In episode 285 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesús sits down with leadership expert Leanne De Jesús for an in-depth conversation on how pool business owners, service techs, retailers, and builders can grow without burning out, falling behind, or constantly starting over.

What is upskilling? Upskilling means improving and expanding the skills you already use in your role — not changing careers, but getting better, smarter, and more effective at what you’re already doing.

In the pool industry, upskilling can look like:

• Developing leadership and people-management skills

• Improving pricing, financial clarity, and decision-making

• Learning new equipment, technology, and automation

• Building sales and customer communication skills

• Training your team so the business doesn’t rely only on you

Reskilling, on the other hand, is learning an entirely new role or function — like moving from service into building, retail, or management.

Throughout this episode, Edgar and Leanne break down why most frustration, burnout, and leadership struggles aren’t people problems — they’re skill gaps. They also explain why access to information alone doesn’t create better leaders, and how structure, mentorship, and intentional learning are what actually drive growth.

Whether you’re a one-truck operator or scaling a multi-location business, this conversation will help you:

• Understand when to upskill vs when to reskill

• Recognize early signs of burnout and stagnation

• Build stronger leaders and more accountable teams

• Create growth without chaos

• Shift from operator thinking to owner thinking

This episode isn’t about working harder — it’s about thinking differently so your business can grow with clarity and control.

00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:05 – Why upskilling and reskilling matter right now 03:00 – Pool Nation events, shows, and upcoming education 06:10 – What upskilling really looks like in real life 09:45 – AI, technology, and staying relevant 13:20 – How pool pros upskill without realizing it 16:10 – The difference between upskilling and reskilling 18:50 – When you should reskill vs improve your current skills 21:40 – Why people think they need to quit when they really need new skills 25:10 – Learning, testing, applying, and sharing knowledge 30:00 – Burnout, overwhelm, and hidden skill gaps 33:10 – Leadership problems vs skill problems 37:20 – Why information alone doesn’t create better leaders 40:50 – Time, structure, and intentional learning 44:30 – Sponsor break 46:00 – Upskilling business owners for growth and scale 50:30 – Hiring for skill vs hiring for personality 55:10 – Upskilling pool techs: sales, safety, and trust 1:01:40 – Retail teams, product knowledge, and relationships 1:07:30 – Why training fails without structure 1:12:00 – Train-the-trainer mindset and leadership confidence 1:17:40 – Why guided learning and mentorship matter 1:21:10 – The most important mindset shift: growth mindset 1:26:30 – Final thoughts and takeaways 1:30:00 – Closing remarks and where to find Pool Nation

A huge thank you to our visionary partners who make Pool Nation education possible:

• SPPA –

• US Motors (Nidec) –

• Blu-Ray XL –

• AquaStar Pool Products –

• Natural Chemistry –

• Raypak –

• Hayward Pool Products –

• Heritage Pool Supply

Your support helps us continue to educate, elevate, and strengthen the pool industry.

In episode 284 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we sit down with Rocco Russo, the 2025 Pool Nation Trainer of the Year, to break down what it really takes to become an elite pool professional.

Rocco shares his journey from the HVAC and mechanical trades into the pool industry, how early failures shaped his career, and why confidence, training, and preparation are the true differentiators between average techs and top performers. This is not just a conversation about equipment — it’s about mindset, leadership, and professionalism in the pool service and repair industry.

We dig deep into:

• Why most pool techs undervalue themselves

• How proper training builds confidence and profitability

• The parallels between HVAC, mechanical systems, and modern pool equipment

• Why calling tech support is a strength — not a weakness

• How trainers and manufacturers can elevate the entire industry together

Whether you’re a new pool tech, a seasoned repair pro, or a business owner trying to level up your team, this episode delivers insight you can apply immediately.

👉 If you care about doing the job right, charging what you’re worth, and building a sustainable pool business, this is a must-listen episode.

00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 02:00 – Introducing 2025 Trainer of the Year, Rocco Russo 06:30 – Rocco’s early career in HVAC & mechanical systems 14:45 – First pool heater failure & lessons learned the hard way 22:30 – Why pool techs need confidence, not just tools 32:00 – Training vs. guessing in the field 44:15 – Manufacturer support & why tech support matters 55:30 – Selling value, not price 1:09:00 – What separates average techs from elite professionals 1:25:00 – Rocco’s transition into training & industry impact 1:38:00 – Winning Trainer of the Year & final reflections 1:55:00 – Final thoughts on leadership, education, and growth

This episode is brought to you by our Pool Nation Visionary Sponsors, who continue to support education, training, and growth in the pool industry:

• SPPA (Swimming Pool Pro Alliance)

• Blu-Ray XL

• AquaStar Pool Products

• Natural Chemistry

• Raypak

• Heritage Pool Supply

• Hayward Pool Products

• PoolSide Tech

• Pool Brain

• Nidec / U.S. Motors

We appreciate your continued commitment to elevating pool professionals across the country.

