Equipment Supplies
Polaris Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Polaris celebrates 50 years of pool cleaner innovation.
Polaris is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The brand has been a pioneer in the pool cleaner industry since its inception. Over its 50 years of existence, Polaris has established itself as a household name, providing reliable and efficient cleaning solutions to pool owners worldwide.
To mark this milestone, we spoke with Greg Howard, the former CEO and President of Polaris Pool Systems (1986-2004), and Skye Svenningsen Director of Product Marketing for Fluidra North America. Both shared some insights about the brand’s history and discussed the key factors that have contributed to its success. During our discussion, we delved into the history behind Polaris and talked about some of the key milestones that have helped make Polaris a trusted name in pool cleaners.
Today, Greg Howard is the President of Carecraft, a leading buying group for the pool industry. He still has fond memories of his Polaris days and shared the origin of how the brand first got its start.
“There were two people who invented the original Polaris, Mel Henkin and Jordan Laby. One was a dentist and one was an anesthesiologist. For the initial prototype, the two of them took Coke cans and rubber bands and fashioned them into a little car that would walk around on the bottom of a pool and it had a bag on the top that kind of looked like a chef’s hat,” explained Howard.
Polaris made its first initial debut at the 1973 National Swimming Pool Convention in Anaheim, California. The product immediately captured the interest of the pool industry and would quickly find itself in competition with the Arneson Pool Sweep which had a predominant share of that nascent market at the time.
“The initial idea was that it was the first pool cleaner that could vacuum and sweep. The Arneson product was just hoses in a pool. It stirred up the water, and you still had to lift a basket out to empty the debris. Ours was the first product that actually vacuumed and swept, hence the name Polaris Vac-Sweep. It took a team of engineers two years to take those Coke cans and turn it into a working pool cleaner,” said Howard.
Howard said he still remembers the days going head to head with the Arneson Pool Sweep who at the time had golf legend Arnold Palmer as their spokesman. Not to be undone, Polaris would recruit bathing beauty Suzanne Somers, star of the hit sitcom Three’s Company, as their spokesperson.
“She was on all of our packaging, and she was in our ads,” said Howard, “she also came on our incentive trips with us. She would sit by the pool and sign autographs and talk to the customers. Suzanne Somers was a big part of our marketing,” explained Howard.
Back in the 80’s, the Polaris 180 would become the defining product the brand would eventually become known for. “For the first ten or 15 years of the company’s life, it was the only product that we had,” explained Howard, “We literally built an entire company around a single product until there were additional ones brought on later.”
Polaris, was acquired by Zodiac Pool Systems in 2005 which would later merge with Fluidra. “Currently the Polaris brand has dozens of pool cleaners in every category. They have suction cleaners, pressure cleaners, electric cleaners, and now cordless cleaners. They’ve really expanded the line. But yeah, we started with one product, and it took us quite a while to add a second, a third, and a fourth.”
Today, folks like Skye Svenningsen look at the Polaris brand with a mix of nostalgia and optimism for the future that lies ahead. “There’s a whole lot behind us that has really led to Polaris as a brand being known in our industry the way that it is today,” said Svenningsen, “after 50 years, the spirit of our company, the innovation, passion, and drive to make something new and great for our users is still at the core of what we do every day.”
“It all started with the 180, which of course was the main product and then the Polaris 280 Vac-Sweep, which remains as a product that people still rely on today. Technology and things may have changed, but we created a product that truly has stood the test of time. I’m really proud that some of the innovations that we made way back then still are relevant today.”
“In 2017, we introduced the Polaris QUATTRO™ Sport into the industry, which was a new way to look at pressure cleaning with dual filtration canisters. We’re not sitting on our laurels around here waiting. We know that consumers are looking for the next big thing and we’re going to bring it,” said Svenningsen.
