Pool Magazine - Volume 5, Issue 4 - (Winter Issue)

Building a Legacy: The Enduring Story of Mission Pools

After six decades in business, Mission Pools shares the secret of building a legacy that lasts.

MAKE A SIMPLE POOL A SMART POOL

The IntelliFlo3® VSF Pool Pump is the only pump with Wi-Fi-enabled automation that doesn’t require separate hardware. The included relay board allows you to connect two additional pieces of pool equipment, unlocking control and remote monitoring via the Pentair Pro app. With this elevated pool control, you can take customers’

Editor’s LETTER

Winter has a way of forcing perspective. The pace slows, the phones quiet down a bit, and for the first time all year, there’s room to think clearly. In an industry that rarely hits pause, these colder months offer something valuable: time. Time to reflect, time to recalibrate, and time to prepare for what’s next.

Winter isn’t downtime; it’s planning season. It’s when strategies get sharpened, systems get tightened up, and ideas that were pushed aside during the busy months finally get the attention they deserve. Whether that means refining your marketing, investing in training, dialing in your operations, or exploring new offerings, the work you do now sets the tone for the year ahead. Hit this window right, and you don’t just start strong in 2026—you stay strong.

Looking ahead, one of the highlights of the season is reconnecting with the industry in Atlantic City at the Pool & Spa Show. There’s something energizing about getting everyone back in the same room—sharing ideas, seeing what’s new, and having real conversations about where the industry is headed. It’s part education, part motivation, and part reminder that we’re all navigating the same challenges together.

Each year brings new obstacles, but it also opens new doors. Technology evolves, consumer expectations shift, and fresh opportunities emerge for those willing to adapt. Winter is where that mindset is built. It’s where plans are made, goals are reset, and momentum quietly starts building again.

A s always, Pool Magazine is here to support that journey. In this issue, we’re focused on insight, inspiration, and forward thinking—stories and ideas meant to help you close out the year with confidence and step into 2026 ready to hit the ground running.

Warmest Regards,

Joe Trusty Editor-in-Chief Pool Magazine

Founder, CEO & Editor: Joe Trusty

President, Associate-Editor: Marianne Trusty

Director of Marketing/Sales: Carol Gigliotti

Contributing Editor: Marcus Packer

Contributing Editor: Alise Everton

Production Editor: Julie Hamlin

Cover Photo: Dan Kirksey - KDKC Productions, Inc.

In-House Photographer: Jimi Smith

Staff Writer: Susie Cuebas

Contributors:

Lauren Broom, Frank Vitori, Kelli Clancy, Paolo Benedetti

Advertisers: AquaBlu Mosaics, Aquamatic Cover Systems, Basecrete, Beatbot, Cover Care, Diamond Spas, FSPA, GENESIS, Hammerhead Aquatics, H2Flow, Latham, Master Pools Guild, Natural Chemistry, Pentair, PHTA, POOLCORP, PoolContractor.com, PoolMarketing.com, PSP Deck Expo, Riverflow, United Aqua Group, Viking Capital

POOL MAGAZINE - PO BOX 278 - Pilot Hill, CA 95664 www.poolmagazine.com | info@poolmagazine.com

Kirk Bianchi is this year’s winner of the 2025 Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge.

In the summer of 1921 Madison Square Garden became the world’s largest indoor pool.

TRUTH ABOUT HARD WATER IN SWIMMING POOLS

A look at how hard water in different regions impacts pool owners and service providers.

WINTER IS FOR STRATEGY: BUILD YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

Winter is not the time to take your foot off the accelerator. Start your 2026 plan now! 10 16 12 18

A viral post highlights the liability homeowners face when they abandon their pool and let it return to nature. 20 WHY POOL INSPECTION REPORTS BELONG ONLINE IN EVERY STATE

BECOMING A BUILDER: THE WHIRLWIND OF MY FIRST POOL

Pool pro Kelli Clancy discusses the challenges that came with her first pool build.

HOW A BACKYARD POOL HELPED ONE SALESMAN LOSE 150 POUNDS

Latham Pools own James Votraw used his pool to completely transform his life.

CREATING AN ADVENTURE POOL: THE ULTIMATE THRILL

Riverflow discusses how to transform any pool into the ultimate backyard adventure.

States have begun to consolidate pool inspection reports, a look at what’s missing. 24 THE HIDDEN LIABILITY OF A GREEN POOL REMEMBER THE SUMMER MADISON SQUARE GARDEN MADE A SPLASH

BUILDING A LEGACY: THE ENDURING STORY OF MISSION POOLS

With a track record of excellence spanning six decades, Mission Pools discusses how they prepared for the next chapter.

Paolo Benedetti explains why a passing inspection doesn’t equate to ‘up to code’.

HELPING EVERY CHILD BECOME A SWIMMER

Learn how the pool industry can play a part in helping every child become a swimmer.

POOL ALARMS & POOL CAMERAS OF 2025

Pool Magazine takes a look at the top pool alarms and cameras of 2025.

New BluHaven Porcelain tile collection features exciting vertical tile options for pools, spas, outdoor living.

Veteran pool builder Marco Perrella explains why he’s suddenly all-in on ozone.

Provide better protection for your team when doing acid washes with these tips.

Automation has become the competitive advantage for builders and service pros.

The Grit Game may be the new kid on the block, but they’re redefining the rep model.

Frank Vitori and Chuck Nitschke discuss pairing fire features with pool style and geometry to create the perfect vibe.

One lucky homeowner instantly paid for their entire pool project when they struck gold during excavation.

One-On-One With Kirk Bianchi, 2025 MILLION DOLLAR POOL DESIGN CHALLENGE WINNER

BY JOE TRUSTY | PHOTO CREDITS: INFORMA MARKETS

This year’s Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge at the PSP/Deck Expo in Las Vegas delivered one of the strongest fields the competition has seen to date. Drawing a packed audience, the event brought together five finalists tasked with interpreting a complex, emotionally layered design brief set in the hills of Napa Valley.

The fictional homeowners— Lyle and Katherine Jackson— presented designers with a deliberate contrast. Lyle favored Rocky Mountain rustic architecture and envisioned a wellness-driven retreat rooted in fire, stone, and rugged materials.

Katherine leaned toward Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern, seeking quiet spaces for meditation, intimate outdoor cooking, and a tranquil atmosphere that blended

seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

With the couple having acquired an adjacent property, designers were challenged to unify these opposing aesthetics while planning a full retreat featuring private and public zones, rental-ready guest structures, and an amenity-rich outdoor environment. The brief required a spool and cold plunge off the master suite, a recreational pool, oversized spa, swim-up bar, outdoor dining for twelve, multiple covered structures, a koi pond, bocce ball, yoga space, and the integration of features by Ledge and Fire by Design— all grounded in Napa’s rolling grasslands and live-oak-studded terrain.

The judging panel reflected the challenge’s complexity, with returning winners Brad Holley and Moses Campos

joined by designer Danny Wang, photographer Jimi Smith, and PSN & Aquatics International Deputy Editor Rebecca Robledo. After judges’ commentary, the audience cast the final vote— turning the competition into a true test of vision, execution, and storytelling. When the votes were tallied, it was veteran designer Kirk Bianchi whose concept resonated most strongly with both judges and audience, earning him the top honor.

A Singular Theme, Executed with Discipline

From the outset, Bianchi saw the site as an opportunity rather than a constraint: a pristine Napa hillside with uninterrupted views and a modernist home inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House. “It had a really clear language,” Bianchi explained. “A glass box levitating off the land.”

Rather than treating the brief as a checklist of features, Bianchi approached it compositionally. His guiding principle— instilled early in his career—was thematic consistency. “Everything has to have a motif,” he said. “Architecture calls it a parti. You need an overarching theme that runs through the entire program.”

That philosophy became the key to reconciling the homeowners’ opposing tastes. Bianchi allowed the home and elevated structures to maintain a clean, modernist language, while expressing Lyle’s rustic sensibilities through the land itself—terraced retaining walls of native basalt, natural stone, and grounded materials that anchored the architecture without competing with it.

“We spoke to his language through the landscape,” Bianchi said, “and let the architecture float.”

Sequencing Emotion Through Space

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Bianchi’s design is how it choreographs movement through the property. Drawing from art history and photography, he designs every space with foreground, middle ground, and background working in concert.

From the entry, visitors encounter a reflective water plane—a shallow, flooded deck punctuated by a circular spa. Bianchi split the spa into two distinct zones: a heated interior and an expansive unheated mirror deck that amplifies visual impact without unnecessary energy demands. “Who said the inside of a spa has to match the outside?” he noted.

The result is cinematic—an emotional anchor that pulls guests through the home and into the landscape beyond.

Fire, Used with Restraint

Fire was integral to the brief, but Bianchi resisted excess. “Think of fire like salt,” he said. “You want just enough.”

Rather than scattering decorative elements, fire was placed only where it supported human interaction: a linear fire detail subtly revealed between spa and stone wall, a doublesided fireplace anchoring the outdoor kitchen, an elliptical fire feature at the yoga pavilion, and a communal fire pit framed by refined log-inspired seating.

“All of the fire lived where people would be,” he explained—never as spectacle, always as accompaniment.

Privacy Without Barriers

Balancing private retreat with Airbnb-ready functionality was another core challenge. Bianchi relied on orientation, topography, and subtle screening rather than fences or heavy structures. Even where private and public zones sat just inches apart, privacy was achieved through elevation changes and carefully designed sightline control.

Guest structures along the perimeter each received a private micro-garden, inspired by Japanese courtyard design, creating psychological separation without physical distance.

“Transitions are everything,” Bianchi said. “They change your emotional state.”

A Strong Field, and a New Role Ahead

While Bianchi claimed the win, this year’s finalists delivered a remarkable range of interpretations, underscoring the depth and diversity of today’s design community.

Final Placements

First Place: Kirk Bianchi, Bianchi Design (Scottsdale, AZ)

Second Place: Carly McCoy, Backyard Oasis (Mesa, AZ)

Third Place: Brent Dutton, Poolhaus Design Collective (Newport Beach, CA)

Fourth Place: Anibal Lopez, Worthey Aquatics (San Antonio, TX)

Fifth Place: Greg Farley, Edgerock Landscape Design (Lehi, UT)

With his victory, Bianchi will return next year—not as a competitor, but as a judge. His focus, he says, will remain unchanged: clear concepts, architectural alignment, and designs driven by intent rather than accumulation of features. “You must have a theme,” he said. “It’s the belt that ties everything together.”

Read the entire article...

Remembering The Summer MADISON SQUARE GARDEN MADE A SPLASH

BY SUSIE CUEBAS | PHOTOS: BETTMAN ARCHIVE

It ’s hard to imagine Madison Square Garden—the hallowed stage for boxing legends, pop stars, and Knicks heroes—filled not with sweat and spotlights, but with thousands of gallons of cool, blue water.

Yet in the summer of 1921, that’s exactly what New Yorkers found: an enormous indoor swimming pool shimmering beneath the Garden’s vaulted roof, complete with a 25-foot waterfall, high divers, and room for 4,000 bathers.

The air was thick with humidity and laughter. The scent of chlorine replaced the usual cigar smoke. Where Jack Dempsey once threw punches, teenagers were now perfecting their cannonballs.

Yes, there really was a time when Madison Square Garden was less “Fight of the Century” and more “Cannonball of the Century.”

The Showman Who Dreamed in Spectacle

To understand how New York’s most famous arena became a swimming pool, you have to know the man who made it happen: George Lewis “Tex” Rickard.

Rickard was a gambler, promoter, and born showman—the sort of man who could sell out an arena for a fistfight, then decide it ought to double as a sparkling oasis. By 1921, he was already a household name for staging

some of the biggest boxing matches in history. But when the punches stopped and summer’s heat rolled in, Rickard needed a new crowd-pleaser.

His solution? Turn the Garden into “the world’s largest indoor swimming pool.”

It wasn’t as crazy as it sounded. This was the roaring heart of 1920s New York, after all—an era when the city was always inventing something new, louder, or flashier than the last big thing. And Madison Square Garden, sitting proudly at Madison Avenue and 26th Street, was already a shape-shifting venue for everything from horse shows to bicycle races. Why not add synchronized swimmers to the list?

