News
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Reveals The 2023 International Awards Of Excellence Winners
(Alexandria, Va.) – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is proud to announce this year’s winners of the PHTA International Awards of Excellence, sponsored by AQUA Magazine. PHTA’s International Awards of Excellence program is one of the largest, most well-renowned design competitions in the pool and hot tub industry. These distinguished awards recognize exceptional installations of pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features that showcase the most beautiful, creative, and innovative work in the industry. Each year, hundreds of entries are submitted by builders across the U.S. and the world.
The PHTA Awards of Excellence competition is open to PHTA members who are pool, spa, or hot tub builders as well as installers, designers, retailers, or service companies that receive payment for the submitted project. The judging panel is comprised of industry professionals across building, design, service, and retail.
See below for the list of 2023 PHTA International Award of Excellence Winners:
GOLD Category
Aqua Technics Pools, Perth, Western Australia Fiberglass Pools
AquaTerra Outdoors, Carrollton, TX Pool Renovations
Aquavisions, INC., Carlisle, PA Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Backyard Paradise Luxury Pools, Montgomery, TX Freeform
Backyard Paradise Luxury Pools, Montgomery, TX Geometric
Backyard Paradise Luxury Pools, Montgomery, TX Traditional
Baldree Pools, LLC, Orlando, FL Exterior/Interior Portable Hot Tubs
Cascade Custom Pools, Austin, TX Elevated Pool and/or Spa Structure
Claffey Pools, Southlake, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Claffey Pools, Southlake, TX Pools with Automatic Covers
Custom Pool Systems, Coral Cables, FL Pools with a Vanishing Edge
DIFFAZUR PISCINES, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France Commercial Water Features
High-Tech Pools Inc, Cleveland, OH Recreation/Leisure Pools
High-Tech Pools Inc, Cleveland, OH Technical/Engineering Achievement
Ike’s Carter Pools, Fort Lauderdale, FL Geometric
Ike’s Carter Pools, Fort Lauderdale, FL Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Ozzie Kraft Enterprises Inc., Las Vegas, NV Standalone Spas
Ryan Hughes Design Build, Tampa, FL Screened Enclosed Pools
Ryan Hughes Design Build, Tampa, FL Spas Built in Conjunction with Swimming
Pools
Swimming Pool Services, Waukesha, WI Vinyl-Lined Pools
Texas Pools Inc, The Woodlands, TX Traditional
The Green Scene Landscaping & Swimming Pools,
Chatsworth, CA Residential Water Features
WATER WORLD WINDOW LLC, Kyiv, Ukraine Competition Pools
SILVER CATEGORY
Aqua Technics Pools, Perth, Western Australia Fiberglass Pools
Aquavisions, INC., Carlisle, PA Geometric
Claffey Pools, Southlake, TX Geometric
Claffey Pools, Southlake, TX Pool Renovations
Claffey Pools, Southlake, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Cody Pools, Round Rock, TX Geometric
DIFFAZUR PISCINES, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France Spas Built in Conjunction with Swimming Pools
Double B Design, Austin, TX Freeform
Harold Leidner Landscape Architects,
Carrollton, TX Pool Renovations
Harold Leidner Landscape Architects,
Carrollton, TX Residential Water Features
High-Tech Pools Inc, Cleveland, OH Elevated Pool and/or Spa Structure
High-Tech Pools Inc, Cleveland, OH Recreation/Leisure Pools
Ike’s Carter Pools, Fort Lauderdale, FL Geometric
J&M Pool Company, Senoia, GA Vinyl-Lined Pools
La Jolla Pools, San Diego, CA Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Ryan Hughes Design Build, Tampa, FL Technical/Engineering Achievement
Southernwind Pools Inc, McKinney, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Superior Pools of Southwest Florida, Fort Myers, FL Screened Enclosed Pools
T2 Outdoors, LLC, Lewisville, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge
T2 Outdoors, LLC, Lewisville, TX Pools with Automatic Covers
