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.

The post SRS Distribution Announces Next Phase of Growth by Combining with The Home Depot to Better Serve Professional Customers appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

Pentair (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, is honored to receive the 2024 ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. This is the twelfth consecutive year Pentair has received this award.

Pentair has been named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for twelve consecutive years. (Graphic: Business Wire)

“Pentair strives to create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions that improve energy and water efficiency and improve customer outcomes,” said Karla Robertson, EVP, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Social Responsibility Officer. “We are proud to provide our customers with energy-efficient products and are extremely honored to once again receive the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award in recognition of our continued collaboration with the EPA.”

A Legacy of Energy Excellence in the Pool Industry

Pentair was the first manufacturer of pool equipment to receive ENERGY STAR certification for its variable speed pool pumps and has been named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year consecutively each year since 2013—longer than any other manufacturer in the pool industry. In 2023, Pentair offered 29 ENERGY STAR certified pool pump models helping U.S. consumers save approximately 782 million kWh of energy, resulting in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions of 554,485 metric tons of CO2 and saving $118 million in energy costs.* Since 2005, Pentair ENERGY STAR pool pumps have been responsible for a cumulative 45 billion kWh of energy savings,** 19.5 million metric tons of CO2 emissions reduction and $6.8 billion in operating cost savings for consumers.***

Championing Energy Savings in the Commercial Ice Industry

Manitowoc Ice from Pentair Water Solutions, a leading provider of commercial ice makers, has been a key contributor to ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award winners for 15 consecutive years. With 68 ENERGY STAR certified models, Manitowoc Ice is a trailblazer in providing energy-efficient, high-quality ice-making solutions. In 2023, Manitowoc sales of ENERGY STAR ice makers helped customers save over 28.6 million kWh of energy, enough to provide electricity to 3,940 homes for a year, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).****

Every year, the ENERGY STAR program recognizes prominent companies and entities for their exceptional efforts in advancing towards a sustainable energy economy. Winners of the ENERGY STAR awards are at the forefront of their respective sectors in promoting and crafting energy-efficient products for industrial, commercial, and residential purposes. These initiatives play a crucial role in combating the climate crisis, safeguarding public well-being, and fostering a sustainable energy landscape for all. Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2024 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners.

To learn more about Pentair’s efforts to support a more sustainable future, visit pentair.com/impact. In addition, the Company’s 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility Report further highlighting how Pentair is Making Better Essential for people and the planet is planned for release this spring.

*Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator

**How Much Electricity Does an American Home Use? U.S. Energy Information Administration

***2021 Total Electric Industry – Average Retail Price

****ENERGY STAR® Certified Automatic Commercial Ice Makers

ABOUT PENTAIR

At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.

Pentair had revenue in 2023 of approximately $4.1 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 10,500 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com.

ABOUT ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR^® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of organizations—including nearly 40% of the Fortune 500®—partner with ENERGY STAR. Together with EPA, they deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions that protect the climate, improve air quality, and protect public health. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts.

The post Pentair Earns 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

SAN DIEGO – March 26, 2024 – Fluidra, a leading global provider of residential and commercial pool and wellness equipment, has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy as a 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. This prestigious award honors organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency achievements.

“Receiving the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency,” said Lennie Rhoades, President of Fluidra North America. “This prestigious recognition underscores our dedication to environmental preservation and innovation, driving us to continue leading the way towards a more sustainable future.”

Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a select group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to energy efficiency and the transition to a clean energy economy. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies. These efforts have saved more than 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity over the past 30 years.

In addition to our robust lineup of ENERGY STAR certified pool pumps, Fluidra has demonstrated its contributions with a complete equipment offering that’s designed to operate more efficiently.  Some of their most popular products feature innovative technologies that aim to reduce energy use, such as the JXi Gas Pool Heater that introduced VersaFlo Bypass Technology to circumvent the heat exchanger and the Versa Plumb® System — a complete equipment setup that’s engineered to reduce operational pool costs and improve hydraulic efficiency. And, last year they announced they were transitioning away from high-energy consuming incandescent lights in favor of LED lighting.

