Water Safety Advocacy, Strategic Partnerships, and Industry Leadership
This week's stories highlight the pool industry's ongoing commitment to safety, strategic business partnerships to bolster market presence, and key leadership changes that could shape future industry standards.
Water Safety Hero Award Presented to Rowdy Gaines
Float Like A Duck has honored Olympic champion Rowdy Gaines with the Water Safety Hero Award. This recognition celebrates his extraordinary commitment to water safety advocacy. Gaines' influence extends beyond his Olympic achievements, as he actively promotes swimming education and drowning prevention. This award underscores the critical importance of water safety education in our industry. For pool service professionals, aligning with such advocacy can enhance community trust and potentially reduce liability issues.
AquaCal AutoPilot's Strategic Sales Partnership
AquaCal AutoPilot Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with Devin Cahn Associates, a leading manufacturers' representative firm. This collaboration aims to strengthen AquaCal's market presence in key regions and enhance customer access to their heat pump and sanitization products. The partnership leverages Devin Cahn's established relationships and expertise in the pool and spa industry. For pool service businesses, this could mean improved product availability and potentially better pricing through strengthened distribution channels.
PHTA Announces 2026 Board Leadership
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance has announced its 2026 board of directors, marking a significant transition in industry leadership. The new board composition reflects the industry's evolving priorities, with increased focus on sustainability, workforce development, and regulatory advocacy. These leadership changes could signal shifts in industry standards and best practices that will affect all pool service professionals. Understanding these changes helps businesses anticipate and prepare for upcoming industry initiatives.
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Learn MoreAquaStar Expands Coastal Distribution Network
AquaStar Pool Products Inc. has significantly expanded its distribution partnership with SCP Distributors LLC, now covering additional coastal markets. This expansion focuses on regions with high saltwater pool concentrations, addressing the growing demand for corrosion-resistant pool equipment. The strategic move positions AquaStar to better serve markets where their specialized products are most needed. For pool professionals in coastal areas, this means improved access to equipment specifically designed for challenging saltwater environments.
Rising Chemical Costs Impact Service Pricing
Industry analysts report a continued upward trend in pool chemical prices, driven by supply chain constraints and increased raw material costs. Chlorine prices have increased by 15% year-over-year, with similar trends in other essential chemicals. Pool service companies are adapting by implementing tiered pricing structures and exploring alternative sanitization methods. This trend emphasizes the importance of efficient chemical management and client communication about necessary price adjustments.
New EPA Regulations for Cyanuric Acid
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced updated guidelines for cyanuric acid levels in public pools, set to take effect in 2026. The new regulations lower the maximum allowable CYA levels from 100 ppm to 80 ppm, citing improved sanitization efficacy and swimmer safety. Pool service professionals managing commercial accounts need to prepare for these changes now. Early adaptation strategies include gradual water dilution programs and client education about the upcoming requirements.
Technology Integration in Pool Service
A new industry survey reveals that 68% of pool service companies have adopted digital water testing tools in the past two years. The shift toward technology integration is driven by improved accuracy, customer reporting capabilities, and operational efficiency. Companies report average time savings of 3-5 minutes per service stop when using digital testing equipment. This trend highlights the competitive advantage of embracing technology in traditional service operations.