In episode 218 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zach dive deep into important industry topics, answer listener questions, and introduce new concepts for the upcoming Pool Nation Conference. They discuss the pros and cons of starting a pool service business from scratch versus buying into a franchise, offering valuable insights for those considering entrepreneurship in the pool industry. John also shares his experience with providing pool cleaners as part of the service package and how it impacts business efficiency. Edgar offers a sneak peek into the innovative Poolman University platform, which is designed to standardize training for pool professionals. As always, the hosts share exciting updates about the Pool Nation Conference, Awards, and much more.

• [00:00] - Intro: Edgar, John, and Zac kick off the podcast with a warm welcome and industry updates.
• [02:30] - Listener shout-outs and Edgar’s latest ideas: Shout-outs to Jeanette and Lindsay, with Edgar sharing a new idea that sparks conversation.
• [10:00] - John’s busy season update: John talks about preparing pools as customers arrive for the winter season and how business picks up in October.
• [15:45] - Franchise vs. independent pool business: The team answers a listener’s question about whether to start a pool business from scratch or buy a franchise. Edgar shares insights from a conversation with Andrew Kidd, CEO of Poolworks.
• [30:15] - Pool cleaners: John explains his approach to providing pool cleaners for clients, how it improves service efficiency, and whether cleaners should be provided or sold to customers.
• [45:00] - Poolman University sneak peek: Edgar reveals exciting details about Poolman University, a training platform for pool professionals to onboard and train their teams efficiently, complete with quizzes and progress tracking.
• [52:00] - Pool Nation Conference and Awards: The hosts provide updates on the upcoming Pool Nation Conference, Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation event, and a growing list of Pool Nation Award nominees.
• [57:00] - Shout-outs and closing: Final thoughts and thanks to the podcast’s visionary sponsors, including Ultimate Pool Tools, Raypak, AquaStar, and more.

Join us for this informative episode packed with practical tips, insights, and the latest happenings in the pool industry!