Choosing the wrong commercial pool contractor can create years of costly problems. In this episode, Phil Collins and Rob Morgan share real-world lessons from more than 40 years in the aquatic industry.

Watch for real-world warnings about subcontracting, design-build risks, and why the right contractor matters for projects that last decades.

In this episode of The Aquatic Perspective, hosts continue their conversation with Drew and Brian from Splashtacular, tracing their career beginnings, early projects, and the company’s shift from product-focused to customer-service-driven work. They share behind-the-scenes stories of designing and testing rides like Slipstream and FlightTime, and how ride path analysis and real-world testing ensure safety and performance.

The discussion also covers practical topics for parks and municipalities—demographics-driven design, theming, electronics, maintenance, warranties, and the impact of staff turnover—underscoring how strong relationships and ongoing support keep aquatic attractions safe, fun, and long‑lasting.

Hosts from Sunbelt Pools sit down at Tapatio Springs with Brian Faulkner and Drew Ford of Splashtacular to trace the company’s story, design process, and commitment to USA-made aquatic attractions.

The conversation covers creative innovation, engineering challenges, and the critical balance between excitement and safety, including real-world permitting and code-interpretation issues faced during projects.

They also discuss community impact and inclusivity, highlighting projects like Camp Barnabas, and the value of collaboration between manufacturers, contractors, and owners.

Stop guessing and start building with precision. Join Phil Collins and Robert Morgan as they break down the dangerous myths of commercial pool estimating and why the "price per square foot" model leads to catastrophic budget failures.

You designed and built it, but the daily reality doesn't match the plan. Why? In this episode of The Aquatic Perspective, we look at the "Reality Gap"—the disconnect between what owners expect and what a commercial facility actually demands to stay afloat.

We examine the details owners frequently miss, including the true cost of maintenance and the staffing issues that can break a budget. This isn't about assigning blame. Instead, we’re helping owners, designers, and operators ask better questions early on to protect the facility's long-term health. Stop guessing and start running your facility with a clear view of the future.

Ep. 3

A "passed" inspection sticker doesn't guarantee a reliable facility. Phil Collins and Robert Morgan dive into the critical gap between meeting minimum regulatory codes and achieving long-term operational health in commercial pools.

Ep. 2

The most expensive mistakes in a commercial pool often happen before the first drop of water hits the basin. Phil Collins and Robert Morgan reveal why facilities become harder to maintain over time and identify the critical factors overlooked during the early stages of a project.

Ep. 1

Experience is a powerful asset in the commercial aquatic industry—if you know how to use it. Phil Collins and Robert Morgan detail the history of Sunbelt Pools and why they are opening the playbook on decades of operational lessons. Learn the core values required to run a high-performing facility today.