T2 Outdoors, LLC, Lewisville, TX Traditional (2)
Texas Outdoor Oasis, Wylie, TX Geometric
The Green Scene Landscaping & Swimming Pools,
Chatsworth, CA Standalone Spas
BRONZE CATEGORY
Aqua Technics Pools, Perth, Western Australia Fiberglass Pools
AquaTerra Outdoors, Carrollton, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge (2)
Backyard Paradise Luxury Pools, Montgomery, TX Geometric (2)
Claffey Pools, Southlake, TX Technical/Engineering Achievement
Claffey Pools, Southlake, TX Traditional (2)
Cody Pools, Round Rock, TX Geometric
DIFFAZUR PISCINES, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France Elevated Pool and/or Spa Structure
Ike’s Carter Pools, Fort Lauderdale, FL Geometric
JAS Aquatics LLC, Huntington Station, NY Vinyl-Lined Pools
La Jolla Pools, San Diego, CA Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Living Water Custom Pools, Dallas, TX Pool Renovations
Morris Pools, Mesa, AZ Pools with Automatic Covers
Platinum Pools – A Cody Pools Company,
Houston, TX Freeform
Riverbend Sandler Pools, Plano, TX Freeform
Riverbend Sandler Pools, Plano, TX Geometric (2)
Ryan Hughes Design Build, Tampa, FL Geometric
Ryan Hughes Design Build, Tampa, FL Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Southernwind Pools Inc, McKinney, TX Freeform
Sunset Fiberglass Pools, La Grange, KY Fiberglass Pools
T2 Outdoors, LLC, Lewisville, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge
T2 Outdoors, LLC, Lewisville, TX Traditional
Texas Pools Inc, The Woodlands, TX Geometric
WATER WORLD WINDOW LLC, Kyiv, Ukraine Recreation/Leisure Pools
MERIT CATEGORY
A Oasis Pools and Outdoor Living, Midlothian, TX Freeform (2)
A Oasis Pools and Outdoor Living, Midlothian, TX Pool Renovations
Acuarium Piscinas & Spas, San José, Costa Rica Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Alka Pool Construction, Ltd., Burnaby, BC, Canada Pools with a Vanishing Edge
All Island Gunite Pools, Farmingdale, NY Pools with Automatic Covers
All Island Gunite Pools, Farmingdale, NY Vinyl-Lined Pools
Almar Jackson Pools, Inc., Jupiter, FL Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Associated Pool Builders, Inc., Bismarck, ND Recreation/Leisure Pools
Aquarius Pools, Inc., Mandeville, LA Geometric
Backyard Paradise Luxury Pools, Montgomery, TX Freeform
Backyard Paradise Luxury Pools, Montgomery, TX Geometric (3)
Baldree Pools, LLC, Orlando, FL Fiberglass Pools
Baldree Pools, LLC, Orlando, FL Geometric
Baldree Pools, LLC, Orlando, FL Pool Renovations
Bi-State Pools, O’Fallon, MO Fiberglass Pools
Cascade Custom Pools, Austin, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Chaikin Ultimate Pools, Long Island, NY Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Claffey Pools, Southlake, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Claffey Pools, Southlake, TX Traditional (2)
Clearwater Pool and Spa, Inc., Livonia, MI Fiberglass Pools
Colley’s Pools & Spas, Hamburg, NY Freeform
Cosgrove Custom Pools Inc., Loomis, CA Traditional
DIFFAZUR PISCINES, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France Freeform
DIFFAZUR PISCINES, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France Pool Renovations
DIFFAZUR PISCINES, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France Pools with a Vanishing Edge
DIFFAZUR PISCINES, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France Pools with Automatic Covers
DIFFAZUR PISCINES, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France Recreation/Leisure Pools
DIFFAZUR PISCINES, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France Technical/Engineering Achievement (3)
Easton Pool & Spa, Inc., Easton, MA Traditional
Green O’Aces Pools & Landscape, Las Vegas, NV Geometric
Green O’Aces Pools & Landscape, Las Vegas, NV Pools with a Vanishing Edge
High-Tech Pools Inc, Cleveland, OH Freeform
Hucks Pool Company, Myrtle Beach, SC Recreation/Leisure Pools
Ike’s Carter Pools, Fort Lauderdale, FL Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Ike’s Carter Pools, Fort Lauderdale, FL Traditional
