In Episode 261 of the Pool Nation Live Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas dive into Part 2 of the Roadmap to Profitability series. This episode unpacks the biggest profit killers in the pool service business, the pricing mindset traps that hold pool pros back, and the math that proves why profitability must come first.

The team discusses:

• 
  

  Why paying yourself first is non-negotiable.

  
  


• 
  

  How to set pricing like you already have employees to avoid burnout.

  
  


• 
  

  The financial traps that cause businesses to stall or fail.

  
  


• 
  

  Real-world stories from the field—hot installs, customer curveballs, and lessons from poolside battles.

  
  


• 
  

  A breakdown of the Pool Nation Conference business track in Las Vegas: profit-first strategies, cash flow mastery, pricing formulas, building high-performing teams, and leadership accountability.

  
  

Whether you’re a single-poler just starting out or scaling your business, this episode will give you actionable tools to price with confidence, protect your profits, and future-proof your pool business.

🎟️ Don’t forget: Register now for the Pool Nation Conference, happening October 24–25 at the PSP Expo in Las Vegas, and claim your free expo floor pass with code POOLNATION at checkout.

00:00 – Intro: Welcome & sponsor shoutouts

04:50 – Zach returns from vacation refreshed, John and Edgar worn out

12:15 – Brutal heat, pump installs, and unexpected repair curveballs

21:40 – PSP Expo preview & $10K Pool Pro Challenge announcement

28:00 – Pool Nation Awards nominations & Alley Lounge After Party details

34:45 – Pool Nation Conference business & leadership tracks explained

46:20 – Recap of Part 1: Why profits aren’t a bonus, they’re the foundation

51:05 – Profit Killer #1: Not paying yourself

1:08:40 – Pricing like you have an employee (even if you don’t yet)

1:27:15 – Burnout, turnover, and the hidden costs of underpricing

1:43:55 – The career path mindset: Building wages & growth into your model

1:57:30 – Final thoughts: Know your numbers & plan for 3–5 years ahead

2:05:00 – Wrap-up & next week’s Nomination Night women’s livestream