The company has also showcased its environmental stewardship with initiatives that help offset its day-to-day emissions, including planting over 25,000 trees globally and installing solar panels on their rooftop. These efforts have not only reduced the company’s carbon footprint but also saved energy and resources, leading to significant cost savings.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda creates unprecedented opportunity to build a clean energy economy, and private sector partners through programs like ENERGY STAR are leading the way,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I congratulate this year’s ENERGY STAR award winners for their innovation and leadership, in delivering cost-effective energy efficient solutions that create jobs, address climate change, and contribute to a healthier environment for all.”

Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2024 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners.

About Fluidra

Fluidra is a publicly listed company focused on developing innovative products, services and IoT solutions for the residential and commercial pool markets, globally. The company operates in over 45 countries and owns a portfolio of some of the industry’s most recognized and trusted brands, including Jandy^®, Polaris^®, S.R.Smith^®, and Cover-Pools^®. To learn more about Fluidra, visit fluidrausa.com or call 800-822-7933.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR^® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts.

The post Fluidra EARNS 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year AWARD appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

March 26, 2024 – Atlanta – Coverings (coverings.com), North America’s largest and preeminent international tile and stone exhibition and conference, has released a curated selection of sustainability-centric show activities to commemorate Earth Day, April 22, and celebrate the first day of Coverings 2024, taking place April 22-25 at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Earth Day activations and eco-focused programming at Coverings 2024 will unite thousands of industry professionals from around the world to collectively promote sustainable design, building and installation practices through ceramic tile.

Attendees will be able to participate in Coverings 2024’s Earth Day festivities through a wide selection of learning sessions, workshops, displays, tours and philanthropic programs to showcase the many eco-friendly aspects of ceramic tile, offering showgoers numerous options for exploring ceramic tile’s vital role in helping build a greener future. 

Earth Day activations taking place at Coverings 2024 will be kicked off through Coverings’ partnership with Clean the World, a global leader in sustainable, environmental and social impact solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the “Clean the World” initiative by transforming used soap bars and plastic amenities that the hospitality industry would otherwise discard into lifesaving, essential supplies for communities in need across the globe. Showgoers will be able to volunteer a few minutes of their time to produce recycled hygiene kits April 22 in Hall B, Booth 1017 at Coverings 2024. The completed kits will then be donated to a local philanthropic organization in Atlanta.

Another notable Earth Day activation at Coverings 2024 will feature renowned mosaic artist David Arnott, who will be showcasing his work in the Artisan Showcase in Hall C, Booth 7259. Arnott will craft a tile mosaic representation of the planet in celebration of Earth Day. His artwork will be crafted with leftover tiles from Coverings’ exhibitors, transforming potential waste into a truly original and beautiful piece of art. The completed mosaic will then be donated to a local Atlanta organization. Those present will have the opportunity to meet Arnott and witness his creative process and the beauty of sustainable artistry.

Coverings 2024 is bolstering its commitment to sustainable design, building and installation practices involving ceramic tile and natural stone by presenting a comprehensive range of environmentally focused educational opportunities of particular interest to the architecture and design (A&D) community. Attendees can engage in sessions specifically tailored to the A&D sector, such as “Tile Industry Insights: Deciphering Embodied Carbon and Green Architecture and Design,” scheduled for April 22, and partner education like Green Builder Media’s “Housing 2.0” workshop, happening April 23.

These educational offerings are designed to empower the A&D community with the knowledge and tools needed to advance sustainable practices for their projects, making them more relevant and impactful in today’s environmentally conscious landscape. Those eager to participate in the “Housing 2.0” workshop are required to register separately and pay a fee to secure their spot on the session’s designated webpage.

Other Coverings 2024 education within the show’s “Sustainability” tenet will include “Building Resilience for Health” and “Reducing Embodied Carbon with Natural Stone,” which are slated for April 24.

