(Tustin, CA – August 28, 2023) – As a state of emergency is declared for 33 Florida counties ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall sometime Wednesday along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) reminds parents and families that storm fatalities are more likely from water not wind*, and to prepare accordingly.

While tropical storms and hurricanes are classified according to wind strength, adverse water-related conditions such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, rip currents, and high surf conditions account for the majority of fatalities resulting from such events. According to a study by NHC, an average of seven of eight fatalities from tropical cyclones in the U.S. between 1963 and 2012 were drowning and/or water related.

“Applying the same drowning prevention strategies practiced in the home and when recreating around pools and open bodies of water, to storm preparedness can be equally helpful in preventing a drowning incident during a tropical storm or hurricane when flash floods and other dangerous water conditions occur,” said Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., Executive Director, National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “For one, we know that drownings among small children can occur with just a few inches of standing water, so whether storm waters enter the home or flooding conditions are present nearby, parents need to be vigilant and take precautions.”

Specifically, Katchmarchi also warns that filling bathtubs with water – often recommended ahead of storms and hurricanes in the event of post-storm water shortages – can become an increased drowning risk for children inside the home.

When it comes to water safety, more is better which is why NDPA advocates the Five Layers of Protection – barriers and alarms, water competency, supervision, life jackets, and emergency preparedness – all of which can be applied effectively as part of one’s overall hurricane preparedness practices.

In addition to the Five Layers of Protection to help prevent drowning, NDPA encourages those in tropical storm and hurricane-prone areas to follow NHC and NOAA hurricane preparedness guidelines including:

• · Determining if you live in a flood-prone area and/or in an evacuation zone
• · Shoring up vulnerable areas of your home where water and wind can enter such as basements, windows and roofs
• · Avoiding floodwaters and areas with downed powerlines following a storm

For additional hurricane preparedness recommendations, visit NOAA.gov.

*According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC)

About the National Drowning Prevention Alliance The mission of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance is “United, we can prevent the tragedy of drowning.” Through education, awareness, and advocacy, NDPA seeks to reduce the incidence of drowning and aquatic injuries in the United States and abroad and to address the single leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. To learn more, visit ndpa.org.

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This lightweight formula offers greater workability and a long 60-minute open time allowing for greater flexibility during the installation process

August 22, 2023, Bethany, Conn. — LATICRETE, a leading manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has introduced 254 PLATINUM^TM Plus, a high-performance, lightweight thin-set adhesive mortar that builds on the strengths of the original 254 PLATINUM. This new formula features a lighter, creamier consistency for greater workability and an impressive 60-minute open time to allow greater flexibility for installers on the job site. Additionally, a 25lb (11.3kg) bag of 254 PLATINUM Plus offers the same coverage as a standard 50lb (22.6kg) bag of adhesive mortar.

“We understand that whether you’re a professional contractor, architect or a DIY enthusiast, productivity and performance are paramount. 254 PLATINUM Plus not only delivers on both fronts, but its smooth, creamy consistency and lightweight formula ensures it’s easy to work with,” said Jonathan Scott, LATICRETE Senior Product Manager.

The new formula exceeds ANSI A118.15 requirements, the industry’s highest performance standard for cement-based adhesive mortars, making it ideal for any interior, exterior or submerged installations in commercial and residential projects. 254 PLATINUM Plus is UL Greenguard-certified for low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formulated without silica sand to ensure safer and healthier environments for contractors and end-users.

For greater peace of mind, the formula incorporates Microban^® antimicrobial product protection to help prevent odor- and stain-causing bacteria and is backed by the LATICRETE best-in-class lifetime system warranty.

For more information, visit laticrete.com/254-platinum-plus. 

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TROY, Mich. (Aug. 17, 2023) –   Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC, recognized five fin-tastic franchisees at its second annual School Leadership Summit in Troy, Michigan, earlier this month. The event provides school leadership teams and owners the opportunity to connect, celebrate successes and milestones, and share learnings and best practices. 

