In episode 212 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zach do a deep dive into the world of heat pumps with special guests Brad Duncan and Akshaya Shakar from Raypak. They discuss the mechanics of heat pumps, their efficiency, and the growing trend toward adopting this energy-saving technology. Tune in as they break down the key factors pool pros need to consider when selling, installing, and maintaining heat pumps, and the exciting updates Raypak is bringing to the industry with new products and extended warranties.

Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction to the podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac welcome Brad Duncan and Akshaya Shakar. [00:02:00] - Raypak shoutouts, discussion of visionary partners, and Zac’s tech issues. [00:03:00] - John talks about the heat wave, chemical costs, and how pool pros can benefit from heat pumps. [00:04:00] - Brad discusses the importance of understanding heat pump efficiency for future-proofing your business. [00:07:00] - Edgar brings up the benefits of heat pumps and how they differ from gas heaters. [00:10:00] - John emphasizes why pool pros need to stay ahead of the curve with heat pump technology. [00:14:00] - Brad explains how a heat pump works and the science behind extracting heat from the air. [00:16:00] - How heat pumps perform in different climates and markets, key factors pool pros should consider. [00:20:00] - The efficiency of heat pumps versus gas heaters, and how to explain the cost savings to customers. [00:23:00] - John shares his experience with Airbnb properties and using heat pumps in conjunction with gas heaters. [00:26:00] - Brad discusses the heat-cool model and the ability to control water temperature year-round. [00:29:00] - Zac talks about the initial investment versus long-term savings of heat pumps and how to present that to customers. [00:32:00] - The importance of setting customer expectations when switching to heat pumps. [00:34:00] - What affects heat pump efficiency: air temperature, humidity, and installation conditions. [00:37:00] - Critical installation factors, including space requirements, airflow, and clearances. [00:43:00] - The maintenance required for heat pumps and how to clean evaporator coils. [00:46:00] - Licensing requirements for working with refrigerants and the need for HVAC certification. [00:53:00] - The steps involved in installing a heat pump, including plumbing and electrical considerations. [00:58:00] - Manifold plumbing configurations for heat pumps and gas heaters together. [01:04:00] - Electrical requirements for heat pumps, including the importance of proper wiring and amperage. [01:14:00] - Akshaya introduces Raypak's new "Brains and Brawn" partnership with Poolside Tech and their collaboration with AquaStar. [01:15:00] - Brad shares exciting news about Raypak’s new three-year warranty for Avea heaters. [01:22:00] - The team discusses the importance of choosing reliable products for long-term customer satisfaction. [01:24:00] - Final thoughts from Zac, John, and Edgar about the future of heat pump technology and pool pros' responsibilities to stay ahead. [01:26:00] - A shout-out to the amazing women who attended the Pool Nation Women's Summit.

In Episode 211 of the Pool Nation Podcast, your host Leanne DeJesus, alongside Janey Flawless and Jeanette Horn, dive deep into the 2024 3rd Annual Pool Nation Women's Summit. The trio reflects on the transformative experiences, key takeaways, and empowering moments that made this year's summit truly exceptional. From breaking boundaries to fostering authentic connections, they share personal stories, lessons learned, and the impact of the summit on their personal and professional lives.

Join them as they discuss the growth of the summit, the importance of empowering women in the pool industry, and what to look forward to in the next year. Plus, they share insights on the Pool Nation Awards, how the industry is evolving, and the anticipation for the upcoming Pool Nation Conference.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Intro: Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast
• [00:01:00] Leanne kicks off the Women's Summit Special
• [00:03:00] Discussing the growth of the Pool Nation Women's Summit over the years
• [00:14:00] Reflections on Year One: The power of community and connection
• [00:19:00] Year Two: Girl power, building relationships, and the impact of inspiring speakers
• [00:28:00] Year Three: New takeaways, the importance of authenticity, and lessons in self-improvement
• [00:45:00] The future of the Women's Summit: Growth, challenges, and preserving intimacy
• [00:54:00] Pool Nation Awards and the excitement for the upcoming Pool Nation Conference
• [01:13:00] Final thoughts: Looking forward to the future of Pool Nation events and the continued empowerment of women in the industry
• [01:24:00] Outro: Thank you for listening

Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation that celebrates the strength, resilience, and growth of women in the pool industry.

In episode 210 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac are back to discuss operational efficiency for pool professionals. They dive deep into the importance of route planning and how it impacts the success and profitability of a business. The team shares personal experiences and tips for optimizing your schedule, reducing wasted time, and maximizing profits, especially when balancing service routes and repair jobs. They also chat about the upcoming Pool Nation Women's Summit and reminisce about Zac's wilderness adventures. Tune in for valuable insights to help improve your pool business!

Episode Breakdown:

• [00:00:00] - Intro: The hosts return from a break and get back into the swing of things. They catch up on life updates and share some laughs, with Zac making a triumphant return.
• [00:03:00] - Zach's Truck Update: Zach shares an update on purchasing a new truck, and the team jokes about the process, including the challenges of dealing with recalls and repairs.
• [00:10:00] - Nominations and Events: The team discusses the exciting number of nominations received for the Pool Nation Awards and the upcoming Pool Nation Women's Summit.
• [00:17:00] - Route Planning and Efficiency: Edgar, John, and Zach dive into route planning and operational efficiency, offering strategies for maximizing time and minimizing drive times to increase productivity and profitability.
• [00:28:00] - Real-Life Business Examples: They share personal examples of how route planning and efficiency have transformed his business, emphasizing the importance of scheduling and prioritizing tasks.
• [00:49:00] - Repair Scheduling: The conversation shifts to managing repair schedules and how strategic planning can increase the number of jobs completed while reducing time and costs.
• [00:58:00] - Upcoming Events: The hosts briefly mention upcoming events, including the Pool Nation Conference and Pool Nation Awards.
• [01:04:00] - Final Thoughts: The team wraps up the discussion by reinforcing the importance of operational efficiency and looking ahead to future episodes focused on business improvement strategies.