In episode 265 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we sit down with Scott Frost, who recently joined Heritage after more than 30 years in the pool industry. From building pools and running service routes to leadership roles in manufacturing and now distribution, Scott brings one of the most complete perspectives in the industry.

We dive deep into:

• His career journey and lessons learned

• Leadership values and building customer trust

• Heritage’s culture, growth, and future vision

• Why servant leadership and customer-first mentality drive success

• How disruption and innovation are reshaping distribution

This is a powerful conversation for every pool pro, business owner, and industry leader who wants to understand what it takes to succeed and grow in today’s pool industry.

• [00:00] Intro & shoutouts

• [06:00] PSP Expo updates & Pool Nation Awards

• [10:00] Scott’s background: family, aviation, and pool beginnings

• [15:00] Building pools and navigating tough markets

• [20:00] Lessons from economic downturns

• [22:00] Mentors and leadership influences

• [28:00] Rediscovering backyard experiences post-COVID

• [35:00] Servant leadership & customer-first approach

• [40:00] Building culture and values in business

• [50:00] Why Scott joined Heritage & the growth opportunity ahead

• [1:02:00] Digital tools, disruption, and the future of distribution

• [1:20:00] Professionalism and elevating the industry

• [1:30:00] Final thoughts

This podcast is made possible thanks to our visionary partners:

• SPPA

• Blu-Ray XL

• Excel

• AquaStar Pool Products

• Natural Chemistry

• Raypak

• Heritage Pool Supply

• Hayward Pool Products

• Poolside Tech

• PoolBrain

• Nidec

In this week’s Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac are joined by Meagan MAGAÑA, Show Manager of the PSP/Deck Expo, to give you the ultimate insider guide to the 2025 PSP Expo in Las Vegas (Oct 22–24). We break down everything—from education tracks and new keynote sessions to networking parties, the $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge, and the Pool Nation Awards.

If you’ve ever wondered how to maximize your time at the PSP Expo, plan your route through the 400+ booths, and take advantage of show floor education without being overwhelmed—this is your roadmap.

We also share industry secrets on hotel booking, reveal new product launches debuting at the show, and even get into the details of the Energy Bar (espresso in the morning, mocktails in the afternoon!) on the expo floor.

👉 Pro tip: Use promo code POOLNATION at registration for a FREE Expo Pass. 👉 Register at poolspapatio.com or poolnationawards.com.

• [00:00] Intro & sponsor thank-yous

• [02:00] Spider’s studio setup & fun banter

• [05:00] Welcome Meagan Magia – PSP Expo Show Manager

• [07:00] Key show update: October 22–24, 2025 (not November!)

• [09:00] Hotel blocks, rates, and hidden savings

• [12:00] How Pool Nation Awards started at PSP Expo

• [16:00] Venue update – North Hall vs. West Hall (don’t go to MetalCon!)

• [18:00] Welcome Party details – Ayu Dayclub

• [19:00] Three keynotes explained – industry panel, Darren Woodson, Women of Water

• [23:00] Education breakdown: Pre-Con, Core Conference, Show Floor, Post-Con

• [29:00] Food, concessions, and the brand-new Energy Bar

• [30:00] Pool Nation $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge – qualifiers & finals

• [37:00] Pool Nation Awards + HASA After Party at Alle Lounge 66

• [45:00] Voting & nominee prep tips (write your speech!)

• [55:00] Advice for first-time attendees – how to plan and network

• [1:02:00] Product Showcase sneak peek & debuting new tech

• [1:06:00] How to register (and get your free pass)

• [1:12:00] Matrix members’ Vegas events & Larry’s Pool Nation house party

• [1:18:00] Final thoughts from Meagan, Zach & Edgar

This episode is made possible by our Visionary Partners:

• SPPA

• Blu-Ray XL

• AquaStar Pool Products

• Natural Chemistry

• Raypak

• Heritage Pool Supply

• Hayward Pool Products

• Poolside Tech

• Pool Brain

• US Motors

Pool Nation Podcast E-262 - In this special Best of Pool Nation Podcast episode, we highlight some of the most inspiring conversations from past shows. From women leaders breaking barriers in pool building, to next-generation innovators making their mark, and the people shaping the future of our industry, this episode is packed with stories you won’t want to miss.

You’ll hear:

• Hailey Tu, owner of Lavender Landscape, on building a women-led company and her journey from design to pool construction.

• Janie, sharing their experiences in service, networking, and industry growth.

• Michael “Spider” Kraus, nominee for Pool Pro of the Year, with his signature “two thumbs up” attitude.

