In Episode 254 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac take a deep dive into everything pH. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, understanding pH is critical to mastering water chemistry. We break down the science, the myths, and the real-world effects of pH on chlorine efficiency, equipment, and customer satisfaction. Plus, we tease the upcoming Mythbusters Chemistry Edition where John debunks some of the industry's most persistent pH myths.

We also cover the latest updates on the Pool Nation Women's Summit, the $10K Pool Pro Challenge, the upcoming Pool Nation Conference, and new boot camps. It’s a jam-packed episode full of tips, laughs, and insider gold you won’t find anywhere else.

• [00:00–02:35] Welcome to Pool Nation – New cameras, new jokes, same amazing crew

• [02:36–06:10] Event Rundown: Awards, Women's Summit, $10K Challenge & Conference Highlights

• [06:11–08:45] How the Business Track is Revolutionizing Pool Pro Education

• [08:46–15:30] Training Highlights: Profit Planning, Business Math & Cash Flow

• [15:31–21:45] Day 2 Training Topics: Team Development, Time Management & Accountability

• [21:46–23:20] Pool Nation Business Matrix Exclusive Trainings Teased

• [23:21–25:00] Behind-the-scenes: Secret projects we can’t talk about… yet

• [25:01–28:00] Deep Dive Begins: What is pH and Why It Matters

• [28:01–30:35] Common Causes of High pH

• [30:36–33:40] What Causes Low pH in Pools?

• [33:41–37:55] How pH Affects Chlorine Efficiency

• [37:56–41:30] Signs of Imbalanced pH in Pools

• [41:31–45:20] Relationship Between pH & Total Alkalinity

• [45:21–48:20] Chemicals That Raise and Lower pH

• [48:21–53:15] Consequences of High vs. Low pH – What Pool Pros Should Know

• [53:16–56:50] How Rain, Heat & Swimmers Affect pH

• [56:51–59:55] How Often Should You Test pH & What's the Best Method?

• [59:56–1:02:00] Tips to Adjust pH Without Throwing Off Balance

• [1:02:01–1:05:25] Final Thoughts, Conference Planning & Upcoming Mythbusters Chemistry Segment

• [1:05:26–End] Father’s Day Shoutouts & What’s Coming Next Week

A big thank you to our visionary partners who make this podcast possible: SPPA, Blu-Ray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply Group, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, and US Motors.

Your continued support is helping us build a nation of successful pool pros.

Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation with Hayward – Lessons from the Past, Present, and Future of the Pool Industry

In this special episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac sit down with Justin Butler and Ryan Morson from Hayward Pool Products to celebrate Hayward’s incredible 100-year anniversary. 🎉

From a small metal valve company in 1925 to one of the “Big Three” in the pool industry, Hayward’s journey is one of innovation, grit, and vision. You’ll hear untold stories of Hayward’s origin, product breakthroughs like OmniPro, OmniX, and the S3 salt system, and how the company has remained relevant through changing economies and evolving technologies.

They also dive into Hayward’s bold investment in training hubs across the country and why manufacturing in the USA remains a pillar of their success. This episode is a must-listen for pool professionals who want to build lasting businesses, grow through training, and get inspired by a company that went from servicing one pump to leading an entire industry.

👉 Perfect for pool techs, service pros, and anyone who wants to grow in the pool business — this episode brings knowledge, motivation, and a look behind the curtain of one of the most iconic brands in our industry.

0:00 – Intro and Celebrating Hayward’s 100 Years 5:22 – What makes reaching 100 years so rare in business 10:41 – Hayward’s growth: From private to public and why it matters 16:39 – Pool pros can scale just like Hayward — lessons in grit and vision 23:18 – Meet Justin and Ryan: From pool tech to VP of Sales 34:06 – Hayward’s origin: From metal valves to plastic skimmers 44:00 – Game-changing acquisitions: Goldline, Summit, ComfortZone 53:15 – How Hayward stayed ahead during the recession 1:02:30 – The values of Oscar Davis and their lasting cultural legacy 1:09:45 – Hayward’s Flow Control Division: A little-known fact 1:18:10 – Product innovation spotlight: OmniPro, S3 salt system 1:29:02 – The power of salt cells that work at 800 ppm 1:37:49 – Behind the scenes: Hayward’s U.S.-based manufacturing 1:47:20 – Next-gen tech: The future of automation with OmniX 1:56:13 – Why Hayward’s Training Hubs are transforming the industry 2:03:00 – Final thoughts, shout-outs, and what’s next for Hayward

In episode 251 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zach go full pool nerd mode and dive deep into real-world pool chemistry questions submitted by new pool pro Jonah Callahan. From pH creep in saltwater pools to the truth about chlorine lock and how to properly shock your pool, this episode is packed with must-know insights for every pool tech—from beginner to seasoned vet.

John breaks down complex chemistry topics in a way that’s simple and practical, and the team shares insider strategies for managing high CYA, enzymes, calcium hardness, and more. Whether you're battling algae, scaling, or just trying to maintain balanced water, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Plus: Edgar announces key dates for the Pool Nation Awards, Women’s Summit, and the $10K Pool Pro Challenge, and the team drops some exclusive details on Business Matrix-only content at the upcoming Pool Nation Conference.

👉 Learn, laugh, and level up your chemistry game—Pool Nation style.

• [00:00] Intro & Pool Talk Weather Chaos – Palm tree nightmares, flooding in Texas, and summer is here.

• [09:00] Pool Nation Awards & Event Announcements – Dates for nominations, Women’s Summit (sold out!), and upcoming events at the PSP Expo.

• [10:50] Business Classes Preview at Pool Nation Conference – Edgar, Zach, and John walk through all 10 business-focused class topics and the Matrix-exclusive advanced tracks.

• [19:10] Listener Q&A: Saltwater Pools & pH Creep – Why salt systems raise pH and what you can do to manage it.

• [23:45] Do Enzymes Really Work in Pool Water? – How and why enzymes like CV-600 can save your time and sanity.

• [27:00] Chlorine Lock: Real or Myth? – The CYA-to-chlorine ratio, nitrate interference, and why "chlorine lock" isn't exactly what you think.

• [31:30] Testing High CYA Levels Accurately – How to use dilution testing to measure conditioner over 100 ppm.

• [39:00] What’s the Best Chlorine for Shocking a Pool? – When to use dichlor, cal hypo, trichlor, or liquid chlorine—and why.

• [43:10] How Dangerous is Slightly Off pH? – What a small pH change actually means for chlorine effectiveness and swimmer safety.

• [45:50] Is High Calcium Hardness Really a Problem? – The difference between safe and unsafe levels, and how to manage it using LSI.

• [54:00] Final Thoughts & Studio Talk – The team recaps the value of bite-size chemistry education and teases future podcast episodes and Pool Man University content.

We want to thank our incredible sponsors who make the Pool Nation Podcast possible:

• The SPPA, BluRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak – Hayward Pool Products, Heritage Pool Supply Group, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, US Motors and Pool Invoice