London, United Kingdom – October 19, 2026 – Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource, today announced that it has named Josh Cowley as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Pentair Pool, effective November 9, 2026. Mr. Crowley will report to De’Mon Wiggins, Executive Vice President and President, Pentair Flow, Water Solutions and Pool.

“Josh brings deep pool industry knowledge, a strong understanding of our customers and a proven ability to turn strategy into action,” said John L. Stauch, Pentair President and Chief Executive Officer. “His successful commercial and operating track record, coupled with his business acumen and leadership experience, will help build on the strength of our Pool business, enhance customer relationships and position Pentair Pool for long-term growth. We are pleased to welcome him to Pentair.”

Cowley brings more than 25 years of leadership experience and a successful track record of scaling businesses, building teams and strengthening channel partnerships. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of May Manufacturing, a leading hot tub and swim spa manufacturer, where he led the company through a significant phase of growth by establishing a customer centric culture with focused strategic priorities, expanding customer relationships, building a solid leadership team, and improved overall financial performance.

Prior to that, Cowley served as Chief Commercial Officer of Latham Group, the largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, where he led global sales, customer service, product and channel management, and brand marketing. Earlier in his career, from 2005 to 2021, he held several senior leadership roles at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., including President and General Manager of North America Retail Sales & Marketing. Cowley earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

About Pentair plc

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 a core large cap value S&P 500 equity stock focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.

Pentair had revenue in 2025 of approximately $4.2 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 9,000 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.

PENTAIR CONTACTS:

Jeff Thompson
Investor Relations
Direct: 763-656-5527
Email: jeff.thompson@pentair.com

Rebecca Osborn
Corporate Communications
Direct: 763-656-5589
Email: rebecca.osborn@pentair.com

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New territory managers, production leadership, and operations support reinforce the plunge pool manufacturer’s white-glove service as demand grows across U.S. markets

Pembroke, N.H. — October 2026 — Soake Pools, the New England manufacturer that pioneered the made-to-order precast concrete plunge pool, has added four team members to support its growth into new regional markets. The hires span sales, production leadership, and operations, positioning the team to scale with rising national demand for its hand-tiled pools, without sacrificing service or quality.

New appointments include:

• Kerry Covington, Pacific Northwest Territory Manager—Based in Oregon, Covington is Soake Pools’ first territory manager to live and work in the Pacific Northwest, offering on-the-ground support. With more than a decade of experience in high-end remodeling and landscape design for luxury residential construction, he will help Pacific Northwest homeowners translate plunge pool concepts into thoughtfully planned additions tailored to their homes and landscapes.
• Brooke Fine, MA South Shore, Cape Cod & Islands Territory Manager—Also based in territory and a Soake Pools customer herself, Fine brings both local knowledge and firsthand experience with the brand to the role. With a personal understanding of how a Soake Pool can enhance wellness, relaxation and outdoor living, she will provide dedicated in-territory support to homeowners across the Massachusetts South Shore, Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
• Eric Bailey, General Manager—At the company’s Pembroke production facility, Bailey will oversee manufacturing with 22 years of precast concrete experience. As a born-and-raised New Hampshire resident with a career built on quality and customer service, Bailey embodies the values Soake Pools has built its reputation on.
• Katherine Fillon, Accounts Receivable—Lifelong New Englander Fillon rounds out the company’s administrative team, supporting a seamless experience between Soake Pools’ customers, partners and collaborators.

The news follows Soake Pools’ recognition as one of Business NH Magazine’s 2026 Best Companies to Work For in New Hampshire, where the company earned the No. 11 spot after a rigorous evaluation that included employer and team surveys, site visits, and employee focus groups. As it grows its team, the locally owned, family-run company stays anchored to the same standards that earned this honor.

