The Aquatic Perspective (Audio) https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com The Aquatic Perspective is where we get into the weeds of the commercial aquatic industry. Hosted by the team at Sunbelt Pools, this isn’t a high-level overview—it’s a long-form look at what it actually takes to build, run, and maintain a world-class facility.

We know that running a commercial pool is about more than just clear water. It’s about navigating complex engineering, mastering chemical automation, and solving the operational headaches that keep owners up at night.

Each episode, we sit down to bridge the gap between design theory and the reality of the pump room. Whether you’re a facility manager, an architect, or a builder, join us for the experience-based discussions you won’t find in a manual.

]]> Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:03:00 -0300 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Business 1440 episodic The Aquatic Perspective is where we get into the weeds of the commercial aquatic industry. Hosted by the team at Sunbelt Pools, this isn’t a high-level overview—it’s a long-form look at what it actually takes to build, run, and maintain a world-class facility. We know that running a commercial pool is about more than just clear water. It’s about navigating complex engineering, mastering chemical automation, and solving the operational headaches that keep owners up at night. Each episode, we sit down to bridge the gap between design theory and the reality of the pump room. Whether you’re a facility manager, an architect, or a builder, join us for the experience-based discussions you won’t find in a manual. Sunbelt Pools Sunbelt Pools No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/22263158/Podbean_episode_art.png The Aquatic Perspective (Audio) https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com 144 144 Ep. 11 - Commercial Pool Renovation vs Replacement: How to Make the Right Call Ep. 11 - Commercial Pool Renovation vs Replacement: How to Make the Right Call https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/ep-11-commercial-pool-renovation-vs-replacement-how-to-make-the-right-call/ https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/ep-11-commercial-pool-renovation-vs-replacement-how-to-make-the-right-call/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:03:00 -0300 AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/34f9a4a8-edbc-3b8a-83d4-42e3747d3ccb Many commercial pools reach a point where repairs are no longer the smartest investment. In this episode, Phil Collins and Robert Morgan discuss how facility owners can determine whether a pool should be renovated, repurposed, or completely replaced.

What You'll Learn:

  • How to evaluate structural integrity before investing in upgrades
  • When renovation costs outweigh replacement costs
  • Why outdated pool designs often fail modern facility needs

From Amarillo Town Club renovations to lessons learned from aging aquatic facilities, this episode provides practical guidance for owners, municipalities, and aquatic professionals.

]]> Many commercial pools reach a point where repairs are no longer the smartest investment. In this episode, Phil Collins and Robert Morgan discuss how facility owners can determine whether a pool should be renovated, repurposed, or completely replaced.

What You'll Learn:

  • How to evaluate structural integrity before investing in upgrades
  • When renovation costs outweigh replacement costs
  • Why outdated pool designs often fail modern facility needs

From Amarillo Town Club renovations to lessons learned from aging aquatic facilities, this episode provides practical guidance for owners, municipalities, and aquatic professionals.

]]> Phil Collins and Robert Morgan explore how commercial pool owners can determine whether renovation or full replacement is the better investment. Using real-world project examples, they discuss structural evaluations, aging infrastructure, lifecycle planning, and modernization strategies. The conversation highlights how outdated aquatic facilities can be transformed to better serve today’s users while avoiding costly mistakes. Sunbelt Pools false No 1799 11 full Ep. 10 - Commercial Pool Startup Checklist: How to Prepare for Pool Season Ep. 10 - Commercial Pool Startup Checklist: How to Prepare for Pool Season https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/ep-10/ https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/ep-10/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:03:00 -0300 AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/53df9fb3-6499-3843-9dde-3b4ecd2455aa A successful pool season starts long before opening day. Phil Collins and Robert Morgan discuss how operators can stress test equipment, verify chemical systems, and identify problems before facilities become crowded. The episode provides practical guidance for reducing downtime, preventing startup failures, and keeping commercial pools operating reliably throughout the season.

