Podcasts

Pool Professionals Podcast Series

The Pool Professionals Podcast is an ongoing series produced by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), where pool and hot tub professionals discuss important topics and trends related to their business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the industry, this podcast is your go-to source for staying informed and inspired in the world of pool professionals.

Hosted by industry expert and GENESIS® Co-Founder Brian Van Bower, these episodes will cover a diverse range of topics, from design, sales, and marketing to company expansion, employee retention, and maintaining customer relationships. Get insights into pool finishes, water treatment methods, and product profiles.

Want to be featured on an episode of the Pool Professionals Podcast? Have feedback on the show? Contact us!

Looking for PHTA's Step Into Swim Podcast? Click here to listen to all past episodes.

Episode 19: John Kenyon on the Initial Client Approach

November 18, 2024
John Kenyon, Sales Manager at Gib-San Pools, shares his approach to the initial client interaction. He emphasizes the importance of qualifying potential clients through thoughtful questions, such as their previous pool ownership experience and budget expectations. Kenyon highlights the value of building rapport, listening carefully to client preferences, and addressing their top concerns: cost, timeline, and value. He also stresses the importance of designing without budget limitations initially, then working with the client to prioritize elements within their budget. Overall, Kenyon's strategy centers on understanding the client's needs, building trust, and ensuring a personalized experience that leads to a successful project.

Episode 18: Brad Parker on Energy Efficiency and Reducing Pool Water Consumption

October 22, 2024
In this episode, Brad Parker discusses the growing importance of sustainability in the pool industry, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and water conservation. He highlights that consumers are increasingly interested in sustainable solutions, especially when linked to cost savings. Parker emphasizes that pool professionals must clearly communicate the benefits of sustainable products, which can also serve as an upsell opportunity. He stresses that sustainability goes beyond equipment, urging the industry to adopt practices like rainwater harvesting and promoting pool covers for water conservation. Parker also calls on manufacturers to lead the charge by providing tools and information to pool professionals, helping them differentiate themselves through sustainability-focused offerings.

Episode 17: Rowdy Gaines on Water Safety and the Importance of Accessible Swimming Lessons

October 1, 2024
Rowdy Gaines, Olympic Gold Medalist and VP of Partnerships and Development, discusses the critical need for accessible swimming lessons, highlighting that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1-4. He notes that swimming lessons reduce drowning risk by 88%. With drowning rates at an all-time high in 2024, often due to parental distractions, Gaines stresses the importance of pool safety and finding the right Certified Pool Builder to ensure safe environments. 

Episode 16: Terry Brannon on the Fundamentals and Art of Concrete Curing

September 16, 2024
GENESIS Engineering Faculty Chair, Terry Brannon, P.E. covers the essentials of concrete curing for pools. He stresses the importance of timing and proper curing methods, such as using curing blankets or sprinklers, to retain water and strengthen the concrete. Brannon also highlights common industry mistakes, like delayed curing and using paraffin-based products, and shares tips to ensure long-lasting, durable concrete. 

Episode 15: Jimi Smith with Tips for Perfect Shots and Project Preparation

September 3, 2024
This episode offers expert guidance on capturing stunning pool photography for professional projects. Key insights from professional pool photographer Jimi Smith, owner of Jimi Smith Photography, include the importance of meticulous preparation, such as ensuring the pool area is spotless and ready for the shoot. This episode also discusses the critical role of angles and reflections in capturing the perfect shot. 

Episode 14: Kevin Misley on Plumbing and Equipment Secrets

August 15, 2024
Kevin Misley, President of Mystic Pools, offers expert advice on pool plumbing and equipment installation, focusing on optimizing system efficiency and durability. He emphasizes using high-quality fittings, proper glue application for underground connections, and heat bending pipes for better routing. Misley also highlights the importance of careful equipment layout for accessibility, thorough pressure testing, and clear pipe labeling for future maintenance. His insights provide valuable guidance for pool builders and service technicians.

Episode 13: Dominick Mondi on Licensing Elevating the Standard in The Pool Industry

August 1, 2024
Dominick Mondi, Executive Director of NESPA, discusses his path to association management and NESPA's 63-year legacy of industry success through volunteerism, education, and government affairs. He highlights the crucial role of certification and licensing in ensuring professionalism and consumer safety. Mondi points out labor management as a key challenge, stressing the need to attract, train, and retain skilled workers by offering growth opportunities and job satisfaction. He also talks about the industry's growth and the increasing importance of maintaining high standards in professionalism and education, and previews his GENESIS course on integrating design principles into construction.

Episode 12: Chrisie Dahl-Blanco on the Challenges of Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Field

July 15, 2024
Custom pool designer Chrisie Dahl-Blanco joins host Brian Van Bower to discuss thriving on word-of-mouth referrals and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, often needing to assert herself strongly. She highlights her transformative educational journey with GENESIS and the importance of being outspoken and proving her expertise. Chrisie admires the strong women in the industry and advises newcomers to educate themselves, strive for excellence, and persist through setbacks to earn respect.

Episode 11: Robert Baxter on the Importance of a Superintendent in Pool Construction

July 1, 2024
Host Brian Van Bower and guest Robert Baxter, Aquatic Construction Liaison for Robax Development, discuss the crucial role of a superintendent in swimming pool construction. Superintendents manage budgets, ensure organizational consistency, and handle client interactions. They emphasize the importance of detailed planning, documentation, and trust within the company. Tune in for valuable insights into effective project management in the pool construction industry.

