Pool Professionals Podcast

How can the ancient principles of feng shui influence modern pool and outdoor living design? In this episode of the Pool Professionals Podcast , host Brian Van Bower welcomes Feng Shui Master Teacher Simona Mainini, Dr. Arch., to explore the powerful relationship between water, energy, architecture, and wellness. Simona shares how the strategic placement, movement, and balance of water features ca...

Brian Van Bower welcomes Scott Webb, Executive Editor of AQUA Magazine, for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present, and future of the pool and hot tub industry. Scott reflects on the industry's biggest advancements, including energy efficiency, unified leadership, and evolving design practices, while sharing his perspective on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the...

Your team is your biggest competitive advantage. Brian sits down with leading industry expert Seth Ewing, PHTA Senior Director, Member Programs and Services, to discuss practical, field-tested strategies for overcoming labor shortages. Discover how to create clear career pathways, modernize your hiring process, retain top talent through shoulder seasons, and build a positive culture that drives lo...

Brian Van Bower sits down with Robert Blanda, Master CBP, CSP, and CPO, president of Mill Bergen Pools, to discuss his journey in the pool industry, the value of continuous education, and the importance of getting involved with industry associations. Bob shares how his company has built a reputation for tackling highly specialized projects, from rooftop pools and indoor aquatic facilities to compl...

Brian Van Bower sits down with Evan Baard, Master CBP, Senior Landscape Designer and Sales Consultant at Gib-San Pool & Landscape Creations, to discuss how a holistic approach to outdoor living can transform both client experiences and business success. Evan shares how his background in architecture, landscape design, and GENESIS® education has shaped his design philosophy, emphasizing the importa...

In this episode of the Pool Professionals Podcast, Neil Tarallo, Senior Lecturer at Cornell University and author of The Purposeful Leader, shares practical strategies for growing a stronger pool and spa business. From understanding what truly motivates customers and crafting more effective sales messages to leveraging AI as a business tool and measuring success beyond sales alone, Neil offers act...

Brian Van Bower sits down with Jeanne Mendelson, Vice President of Education at PHTA, to discuss the evolution of professional education in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry and why investing in leadership and lifelong learning has never been more important. Jeanne shares insights on the growth of GENESIS® education, certification pathways, and the industry's increasing commitment to professiona...

Sam Pizzo, owner of Avree Custom Pools, shares his journey from designer to leading one of the nation's fastest-growing pool companies. He discusses how the Houston market has evolved, from rising project values to navigating challenging soil conditions and new regulations, while also highlighting the importance of structural engineering and thoughtful planning. Sam dives into the company's shift...

Brian sits down with Colton Gustin, Vice President of AquaTek Pools, to explore how a commitment to education, design, and technical excellence has fueled the company's growth and innovation. Colton shares his journey from working in his family's business to leading a team of over 60 employees, highlighting how GENESIS® education shaped his approach to custom design, hydraulics, and engineering st...

Brian talks with Lance DiBona, president of Roman Builders, about the importance of proper waterproofing and concrete repair in pool construction. Lance shares practical insights on preventing leaks, using modern materials like chemical grout, and avoiding common industry mistakes such as poor shotcrete application and overuse of hydraulic cement. The conversation highlights how better processes,...

Brian Van Bower sits down with Alvaro Mendoza, Founder & Executive Chairman of Aquafinity, to explore the evolution of pool technology and the growing role of remote monitoring in both commercial and residential settings. Drawing on over 45 years of experience, Alvaro shares how Aquafinity has expanded from municipal pool chemistry control into advanced systems that monitor and manage everything f...

Brian sits down with Marina, CEO of urSwim, to discuss the critical importance of water safety and swim education, especially in recognition of National Water Safety Month. Marina shares how urSwim is scaling its mission to teach over one million people to swim through innovative partnerships with residential and commercial pools, focusing on delivering high-quality aquatic staffing rather than ow...

Brian Van Bower sits down with Dragan Kostadinovic, Master CBP and owner of Beltway Pools, and Robert Moore, Master CBP and Vice President of Beltway Pools, to discuss their journey in the pool industry and how education has shaped their company's success. Serving Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, the Beltway Pools team shares how GENESIS training and the Master CBP designation im...

