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The Beginning of the Smart-Yard Ecosystem is Here

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Your phone, car, home – everything is becoming smarter year over year. The average American house has twenty smart connected devices, Europe is slightly lower with seventeen smart connected devices per household, and on average, a person has two and a half smart devices on them most of their day with projections that all these numbers will rise substantially next year.

Each of these devices is intended to provide either some level of security, automate a function of your home or work, or simply make a living a little more comfortable. Smart technology has, at times and with varying success, found its way into outdoor spaces, from our watches, and smart camping gear, to portable solar panels hitting the market.

Our yards, the extension of our very homes, have largely gone overlooked. There are products out there that have smart functionality, these products, like smart lighting, largely fall into aesthetic applications, though. Smart-yard technology has been in the infancy stages, with emerging products, like any emerging technology, carrying a high price tag for entry.  Enter Aiper, who has promised to create an entire ecosystem of smart-yard devices to make your home life easier, and they’re starting with your pool.

The company has been improving and perfecting its cordless robotic pool cleaners since hitting the market in 2017. Just by looking at Aiper’s flagship Seagull Series and comparing it to other industry mainstays, two things immediately stick out before we even dive deep into some of the features. The Seagull SE, Plus, and Pro are all attractive, sleek, hydrodynamic devices with a sports car feel. Secondly, the price! The aforementioned SE, Plus, and Pro target your entry-level, mid-range, and professional-level cleaning needs and all come in at hundreds of dollars cheaper than most competitor models. That doesn’t mean they’re skipping quality, though, in fact, the Aiper Seagull Pro was CES Innovation Award Winner just earlier this year.

The Seagull Pro is, at the time of writing this, is Aiper’s most advanced cordless robotic pool cleaner. Looking at the spec sheet for the product, one of the things that immediately leaps out to me is that it provides up to three hours of cleaning on only a 90-minute charge. As someone who is terribly about plugging in their devices until needed, this is a big selling point for me as I won’t need to plan my day around charging my device only to wait longer to clean. Because let’s admit, nobody likes waiting and wants to wait to clean.

Moving onto some of the Seagull Pro’s other impressive features, the Pro bills itself as the first-ever cordless robotic pool cleaner to utilize a quad-motor design. Looking deeper into that, the device performs at 70w normally and a peak of 200w of power, with two motors dedicated to cleaning and two filtering up to 130 GPM of your pool’s water. While that all sounds impressive on paper, it’s hard to put into context without seeing for yourself, and if you want external references, YouTube is a great resource to find real-time comparison videos and time-lapses of the cleaning power of the Aiper Seagull Pro.

Is the Aiper Seagull Pro the cordless pool cleaner for you? If you want a complete cleaning, then yes, the Seagull Pro not only cleans your pool’s floor but also its walls and waterline and does so for pools up to 3200 Square feet and pools with a 30-degree slope. Aiper also boasts about its own in-house WavePath™ Navigation Technology, which reportedly increases cleaning coverage by as much as 30% compared to most other robotic pool cleaners.

But, now the big question is, is the Aiper Seagull Pro worth it, and will the smart-yard become a reality? Retailing at $899.99, the Seagull Pro is hundreds of dollars cheaper than most of the competition, and Aiper holds frequent sales to snag one at a discount, similar to Amazon, Aiper has its very own Aiper day sales which saves up to $200 off at aiper.com/aiper-store. Even at retail prices, any product that can eliminate the chore of pool maintenance for me has my attention. I spend three to five hours cleaning my pool each week, even if I’m not using it! Let’s average that, and, say, four hours every week over the course of the year is 224 hours. In just one year, that means the product would cost $4 per use (I won’t count electricity since that amounts to $5 for the whole year). $4 a week, $1 per hour to buy back my free time? Absolutely. I can easily get to the gym and have lunch with time to spare in four hours, assemble something from Ikea while my pool gets cleaned, polish up on my wife’s native language that I’ve been secretly learning, or write a chapter or two in my next novel. For the return on investment, I think it’s a hugely beneficial purchase.