• Megan Kendrick, owner of Pool Pro Magazine, on the importance of recognizing young professionals with the 30 Under 40 Awards.

• Alyssa & Lindsay, rising leaders nominated for the Rookie of the Year, sharing their passion for pools, leadership, and building businesses.

• Plus, a conversation with PSP/Deck Expo director Kris and marketing lead Megan Magna on what’s ahead for the biggest pool & spa show of the year.

This episode is a celebration of pool professionals who inspire, innovate, and elevate the entire industry.

• [00:00:00] Intro – Welcome to the Best of Pool Nation Podcast

• [00:01:00] Hailey Tu – Building a women-led pool company & journey into landscape/pools

• [00:09:00] Spider Kraus – Living the “two thumbs up” lifestyle & Pool Pro of the Year nominee

• [00:11:00] Janie – Networking, service, and building lasting impact

• [00:18:00] Janie – Running 60 pools a week, wiring panels & embracing electrical work

• [00:24:00] Megan Kendrick – The story behind Pool Pro Magazine & the 30 Under 40 Awards

• [00:35:00] Alyssa – From Puerto Rico to building 7-8-7 Serrano Construction in El Paso

• [00:46:00] Lindsay – Digital leadership at Hayward & pool marketing innovation

• [00:56:00] PSP/Deck Expo with Kris & Megan Magna – Behind the scenes of the industry’s biggest show

• [01:15:00] Closing & Outro

A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners & Sponsors who make this podcast possible and continue to support pool professionals everywhere:

• The SPPA – Leaders in tailored liability insurance for pool pros (thesppa.com)

• US Motors Neptune Variable Speed Motor – Upgrade any pump to variable speed without replumbing (hayward.com)

• Heritage Pool Supply
• SPPA
• Poolside Tech

In Episode 261 of the Pool Nation Live Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas dive into Part 2 of the Roadmap to Profitability series. This episode unpacks the biggest profit killers in the pool service business, the pricing mindset traps that hold pool pros back, and the math that proves why profitability must come first.

The team discusses:

• Why paying yourself first is non-negotiable.

• How to set pricing like you already have employees to avoid burnout.

• The financial traps that cause businesses to stall or fail.

• Real-world stories from the field—hot installs, customer curveballs, and lessons from poolside battles.

• A breakdown of the Pool Nation Conference business track in Las Vegas: profit-first strategies, cash flow mastery, pricing formulas, building high-performing teams, and leadership accountability.

Whether you’re a single-poler just starting out or scaling your business, this episode will give you actionable tools to price with confidence, protect your profits, and future-proof your pool business.

🎟️ Don’t forget: Register now for the Pool Nation Conference, happening October 24–25 at the PSP Expo in Las Vegas, and claim your free expo floor pass with code POOLNATION at checkout.

00:00 – Intro: Welcome & sponsor shoutouts 04:50 – Zach returns from vacation refreshed, John and Edgar worn out 12:15 – Brutal heat, pump installs, and unexpected repair curveballs 21:40 – PSP Expo preview & $10K Pool Pro Challenge announcement 28:00 – Pool Nation Awards nominations & Alley Lounge After Party details 34:45 – Pool Nation Conference business & leadership tracks explained 46:20 – Recap of Part 1: Why profits aren’t a bonus, they’re the foundation 51:05 – Profit Killer #1: Not paying yourself 1:08:40 – Pricing like you have an employee (even if you don’t yet) 1:27:15 – Burnout, turnover, and the hidden costs of underpricing 1:43:55 – The career path mindset: Building wages & growth into your model 1:57:30 – Final thoughts: Know your numbers & plan for 3–5 years ahead 2:05:00 – Wrap-up & next week’s Nomination Night women’s livestream

In episode 259 of the Pool Nation Podcast, hosts Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless”, and Zac the Pool Boy sit down with Tim Moore and Jim D’Angelo from US Motors / Nidec to discuss the upcoming DOE pool pump regulations and what they mean for pool service professionals nationwide.

They explain how the new rules will phase out single-speed pool pump motors and why the Neptune Variable Speed Motor is a cost-effective, energy-efficient replacement option. Learn how this innovative motor allows pros to upgrade existing pumps to variable speed without costly replumbing, helping customers save money while meeting DOE requirements.

From freeze control integration and automation system compatibility to real-world installation tips and energy savings strategies, Tim and Jim share proven solutions that make compliance easier and open new business opportunities for pool pros. They also discuss the importance of field feedback in product design and how US Motors works directly with service technicians to improve performance.

If you’re a pool technician, service company owner, or equipment installer looking to stay ahead of regulations and grow your business, this episode is packed with expert guidance and practical takeaways.