Brian Van Bower speaks with Andy Kaner, MLA, Master CBP, about the challenges of recruiting and training talent in the aquatic design field. They discuss the importance of technical skills like AutoCAD, the growing role of tools such as Revit, and the steep learning curve for designers entering the specialized world of pool engineering, hydraulics, and construction details. The conversation also e...

Brian Van Bower is joined by Amanda Annis, president of Ohio Hot Tub and Sauna, to discuss the evolution of the hot tub and swim spa industry and its growing connection to wellness. They explore the shift toward year-round, low-maintenance spa solutions, the rise of features like swim spas and cold plunges, and the importance of safety and water care. The conversation also highlights the value of...

What happens when you bring together some of the most experienced builders, designers, engineers, and innovators in the pool and spa industry? Over the past 50 episodes of the Pool Professionals Podcast, host Brian Van Bower has done exactly that. This milestone episode celebrates the ideas, insights, and experiences shared by the professionals who are pushing the industry forward—from technical i...

Brian Van Bower sits down with Jeff Henriksen, PHTA Vice President of Industry Affairs and Research, along with Craig Dedrick and Chase Kress of HUB International, to unpack ProAdvantage by PHTA—a new insurance and benefits program built specifically for pool and spa businesses. They explore the risks of generic coverage, the unique liability challenges facing contractors, and how ProAdvantage del...

Brian talks with Mark Dorsey, P.E. about his unexpected path into the pool industry and how engineering-driven problem solving led him to create Primology, a system designed to keep pool equipment elevated, protected, and code-compliant. Mark breaks down the real-world challenges of hydraulics, flooding, and pump priming, especially in hurricane- and flood-prone areas, and shares why smarter equip...

Brian is joined by Denise Canchola de Tournillon, Vice President of River Flow Pools for a wide-ranging conversation on the powerful intersection of water, wellness, and pool design. Drawing from her background in marine biology, psychology, and two decades with River Flow, Denise explores how moving water, from lazy rivers and swim-in-place systems to residential wellness features, supports both...

Brian sits down with Matthew Ryther, Service Manager at Aqua Pura Pool Service Inc. in California, to explore his 25-year journey in the industry and his recent achievement as a GENESIS® Master CBP. Matt discusses best practices in variable-speed pump selection, energy code compliance, and water-saving strategies such as frequent testing and effective use of pool covers. He highlights the value of...

Brian sits down with Hunter Gary, Master CBP and owner of H2 Outdoor Living, to explore his journey as a design-only pool professional in Middle Tennessee. They discuss the importance of detailed pre-construction planning, strong client and contractor communication, and the impact of GENESIS® education on elevating design thinking and collaboration. Hunter previews his upcoming 8-hour GENESIS work...

Brian Van Bower sits down with Scott Frost, President of Heritage Pool Supply Group and 2026 PHTA Chairman of the Board, to discuss the evolution and future of the swimming pool industry. Scott reflects on how the pool has transformed from a luxury product into a staple of backyard living, emphasizing the industry's entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and commitment to education. The conversation...

Brian Van Bower talks with Chris Trevathan, Operations Manager at Aquatic Glazing International, about the fascinating world of underwater pool windows. Chris shares his expertise on acrylic installation techniques, from materials and engineering requirements to cost considerations and design challenges. Together, Brian and Chris explore real-world examples highlighting how proper planning, qualit...

Brian Van Bower sits down with Tracy Bruno, Founder and CEO of Bruno Design Associates, to discuss her journey from stay-at-home mom to successful pool and outdoor living designer. Tracy shares how she built her design-build firm from the ground up, the importance of charging for design work, and how GENESIS® education helped her elevate both her technical expertise and business insight. Together,...

Brian talks with Dr. Adam Katchmarchi, PHTA's new Vice President of Educational Development, about the launch of the Center of Excellence—a new online learning platform offering on-demand courses for pool and spa professionals. Adam shares his vision for expanding accessible, high-quality education across all sectors, including business and leadership training. Together, they discuss how PHTA's gr...