“Consumers today expect most of their new products to have an app and give them some information about their cleaner or their product,” explained Svenningsen, “with the iAquaLink® control in some of our robotic products, you’re able to set a cleaning cycle, start it from work or while you’re on the road, and ensure that your pool is clean by the time that you get home. We’re able to do a lot of things that we weren’t able to do historically.”
Today the Polaris brand is synonymous with the latest technological innovations in pool cleaners. “We’ve absolutely evolved and brought new products to the market, “said Svenningsen, “the ALPHA™ iQ platform and our EPIC™ platforms have been very successful for us. We have put a lot of engineering and marketing support behind these products. I hope that we’re here 50 years from now talking about how these products were the start of some truly exciting innovations.”
Listen to our interviews with Greg Howard and Skye Svenningsen on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Equipment Supplies
FWP Faces Class Action Lawsuit Stemming From 2023 Cyberattack
Florida Water Products is facing a class action lawsuit stemming from a 2023 cyberattack.
Florida Water Products, LLC (FWP) finds itself at the center of a proposed class action lawsuit stemming from a cyberattack in May 2023, which may have compromised the personal data of thousands of people.
Florida Water Products Lawsuit Alleges Inadequate Security Measures Left Data Exposed
The lawsuit asserts that inadequate cybersecurity measures by the pool and spa equipment distributor were directly responsible for the breach. Compromised information may include the names and Social Security numbers of both current and former FWP employees, as well as those affiliated with the company.
According to FWP’s data breach notice letter, the incident targeted a repository of “legacy data” within its network, referring to information stored in outdated systems or formats. Subsequent investigation suggests that an unauthorized third party may have accessed FWP’s systems and obtained certain data from legacy databases.
Although specifics regarding the duration and precise dates of the cybercriminals’ access remain unclear, the breach is believed to have occurred between May 22 and May 28, 2023.
Plaintiff Alleges Inadequate Cybersecurity Left Data Vulnerable
The lawsuit contends that FWP’s failure to enforce adequate cybersecurity measures and provide sufficient training to its employees left its data vulnerable to exploitation by cybercriminals. The complaint argues that Florida Water Products notification to affected individuals was delayed and insufficient. The plaintiff, Stephen Basson, an employee of FWP affiliate Aquarius Supply, claims to have received notice from the defendant only in early December 2023, nearly seven months after the breach allegedly took place.
FWP’s notification letter, as per the filing, obscured crucial details about the breach, such as the number of affected individuals, the methods used by hackers to access the system, and the reasons for the delay in notifying victims.
The lawsuit further alleges that FWP’s tardy and inadequate notice left victims exposed to potential identity theft without proper guidance on monitoring their financial accounts or credit reports to mitigate unauthorized use of their personal information.
A request for comment by FWP about the current litigation was not received in time for publication of this article.
Not The First Or The Last
While the validity of the class action lawsuit against Florida Water Products remains uncertain and subject to legal proceedings, one thing however is certain. The pool industry is clearly not immune to cyber attack threats, as demonstrated by the increase in breaches since 2021. Most recently, Brenntag, a major chemical distributor, fell victim to a ransomware attack by the DarkSide hacker group, resulting in a staggering $4.4 million payout.
Equipment Supplies
Hayward Offers Pool Pros Hands-On Training
Hayward’s hands-on training courses empower pool professionals.
In the dynamic world of pool maintenance and equipment, staying ahead of the curve is essential for pool professionals to deliver top-notch services to their clients. Hayward has a clear understanding of the importance of continuous education and has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive training opportunities for pool professionals. Recently they updated the training section of their website, offering an array of hands-on training courses and webinars to enhance the skills of pool professionals.
Hayward Training Courses
Hayward’s hands-on training courses cater to pool professionals seeking expertise across various crucial aspects of pool maintenance. Covering an array of topics, these sessions delve into the intricacies of Hayward’s latest products, ensuring professionals are well-versed in recommending and installing cutting-edge solutions. Specialized training in heaters, automation, salt systems, pumps, infloor systems, and electrical troubleshooting equips participants with the skills needed to address challenges in specific areas. By offering a comprehensive curriculum, Hayward empowers pool professionals to offer knowledgeable expertise to their clients.