The Franchise Team, with help from brand ambassador and Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones, presented the five Core Value Awards to schools who embody the unique set of values that have made Goldfish Swim School a leader in its category and communities: 

• Going Above and Beyond to Create a Golden Experience – Larisa and Jeff Posner,  Goldfish Swim School –  Springfield, New Jersey
• Providing Wow! Customer Service – Gilbride Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – North Canton, Ohio
• Treating People with Integrity, Compassion & Trust – Gina Thomas, Goldfish Swim School – Winter Park, Florida
• Meeting & Exceeding Expectations so you see Extraordinary Results – BHB Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – Canton, Michigan
• Making a Big Deal out of Life’s Accomplishments by Remembering to Celebrate – Wyckoff Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – Boise, Idaho  

Strengthening the core of the Goldfish Swim School franchise, the brand entrusts franchisees to integrate these guiding principles into both the day-to-day operations of their swim schools and within their local communities. 

“It brings us great joy to engage with, recognize and celebrate our franchisees from all over North America. We appreciate their relentless dedication to living and demonstrating our core values in their communities and in their schools.” said Chris McCuiston, CEO & Co-Founder of Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC. “Through their efforts, we’re able to teach more than 200,000 kids how to be safer in and around the water each week, and we’re eager to witness the continued growth of our franchisees and the brand.” 

While all together, the brand also celebrated the milestone grand opening of Goldfish Swim School’s 150th school in Astoria, New York in June. The school is owned and operated by the brand’s first franchisees, BHB Group, led by Katie Lee and Hope and Brian Bayer. This is BHB Group’s 20th open school across seven states: Michigan, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, New York and Maryland. 

Adding to this momentum, Goldfish Swim school proudly commemorated the addition of drowning prevention advocate and World Champion Swimmer Ryan Murphy, alongside his parents Pat and Katy Murphy, and grandfather, Mike Sullivan, who plan to open Goldfish Swim School – Saint Johns, near his hometown in Florida. The school is slated for a spring 2024 opening.  

Goldfish Swim School continues to lead the way in franchising for children’s swim schools.  This year, the brand achieved the top spot in the Children’s Swimming Lessons category and secured the 69th position overall in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. It also received recognition among the top 200 franchises and was distinguished as a leading Recession-Proof Franchise by Franchise Business Review. 

With now more than 150 locations open and an additional 150+ schools in development, the brand remains focused on its strategic franchise expansion across North America.  

Franchise opportunities remain available in Dallas, TX, throughout California and in Canada. For more information on Goldfish Swim School and its franchising opportunities, please visit https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchise-opportunities/ or call 248-801-1850.  

About Goldfish Swim School:   

Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Troy, Michigan-based Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged four months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to 150+ schools in 30+ states, with an additional 150+ in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 69 overall in Entrepreneur’s 2023 Franchise 500^® and has been recognized as the No. 1 provider of children’s swimming lessons  for seven consecutive years, was named to Franchise Times’ Top 500 for 2022 and is rated as a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review for 2023. Goldfish Swim School is currently in the process of expanding franchise opportunities throughout North America. For information on franchising, go to www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchising-opportunities.

The post Goldfish Swim School Celebrates A Wave-Making Summer, With Franchisee Accolades, Noteworthy Openings And A Golden Announcement appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

Five finalists, including one young professional, will be selected to receive a trip to PSP/Deck Expo 2023 and vie for a $10,000 prize, provided by Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems. The finalists will present their design solutions to their peers during an on-floor education session.

Las Vegas, Nevada (August 15, 2023) – The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo,
co-located with Deck Expo (PSP/Deck Expo) has opened submissions for its design competition. The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge offers pool designers the opportunity to create a mock outdoor living area, with a minimum $1 million budget.  For the second year, designers can win a top prize of $10,000 thanks to Lead Sponsor, Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems.

Reid Schindler and Mike Farley, both with a degree in landscape architecture and a combined background of more than 50 years of award-winning pool design experience, are teaming up with the PSP/Deck Expo for the fifth time to discover the industry’s top designers.