The World’s Largest Indoor Pool

When the Garden reopened in June 1921, visitors stepped into something entirely new. The arena floor had been transformed into a glittering expanse of water—250 feet long by 110 feet wide, sloping gently from three to fifteen feet deep.

At one end stood a 25-foot artificial waterfall, its constant cascade serving both as scenery and a diving platform. Beneath the electric lights, the water shimmered like blue silk, reflecting the arches of the Garden’s ceiling in ripples.

Spectators filled the bleachers, as if attending a prizefight—except now the combatants were swimmers showing off graceful dives, playful races, and even musical performances on floating stages.

By day, the pool opened to the public. Families paid a modest admission to swim where champions once sparred. By night, it hosted exhibitions and “aqua carnivals,” featuring feats of endurance, choreographed dives, and vaudevillian humor.

Newspapers gushed about the novelty. The New York Times dubbed it “the most remarkable transformation of an arena yet attempted.” And for one shining season, it worked.

A Pool Fit for a Promoter

Rickard himself would stroll the deck in his trademark cowboy hat, beaming like a man who had just invented summer. He was, in a way, a precursor to Walt Disney—an impresario of experience, never content with the ordinary.

But like many of Rickard’s schemes, the pool was ambitious to the edge of absurdity. Maintaining such a vast indoor body of water proved a technical challenge. Pumps ran around the clock; condensation clouded the air; even the horses stabled nearby for shows were reportedly unsettled by the humidity.

Still, the spectacle drew crowds—at least for a while. Then, as summer waned, so did the novelty. By early fall, the Garden drained the pool. Within months, Rickard’s empire began to crack under scandal. He was accused—later acquitted—of serious misconduct, and soon lost his lease on the Garden. The building itself was demolished just a few years later, in 1925.

In the grand ledger of New York history, the pool existed for only one season—a blink in time—but what a scintillating blink it was.

The Curtain Closes

Like the city itself, the Madison Square Garden pool lived fast, only to disappear without much ceremony. By the following summer, the arena floor was once again packed with athletes, performers, and fans.

Rickard moved on to build a new Madison Square Garden uptown, which would host Joe Louis, Frank Sinatra, and a thousand other unforgettable nights. But no one ever filled it with water again.

5 Fun Facts About Madison Square Garden’s Forgotten Swimming Pool

1. The Big Splash — The pool covered roughly 27,000 square feet—large enough to fit nearly a dozen Olympic-sized lanes end-to-end.

2. A Waterfall Indoors! — A 25-foot artificial cascade tumbled into the deep end, doubling as a diving platform and photo op.

3. Open to Everyone — For a few cents, everyday New Yorkers could cool off where heavyweight champions once fought.

4. One-Summer Wonder — The pool opened in June 1921 and was gone by fall, never to return.

5. Splashy Legacy — Though short-lived, it inspired a brief trend of “arena aquatics” in cities like Chicago and Atlantic City during the 1920s.

What we love most about rediscovering stories like this: they bring the distant haze of memory back into full focus. Modern New Yorkers hurry past the current Garden on 7th Avenue, never guessing that its ancestor once overflowed with swimmers instead of sports fans.

Read the entire article...

The Hard Truth About Hard Water IN SWIMMING POOLS

BY MARCUS PACKER | PHOTO CREDIT: ANGI

When pool owners notice white scale on their tiles, cloudy water that just won’t clear up, or filters that seem to clog faster than they should, chances are they’re dealing with hard water. It’s a problem that affects both municipal and well water across much of the United States. In fact, according to a recent map released by Angi, regions throughout the Southwest and Midwest are hit hardest by water hardness, while much of the Pacific Northwest and the East Coast enjoy softer water conditions.

Understanding Hard Water in Swimming Pools

Hard water isn’t just about taste or the way it feels on your skin. For pool professionals, it’s a balancing

act that can make the difference between a system running smoothly and one struggling under layers of calcium scale. The minerals that make water “hard” — mainly calcium and magnesium — can wreak havoc on a pool’s surface, plumbing, and equipment over time.

Whether you’re pulling from a municipal source or a private well, understanding water hardness levels is key to proper maintenance. A pool filled with hard water can behave very differently from one in a softer region, and if you don’t account for it, you’ll spend more time (and money) trying to get your chemistry right.

Municipal Water vs. Well Water: What’s the Difference?

Most pool owners assume that municipal water, since it’s treated, will have fewer mineral issues. That’s not always the case. Municipal systems are designed to make water safe to drink, not necessarily ideal for pools. Cities in states like Arizona, Texas, and Nevada deliver tap water with high calcium content right out of the pipe — often over 300 parts per million (ppm) in hardness. By comparison, most pool professionals recommend keeping calcium hardness between 200 and 400 ppm.

Municipal water can also fluctuate seasonally depending on the source. Some cities mix water from wells and reservoirs, which means your fill water could vary in hardness even within the same neighborhood.

Well water is an entirely different story. Because it’s drawn from underground aquifers, it often contains even higher concentrations of dissolved minerals. Homeowners in rural areas using well water to fill or top off their pools may see calcium levels skyrocket after just a few refills. Without regular testing, it’s easy for hardness to creep up unnoticed — until scale starts forming on pool walls, plumbing fittings, and salt cells.

Where Hard Water Hits Hardest

Angi’s water hardness map makes it easy to see where pool owners face the biggest challenges. The Southwest — including Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and much of Texas — is deep red, meaning “very hard water.” The Great Plains and Midwest also show widespread hardness, with states like Kansas, Nebraska, and parts of Illinois and Iowa all dealing with elevated mineral content.

Pool pros working in hard-water regions know that everything from startup procedures to regular service schedules has to be adjusted. Draining and refilling a pool in Phoenix or Las Vegas, for instance, only introduces more hard water. In those markets, contractors often rely on dilution through softened water systems or trucked-in RO (reverse osmosis) water to control hardness levels.

What Constitutes “Hard Water” in Swimming Pools?

Understanding what actually qualifies as “hard water” helps pool professionals and homeowners interpret their test results and decide how to respond. Water hardness is simply a measure of how much calcium and magnesium are dissolved in your water supply, typically expressed in either grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm) as calcium carbonate. The higher the number, the harder the water— and the greater the likelihood of scale formation, cloudy water, and equipment damage.

The Effects of Hard Water on Pools

When calcium and magnesium levels rise above recommended limits, they start binding with other chemicals in the pool, especially carbonates. That reaction forms calcium carbonate — the white, chalky scale that coats tiles, heater elements, lights, and salt cells.

Scale formation can quickly turn into a costly problem:

• Can cause cloudy or unbalanced water

• Can clog filters and reduce heater efficiency

• Unsightly deposits on plaster and tile surfaces

Managing Hard Water in Pools

In hard-water regions, pool owners and professionals need to start thinking about mineral management before the first drop hits the pool. The goal is to control calcium hardness from the start and prevent it from climbing out of range as evaporation and refills concentrate minerals over time.

Ideal Calcium Hardness Ranges

• Plaster Pool: 200–400 ppm

• PebbleTec Pool: 200–400 ppm

• Vinyl Pool: 80–150 ppm

• Fiberglass Pool: 150–250 ppm

Tried & True Methods for Managing Hard Water

1) Dilution and Pre-Filtration

2) Chemical Treatment

3) Reverse Osmosis

4) Water Softeners and Top-Off Management

Water hardness is one of those invisible challenges that can make pool care easy or incredibly frustrating. The Angi map highlights just how variable hard water in swimming pools is across the country.

Read the entire article.

Winter is for Strategy: BUILD YOUR 2026 BUSINESS PLAN NOW!

BY SUSIE CUEBAS

As the last pools are covered and the phone calls settle down, winter gifts the pool industry something rare: time to think.

For builders, service pros, and retailers alike, winter isn’t downtime — it’s the strategic season. It’s when smart operators look beyond the next call or contract and start shaping the business they want two years from now.

“Winter is when we build the business, not the pools,” says Jake Henderson of Blue Horizon Pools, who uses December to review margins, reset systems, and plan hiring before spring rushes back in. “If we wait until March to think strategically, it’s already too late.”

Across the industry, that mindset shift is catching on. Instead of winding down completely, more companies are using winter to strengthen their foundations by refining systems, training teams, and designing growth plans for 2026 and beyond.

Because in today’s market, the companies that treat winter as an opportunity, not an off-season, are the ones leading the pack when the weather warms up.

After the intensity of summer, the quiet of winter brings clarity. The rush fades, phones calm, and for the first time in months, owners can actually think.

It’s the perfect time to step back and ask big-picture questions: What worked? What didn’t? What do we want to do differently next year?

“We used to treat January as catch-up season,” says Angela Ruiz of ClearBlue Pool Services. “Now it’s strategy season. We review our wins, fix the bottlenecks, and set our training plan for the year ahead. It changes everything.”

For many companies, this kind of winter planning isn’t about filling out spreadsheets — it’s about creating space to think. It’s also about designing a business that works on purpose rather than by momentum.

Winter gives owners emotional, operational, and financial distance. The stress of the season melts away and you can finally look at your business without the noise of chlorine deliveries, weather delays, and customer calls.

What the Pros Are Doing This Winter

Across the country, pool professionals are putting their quiet months to work. Instead of to-do lists, strategic initiatives are forged and designed to strengthen their business before the next rush hits.

1. Modernizing Systems

Technology is taking center stage this winter. Companies are upgrading scheduling software, linking accounting tools, and adopting CRMs that help teams communicate more efficiently.

“We finally integrated our job tracking and invoicing software,” says Tony Miller of AquaEdge Pools. “It’s saving us hours every week and eliminating those little mistakes that used to cost us credibility.”

2. Investing in People

Ask any pool company what their biggest challenge is, and you’ll hear the same answer: labor. Skilled, motivated, reliable labor.

“We started a mentorship program for our younger crew,” says Henderson. “It keeps them engaged, and by spring, they’re already ahead of schedule on skills.”

3. Refreshing the Brand

With fewer site visits and customer calls, winter is prime time to update your public face. Many businesses are using the off-season to revamp their websites, refresh photography, or launch new marketing campaigns.

“We do our brand audit in January,” says Miller. “New photos, updated testimonials, maybe a fresh logo tweak. By the time homeowners start dreaming about their next pool, we’re already in front of them.”

Planning for 2027, Not Just 2026

Many business owners are no longer planning for the next season. They’re planning for the next two. With technology, materials, and customer expectations evolving so rapidly, forward-looking strategies are becoming the new norm.

Sustainability, automation, and efficiency top the list of 2026 priorities. Builders are exploring energyefficient equipment and low-impact materials; service companies are focusing on automation and predictive maintenance; retailers are diversifying their offerings with smart pool technology.

“We’re budgeting for next year’s upgrades, but also setting aside for 2026 equipment transitions,” says Ruiz. “We know automation and energy savings are where the market’s heading. Planning ahead gives us a competitive edge.”

The New Shape of Winter Strategy

The modern pool professional’s off-season isn’t about hibernation — it’s all about transformation.

Here’s what’s changing:

Data-Driven Decision Making: More owners are tracking metrics year-round — from profit margins to lead conversion rates — and using winter to analyze that data in depth.

Collaborative Planning: Instead of keeping plans top-down, many companies now involve their teams in goal setting. “It builds ownership,” says Miller. “People buy into what they help build.”

Sustainable Growth: Fast growth isn’t the goal anymore. Smart growth is. Companies are choosing intentional scaling by adding services or expanding geography only when systems can support it.

A Season for Builders to Build

Every strong season begins with choices made in the quiet months — in the calm before the rush Winter gives pool professionals something rare: time to think. And for those who use it wisely, that time becomes the foundation of growth, stability, and innovation.

“The work we do now pays off all year,” says Henderson. “We treat January like we treat excavation — it’s the groundwork. If you skip it, nothing else stands right.”