J&M Pool Company, Senoia, GA Freeform
J Designs Pool and Spa, Inc., Los Angeles, CA Freeform
KrisCo Pools and Spas, Woodinville, WA Geometric (2)
Liquid Evolution Pools, Scottsdale, AZ Geometric
Liquid Evolution Pools, Scottsdale, AZ Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Living Water Custom Pools, Dallas, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Pool Patrol, LTD., Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Pool Rx, Carrollton, GA Geometric
Pulliam Pools, Fort Worth, TX Geometric (2)
Pure Design, Dallas, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Reliant Pools Inc, Austin, TX Traditional
Riverbend Sandler Pools, Plano, TX Geometric
Riverbend Sandler Pools, Plano, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Rumo’s Pool and Spa LLC, Sandy Springs, GA Geometric
Silver Fox Contracting LLC,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Silver Fox Contracting LLC,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Traditional
St. John Pools, Pearland, TX Freeform
Supreme Pools and Spas, Inc., Spring, TX Freeform
Swimming Pool Services, Waukesha, WI Vinyl-Lined Pools
Texas Pools Inc, The Woodlands, TX Pools with a Vanishing Edge
The Green Scene Landscaping & Swimming Pools,
Chatsworth, CA Geometric
The Green Scene Landscaping & Swimming Pools,
Chatsworth, CA Pools with a Vanishing Edge
Venture Custom Pools, Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Freeform
“This was an incredible year for the Awards of Excellence,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA. “We received many more entries than the previous year, all of outstanding caliber. The PHTA members who entered the competition this year are working every day to elevate the pool, spa, and hot tub industry. Congratulations to all our 2023 winners on this achievement!”
“I’m always amazed at the advancements in pool construction and design, which you can see in each annual edition of the Awards of Excellence,” says Scott Webb, Executive Editor of AQUA Magazine. “Hundreds of cutting-edge residential and commercial pools all gathered together, they really show where we’re at as an industry. That’s what the annual Awards of Excellence are all about to me, celebrating a new chapter in this unfolding artistic development.”
The winning entries are featured in the October 2023 issue of AQUA Magazine, and the winning companies will be honored during the PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception on November 12 at PSP/Deck Expo in Las Vegas, NV.
A video featuring photos of all the Awards of Excellence winning entries can be found on the PHTA Awards of Excellence webpage.
For more information, please contact Amy Willer, PHTA’s Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, at [email protected] or 703-838-0083, ext. 121.
A forthcoming feature potentially destined for the Apple Watch, as detailed in a recent patent application, could serve as a lifesaver for swimmers at risk of drowning.
Outlined in the patent is a capability for the Watch to identify “irregular behavior” and automatically trigger a distress call for assistance.
Apple underscores the alarming statistics surrounding drowning, particularly its prevalence among children, as a leading cause of accidental fatalities.
In the United States alone, drowning claims the lives of over 3,500 individuals annually, ranking as the fifth most common form of accidental death. Tragically, a significant portion of these victims are children.
Emphasizing the critical importance of swift intervention during water emergencies, Apple highlights the dire consequences of prolonged submersion without resuscitation, which can result in brain damage and ultimately, drowning.
A Growing Need For Cost-Effective Wearable Solutions
While acknowledging existing underwater camera systems in some swimming pools aimed at detecting distressed swimmers and alerting lifeguards, Apple notes their costliness and unreliability.
