E-283 Pool Nation Podcast - Marketing with Crystal Lengua, Algae Fixes with Alicia Stephens, and Hiring Laws with Leanne

Pool Nation Podcast Episode 283, a special “best of” style episode packed with real conversations, pool industry insights, and business lessons for pool service, repair, and retail pros. Edgar, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “the Pool Boy” kick things off with a quick reset for the new year, including Edgar’s recap from the BioGuard (BioLab) retailer conference in Tulum, Mexico, plus what Pool Pros should focus on as the season ramps up. From there, this compilation jumps into some of the most talked-about topics in the industry: marketing and branding, algae prevention and green pool recovery, a full backyard and pool giveaway, and the legal side of hiring and HR that most pool companies struggle to navigate. The episode wraps with a fun behind-the-scenes conversation with Pool Pro Magazine about creativity, industry trends, and what it takes to produce standout content in the pool world. If you want a single episode that covers pool business growth, pool marketing, algae troubleshooting, hiring compliance, and industry community, this one delivers. Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 Welcome to Pool Nation + January reset, season ramp-up, and BioGuard conference recap in Tulum 00:05:00 Crystal Rael (SMP + Ultra Lift): marketing, branding foundations, and leading two companies 00:16:00 Alicia Stephens: why algae is worse this year, chlorine costs, prevention strategy, and treatment approaches 00:33:00 Sponsor break 00:43:00 Josh Sherwood: his story in business and the backyard + pool giveaway (how nominations work) 00:53:00 Leanne: HR and the legal side of hiring, compliance resources, and how to protect your business decisions 01:03:00 Sponsor break 01:07:00 Megan Kendrick (Pool Pro Magazine): behind-the-scenes content creation, industry trends, and the shoot stories 01:14:40 Closing message + where to find Pool Nation, Pool Invoice, and Pool Man University Sponsors (Thank You) Big thank you to our sponsors for supporting Pool Pros and helping us keep the education and conversations rolling: SPPA • Blu-ray XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply • Hayward Pool Products • Poolside Tech • US Motors / Nidec Also, thank you to Pool Invoice and PoolManUniversity.com for supporting pool industry training and business systems.