Episode # 309 of the Pool Nation Podcast - What does a true partnership between manufacturers and pool professionals actually look like?

In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Todd Pieri of AquaStar Pool Products for one of the most honest conversations we've had about the future of the swimming pool industry.

From pricing strategies and manufacturer transparency to product innovation, warranties, and building trust with pool professionals, this episode dives into the issues that affect every builder, service company, retailer, and distributor.

Todd explains why AquaStar believes consistency matters more than promotions, why they reduced prices on multiple products in 2026 instead of raising them, and how listening to pool pros has driven some of their biggest product innovations.

The team also tackles one of the industry's hottest topics—constant manufacturer price increases—and discusses how those decisions impact builders, service companies, homeowners, and the long-term health of the pool industry.

If you're serious about growing your business, protecting your profits, and staying ahead of where our industry is headed, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why consistency builds stronger partnerships than rebates and promotions
• AquaStar's philosophy on transparent pricing
• Why AquaStar lowered prices on multiple products
• How pool professionals directly influence new product development
• The real cost of warranty programs—and a different way to handle them
• How innovation can make service companies more profitable
• Why "Run Your Freaking Pump" is more than just a slogan
• What manufacturers can do to better support pool professionals
• The future vision for AquaStar and the swimming pool industry

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast
02:00 – Meet Todd Pieri from AquaStar Pool Products
10:00 – The AquaStar story: From startup to industry leader
14:00 – What real manufacturer partnerships should look like
18:00 – How pool pros inspire AquaStar product innovation
24:00 – The truth about pricing, inflation, and manufacturers
34:00 – Why AquaStar reduced prices instead of increasing them
41:00 – Why rebates don't always benefit pool professionals
50:00 – Net pricing vs. rebate programs explained
57:00 – Warranty philosophy and improving products through feedback
1:07:00 – AquaStar's vision for becoming the "Pros' Pro Brand"
1:16:00 – The "Run Your Freaking Pump" movement
1:18:00 – Final thoughts and closing

Special Thanks To Our Visionary Partners

A huge thank you to our incredible Visionary Partners for helping us continue to educate, inspire, and elevate the swimming pool industry:

• The SPPA
• BluRay XL
• AquaStar Pool Products
• Natural Chemistry
• Raypak
• Heritage Pool Supply Group
• Hayward Pool Products
• EnCore Brands
• Poolside Tech – The Attendant
• Pool Brain
• Nidec / U.S. Motors
• OnCore Filtration

Your support allows us to continue providing free education and resources to thousands of pool professionals around the world.

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