Pool Nation Podcast

E-307 Pool Nation Podcast - How a Former SWAT Officer Built One of California's Most Successful Pool Companies

How a Former SWAT Officer Built One of California's Most Successful Pool Companies | Featuring Obie Rodriguez What happens when a 30-year law enforcement veteran and 15-year SWAT officer decides to build swimming pools instead of chasing criminals? In episode # 307 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and Ryan Morse from Hayward sit down with Obie Rodriguez, owner of Majestic Pool Construction, to share one of the most inspiring business stories in the swimming pool industry. After two frustrating experiences hiring pool contractors, Obie decided to learn the trade himself. He earned his contractor's license, built his own company from the ground up, and today completes more than 200 custom swimming pool and remodeling projects every year across multiple locations. This conversation goes far beyond swimming pool construction. It's about leadership, building systems, growing a company, creating a culture that thrives without the owner, using social media to generate qualified leads, and believing in yourself enough to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Whether you're a pool builder, pool service professional, swimming pool contractor, retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or business owner, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately to grow your business. In This Episode: • How two bad pool-building experiences changed Obie's life forever • Transitioning from SWAT officer to successful pool builder • Building a swimming pool company that completes more than 200 projects per year • Creating business systems that allow your company to grow without you • Leadership lessons from law enforcement that apply to every business • Why delegation is one of the hardest skills for business owners • Expanding into multiple locations • Surviving COVID without sacrificing profits • The social media strategy that doubled qualified leads • Why transparency creates better customers • The future of pool automation and smart technology • Advice every entrepreneur needs to hear before starting a business Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Pool Nation 01:30 – Meet Obie Rodriguez 04:00 – Family, RV life, and fishing stories 08:45 – Becoming a police officer at 19 10:00 – Fifteen years on SWAT 15:00 – Two terrible pool-building experiences that changed everything 18:00 – Learning the pool industry by working for free 20:00 – Building pools while serving as a police officer 22:30 – Retiring early and betting on himself 24:00 – COVID, supply shortages, and protecting profits 32:30 – Expanding to multiple locations 35:00 – Building systems that allow the business to run without you 41:00 – What today's pool buyers really want 46:00 – The social media strategy that doubled qualified leads 49:00 – Why transparency creates better customers 55:00 – Final advice for entrepreneurs Special Thanks to Our Sponsors Thank you to our incredible partners for helping Pool Nation educate, inspire, and elevate the swimming pool industry: • OnCore Filtration • Hayward Pool Products • Heritage Pool Supply Group • The SPPA • BluRay XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Poolside Tech * Encore Brands • Pool Brain • Nidec / US Motors The Pool Nation Podcast is the premier podcast for the swimming pool industry, delivering weekly conversations with the industry's top pool builders, service professionals, manufacturers, distributors, educators, and business leaders. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft. Subscribe today and join thousands of pool professionals who are growing stronger businesses through education, leadership, and community.

E-306 Pool Nation - Pool Nation Awards 2026: How to Get Nominated, Win, and Be Recognized as a Top Pool Pro