Consequently, there’s a pressing need for a simpler, more cost-effective drowning prevention solution suitable for all types of water bodies, including public and private pools, as well as natural settings like lakes and ponds where installing underwater cameras is impractical.
The patent proposes leveraging wearable devices such as the Apple Watch for broader applicability, increased reliability, and the ability to detect various types of emergencies.
Alerting When Swimmers Are In Distress
For instance, if the Watch detects a wearer who is not proficient in swimming entering deeper water, it can promptly dispatch an alert instead of waiting for signs of distress.
These alerts can be transmitted to nearby devices, including those of friends and family, and seamlessly integrate with existing drowning detection and alarm systems to ensure lifeguards are promptly notified.
Apple Watches already boast capabilities to detect and respond to falls, vehicle accidents, and cardiac irregularities. Heartwarming testimonials featured in Apple’s “Dear Apple” video series show individuals whose lives were saved by these functionalities.
As with many patents from Apple, it’s important to note that not all concepts may materialize into actual products. Nonetheless, this innovation stands as a promising addition for potential integration into future watchOS updates.
Safety
Red Cross Releases Lifeguard VR Training Simulator
New Lifeguard VR Training app released by The American Red Cross provides enhanced surveillance and scanning training for lifeguards.
The American Red Cross has been a pioneer in water safety, aquatic science, certification, and instruction since 1914. Annually, its curriculum trains over 300,000 lifeguards, demonstrating its enduring commitment to ensuring the safety of swimmers.
Lifeguard VR Training: A Deeper Dive
Recently, The American Red Cross took a pioneering leap forward with the introduction of their new Virtual Reality (VR) lifeguard training simulator. This groundbreaking technology promises to transform the way lifeguards are trained, particularly in the crucial areas of surveillance and scanning skills, ultimately enhancing their ability to save lives.
At the recent Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) show held in Reno, Pool Magazine had an opportunity to experience firsthand the innovative lifeguard training simulator developed by the American Red Cross in collaboration with Lucid Reality Labs. Chris Whipple, M.Ed., NREMT, a member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the American Red Cross, spoke about the significance of this technological advancement.
“The Red Cross, already the gold standard in water safety and drowning prevention, is enhancing lifeguard training for surveillance skills with the Lifeguard VR virtual reality tool,” stated Whipple, who explained how the tool will help provide effective scanning and surveillance skills that will assist them in identifying individuals in distress and help reinforce cognitive skills through immersive training scenarios.
How The Technology Works
Lifeguards can access the Lifeguard VR app, which offers a range of unique scenarios set in realistic aquatic environments, from the Meta Quest app store. The technology is compatible with all Meta Quest VR devices. In each scenario, lifeguards are placed on an elevated stand within their assigned zone and must swiftly identify individuals in need of assistance. By blowing a virtual whistle, they signal their recognition of the distressed person. Scores are calculated based on performance metrics that evaluate scanning and recognition abilities.
“The award-winning Lifeguard VR tool uses the best cutting-edge technology to ensure that lifeguards are at the top of their game, keeping facility patrons safe,” added Whipple.
Tackling Real-World Problems
This VR lifeguard training simulator is designed to replicate real-world scenarios with remarkable accuracy. It incorporates elements such as typical water behaviors, drowning behaviors, and the presence of other patrons or swimmers. Lifeguards are also challenged by obstacles like lane ropes and floating features, mirroring the complexities they face in actual pool environments.
Moreover, the Lifeguard VR app provides valuable performance metrics, allowing trainers to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Heatmap data on scanning patterns, along with quiz and identification metrics, offer valuable insights into lifeguard competency at various stages of training.
“Lifeguard Instructors and supervisors can now provide dynamic scenarios set in a realistic pool environment to analyze surveillance and scanning skills, recognition of drowning response, and support first aid skills,” explained Whipple.
By harnessing the power of virtual reality, the American Red Cross aims to revolutionize lifeguard training, ensuring that lifeguards are better equipped to respond effectively to emergencies. This innovative approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also offers a more engaging and accessible training experience for lifeguards.
