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.