The new-to-2024 Coverings Cares program underscores the show’s commitment to supporting green initiatives, the tile and stone industry, and the local Atlanta community through a donation pool of up to $50,000. Coverings 2024 registrants have the opportunity to select and support one of six vetted and deserving charitable organizations when they register for the event, including EarthDay.org.

Coverings will donate $10 to the organization chosen by each event registrant, who can then match or exceed the donated amount if desired. The donations will be bestowed to the designated philanthropic causes for the first 5,000 attendees who attend Coverings 2024 onsite.

Showgoers can stay tuned to the Coverings mobile app and digital signage throughout the GWCC for tips on how to make their time in Atlanta as green as possible. Attendees are also encouraged to recycle their show badges in conveniently located bins at the conclusion of the event.

Registered and prospective 2024 attendees can gather more information about Coverings 2024 and its customized lineup of Earth Day activations by visiting Coverings’ dedicated Earth Day webpage.

Learn more about Coverings 2024 and register to attend at no cost at Coverings.com.

The post Coverings 2024 Earth Day Activations will Honor Planet and Promote Sustainability appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

Leslie’s AccuBlue Home® Delivers First 10-Point At-Home Pool and Spa Water Testing Solution to Ensure a Safe 2024 Swim Season

PHOENIX, March 26, 2024 – Clear-looking pool water is mistakenly assumed to be safe for swimming, according to a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by Leslie’s, the leading and most trusted consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry.

According to the poll, 71% of those surveyed believe that clear water is clean and safe for swimming. However, even clear water can contain contaminants that pose a danger to swimmers, and pool owners shouldn’t assume a pool is safe just because the water is clear.

The news arrives as Leslie’s launches its water safety education campaign for the 2024 swim season. Leslie’s is spreading awareness of the three primary tenets of pool safety: maintaining healthy and safe water, securing the pool area, and participating in swimming lessons and water safety education.

“As we head into the 2024 swim season, our aim is to help educate pool owners on the tenets of pool safety. Among those tenets is maintaining healthy water, and we make it easy for pool owners to test and treat their water, creating a safe environment for all,” said Clay Spann, SVP of Merchandising at Leslie’s.

“We aren’t surprised by these survey results, as there are many misconceptions related to pool water chemistry,” Spann said. “The only way to really know if pool water is clean, healthy, and safe for swimming is to check if the water is properly balanced and sanitized. To be certain of this, owners must regularly test the pool water’s chemistry makeup and precisely measure 10 different components, including pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, metals, phosphates, sanitizer levels, and more.”

The Leslie’s/Harris Poll survey also revealed that 71% of Americans who are responsible for maintaining a pool say keeping water safe is complicated, a misperception Leslie’s aims to correct with its AccuBlue® and AccuBlue Home® testing and treatment solutions.

Leslie’s makes water testing simple with its industry-leading AccuBlue technology — the only pool and spa water test that covers all 10 water chemistry components. In just 60 seconds, this free, in-store water test delivers a hardcopy printout with a water quality score and step-by-step customized water treatment plan to help keep pool water balanced. Pool and spa owners have relied upon this professional-grade testing over the past six decades, with more than 50 million tests conducted by Leslie’s store teams.

The same survey revealed that 81% of Americans who maintain their own pools wish there was a home technology solution for comprehensive 10-point pool water testing.

Last May, Leslie’s made water testing even easier and more convenient when the company launched its AccuBlue Home® membership program, which offers the same leading in-store testing technology, engineered into a compact at-home device. The AccuBlue Home testing device connects to the Leslie’s app to deliver a water quality score and customized water treatment plan to the user’s mobile phone or tablet.

Since its launch, AccuBlue Home has been embraced by pool owners, who value its convenience and accuracy. The membership program has earned a nearly five-star rating in member reviews with comments echoing exactly what it is designed to do: “takes all the guesswork out of testing your pool water” and “this little machine does everything the one in the store does.”