About Soake Pools: Co-founded by Karen and Brian Larson in 2014, Soake® Pools disrupted the industry as the first company to offer hand-tiled precast concrete plunge pools for the home. Today, Soake Pools is the leading prefabricated plunge pool manufacturer in North America, designing luxury, space-saving pools for year-round use and enjoyment. At Soake Pool’s New England facility, its plunge pools are made to order in a controlled environment using proprietary concrete and state-of-the-art tile, continually setting the standard with new dimensions, luxury finishes, and innovations in quality control, safety and usability with impressive turnaround timelines. Fully customizable and delivered ready to install, each Soake Pool is equipped for hot dips in the winter and cooling soaks in the summer, with cold plunge and resistance system offerings that support athletic recovery and enhance at-home wellness routines. The monolithic concrete design offers accessibility in size and pricing, while saltwater filtration, low water usage, and variable speed pumps support sustainability, require less maintenance, and lower costs. Delivering backyard luxury retreats with demonstrated ROI in home value, Soake Pools offer countless physical and mental wellness benefits at a fraction of the footprint and expense of a traditional pool.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HAYW) (“Hayward” or the “Company”), a leading global pool and outdoor living technology company, today announced the appointment of Jared Arrowood as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, effective immediately. As principal accounting officer, Arrowood will oversee the Company’s global financial reporting, tax, operational finance and technical accounting functions.

“Jared’s experience as a financial executive for publicly traded global organizations and his deep understanding of our business make him exceptionally well suited for this role,” said Eifion Jones, Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. “I am confident his technical expertise, leadership and business perspective will continue to strengthen our finance organization and support long-term value creation for shareholders.”

Arrowood will continue to report to Jones as part of his financial leadership team.

Arrowood joined Hayward in 2023 as Assistant Corporate Controller and was promoted to Vice President, Corporate Controller in 2024. He has helped strengthen the Company’s financial processes, controls and continuous improvement efforts across the global controllership organization. Prior to Hayward, Arrowood spent 17 years at SPX FLOW, including serving as Vice President of Finance for its Mixing Solutions division.

He holds a Master of Accounting from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is a certified public accountant.

About Hayward Holdings, Inc.
Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HAYW) is a leading global specialty water management company focused on designing and manufacturing pool and outdoor living technology and industrial flow control products. Driven by a mission to transform the experience of water, Hayward offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy‑efficient and sustainable pool equipment—including pumps, heaters, sanitizers, filters, LED lighting, water features, and cleaners—integrated through its intuitive, IoT‑enabled SmartPad platform. The Company also provides industrial thermoplastic valves and process control products serving a wide range of applications.

Investor Relations Contact: 
Kevin Maczka
investor.relations@hayward.com 

Media Relations Contact: 
Misty Zelent
mzelent@hayward.com

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Daldorado, a leading innovator in the commercial aquatic industry, announces the appointment of Marcia Gyles as its new Director of Sales. Bringing a distinguished track record of high-impact leadership to the role, Gyles’s comprehensive sales approach will span the entire industry ecosystem, serving distributors, contractors, and facility owners alike as she accelerates revenue growth and scales national operations.

In her new role, Gyles will manage the entire United States, leveraging her deep market expertise to provide unlimited access to Daldorado’s expansive product line. She is tasked with representing the company’s full portfolio of high-performance aquatic solutions—including its signature Rim-Flow systems, Main Drains, and highly anticipated products currently in development.

“We are thrilled to welcome a professional of Marcia’s high caliber to the Daldorado leadership team,” said Rob Lawson, Founder/CEO. “Her unparalleled expertise in channel sales and sophisticated account management makes her the perfect fit to elevate our national footprint as we shift to a distribution sales model. Marcia’s dynamic energy and master strategic vision will play a critical role in setting the tone for our sales pipeline and achieving our aggressive scaling goals.”

As Director of Sales, Gyles will oversee regular sales forecasting, manage cross-functional collaborations with marketing and operations for seasonal inventory planning, and maintain a commanding field presence. Her role involves an extensive travel schedule which includes conducting on-site commercial installation visits and providing master-class training for Daldorado’s extensive distribution and design networks.

About Daldorado

Daldorado is a leading innovator and manufacturer of high-quality commercial aquatic drainage systems and perimeter grating solutions. Committed to safety, durability, and superior engineering, Daldorado serves major commercial aquatic facilities, waterparks, and competitive swimming venues globally.

