Pool Chasers Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Pool Chasers Podcast, Greg and Justin sit down with Monica Archibald, District Sales Manager at Hayward Pool Products, for an in-depth conversation on the evolution of pool equipment, customer service, and industry innovation. Monica shares her journey from customer service in Temecula to becoming a key figure at Hayward, offering insights into how the company listens to the market through "Voice of the Customer" initiatives.

They explore differences between the California and Arizona markets, the perception of pricing in the industry, and Hayward’s approach to product support and training. Monica discusses new developments like the XL pump, advanced cartridge filters, co-op programs, and the recently acquired Clark King commercial division. The trio also touches on the importance of service after the sale, the reality of product development cycles, and the role of relationships in driving success.

Whether you're a pool pro, builder, or someone exploring new equipment options, this episode offers valuable behind-the-scenes insight into one of the industry’s leading manufacturers.

Connect with Hayward Pool Products: 

• Website
• Instagram 
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• YouTube

In this episode of the Pool Chasers Podcast, Greg Villafana and Justin Bowie talk with Israel Saari, Digital Solutions Category Manager at Pentair, about how automation and remote monitoring can transform the pool industry for both homeowners and pool pros. 

Israel explains how Pentair’s IntelliCenter automation systems—including the IntelliFlo3 pump, Upgrade Kits, IntelliCenter and IntelliCenter Lite—allow pros and homeowners to control and monitor pools remotely via the Pentair Pool App.

Mentioned in episode:
Israel Saari LinkedIn
Pentair Website
IntelliFlo3
Pentair Pool App
IntelliCenter
IntelliCenter Pool Control Upgrade Kit
IntelliCenter Lite
IntelliCenter Remote Monitoring Login

In this episode, Greg, Justin, and Mike dive deep into the challenges and demands of maintaining perfection within JMax Plumbing. They discuss the relentless pursuit of excellence, the importance of proactive problem-solving, and the critical role of quality control in building and sustaining client trust. With real-life anecdotes and a touch of humor, they highlight the necessity of constant vigilance and thorough communication to prevent and address mistakes before they escalate. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone striving for high standards in their professional work, emphasizing the balance between perfection and practical problem-solving.

Pool Chasers Website
Brought to you by Lyon Financial 

Topics Discussed

• [00:00:49] - Beers of the week
• [00:02:17] - Episode focus: Discussing common industry issues and personal insights.
• [00:03:27] - Importance of catching mistakes early and maintaining credibility.
• [00:05:07] - Example of a client relationship turning sour over a simple miscommunication.
• [00:07:06] - Learning from mistakes: The necessity of constant client engagement.
• [00:09:50] - Common plumbing problems: Crossed lines and leaks.
• [00:13:19] - The role of quality control in preventing client dissatisfaction.
• [00:18:20] - The cost of goodwill: Balancing financial loss and maintaining relationships.
• [00:23:15] - Case study: Handling a dirt pile incident to preserve client trust.
• [00:26:18] - Jobsite etiquette: The importance of communication and professionalism.
• [00:32:04] - Final thoughts: Embracing the pursuit of perfection while managing imperfections.

Episode Summary: 

In this edition of Business Tip of the Month, we’re joined by NPP’s Regional Director Of Operations for Texas Justin Gormley. 

Listen in as Justin discusses why it’s so important for every leader within an organization to ensure workplace safety and why this subject is often taken for granted despite how fundamental it is to any business. He speaks on identifying workplace safety hazards, creating safety policies, and training your team to adhere to these safety standards. 

Because a lack of strong safety standards can cost your company, both directly and indirectly, it’s vital for leaders to promote a culture of safety, and to ensure that those standards and best practices are followed without compromises. Ultimately, Justin believes that ensuring workplace safety comes down to embracing personal responsibility, no matter one’s position in the company. 

Topics Discussed: 

• 00:54 - Defining safety in the workplace 
• 03:11 - How to start improving workplace safety today 
• 05:45 - How much ignoring safety can cost your company 
• 08:07 - Making safety a priority early on, and often 
• 11:23 - Maintaining a good safety culture 

Connect with Guest: 

• Website

Episode Summary: 

Today, we once again speak with Rich Gallo, the Founder and CEO of Pure Swim Inc., a second-generation swimming pool maintenance and repair company based out of Valencia, CA. 

As we emerge from the pandemic, Rich looks back on how Pure Swim was able to continue to thrive in spite of the many challenges that the last two years presented. He also talks about changes across the industry in general, such as the explosion of demand for pools as the work-from-home culture became the norm. 

Rich explains the importance of understanding the new economy (ex. inflation) in order to stay ahead of common “chokeholds” and limiting beliefs that hold many business owners back. He also discusses why every business owner needs to have structure so that they do not get derailed both when chasing new opportunities or navigating times of hardship. He goes on to add that it pays to have a roadmap for the future; otherwise, you risk wasting your potential for growth. 

