Pool Nation Podcast E-258 - In this landmark episode, the Pool Nation team takes you behind the scenes of the brand-new AquaStar Studios in Ventura, California. We’re the very first to record inside this industry-changing facility—and we’re bringing you the full experience, streaming live on Instagram and Restream for the first time ever! Join Edgar, John, and Zac as they tour the state-of-the-art studio, test out its massive interactive screen, and chat with Todd and the AquaStar crew about why content and education are transforming the pool industry.
Whether you’re a pool pro, a business owner, or just a fan of next-level tech and team culture, this episode is packed with laughs, insider stories, and powerful takeaways on innovation, collaboration, and why investing in the pool community matters now more than ever.
Timelines & Highlights:
[00:00:00] – Intro & Welcome: Meet the crew as they kick off at AquaStar’s stunning new studio in Ventura, sharing first impressions and setting the vibe for a special live-streamed episode.
[00:03:00] – Pool Nation On the Road: Travel stories, Airbnb mishaps, and the lengths Edgar will go for a cup of coffee.
[00:06:00] – Studio Reveal & First Impressions: Blindfolded arrivals, team reactions, and the story behind building a one-of-a-kind industry studio.
[00:13:00] – Pool Nation Conference Sneak Peek: Upcoming events, including the Women’s Summit, Pool Pro Challenge, and business training track breakdown.
[00:23:00] – Why Build a Studio? Vision & ROI: Todd shares the inside story on what inspired AquaStar to invest big in a content studio, the changing needs of pool pros, and the challenge of justifying ROI in education and media.
[00:31:00] – Building It Right: Design, Details, & Team Culture: Hear how the AquaStar team took on the build, the philosophy of “everything makes a difference,” and how internal talent and attention to detail brought the vision to life.
[00:40:00] – The Massive Interactive Wall Demo: Live demo of the 10x20ft high-res screen—see what it can do, why it matters for training, and the plans for future immersive content.
[00:47:00] – Community, Team, and Social Media: The importance of company culture, embracing social media, and making pool pros feel like family—not just customers.
[01:03:00] – Growth & Team Expansion: How AquaStar built its rep team from scratch, what’s next, and why Mandy deserves a spotlight!
[01:10:00] – Live Audience Q&A & Fun: Live shoutouts, Brian’s birthday, and the legendary “Omar on a horse” photo goes up on the big screen.
[01:17:00] – Final Thoughts & Takeaways: Gratitude, future vision, and why this launch is just the beginning for both AquaStar and Pool Nation.
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