PoolPro Magazine

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Technical Advisory Committee has authorized the formation of a task force on above-ground swimming pool ladder safety following recent action by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which granted Petition CP 25-2 regarding child-resistant pool ladders. The Task Force reflects PHTA’s ongoing commitment to advancing pool safety through collaboration, research and the development of consensus-based industry standards.

SPS PoolCare, the largest swimming pool services company in the United States, celebrated its fifth anniversary by completing its acquisition of Good Boy Pool Services and reaching the milestone of 50,000 recurring maintenance customers. The acquisition expands SPS PoolCare’s service area to the Atlanta market and marks more than 220 acquisitions since its founding.

Poolwerx has appointed Marla Mock as chief operating officer for its U.S. operations as the franchise pool service brand continues to expand its presence across the country. Mock brings franchise leadership experience from several home service brands, including ServiceMaster, Rainbow Restoration, Aire Serv and Molly Maid. According to Poolwerx, she has led initiatives focused on franchise operations, system performance and franchisee support.

In today’s pool industry, growth often comes from saying “yes” — yes to new services, yes to bigger jobs and yes to opportunities that keep revenue flowing year-round. It’s a natural progression for many pool professionals to expand beyond routine service and repair, taking on remodels, painting decks, installing pool gates or tackling small construction-type projects for loyal customers. But while your business may be evolving, your insurance policy may not be.

Fluidra’s AquaLink EDGE is more than a new automation panel. The company says it’s the foundation for a broader next-generation pool technology platform built around connected equipment, predictive service and a more modern pool ownership experience. Fluidra has spent years rethinking how homeowners and pool professionals interact with pools, automation, connected equipment and each other.

For decades, Latham has helped shape the swimming pool industry, growing from a regional pool company into one of the world’s largest manufacturers of in-ground residential pools and backyard products. As the company marks its 70th anniversary, the milestone offers a chance to look at not only its evolution but also how the role of the backyard pool has changed alongside American homeowners.

A new pool, sparkling in the sun, is ready for a summer of fun. The homeowners are happy with the result and satisfied with their investment — until an issue arises. Whether it’s failing equipment, cracking tile, cloudy water or something else, their immediate question is: Who’s responsible? Modern pools involve designers, builders, subcontractors, service companies and manufacturers working together on the same project.

Anyone who has worked in pool service long enough has probably experienced it: A customer notices damage, staining or another issue and immediately assumes the water chemistry is to blame — and that the service company is responsible. In reality, these situations are often far more complicated, involving everything from improper homeowner maintenance to equipment failures, environmental factors or preexisting conditions.

Retrofitting older pools with modern equipment, finishes or structural upgrades can create problems that don’t surface until months or years later. Builders say avoiding those failures starts with asking better questions, thoroughly evaluating existing conditions and knowing when a partial upgrade simply isn’t worth the risk. Before recommending upgrades, builders say they first need to understand how the pool is being used.

Snow, sleet and other seasonal slowdowns don’t mean business must halt, but companies hoping to generate offseason revenue often need to start planning well before the busy season ends. Service diversification is helping pool professionals turn the quieter months into opportunities to stabilize revenue, retain employees and strengthen customer relationships.