Hayward’s dedication to supporting pool professionals is evident in the various programs they offer throughout the country. Here are some of the latest hands-on education opportunities offered by Hayward in the upcoming months. Make sure to visit and bookmark their Training Registration page as an ongoing resource.
Hayward Hands-On Training By Location
Florida
| Date: | 02/20/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-5:00PM | |
| Topic: | Gas License Prep Class | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn – Tampa Riverview Brandon 4328 Garden Vista Dr Riverview, FL 33578 | ||
| Fee: | $275.00 | ||
| Date: | 04/09/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-5:00PM | |
| Topic: | Small Footprint gas heater training, AQRS3 and S3OMNI, OmniPL Upgrade Kit, Omni App and account tutorial | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn – Tampa Riverview Brandon 4328 Garden Vista Dr Riverview, FL 33578 | ||
| Fee: | $150.00 | ||
Gulf Coast
| Date: | 01/16/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-5:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni Automation Platform, Sanitization, Gas Heaters, New Products | ||
| Location: | DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta/Roswell 1075 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30076 | ||
| Fee: | $85.00 | ||
| Date: | 01/18/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-5:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni Automation Platform, Sanitization, Gas Heaters, New Products | ||
| Location: | Hilton Knoxville Airport 2001 Alcoa Hwy Alcoa, TN 37701 | ||
| Fee: | $85.00 | ||
| Date: | 01/30/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-5:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni Automation Platform, Sanitization, Gas Heaters, New Products | ||
| Location: | Embassy Suites by Hilton 2300 Woodcrest Place Birmingham, AL 35209 | ||
| Fee: | $85.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/01/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-5:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni Automation Platform, Sanitization, Gas Heaters, New Products | ||
| Location: | The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548 | ||
| Fee: | $85.00 | ||
Mid-Atlantic
| Date: | 02/01/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-3:30PM | |
| Topic: | Heaters, Automation, Salt | ||
| Location: | Seaview Hotel 401 South New York Road Galloway, NJ 08205 | ||
| Fee: | $95.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/08/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-3:30PM | |
| Topic: | Heaters, Automation, Salt | ||
| Location: | Holiday Inn 1750 Sumneytown Pike Kulpsville, PA 19443 | ||
| Fee: | $95.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/13/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-3:30PM | |
| Topic: | Heaters, Automation, Salt | ||
| Location: | Hampton Inn 2000 N Ocean Ave Farmingville, NY 11738 | ||
| Fee: | $95.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/20/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-3:30PM | |
| Topic: | Heaters, Automation, Salt | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn 242 Highland Park Blvd Wilkes Barre, PA 18702 | ||
| Fee: | $95.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/22/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-3:30PM | |
| Topic: | Heaters, Automation, Salt | ||
| Location: | Best Western Premier 800 East Park Drive Harrisburg, PA 17111 | ||
| Fee: | $95.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/27/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-3:30PM | |
| Topic: | Heaters, Automation, Salt | ||
| Location: | NESPA Foundation 6B S. Gold Drive Trenton, NJ 08691 | ||
| Fee: | $95.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/28/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-3:30PM | |
| Topic: | Heaters, Automation, Salt | ||
| Location: | NESPA Foundation 6B S. Gold Drive Trenton, NJ 08691 | ||
| Fee: | $95.00 | ||
Mid-West
| Date: | 01/30/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni/Salt/Heaters | ||
| Location: | 10709 Watson Rd St. Louis, MO 63127 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/06/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Salt/Heaters | ||
| Location: | 340 Racetrack Rd Washington,PA 15301 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/08/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Salt/Heaters | ||
| Location: | 5051 West Creek Rd Independence,OH 44131 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/15/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-4:00AM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Salt/Heaters | ||
| Location: | Indianapolis, IN 5255 Noggle Way Indianapolis, IN 46237 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/20/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni/ AQRS3/ Heaters | ||
| Location: | Frankenmuth, MI 425 S Main St Frankenmuth, MI 48734 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/27/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-2:00PM | |
| Topic: | Heater teardown class | ||
| Location: | Huntington WV TBD Huntington, WV 25701 | ||
