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.

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

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
• Natural Chemistry
• Raypak
• Hayward Pool Products
• Poolside Tech (The Attendant)
• Nidec / US Motors
• OnCore Filtration

Thank you for helping Pool Nation fulfill its mission of helping pool professionals master the business and perfect the craft.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.