The finalists will each receive a complimentary Super Pass, travel stipend, and a two-night stay in Las Vegas. They will each present their concepts during the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge session within the conference program. Live voting will determine the winner, who will be named at the conclusion of the session.

“Prepare to leave a lasting impression on the pool design industry,” said Farley. “We’re seeking daring concepts that showcase the boundless creativity of designers, coupled with a practical roadmap to bring their visionary ideas to life.”

PSP/Deck Expo takes place November 13–15, 2023, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada. Pre-show education occurs November 10–15, with the main conference education and expo hall happening November 13–15.

The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge for 2023 has a scenario of:

Background

The clients are currently building their dream ‘forever’ home on the Intracoastal Waterway in the Miami Beach area. They have just become empty nesters and hope to create a home that friends and family can enjoy year-round. The space will need to be flashy enough to entertain some of the biggest names in the Miami area while also feeling warm and inviting.

Aesthetics and View

• Love the view of the water but wouldn’t mind a little bit of privacy in their secluded areas.
• Love modern design elements, fire and water, and Latin flair.
  
  

Elements to Include

• Lazy River featuring Riverflow® Technology by Current Systems, Inc.
• Sun ledge with 4+ Ledge Loungers
• Dramatic Front Entry
• Front Drive w/ Fountain
• Glass Tile Mural
• Acrylic Glass Element

“This presents an exceptional chance for designers at all stages to gain the recognition they truly deserve,” said Schindler. “We’re looking for builders who can seamlessly blend form and function, always prioritizing the homeowners’ desires and necessities in their designs.”

Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems is the lead sponsor of the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge.

“Utilizing Riverflow Pumps created by Current Systems opens up a multitude of possibilities,” stated Phil de Tournillon, the Vice President of Riverflow Pumps at Current Systems.  “These include engaging in fitness through swim currents, enjoying leisure and excitement with the gentle flow of a lazy river, or experiencing the thrill of whitewater currents, all within a compact and efficient design.”

Additional sponsors are Ledge Lounger, Pool Magazine, and the PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network.

The winning designers will take home a cash prize of:

• 1^st Place – $10,000 (Sponsored by Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems)
• 2^nd Place – $3,000
• 3^rd Place – $1,250
• 4^th Place – $750
• 5^th Place – $500

One of the five spots is guaranteed to a young professional (Age 29 or below at time of submission), whose trip to PSP/Deck Expo will be sponsored by PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network.

The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge is now accepting submissions, at: https://www.themilliondollarpoolchallenge.com. The deadline to submit is September 21. Five finalists, including a young professional (under 30 years of age), will be named in early fall.

PSP/Deck Expo brings together builders, service techs, retailers and distributors. Thousands of members from the pool, spa, patio, decking and outdoor living community attend PSP/Deck Expo to engage with the latest products and services and to network. These interactions come in the form of new and existing connections, education sessions, demonstrations and more.

PSP/Deck Expo actively collaborates across the entire pool, spa, backyard, and decking industries to provide participants the most comprehensive array of networking, education, and technology available. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is the official Show Sponsor, GENESIS® is the official Show Endorser, Pool and Spa News (PSN) is the official Show Publication, and the North American Decking and Railing Association (NADRA) is the Deck Expo Show Sponsor.

For more information, visit https://www.themilliondollarpoolchallenge.com.

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It’s a Saturday afteroon and I’m on one of the most active Groups pertaining to the pool industry, 14psi Pool Industry Lounge on Facebook – when a fantastic question pops up pertaining to the retention of key employees.

One of the members of the group asked an interesting question that many in the pool industry often wonder, “How do you keep employees happy and wanting to stay with your business?”

It’s a relevant question and one that has a few simple solutions that are easy to follow. Jeff Johnston, owner of Quality Clear Pools posted a simple image that really illustrates the key cornerstones of employee retention.