| Fee: | Free | ||
| Date: | 02/29/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | NPI / Automation / Salt / Heat | ||
| Location: | Northern Kentucky 7373 Turfway Road Florence, KY 41042 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 03/05/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni/Salt/Heaters | ||
| Location: | Des Moines, IA 1250 Jordan Creek Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50266 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
North East
| Date: | 03/12/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | 2024 New Product Updates Basic Eletricity S3 Salt Chlorination XE Pumps HDF Gas Heaters | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn Tewksbury Andover 4 Highwood Dr Tewksbury, MA 01876 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 03/13/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | 2025 New Product Updates Basic Eletricity S3 Salt Chlorination XE Pumps HDF Gas Heaters | ||
| Location: | Sheraton Hartford Hotel 1 Bradley International Airport Windsor Locks, CT 06096 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 03/19/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | 2026 New Product Updates Basic Eletricity S3 Salt Chlorination XE Pumps HDF Gas Heaters | ||
| Location: | Rosebrook Event Center 50 Rosebrook Place Wareham, MA 02571 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 03/20/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | 2027 New Product Updates Basic Eletricity S3 Salt Chlorination XE Pumps HDF Gas Heaters | ||
| Location: | enVision Hotel & Conference Center Mansfield 31 Hampshire Street Mansfield, MA 02048 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 03/26/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | 2028 New Product Updates Basic Eletricity S3 Salt Chlorination XE Pumps HDF Gas Heaters | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn Albany Airport 800 Albany Shaker Rd Albany, NY 12211 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 03/27/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | 2029 New Product Updates Basic Eletricity S3 Salt Chlorination XE Pumps HDF Gas Heaters | ||
| Location: | Hyatt House 100 Westage Business Center Drive Fishkill, NY 12524 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
South Central
| Date: | 02/01/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-5:00PM | |
| Topic: | Heaters, Automation, Sanitization | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn- Houston Energy Corridor 12245 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77079 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/02/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-5:00PM | |
| Topic: | Heaters, Automation, Sanitization | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn- Houston Energy Corridor 12245 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77079 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/27/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-3:00PM | |
| Topic: | HOT – Heaters and Automation | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn- San Antonio the Rim 5730 Rim Pass San Antonio, TX 78257 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/29/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-3:00PM | |
| Topic: | HOT – Heaters and Automation | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn, Austin/Cedar Park 13501 Lyndhurst St. Austin, TX 78717 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
Southeast
| Date: | 01/17/2024 | Time: 08:30AM-3:30PM | |
| Topic: | UHS/UHC Series Heaters, Hayward Electrical Training & Troubleshooting, Omni Automation, AquaRiteS3 Salt | ||
| Location: | Ramada Plaza 1701 S Virgina Dare Trail Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 | ||
| Fee: | $65.00 | ||
| Date: | 01/30/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | UHS/UHC Series Heaters, Hayward Electrical Training & Troubleshooting, Omni Automation, AquaRiteS3 Salt | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn- Savannah Airport 80 Clyde E. Martin Drive Savannah, GA, 31408 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/01/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | UHS/UHC Series Heaters, Hayward Electrical Training & Troubleshooting, Omni Automation, AquaRiteS3 Salt | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn-Charleston Airport 5265 International Blvd. North Charleston, SC, 29418 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/06/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | UHS/UHC Series Heaters, Hayward Electrical Training & Troubleshooting, Omni Automation, AquaRiteS3 Salt | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn- Downtown 1200 Pickens Street Columbia, SC, 29201 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/08/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | UHS/UHC Series Heaters, Hayward Electrical Training & Troubleshooting, Omni Automation, AquaRiteS3 Salt | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn – Greenville 108 Carolina Point Parkway Greenville, SC 29607 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/13/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | UHS/UHC Series Heaters, Hayward Electrical Training & Troubleshooting, Omni Automation, AquaRiteS3 Salt | ||