Finally, Rich speaks on his upcoming apprenticeship program and gives his general thoughts on mentoring the next generation of business owners and tradespeople, all the while expressing gratitude for an industry that has grown to be more transparent and collaborative over the decades. 

Topics Discussed: 

• 01:06 - How Pure Swim emerged from the pandemic 
• 07:10 - The importance of understanding the current economy 
• 12:02 - Breaking free from common business owner chokeholds 
• 22:49 - The current state of the industry 
• 29:21 - Modeling your business for growth

Episode Summary: 

Today’s special episode is the June edition of our “News & Notes” series, in partnership with Pool Pro Magazine. 

After touching on the most interesting pool-related news of the month, Megan goes over recent industry news and the first quarter annual reports for Fluidra and Latham. 

Finally, Megan shares Pool Pro Mag’s newest article by Katie Crysdale, “End-Capping the Pool Experience”. 

Topics Discussed: 

• 03:13 - Madison Pool Equipment Fire 
• 04:25 - Good Samaritan rescues driver  
• 05:56 - Lifeguard shortage  
• 07:55 - $100,000+ pool donated to a grandma  
• 10:01 - Pool Noodle Fight  
• 13:32 - Hayward moves to NC 
• 14:51 - Ultra Pool Care Squad signs first two franchisees 
• 1

Episode Summary: 

In this edition of Business Tip of the Month, we’re joined by NPP’s President of Texas Hal Denbar. 

Listen in as Hal breaks down the important but often misunderstood distinction between making a profit and paying yourself as a business owner. 

He also explains the advantages of having an accountant and how to build a healthy pool business using the profit-first model. 

Topics Discussed: 

• 01:14 - Defining the problem 
• 02:37 - Profit versus owner’s salary 
• 04:29 - The advantages of having an accountant 
• 05:12 - Misconceptions around profit and salary 
• 07:18 - Making it a habit to check your numbers 
• 10:57 - Using the profit-first model 
• 15:55 - Determining how much to pay yourself 
• 18:18 - What counts as a “healthy” pool business

Episode Summary: 

Today, we sit down once again with AquaStar Pool Products COO Todd Pieri and Director of Science and Compliance Steve Barnes. 

Founded in 2000, AquaStar grew to become a vertically-integrated company that offers a variety of products such as spa jets and fittings, skimmers, ozonators, chlorinators, cleaners, and—as we talk about at length in today’s episode—pipeline filters. 

Our guests reveal what sets AquaStar’s filters apart from the competition, outperforming units twice it's size and making pool ownership easy with its intuitive design. They also speak on upcoming products in the company’s pipeline. 

Topics Discussed: 

• 01:12 - About the pipeline filter and its competitive advantage 
• 07:35 - ANSI pool standards for operation and maintenance 
• 13:08 - The filter’s NSF testing data 
• 19:48 - Features and benefits 
• 32:51 - How often to clean the filter 
• 34:55 - AquaStar’s rep coverage 
• 37:46 - Upcoming products in the pipeline 

Episode Summary: 

Today, we speak with Jody Underhill of Rapid Hire Pro, a digital marketing agency that focuses solely on recruiting for home service companies. 

Jody discusses the unique challenge of getting your ad seen, encouraging business owners to take care in making sure that the ad is visible across all relevant high-traffic platforms. As he explains, Rapid Hire Pro’s nurture sequence offers a frictionless experience to job seekers who click on their ads, helping them reach the point where they can make the most informed decision possible. 

He goes on to talk about why it has become so difficult to hire technicians across the board lately. He addresses the efficacy of performance pay, the difference between recruiting and hiring, and what it means to provide a career versus a job. 

Jody also speaks on what causes employees to leave, and how you can fine-tune your business—especially when it comes to the pay, culture, life balance, and other benefits that you offer—in order to attract A-players to your company. 

Topics Discussed: 

• 01:03 - An introduction to Jody and Rapid Hire Pro 
• 07:42 - How Rapid Fire Pro seamlessly guides job seekers 
• 15:49 - Why it is so difficult to hire technicians 
• 17:47 - Performance pay done right 
• 25:50 - Recruiting versus hiring 
• 32

Episode Summary: 

Today’s special episode is the May edition of our “News & Notes” series, in partnership with Pool Pro Magazine. 

After touching on the most interesting pool-related news of the month, Megan goes over recent industry news and the first quarter annual report. 

Finally, Megan calls for new faces to be featured on Pool Pro Mag’s 30 Under 40 and talks about their new story, “Safety is Always in Season”. 

Topics Discussed: 

• 05:59 - Jury awards $17.5 million to widow 
• 07:57 - Berlin to reduce pool temperatures  
• 08:46 - Charlotte Sanddal 500 Freestyle 
• 09:47 - Boy gifted the pool of his dreams 
• 11:16 - Woman saves son from drowning mid-plunge 
• 14:03 - Pinch A Penny store opens in Davenport, FL 
• 14:30 - (NPC) now offers their course in Spanish