In Episode 306 of the Pool Nation Podcast - The Pool Nation Awards are officially back, and nominations are now open! In this episode , Edgar and John "JJ Flawless" dive deep into the story behind the Pool Nation Awards, why recognizing pool professionals matters, and how these awards have become one of the most anticipated celebrations in the swimming pool industry. The guys break down the 2026 award categories, discuss recent changes based on pool pro feedback, explain the nomination and voting process, and share what it takes to stand out as a nominee. They also reflect on the origins of the awards, the legacy of Bob Lowry, the importance of celebrating industry leaders while they're still with us, and why the Pool Nation community continues to elevate the swimming pool industry year after year. Plus, Edgar and John tease a major industry announcement coming August 7 that they believe will be a game-changer for pool professionals nationwide. Whether you're a pool service professional, builder, retailer, trainer, manufacturer, distributor, or industry leader, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a reminder of why community matters. 👉 Nominate a deserving pool professional today. 👉 Get involved in the Pool Nation Awards. 👉 Celebrate the people who make our industry stronger every day. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 Today's Topics: Pool Nation Awards & Industry Announcement Tease 02:00 Thanking Pool Nation Visionary Partners 03:00 Baby Watch 2026 with JJ Flawless 08:00 Women's Summit 2026 Update & Sold-Out Event 12:00 August 7 Industry-Changing Announcement Teaser 14:00 Why August 7 Could Change Pool Industry Education 17:00 Hayward Training, Boot Camps & Upcoming Events 18:00 Pool Nation Awards 2026 Overview 20:00 New Award Categories & Industry Feedback 23:00 Trailblazer, Trainer of the Year & Pool Guy/Girl of the Year Discussion 24:00 How to Submit Nominations 26:00 Voting Process & Important Dates 27:00 The Story Behind the Pool Nation Awards 29:00 Bob Lowry's Legacy & Lifetime Achievement Award 32:00 Why Pool Nation Gives Pool Pros a Voice 35:00 Celebrating the Service Industry & Aftermarket Professionals 37:00 Sponsor Break 43:00 Looking Back at the First Pool Nation Awards 46:00 Growth of the Awards & Industry Support 48:00 HASA After Party & Award Night Experience 49:00 Favorite Award Categories & Why They Matter 52:00 Why Pool Guy & Pool Girl of the Year Are Special 55:00 The Brotherhood & Sisterhood of Pool Pros 57:00 Sponsor Break 01:01:00 New Orleans, PSP Expo & Pool Nation Awards 2026 01:02:00 $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge Updates 01:05:00 More Prizes, Bigger Competition & What's Next 01:06:00 Final Thoughts & August 7 Reminder 01:08:00 Industry Talk: The Washington Memorial Pool Project 01:10:00 Closing Remarks Special Thanks to Our Sponsors A huge thank you to our incredible Pool Nation partners and sponsors for supporting education, training, and the future of the swimming pool industry: * BluRay XL [https://bluerayxl.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Natural Chemistry [https://naturalchemistry.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Raypak [https://www.raypak.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Hayward Pool Products [https://www.hayward.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Poolside Tech (The Attendant) [https://poolside.tech?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Nidec / US Motors [https://www.usmotors.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * OnCore Filtration [https://oncorefiltration.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Thank you for helping Pool Nation fulfill its mission of helping pool professionals master the business and perfect the craft.

E-305 Pool Nation Podcast - How Golden State Pools Built a 1,000+ Pool Empire: Training, Leadership, Boundaries & Knowing Your Worth

Episode # 305 Pool Nation Podcast - What does it take to build a pool service company that lasts for decades, retains top talent, and serves more than 1,000 pools? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Nick LaPointe and Ray De Rosa of Golden State Pools to discuss two very different journeys that led to one of Southern California's most respected pool service companies. From the days of gas chlorine service and hand-written route books to modern operations, service management, technician training, inventory systems, and company leadership, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build a sustainable pool business. Nick shares the story of growing up in the family business, while Ray discusses building his own company before merging with Golden State Pools. Together they reveal the systems, leadership philosophies, employee development programs, and business lessons that have fueled their success. Most importantly, they share two lessons every pool professional needs to hear: set boundaries and know your value. Whether you're a solo operator, building your first route, managing technicians, or scaling toward your own pool empire, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience from pool pros who have lived it. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 Meet Nick LaPointe and Ray DeRosa of Golden State Pools 06:00 Steak dinner bets, pool industry friendships, and Western Show stories 17:00 Nick's family history in the pool industry 23:00 The early days of gas chlorine pool service 28:00 How 9/11 changed pool sanitation operations forever 31:00 Transitioning from gas chlorine to liquid chlorine systems 34:00 Growing up in the family business and earning a business degree 40:00 How Ray got started in pools and launched his own company 42:00 Merging two companies into Golden State Pools 46:00 From DOS systems and paper invoices to modern software 49:00 Building company culture and leadership partnerships 57:00 Why training matters and Golden State's 8-week technician training program 1:05:00 Employee development, career paths, and retention strategies 1:17:00 Managing repairs, service teams, and operational structure 1:24:00 Inventory management, purchasing power, and warehouse operations 1:33:00 The importance of boundaries as a business owner 1:37:00 Knowing your value and pricing with confidence 1:41:00 Final advice for pool professionals and closing thoughts Thank You To Our Sponsors A huge thank you to our Pool Nation partners and sponsors who continue supporting pool professionals across the industry: * The SPPA * BluRay XL * AquaStar Pool Products * Natural Chemistry * Raypak * Heritage Pool Supply Group * Hayward Pool Products * Poolside Tech * Pool Brain * Nidec / US Motors * OnCore Filtration Your support helps us continue educating, elevating, and empowering pool professionals everywhere.