| Location: | Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte-Pineville 425 Towne Centre Blvd Pineville, NC 28134 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/15/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | UHS/UHC Series Heaters, Hayward Electrical Training & Troubleshooting, Omni Automation, AquaRiteS3 Salt | ||
| Location: | DoubleTree- Raleigh 2805 Highwoods Blvd Raleigh, NC 27604 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/20/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | UHS/UHC Series Heaters, Hayward Electrical Training & Troubleshooting, Omni Automation, AquaRiteS3 Salt | ||
| Location: | DoubleTree- Myrtle Beach 3200 S Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/22/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | UHS/UHC Series Heaters, Hayward Electrical Training & Troubleshooting, Omni Automation, AquaRiteS3 Salt | ||
| Location: | Embassy Suites- Wilmington 9 Estell Lee Pl Wilmington, NC 28401 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
Southwest
| Date: | 01/16/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-5:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni/OmniS3, Heaters, HydraPure, Salt | ||
| Location: | Fairfield Inn & Suites 355 E Warm Springs Rd Las Vegas, NV 89119 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/06/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-5:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni/OmniS3, Heaters, HydraPure, Salt | ||
| Location: | Fairfield Inn & Suites 355 E Warm Springs Rd Las Vegas, NV 89119 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/08/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-3:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni/OmniS3, Heaters,HydraPure, Paramount | ||
| Location: | PEP Tempe 1245 W Geneva Dr Tempe, AZ 85282 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/15/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-3:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni/OmniS3, Heaters, Hydrapure, Paramount | ||
| Location: | Superior-Mesa 2350 W Broadway Rd Suite 110 Mesa, AZ 85202 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/24/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-3:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni/OmniS3, Heaters, HydraPure, Paramount | ||
| Location: | Phx DC 8175 W Buckeye Rd Phoenix, AZ 85043 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/27/2024 | Time: 08:00AM-5:00PM | |
| Topic: | Omni/OmniS3, Heaters, HydraPure, Salt | ||
| Location: | Courtyard St. George 185 S 1470 E St. George, UT 84790 | ||
| Fee: | $75.00 | ||
West
| Date: | 01/16/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Heaters & Heat Pumps/Salt/Hydrapure | ||
| Location: | Holiday Inn Express 1398 East Roseville Parkway Roseville, CA. 95661 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 01/18/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Heaters & Heat Pumps/Salt/Hydrapure | ||
| Location: | Courtyard Marriott Fremont Silicon Valley 47000 Lakeview Blvd. Freemont, CA | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 01/25/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Heaters & Heat Pumps/Salt/Hydrapure | ||
| Location: | Holiday Inn Express 3001 Buck Owens Blvd Bakersfield, CA 93308 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 01/31/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Heaters & Heat Pumps/Salt/Hydrapure | ||
| Location: | Hampton Inn 855 Gettysburg Ave Clovis, CA. 93612 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/06/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Heaters & Heat Pumps/Salt/Hydrapure | ||
| Location: | Superior Canoga Park 21320 Deering Court Canoga Park, CA. 91304 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/08/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-4:00PM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Heaters & Heat Pumps/Salt/Hydrapure | ||
| Location: | PEP San Fernando 630 Jessie St San Fernando, CA, 91340 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/13/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-3:00PM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Heaters & Heat Pumps/Salt/Hydrapure | ||
| Location: | Superior Anaheim 4900 E. Landon Dr. Anaheim, CA. 92807 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/15/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-3:00PM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Heaters & Heat Pumps/Salt/Hydrapure | ||
| Location: | PEP Murrieta 41537 Eastman Dr. Murrieta, CA. 92562 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
| Date: | 02/20/2024 | Time: 09:00AM-3:00PM | |
| Topic: | Automation/Heaters & Heat Pumps/Salt/Hydrapure | ||
| Location: | SCP San Diego 5648 Copley Dr San Diego, CA. 92111 | ||
| Fee: | $100.00 | ||
Equipment Supplies
Innovative New Pool Products – PSP Deck Expo Award Winners
We got a chance to see the hottest and most innovative new pool products at this year’s PSP Deck Expo. View this year’s award winners.