Episode 10: Andy Kaner on Attention to Detail in Pool Building

June 17, 2024
Host Brian Van Bower joins guest Andy Kaner, they emphasize the importance of meticulous planning and attention to detail in pool building. They discuss the value of both hand drawings and digital drawings in the design process, highlighting how hand drawings allow for quick adjustments and idea generation, while digital drawings facilitate communication with architects and engineers. They introduce D180, a course focusing on drawing principles and communication techniques, suitable for those without prior drawing education. The conversation delves into what should be included in a pool plan, such as title pages, site plans, layout details, and equipment lists. They stress the significance of thorough review processes before finalizing plans. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of early involvement with designers to ensure proper equipment estimation and space planning, ultimately aiming for optimal project performance.

Episode 9: Mike Farley on Client Approach and Project Collaboration

May 30, 2024
Host Brian Van Bower interviews Mike Farley, Elite Design Consultant at Claffey Pools, focusing on client approach and project collaboration. Farley stresses the importance of defining style and focal points early on, emphasizing the role of architecture in inspiring pool projects. He highlights the necessity of adapting to changes and integrating landscape design for cohesive outdoor spaces. Farley also discusses the value of education and charging for design services, emphasizing their long-term benefits in improving profitability and client commitment. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into client interactions, collaboration, and professional development in the pool industry.

Episode 8: Maria Moscato on European Design and Wellness

May 15, 2024
Host Brian Van Bower and GENESIS co-founder Skip Phillips are joined by special guest Maria Moscato, the newly appointed GENESIS International Design & Wellness Faculty Advisor. Maria discusses her goals for GENESIS students, focusing on European/Italian design and the wellness market within the pool/spa sector. She emphasizes the importance of integrating pool designs with the surrounding landscape to promote wellness and mental calmness. She highlights the significance of global design ideas and discusses the longstanding connection between environment and wellness. Maria also explores the concept of "wellness" and its new meaning of "longevity.”

Episode 7: Feras Irikat on Storytelling through Color

April 30, 2024
Host Brian Van Bower sits down with GENESIS® Design Faculty Advisor Feras Irikat, Director of Design & Marketing at Lunada Bay Tile, to explore the intricate world of color theory and its application in design projects. They delve into the importance of understanding the project's objectives and function, considering elements like sun exposure, shade, and emotional storytelling to create a cohesive environment. Feras emphasizes the role of color in eliciting biological responses and guiding clients through the design process as an expert. They discuss the significance of trends in design but caution against blindly following them without considering the project's unique requirements. Additionally, they highlight the critical role of lighting in enhancing the overall design experience.

Episode 6: Charlie Claffey on Financial Literacy and Risk Mitigation

April 15, 2024
Host Brian Van Bower and guest Charlie Claffey, President of Claffey Pools in Southlake, TX, explore the pivotal metric of profitability in running a successful business. They stress the necessity of understanding financial performance and the importance of lead generation tracking for revenue forecasting. Charlie's advice to new pool company owners is to become an expert in financial literacy in order to mitigate risks and ensure sustainability. Ultimately, this episode underscores the imperative of active involvement in financial matters to safeguard your company's success, particularly during challenging times.

Episode 5: Paul John Boulifard on Collaborating with Clients

March 29, 2024
Host Brian Van Bower welcomes GENESIS Design Faculty Chair Paul John Boulifard, Architect + LEED AP, to the show. The two discuss the primary factors that shape outdoor environments. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration with clients, the conversation highlights how understanding their needs, vision, and expectations is paramount, positioning professionals as invaluable resources. Moreover, the influence of home architecture on project design is explored, shedding light on the significance of listening to the client and ensuring that everyone involved has a voice in project leadership. This episode also delves into the challenges and benefits of collaboration in outdoor design, underscoring the value of conversation and networking for continual education and learning opportunities.

Episode 4: Isaac Keselman on the Importance of Education and Automation

March 15, 2024
In this episode, we catch up with Isaac Keselman, Master CBP, founder and president of Aqua Doctor. Keselman started off in the service side of the industry but found they were fequently asked by clients during service visits to solve pool problems created by other companies. They became so good at fixing problems created by other pool builders and construction firms, that it was an easy transition to building their own pools. Listen in to hear how education and curiosity (along with automation and AI) have paved the way to success for this booming company, and why Keselman believes that if you put 16 hours into a design class, you'll get 160 hours back.

Episode 3: Rocky Wisley on Job Costing Unusual Jobs, and How to Keep Employees Happy

February 28, 2024
Rocky Wisley, Master CBP, ACI Certified Nozzleman, is President at Serenity Hardscapes LLC, a full-service pool company in Arlington, TN. In this episode, Rocky talks with host Brian Van Bower about using trends and history on jobsites to keep costing on track, maintaining customer relations as the best form of marketing, and how he retains employees and keeps company culture at the top of his to-do list.

Episode 2: Ed Gibbs on Building Pools and Company Culture

February 13, 2024
Ed Gibbs, President & CEO of Gib-San Pool and Landscape Creations in Toronto, Ontario, talks with host Brian Van Bower about the importance of company culture, continuing education, and understanding clients' needs. Ed also gives insights on building pools in cold climates.

Episode 1: GENESIS® Co-Founder Skip Phillips

January 25, 2024
GENESIS® Co-Founder Skip Phillips talks with Brian about his philosophies on the most important decision factors in building and designing a pool, shares some life-changing lessons learned on client projects and shares tips learned in his decades in the business. Hint: never give your clients what they ask for!