Employees will stay when they are:

1. Paid Well
   It’s vital that employees feel that they are well compensated for their labor, and paid a proper wage for the services provided. Bargain basement shopping for the cheapest talent will hold you back as an organization and hold back the quality and caliber of your work.
2. Mentored
   There is a saying that goes “you have to sink or swim in the pool industry“, but that shouldn’t hold true to training brand new wet behind the ears workers who are in their first season of learning the ropes. Nobody likes to be thrown into a lions den. If you don’t have the resources and bandwidth to mentor new employees, perhaps delay bringing them on until you do or pay to send them for the proper training so that they can adequately perform the tasks you’ve assigned them.
3. Challenged
   Key employees thrive on being challenged with new roles and responsibilities that enable them to prove their long term value to your organization. By not allowing employees the opportunity for personal growth within their role, there is nowhere to go and little chance to grow their skill set.
4. Promoted
   Keeping someone confined to a role they’ve outgrown is a recipe for disaster. As people expand as individuals you have to present them with the same opportunities that allowed you to become successful. Promoting key employees to managerial and supervisory positions allows you to step back a bit and let that employee own some responsibility. It’s also important to see rule #1 because a salary adjustment should correlate with any promotion in responsibility.
5. Involved
   Immersing your employees into the culture of your company and allowing them to be part of the history and community your business is centered around serving personally invests people. Keeping employees at arms length and detached from customers, teams, and activities is never a good strategy. The best team leaders create an atmosphere of inclusion.
6. Appreciated
   It never hurts to single someone out for a job well done. People love recognition of their service, and it’s especially vital that you find ways to celebrate personal achievement and growth within your teams. Fostering the type of environment that punctuates milestones in an employees growth is a great way to instill a feeling that their efforts are appreciated. It’s also important to show your appreciation in more tangible ways the employee can feel in their wallet. Giving a bonus for extraordinary service is a great way to incentivize and create a positive team culture where employees feel committed to the business.
7. Trusted
   Trusting employees to do their role is essential. Letting go of the reigns a bit is important and it enables your employees to flourish as they feel a sense of camaraderie and foundation built on that trust. Allowing key employees some visibility about the business is also essential towards establishing mutual trust and long term growth. Every business has a circle of trust and who you let into it should be based off of their contributions to the business and the merit of their character.
8. Empowered
   Employees need to have a sense of empowerment within the role you’ve assigned them. Providing an employee with a roadmap towards achieving growth within your organization is a core fundamental. Empowering them to manage teams, take on bigger roles, or focus on more important projects is a signal to that employee that you trust them. It fufills people on a personal level to know they are matriculating to a higher level and being given more responsibility.
9. Valued
   Key employees will stay with you through thick and thin if they feel they are valued. If your employees know unequivocally you appreciate their labor, talent, efforts, and intellect they will feel value and personal fulfillment. In reality, there probably isn’t a person on the face of the planet that doesn’t feel like their contributions are valued enough. Demonstrating that you value the time, energy, commitment and drive your key employees bring to the table is an important part in keeping them happy.

“I think we are heading into a new world order where long term employment with one company in any industry or occupation will be rare.”

Jeff Hampe

Unfortunately at the end of the day, there is no magic recipe for keeping everyone happy. Even the world’s greatest coach Vince Lombardi knew that the true measure of a successful organization is their ability to organize a winning team. That starts with finding people who are team players. Some of the most talented inviduals have trouble working in a team setting.

There is no denying that we live in a different world than our parents did. Keeping employees committed to an organization is tough in the world we live in today. In the world our parents and grandparents grow up in, folks spent the majority of their lives working for a single company. Those days are long gone for many different industries, but that doesn’t have to hold true for the pool industry. At the end of the day we each are presented with the opportunity to be the author of our own story. What defines your organization could very well be your ability to adapt these very core values as part of your strategy for mentoring growth.

Creating a culture that promotes from within and allows people the opportunity to grow starts with selecting the right people first. Keeping your A players happy is important, and it’s equally important to create the type of roadmap we spoke of for your B players as well.

What are some things you do to motivate and incentivize employees in your organization? What strategies do you use to put a winning team out on the field? Sound off in the comments.