In November, Pool Magazine had the opportunity to attend one of the most anticipated events in the pool and spa industry – the International Pool & Spa Expo (PSP Deck Expo) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The expo showcased the latest and hottest new pool products and innovations in the pool and spa industry, attracting professionals, manufacturers, and enthusiasts from around the world.
The expo hall was a bustling hub of activity, with exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge products that promised to revolutionize the pool and spa experience. From groundbreaking technologies to innovative materials, the event was a playground for those seeking to stay ahead in this dynamic industry.
Hot New Pool Products
A highlight of the expo was the PSP Deck Expo Innovative Product Showcase and Awards Program, a comprehensive awards program dedicated to recognizing excellence and groundbreaking solutions. Two award categories, People’s Choice and Expert’s Choice, celebrated the most innovative products across various segments of the pool and spa industry.
People’s Choice Award Winners
🏆 Winner: Most Innovative Products for Pool and Backyard Construction Professionals
The Shelf Lounger by GPM Manufacturing
Winner of People’s Choice Award & Experts Choice Award
GPM Manufacturing’s The Shelf Lounger redefines the poolside experience with an ingenious all-in-one tanning ledge. Combining lounging chairs and a spill-over edge, this product introduces an unprecedented level of sophistication and comfort to pool and backyard spaces.
The Winning Formula
The Shelf Lounger clinched the Experts Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award for Most Innovative Products for Pool and Backyard Construction Professionals due to its dual focus on entertainment and space optimization. Its unique design allows poolside enthusiasts to enjoy a second body of water without compromising the pool’s primary space, making it a standout for the most innovative new product.
From its minimal installation requirements to its seamless integration into existing pool setups, The Shelf Lounger embodies a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. GPM Manufacturing’s visionary approach has not only earned the accolades of industry peers but has also set a new standard for the evolving landscape of pool and backyard construction.
🏆 Winner: Most Innovative Products for Service Professionals
Filter Preaux System by Filter Preaux
Filter Preaux System introduces a revolutionary private-label chemical treatment combined with high-pressure water flow. The result? Sparking clean filters achieved in as little as 30 seconds, effectively doubling productivity and increasing profits for service professionals in the pool industry.
Game-Changer for Service Professionals
Service professionals face the ongoing challenge of maintaining pools efficiently, and the Filter Preaux System addresses this need head-on. By offering a rapid and effective solution, this product not only streamlines the maintenance process but also enhances the overall service quality.
🏆 Winner: Most Innovative Deck or Patio Products
Accoya Color Grey by Accoya
Accoya Color Grey, crafted from FSC® certified softwood, represents a paradigm shift in deck and patio materials. Through acetylation, this product achieves remarkable durability, stability, and a non-toxic, recyclable composition, backed by a 25-year warranty. Its surface-to-core organic pigment coloring adds an aesthetic touch to outdoor environments.
An Award-Winning Innovation
The accolade for Most Innovative Deck or Patio Products affirms Accoya Color Grey‘s standing as a trailblazer in outdoor material technology. Its low maintenance requirements and commitment to sustainability set a new standard for the industry, earning the admiration of professionals and consumers alike.
