In episode 286 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by co-hosts John “JJ Flawless” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas for a powerful, honest conversation about training, readiness, and real-world skill development in the pool industry.

With trade show season, boot camps, and certifications ramping up, the guys break down the difference between consuming information and being truly prepared to execute in the field. They explore why watching videos and attending classes feels productive—but often falls short when real-life variables, customers, and safety risks enter the picture.

You’ll hear why:

Information alone doesn’t equal competence
Pools are one of the most challenging environments to learn in
Repetition, practice, and hands-on training matter more than ever
“Figuring it out on the fly” has been normalized—and why that’s a problem
The right education now leads to fewer mistakes, more confidence, and more time with your family later

This episode is a must-listen for pool service techs, repair techs, builders, retailers, and business owners who want to stop guessing, sharpen their skills, and approach training with the right mindset in 2026.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps (Chapters)

00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast
01:00 – Why this conversation about training matters right now
03:30 – Kicking off 2026 & returning to show season
08:00 – Industry shout-outs & community updates
10:00 – Trade shows, boot camps & upcoming Pool Nation events
16:30 – Upskilling vs. reskilling: what pool pros actually need
18:30 – Information vs. training: why most education doesn’t stick
22:30 – Why confidence disappears in the field
27:00 – YouTube learning vs. real-world execution
31:30 – Why repetition and practice are missing in education
36:30 – Sponsor break
41:00 – Why pools are one of the hardest environments to learn in
47:00 – Working alone in backyards & pressure from homeowners
52:30 – The danger of “figuring it out on the fly”
58:30 – How the industry must evolve training standards
01:06:00 – Final thoughts: education now = freedom later
01:19:00 – Closing & where to see Pool Nation next

Sponsors (Thank You)

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.