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Pool Magazine is proud to announce the addition of world famous pool photographer Jimi Smith as our in-house photographer for our publication. Jimi Smith will be the exclusive photographer for all cover features that elect to have our in-house team photograph their projects. A veteran pool photographer with numerous magazine covers to his credit, Smiths work has been seen all over the internet and social media. He has fast become a favorite among elite design / build firms.

“Jimi is a household name in the pool industry, everyone knows and admires his work so this type of partnership makes absolute sense” said Pool Magazine Editor – Joe Trusty, “There isn’t a single builder in America that doesn’t wish he could have Jimi come out and shoot their pools.”

Jimi Smith is often brought in as a freelance photographer by some of the biggest stars in the pool industry and has produced an incredible volume of work over the past decade. Consequently, his photos have been shared millions of times all over social media. His intimate knowledge of how pools operate and how to best stage the pool area to be photographed have produced him an incredible following.

“As we make our transition this autumn to a print publication, Smith will be an invaluable resource. His incredible photos will add a new dimension of refinement and sophistication to Pool Magazine” said Carol Gigliotti, Director of Sales & Marketing.

As our in-house photographer, Smiths photos will grace the majority of covers for our trade publication. His talent for producing jaw dropping photographs, truly captures the architectural beauty of swimming pools.

Jimi Smith will be attending the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Dallas in November, where he will be giving a presentation to the Genesis group on pool photography. Smith will be a featured guest at our booth during the Expo. We invite you to stop by Booth #1624 in the Genesis Pavillion and get to know our new publication and meet world famous pool photographer, Jimi Smith.

The post Pool Magazine Adds Jimi Smith as In-House Photographer appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

The covid-19 pandemic forced most homeowners to upgrade their outdoor spaces. As a result, there was an increased demand for pools and pool services. A good percentage of homeowners constructed luxury inground pools last year. Generally, inground swimming pools serve as great sources of entertainment and relaxation. But we cannot deny the fact that these spectacular features are not simple to maintain. So, why build a luxury inground pool?

Why you should build a luxury inground pool in your backyard

Health benefits

Luxury inground swimming pools help individuals boost their overall health. Swimming daily improves your physical and mental health. If you have this feature in your home, you need not sign up for aerobic or gym classes. You can exercise from the comfort of your own home. A large luxury inground pool helps you do the best cardio workouts without experiencing too much strain on your body. Not to mention, you can always sit inside the pool after a long day to unwind and destress.

Unparalleled privacy

One of the best things about having a professional build a luxury inground pool in your home is that you don’t get to share it with anyone. Public pools may not be as hygienic as your pool. If you have a luxury inground pool, you can always decide who can access the pool. Additionally, there is something beautiful about swimming alone in your backyard without any distractions.

Social benefits 

Luxury inground pools enable you to host pool parties, among other special events by the poolside. Here, you can bond with your loved ones. During summer, you can host outdoor cookouts. In fact, some celebrities use their poolside as their album release party location. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars hiring a location for a wedding or your child’s birthday party. Having a luxury inground pool provides the perfect event location in your yard.

Aesthetic benefits

Undoubtedly, luxury inground pools can transform your yard into a premium oasis. These pools incorporate a wide range of water features that provide exceptional aesthetics. Additionally, most luxury inground pools have world-class pool designs. So, they make your property look more appealing. In turn, luxury inground pools increase your property’s value.

Nevertheless, always choose the right features that complement your backyard. If you build a luxury inground pool, you are more likely to gain a large return on investment when selling your property. If you are a commercial pool owner, you attract more people to your pool. So, you are in a better position to gain a higher return on investment.

Keeping your children occupied during summer

Currently, most individuals are working from home. It can be stressful to concentrate when your children are running all over the place. Luckily, installing a luxury inground pool provides more hours of pool play for your children. When you have a swimming pool on your property, your children are likely to spend their day by the poolside. Consider installing water features like slides to make their swimming experiences more enjoyable.