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Poolside Adventures and Landmark Aquatic have joined forces to bring big-impact attractions with a small footprint to aquatic facilities across the country. The partnership pairs Poolside Adventures’ AquaClimb®, AquaZip’N® and AquaNinja® FLX attractions with Landmark’s expansive nationwide reach and proven expertise in aquatic facility design, construction, renovation, and maintenance.

Poolside Adventures attractions add excitement to aquatic facilities without a major renovation because they anchor directly to an existing pool deck with no water hookups, special tools or added concrete and reinforcement. In fact, the modular AquaClimb® walls can start with one section and grow with budgets. The AquaZip’N® is rapidly becoming a new, safer alternative to diving boards as it only requires four feet of water depth, can be installed in just a few hours, and has a throughput of six riders a minute.

“Some municipalities can’t afford a new water park or perhaps cannot renovate their pool this year,” said Cherie Moy, VP of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships for Poolside Adventures. “Our products are an easy answer: a big impact with a small footprint, adding an ‘active attraction’ that makes the pool more exciting.”

“Landmark has a large footprint across the country, and we’re especially excited about their reach into HOA communities, a growing market where our partnership has already led to multiple installations,” said Moy. “Together, we will help clients find the right fit for their space, their budget and to add action and adventure to their pool experience.”

Matt Cappello, Vice President of Design at Landmark Aquatic agrees saying, “We’re excited to collaborate with Poolside Adventures to promote the versatility, ease of installation and entertainment value their products will bring to more pools across the country.”

About Landmark
Since 1967, Landmark Aquatic has helped communities and organizations bring complex aquatic facilities to life and keep them performing. Today, we are the nation’s largest integrated commercial aquatics platform, providing design, construction, renovation, restoration, and maintenance services nationwide. Our construction-led expertise and long-term service capabilities give customers one trusted partner across every stage of a facility’s lifecycle. For the life of your pool. Learn more at www.landmarkaquatic.com.

About Poolside Adventures
For more than 20 years, Poolside Adventures’ flagship AquaClimb® has led the market for poolside climbing walls. Its full line, including the AquaClimb® Luxe, AquaZip’N® and AquaNinja® FLX, delivers challenging, safe fun for swimmers of all ages. For more about Poolside Adventures visit www.aquaclimb.com.

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Vic Harshman brings extensive pool building experience to key leadership role

• Decades of proven pool construction experience across Nevada, Arizona and Texas
• Previously served as Shasta Pools’ exclusive excavation contractor
• Predecessor handpicked Harshman to grow position under new leadership team

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (October 5, 2026) – Shasta Pools, Phoenix Metro’s most recognized pool builder, named Vic Harshman as Head of Residential Construction. Harshman joins the new leadership team with more than three decades of hands-on industry experience and a long-standing relationship with the company to one of its most critical leadership roles.

Harshman has held senior construction leadership positions in Arizona and Texas, and worked closely with Shasta Pools, developing firsthand knowledge about the company’s standards, culture and customers. The appointment reflects the momentum Shasta Pools has built since its August 6 acquisition by Dansons Capital Group, Accrual Equity Partners, and Hydro Construction, and positions the full-service 60-year old pool company for continued growth.

Leadership Perspective
“Vic brings exactly the kind of no-nonsense, customer-first leadership our residential construction division needs,” said Jeff Thiessen, President, Dansons Capital Group. “His philosophy is deeply aligned with ours. Keeping customers’ needs as the foremost priority at every stage of the build process is at the center of everything we do, and Vic lives that every day.”

Harshman’s career in pool construction began at age 19, when he purchased a backhoe and launched a business digging plumbing trenches and footings. When the housing market declined in the late 1980s, he relocated to Las Vegas and began excavating swimming pools, a move that led to the creation of Harshman Excavating.

Harshman built and operated excavation businesses in Nevada, Arizona and Texas, primarily serving the pool industry, and served for a period as Shasta’s exclusive excavation contractor.

In 2012, Harshman joined A&A Manufacturing, serving pool builders across an eight-state region and growing annual sales by 10x. In 2020, he joined Keith Zars Pools in Texas as Director of Construction, where he brought together decades of ownership, leadership and industry knowledge.