When the phones start ringing again, the companies that used winter for strategy won’t be scrambling. They’ll be ready with systems dialed in, teams aligned, and goals set in motion. Because success in the pool industry isn’t built in July. It’s built in January. So grab a notebook, pour a cup of coffee, and ask yourself: What kind of business do you want to open in the spring? Winter is the time to build it. Read the entire article.

The Hidden Liability

OF A GREEN POOL

When a green pool is simply left to turn into a stagnant, algae-infested basin, it isn’t just an eyesore—it can become a serious public-health and legal hazard. Neglected pools serve as ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes capable of transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus.

From a pool-industry perspective, the issue is clear: an unmaintained pool is not simply a dormant asset— it can generate liability, drive down property values, invite municipal code enforcement, and create safety hazards beyond the usual concerns of drowning, slip-and-fall, or equipment failure.

Viral Photo Raises Questions About Pool Neglect and Liability

After a photo of a backyard pool completely overtaken by algae and vegetation began circulating on Reddit, it quickly became a viral talking point. The photo

BY SUSIE CUEBAS

wasn’t taken by a passerby or an inspector—it was snapped by a frustrated neighbor fed up with living next to what had become a swamp. The homeowner had apparently abandoned their pool a decade ago, leaving it to fill with algae, debris, and rainwater until nature completely reclaimed it.

When the neighbor shared the image online, the post went viral, and commenters couldn’t believe it was once a swimming pool. Many asked how anyone could be allowed to let their pool reach that point and why local authorities hadn’t stepped in.

Beyond the shock factor, the discussion struck a nerve—it wasn’t just about aesthetics, but about responsibility, public health, and the fine line between private property rights and community wellbeing.

Homeowner Responsibilities When a Pool Is Neglected

In many jurisdictions, local codes

define standing water that can breed mosquitoes as a “public nuisance.”

For example, the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code states that any standing water on private property that has become a breeding source for mosquitoes is declared a public nuisance and an immediate threat to public health.

Similarly, under California law, county health-agency information sheets note that neglected swimming pools may produce millions of potentially infected mosquitoes and that local vectorcontrol agencies may enact abatement proceedings, impose fines of up to $1,000 per day, or place a lien on the property.

In short, a homeowner who allows a pool to remain stagnant and untreated may find themselves subject to enforcement action, abatement costs, and fines or judgments.

Code Enforcement & Abatement Processes

In the City of Huntington Park, California, ordinances require property owners to maintain swimming pools in a manner that does not allow mosquito breeding, including emptying or keeping dry any pool that is abandoned or not in service. Violations are considered infractions punishable by fines.

In Los Angeles, vector-control authorities can issue a 72-hour notice to secure and abate the nuisance; failure to comply can result in misdemeanor charges. The municipality may then perform the abatement work and bill the cost to the property owner, often adding administrative surcharges.

For pool builders, remodelers, and service contractors, this highlights a key education point: failing to act is not just the homeowner’s problem—it can quickly become a legal one.

General Liability: Premises & Attractive Nuisance

Beyond mosquito-vector issues, neglected pools still carry the classic “attractive nuisance” liability. Legal experts note that

when a property includes a feature likely to attract children—such as a pool—a homeowner owes an increased duty of care, and failure to maintain it may heighten civil liability.

Combine that with visible neglect (green water, unsecured fencing, vegetation overgrowth), and a homeowner may face multiple forms of exposure: vector control, code violation, and premises liability.

Public Health & Neighborhood Impacts

From a public-health standpoint, a single neglected pool can become a prolific mosquito nursery. Health agencies report that mosquito eggs can hatch in as little as 7 to 10 days in stagnant water, and that one neglected pool can produce millions of mosquitoes in a single summer.

What Should Homeowners Do Instead?

If a pool is no longer in use, full removal or backfill is often the most responsible option, as it eliminates standing water, safety risks, and ongoing liability. If future use is possible, mothballing

the pool with proper circulation, sanitation, debris removal, and a secure ASTM-rated safety cover can prevent stagnant water and hazards—loose tarps are not sufficient. For pools that remain in use, regular circulation, filtration, and sanitation are essential, even during periods of low activity, since well-maintained pools do not provide conditions for mosquito breeding and should still receive routine inspections.

The Pool Pro’s Responsibility

When a homeowner says, “I’m just going to stop using it and let nature take its course,” what they are really doing is inviting legal and environmental trouble. This topic creates a strong value-add opportunity for pool professionals to educate homeowners about the risks of abandonment.

A neglected pool isn’t just unsightly; it’s a potential liability and a vector-control issue. By guiding homeowners toward maintenance, proper closure, or removal, we help preserve not only their property but also the wellbeing of their neighbors.

Why Pool Inspection Reports BELONG ONLINE IN EVERY STATE

BY MARCUS PACKER

When families head to a public pool, most assume the water is clean, the chemistry is balanced, and the facility is safe. But unless you happen to know where to look— or live in a handful of proactive states—you may have no idea when your local pool was last inspected or if it passed.

Across much of the U.S., public pool inspection reports remain scattered across county databases, printed on paper, or buried in PDFs that never see daylight. That patchwork approach leaves swimmers, parents, and even industry professionals in the dark about safety and compliance. The good news? A growing number of states are using technology to change that.

Every state regulates public pools to some degree, yet

inspection data is typically collected and stored at the county level. Local health departments perform inspections, but results are often siloed—sometimes shared only upon request or posted in formats the public rarely finds.

This fragmented system means that while one county might post searchable, digital reports, the next county over may keep them in filing cabinets. There’s no unified database, no shared standard for how results are scored or displayed, and no simple way to compare facilities across jurisdictions. For an industry that thrives on clarity, the current system is murky at best.

Why Pool Inspections Matter

Pool inspections exist for one reason: to protect public health. Inspectors check chlorine and

pH levels, verify proper filtration, look for hazards such as suction entrapment, and ensure barriers and decks meet safety codes. Failures often stem from predictable causes—unbalanced water chemistry, broken equipment, poor sanitation, or outdated safety devices.

When inspections uncover these problems, it’s not about punishment; it’s about prevention. Waterborne illnesses like Cryptosporidium or E. coli outbreaks often trace back to lapses that regular inspections are meant to catch. Making those inspection results public doesn’t just inform swimmers— it motivates operators to maintain compliance yearround.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 60% of inspected public pools and spas in the U.S. have

at least one health or safety violation, and roughly one in eight is closed immediately upon inspection due to serious issues such as inadequate disinfection or improper water chemistry. Those numbers highlight how vital routine inspections—and public visibility of those results—really are.

Technology and Transparency

In recent years, state legislators and public-health agencies have begun modernizing the way they share environmental data. By digitizing inspection records, governments can improve efficiency and make it easier for the public to access vital safety information.

Some states are leading the way toward better transparency. Oregon launched its unified HealthSpace portal through the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), providing public access to food, lodging, and pool inspection reports statewide. “For the first time people can get inspection results for every licensed facility in the state,” said David Martin, OHA’s Foodborne Illness Prevention Program coordinator. The system lets users view disinfection levels, safety violations, and follow-up reports for pools across nearly every county.

Meanwhile, Florida’s Department of Health developed a statewide Environmental Health Tracking & Reporting platform covering all counties. Users can view inspection data for public swimming pools and spas and access resources that explain what each violation means.

These efforts prove that centralized transparency is both achievable and beneficial. When inspection results are visible to everyone, accountability improves, and the public can make informed choices.

What’s Missing From Most Systems

Even among states that publish inspection data, the experience can be inconsistent or jumbled with other unrelated departmental data. States could do better by taking a page from what’s already happening at the county level. Case in point: San Luis Obispo County, California. Their Environmental Health Department has built an intuitive, public-facing inspection database and interactive map that allows anyone to search pool and spa inspection results by facility name, address, or permit type. Users can view violation details, inspection dates, and even filter by compliance status—all with just a few clicks.

That kind of usability is exactly what most statewide systems lack.

An ideal system for each state inspection portal would include:

• A clear scoring or grading system—numeric or letter-based— to quickly communicate whether a facility passed or failed.

• Filtering tools that allow searches by city, inspection date, or violation type.

• Categorized violations that explain why a facility failed, with emphasis on health and safety risks.

• Historical data and trends that show whether a facility’s compliance record is improving or slipping.

• Prompt updates so reports go live within days, not months.

• User-friendly design that helps everyday swimmers, not just regulators, interpret results.

San Luis Obispo’s model shows how powerful these data-driven tools can be when built with the end user in mind. If states adopted that same level of accessibility and detail at scale, it would elevate transparency across the country. Posting reports online is a great start—but it’s time to make those systems genuinely useful, consistent, and easy to navigate for everyone.

Becoming a Pool Builder: THE WHIRLWIND OF MY FIRST BUILD

BY KELLI CLANCY | PHOTOS: LEGACY POOL & SPA

Throughout my life, I have always needed a creative outlet. I took every art class I could, sang in the high-school choir, joined drama, and wrote for the school paper. Creativity wasn’t just something I enjoyed; it was something I needed. So when I eventually joined the family swimming-pool business, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of cleaning pools for a living. It didn’t feel creative, it didn’t feel expressive — it just felt like work. But after talking it over with people I trusted, I realized the long game was where the creativity lived. If I could earn my way into building pools, designing them from the ground up, I might finally find the outlet I had been looking for while making a solid living.

My journey to becoming a pool builder started the old-fashioned

way — with cleaning and repairing existing pools. And in hindsight, I couldn’t have asked for a better foundation. What better way to learn how a pool works than by fixing the issues that come with older ones?

Over the next four years, I took every opportunity I could to learn. I cleaned, skimmed, vacuumed, diagnosed leaks, repaired equipment, and soaked up knowledge anywhere I could find it. As time went on, I added advanced building and design classes to my workload. I knew where I wanted to go, and I was putting in the hours to get there.

Six years later, the chance finally came: my first pool build. And luck was on my side — the customer couldn’t have been a better fit. The excitement and nerves I felt going into that first meeting were unlike anything

I’d experienced before. After all the time, the work, and let’s be honest, the money I had invested in learning this craft, I was finally stepping into the role I’d always aimed for. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a technician anymore. I was the designer, the salesperson, the project manager, the whipcracker, and the jump-in-and-getit-done-now girl. It was my show.

Surprisingly, the easiest part of the entire project was the actual sale. Before meeting the client, she’d already sent me a few photos of what she had in mind. I went online, looked up the real estate listing, studied the property on Google Earth, and put together a full 3D rendering and video presentation for our first meeting. When she saw it, she was completely blown away. She looked at me and said, “You knew what I wanted before I even met you.”

Of course, one of the first questions she asked was the one every client asks: how long will it take to build my pool? We told her three to four months, which she was completely fine with. But then she added the kicker — she absolutely had to have the pool finished by June 1st. A hard deadline.

At that moment, I honestly thought, “No problem. Smooth sailing.” Which turned out to be my famous last words.

From the very beginning, we hit setbacks. Vendors missed inspections. Weather refused to cooperate. Delays stacked upon delays. Everyone had someone else to blame. It felt like each day brought a new surprise complication.

Once we got through gunite, the phases moved faster — but the weather kept fighting us. It felt like the moment I decided to build a pool, California decided it finally wanted rain. Plaster day finally arrived, and ironically, it was the smoothest phase of the entire project. Watching the surface come to life, watching the design I had envisioned become real, was emotional for me.

Looking back, the experience was

invaluable. Every bit of training, every class, every problem I solved in the service world — all of it prepared me for that very first build. It showed me exactly what I was capable of and just how much responsibility comes with the title “pool builder.”

One piece of advice has always stuck with me, given to me by Mike Bradley of NorCal Pool Production in Penryn, California: “Do not rush to get big. Take it slow and don’t try to sell every lead, or you’ll overwhelm yourself and underdeliver.” He was right. Growth without control isn’t growth — it’s chaos.

Over the course of the build, I learned several lessons the hard way. One of the biggest was not relying too heavily on vendors for building knowledge. Yes, they should know their particular phase, but that doesn’t mean they always do it correctly.