Important information about luxury inground pools

Massive construction costs

Building a luxury inground pool can take a toll on your budget. On average, inground swimming pools cost approximately $35,000 to $100,000. Adding custom features to make the pool luxurious costs an extra $2,000 to $10,000. If you are not careful, pool construction can make you bankrupt. Consider saving for luxury inground pool construction. Also, consider applying for pool financing options. Nowadays, there is a broad spectrum of pool lenders who can help you make your pool dreams come true.

Safety hazards

Although pools offer many hours of enjoyment, we cannot deny that these features pose safety concerns. Accidents are common, especially in most commercial pools. Based on previous statistics, a good percentage of fatalities in the United States resulted from drowning. Luckily, most pool owners are doing their best to promote safety in the pool. For example, commercial pool owners employ people to monitor everyone swimming in the pool.

Skin irritation and contamination

Public pools put people at risk of contamination. Also, chlorine in pools can lead to skin and eye irritation. This chemical is not entirely safe for people with sensitive skin. Fortunately, most pool owners take the time to disinfect their pools regularly. There are many techniques and chemicals to keep pools clean. So, this shouldn’t be a problem. If you are a pool owner, do your best to keep your pool clean at all times.

Conclusion

Luxury inground pools offer both advantages and disadvantages. Knowing whether they are worth a try depends on your needs. Before you build a luxury inground pool, understand all the pros and cons involved in building these features. More often than not, the advantages will always outweigh the disadvantages.

The post Why Build a Luxury Inground Pool? appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

Have you ever thought about providing vinyl liner replacement services? At present, there is a high demand for liner replacement services. So, one way you can expand your business this year is to provide these services.

The owner of Carolina Pool and Spa, Val Simoncic, had extensive experience in pool maintenance before meeting Greg Minton. The regional sales manager for Tara Pool & Outdoor Products, Greg Minton, introduced Val to the vinyl liner replacement business. Simoncic states, “In 2015, Greg taught me everything I needed to know about the liner business. He showed me how to measure all pool types; vinyl, concrete and fiberglass. Consequently, I have been able to grow my company over the years.”

Simoncic’s company, Carolina Pool and Spa, only uses liners from Tara. Tara is a reliable vinyl liner manufacturer located in Alabama. The company has been in the industry since 1984. Subsequently, they manufacture quality products that meet customer requirements. The company has always been an industry leader due to its precision and attention to detail. The liners at Tara provide exceptional aesthetics and durability. Also, they come in a broad spectrum of pool designs and colors.

Simoncic says, “Nowadays, you can customize your liner to complement your pool. Besides, liners also come in different patterns and can fit water features like tanning ledges. In fact, vinyl pools now offer high versatility like gunite pools. Nonetheless, you cannot build an infinity-edge vinyl pool.”

As a result, the popularity of vinyl pools is constantly on the rise. Remember, these pools are affordable and can last for a decade. Needless to say, you have to take good care of vinyl pools to boost their durability. Leaving the vinyl pool exposed to the sun for a prolonged period can weaken or damage the liner.

Tara Pool & Outdoor Products provides over 26 liner patterns in different materials, colors, and sizes. Tara liners can add a whole new charm to your backyard. The best thing about these liners is that they come with a durable 20-year warranty. With this warranty, you get complete vinyl liner replacement services within the first two years.

A modern visualization tool: The envision pool designer

At times, it’s not enough to see the liner in a standard picture. Most customers would love to see how the liner will look when inside their pool before purchasing it. Luckily, Tara uses the Envision Pool Designer to showcase all their liners to their clients. The software uses reflective properties of the sun and water to show how a liner looks when placed in the pool. This way, customers see the outcome of the project even before vinyl liner replacement begins.

A while back, Simoncic won a sale using the Envision Pool Designer without presenting a liner sample to the client. He says, “Immediately the customers saw the brand-new Tara pattern, Aquamarine, on Envision Pool Designer, they made their purchase. I told them I didn’t have a sample at that moment, but they didn’t care. It’s like they had already made up their minds. They were able to access the visualizer through their smartphones. All in all, the Aquamarine is a beautiful liner pattern, and we are probably going to be the first company to install it.”