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.

In episode 280 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by co-host Zach “The Pool Boy” Nicholas for Part 5 of the Winter Business Series, where they break down one of the hardest decisions pool service business owners face: how to raise prices with confidence — without losing customers.

Raising prices can feel uncomfortable, emotional, and risky — especially when you’ve worked hard to build your route. Edgar and Zach walk through the real math, the mental hurdles, and the practical strategies pool pros need to protect their margins, improve profitability, and build a sustainable business in today’s changing economy.

You’ll learn:

• Why waiting to raise prices actually makes it harder later

• How to communicate price increases clearly and professionally

• What customers really care about (hint: it’s not just price)

• Why losing a few low-margin accounts can actually grow your business

• How profitability, consistency, and service quality drive customer retention

This episode is packed with real-world examples, mindset shifts, and actionable advice for pool service business owners who want to stop underpricing their work and start running a business that supports their life — not drains it.

👉 Next week: Edgar and Zach continue the conversation with a deep dive into customer retention and value-based service.

• 00:00 – Christmas intro & end-of-year reflection

• 01:30 – Why raising prices feels so uncomfortable for pool pros

• 05:45 – The hidden cost of not knowing your numbers

• 10:15 – When is the right time to raise prices?

• 14:30 – Why waiting actually makes price increases worse

• 20:00 – How to communicate price increases clearly and confidently

• 26:30 – What customer pushback really looks like

• 33:00 – Losing customers vs. building a healthier business

• 41:00 – Real-world math: fewer pools, more profit

• 48:00 – Handling common objections (“I can find someone cheaper”)

• 54:00 – Fixed-income customers & tough emotional decisions

• 59:00 – Why customers actually leave pool companies

• 1:05:30 – Final thoughts & preview of Part 6 (Customer Retention)

A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Podcast sponsors for supporting pool pros and helping us deliver real education to the industry:

• SPPA (Swimming Pool Pro Alliance)

• Blu-Ray XL

• AquaStar Pool Products

• Natural Chemistry

• Raypak

• Heritage Pool Supply

• Hayward Pool Products

• Poolside Tech

• Pool Brain

• Nidec / US Motors

Your continued support helps elevate education, professionalism, and profitability across the pool industry.

In episode 279 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by co-hosts Zach “The Pool Boy” Nicholas and John “JJ Flawless” for Part 4 of the Winning Business Series, diving deep into one of the most misunderstood — and most important — topics in the pool industry: profit margins.

This conversation goes far beyond “raise your prices.” Edgar and Zac break down why margin is the real indicator of business health, how to calculate your true cost per pool, and how to build pricing that actually supports growth, stability, and long-term success.

You’ll learn why dollar profit alone is fragile, how thin margins quietly destroy pool businesses, and how the Good / Better / Best pricing model can protect your margins while giving customers choice — especially in a market where consumer confidence is tightening.

The episode also covers:

How hidden leaks like drive time, chemical creep, and non-billable labor eat away at profits

Why knowing your numbers removes fear from price increases

How to prepare your routes and customers before raising rates

Why winter is the best time to fix your pricing for the year ahead

If you’re heading into 2026 without absolute clarity on your pricing, margins, and profitability, this episode is a must-listen for pool service owners, repair techs, and business leaders who want to stop guessing and start building intentionally.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00:00] Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast & show intro [00:01:00] Part 4 of the Winning Business Series begins [00:02:30] Why solo podcasts feel different & listener feedback [00:04:00] AquaStar Golden Ticket experience & behind-the-scenes factory tour [00:08:30] Industry culture, leadership, and why AquaStar stands out [00:11:00] Recap of hidden profit leaks from previous episodes [00:14:00] Why margins matter more than dollar profit [00:16:30] Understanding margin percentages (20%, 30%, 40%, 50%+) [00:19:00] Real-world examples of margin failure in pool businesses [00:22:00] How to calculate your true cost per pool [00:24:00] Building pricing based on math — not emotion [00:26:00] Why knowing your numbers changes how you sell [00:29:00] Sponsor break [00:34:00] Good / Better / Best pricing explained [00:38:00] Consumer psychology and why most customers choose “Better” [00:41:00] Using tiered pricing for service and repairs [00:44:00] Preparing for a price increase the right way [00:47:00] Reviewing routes and identifying problem pools [00:50:00] Why winter is the best time to fix pricing [00:54:00] Final thoughts on margins, growth, and confidence [00:56:00] Teaser for Part 5: How to announce price increases [00:57:00] Show outro & where to find Pool Nation resources

🙌 Thank You to Our Sponsors

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

SPPA (Swimming Pool Pro Alliance)

AquaStar Pool Products

Blu-Ray XL

Natural Chemistry

Raypak

Heritage Pool Supply

Hayward Pool Products

Poolside Tech

Pool Brain

Nidec / US Motors

Your continued support helps us bring real business education to pool pros everywhere.