In this latest episode of Pool Magazine Podcast, Vito Mariano, president of Basecrete Technologies, announces three exciting new products they're adding to their lineup: Nano-Set, Suede, and their fiberglass mesh system Basecrete Xtreme. With decades of experience and multiple plaster patents, Mariano explains how these innovations improve color retention, reduce permeability, and extend the lifespan of pool finishes. We discuss how additives are reshaping the way applicators and finishe...

From humble beginnings cleaning pools to co-founding one of Texas’s most respected luxury pool firms, Joshua Buzzell’s journey with Regal Pools is a masterclass in entrepreneurship and leadership. In this episode, he recounts how he and his partner Edwin Escobar built a culture of quality and accountability that propelled Regal into the Top 50 Pool Builders list. Josh explains the sacrifices, long hours, and relentless pursuit of excellence that shaped their growth into a $20M company, and wh...

Automation is changing the pool industry, and Pentair’s IntelliFlo3® VSF Pump is leading the charge. In this episode, Senior Product Manager Adam Key explains how this next-generation pump isn’t just about circulation — it’s a complete automation solution. We explore how WiFi connectivity enables homeowners to adjust schedules and monitor energy use remotely, how built-in relays allow control of pool lights and other equipment, and how this pump helps service pros troubleshoot issues without ...

Marcus Sheridan, co-founder of River Pools and renowned marketing strategist, knows firsthand how content can save a business. In this episode, he shares how during the 2008 recession, transparency and answering customer questions online transformed River Pools into the most visited pool website in the world. We explore his “They Ask, You Answer” philosophy — a revolutionary approach that empowers companies to address customer concerns openly, including pricing, competition, and product compa...

Few materials say luxury like Bisazza glass tile, and in this episode, tile master Jimmy Reed of Rock Solid Tile and retailer Frank Vitori of AquaBlu Mosaics explain why. With over three decades of experience, Reed shares the artistry behind installing all-glass pools and why Bisazza remains a gold standard for high-end projects. Vitori contributes his expertise from the distributor’s perspective, discussing trends, customization options, and how U.S. homeowners are responding to the brand. T...

Bo Barnett of GBIV Designs joins us to talk about one of the biggest shifts happening in pool construction today — the move toward large-format porcelain panels. Known for his award-winning projects in Austin and beyond, Barnett explains why porcelain has become the material of choice for luxury builders and designers. He shares how large porcelain panels create a sleek, modern aesthetic, cut down on grout lines, and perform exceptionally well in exterior environments. We also discuss the tec...

Women of Water, a new initiative developed by the PHTA (Pool & Hot Tub Alliance) in partnership with POOLCORP, seeks to connect, empower, and advocate for women in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry through community, education, and leadership development. WOW officially kicks off at this year's International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Las Vegas. To learn more about the Women of Water initiative, we spoke with Sabeena Hickman, President & CEO of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, Kendall L...

As Executive Director of the Master Pools Guild (MPG), Teri Wiltshire has a global perspective on where the industry is headed. In this episode, she breaks down the factors driving rising pool costs — from labor shortages to inflation — and offers practical advice for builders on how to stay profitable while keeping projects on track. Wiltshire also touches on how pools are increasingly seen as investments, boosting home values in competitive real estate markets. Whether you’re a builder navi...

On this episode of Pool Magazine Podcast, we sit down with Sean West, founder and VP of Sales at Deckology, the company behind AquaFlex — the surfacing system trusted by luxury resorts like the Bellagio, Wynn, and Mandalay Bay. From the scorching pool decks of Las Vegas to high-end properties across the country, AquaFlex has become synonymous with durability, safety, and guest comfort. Sean explains what makes AquaFlex stand apart: UV stability, slip resistance, 23% cooler surfaces, and quick...

Each year, the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, co-located with Deck Expo, sets the tone for the industry — and 2025 in Las Vegas is shaping up to be the biggest yet. In this episode, Show Manager Megan Magaña shares what attendees can expect, from intensive pre-conference education with PHTA and Genesis to hands-on demos on the show floor. We also highlight the various events and networking opportunities that make PSP/Deck Expo a must-attend event. Whether you’re a pool builder, retail...