]]> A successful pool season starts long before opening day. Phil Collins and Robert Morgan discuss how operators can stress test equipment, verify chemical systems, and identify problems before facilities become crowded. The episode provides practical guidance for reducing downtime, preventing startup failures, and keeping commercial pools operating reliably throughout the season.

]]> A successful pool season starts long before opening day. Phil Collins and Rob Morgan discuss how operators can stress test equipment, verify chemical systems, and identify problems before facilities become crowded. The episode provides practical guidance for reducing downtime, preventing startup failures, and keeping commercial pools operating reliably throughout the season. Sunbelt Pools false No 1865 10 full Ep. 9 - The Contractor Mistake That Costs Millions | Rob Morgan, Part 2 Ep. 9 - The Contractor Mistake That Costs Millions | Rob Morgan, Part 2 https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/the-title-of-episode_9/ https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/the-title-of-episode_9/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2026 05:15:00 -0300 AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/ef415820-8f13-39bf-a803-04d5ffbf01a2 What happens to a commercial pool company when ownership changes? 

In this episode, Phil Collins sits down with Sunbelt Pools founder Rob Morgan to discuss private equity, employee ownership, company culture, and what these changes mean for aquatic facility owners. 

What you'll learn: 

  • How ownership structure affects project quality and customer service 
  • Why institutional knowledge matters in commercial aquatic construction 
  • The differences between private equity ownership and employee ownership (ESOP) 

Rob shares lessons from decades in the commercial aquatic industry and explains why long-term thinking, accountability, and customer relationships remain critical to successful projects. 

If you manage, design, build, or operate aquatic facilities, this conversation provides valuable perspective on choosing partners that will be around for the long haul. 

]]> What happens to a commercial pool company when ownership changes? 

In this episode, Phil Collins sits down with Sunbelt Pools founder Rob Morgan to discuss private equity, employee ownership, company culture, and what these changes mean for aquatic facility owners. 

What you'll learn: 

  • How ownership structure affects project quality and customer service 
  • Why institutional knowledge matters in commercial aquatic construction 
  • The differences between private equity ownership and employee ownership (ESOP) 

Rob shares lessons from decades in the commercial aquatic industry and explains why long-term thinking, accountability, and customer relationships remain critical to successful projects. 

If you manage, design, build, or operate aquatic facilities, this conversation provides valuable perspective on choosing partners that will be around for the long haul. 

]]> Sunbelt Pools false No 1902 9 full Ep. 8 - The Contractor Mistake That Costs Millions | Rob Morgan, Part 1 Ep. 8 - The Contractor Mistake That Costs Millions | Rob Morgan, Part 1 https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/when-cheap-costs-a-million-the-pool-contractor-disaster/ https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/when-cheap-costs-a-million-the-pool-contractor-disaster/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:42:00 -0300 AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/886f6599-6356-3574-8f8f-b68ed51b63e6 Choosing the wrong commercial pool contractor can create years of costly problems. In this episode, Phil Collins and Rob Morgan share real-world lessons from more than 40 years in the aquatic industry.

Watch for real-world warnings about subcontracting, design-build risks, and why the right contractor matters for projects that last decades.

]]> Choosing the wrong commercial pool contractor can create years of costly problems. In this episode, Phil Collins and Rob Morgan share real-world lessons from more than 40 years in the aquatic industry.

Watch for real-world warnings about subcontracting, design-build risks, and why the right contractor matters for projects that last decades.

]]> Choosing the wrong commercial pool contractor can create years of costly problems. In this episode, Phil Collins and Rob Morgan share real-world lessons from more than 40 years in the aquatic industry. Sunbelt Pools false No 1953 8 full Ep. 7 - From Napkin Sketch to Waterpark | Splashtacular, Part 2 Ep. 7 - From Napkin Sketch to Waterpark | Splashtacular, Part 2 https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/ride-the-story-how-splashtacular-and-sunbelt-built-the-modern-water-slide/ https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/ride-the-story-how-splashtacular-and-sunbelt-built-the-modern-water-slide/#comments Tue, 26 May 2026 05:44:00 -0300 AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/497f073a-194b-3336-bb9c-7bc0df4eaa07 In this episode of The Aquatic Perspective, hosts continue their conversation with Drew and Brian from Splashtacular, tracing their career beginnings, early projects, and the company’s shift from product-focused to customer-service-driven work. They share behind-the-scenes stories of designing and testing rides like Slipstream and FlightTime, and how ride path analysis and real-world testing ensure safety and performance.