AccuBlue Home: How It Works
The technology is sophisticated, but the process is simple.

Users simply insert a pool water sample into the water test disk and place it into the AccuBlue Home testing device. They then open Leslie’s app on their mobile device to start the test, and AccuBlue Home does the rest. Light wavelengths pass through the water sample to precisely measure the water’s chemistry makeup, and the app delivers the water test quality score and a step-by-step customized treatment plan in just 60 seconds. The app enables pool and spa owners to order home delivery of chemicals needed to execute the water treatment plan.

An AccuBlue Home membership costs $50 a month, which includes the home testing device for free, as well as $50 in Leslie’s credits each month for purchases online, in app, or in stores. AccuBlue Home members can use their monthly credit to purchase any products from Leslie’s, including sanitizers and balancing chemicals, as well as floats, games, and other accessories to make the most out of pool days.

Marianne Trusty, president of Pool Magazine, said, “We’ve long recognized the importance of comprehensive 10-point testing for healthy and safe water and to maintain the longevity of pool equipment. Leslie’s has always been a leader, and it’s remarkable that they have driven their in-store technology into such a sleek device and an easy-to-use approach for pool and hot tub water testing.”

Virtual Pool Water Assistant
The AccuBlue Home device, measuring just 4.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall, is small, stylish, and self-contained, resembling a virtual assistant device — in this case, a virtual pool water assistant. It incorporates photometric testing technology with optical sensors, as well as a centrifuge, replaceable test disks, and more.

Click here to learn more about AccuBlue Home, the first at-home pool and spa water testing solution that covers 10 crucial water chemistry components with a membership program that pays for itself. 

About Leslie’s 
Founded in 1963, Leslie’s is the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. The Company serves the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. The Company operates an integrated ecosystem of more than 1,000 physical locations and a robust digital platform, enabling consumers to engage with Leslie’s whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. Its dedicated team of associates, pool and spa care experts, and experienced service technicians are passionate about empowering Leslie’s consumers with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and enjoy their pools and spas.

For more information about Leslie’s, visit lesliespool.com or follow and engage with us: @lesliespoolcare on Instagram, Leslie’s on Facebook, and @lesliespoolcare on Twitter.

Survey Method:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Leslie’s from March 5-7, 2024, among 2,087 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 314 are maintaining a pool. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.

Media: Mardi Larson, Amendola for Leslie’s, mlarson@acmarketingpr.com, 612.384.4383

SOURCE Leslie’s, Inc.

The post Recent Leslie’s/Harris Poll Study Shows Nearly Three-Quarters of Americans Mistakenly Assume Clear Pool Water Is Clean, Swim-Safe Water appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

Fluidra, a global leader in connected equipment and solutions for the pool and wellness sector, is launching Fluidra Ventures, a €20 million corporate venture capital fund (CVC) investment to lead innovation in the sector.

The CVC will invest in each startup with the potential to revolutionize the industry on a global scale through their solutions, with a special focus on the United States and Europe. The goal of this first three-year phase is to build a solid portfolio of startups through investing in innovative companies.

The CVC will target startup initiatives that enhance efficiency, connectivity, sustainability and safety in the swimming pool and wellness business, leveraging IoT, computer vision and robotic solutions. It is looking for startups that add value to the pool and wellness sector with innovative business models, fostering direct customer interaction through sales, subscriptions and other channels. The CVC has already invested in Coral Smart Pool, a technology company aiming to transform the pool experience through Artificial Intelligence (AI) with an initial focus on pool safety.  

Fluidra Ventures will also invest in companies that innovate in engineering and science to advance materials and products that deal with swimming pool manufacturing, efficiency and maintenance.

Four segments and eight strategic guidelines

The fund is focused on four different segments — Commercial, Residential, Wellness and Mass Market—and has an investment thesis that covers eight strategic guidelines, from connected pools, resource optimization, digital platforms, innovative materials, security systems, personalized experiences, robotics and innovative consumable products.

