E-310 Pool Nation Podcast - How Dunrite Pools Built a 58-Year Family Legacy | Pool Secrets with Ken & Sandy Barthman

Episode 310 Pool Nation Podcast What does it take to build a pool company that lasts nearly six decades? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by Ryan Morson from Hayward along with Ken and Sandy Barthman of Dunrite Pools, a second-generation family business that has been building swimming pools on Long Island for over 58 years. From starting in the business as a teenager to now constructing more than 125 pools every year, Ken and Sandy share what it takes to build a lasting reputation, work together as husband and wife, and prepare the next generation to carry the company forward. The conversation dives deep into the unique challenges of vinyl liner pools, high water table construction, dewatering systems, custom liner measurements, heat pumps, customer service, online reviews, company culture, and why reputation remains the most valuable asset any pool company can have. Whether you're a pool builder, service professional, business owner, or simply passionate about the swimming pool industry, this episode is packed with practical lessons on leadership, craftsmanship, family business, and building a legacy that lasts. In This Episode You'll Learn • How Dunrite Pools has remained successful for over 58 years • What it's really like running a pool company as husband and wife • Building approximately 125 vinyl liner pools each year • How dewatering works in high water table construction • Why accurate liner measurements are critical • Heat pumps vs. gas heaters in northern markets • Preparing your business for multi-generational leadership • Managing customer expectations and protecting your online reputation • Why family businesses continue to thrive in the pool industry • The importance of building trust one customer at a time Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Meet Ken & Sandy Barthman of Dunrite Pools 05:45 Pool construction on Long Island 08:45 Hayward's "Power of Us" initiative 10:00 How Ken & Sandy met and built a life together 15:00 The history of DunritePools 18:00 Dewatering explained 23:00 Building 125 vinyl liner pools every year 26:00 Heat pumps vs. gas heaters 30:00 Custom vinyl liner measurements 33:00 The complete vinyl liner installation process 40:00 Running a family business together 43:00 Building a multi-generation company 47:00 Protecting your reputation through customer service 49:00 Life outside the pool industry 52:00 Final thoughts and legacy Thank You to Our Sponsors A huge thank you to our visionary partners for helping us educate and elevate the swimming pool industry: • SPPA • BluRay XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply • Hayward Pool Products • Poolside Tech • Pool Brain • Nidec / US Motors • OnCore Filtration • Encore Brands Your continued support allows us to provide free education to pool professionals across the industry. Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode: ✔ Subscribe to Pool Nation ✔ Leave us a 5-star review ✔ Share this episode with another pool professional ✔ Join thousands of pool pros who are committed to mastering the business and perfecting the craft.