E-268 Pool Nation Podcast - From Napkin to Shelf: How BioLab Creates the Chemicals That Run Your Pools

In Episode 268 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, Zac, and Spider sit down with Alicia Stephens and Ted Lawrence from BioLab to uncover what really goes into developing the pool products we all use. From the first spark of an idea to the science labs, testing pools, and final packaging, you’ll hear how innovation happens in the world of pool chemistry. Discover how products like phosphate removers, enzymes, and multi-purpose chlorine tabs are developed, tested, and approved. Ted and Alicia pull back the curtain on research & development, product testing, AI-powered education tools, and even wild stories from their labs (yes — human hair testing and “bather waste” simulations are real). The team also talks about AI’s growing role in education and production at BioLab, industry collaboration, and the importance of elevating the pool industry through innovation and training. Perfect for service pros, retailers, and manufacturers who want to understand how products are made and why quality matters. [00:00] Intro and opening banter with Spider, Alicia, and Ted [00:06] $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge and Pool Nation Awards update [00:10] Pool Nation Conference overview — tracks and classes [00:14] Introducing BioLab’s innovation process (“Napkin to Shelf”) [00:18] How ideas become products & the role of formulation chemists [00:23] Wild testing methods — human hair, bather waste & lab pools [00:26] Product safety, shelf life & field testing in real pools [00:31] Encapsulated chlorine tabs and BioLab’s manufacturing difference [00:38] Patents and IP — protecting formulas and technology [00:41] The evolution of phosphate removers & BioLab’s shift in philosophy [00:47] Market research and deciding which products to launch [00:52] Packaging engineering, label testing, and launch process [00:57] How BioLab educates dealers and service pros nationwide [01:18] AI in education — avatars and BioGuard University [01:26] The future of training and collaboration in the pool industry [01:31] Closing thoughts and Matrix class plans at BioLab HQ Special thanks to our visionary sponsors for making this episode possible: SPPA – Service Professionals Pool Association, BluRay XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, BioLab, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, and Nidec US Motors. Your partnership helps us continue to educate, elevate, and celebrate pool professionals everywhere.