jmax

Today we’re sitting down with Fluidra’s Senior Product Manager Steve Jones to explore the Jandy SpeedSet Pump Controller and new lineup of swimming pool pumps. With growing calls for a highly customizable and automation-friendly pump controller, Jandy went all-in on creating a world-class product that broke new ground in the pump industry. In designing the SpeedSet, Jandy fixed the two most common complaints by servicers: a display that was too cheap and tiny, and a confusing menu that was tedious to navigate. Steve speaks on the development of the DV2A pump series, breaking down its 1.3, the 1.65, and the 1.85 models. He also explains the differences between the ePump and the FloPro. Finally, Steve breaks down WEF scores and how the DOE’s new regulation impacts the manufacturing and installation process, and the future of the pool pump industry.

Connect with Steve Jones & Fluidra

• Steve LinkedIn 
• Jandy SpeedSet Controller 
• Jandy Pumps Website 
• Jandy Instagram 
• Fluidra Facebook 

Connect with Pool Chasers

• Website  
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• YouTube 
• Twitter 
• Pinterest 
• TikTok 
• Patreon 

Greg and Justin sit down with Ryan West, President of Leak Science, a veteran-owned company which specializes in swimming pool leak detection and pool restoration.

Ryan got his start in the pool business after leaving the U.S. Navy. Beginning with a small route of pools, he quickly grew his company to over 300 client accounts. After a successful run in pool service management, Ryan sold his business and switched his focus exclusively to repair work.

Following leak detection training, Ryan opened Leak Science—the only full-service company of its kind in the Valley. He lists the unique challenges of the job, the equipment he uses, what he listens for as a leak locator, and the stringent training process he uses when hiring repairmen.

Ryan discusses the different types of leaks and what makes detecting them so hard. He also explains what builders should consider when constructing a pool to minimize the risk of leaks, as well as what to do to ensure longevity following a leak fix.

Finally, he talks about his process for working with new clients, communicating with irritable clients, avoiding lawsuits, and dealing with the tricky situation of being called on by owner-builders.

Sponsors:

• Jandy SpeedSet Variable-Speed Pump Controller 
• Lyon Financial 
• Anderson Manufacturing 

Topics Discussed:

• [05:05] About Ryan and Leak Science
• [12:58] Ryan’s worst job
• [19:59] What makes leak detection so hard
• [24:19] Types of leaks
• [32:21] How long it takes for a leak to be noticed and preliminary questions asked
• [39:37] The average cost of Ryan’s services
• [45:10] About the static leak test
• [57:28] Using helium in leak detection
• [1:09:55] Ensuring longevity following a leak fix
• [1:20:17] Structural considerations to avoid leaks when constructing a pool
• [1:25:17] Dealing with owner-builders
• [1:28:06] Ryan’s favorite pool and the most outrageous pool he’s ever seen

Connect with Guest:

• Leak Science Website 

Connect with Pool Chasers:

• Website 
• Instagram
• Facebook 
• YouTube 
• Twitter 
• Pinterest 
• TikTok 
• Patreon 

He goes on to speak on lessons and skills that he was able to apply after getting into business for himself, as well as those pain points that he had to endure a lot of trial and error to get a handle on—from considerations around working capital, to investing in training.

Justin then describes his scope of work and the most crucial factors in pool plumbing, as well as the technologies and trends that have evolved over the years and how these changes impact hydraulic design.

Asked how he is able to maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with his vendors, Justin says that it’s all about going out of their way to take the tougher jobs and being consistent with the quality of their work.

Finally, Justin touches on JMax Companies’ plumbing and mechanical division and how his residential projects differ from pool work.

Topics Discussed: 

• [02:21] How Justin got started in pool plumbing
• [05:23] Business lessons Justin learned from working for another plumbing company
• [07:52] What Justin knows now that he wishes he knew then
• [09:54] Staying financially sound and getting on the same page with builders
• [12:58] What separates good clients from bad ones
• [15:17] JMax’s scope of work and how the market has changed
• [20:08] Stress factors inherent in pool plumbing
• [25:25] Frequency of training at JMax and maintaining vendor relationships
• [31:45] Clients to avoid
• [32:47] Building an online presence
• [37:05] Justin’s favorite projects
• [42:29] How residential and mechanical plumbing differs from pool plumbing
• [50:39] What Justin takes most pride in today
• [51:48] Justin’s exciting upcoming projects

Connect with Guest:

• JMax Companies Website: https://www.jmaxcompanies.com/
• JMax Plumbing Website: https://jmaxplumbing.com/
• JMax Mechanical Website: https://www.jmaxmechanical.com/
• JMax Academy Website: https://www.jmaxacademy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearded_plumber/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_bearded_plumber?
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1hbfJNmjFSkowgNXWzq3NQ/videos

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by Justin:

• My favorite relationships are those where you get mutual respect. If I’m dealing with a general contractor, their expertise is this, and my expertise is plumbing. I want them to respect that I have a ton of experience and we’ve been through mistakes and let us do our thing.
• The most important part of plumbing is making sure that you’ve sized everything correctly, because the [consequences] of that are energy loss and systems not doing what they’re supposed to do.
• I think having long-standing relationships with my vendors has been the most help. [...] Fortunately, those relationships have paid off tons.
• This industry is small. Pool plumbing—and pools in general—is so small that you pretty much know people before you meet them. Just get in front of them; talk to them. Figure out if they have the same values that you do.