🏆 Winner: Most Innovative Products for Retailers
Chill Springs All-In-One Cold Plunge by GPM Manufacturing
Chill Springs All-In-One Cold Plunge stands out as a retail innovation that transcends the ordinary. Crafted from stainless steel with a teak top and aluminum surround, this 1.5 HP system is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Its plug-and-play functionality, lightweight construction, and portability redefine the retail landscape for cold plunge systems.
A Retailer’s Dream
The recognition for Most Innovative Products for Retailers underscores Chill Springs‘ potential to captivate both novice and advanced bathers. Its stylish design, coupled with the ease of use and safety features, positions this product as a must-have for retailers looking to offer a unique and refreshing experience to their customers. An intelligent blend of style, portability, and functionality aligns with the evolving preferences of consumers, making it a standout winner in the retailers category.
Experts Choice Award Winners
🏆 Winner: Aiper Surfer M1 Cordless Robotic Pool Skimmer – Expert’s Choice Award
The Aiper Surfer M1 is a pioneering solar-powered cordless pool skimmer that redefines the cleaning experience. With up to 10 hours of efficient cleaning, users can choose between automatic or remote cleaning via a mobile app to target debris precisely. Anti-beaching columns add an extra layer of sophistication, preventing the device from getting stuck during operation.
The judging panel recognized the novelty of Aiper Surfer M1 in the solar-powered cleaning market. Solar technology, an evolving frontier, found a trailblazer in this product. The judges highlighted the potential impact, emphasizing the importance of seamless solar integration for successful pool cleaning.
Cordless and Neat: A Unique Advantage
The absence of cords and hoses sets Aiper Surfer M1 apart, earning praise from the judges for its neat and cord-free design. The judges appreciated this innovative approach, deeming it a “neat idea” that contributes to the product’s overall appeal.
🏆 Winner: Perma-Column® Precast Concrete Deck Posts – Expert’s Choice Award
Perma-Column® Precast Concrete Deck Posts introduces a game-changing solution for deck foundations. Paired with FootingPad® composite footings, it eliminates the challenges of mixing and pouring concrete. Builders can now commence deck construction immediately, without waiting for concrete trucks or curing periods.
Judges’ Acclaim for Perma-Column®
The judging panel hailed Perma-Column® for its impressive approach, describing it as an “awesome” solution that simplifies the traditionally complex process of pouring cement. The time-saving attributes and resistance to rot, mildew, or freeze-thaw cycles resonated with the judges, showcasing the high-quality innovation of Perma-Column®.
🏆 Winner: Water Tech Volt Leaf Vac Recharge – Expert’s Choice Award
The Water Tech Volt Leaf Vac Recharge introduces a breakthrough in skimmer vacuum technology. Cordless, hoseless, and fully rechargeable, this device captures leaves both topside and bottom-dwelling without the need for extension cords or hoses. The SmartWater sensor enhances efficiency by automatically turning the device on and off in water.
Recognition for Cordless Efficiency
The judging panel underscored the industry’s demand for a top-tier, rechargeable skimmer vacuum capable of handling leaves. The cordless feature garnered special recognition, described as “outstanding” and filling a gap in the market for efficient leaf management.
Moving The Ball Forward
The People’s Choice and Expert’s Choice awards hold paramount importance for pool professionals, serving as prestigious recognitions and validations of excellence within the industry. The People’s Choice award, determined by industry votes, signifies widespread market approval and consumer trust. On the other hand, the Expert’s Choice award, granted by a panel of knowledgeable professionals, establishes a standard for innovation and quality. Both accolades offer valuable marketing opportunities, showcasing winning new pool products as benchmarks for excellence and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and advancement within the pool and spa industry.
This year’s PSP Deck Expo left an indelible mark on the industry. The new pool products in both the People’s Choice and Experts Choice categories signal a shift toward innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions. From solar-powered skimmers to revolutionary deck foundations, these innovations represent a collective vision for the future of pool and spa technology. This year’s expo not only celebrated achievements but also set the stage for continued advancements that promise to shape the industry’s landscape for years to come.
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