Fluidra Ventures is fueled by Fluidra Lab, Fluidra’s open innovation division, and any startups that want to submit their proposals can send their investment pitch decks to fluidralab@fluidra.com. Offering more than just investments, Fluidra aims to leverage this initiative to become the top strategic collaborator for the most innovative startups with the tremendous benefits that being an industry leader brings, such as: resources, scale successful business models, expertise, experience, and sales options.

“This initiative joins several others that we have at Fluidra to promote innovation in our industry. This is why here at Fluidra Ventures we’re excited about the transformative potential that this venture will have for the pool and wellness industry, driving forward innovation, sustainability and technological advancement”, said Eloi Planes, Fluidra’s Executive Chairman.

The post Fluidra Launches €20 Million Venture Capital Fund – Fluidra Ventures appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

March 7, 2024 – Atlanta – Coverings (coverings.com), North America’s largest international tile and stone exhibition and conference, has revealed a curated first look at the new tile, stone, tool, installation and technology products that will be at Coverings 2024, April 22-25, 2024, at the Georgia World Congress Center, in Atlanta.

Ceramics of Italy, Tile Council of North America and Tile of Spain, Coverings’ three primary sponsor pavilions, will feature an invigorating showcase of tile and stone with a focus on design, functionality and sustainability. Showgoers will benefit from a firsthand experience of the hottest product trends and newest innovations shaping the future of the tile and stone industry. Attendees of Coverings 2024 will also have the opportunity to engage with top tile and stone industry experts and source products from more than 1,000 global exhibitors, representing 40 countries.

The following is a select preview of the newest tile and stone products Coverings 2024 exhibitors will be featuring:

Anima Wonder, by Ceramiche Caesar SpA, faithfully interprets natural inspirations with charm and personality. It is available in three functional sizes and eight different color nuances to meet various design needs and applications. Coverings 2024 Hall B, exhibit booth # 3635.

Cannè, one of the latest series by Ceramica Rondine, is available in five color shades, each offering the freedom to create unconventional styles. Light colors offer a harmonious fusion of structure and comfort with three-dimensional, parallel lines to restore brightness and refine the space. Coverings 2024 Hall B, exhibit booth # 4055.

Chroma, a new addition to Appomattox Tile Art’s Ready-To-Ship collection, offers a stone mosaic design reminiscent of pixilated abstractions that brings a burst of color and versatile personality to any room. Coverings 2024 Hall C, exhibit booth # 7359.

Forme, by Emilgroup, is the latest Emilceramica collection inspired by the four natural elements – earth, wind, fire and air. Forme reaches into the distant past to delight the most contemporary taste with a warm and welcoming aura combined with refined design and outstanding performance. Coverings 2024 Hall B, exhibit booth # 4075.

Geo, a new collection from Halcón Cerámicas, delivers an exploration of limestone’s serene beauty, offering not just inspiration, but a language that speaks of history, culture and natural art. Coverings 2024 Hall B, exhibit booth # 2859.

Lenox Lappato, by Emotion Ceramics, presents new finishes to the company’s most acclaimed marble. Lappato redefines elegance with each piece of porcelain stoneware shining with captivating splendor and soft textures offering a pleasant and subtle tactile experience. Coverings 2024 Hall B, exhibit booth # 2859.

MUSA, a new collection introduced by BESTILE, showcases the perfect fusion between craftsmanship and innovation. Its nine-color palette evokes the warmth of tradition while enhancing the beauty of nature. Coverings 2024 Hall B, exhibit booth # 2755.

Slate Design Project,Landmark Ceramics’ new porcelain collection inspired by natural slate, combines beauty, rich textures and a distinctive appearance with the superior performance of porcelain through its two distinct surface personalities: Coverings 2024 Hall C, exhibit booth # 7336.

QuarryBasics® Ironspot, from Metropolitan Ceramics, puts heavy use, functionality and visual appeal at the forefront, supplying a durable, matte finish quarry tile designed with a subtle, through-body look. Coverings 2024 Hall C, exhibit booth # 7229.