Another lesson was just trusting my gut. Vendors love to say, “That’s how we always do it,” but that doesn’t mean it’s how it should be done — or how your design calls for it to be done. When you ignore your instincts, mistakes get expensive. I also learned the importance of getting everything in writing. Verbal

agreements evaporate the moment someone’s invoice doesn’t match expectations. Documentation prevents “mysterious additional charges” from becoming your problem.

One of the hardest lessons came from a cave-in that added sixteen extra yards of gunite to the overall job — and a battle over who should be the one to pay for it. That’s when I learned to either hire an excavation company that also performs gunite or create an agreement tying the excavator and gunite company together so someone is clearly responsible for over-digging. The finger-pointing can be brutal if you’re unprepared.

And finally, I learned to reach out to builders whom I trust and admire. The best builders in the industry are usually happy to share advice, talk through challenges, and offer their guidance. In the end, we all want the same thing: to build great pools and elevate the industry.

Ultimately, the whole experience of my first build was a whirlwind — stressful, exhilarating, frustrating, rewarding — but it confirmed something important. I was meant to build pools and every pool since has only reinforced that belief.

How a Backyard Pool Helped One Pool Salesman LOSE 150 POUNDS AND COMPLETELY CHANGE HIS LIFE

BY JOE TRUSTY | PHOTO CREDITS: JAMES VOTRAW, LATHAM

POOLS

When James Votraw, Southeast Business Development Manager for Latham Pools, steps onto a jobsite or into a dealer’s office today, he carries a story that has now reached millions. Once weighing over 300 pounds and battling exhaustion, stress, and creeping health issues, Votraw has since become the face of one of the most inspiring transformations the pool industry has ever seen. Featured in Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, and across national media, he lost nearly 150 pounds—not with fad diets, not with a punishing gym routine, but by stepping into the very thing that defines his industry: a backyard pool.

Before his transformation, Votraw was the picture of a hardworking industry veteran—managing more than 100 dealer accounts, traveling across Florida nonstop, and raising three children with his wife Jamie. “I’m in business development for

Latham Pools and my main job is helping our dealers grow their businesses,” he explained. “Most of my days are part coaching, part problem-solving, and part road warrior.”

And while he always appreciated the joy pools brought to families, he never imagined the kind of personal transformation one could bring into his own life. “The funny thing is, I was helping everyone else build their dream lifestyle,” he said. “I wasn’t living mine. I was literally surrounded by pools, but not stepping into one.”

The shift began after a series of health scares—including weekslong bouts of hiccups, a hospital visit, and dangerously high blood pressure—that forced him to confront the reality of where his health was heading. “I saw photos of myself and didn’t even recognize the person I’d become,” he said. “I was great at my job but terrible at taking care of myself.”

With no medical solution in sight, he decided it was time to rebuild from the ground up.

A Lifeline Just Ten Feet Away

What came next was as unexpected as it was life-changing. Votraw didn’t join a gym or hire a trainer. Instead, he made a connection that was hiding in plain sight. “I’ve been surrounded by pools my whole career,” he said. “I always knew they brought happiness to other people. But I never looked at one as a tool for transformation. One day it just clicked: I don’t need a gym membership. I have a worldclass training tool sitting in my backyard.”

From that moment, everything changed. “Once I started swimming, the pool stopped being something I sold,” he said. “It became my therapy. My gym. My sanctuary.” At 5:00 or 6:00 a.m., before his family woke up and

before the dealer calls began, he slipped into the water and let the world fall away. Swimming became the space where he reset, recalibrated, and slowly reclaimed control of his health.

The Humbling Start

Even with a lifetime of recreational swimming behind him, the physical reality of swimming for exercise hit hard. “I thought I was just gonna glide across the pool like Michael Phelps,” he joked. “But those first few sessions were rough. Ten minutes felt like an hour. My lungs were on fire.”

But he kept showing up. Every day. No excuses. “I wasn’t chasing a six-pack. I was chasing consistency,” he said.

The First Major Shift

Around the one-month mark, everything began to click into place. “My body was changing, yes,” he recalled. “But the real shift was mental. I started craving that feeling of calm after a swim. That mental reset.”

Water forced him to be present. “Swimming forces you to breathe differently. You can’t check your phone. You can’t check your emails. It’s just you and your rhythm.”

His internal clock changed, too. “When I was heavy, I was forcing myself to get up at 7:00 a.m. Suddenly my body was waking me up at 5:00 a.m.—energized, ready.”

A Routine That Became a Lifestyle

More than 500 consecutive swims later, Votraw no longer counts days. Swimming has become as ingrained as drinking his morning coffee. “Sometimes it’s 30 minutes. Sometimes it’s an hour. Sometimes I lose myself in the water and go way over,” he said.

There’s no playlist, no noise, no distraction. “It’s my alone time. It’s my quiet time,” he said. “It’s just me in my head.”

And he’s quick to emphasize that anyone can start small. “Don’t make it a mountain,” he said. “Ten minutes. That’s how I started. Ten minutes twice a day. Just get in the pool and be consistent.”

A Diet Built to Last

Unlike many weight-loss stories, Votraw didn’t rely on strict fad diets. “I wanted something I could do forever,” he said. “Nothing was off limits. I used an 80/20 approach. If I really wanted a McDonald’s cheeseburger, I’d work it into my calories.”

His philosophy is simple: sustainability beats intensity. “Everyone can lose weight,” he said. “The real challenge is keeping it off.”

By focusing on protein, fiber, whole foods—and yes, the occasional processed treat—he created a way of eating that supported his training without feeling restrictive. Today, in maintenance mode, he’s stronger, leaner, and more confident than he’s been in decades.

The Emotional Impact

Weight loss didn’t just improve his health; it changed how he saw himself. “It made me a better father, a better husband, a better employee,” he said. “I think I was good at all those things before… but this gave me confidence.”

One admission was particularly raw. “I used to hide behind black clothes,” he said. “Everything I wore was black. You don’t know your style when you’re hiding behind your weight.”

He also noticed a painful truth about society. “People treat you differently when you’re not obese,” he said. “People open doors. They talk to you differently. It does something for your confidence.”

What His Journey Means for the Pool Industry

The pool industry is filled with messaging about fun, family, and lifestyle — but Votraw believes we’re underplaying one of the most powerful elements: wellness. “You don’t need a huge pool to make a huge impact,” he said. “Length for laps, consistent depth, integrated steps for recovery, automation, temperature control… that’s what matters.”

His own fiberglass pool is a testament to what a wellness-first design looks like. “I’m fortunate,” he said. “I have an auto cover, a heater and chiller, a freshwater system. It’s like swimming in a natural spring every day.”

A New Way to Talk About Pools

Builders and designers, he believes, should rethink how they present pools during the sales process. “The narrative needs to shift,” he

said. “The pool isn’t just a place to host barbecues or float with a beer. It’s a place to build better human beings.”

A Message the Industry Needs to Hear

People invest thousands in gym equipment, trainers, recovery tools, and fitness subscriptions. Meanwhile, the pool—often seen only as a luxury—is an all-in-one wellness platform hiding in plain sight. “The pool does it all,” Votraw said. “Cardio, strength, rehab, mindfulness.”

His transformation proves it. And his message to the rest of the pool industry is simple: “What we build literally changes people’s lives.”

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Creating an Adventure Pool, THE ULTIMATE THRILL IN YOUR BACKYARD

BY RIVERFLOW PUMPS

In the world of modern swimming pool designs, there is a surge in demand for the excitement of moving water. Luxurious, colorful, and dramatic pool features provide a beautiful and comfortable place to relax and cool off, and increasingly, the connoisseurs of swimming pool experiences want the added option to wake up the water. Enter the backyard Adventure Pool.

At the heart of creating an adventure pool lies one key component, the Riverflow Pump system. In this article, we will explore what adventure pools are, how they work, and how Riverflow Pump technology can transform your backyard into an exhilarating aquatic experience by making a beautiful pool come alive with current. The goal of an adventure pool is to create an experience that excites the senses and challenges individuals while also providing a fun and enjoyable, immersive experience.

What is an Adventure Pool?

Adventure pools are a new wave of pool design, focused on giving water enthusiasts options from slow-moving currents to dynamic, moving water experiences. Riverflow’s variable speed control allows for a toe-tickling current that many users find rejuvenating, and that can quickly be dialed-up to create a flowing river experience for play and fitness. The RiverFlow pump makes the feel of moving water instantly available in your pool. You will know why the Fountain of Youth was found in a body of water.

The benefits of water-based fitness training are well understood. Peak cardiac fitness is much easier to achieve in water, and buoyancy saves damage to bones and joints. Aqua fitness class instructors know that all water movement increases calorie burn compared to onthe-ground training. Advanced swimmers love the RiverFlow current that can simulate rigorous

open water swimming without losing the flip-turn of a pool.

Adventure pools are often built to emulate nature. The option of turning up the flow of water from mild, to high-energy, simulates the ebb and flow of living bodies of water, like rivers and oceans. These pools are typically larger and deeper than standard pools and often come with water-power options like varying water depths, waves, and currents. Adventure pools are designed to cater to people who want to recreate the thrill of outdoor water sports and activities without leaving their property.

How Do Adventure Pools Work?

The Riverflow pump system is the engine behind the excitement of the adventure pool. It works by harnessing advanced pump technology that creates a powerful water current. This current can be adjusted in speed and intensity to suit different activities and user

preferences. You can choose to walk or run in current, or enjoy a relaxing swim, or you can choose a fast-flowing turbulent current for more intensive swimming or water sports. Riverflow power provides versatility and control.

Key Features of the Riverflow Current System

Adjustable Current Speeds: The Riverflow pump system allows for the customization of water flow speed.

Continuous, Smooth Flow: One of the defining features of the Riverflow system is its ability to create a smooth, consistent current that feels natural.

Powerful, Energy Efficient: By converting 3-phase to singlephase power and by using a highly efficient Variable Frequency Drive,

the cost of operation is superior for energy efficiency.

Silent and Unseen: Riverflow is the quietest system on the market. While some systems use noisy and narrow, high-pressure jets, the Riverflow pump is smooth and quiet, and can be installed to be hidden and virtually unseen.

Versatile Water Fitness: Depending on the desired experience, the Riverflow pump system can simulate a wide range of natural water environments. One of the most popular uses of adventure pools is for fitness and resistance training.

Environmental Simulation: For those who are looking to replicate the excitement of river rafting, surfing, or even white-water swimming, the Riverflow system can simulate the water conditions

of natural rivers and lakes.

Start Your Adventure Pool Journey Today

Adventure pools, powered by the Riverflow Pumps, offer a unique and exciting way to experience water for relaxation, sports, and fitness without leaving the comfort of your home. There is no more versatile moving water experience than a RiverFlow Pool.

Harness the power of RiverFlow Pumps used in commercial lazy rivers around the world to create your backyard adventure pool. Invest in a pool experience that promises years of excitement and enjoyment for you, your family, and friends.

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Building a Legacy, THE ENDURING STORY OF MISSION POOLS

With an eye on the future, Mission Pools has laid a foundation for the next generation of excellence.

BY JOE TRUSTY

PHOTOS: DAN KIRKSEY - KDKC PRODUCTIONS

For more than six decades, Mission Pools has stood as a hallmark of excellence and integrity in Southern California’s pool industry. Founded in 1960, the company has evolved from a small regional builder into one of the most respected names in custom pool construction — a second-generation family business that continues to thrive through leadership, hard work, and careful planning.

Bruce Dunn, the company’s president, has been guiding Mission Pools through nearly every major shift in the pool industry since its inception. Speaking with Pool Magazine from Whistler, British Columbia, during the Master Pools Guild Fall Meeting (hosted by Alka Pool Construction), Dunn reflected on the company’s roots, its evolution, and how he’s preparing the next generation to carry the torch.

From Modest Beginnings to Market Leadership

Mission Pools began humbly. Dunn entered the business almost by accident when he was hired to conduct a business analysis for the company’s original owner. “I went in purely to study how come they weren’t making any money,” recalled Dunn.

After 60 years establishing themselves as a market leader, Mission Pools has built a strong reputation. Bruce Dunn shares the strategy for what comes next.

