pool pros across the industry.

In Episode 281 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus dives into a topic most pool business owners aren’t prepared for - what really happens after you raise your prices.

You’ve done the hard part. You ran the numbers. You sent the email. You raised your rates. But then comes the silence… the second guessing… and the fear.

This episode focuses on the first 90 days after a price increase, breaking down the emotional, financial, and leadership shifts pool pros experience during this critical window. Edgar explains why post-increase anxiety is normal, how to avoid self-sabotage, and how understanding your true cost per pool transforms pricing from an emotional decision into a leadership strategy.

You’ll learn why losing a few customers isn’t failure, how margin creates stability (not just profit), and how aligned pricing leads to calmer leadership, better customers, and a stronger business long-term.

If you’re a pool service owner, repair pro, or business operator who wants to raise prices with confidence and keep control of your business after you do - this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Topics include:

• The psychology of pricing after you hit “send”

• Why silence after a rate increase feels dangerous (but isn’t)

• The difference between emotional vs intentional pricing

• Understanding true cost per pool and margin protection

• Why fewer pools can actually mean more profit

• How pricing affects leadership, stress, and customer retention

• What to do with new margin (and what NOT to do)

• Why strong businesses wait 90 days before reacting

This episode is part of the Pool Nation Winter Business Series and is designed to help pool pros stop surviving — and start leading.

Pool Nation 27th Dec Episode Tr…

• 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast

• 01:10 – Today’s Topic: You Raised Your Prices… Now What?

• 03:40 – Why the Silence After a Price Increase Feels So Uncomfortable

• 06:30 – Intentional Pricing vs Emotional Pricing

• 10:05 – Fear Source #1: Being Underpaid for Too Long

• 12:00 – Fear Source #2: Emotional Attachment to Customers

• 14:30 – Fear Source #3: Equating Customer Loss With Failure

• 17:00 – Why Margin Is Protection, Not Extra Money

• 20:10 – Understanding True Cost Per Pool

• 24:00 – Why One Billing Cycle Never Tells the Whole Story

• 28:00 – Sponsor Break

• 31:30 – Real Customer Behavior After Price Increases

• 35:00 – Filtering vs Losing Customers

• 38:20 – Why Better Customers Matter More Than More Customers

• 42:00 – How Aligned Pricing Changes Leadership

• 46:00 – What To Do With Your New Margin

• 52:30 – Leadership, Strategy, and Long-Term Pricing Reviews

• 59:00 – Final Thoughts & 2026 Outlook

A huge thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast and the pool pro community:

• SPPA (Swimming Pool Pro Alliance)

• Blu-Ray XL

• AquaStar Pool Products

• Natural Chemistry

• Raypak

• Heritage Pool Supply

• Hayward Pool Products

• PoolSide Tech

• Pool Brain

• US Motors / Nidec

Your continued support helps Pool Nation deliver real education, real tools, and real results for pool professionals everywhere.