E-304 Pool Nation Podcast - AquaLink Edge Igniting What's Next: Fluidra's Vision for the Future of Pool Technology

In episode # 304 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Jeremy Young and Orlando Gadea from Fluidra to reveal one of the biggest pool industry technology launches in years: the all-new AquaLink Edge platform. This isn't just another automation panel. Fluidra shares how AquaLink Edge is built around edge computing, smarter equipment communication, local processing, enhanced homeowner experiences, and a future ecosystem designed to help pool professionals run more efficient and profitable businesses. The conversation dives deep into automation, connected equipment, wireless communication, AI-driven pool management, smarter service operations, and how Tracker IO is helping transform the way pool companies manage routes, inventory, service calls, and customer experiences. Whether you're a pool service professional, builder, repair technician, retailer, or industry leader, this episode provides an exclusive first look at where pool technology is heading and how it will impact your business over the next decade. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 02:00 Meet Fluidra's Jeremy Young & Orlando Gadella 06:00 Heritage Pro Service Academy & Pool Pro Challenge Updates 08:00 Jeremy's Journey: From Pool Construction to Fluidra Innovation 15:00 Why Education & Training Matter in the Pool Industry 24:00 Orlando's Background in Digital Technology & Why He Joined Fluidra 27:00 The Official AquaLink Edge Reveal 28:00 Edge Computing vs Cloud Computing Explained 30:00 Creating Better Pool Owner Experiences 32:00 New In-Can Display & Home Display Features 35:00 Why Pool Automation Must Work Without Internet 40:00 Built-In Flow Monitoring & Smarter Equipment Control 43:00 Five Years of Development Behind AquaLink Edge 47:00 Easier Setup, Faster Installation & Wireless Communication 52:00 Personalized Access for Homeowners, Service Pros & Airbnb Properties 56:00 Service Mode Improvements & Smart Notifications 01:03:00 Wireless Equipment Discovery & Future Product Ecosystem 01:08:00 Customer Experience vs Traditional Automation 01:15:00 The Future of Connected Pool Equipment 01:19:00 Tracker IO & The Future of Pool Service Management 01:27:00 How Data Will Transform Pool Businesses 01:32:00 Future Integration Between Pool Builders & Service Companies 01:35:00 AquaLink Edge Release Timeline & Launch Plans 01:37:00 Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks A special thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting Pool Nation and helping us elevate the pool industry through education, training, and community: * The SPPA * BluRay XL * AquaStar Pool Products * Natural Chemistry * Raypak * Heritage Pool Supply Group * Hayward Pool Products * Poolside Tech * Pool Brain * Nidec / US Motors * Encore Brands * OnCore Filtration Your commitment to pool professionals helps us continue delivering world-class education and content to the industry.