“It became very apparent that there was more going out the back door than there was coming in the front. When that changed, there was nobody left. We let everybody go — and that put me in the pool business.”

Soon after, he and his brother purchased the company. The partnership worked perfectly. “It was probably the greatest part of my career,” Dunn said. “My brother Jeff is four years younger than I am. He’s retired now, but we had forty-plus years of working together every single day, including Saturdays. It was a real joy.”

Together, the Dunn brothers charted a different course from other pool companies of their era. “When we got involved, you had a few franchise companies and a fractionalized industry that predominantly used subcontractors,” said Dunn. “We took the other road and decided

we were going to hire employees in all the different trades and have an in-house construction company. We were also going to do not just residential work, but commercial work, which led us into government projects and even water parks.”

That model helped set Mission Pools apart in one of the most competitive markets in the country. Today, the company operates throughout Riverside, San Diego, and Orange counties — with a reputation built on quality craftsmanship and enduring client relationships.

Building a Culture of Craftsmanship

Ask Dunn what differentiates Mission Pools, and he doesn’t point to marketing or technology first — he points to their people.

“If you want to know the real difference, you’d have to look at

the quality of the people we have,” he explained. “That’s not just from a management standpoint — it’s construction. The swimming pool business is construction. So many people focus just on sales, but if you don’t know how to build it and build it correctly, all the sales in the world certainly aren’t going to do you any favors.”

That philosophy has guided Mission Pools’ internal culture for decades. While many companies outsource labor, Dunn’s decision to keep skilled trades in-house created a consistent standard of excellence.

Learning, Leading, and Staying Ahead

Part of what’s kept Mission Pools relevant for over 65 years is a relentless commitment to education and professional collaboration. Dunn credits the Master Pools Guild with much of that success.

Alexandria, VA

Albuquerque, NM

Honolulu, HI

Indianapolis, IN Pittsburg, PA

Portland, OR

“Being part of the Guild allows you to share information and learn different techniques,” he said. “Back in the day when vanishing edges weren’t even a thing yet, the Guild was building them and teaching people about flow rates and friction — the kinds of things you needed to know to design an artistic pool correctly.”

For Dunn, continuing education is not optional. It’s essential. The regular Guild meetings — both spring and fall — serve as an opportunity to learn what’s coming next, network with innovators, and stay on the cutting edge of design and engineering.

He recalled with fondness the way knowledge is passed around at Guild gatherings. “I remember meetings with plans rolled out on a piano to teach somebody how to build a pool with a surge tank,” he said. “The way the piping would go, the way the equipment would run.”

Moments like that capture what Dunn loves most about the business: builders sharing their craft, not just their business cards. “That’s where the magic happens,” he said with a smile.

Succession Planning For The Next Generation

For Bruce Dunn, longevity has always been about preparation and adaptability. As Mission Pools continued to expand, he wanted to ensure the company’s strength would extend well into the future — not just through projects, but through people.

“I had the opportunity to take a course at Harvard,” he said. “During that three-year program, part of it was succession planning. That could mean you’re setting yourself up to be sold or setting yourself up for a legacy and continuation.”

Dunn and his brother chose the latter. “We made the decision that for those family members who wanted to be involved in the business, we’d make it available if they were qualified,” he said. “The succession plan we put in place in the late nineties was crafted off a number of case studies we had at Harvard.”

That plan proved both visionary and adaptable. “We found that a succession plan has to be flexible because the world changes, people

change, and desires change,” Dunn explained. When his brother retired three years ago, the plan was ready to be executed — and the transition was seamless.

“My son, who had been working as our CFO, and Mike Roudebush, who was in charge of our large commercial projects, both stepped into leadership roles,” said Dunn. “They’re a mirror image of my brother and me — Jeff handled operations, I handled business. Brett handles the numbers, Mike runs operations. It’s a wonderful continuation.”

A Legacy of Quality and Reputation

After more than six decades, Dunn still arrives at the office by 6:30 a.m. and often works Saturdays. That level of dedication is woven into the company’s DNA — and it’s one of the reasons Mission Pools enjoys a reputation for craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

“We sell an expensive product,” Dunn said. “The focus has to be on building correctly.”

“Speed is not always necessary — quality is everything. You have to be driven to make the end product everything, if not more, than what the client expects. All the advertising in the world won’t get you through the front door as quickly as word of mouth will.”

Building for the Future

Dunn’s philosophy on longevity and leadership can be summed up in one word: consistency. His team continues to deliver excellence year after year because they remain grounded in the fundamentals of construction, collaboration, and ethics.

“I think that’s what separates good builders from great ones,” said Dunn. “Good pool builders are in fact builders. You have to have sales

to keep the door open, but if you can’t build and build correctly, it’s all for naught.”

Advice for New Pool Pros

His advice for younger professionals entering the industry is simple yet profound. “Dedicate yourself to becoming a builder,” he said.

“It’s one thing to buy the equipment — it’s another to put it together correctly. Learn, and don’t worry about the money. It will come.”

That philosophy — grounded in craftsmanship, humility, and lifelong learning — has carried Mission Pools through generations. And as Bruce Dunn gradually transitions leadership to the next wave of talent, the company’s foundation remains unshakable.

“I’ve been blessed,” he said. “We’ve had a wide variety of projects, an incredible team, and a business built on integrity. Passing that legacy on to people who value it the same way — that’s the most rewarding part of it all.”

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Why That’s No Defense For CODE NON-COMPLIANCE

BY PAOLO BENEDETTI

Every pool builder or contractor has heard it— or said it—at some point: “But it passed inspection.”

Those words often come up in courtrooms, after a project has gone sideways and litigation is underway. It’s a phrase meant to shift blame, to suggest that because an inspector signed off, everything must have been done correctly. Unfortunately, that’s not how the law works.

Passing inspection does not equal being code-compliant. And when problems arise, it’s the builder or designer, not the inspector, who carries the legal and financial responsibility for non-compliance. Understanding how building standards are adopted, enforced, and referenced is critical for every

professional in the pool and spa industry.

Understanding How Standards Become Law

Most contractors know that building codes exist, but fewer understand how those codes are structured. Many of the technical details that govern your work are not printed in the state building code itself. Instead, they’re part of what’s known as “adopted by reference”—external standards that are legally binding even though they aren’t printed word for word in the codebook.

For example, the International Code Council’s International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ICC-ISPSC) is one of the most widely adopted pool construction standards in the country. Many states have formally adopted

the ISPSC by reference through their residential or building code appendices. That means that even though you won’t find every detail of the ISPSC spelled out in the printed state code, it carries the full weight of law.

How “Adopted by Reference”

Works

When you look at your state’s residential building code, you’ll often find an appendix titled “Referenced Standards.” This section lists all of the national and international standards the state has chosen to adopt for that code cycle.

Most of the larger, more populous states are on a three-year code revision cycle, staying current with the ICC and IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical

Officials) updates. Smaller states tend to move on longer cycles, sometimes adopting every six or nine years.

Instead of reprinting the full ISPSC document, the state code typically includes a short statement that ties the local law directly to that standard.

For example:

•. In the 2015 Texas Residential Code, section 326.1 states: “The design and construction of pools and spas shall comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.”

•. The 2018 Tennessee Residential Building Code uses nearly identical language in its own section 326.1.

This simple line means that the entire ISPSC—every clause, every diagram, every standard—becomes part of that state’s enforceable building law.

What’s Inside the ISPSC?

When a standard is adopted by reference, you’re bound to comply with all of it. That includes requirements for:

•. Water circulation rates and line velocities

•. Floor contours, slope transitions, and steps

•. Handholds and ladder spacing

•. Anti-entrapment and antidrowning features

•. Safety barriers, fencing, and alarms

•. Structural load and shell integrity

•. Equipment placement, bonding, and electrical standards

In short, “adopted by reference” brings the entire ISPSC—and all of its subsections—into play for every new pool or spa construction

project in that jurisdiction.

When Local Jurisdictions Modify the Code

Local municipalities do have some authority to modify state codes, but they can’t do it informally. To avoid enforcing specific portions of the state building code, a local government must pass a formal resolution listing every section of the state code that they are choosing not to adopt.

This is rare, but it happens. For example, California and Florida both have their own pool-specific codes that go beyond the ISPSC. These state-level codes are considered more stringent than the ICC’s model code, so they don’t need to reference it directly.

However, for the vast majority of states, the ISPSC—or another comparable standard—is part of the law by reference.

Inspectors Are Not the Final Authority

Here’s where many builders get tripped up: local inspectors do not routinely read or study the building codes in full detail.

Most inspectors rely on experience and precedent. It’s not until they review a set of plans that cites a specific code section or standard that they realize a particular provision applies. That’s why a project can “pass inspection” even though it’s not fully compliant with the adopted standards.

In these situations, ignorance of the code is not a defense—for the inspector or the builder. But while inspectors are largely protected by sovereign immunity, meaning they can’t be sued for missing violations,

builders and designers are not.

If a defect later leads to injury or property damage, the responsibility lands squarely on the contractor or design professional. Courts have consistently ruled that “passing inspection” does not exempt a builder from liability if the work fails to meet applicable codes and standards.

“It Passed Inspection” Is Not a Defense

The concept of sovereign immunity exists to protect public officials, including building inspectors, from lawsuits when they make honest mistakes. That protection does not extend to private builders.

In the eyes of the law, you’re the expert. You’re expected to know the applicable codes and standards. When a violation exists, you can’t rely on an inspector’s oversight as a shield. Saying, “But it passed inspection,” is equivalent to admitting you didn’t understand your own obligations under the law.

A Builder’s Responsibility

Complying with building codes and referenced standards isn’t about passing inspections—it’s about protecting lives, property, and your professional reputation.

The next time you hear someone say, “But it passed inspection,” remember this: inspections are a checkpoint, not a certification of compliance. The responsibility— and the liability—always comes back to the builder.

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Helping Every Child Become a Swimmer, HOW THE INDUSTRY CAN GET INVOLVED

BY JOE TRUSTY

Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages one to four in the United States. Yet for many years, the topic of drowning prevention was considered taboo in the pool industry. That narrative is changing, thanks to the work of organizations like Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS) and advocates like Casey McGovern, who are helping bring the issue to the forefront through legislation, education, and collaborative industry support.

Backed by the International Swimming Hall of Fame, ECAS is a national initiative ensuring all children—regardless of income—have access to swim lessons and water safety education. At the heart of the program is a mission rooted in tragedy. For Casey McGovern, this work is more than a cause. It’s a personal mission rooted in her own family’s tragedy and her determination to turn grief into meaningful change.

From Tragedy to National Impact

On August 3, 2009, McGovern experienced what no parent ever should. She had just returned from the grocery store

and placed her 19-month-old daughter, Edna Mae, in a chair near the kitchen while she began putting away groceries. “She was in my line of sight,” McGovern recalled. But a brief distraction—stepping into another room to answer a question—was all it took. When she returned, Edna Mae was gone.

McGovern searched the house room by room before noticing the backyard slider was slightly ajar. “I wasn’t even thinking about the pool,” she said. “But then I caught a glimpse of her floating.” Despite having a pool fence, the gate hadn’t latched shut—a small oversight with devastating consequences.

Her husband immediately performed CPR, allowing the family one more week with Edna Mae in the hospital. But her injuries were too severe. “At the end of that week, she was left with no brain activity,” said McGovern. “We had to say goodbye.”

That moment reshaped her life. “I promised her I would commit my life to this. I haven’t stopped since.”

“I checked out of the

supermarket at 3:46 p.m., and at 4:15 I was sitting in the emergency room watching my daughter fight for her life,” said McGovern. “Our world changed in 29 minutes.”

In the midst of that heartbreak, she made a vow to her daughter: to dedicate her life to preventing childhood drownings. That commitment eventually led her to a role at the Florida Department of Health, where she ran the state’s drowning prevention program for over eight years. But McGovern wanted to do more.

“I realized I was prepared to take it further,” she said. “One of my first initiatives was to work with the pool industry. These are the people building and servicing the pools where these tragedies can happen. At the time, many saw drowning prevention as taboo. But we started changing that.”