Quartz Stone Grey Matte,the newest in Cicogres’ Quartz Stone collection, encourages creative design experimentation while enhancing the natural allure of stone to foster spaces with distinctive personality and visual delicacy. Coverings 2024 Hall C, exhibit booth # 2859.

SENSI NUANCE, a new collection introduced by ABK, derives inspiration from the most elegant of marbles while embracing the vast world of color. The collection is the result of in-depth research into colored marble varieties and stands out for its luxurious contemporary palette of colors. Coverings 2024 Hall B, exhibit booth # 3544.

Sinai,by Coem–Fioranese, is a newly introduced collectioninspired by the timeless beauty of Golden Sinai stone mined in Egypt. Its dominating golden shades with grains from beige to pale brown add a charming flash of color to any space. Coverings 2024 Hall B, exhibit booth # 3534.

Tessino, an elegant and versatile new marble collection from Azulejos Benadresa (AB), presents in awide range of colors adorned with white veins that fill it with nuances. Its wide variety of formats and finishes offer a vast array of design possibilities. Coverings 2024 Hall B, exhibit booth # 1959.

Blue Ridge Porcelain collection, by Wonder Porcelain, takes inspiration from the stately trees of Tennessee and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to craft an understated, minimalistic wood porcelain tile look. Coverings 2024 Hall C, exhibit booth # 6925.

Up, LA FABBRICA AVA’s new single-fired wall tile series, showcases an unexpected sculptural plasticity from its raised surface that is refined through plays of projections and recesses. Light molds its shapes into sinuous geometric effects, which can be further accentuated by combining different colors and surface finishes. Coverings 2024 Hall B, exhibit booth # 3554.

Vermont, by Baldocer,combines the extraordinary beauty of American oak wood with the best-performing ceramics to create an exceptional new collection. Vermont provides natural inspiration through its porcelain and white body models as well as its four distinct color and size options. Coverings 2024 Hall B, exhibit booth # 1917.

Vertical Illusion – 3D Architectural Wall Panel, by Unique Design Solutions,reimagines interiors with fresh new lines and modern designs that create the illusion of height or depth in any room. Coverings 2024 Hall C, exhibit booth # 7363.

A preview sampling of new installation materials, tools and technology products slated for Coverings 2024 includes the following:

ARDEX TLT Shower Systems, from ARDEX Americas, provide a simple, all-in-one solution for tiled shower installations, offering a strong, lightweight, vapor-resistant tile base for wet areas. The pre-sloped, waterproof shower bases are designed with a patent-pending, built-in drain assembly. Coverings Hall C, exhibit booth # 7551.

MAPEI’s Carbon Zero family of products are fully carbon-offset throughout their entire life cycle, a status achieved by calculating the product’s carbon footprint and reducing it to zero through efficiency measures in-house, as well as the acquisition of certified carbon credits supporting renewable energy. Coverings 2024 Hall C, exhibit booth # 7736.

GRABO, Nemo Power Tools’ next-generation fully electric suction cup, revolutionizes how stone, tile, glass and pavers are effectively handled and installed, providing a faster, more effective way for installers to work. Coverings 2024 Hall C, exhibit booth # 7853.

Leveling Compound Mixing Station, from BIHUI USA by Better Tools, allows hands-free mixing for up to 5 bags of thinset with a speed of up to 650 RPM. Its lightweight body and arc-shaped spout make for easy pouring of self-leveling cement, compounds and epoxies. Coverings 2024 Hall C, exhibit booth # 8145.

The Level Best, Best of Everything’s (BOE) new leveling system, offers a wider base for lifting and leveling large tiles, clear windows to see corners and edges, and convenient wings for easy tightening. Coverings 2024 Hall C, exhibit booth # 7849.