The discussion also covers practical topics for parks and municipalities—demographics-driven design, theming, electronics, maintenance, warranties, and the impact of staff turnover—underscoring how strong relationships and ongoing support keep aquatic attractions safe, fun, and long‑lasting.

]]> In this episode of The Aquatic Perspective, hosts continue their conversation with Drew and Brian from Splashtacular, tracing their career beginnings, early projects, and the company’s shift from product-focused to customer-service-driven work. They share behind-the-scenes stories of designing and testing rides like Slipstream and FlightTime, and how ride path analysis and real-world testing ensure safety and performance.

The discussion also covers practical topics for parks and municipalities—demographics-driven design, theming, electronics, maintenance, warranties, and the impact of staff turnover—underscoring how strong relationships and ongoing support keep aquatic attractions safe, fun, and long‑lasting.

]]> Sunbelt Pools false No 2600 7 full Ep. 6 - From Napkin Sketch to Waterpark | Splashtacular, Part 1 Ep. 6 - From Napkin Sketch to Waterpark | Splashtacular, Part 1 https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/from-napkin-to-water-slide-splashtacular-s-journey-of-imagination-and-build/ https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/from-napkin-to-water-slide-splashtacular-s-journey-of-imagination-and-build/#comments Tue, 19 May 2026 05:43:00 -0300 AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/454982b5-8428-3bff-b616-f772c1720732 Hosts from Sunbelt Pools sit down at Tapatio Springs with Brian Faulkner and Drew Ford of Splashtacular to trace the company’s story, design process, and commitment to USA-made aquatic attractions.

The conversation covers creative innovation, engineering challenges, and the critical balance between excitement and safety, including real-world permitting and code-interpretation issues faced during projects.

They also discuss community impact and inclusivity, highlighting projects like Camp Barnabas, and the value of collaboration between manufacturers, contractors, and owners.

]]> Hosts from Sunbelt Pools sit down at Tapatio Springs with Brian Faulkner and Drew Ford of Splashtacular to trace the company’s story, design process, and commitment to USA-made aquatic attractions.

The conversation covers creative innovation, engineering challenges, and the critical balance between excitement and safety, including real-world permitting and code-interpretation issues faced during projects.

They also discuss community impact and inclusivity, highlighting projects like Camp Barnabas, and the value of collaboration between manufacturers, contractors, and owners.

]]> Brian Faulkner and Drew Ford from Splashtacular break down what really happens before a commercial aquatic project ever reaches construction. From early concept meetings to market insight and ride design, this episode covers the decisions that shape successful facilities. Sunbelt Pools false No 1630 6 full Ep. 5 - Why Pricing "Just a Pool" Doesn't Exist Ep. 5 - Why Pricing "Just a Pool" Doesn't Exist https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/the-title-of-episode_5/ https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/the-title-of-episode_5/#comments Tue, 12 May 2026 05:00:00 -0300 AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/4e9ea626-7162-3c77-a7f0-3367acddb83c Stop guessing and start building with precision. Join Phil Collins and Robert Morgan as they break down the dangerous myths of commercial pool estimating and why the "price per square foot" model leads to catastrophic budget failures.

]]> Stop guessing and start building with precision. Join Phil Collins and Robert Morgan as they break down the dangerous myths of commercial pool estimating and why the "price per square foot" model leads to catastrophic budget failures.