McGovern partnered with industry leaders like Dr. Bill Kent to help draft and pass Every Child a Swimmer legislation, beginning with Florida. The law requires schools to distribute water safety information and connect families to local swim lesson providers.

“I never imagined I’d be helping write and pass legislation,” she said. “But here we are. We’ve passed Every Child a Swimmer legislation in eight states so far, and we’re just getting started.”

In addition to legislation, ECAS operates a national scholarship program to ensure access to swim lessons for families in need. Scholarships cover up to $500 per child and are paired with approved swim schools that meet strict quality standards.

“We track every child from start to finish,” said McGovern. “Our swim schools must report skill progress and maintain no more than a 6:1 class size ratio. Every scholarship goes to a child from a family earning less than $50,000 a year.”

Currently, ECAS partners with more than 370 swim schools across the

country. Each is given a line of credit to support children in their communities.

“It’s not just a transaction. It’s a relationship,” McGovern explained. “Our partners know that we’re in it together.”

Transparency is core to the model. “Only 5% of our funding goes to administration. Ninety-five percent goes directly back into the program,” she added.

The support of the pool industry has been instrumental to ECAS’s growth. Builders, service pros, manufacturers, and distributors all have a role to play.

“Have the conversation,” said McGovern. “If you’re a builder, talk to clients about door alarms, fences, and supervision. If you’re a service tech, remind families not to

leave toys in the pool. Simple tips can save lives.”

She encouraged companies to include water safety materials in welcome packets, invoices, and social media posts. “Make it part of your business. Normalize the conversation.”

Financial support is another avenue. “If you’re servicing pools, consider donating $1 per pool. If you’re building a pool, set aside $100 per project and ask the client to match it. It adds up, and it changes lives.” With a clear mission, a growing network, and the support of the industry, Every Child a Swimmer is working to make that vision a reality. To get involved, visit everychildaswimmer.org.

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Read Our Curated List Of THE BEST POOL ALARMS & CAMERAS

Smart tech is changing how we protect our pools. With AI-driven cameras, smarter sensors, and always-connected alerts, pool owners now have access to tools that can significantly reduce the risk of drownings—without compromising the way we enjoy our backyard spaces.

But even with all the innovation, one truth remains: no single device can replace supervision. What these products do best is buy you precious seconds in an emergency. They alert you when someone enters the water unexpectedly, can help detect motionless swimmers, and provide the backup your eyes might miss.

In this guide, we present a curated roundup of the top swim safety devices of the year—broken down into traditional alarms and cutting-edge AI camera systems. We’ll also help you determine which ones are best suited for pools based on type, detection methods, AI integration, alert type, and certifications.

Pool Guard Safety Buoy

This floating, sub-surface detection alarm is uniquely designed to float on the water while sensing disturbances below the surface. It’s one of the few floating alarms that meets NSF and ASTM F2208 certification standards.

PoolEye Immersion Alarm

Uses an immersion or submersion sensor and mounts to either a pool deck or an above-ground pool’s top rail. Designed to detect objects over 18 pounds, it helps avoid false triggers caused by rain or debris.

Black & Decker ASTM Pool Alarm

Engineered to sense intrusions from children, pets, or anyone entering the pool, this ASTM F2208 certified system from Black & Decker uses electronic sensors to detect disturbances in water.

PoolGuard

System features a submerged sensing arm and is installed directly on the pool deck. It meets NSF and ASTM F2208 standards and includes a 200-foot remote receiver.

BY MARCUS PACKER

Mylo Virtual Lifeguard

Fully AI-powered monitoring system with dual cameras. Analyzes activity in the pool and alerts if dangerous behavior or motionlessness is detected. Compatible with both inground and above-ground pools.

PoolScout Pro

Wired AI vision system distinguishes between people, pets, and nonthreats using smart recognition technology. It sends both app and local alerts and is designed for permanent installation around inground pools.

SwamCam

Features a wide-angle camera equipped with AI to identify human presence and risky behavior before or after someone enters the water. This ASTM F2208-certified system offers local and remote alerts and supports multicamera expansion.

Many drowning tragedies occur in moments when no adult is watching — seconds make the difference, and faster alerts can tip the balance. Ease of installation can also mean the difference between a device that gets used and one that ends up in a drawer.

Each of the recommended alarms and cameras meet our rigorous standard based on ease of installation, features, functionality, support, and effectiveness in real world conditions. To learn more about each of these products, scan the QR code below.

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The Competitive Advantage, AUTOMATE TO DOMINATE WITH PENTAIR

Automation isn’t just a buzzword anymore— it’s rapidly becoming the defining feature that separates forward-thinking pool professionals from those simply keeping up. To explore why automation has become such a powerful differentiator, Pool Magazine sat down with Rodney McCall, IoT Product Manager for Pentair Pool, on a recent episode of the Pool Magazine Podcast. Over two decades at Pentair have given him a front row seat to the evolution of automation, and today, he sees it as nothing short of transformative for both professionals and homeowners.

A sked why automation has become such a game changer, McCall laid the foundation clearly. “Automation isn’t just about convenience. It’s a competitive advantage for builders. It future proofs installs and delivers a premium experience that helps you as a pool builder stand out,” he explained. For the homeowner, he added, automation is no longer an upgrade—it’s an expectation.

With the Pentair Pool app, customers gain the ability to control, monitor, and manage everything from simple pools to the most complex backyard environments anytime, anywhere in the world.

When the conversation shifted toward defining that “premium experience,” McCall didn’t hesitate. “Automation makes pool ownership a lot simpler and stress free, and I think that’s the premium experience,” he said. With intelligent flow logic that automatically optimizes heaters, water features, filtration, and energy savings, pool owners are no longer intimidated by the equipment pad. Instead, they engage with their pool confidently, often through intuitive touchscreen controls or the Pentair Pool app.

Some builders still hesitate to standardize pool automation, so the question became what benefits resonate most with homeowners. McCall pointed to the emotional side of pool

BY MARCUS PACKER

ownership as much as the practical. “Not only does automation make it easier, it also makes it more fun, and that’s why people buy pools in the first place,” he said. Whether creating a gentle waterfall for a quiet night at home or a dramatic full-power water feature for entertaining, homeowners can instantly tailor the experience with a single tap.

Scheduling, too, reduces the need for customer intervention. “Automation allows customers to spend less time managing their pool and more time enjoying their pool,” he explained. Combined with IntelliFlo variable speed pumps—something McCall compares to volume control for the backyard—the system effortlessly delivers low, medium, or high performance based on preset preferences.

The conversation turned naturally to why a builder should choose Pentair’s automation suite over competing systems. McCall emphasized breadth and flexibility. “Pentair offers automation

solutions for every pool,” he noted. For basic pools, the IntelliFlo3 pump now includes a relay card, introducing affordable entry-level automation that gives customers convenient control through the Pentair Pool app.

For more complex designs, IntelliCenter remains the flagship. “It features a high-definition color touchscreen at the equipment pad, and even an indoor control panel that looks and feels premium,” he said. Beyond aesthetics, McCall stressed that the homeowner’s daily interaction with the pool happens through the automation system. “You don’t want to leave that customer with a low-end interface or a non-intuitive app. And I think we have the best pool app in the business.”

When asked what additional tools builders should be factoring into their discussions with customers, McCall pivoted to one of the biggest differentiators Pentair offers: remote monitoring. “Remote monitoring allows the builder to still have some contact with that swimming pool,” he said. If a customer has an issue, the builder or service tech can instantly review filtration status, sanitizer levels, pH, salt levels, and other diagnostics without first rolling a truck.

McCall calls it the “know before you go” advantage, saving professionals time while providing faster support for customers. In many cases, alerts identify issues before the homeowner realizes there’s a problem, strengthening trust and long-term loyalty.

Before installation, builders must understand the differences between IntelliCenter configurations. McCall broke it down simply: “There’s one we call the IntelliCenter Lite… it does not

have space for electrical breakers. The IntelliCenter we refer to as a load center, and the load center has the space for the electrical breakers.”

McCall added that the Lite version includes a low-cost WiFi bridge similar to what many others use, while the full IntelliCenter uses Pentair’s high-powered wireless kit, designed for stronger and more reliable backyard connectivity. “It’s really robust when it comes to connectivity, even in really challenging backyards,” he said.

Lighting has become one of the most powerful selling tools for builders, so the discussion turned toward Pentair’s new IntelliVibe system. McCall’s enthusiasm was unmistakable. “The pools where I have seen IntelliVibe, the colors are so vibrant, and it is our newest lighting product,” he said. Unlike legacy lighting, which can lag during color changes, IntelliVibe reacts instantly in the Pentair Pool app. It offers millions of colors, adjustable color temperature, dimming, and independent control of up to four distinct lighting zones—without consuming valuable IntelliCenter relays.

With three fixture sizes, including options suitable for out-of-water landscape installations, IntelliVibe gives builders enormous creative flexibility. McCall sees lighting as a referral generator. “When the neighbor sees how awesome your backyard looks with IntelliVibe, he’s going to want it in his backyard too,” he laughed. And soon, IntelliVibe will be available even without IntelliCenter—requiring only the Pentair Pool app.

Connectivity challenges consistently frustrate pool professionals, and McCall acknowledged how Pentair tackles the issue. “The IntelliCenter uses

900 megahertz technology… it is really good at penetrating walls and distance,” he said. This longrange signal requires no router password, no WiFi extenders, and minimal configuration.

The installation process, though technical, is straightforward, with clear steps for mounting transceivers, routing Ethernet cables, and powering components. Builders who follow the sequence find setup smooth and repeatable, even in difficult sites.

Once connected, creating the customer’s IntelliCenter account is simple. Builders input property details, email credentials, and secure passwords directly at the outdoor control panel. “Then you download the Pentair Pool app and log in using the email and password you just created,” McCall explained. From there, the app guides the tech through notification settings and customization options, instantly activating remote control capabilities.

We are going to keep pushing the boundaries of what smart pools and our equipment can do,” said McCall. From automation and remote monitoring to nextgeneration lighting, Pentair aims to make pool ownership easier, more sustainable, and more enjoyable. For pros, the message is clear. “Automation is not just a convenience anymore. It is a way to grow your business and offer that premium service.”

As Pentair continues to expand what’s possible, the opportunity for builders to “automate to dominate” has never been stronger.

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Designing The Vibe: Pairing Fire Features WITH POOL STYLE & GEOMETRY

BY JOE TRUSTY

In today’s backyard design world, fire features have gone from optional accessories to essential architectural elements. Homeowners want atmosphere, identity, and a sense of place — and they want it all integrated into the poolscape itself. That appetite for elevated outdoor living is pushing builders and designers to think more holistically about how fire bowls, fire pits, and fire-and-water elements can define the tone of a space just as much as the pool shape or material palette.

The surge didn’t happen by accident. As Chuck Nitschke, National Director of Sales for The Outdoor Plus explains, the pandemic fundamentally rewired homeowner behavior. “COVID actually launched the outdoor entertaining world into a whole new strata.

With that shift came a new expectation: homeowners wanted the same design sophistication outdoors that they were accustomed to indoors. That mindset, combined with the explosion of readily available fire-and-water elements, propelled manufacturers like The Outdoor Plus to the forefront of the category.

One of the clearest design conversations happening today is the

relationship between pool shape and fire bowl form. That’s where Frank Vitori, Co-Founder of AquaBlu Mosaics, says education matters most.

Fire Bowls Matching Shape to Pool Geometry

“It’s actually a fairly simple and straightforward question,” Vitori explains. “People are amazed when they ask and we say, ‘What’s the shape of your pool?’” For geometric pools — modern rectangles, straight lines, clean edges — square or linear bowls become the natural choice. “Ninety percent of the time, if it’s a modern, geometric-shaped pool, they’re going to want either a rectangular or square fire bowl.”

Maya, for instance, shines in these settings. With its tapered square profile, it brings a sculptural quality that feels custom even in its standard form. Nitschke says it is “probably the most versatile” bowl the company makes.