LATICRETE Profiles & Trims, by LATICRETE International Inc., offer a comprehensive array of more than 4,000 profile and trim options, providing the perfect solutions for floors, walls, coves, stairs, expansion joints and more. Coverings 2024 Hall C, exhibit booth # 7758.

These and thousands of other products can be seen in-person next month at Coverings 2024, April 22-25, at the Georgia World Congress Center, in Atlanta.

To view all Coverings 2024 exhibitors prior to the show, visit the detailed online exhibitor list and show floor map.

For more information and to register for Coverings 2024 at no cost, visit coverings.com.

The post Coverings Sneak Peeks New Products for 2024 appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

This strategic partnership will enable pool industry professionals to more easily utilize the Aiper portfolio of technology-rich and efficient pool cleaning products

MARCO ISLAND, FL., – February 29, 2024 – Aiper, the global creator of innovative cordless robotic pool cleaners, and United Aqua Group (UAG), one of the nation’s largest professional pool construction, retail, and service industry organizations, together announce a new strategic partnership. Announced during the United Aqua Group Annual Conference in Marco Island, Florida (February 25-29), where Aiper was the official sponsor, the new collaboration will give UAG members across America access to advanced technologies designed to achieve a more efficient way of tackling pool maintenance through smarter product solutions, specifically the Aiper line of cordless robotic pool cleaners. Starting today, members can shop for Aiper products on the UAG website at an affordable price point.

“UAG is proud to partner with Aiper, a distinguished trailblazer in technology and innovation,” says Craig Goodson, President of the United Aqua Group. “We are excited to align with a company that sees the future, fosters consumer engagement through an impactful social presence, and consistently delivers the highest quality products.”

All Aiper robots are designed to not only be sleek and cord-free but also easy-to-use, specifically featuring single button activations, powerful motor systems, self-parking capabilities, simple debris collection/disposal, and quick charge. Aiper’s product line of pool cleaners include options for any size pool or budget, and provides a guaranteed clean by picking up bugs, hair, dirt, and more from the pool’s floors and walls.

Perfect for above ground pools, the Scuba L1 is ideal for scrubbing the floor of small and mid-sized pools, while the Scuba N1 Ultra systematically cleans commercial sized pools up to 2,150 sq. ft with Aiper’s patented WavePath Navigation Technology 2.0. and Horizontal Waterline Cleaning Technology. For hard-to-reach spots like stairs, the Pilot V2 helps users target stubborn debris through its hand-held design and powerful cleaning modes. To ensure the pool is left sparkling, the Surfer M1 glides across the pool surface to capture unwanted floating fragments of leaves, bugs, and flower pedals.

“We know what goes into pool maintenance and that it can be a laborious task. That’s why we at Aiper take pride in developing innovative technologies that can expedite the pool cleaning process to make it even easier for both pool industry professionals and pool owners alike,” says Richard Wang, CEO and Founder of Aiper. “We are looking forward to fostering this relationship and making our products even more accessible to those in the pool industry.”

To kick-off the event and the new partnership, Aiper was the official sponsor of the Welcome Reception, the conference’s cocktail hour at Tiki Beach where the event’s theme of “Celebrating Success” came to life with cocktails, fresh hors d’oeuvres, and guests embracing the “White Party” dress code. Demos of the Aiper robots were also provided at the conference trade show for attendees to enjoy and view the cutting-edge technology firsthand.

About Aiper

Aiper is the leading global creator of innovative cordless robotic pool cleaners on a mission to Bring Vacation Home by inspiring pool owners to turn their backyards into a personal oasis with the help of smarter cleaning solutions. After doing a deep dive into the pain points of traditional pool cleaners, the company embarked on a path to merge technology with innovative design to create the world’s most easy-to-use robotic pool cleaners that are not only cord and hassle-free but can automatically handle all the dirty work so pool owners can stop manually cleaning. Unlike other products on the market, each Aiper robot is guaranteed to minimize the time and money spent laboring cleaning and give more time back to enjoy quality time with friends and family by the pool. Through that, Aiper has earned its place as the world’s best cordless robotic pool cleaner since its launch. In 2023 and 2024, Aiper products have been named CES Innovations Award Honorees.