As Whipple aptly summarized, “With the new Red Cross Lifeguard VR app, lifeguards can practice and hone their skills taught in the classroom. By immersing users in dynamic, realistic drowning scenarios, lifeguards are able to improve learning outcomes while learning in an engaging, modern, and accessible way.”
In an era where technology continues to reshape industries across the board, the integration of virtual reality into lifeguard training represents a significant step forward in ensuring water safety and drowning prevention. The American Red Cross’s commitment to innovation underscores their dedication to excellence in safeguarding aquatic environments and protecting lives.
Photo Credits: The American Red Cross
Manufacturer
SRS Distribution Announces Next Phase of Growth by Combining with The Home Depot to Better Serve Professional Customers
MARCH 28, 2024
SRS Distribution Inc. (“SRS”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with The Home Depot to be acquired for $18.250 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, SRS Distribution will operate as an independent business unit within The Home Depot, focused on accelerating growth in the Pro market.
Over the past 16 years, the SRS family has become one of the fastest-growing building products distributors in the United States. This proposed transaction will bring together the impressive talent, technology, and capabilities of SRS with The Home Depot’s trusted name and robust platform, expanding SRS’ reach into numerous new product categories and customers.
The proposed acquisition will clear a pathway for accelerated growth with the residential and commercial professional customer by expanding The Home Depot’s Pro capabilities, combining online, retail, and wholesale. The combined platform will open new opportunities for existing suppliers and partners by providing access to SRS’ expert workforce focused on specialty verticals, as well as The Home Depot’s cross-project expertise, product mix, network, and digital assets.
Under the agreement, the SRS senior leadership team will remain with the company to guide its ambitious growth plans. Dan Tinker, President and CEO of SRS, will continue to lead SRS operations under this new structure, reporting to The Home Depot CEO Ted Decker.
“We are proud to be combining with The Home Depot to continue our growth journey with the additional resources and capabilities they will put behind us,” said Dan Tinker, President and CEO of SRS. “We set out to find the optimal strategic outcome for the business, and we strongly believe we have achieved just that. With this combination, the future has never been brighter for our supplier partners, our Pro customers, and our team.”
“SRS’ ability to build leadership positions in each of its trade verticals while generating significant revenue growth is a testament to its strong vision, leadership, culture, and execution,” said Ted Decker, Chair, President, and CEO of The Home Depot. “SRS’ branch network, coupled with The Home Depot’s 2,000+ U.S. stores and distribution centers and comprehensive product offering provides the residential and commercial Pro customer with more fulfillment and service options than ever before. I look forward to welcoming Dan and the entire SRS team to The Home Depot and capturing the exciting opportunity ahead.”
SRS Distribution currently has two private equity investors: Berkshire Partners LLC. (since 2013) and Leonard Green & Partners L.P. (since 2018). “Over the past 16 years, SRS Distribution has successfully grown its business while delivering tremendous shareholder value to its investors and, more uniquely, to
its employees,” said Jon Seiffer, Senior Partner at Leonard Green. “This next chapter with The Home Depot is a logical step in SRS’ evolution and will mutually benefit both companies’ growth prospects for the benefit of all employees, customers, and suppliers,” said Josh Lutzker, Managing Director at Berkshire Partners.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of fiscal 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Jefferies LLC. is acting as lead financial advisor, and Goldman Sachs is also acting as financial advisor to SRS on this transaction.
About SRS Distribution
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in McKinney, Texas, SRS Distribution has grown to become one of the fastest-growing building products distributors in the United States. Since the Company’s inception, it has established a differentiated growth strategy and entrepreneurial culture that is focused on serving customers, partnering with suppliers, and attracting the industry’s best talent. SRS Distribution currently operates under a family of distinct local brands encompassing more than 760 locations across 47 states. SRS Distribution is a portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and Berkshire Partners LLC. For more information, visit www.srsdistribution.com.
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