On freeform swimming pool shapes, selections typically steer towards round-shaped fire bowls. The Cazo — crisp, tapered, elegant — excels for contemporary freeform pools. The Sedona, meanwhile, offers a softer, more classic look.

Fire Pits: Where People Actually Gather

If fire bowls frame the water and deliver drama, fire pits create the emotional center of the backyard — the place where people gather, linger, and revisit long after the pool lights go off.

Vitori points to several standout lines that consistently perform with homeowners and builders. The Unity line is one of the most popular: a classic round metal fire table available in 48”, 60”, and 72”.

“It’s perfect for residential application,” he says, appreciating how it delivers scale without overpowering the space. TOP also offers two height options — 18” for hard-piped installs and 24” for hidden propane tank setups — offering maximum flexibility in the backyard.

For larger or more commercial-scale designs, the Coronado shines, available in lengths up to 10 feet. The clean lines blend seamlessly with modern outdoor architectures and can be specified in a wide range of materials and burner options.

Those looking for something more visually unexpected often gravitate toward the Moonstone, a bold powder-coated linear table with a striking dualtone profile.

And for designers who want the warmth of a natural look without the maintenance concerns, Nitschke highlights the Sequoia, which features a concrete body textured to resemble real wood.

“It’s designed to look and feel like real wood,” he explains, available in black ebony, oak, or ivory.

These options offer definitive visual direction at a time when outdoor living spaces are expected to function like extensions of the home — not afterthoughts.,” he says. When people began spending more time at home — and hosting small gatherings outdoors — they suddenly wanted spaces where the night didn’t need to end when the sun went down. Fire became the anchor. “People started to want to hang out outside and hang out around that pool longer and go deeper into the evening,” Nitschke adds. Fire features weren’t just decorative anymore; they became tools for extending the livable square footage of the home.

Automation: Fire at the Tap of a Button

Today’s homeowners don’t just want beauty; they want control — and they want it from their phone or tablet. Fire features, once entirely manual, are now routinely tied into automation systems, giving builders the ability to specify everything from simple match-lit setups to fully appcontrolled electronic ignition. For builders who already integrate lighting, pumps, and automation into their projects, the ability to fold fire features into the same ecosystem has become a major selling point.

The Custom Boom

Many high-end builders are moving beyond off-theshelf fire features and designing their own pedestals, surrounds, and architectural structures — then turning to manufacturers for the internal systems that make those designs functional. According to Frank Vitori, the appetite for large-scale, fully bespoke installations has surged.

“We’ve done things as long as thirty-five feet,” Vitori add,. “There aren’t too many manufacturers out there who can pull that off, and TOP has done it seamlessly. They manufacture everything in-house, so when you need something huge, oddly shaped, or engineered to fit a perfectly measured opening, they can do it.”

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Vertical Revolution: Redefining The Modern Poolscape WITH BLUHAVEN PORCELAIN TILE

BY FRANK VITORI

The pool and outdoor design world is in the middle of a quiet revolution. Across the country, homeowners, architects, and builders are leaning into clean geometry, continuous sightlines, and spa-inspired simplicity. The look is modern yet timeless, refined yet relaxed, and it’s being led by one defining language: the vertical, linear aesthetic.

Made in the USA, BluHaven captures the calm rhythm of coastal life while meeting the performance standards professionals expect. Each tile reflects a balance between design innovation and environmental responsibility, offering a new way to create spaces that flow effortlessly from waterline to wall, from patio to interior.

Linear design has become the foundation of a modern aesthetic built around proportion, simplicity,

and continuity. Builders and designers are turning to long, lean formats that visually stretch surfaces, guide the eye, and evoke an understated sense of luxury once found only in boutique resorts.

Where mosaics once dominated pool design, larger porcelain formats now define it. BluHaven meets this moment with four versatile sizes — 3″ x 12″, 6″ x 12″, 6″ x 24″, and 3″ x 24″ — giving professionals the flexibility to design boldly while maintaining clean, cohesive lines.

Its palette takes cues from the shore: beach glass, dune grass, weathered driftwood, and harbor stone. Every shade feels fresh, organic, and balanced, built to endure the demands of both outdoor and interior environments.

One of the most exciting evolutions in today’s design language is

the renewed love for vertical installation. What started as a subtle style detail has become a full-scale movement toward height, rhythm, and motion. Vertical layouts create elegance and structure, adding visual lift to any space while emphasizing clean lines and balance.

In pools and spas, vertical tile installations draw the eye upward, giving raised walls and waterline features a taller, more sculptural look. Designers are also embracing large-format waterlines, where extended pieces such as the 6″ x 24″ reduce grout joints for a seamless, resort-style finish.

The BluHaven Collection

BluHaven’s modular design makes it easy to explore new possibilities and brings together five distinctive series that balance elegance, durability, and creative range.

Bayshore

Bayshore offers a relaxed coastal charm with softly distressed edges and ten calming matte colors that evoke the warmth of beachfront living. Featuring organic tones that reflect the rising trend of biophilic design, which emphasizes a deeper connection between our built environments and nature.

Harborside

Harborside introduces a modern edge with oceanwashed hues and raw textures in 3″ x 12″ and 6″ x 24″ formats. Perfect for pool waterlines, spa walls, and outdoor living areas, Harborside’s subtle movement and durable porcelain construction make it ideal for coastal climates and wet environments.

Coastline

Coastline glows with a glossy, undulated surface and six breezy tones that mimic light playing across the water. Evoking a breezy charm and natural beauty of the seaside.

Coastline is a perfect choice for poolscapes and outdoor living areas. Inspired by the ocean’s shifting tides, sandy shores, and sunlit waves, each porcelain tile features coastal tones and organic textures that bring a relaxed, beachside ambiance to any space.

Saltstone

Saltstone redefines poolside elegance with a conscious edge and anchors the lineup with its natural texture and six shades inspired by Venetian plaster, weathered concrete, and sun-washed stone — ideal for adding depth and warmth to raised walls, waterlines, and vertical features.

Tiderock

With a crisp, contemporary color palette, the Tiderock porcelain tile collection brings a refined sense of style to any environment. From luxury pool waterlines to outdoor living spaces, Tiderock infuses vibrant Key West-inspired color into both 3″ x 24″ and 6″ x 24″ formats, bringing character and movement to every project.

Together, these series create a cohesive system that feels both timeless and forward-thinking — designed for the modern builder, architect, and designer looking to elevate their craft.

Built for the Future of Design

BluHaven was created for those who design with intention. Each tile is crafted through environmentally responsible methods, featuring carbon-neutral production options that minimize waste without compromising performance.

Choosing BluHaven is more than a design decision; it’s a partnership in sustainability, craftsmanship, and creativity. With consistent sizing and compatible finishes across all five series, BluHaven offers endless possibilities for vertical, horizontal, stacked, or staggered layouts that showcase each professional’s unique vision.

Explore the BluHaven collection on AquaBluMosaics.com

Why Veteran Pool Builder Marco Perrella IS ALL-IN ON OZONE

BY JOE TRUSTY | PHOTO CREDIT: BASIN POOL DESIGNS

For decades, Marco Perrella has been the guy other elite builders call when they’re staring down a hillside, a seismic zone, or a technical design challenge that no one else wants to touch. He carved out that reputation early, having jumped from carpentry into highend landscape and pool design in the late ’80s and then never looking back.

But the one constant in Perrella’s career has always been curiosity — curiosity about materials, engineering, technology, and better ways to build. That instinct is what pushed him deeper into plumbing, hydraulics, and structural problem-solving offered through Genesis. It’s aslo what drew him into the Tributary Revelation, the tight-knit circle of designers and builders who

continually raise each other’s game. And it’s exactly the same instinct that eventually pulled him into ozone.

Perrella laughs, describing the Tributary group now, but it’s clear his involvement in the organization means a lot to him. “It is the most life-changing, business-changing, personal-life-changing group,” he said. “Everybody just wants to keep raising the bar. Somewhere along the line, if you’re gonna try something, somebody in this group has been there and done that.”

That collaborative energy is the same force that pushed him—slowly at first—toward a completely new way of thinking about water and how people use their swimming pools.

During a Tributary event in

Colorado in early 2020, water became the central theme. That’s where Perrella was first introduced in depth to ozone by consultant and educator Beth Hamil, whom he jokingly calls “the Queen of Ozone.” She agreed to speak at the event, and by the end of her presentation, Perrella made a decision: “I said, okay, I want to get one of your systems and try it out in my pool and spa.” Two weeks later, as the country locked down, the units arrived at his doorstep.

With normal business on pause, he took the opportunity to replumb his equipment pad and run ozone at home.

“I had a traditional setup and a small UV system,” he explained. “I put that ozone on and it was a complete game changer.”

“There was absolutely no chlorine smell at all. I said, ‘Oh my gosh, look at this water,’” recounted Perrella. He suddenly found himself using his spa nightly. He joked with friends that he was going out for his “COVID cleanse” in the spa, but behind the humor was a serious realization. “I would just get in and the feel of the water, the clarity… it was another level.”

He had seen enough. “That’s when I decided I was all in,” he said. He began specifying ozone on new projects and offering it as a key differentiator in his builds. It quickly became integral to what he considered a truly finished, high-end pool.

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Perrella’s early ozone journey almost derailed when Microplasma — the company behind his initial system — struggled during COVID. “There were a lot of hiccups,” he said. “They ended up shutting down… and that was a huge disappointment because I was so in love with ozone and committed to it.”

That’s when Beth made a timely introduction to Joe Cannavino, a commercial ozone veteran whose systems were designed for surf parks and water parks, not backyard pools. He had zero interest in the residential market, but Perrella saw something bigger.

Making The Next Big Leap, Bringing O3 Tech to Market

“ I knew I still had friends in Tributary who loved ozone, and I said to Joe, ‘What if we brought your tried-and-true machines to the residential market?’” recalled Perrella. That conversation would become the foundation of O3 Tech, a new company Perrella formed in 2023 with technical input from Beth Hamil and the engineering expertise and design skills of Joe Cannavino.

“After I put it in my pool and tried it for a while. I wanted to make sure this thing was as bulletproof as you could get,” said Perrella. So he had his friends and fellow Tributary members test units out in their own pools, and the feedback was phenomenal. Today, O3 Tech units are on projects with firms like Red Rock and Premiere Paradise in Arizona, Design Ecology in Texas, Basin Pool Designs in Tennessee, Ozzie Kraft in Las Vegas, and Live Chlorine Free in Florida, just to name a few.

“It’s catching on very fast,” he said, even as he acknowledges that some builders have “a little PTSD” from underperforming ozone experiences in the past.

“To be clear, these aren’t new machines,” he said. “They’ve been around forever.” What makes them unique is their size, output, and reliability — industrial-grade ozone re-engineered for elite residential builds.

Making the Case for Ozone to High-End Clients

Ask Perrella why ozone is worth the conversation, and he comes back to one word: reduction.

“The chemical reduction,” he said. “When you can have something that can take chlorine use down to a minimum, we’re living in a healthier world. People are more conscious about what they’re getting into, what’s on their skin.”

In his market of the North Bay area, that message resonates immediately. “I bet you nine out of ten of my pools that we design and build have our system on it,” he said. “It’s the easiest sell ever. The minute you start saying, I can reduce your chemicals to virtually nothing, that’s the end of the conversation.”

For a designer who has spent decades perfecting structures, details, and environments, ozone represents something more elemental: better water, achieved through better engineering. Perrella sees it as an extension of the craft itself — a way to bring the quality of the water in line with the quality of the spaces surrounding it. And in his view, that alignment is long overdue.

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Acid Washing Safety: WHAT EVERY POOL PRO SHOULD KNOW

BY LAUREN BROOM

There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a dull, stained pool surface turn bright and clean again after a good acid wash. It’s like hitting the reset button on a pool that’s seen better days. But as any seasoned pool pro knows, this powerful process comes with some serious risks.

Acid washing uses muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid)—a chemical strong enough to dissolve mineral buildup, algae, and stains. That same strength, though, can cause burns, lung damage, and serious injuries if not handled the right way. Knowing how to stay safe isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for protecting yourself, your crew, and your customers.