Vinyl liner pools are not famous for their aesthetics. Most people think that vinyl pools are non-customizable and less appealing. However, Tara Pool & Outdoor Products are helping homeowners to change their perceptions about vinyl pools. The company provides elegant liners that complement almost all pool designs. Simoncic says, “We had a customer who wanted to remodel her gunite pool. She wanted to reduce the size of her pool. When I asked her if I should give her the price of a vinyl pool, she was skeptical. In fact, she said they were not attractive. But when I presented samples of our previous vinyl pool projects, her mind was blown away.”

2021 is the best way to increase your sales

Last year, the pool industry experienced increased demand for their service. Tara had the busiest year in 2020. So, they had to increase their production to keep up with the high demand. Moreover, the company went through a major rebranding.

Getting a liner from Tara is pretty simple. All you have to do is have the right measurements for the pool. Also, present all your customer requirements and specifications during this time. Then, send them to Tara. The manufacturers will come up with a computer drawing of the liner and send it to you. Once you approve the drawing, they’ll deliver the liner after about seven days.

Vinyl liner replacement

Offering vinyl liner replacement services can help you boost your sales and revenues. But you have to deliver quality installation. Fortunately, Tara is here to help. Suppose you have any questions about liner installation, feel free to ask them. Ultimately, Tara stands out due to its excellent reputation and customer service.

The post Vinyl Liner Replacement Services In 2021 appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

A good percentage of homeowners renovated their outdoor spaces following the covid-19 travel restrictions. Everyone was looking for a mini-escapade during summer. So, people made the most out of their backyards. The owner of Montanero Construction Co., Christian Montanero, says, “Due to the high demand for pool remodeling and construction services, we’ve had to up our game. At present, one of our primary objectives is to modify backyard spaces into luxurious holiday destinations.” Luckily, the company is now using pool products that help in managing time and reducing labor costs.

From the early years, concrete has been used to build and design pools. Today, not much has changed. Concrete Countertop Solutions help pool contractors to meet all their customer requirements. In particular, the company helps team members of Montanero deliver quality edging jobs within a short period. The builders at Montanero say that they always use at least one product of Concrete Countertop Solutions per project. They could use the products for coping, building retaining walls, and countertops. The best thing about these pool products is that they allow you to be innovative. For instance, they recently started revitalizing yard spaces using outdoor fireplaces. And the results have been amazing.

Integrating Z Counterforms and Z Poolforms for the best outcome

How do you create smooth edges using the Z Counterforms? Contrary to popular belief, it is not hard to work with this product. All you have to do is put 0.5 inches of cement on the backer board and fasten the Z Counterform along the edges. Leave the concrete to cure for 24 hours. When you go back onsite the next day, you’ll notice that the Z Counterform will start showing a pristine edge. Z Counterforms are not only used for pools but also for other features like sinks and outdoor kitchens.

Using Z Poolforms for coping is pretty much the same for all pool types; fiberglass, vinyl, and gunite. The Z Poolforms incorporate strong PVC pieces that are compatible with all pool materials. These forms do not move unnecessarily; hence they do not fall or get blown away by the wind. One of the best things about these forms is that you can reuse them for another project. The removal process is simple. Z Poolforms also enable you to avoid using Styrofoam pieces.

Before, Montanero used Z Counterforms for his pool projects. But when he got to know about Z Poolforms, he preferred integrating the two products to obtain the best results. He says, “During the first appointment with our clients, we get to know their requirements. More often than not, we ask them to fill in a questionnaire. This enables us to know the pool design they wish to construct. For instance, we use a square-edge form for customers who prefer twenty-first-century pools. We always take the time to show them samples from our previous projects so that they can have the right expectations.”

Once they choose a particular pool design, Montanero will create a drawing of the pool design. The drawing will capture all the details of the project. Then, he sends the drawing to an expert 3D pool designer. The designer will come up with the best 3D pool design that shows the exact outcome of the project. From there, he can present the 3D pool design to a client.