E-303 Pool Nation Podcast - This is a Best Of Episode packed three-hour-plus episode with three segments

Episode 303 Pool Nation Podcast is a Best of Episodes. This is a packed three-hour-plus episode with three segments (the Raypak heat pump deep dive, the Women's Summit podcast, and the Pool Nation Awards crew show) Pool heat pumps are the future of pool heating, and in this episode the Pool Nation crew breaks down exactly how they work, why they beat gas heaters on cost, and how to sell them without scaring off your customers. Host Edgar De Jesus sits down with Raypak's Brad Duncan and Akshaya Shekhar for a no-nonsense heat pump deep dive built for working pool service pros. Learn how heat pumps work, why they are becoming increasingly important across the industry, and how to position them as a long-term solution that delivers real value for your customers. Then we hand the microphone over to the women of Pool Nation for a powerful recap of the Third Annual Pool Nation Women's Summit. Hear firsthand stories about leadership, authenticity, confidence, mentorship, and what it takes to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry. We also take a deep dive into the Pool Nation Awards, discuss why nominations matter, spotlight some of the industry's rising stars, and share inspiring stories from pool pros who are making an impact every day. Whether you're a one-person operation, a growing service company, a repair technician, or a business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, business lessons, and industry insights. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Pool Nation: Meet the Hosts & Guests 02:00 Why Heat Pumps Are the Future of Pool Heating 05:00 Meet Brad Duncan & Akshaya Shekhar from Raypak 08:00 Heat Pump Deep Dive Begins 09:00 How a Pool Heat Pump Actually Works 10:30 Heat Pump Performance by Climate & the 80/80/80 Rule 13:00 Can a Heat Pump Heat a Spa? 14:30 COP vs Gas Heater Efficiency Explained 17:00 Why Combining Heat Pumps & Gas Heaters Changes Everything 19:30 Heat/Cool Models: Turning Hot Pools Into Profit Centers 21:00 Initial Investment vs Long-Term Savings 24:00 Selling Heat Pumps Without Scaring Customers 25:00 The Maserati vs Beetle Explanation Every Pool Pro Should Know 26:00 Pool Nation Women's Summit Special Begins 27:30 Women's Summit Recap & Industry Updates 32:00 Meet Janie Flawless & Jeanette Horn 39:00 The Growth of the Women's Summit 46:00 Finding Your Voice & Being Your Authentic Self 53:00 Leadership Lessons & Personal Growth 59:00 Sponsor Break 1:04:00 Pool Nation Live Returns 1:11:00 Pool Nation Awards Nominations Recap 1:18:00 Why Pool Nation Awards Matter 1:24:00 Recognizing Pool Pros Who Make a Difference 1:33:00 Pool Nation Conference & Heritage Event Updates 1:36:00 Education Funds & Industry Opportunities 1:43:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: James Broderick 1:52:00 Customer Education & Building Trust 2:03:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: Aiden Dunn 2:08:00 Growing a Business & Right-Sizing Your Route 2:16:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: Nick LaPoint 2:25:00 Competition vs Community in the Pool Industry 2:33:00 Using Data to Build a Better Pool Company 2:40:00 Final Thoughts & Sponsor Break 2:46:00 Lessons From the Next Generation of Pool Pros 2:51:00 Inside the New Training Headquarters 2:54:00 Gold Medal Pools: The Origin Story 2:59:00 Surviving the 2008 Economic Crash 3:02:00 Building Massive Commercial Water Features 3:11:00 The Dallas Cowboys Connection 3:13:00 Closing Thoughts 🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE * How pool heat pumps actually work * The 80/80/80 efficiency rule * COP vs gas heater efficiency * Heat pump operating costs and ROI * Why hybrid heating systems are becoming more popular * Cooling pools with heat/cool heat pumps * Selling premium equipment to customers * Leadership lessons from the Women's Summit * The importance of authenticity in business * Why industry recognition matters * Building a successful pool company * Customer education strategies * Growing through economic downturns * Creating long-term business relationships * Building community within the pool industry 🙏 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors and visionary partners who make the Pool Nation Podcast possible: ✅ Encore Brands ✅ The SPPA ✅ BlueRay XL ✅ AquaStar Pool Products ✅ Natural Chemistry ✅ Raypak ✅ Heritage Pool Supply Group ✅ Hayward Pool Products ✅ Poolside Tech (The Attendant) ✅ Pool Brain ✅ Encore Brands ✅ OnCore Filtration ✅ Nidec / US Motors Your support helps us continue our mission of building a nation of pool pros through education, community, and industry advancement.