• 00:00 – Intro & sponsor thank-yous

• 01:00 – Welcoming Tim & Jim from US Motors/Nidec

• 04:00 – Behind the scenes of the photo shoot & Pool Man University content

• 05:00 – The passion factor in product knowledge

• 06:30 – Jim’s background and decades with US Motors

• 08:00 – Who Nidec is and where their motors show up in daily life

• 13:00 – Tim’s career journey from startup pools to variable-speed technology

• 15:00 – DOE history and the upcoming September 29th regulation change

• 25:00 – Breaking down the 1.15 THP to 5.0 THP cutoff & exemptions

• 33:00 – Educating customers on variable speed benefits

• 35:00 – Energy savings math: Affinity Laws explained

• 37:00 – Filtration, circulation, and the “low and slow” advantage

• 41:00 – Pool pro perspectives on embracing the change

• 45:00 – Introducing the Neptune Variable Speed Motor: sizes, applications, and adaptability

• 50:00 – Stocking strategy for service vans & motor myths busted

• 59:00 – Standalone mode features & DOE mode optimization

• 01:02:00 – Integrating with older time clocks and booster pump systems

• 01:13:00 – Freeze control integration with the Neptune

• 01:18:00 – Automation system compatibility and setup steps

• 01:27:00 – How to get training, support, and find your local rep

• 01:29:00 – Why the Neptune offers a real alternative for customers and pros

• 01:30:00 – Closing thoughts & upcoming events

• The SPPA – Insurance for Pool Pros

• BluRay XL – The real mineral purifier

• AquaStar Pool Products – Innovation in safety and efficiency

• Natural Chemistry – Simplifying pool care

• Raypak – Industry-leading heaters

• Heritage Pool Supply – Supporting pool professionals nationwide

• Hayward Pool Products – Leading pool and spa innovation

• Poolside Tech – Smart automation

• Pool Brain – Service business automation

• US Motors – Neptune variable-speed motors for energy savings

In Episode 259 of Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" dive deep into a critical safety topic in the pool industry: Equipotential Bonding. They’re joined by Dallas Thiesen from the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) and John Ritenour, VP of Engineering at SunSmart Engineering, to break down the findings from a landmark bonding study conducted by the Pool Industry Council.

Learn the difference between bonding and grounding, explore the two main methods of bonding (copper wire vs. copper grid), and understand why this topic matters to pool service techs, builders, and inspectors alike. The episode covers safety implications, real-world retrofit challenges, and how this research could affect upcoming National Electric Code changes.

Whether you're a pool pro servicing backyards daily or a builder navigating evolving code standards, this episode is packed with practical tips, technical insights, and industry updates that could impact your work.

👉 Access the full study: PoolBondingStudy.com

• 00:00–02:00 – Intro, shout-out to sponsors, and setup for the podcast

• 02:01–05:00 – Florida heat, location confusion, and pool pro banter

• 05:01–07:00 – Edgar introduces guests Dallas (FSPA) and John (SunSmart Engineering)

• 07:01–09:00 – What is equipotential bonding and why it matters

• 09:01–14:00 – Bonding vs grounding, stray voltage explained

• 14:01–18:00 – How bonding wires connect to pool shells and equipment

• 18:01–21:00 – Risks of severed bonds and retrofit challenges in older pools

• 21:01–25:00 – How techs can test bonding continuity in the field

• 25:01–28:00 – Retrofit cost shock: why grids are problematic for renovations

• 28:01–33:00 – Details of the FSPA bonding study setup and testing methods

• 33:01–35:00 – Study results: Copper grid vs copper wire performance

• 35:01–39:00 – Real-world impact and code implications for pool pros

• 39:01–42:00 – Risks of unbonded pools and shocking stories

• 42:01–45:00 – Safety statistics: bonding rarely fails when installed correctly

• 45:01–48:00 – How pool pros can get involved and push back on code changes

• 48:01–51:00 – Final takeaways, where to find the study, and podcast wrap-up

We'd like to give a huge thank you to the visionary sponsors who make this podcast possible:

• SPPA – Insurance for Pool Pros

• BluRay XL – The real mineral purifier

• AquaStar Pool Products – Innovation in safety and efficiency

• Natural Chemistry – Simplifying pool care

• Raypak – Industry-leading heaters

• Heritage Pool Supply – Supporting pool professionals nationwide

• Hayward Pool Products – Leading pool and spa innovation

• Poolside Tech – Smart automation

• Pool Brain – Service business automation

• US Motors – Neptune variable-speed motors for energy savings