The Aquatic Perspective (Audio)

Ep. 11 - Commercial Pool Renovation vs Replacement: How to Make the Right Call

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Why outdated pool designs often fail modern facility needs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.

Ep. 10 - Commercial Pool Startup Checklist: How to Prepare for Pool 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.

Ep. 9 - The Contractor Mistake That Costs Millions | Rob Morgan, Part 2

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. 

Ep. 8 - The Contractor Mistake That Costs Millions | Rob Morgan, Part 1

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.

Ep. 7 - From Napkin Sketch to Waterpark | Splashtacular, Part 2

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.

Ep. 6 - From Napkin Sketch to Waterpark | Splashtacular, Part 1

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.

Ep. 5 - Why Pricing "Just a Pool" Doesn't Exist

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.

Ep. 4 - The Reality Gap: Why Great Pools Fail on Paper

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.

Ep. 3 - Why Great Engineering Doesn’t Guarantee a Great Pool

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. 2 - Why Commercial Pools Become Maintenance Nightmares

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.