In episode #293 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we sit down with industry leaders Alicia Stephens and Michael G to break down what innovation really looks like in the pool industry—and why it matters more than ever for pool service pros, retailers, and business owners.

From next-generation pool chemicals and faster-dissolving chlorine technology to AI-powered training platforms and the future of education, this conversation goes deep into how the industry is evolving—and how you can stay ahead of it.

We’re not just talking about products—we’re talking about thinking differently, solving real problems, and building a better experience for your customers.

You’ll hear how innovation is reshaping:

• Water chemistry and treatment strategies
• Pool service efficiency and troubleshooting
• Retail and customer experience
• Training, certifications, and workforce development

Plus… we tease some major upcoming industry disruption you’re going to want to keep your eye on 👀

If you’re a pool pro, business owner, or industry leader looking to stay competitive, this is a must-listen episode.

• Why “old school” pool chemistry thinking is holding you back
• How new chemical innovations are solving real field problems
• The role of AI in training the next generation of pool pros
• How to simplify your service process and reduce errors
• Why innovation isn’t just for big companies—it’s for YOU

00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Pool Nation 02:00 – Meet Alicia Stephens & Michael G 04:30 – Industry energy, culture & community 06:30 – Why innovation matters right now in the pool industry 09:30 – Michael’s background (Harvard, toys, marketing & beyond) 12:00 – Storytelling, branding & marketing in pools 15:00 – What “real innovation” actually means 18:00 – How the pool industry is changing (environment, chemicals, behavior) 22:00 – New product innovation: faster dissolving trichlor & shock technology 26:00 – Solving real problems for pool pros in the field 30:00 – Retail vs service: simplifying chemistry for success 34:00 – Multi-benefit products (the “multivitamin” approach) 38:00 – Algaecide + phosphate innovation explained 42:00 – New category: pool fragrance (yes… seriously 👀) 47:00 – AI-powered training & BioGuard University breakdown 52:00 – The future of education in the pool industry 57:00 – Why embracing change is critical for growth 1:01:00 – Final thoughts: innovation, mindset & opportunity 1:04:00 – Teasing what’s coming next (major disruption ahead)

A huge thank you to our amazing partners who continue to support the Pool Nation mission:

• SPPA
• Blu-Ray XL
• AquaStar Pool Products
• Natural Chemistry
• Raypak
• Heritage Pool Supply
• Hayward Pool Products
• Poolside Tech
• Pool Brain
• Nidec / U.S. Motors
• OnCore Filtration

Your support helps us continue to bring education, innovation, and growth to pool pros everywhere.

If you’re serious about growing your pool business, improving your chemistry knowledge, and staying ahead of industry trends—make sure you:

✔️ Subscribe to the Pool Nation Podcast ✔️ Share this episode with your team ✔️ Stay plugged into everything Pool Nation

Because the future of this industry belongs to those who learn faster, adapt quicker, and think differently.

In Episode 292 of the Pool Nation Podcast “Best of Pool Nation” episode, host Edgar, along with co-hosts John “JJ Flawless” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas, bring together some of the most powerful conversations from the Pool Nation Podcast.

This episode highlights the voices of pool professionals across the country who are helping shape the future of the swimming pool industry. From leadership lessons and business growth to real stories from the field, this episode captures the spirit of the Pool Nation community and the passion that drives pool pros forward.

You'll hear insights from industry professionals including Jennifer Melee, Kristen Meow, Megan Hightower, Alicia Rowe, and more as they discuss their journeys in the pool industry, the challenges they face, and the lessons they've learned along the way.

In this episode we discuss:

• Leadership lessons from pool professionals • The importance of community and networking in the pool industry • Building strong teams and company culture • The challenges pool professionals face in the field • Growing and scaling a successful pool service business • The power of education and training in the industry

Whether you're a new pool technician, seasoned pool professional, or pool business owner, this episode delivers inspiration, real-world insight, and valuable lessons from the Pool Nation community.

