E-281 Pool Nation Podcast - You Raised Your Pool Service Prices — Now What? The First 90 Days Explained

In Episode 281 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus dives into a topic most pool business owners aren’t prepared for - what really happens after you raise your prices. You’ve done the hard part. You ran the numbers. You sent the email. You raised your rates. But then comes the silence… the second guessing… and the fear. This episode focuses on the first 90 days after a price increase, breaking down the emotional, financial, and leadership shifts pool pros experience during this critical window. Edgar explains why post-increase anxiety is normal, how to avoid self-sabotage, and how understanding your true cost per pool transforms pricing from an emotional decision into a leadership strategy. You’ll learn why losing a few customers isn’t failure, how margin creates stability (not just profit), and how aligned pricing leads to calmer leadership, better customers, and a stronger business long-term. If you’re a pool service owner, repair pro, or business operator who wants to raise prices with confidence and keep control of your business after you do - this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Topics include: The psychology of pricing after you hit “send” Why silence after a rate increase feels dangerous (but isn’t) The difference between emotional vs intentional pricing Understanding true cost per pool and margin protection Why fewer pools can actually mean more profit How pricing affects leadership, stress, and customer retention What to do with new margin (and what NOT to do) Why strong businesses wait 90 days before reacting This episode is part of the Pool Nation Winter Business Series and is designed to help pool pros stop surviving — and start leading. Pool Nation 27th Dec Episode Tr… ⏱️ Episode Timestamps (YouTube / Spotify / SEO Friendly) 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:10 – Today’s Topic: You Raised Your Prices… Now What? 03:40 – Why the Silence After a Price Increase Feels So Uncomfortable 06:30 – Intentional Pricing vs Emotional Pricing 10:05 – Fear Source #1: Being Underpaid for Too Long 12:00 – Fear Source #2: Emotional Attachment to Customers 14:30 – Fear Source #3: Equating Customer Loss With Failure 17:00 – Why Margin Is Protection, Not Extra Money 20:10 – Understanding True Cost Per Pool 24:00 – Why One Billing Cycle Never Tells the Whole Story 28:00 – Sponsor Break 31:30 – Real Customer Behavior After Price Increases 35:00 – Filtering vs Losing Customers 38:20 – Why Better Customers Matter More Than More Customers 42:00 – How Aligned Pricing Changes Leadership 46:00 – What To Do With Your New Margin 52:30 – Leadership, Strategy, and Long-Term Pricing Reviews 59:00 – Final Thoughts & 2026 Outlook 🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors A huge thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast and the pool pro community: SPPA (Swimming Pool Pro Alliance) Blu-Ray XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products PoolSide Tech Pool Brain US Motors / Nidec Your continued support helps Pool Nation deliver real education, real tools, and real results for pool professionals everywhere.