The post United Aqua Group Members Now Have Access to Aiper Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaners Through a New Partnership appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

(Alexandria, Va.) – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is pleased to announce BioLab as its newest Strategic Partner. The PHTA Strategic Partnership Program creates special opportunities for companies that promote the association’s initiatives, including education, advocacy, and market outreach.

BioLab, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading suppliers of swimming pool and spa water treatment products. A division of KIK Consumer Products based in Lawrenceville, GA, BioLab is a known innovator in the North American, Australian, European, and South African markets and the first to pioneer computerized water analysis for professional dealers and retailers. BioLab features many key industry water care brands: BioGuard®, Natural Chemistry®, SpaGuard®, SeaKlear®, Pro Series®, ProGuard®, Spa Essentials®, and Aquapill.

“The team at BioLab is proud to enter into a strategic partnership with PHTA, furthering our commitment to help elevate the industry as a whole,” says Ted Lawrence, Vice President of Pro Sales for BioLab and member of the PHTA Board of Directors. “By aligning our core values of Educate, Advocate, and Elevate with PHTA’s ongoing initiatives, we believe our shared passion will lead to a longstanding and successful partnership.”

As part of the Strategic Partnership Program, PHTA will recognize BioLab’s commitment to the pool and hot tub industry by helping them maximize brand visibility, connect with thousands of engaged industry professionals, and unlock valuable opportunities. To learn more about BioLab’s leadership position in the industry, visit their page on the PHTA Strategic Partner Hub.

“PHTA is delighted to welcome BioLab as our newest Strategic Partner,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA. “BioLab is a respected brand throughout the pool, spa, and hot tub industry, with strong connections across builders, retailers, and service professionals and among consumers as well. This new partnership will enable PHTA and its members to reach even greater heights.”

For more information about the Strategic Partnership Program, please contact Sheri Jackson, PHTA Senior Director of Business Development, at sjackson@phta.org or 703-838-0083 ext. 157.

The post Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Announces Biolab As Newest Strategic Partner appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

Grand Rapids, MI – Haviland Enterprises, Inc. a globally recognized manufacturer and distributor of specialty and commodity chemistry, today in partnership with Erhardt Construction and Progressive A&E, announced the launch of its new laboratory on Ann St. in Grand Rapids.

The 11,000-square-foot facility will provide the space required to advance product development and pilot new formulations within Haviland’s core markets. The company is pursuing growth in the water treatment market as water conservation efforts expand nationally.

“Our new lab is not only an investment in Haviland’s technical capabilities and it also offers new value to our customers, opening the door for further innovation in our target markets of water treatment, surface finishing, and contract manufacturing.” said Rob Pawson, Vice President of Haviland Products Company.

Haviland, which is 100% employee-owned and operated, celebrates 90 years of business this June. The ESOP company is dedicated to strategically investing in its people, processes, and facilities focusing on operational excellence and fostering a culture of employee engagement.

The new laboratory will allow us to attract West Michigan’s top talent,” said Meg Post, Haviland Enterprises, Inc. President and CEO. “These technical laboratory positions are critical for the growth of Haviland and provide a variety of career paths throughout our organization.”

Haviland Enterprises manufactures water treatment products for the swimming pool and spa industry under the Haviland Pool and Spa products division with well-known brands such as Proteam, Spa Pure and Salt Support.  Haviland’s commitment to providing customers with creative chemistry solutions has allowed the company to launch new products for the swimming pool and spa market along with other water treatment industries.  “Haviland’s success is a reflection of our ESOP culture,” noted Post, “Our employees take immense pride in their jobs and work extremely hard to create value for our customers, employee-owners, and communities.”

The $7 million facility is set to be complete and in full operation in 2025.

The post Haviland Enterprises, Inc. Announces New $7 Million West Michigan Flagship Laboratory appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.