Now, about that smart-yard, here, time will tell. I’ve been researching robotic lawnmowers for both efficacy and safety recently, but the price point for the upper-end models is still in the thousands! If Aiper can replicate the success of their pool products in terms of quality and price and apply that to lawn care, it will shake up the whole ecosystem of smart yard products. Beyond that, I’m encouraged to take the wait-and-see approach – anything that can eliminate a chore from my to-do list as the Roomba did for millions will get me to look closer. Our yard is a luxury, after all, and we should care for it, but with so many things to do, yard maintenance falls into that out of sight out of mind category. I welcome my chores being automated and can’t wait for the next Aiper industry innovation, but for now, they’re mastering the pool and making fans out of pool owners everywhere as they increase their global presence with the mantra “Bring Vacation Home.” As a remote worker, that, no pun intended, hits home.

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Aiper is a recognized thought leader in the field of robotic pool cleaners and a proud contributor of Pool Magazine. Creating smarter backyards, Aiper is proud to be one of the leading manufacturers of automatic cleaners today. Make sure to follow us for informative and relevant content.

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SRS Distribution Announces Next Phase of Growth by Combining with The Home Depot to Better Serve Professional Customers

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MARCH 28, 2024

SRS Distribution Inc. (“SRS”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with The Home Depot to be acquired for $18.250 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, SRS Distribution will operate as an independent business unit within The Home Depot, focused on accelerating growth in the Pro market.

Over the past 16 years, the SRS family has become one of the fastest-growing building products distributors in the United States. This proposed transaction will bring together the impressive talent, technology, and capabilities of SRS with The Home Depot’s trusted name and robust platform, expanding SRS’ reach into numerous new product categories and customers.

The proposed acquisition will clear a pathway for accelerated growth with the residential and commercial professional customer by expanding The Home Depot’s Pro capabilities, combining online, retail, and wholesale. The combined platform will open new opportunities for existing suppliers and partners by providing access to SRS’ expert workforce focused on specialty verticals, as well as The Home Depot’s cross-project expertise, product mix, network, and digital assets.

Under the agreement, the SRS senior leadership team will remain with the company to guide its ambitious growth plans. Dan Tinker, President and CEO of SRS, will continue to lead SRS operations under this new structure, reporting to The Home Depot CEO Ted Decker.

“We are proud to be combining with The Home Depot to continue our growth journey with the additional resources and capabilities they will put behind us,” said Dan Tinker, President and CEO of SRS. “We set out to find the optimal strategic outcome for the business, and we strongly believe we have achieved just that. With this combination, the future has never been brighter for our supplier partners, our Pro customers, and our team.”

“SRS’ ability to build leadership positions in each of its trade verticals while generating significant revenue growth is a testament to its strong vision, leadership, culture, and execution,” said Ted Decker, Chair, President, and CEO of The Home Depot. “SRS’ branch network, coupled with The Home Depot’s 2,000+ U.S. stores and distribution centers and comprehensive product offering provides the residential and commercial Pro customer with more fulfillment and service options than ever before. I look forward to welcoming Dan and the entire SRS team to The Home Depot and capturing the exciting opportunity ahead.”

SRS Distribution currently has two private equity investors: Berkshire Partners LLC. (since 2013) and Leonard Green & Partners L.P. (since 2018). “Over the past 16 years, SRS Distribution has successfully grown its business while delivering tremendous shareholder value to its investors and, more uniquely, to
its employees,” said Jon Seiffer, Senior Partner at Leonard Green. “This next chapter with The Home Depot is a logical step in SRS’ evolution and will mutually benefit both companies’ growth prospects for the benefit of all employees, customers, and suppliers,” said Josh Lutzker, Managing Director at Berkshire Partners.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of fiscal 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Jefferies LLC. is acting as lead financial advisor, and Goldman Sachs is also acting as financial advisor to SRS on this transaction.

About SRS Distribution

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in McKinney, Texas, SRS Distribution has grown to become one of the fastest-growing building products distributors in the United States. Since the Company’s inception, it has established a differentiated growth strategy and entrepreneurial culture that is focused on serving customers, partnering with suppliers, and attracting the industry’s best talent. SRS Distribution currently operates under a family of distinct local brands encompassing more than 760 locations across 47 states. SRS Distribution is a portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and Berkshire Partners LLC. For more information, visit www.srsdistribution.com.

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Pentair Earns 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award

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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.

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Fluidra EARNS 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year AWARD

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Award shown that Fludira won Partner of the Year Energy Star Award

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.

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