In this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking safety study on equipotential bonding, commissioned by the Pool Industry Council and conducted by John Antonelli in partnership with the Florida Swimming Pool Association. The report compared different bonding methods — including single copper wire, copper grids, and bonding within pool structures — to evaluate how effectively they reduce voltage differences between the water, deck, and surrounding components. John Antonelli explains in clear ter...

In this episode, we sit down with Todd Thomasson of Rockwater Farm Landscapes & Hardscapes to explore how they solved a complex design challenge with creativity and precision. Tasked with creating a modern pool and spa that accentuates the home, serves as an engaging focal point, and integrates seamlessly with an autocover system, they introduced a bold design solution: trimming a quarter of the spa to make way for the cover. The result? A distinctive "Pac-Man style" spa that not only acc...

Ready to make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood? In this episode, Pool Magazine editor Joe Trusty sits down with Pentair’s lighting guru, Jeff Zillmer, to discuss their brand-new IntelliVibe Lighting System—a game-changer that pumps out up to 15 million instant-change colors, lets you micro-dim in 1% increments, and demands a smaller footprint on the pad with four independent zones controlled off a single transformer. We dig into the three fixture sizes (Nano, Micro, and Mezzo), talk...

On this episode of Pool Magazine Podcast, we’re diving into the art and science of crafting the perfect backyard waterfall with Sean Mangan of Rockscapes Canada. A second-generation expert in artificial rock design, Sean shares invaluable insight on how to transform outdoor spaces with custom water features that seamlessly integrate into the home and outdoor living area. From the do’s and don’ts of planning a waterfall to how to avoid common design pitfalls, Sean breaks down everything homeow...

On this episode of Pool Magazine Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Granlund, Product Marketing Manager for King Technology — makers of the popular FROG® line of pool and spa products. During the course of our discussion, we learned about King’s no-ego company culture and customer-first focus that have earned them accolades like being named a "Top Workplace". We also explore the development of their award-winning FROG® Algae Blocker 4 Pro, a groundbreaking product that’s changing how servic...

In this episode of Pool Magazine Podcast, we talk with Phil De Tournillon, co-founder of Current Systems and creator of the River Flow pump, to explore one of the biggest trends in modern pool design: the rise of swim-in-place pools and dynamic aquatic environments. Today’s homeowners aren’t trading traditional pools — they’re enhancing them. With features like adjustable current systems, lazy rivers, and interactive water zones, pools are becoming more versatile than ever. De Tournillon shar...

On this episode of Pool Magazine Podcast, we're diving into the cutting edge of pool tech with Patrick Jennings of Beatbot. We explore how this innovative company burst onto the scene with the AquaSense and now continues to push boundaries with the AquaSense 2 Ultra — the world's first AI-powered 5-in-1 robotic pool cleaner. Patrick breaks down how Beatbot’s advanced AI mapping, multi-sensor fusion, and real-time object detection are changing the game in pool maintenance. Learn how features l...

In this episode of Pool Magazine Podcast, editor Joe Trusty sits down with Fred Lachance, Director of Sales Marketing at Moov Pool Products, to explore how the company is pushing boundaries with its AI-driven inverter pump technology. Lachance shares the origin story of Moov, its partnership with global heat pump leader Fairland, and how the brand is carving out a foothold in the North American pool market. The conversation dives deep into the Moov AI Inverter Pump—a self-learning, pressure-s...

On this important episode of the Pool Magazine Podcast, host Joe Trusty sits down with Dr. Adam Katchmarchi, a leading national expert on drowning prevention and water safety. As National Pool Safety Month kicks off, this conversation couldn’t be more timely or more vital. Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death among children ages one to four — and many of these tragedies are entirely preventable. Dr. Katchmarchi, now with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and formerly Executive...

In this episode of Pool Magazine Podcast, host Joe Trusty talks with Nick Buchholz, owner of Basin Pool Designs, a boutique luxury pool builder based in Tennessee that's quickly making waves across the industry. Drawing from his background in culinary and fine dining, Buchholz approaches pool design with the same thoughtful execution, creativity, and discipline found in a Michelin-star kitchen. Together, they discuss 4 unique projects in Basin's portfolio and explore how the design-build firm...