]]> Sunbelt Pools false No 1826 5 full Ep. 4 - The Reality Gap: Why Great Pools Fail on Paper Ep. 4 - The Reality Gap: Why Great Pools Fail on Paper https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/the-title-of-episode_4/ https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/the-title-of-episode_4/#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:38 -0300 AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/68adfabe-a8c7-368c-9fda-9e4c768cdb47 You designed and built it, but the daily reality doesn't match the plan. Why? In this episode of The Aquatic Perspective, we look at the "Reality Gap"—the disconnect between what owners expect and what a commercial facility actually demands to stay afloat. 

We examine the details owners frequently miss, including the true cost of maintenance and the staffing issues that can break a budget. This isn't about assigning blame. Instead, we’re helping owners, designers, and operators ask better questions early on to protect the facility's long-term health. Stop guessing and start running your facility with a clear view of the future.

]]> You designed and built it, but the daily reality doesn't match the plan. Why? In this episode of The Aquatic Perspective, we look at the "Reality Gap"—the disconnect between what owners expect and what a commercial facility actually demands to stay afloat. 

We examine the details owners frequently miss, including the true cost of maintenance and the staffing issues that can break a budget. This isn't about assigning blame. Instead, we’re helping owners, designers, and operators ask better questions early on to protect the facility's long-term health. Stop guessing and start running your facility with a clear view of the future.

]]> Sunbelt Pools false No 1749 4 full Ep. 3 - Why Great Engineering Doesn’t Guarantee a Great Pool Ep. 3 - Why Great Engineering Doesn’t Guarantee a Great Pool https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/the-title-of-ep_3/ https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/the-title-of-ep_3/#comments Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:14:00 -0300 AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/226de778-2d58-34e6-8e95-506a7338f453 Ep. 3

A "passed" inspection sticker doesn't guarantee a reliable facility. Phil Collins and Robert Morgan dive into the critical gap between meeting minimum regulatory codes and achieving long-term operational health in commercial pools.

]]> Ep. 3

A "passed" inspection sticker doesn't guarantee a reliable facility. Phil Collins and Robert Morgan dive into the critical gap between meeting minimum regulatory codes and achieving long-term operational health in commercial pools.

]]> Sunbelt Pools false No 1934 3 full Ep. 2 - Why Commercial Pools Become Maintenance Nightmares Ep. 2 - Why Commercial Pools Become Maintenance Nightmares https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/2-pools/ https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/2-pools/#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0300 AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/06df3094-a7b2-333c-bdcf-1ff5bba530c9 Ep. 2

The most expensive mistakes in a commercial pool often happen before the first drop of water hits the basin. Phil Collins and Robert Morgan reveal why facilities become harder to maintain over time and identify the critical factors overlooked during the early stages of a project.

]]> Ep. 2

The most expensive mistakes in a commercial pool often happen before the first drop of water hits the basin. Phil Collins and Robert Morgan reveal why facilities become harder to maintain over time and identify the critical factors overlooked during the early stages of a project.

]]> Sunbelt Pools false No 1806 2 full Ep. 1 - Welcome to The Aquatic Perspective Ep. 1 - Welcome to The Aquatic Perspective https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/ep-1-welcome-to-the-aquatic-perspective/ https://AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/e/ep-1-welcome-to-the-aquatic-perspective/#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:24:09 -0300 AquaticPerspectiveAudio.podbean.com/38a4cbad-d095-308e-9350-907cf8cda84c Ep. 1

Experience is a powerful asset in the commercial aquatic industry—if you know how to use it. Phil Collins and Robert Morgan detail the history of Sunbelt Pools and why they are opening the playbook on decades of operational lessons. Learn the core values required to run a high-performing facility today.

]]> Ep. 1

Experience is a powerful asset in the commercial aquatic industry—if you know how to use it. Phil Collins and Robert Morgan detail the history of Sunbelt Pools and why they are opening the playbook on decades of operational lessons. Learn the core values required to run a high-performing facility today.

]]> Sunbelt Pools false No 1956 1 full