App Pupil
Pool Nation launches Pool Man University App
The world of swimming pool service just got a whole lot smarter with the launch of Pool Man University, the new Pool Nation training platform and app that will be available this year in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Specifically designed for swimming pool service professionals, the comprehensive training platform aims to help pool pros stay up-to-date with the latest technical knowledge, techniques and best practices but from the perspective of how those things can impact a pool business’s bottom line.
The training platform and app is the brainchild of Pool Nation founder Edgar De Jesus, and his partners, John Chakalis and Zac Nicklas — the same folks behind the “Pool Nation Podcast” and the annual Pool Nation Awards.
The goal is to provide pool pros with a one-stop-shop for all their training and education needs.
“We keep going back to our core audience and that is the pool pros who are starting in the industry,” De Jesus says. “How do we give them the tools to succeed? Because that’s eventually what’ll better the industry, if we can catch them early and help them along their journey.”
As they conducted interviews and talked with experts and pool pros alike, the Pool Nation trio realized they could put together a comprehensive program built for the learning style of most pool professionals.
“We thought at the beginning that the web version was the place to do it,” De Jesus says. “But we started to get a lot of feedback from pool pros who told us that a lot of times, they’re not on their computer or laptop, they’re on their phone.”
The app was designed with the modern pool pro in mind, who is always on the go and wants access to information and training when and where they need it. The app’s interface is intended to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for pool pros to find what they need whether they’re at home or on the job.
The platform currently includes nine courses made up of video training by industry experts. The full-length courses are broken up into smaller, 15-minute sections so pool pros can easily stop and start a course as their time allows. At the end of the course, the user is quizzed on what they’ve learned, earning them a badge that’s displayed to all of the platform’s users. Both employers and other professionals can easily see what courses users have completed and ranks them on their success.
“What we’re trying to do is put a curriculum together for the pool pros out there that tomorrow they can go implement what they learned in the class,” De Jesus says.
The training officially launches at The Western Pool & Spa Show in Long Beach, California, March 23 – 25, where attendees can experience the classes in person and then download the app to finish the course quiz.
It’s not just the Pool Nation guys who teach these courses either — De Jesus says he’s grateful for the companies and instructors who dedicated time to help make the platform a reality.
“It’s very important that people understand this is not Edgar, John and Zac,” De Jesus says. “We can’t do it by ourselves. It’s neat to see other companies see the vision and believe in it.”
Whether you’re a seasoned pool pro or just starting out in the industry, the Pool Nation app is an essential tool that you won’t want to be without.
Current Courses Available
Basic Water Chemistry 101
Alicia Stephens
The Importance of Filtration and How it Affects Your Bottomline
Todd Pieri
Strategic Branding
Edgar, John and Zac
Level Up Your Service with Enzymes and Water Clarifiers
Jamie Novak
Understanding Business Metrics, Financials and Your Cost of Service
Edgar, John and Zac
Introduction to Hydraulics 101
Steve Barnes
Intermediate Water Chemistry
Terry Arko
Protecting You, Your Family and Your Business
Danielle Bahr
Intermediate Hydraulics 201
Steve Barnes
Gas Fired Heaters: Everything You Need to Know
Brad Duncan
