Welcome to Episode 254 of the Pool Nation Podcast, where we’re not just netting and jetting—we’re building a nation of pool pros! In this myth-busting episode, Edgar, John, and Zac tackle the biggest misconceptions in pool water chemistry, breaking down what’s true, what’s not, and what every pool tech needs to know to protect pools, profits, and reputations.

Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, you’ll get actionable advice, real-world examples, and the latest science on water balance, chemical dosing, salt systems, and more. We also update you on the hottest events of the year, from the Pool Nation Awards to the $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge!

Special thanks to our sponsors: SPPA, BluRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, Nidec, and US Motors. Their support makes this show—and your education—possible!

[00:00] Pool Nation Intro The signature intro, sponsor shoutouts, and a Texas-sized heat check.

[05:35] Summer Survival Hacks How pros handle the brutal summer heat and keep morale high on the route.

[09:40] Algae Trends & Chemical Cost Warnings Why algae (especially mustard!) is tougher this year, and how to avoid skyrocketing chemical bills.

[13:58] Pool Nation Event Rundown Key dates: Pop-Up Bootcamps, Pool Nation Awards, Women’s Summit, Pool Pro Challenge, and Conference preview.

[20:22] Business Track Sneak Peek Edgar breaks down the ONLY conference track in the industry that’s 100% focused on profitability, business growth, and building high-performing teams.

[26:45] Registration Details & Pro Tips How to claim your seat for business, technical, and hands-on classes—before they’re gone.

[30:30] Pool Chemistry Mythbusters (Rapid Fire Begins!) John takes on the top 10 pool chemistry myths, with Edgar & Zach on standby:

• [31:00] Myth 1: “If chlorine’s good, pH doesn’t matter.”

• [34:10] Myth 2: “Muriatic acid lowers pH and alkalinity equally.”

• [37:45] Myth 3: “Always correct alkalinity before pH.”

• [41:00] Myth 4: “Eyeball your acid or soda ash dose.”

• [43:36] Myth 5: “7.2 to 7.8 pH = always fine.”

• [46:02] Myth 6: “Strong chlorine smell means clean water.”

• [48:25] Myth 7: “If it looks clear, chemistry is fine.”

• [50:04] Myth 8: “You don’t need to test CYA often.”

• [52:32] Myth 9: “Saltwater pools don’t use chlorine.”

• [55:00] Myth 10: “Shock will fix any pool issue.”

[58:10] Final Thoughts & Takeaways Why busting bad info is so important, and how to submit your follow-up questions.

[1:01:20] Event Reminders & Sign Off How to connect with the Pool Nation crew, get registered, and join the fastest-growing pool pro community.

In Episode 253 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac take a deep dive into everything pH. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, understanding pH is critical to mastering water chemistry. We break down the science, the myths, and the real-world effects of pH on chlorine efficiency, equipment, and customer satisfaction. Plus, we tease the upcoming Mythbusters Chemistry Edition where John debunks some of the industry's most persistent pH myths.

We also cover the latest updates on the Pool Nation Women's Summit, the $10K Pool Pro Challenge, the upcoming Pool Nation Conference, and new boot camps. It’s a jam-packed episode full of tips, laughs, and insider gold you won’t find anywhere else.

• [00:00–02:35] Welcome to Pool Nation – New cameras, new jokes, same amazing crew

• [02:36–06:10] Event Rundown: Awards, Women's Summit, $10K Challenge & Conference Highlights

• [06:11–08:45] How the Business Track is Revolutionizing Pool Pro Education

• [08:46–15:30] Training Highlights: Profit Planning, Business Math & Cash Flow

• [15:31–21:45] Day 2 Training Topics: Team Development, Time Management & Accountability

• [21:46–23:20] Pool Nation Business Matrix Exclusive Trainings Teased

• [23:21–25:00] Behind-the-scenes: Secret projects we can’t talk about… yet

• [25:01–28:00] Deep Dive Begins: What is pH and Why It Matters

• [28:01–30:35] Common Causes of High pH

• [30:36–33:40] What Causes Low pH in Pools?

• [33:41–37:55] How pH Affects Chlorine Efficiency

• [37:56–41:30] Signs of Imbalanced pH in Pools

• [41:31–45:20] Relationship Between pH & Total Alkalinity

• [45:21–48:20] Chemicals That Raise and Lower pH

• [48:21–53:15] Consequences of High vs. Low pH – What Pool Pros Should Know

• [53:16–56:50] How Rain, Heat & Swimmers Affect pH

• [56:51–59:55] How Often Should You Test pH & What's the Best Method?

• [59:56–1:02:00] Tips to Adjust pH Without Throwing Off Balance

• [1:02:01–1:05:25] Final Thoughts, Conference Planning & Upcoming Mythbusters Chemistry Segment

• [1:05:26–End] Father’s Day Shoutouts & What’s Coming Next Week

A big thank you to our visionary partners who make this podcast possible: SPPA, Blu-Ray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply Group, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, and US Motors.

Your continued support is helping us build a nation of successful pool pros.

Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation with Hayward – Lessons from the Past, Present, and Future of the Pool Industry

In this special episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac sit down with Justin Butler and Ryan Morson from Hayward Pool Products to celebrate Hayward’s incredible 100-year anniversary. 🎉

From a small metal valve company in 1925 to one of the “Big Three” in the pool industry, Hayward’s journey is one of innovation, grit, and vision. You’ll hear untold stories of Hayward’s origin, product breakthroughs like OmniPro, OmniX, and the S3 salt system, and how the company has remained relevant through changing economies and evolving technologies.

They also dive into Hayward’s bold investment in training hubs across the country and why manufacturing in the USA remains a pillar of their success. This episode is a must-listen for pool professionals who want to build lasting businesses, grow through training, and get inspired by a company that went from servicing one pump to leading an entire industry.

👉 Perfect for pool techs, service pros, and anyone who wants to grow in the pool business — this episode brings knowledge, motivation, and a look behind the curtain of one of the most iconic brands in our industry.

0:00 – Intro and Celebrating Hayward’s 100 Years 5:22 – What makes reaching 100 years so rare in business 10:41 – Hayward’s growth: From private to public and why it matters 16:39 – Pool pros can scale just like Hayward — lessons in grit and vision 23:18 – Meet Justin and Ryan: From pool tech to VP of Sales 34:06 – Hayward’s origin: From metal valves to plastic skimmers 44:00 – Game-changing acquisitions: Goldline, Summit, ComfortZone 53:15 – How Hayward stayed ahead during the recession 1:02:30 – The values of Oscar Davis and their lasting cultural legacy 1:09:45 – Hayward’s Flow Control Division: A little-known fact 1:18:10 – Product innovation spotlight: OmniPro, S3 salt system 1:29:02 – The power of salt cells that work at 800 ppm 1:37:49 – Behind the scenes: Hayward’s U.S.-based manufacturing 1:47:20 – Next-gen tech: The future of automation with OmniX 1:56:13 – Why Hayward’s Training Hubs are transforming the industry 2:03:00 – Final thoughts, shout-outs, and what’s next for Hayward