Montanero says, “I prefer creating virtual pool designs because clients will see the exact outcome of the project. Not to mention, 3D pool designs also help me stay on track. Additionally, clients can always make modifications to their pools even before construction. Consequently, pool construction will take a short time.”

Concrete offers high versatility

Unlike other pool materials, concrete is highly customizable. Z Poolforms and Z Counterforms make it easier to install concrete water features. These pool products allow you to get creative. In turn, they help you create exceptional pools and expand your customer base.

Montanero says, “Z Counterforms and Z Poolforms are not only limited to pool projects. A while back, we used counterforms on an indoor kitchen and basement bar top. After completing indoor projects, we always find ourselves working on the outdoor area of the same client. In such instances, we prefer using the same materials to avoid a conspicuous contrast between the indoor area and the outdoor area.”

Ultimately, Montanero says that Z Poolforms and Z Counterforms have helped him grow his business. Pool contractors should undoubtedly try out these pool products. Customers often love the outcome. Even so, you have to know how to use counterforms in your project. Otherwise, the result won’t be aesthetically pleasing. Remember, you can get creative with concrete.

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Hayward officially began trading on the NYSE March 12, 2021. The pool equipment manufacturer joined a growing number of large manufacturers that have gone IPO. Back in February, the company announced it’s intention to list themselves on the New York Stock Exchange. Hayward CEO Kevin Holleran had the privilege of ringing the closing bell this afternoon.

Hayward stock will be trading under the stock symbol HAYW. The company plans to sell 40,277,778 shares of its common stock at $17 per share.

“This is a tribute to 95 years of building this great brand, the most known and trusted brand in the pool industry. It’s just spectacular for our present and past employees.”

KEVIN HOLLERAN – CEO of HAYWARD

Holleran who first joined Hayward back in 2019 says that it was his aspiration to take the company public since day one. “To be able to access the public markets, be able to de-lever some of our debt, give us some financial flexibility and optionality to start funding some go-forward growth initiatives.” said Holleran.

Hayward IPO Details

In regulatory filings, Hayward said it’s intention is to use the proceeds from the IPO to pay down some $300 million in debt. Hayward said that it aims over $725 million dollar with it’s IPO launch. In a company press release company press release, Hayward stated it’s intention to use the net proceeds it receives to repay outstanding debt under its senior secured credit facilities and will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock by the existing stockholders.

The announcement of the IPO comes recently on the heels of the death of the companies former owner and chairman Oscar Davis. Davis owned the company since 1964 until 2017, when it was then sold to a private equity firm.

From the Official Press Release

BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Nomura are acting as booking managers. Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, Baird, Guggenheim Securities and Jefferies are also acting as joint bookrunning managers. BMO Capital Markets, KeyBanc Capital Markets, William Blair, Houlihan Lokey and Moelis & Company are acting as co-managers.

This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to this offering, when available, may be obtained from: BofA Securities, Attention: Prospectus Department, 200 North College Street, 3rd Floor, Charlotte, NC 28255, telephone: 1-800-294-1322 or email: dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com; Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, telephone: 1-866-471-2526, facsimile: 212-902-9316 or email: prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com; or Nomura, Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, Worldwide Plaza, 309 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10019, telephone: 212-667-9000 or email: equitysyndicateamericas@nomura.com.

About Hayward Holdings

Hayward Holdings, Inc. is a global designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad portfolio of pool equipment and associated automation systems. Headquartered in Berkeley Heights, NJ, Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of innovative, energy-efficient pool and spa equipment, with brands including AquaVac^®, AquaRite^®, ColorLogic^®, Navigator^®, OmniLogic^®, OmniHub, TriStar^®, Super Pump^®, TurboCell^®, pHin, CAT Controllers^®, HCP Pumps and Saline C^® Series.

Media Relations Contact:
Lisa Wolford
917-846-0881
lwolford@soleburytrout.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Hayward Investor Relations
908-288-9706
investor.relations@hayward.com

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