In episode 280 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by co-host Zach “The Pool Boy” Nicholas for Part 5 of the Winter Business Series, where they break down one of the hardest decisions pool service business owners face: how to raise prices with confidence — without losing customers.

Raising prices can feel uncomfortable, emotional, and risky — especially when you’ve worked hard to build your route. Edgar and Zach walk through the real math, the mental hurdles, and the practical strategies pool pros need to protect their margins, improve profitability, and build a sustainable business in today’s changing economy.

You’ll learn:

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  Why waiting to raise prices actually makes it harder later

  
  


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  How to communicate price increases clearly and professionally

  
  


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  What customers really care about (hint: it’s not just price)

  
  


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  Why losing a few low-margin accounts can actually grow your business

  
  


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  How profitability, consistency, and service quality drive customer retention

  
  

This episode is packed with real-world examples, mindset shifts, and actionable advice for pool service business owners who want to stop underpricing their work and start running a business that supports their life — not drains it.

👉 Next week: Edgar and Zach continue the conversation with a deep dive into customer retention and value-based service.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

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  00:00 – Christmas intro & end-of-year reflection

  
  


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  01:30 – Why raising prices feels so uncomfortable for pool pros

  
  


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  05:45 – The hidden cost of not knowing your numbers

  
  


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  10:15 – When is the right time to raise prices?

  
  


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  14:30 – Why waiting actually makes price increases worse

  
  


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  20:00 – How to communicate price increases clearly and confidently

  
  


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  26:30 – What customer pushback really looks like

  
  


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  33:00 – Losing customers vs. building a healthier business

  
  


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  41:00 – Real-world math: fewer pools, more profit

  
  


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  48:00 – Handling common objections (“I can find someone cheaper”)

  
  


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  54:00 – Fixed-income customers & tough emotional decisions

  
  


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  59:00 – Why customers actually leave pool companies

  
  


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  1:05:30 – Final thoughts & preview of Part 6 (Customer Retention)

  
  

🙌 Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors

A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Podcast sponsors for supporting pool pros and helping us deliver real education to the industry:

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  SPPA (Swimming Pool Pro Alliance)

  
  


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  Blu-Ray XL

  
  


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  AquaStar Pool Products

  
  


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  Natural Chemistry

  
  


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  Raypak

  
  


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  Heritage Pool Supply

  
  


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  Hayward Pool Products

  
  


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  Poolside Tech

  
  


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  Pool Brain

  
  


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  Nidec / US Motors

  
  

Your continued support helps elevate education, professionalism, and profitability across the pool industry.