Why You Can’t Cut Corners When It Comes To Safety

Muriatic acid is no joke. A splash on your skin or a breath of concentrated fumes can do real harm in seconds. It can also eat away at pool finishes and metal

fixtures if it’s not used properly. The goal is to make the pool look better—not cause damage or danger along the way. When you follow safety protocols, you’re not just checking boxes— you’re building a reputation for professionalism and responsibility that customers notice.

Safety Basics Every Pool Pro Should Practice

1. Paperwork Isn’t Just Paperwork

Before you start mixing anything, make sure your Hazard Communication Program is up to date. Have Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every chemical you use, and double-check that all containers are clearly labeled.

This may seem tedious, but if something goes wrong, this documentation can be a lifesaver— literally and legally.

2. Dress Like You Mean It

You’ll need:

When you’re handling acid, jeans and sunglasses aren’t enough.

•. Acid-resistant gloves (rubber or neoprene)

•. Chemical splash goggles and a face shield

•. Long-sleeved acid-resistant clothing or a Tyvek suit

•. Closed-toe, chemical-resistant boots

•. A respirator with acid-gas cartridges if ventilation isn’t great.

It might not be a fashion statement, but it’s definitely a safety statement.

3. Let It Breathe

If you’re working in an indoor pool or a deep end, acid fumes can build up fast. Always use fans, open doors and windows, and wear a respirator if needed.

OSHA even considers an acidwashing pool a permit-required confined space—so don’t take chances. When in doubt, step out and get fresh air.

4. Mix with Care

There’s one golden rule every pool pro should memorize: Always add acid to water—never water to acid. Doing it backwards can cause an instant, violent reaction that splashes acid everywhere. Mix outdoors, use plastic containers, and keep people (and pets) far away while you work.

5. Be Kind to the Environment

Once you’ve finished the wash, it’s time to neutralize the leftover acid with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Never let untreated acid flow into a storm drain or onto the lawn. Not only is that harmful, it can also get you in trouble with local environmental agencies. Take a few extra minutes to neutralize properly and practice disposal according to local rules.

Two Is Better Than One

Whenever possible, don’t go it alone. Have another technician on deck while you’re in the pool. That second person can pass tools, monitor fumes, or call for help if something unexpected happens. It’s simple teamwork that makes the job safer for everyone.

Be Ready for the “What-Ifs”

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Make sure you have:

•. An eye wash station or portable eyewash bottle within arm’s reach

•. A fresh water source nearby for rinsing skin or eyes

•. A neutralizing agent like baking soda ready to go

•. Up-to-date first-aid training for handling chemical exposure

The Bottom Line

Acid washing is one of the most dramatic makeovers you can give a pool—but it’s not something to take lightly. The right preparation, gear, and mindset make all the difference between a successful job and a dangerous one.

If you’re looking to sharpen your safety skills, check out the OSHA 10 Course for Pool Pros that I offer through Space Coast Pool School. It’s a great way to stay informed, stay compliant, and most importantly—stay safe.

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Empowering Potential: HOW THE GRIT GAME IS CHANGING THE REP MODEL

BY JOE TRUSTY

In an industry where reputation is earned one conversation, one connection, and one problem-solved at a time, The Grit Game has managed to do something rare: they’ve become the rep group everybody is suddenly talking about. Named the inaugural “Sales Rep Group of the Year” at the 2024 Pool Nation Awards and nominated again for 2025, this young agency has carved out a presence impossible to ignore.

To understand what makes them click—what makes them different— we sat down with co-founder Laci Davis and Natalie Hood, Director of Education for The Grit Game. What followed was a surprisingly candid look at how one rep group is challenging old assumptions and building something that feels more like a movement than a traditional sales agency.

A Rep Group Born From the Pool Pro Side

A sk Davis where The Grit Game came from, and she doesn’t start with a pitch—she starts with experience. Long before the rep agency existed, she and her husband Johnny were pool pros themselves.

“At its core, The Grit Game is an international manufacturer’s rep agency,” Davis explained. “But it’s also become a bit of a movement. We’re helping reshape how this industry thinks about sales, service, and brand growth.”

Before launching the agency, the couple spent 16 years inside a highly successful e-commerce and dealer operation—one of the largest customers PoolCorp had at the time. That experience gave them a front-row seat to the

strengths and shortcomings of traditional rep service.

When Johnny ultimately resigned— with no backup plan—the question became simple: What if we built something that truly empowered potential? As Davis put it, “That mission became the foundation for everything we do.”

Being the “New Kid” Is Their Advantage

Many describe The Grit Game as the newest face in the rep space. Rather than shy away from that label, Davis fully embraces it.

“Being new is probably one of our biggest advantages because we’re not locked into old habits, old systems, or old mindsets,” she said. “We didn’t inherit a broken model. We got to build a better one.”

And they built it by hiring experience. Heavy experience.

Davis broke down the roster: 30-plus-year veterans like Gina Harris from the Big Three and AquaStar, 40-year industry pros like Gary Thomas, and an award-winning sales management team with an average of 24 years of industry experience per person.

“So yes, we may be under a logo that’s new,” she said, “but this team is very well seasoned in every way that matters. We’ve stacked the deck with veterans who are deeply respected and ready to do the work in a faster, more transparent, more modern way.”

Rejecting the “Presence Equals Performance” Mindset

When asked what really separates The Grit Game from traditional rep firms, Davis didn’t mince words.

“When we were dealers, we worked with reps who operated on the idea that presence equals performance—that just showing up and checking a box is enough,” she said. “We reject that completely.”

Instead, their model pushes reps to “act like owners, not order takers.” The goal isn’t to guard territory lines but to grow brands. Davis recalled an example where promoting a line outside their assigned region upset another rep firm. But to her, that response revealed the deeper problem.

“Too many firms are more focused on turf than they are on the manufacturer’s success,” she said. “If a manufacturer is paying multiple rep groups to grow their business, then I see those groups as partners, not competition.”

Their philosophy: outcomes over maps.

And they’re expanding the definition of what a “rep” can represent. Beyond physical goods, The Grit Game works with SaaS companies, finance groups, and nontraditional players looking to reach pool pros in ways that don’t fit the old mold.

When manufacturers ask what’s different about working with The Grit Game, Davis gives them a clear answer:

“Expect proactive effort from day one.”

Every new partnership gets a formal rollout plan: CRM integration, a dedicated page on The Grit Game website, line card inclusion, sales team training calls, a custom sales guide, written press releases, social content, and a guaranteed feature in The Grit Print, their digital catalog.

And then there’s one more detail that tends to stop manufacturers in their tracks:

“We reinvest 10% of the commissions we get from them back into promoting that brand,” Davis said. Those funds are used to support campaigns, content, and tools that The Grit Game believes will drive real results. “If we take on a line, we’re all in because we only win when they do.”

Though The Grit Game is less than three years old, they’ve already crossed major milestones. Davis originally aimed to hire 4–6 people in a year—they wound up adding 13. Today the team is over 30 strong and still growing, backed

by systems, processes, and campaign models designed to keep quality and consistency high no matter how big they get.

“We want pool pros to see their rep as their most trusted ally,” Davis said. “When a Grit Game rep recommends a product, that dealer should feel 100% confident they’ll be supported, trained, and backed up every step of the way.”

With a digital-first mindset, an education-heavy offering, and an owner’s mentality toward every brand they touch, The Grit Game is clearly not interested in being just another name on a line card. They’re out to prove that a rep agency can be a growth engine, a content studio, a training partner, and a brand builder—all at once.

In a space that hasn’t always changed as fast as the rest of the business world, one thing is obvious: The Grit Game is bringing something new and exciting to the rep agency model, and the rest of the industry is already paying attention.

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Homeowner Hits The Jackpot: FINDS $800K IN GOLD DURING POOL DIG

BY ALISE EVERTON

In May 2025, a homeowner in the small French town of Neuville-sur-Saône, just outside Lyon, began digging for a backyard swimming pool and instead struck literal gold.

While excavating the garden in preparation for his pool construction project, he uncovered several sealed plastic bags containing five gold bars and a cache of gold coins, later valued at roughly $800,000 USD. Local officials confirmed the find and, after a short investigation, told the man he could keep it.

According to reports in Le Progrès and other news outlets, police determined the gold had been legally acquired and melted at a nearby refinery about 15–20 years earlier. Each bar carried a traceable serial number, which helped investigators verify that

none of it was stolen property. Because the discovery wasn’t on a protected archaeological site, the town council ruled it fell under France’s old civil code definition of “treasure”: any hidden or buried thing over which no one can prove ownership, discovered purely by chance.

Under that rule, ownership belongs to the finder if it’s on their own land — which meant this homeowner’s pool dig had just paid for itself several times over.

The previous property owner had passed away years ago, and how the gold ended up buried there remains a mystery. As of early November 2025, with gold trading above $4,000 per ounce, the stash’s value continues to climb — turning an ordinary backyard project into an unexpected windfall.

Pool Project Paid For Itself

For anyone who’s ever broken ground on a backyard pool, this is the kind of surprise you fantasize about but never expect. Usually, when a dig crew hits something buried, it’s old plumbing or stubborn rock — not treasure.

Still, there’s something poetic about it: a pool project that literally pays for itself before it’s even built. By the time the gold made headlines across the world, social media had already crowned him the luckiest pool owner alive.

And while finding anything of value like gold during excavation is extremely rare, it’s hardly the first time a construction crew has stumbled across something unbelievable while digging for a pool.

Unearthing the Unexpected: Real Stories from the Job Site

Fossils Beneath a Las Vegas Backyard

In 2021, a Las Vegas couple broke ground on a new pool and instead hit what turned out to be Ice Age animal bones. Crews uncovered large skeletal remains about five feet below the surface. Experts later determined they were thousands of years old — likely from an extinct horse that once roamed the region.

The property sits near the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, an area known for prehistoric discoveries. The homeowners paused their project while paleontologists examined the site, joking afterward that they “didn’t exactly plan on building a pool over a museum.”

A Skeleton Uncovered During Excavation

Back in 2014, a construction team from Budd’s Pools & Spas in New Jersey was excavating a gunite pool for a mansion overlooking the Delaware River when they uncovered a human skeleton embedded in the soil. Police and forensic teams were called in, and investigators later determined the remains were at least a century old.

The builder described the find as “the last thing anyone expects to see in a dig,” but the project eventually resumed after authorities cleared the site.

When Time Freezes Underground

Sometimes the surprises are less grim and more nostalgic. Across the U.S., contractors occasionally dig up time capsules, buried safes, or forgotten mementos from past generations. One pool construction crew found a rusted metal lunchbox packed with 1960s baseball cards worth thousands. Others have uncovered old toys, coins, and glass soda bottles that tell quiet stories about the people who lived there decades ago.

What Builders Find Most of the Time

For every headline-making discovery, there are thousands of pool digs where the surprises are far more ordinary. Ask any seasoned builder, and they’ll tell you that most backyards hide nothing more than soil, rocks, and the occasional stubborn boulder.

Typically, pool contractors might hit old plumbing lines that were never properly capped or abandoned septic tanks from decades past. Some crews dig into concrete rubble left behind from previous foundations, metal rebar, or rusted car parts buried when the property was graded years earlier.

In older neighborhoods, it’s common to find glass bottles, horseshoes, and clay pipes, even relics from the days when the land was farmland. Others encounter tree roots the size of telephone poles, rock shelves that destroy schedules and budgets, or trash pits — backyard dumps used before garbage pickup was even a thing.

On rare occasions, builders uncover forgotten wells, cisterns, or storm shelters that no one knew existed.

Most pool digs won’t reveal buried treasure or prehistoric bones — just the usual tangle of roots, rocks, and surprises that keep builders on their toes. But every once in a while, a backyard turns into a veritable gold mine. And if there’s ever been a pool project that truly paid for itself, this one’s hard to beat.

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River Designs are coming across my desk left and right. When I hear ‘lazy river’, I think Riverflow!”

and right. When I hear ‘lazy river’, I think Riverflow!”

- Jason Brownlee, of J. Brownlee Design Group

- Jason Brownlee, of J. Brownlee Design Group

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