The Pool Nation Podcast continues to bring together the leaders, innovators, and professionals who are helping raise the standard in the swimming pool industry.

0:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 1:00 – Special “Best Of” episode introduction 2:00 – Zac shares leadership lessons after visiting Gold Medal Pools 4:00 – Culture, leadership, and motivating your team 5:30 – Kristen’s trip to New Jersey and pool industry observations 7:00 – Megan discusses balancing family and running a pool business 8:20 – Jennifer shares hurricane recovery challenges in Florida 11:30 – The impact of major storms on pool businesses 13:00 – Alicia Rowe joins the conversation 14:30 – Work-life balance and running a pool company 17:00 – Pool Nation Awards and Pool Girl of the Year nominations 18:00 – Behind the scenes of Pool Nation events 20:00 – Industry partnerships and innovation 23:00 – Corey’s journey into the pool industry 26:00 – Mentorship and opportunity in aquatics 29:00 – Innovation in pool equipment and technology 34:00 – Aquastar pipeline filter discussion 38:00 – The future of innovation in the pool industry 41:00 – Hands-on training and educating pool pros 45:00 – Why education is critical for the next generation of pool professionals 49:00 – The power of networking and community 53:00 – How relationships shape careers in the pool industry 58:00 – Preparing for the Pool Nation Awards and conference 1:02:00 – The future of Pool Nation and the industry

A special thank you to the companies that support the Pool Nation Podcast and help us continue delivering education and innovation to the pool industry.

• SPPA • Blu-Ray XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply • Hayward Pool Products • Poolside Tech • Pool Brain • Nidec • Oncore Filtration

Your continued support helps Pool Nation bring education, training, and industry conversations to pool professionals everywhere.

In episode #291 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas sit down with Michelle Cook from Heritage Pool Supply to discuss the launch of the Heritage Pro Service Program and what it means for pool service professionals across the industry.

Michelle Cooke Transcript

The conversation dives deep into how Heritage is moving beyond the traditional distributor model to become a true partner in helping pool pros build stronger businesses.

Michelle shares the vision behind the new Heritage Pro Service Program, including:

• Loyalty rewards designed specifically for service professionals • Monthly rebate payouts through a debit card system • Transparent tracking of purchases and rewards • A brand-new education platform and certification opportunities • Vendor training sessions and Pro Talks every week • The launch of the Heritage Pro Service Academy in partnership with Pool Nation

This episode also explores the larger mission of raising the standard in the pool industry by providing pool pros with better tools, better education, and stronger business support.

If you're a pool service professional looking to grow your business, improve your technical knowledge, or connect with a stronger industry network, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

0:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 1:30 – Introducing Michelle Cook and the Heritage Pro Service Program 3:30 – Industry travel, events, and building the pool pro community 9:00 – Michelle’s background in the pool industry 16:00 – Heritage’s culture and commitment to pool pros 20:00 – What makes Heritage different from traditional distributors 26:00 – The origin of the Pool Tech program 32:00 – Why Heritage launched the new Pro Service Program 36:00 – Rewards, rebates, and supporting small service companies 42:00 – How the rebate and loyalty program works 47:00 – Tracking purchases and rewards through Heritage Pool Plus 52:00 – Monthly payouts and financial benefits for pool pros 56:00 – Education and training opportunities for service professionals 1:03:00 – Certification credits and professional development 1:08:00 – The Heritage Pro Service Academy with Pool Nation 1:18:00 – Why education is critical for the future of the industry 1:24:00 – Business growth, leadership, and scaling a pool company 1:35:00 – The vision for raising the professional standard in the pool industry 1:45:00 – Final thoughts and closing remarks

A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners for supporting the podcast and helping elevate the pool industry:

• SPPA

• Blu-Ray XL

• AquaStar Pool Products

• Natural Chemistry

• Raypak

• Heritage Pool Supply

• Hayward Pool Products

• Poolside Tech

• Pool Brain

• Nidec

• Oncore Filtration

Your support helps us continue educating and empowering pool professionals everywhere.