A Return Rooted in Relationships
“I have always believed that strong relationships, hard work, accountability and taking care of people are the foundation of a successful business,” said Vic Harshman, Head of Residential Construction, Shasta Pools. “Shasta has been a meaningful part of my career for many years. I am genuinely excited to come back and help lead this team into a very exciting future.”

Harshman steps into the role with the full support of Dan Thiessen, Chairman of the new ownership team, and John Mortensen, the outgoing head of residential construction. Mortensen recommended Harshman for the position and will now serve as the company’s lead trainer. That transition reflects Shasta Pools’ commitment to investing in its people and preserving institutional knowledge as the organization continues to grow.

ABOUT SHASTA POOLS:
Shasta Pools is Arizona’s trusted name in custom pool building, proudly serving the Valley since 1966. For 60 years, Shasta has transformed backyards into beautiful, functional spaces where families relax, entertain and enjoy life. The company specializes in new pool construction, remodeling, pool service and landscape design with plans for expansion into the home services market to provide customers with complete home care solutions. Learn more at ShastaPools.com.

ABOUT DANSONS CAPITAL GROUP:
Dansons Capital Group, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a family-owned and family-managed investment firm built on shared values, integrity and long-term vision. The firm was established by the founders of Dansons, Inc., the company that launched and sold Pit Boss Grills. The company takes a hands-on approach, actively seeking opportunities across global markets and multiple asset classes. Its growing portfolio includes strategic real estate development holdings across multiple countries, oil drilling technologies, and limited partnership investments. Guided by a deep commitment to quality and the communities they serve, the Thiessen family leads with gratefulness for the blessings God has given them and in turn supports those less fortunate. Dansons Capital Group continues to identify and cultivate opportunities that reflect their family’s values and generational vision.

ABOUT ACCRUAL EQUITY PARTNERS:
Accrual Equity Partners (AEP) is a founder-led, privately funded private equity group built on the belief that every person, every percentage, and every product matters. This commitment, known as the “Power of One,” drives AEP’s mission to empower businesses and secure legacies across fragmented, service-based industries. AEP partners with founder-led and family-owned businesses to overcome barriers and unlock their full potential through strategic investment, operational performance enhancement, and advisory services. For more information, visit AccrualEquityPartners.com.

ABOUT HYDRO CONSTRUCTION:
Hydro Construction, LLC (HydroCon) was founded in 1986 to serve Arizona’s commercial pool construction and renovation market. Under the leadership of Curt Lonsdale, the company’s commercial pool construction division now manages some of the largest and most complex projects in the country.

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WU’s three-day program brings together leading watershape industry educators and professionals for advanced training in construction, design, business, and technology

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Watershape University (WU) has announced its Fall 2026 Session, a three-day educational event designed to provide watershape professionals with practical, advanced instruction in construction, design, business management, and emerging technologies.

The event will take place December 2–4, 2026, at UCSD Park and Market in downtown San Diego, bringing together hundreds of professionals from across the pool, spa, aquatic, and outdoor-living industries. The Fall Session features seven courses, offering a combination of foundational and advanced education, along with opportunities for professional networking and industry engagement. 

“Watershape University’s Fall Session is designed around the real-world challenges facing today’s watershape professionals,” said David J. Peterson, P.E., President/CEO of Watershape Consulting and Watershape University co-founder and instructor. “The program brings together some of the most experienced educators and practitioners in the industry and enables attendees to deepen their technical knowledge while gaining practical tools they can immediately apply to their businesses and projects.”

Education Across the Watershape Profession

The Fall Session opens December 2 with four full-day courses addressing essential construction practices, shotcrete quality, business administration, and sales and marketing.

CONSTRUCTION 2111: Essential Pool Construction, taught by Benjamin Lasseter and William Drakeley, provides a comprehensive examination of the disciplines and processes involved in building quality watershapes. Topics include geotechnical, hydraulic, structural and electrical considerations, project layout, form construction, shotcrete, waterproofing, tile and coping, decking, finishes, start-up procedures, and project completion. The course provides 24 hours of instruction and 2.4 CEUs. 

CONSTRUCTION 2241: ASA Quality Shotcrete, presented by Charles Hanskat of the American Shotcrete Association, focuses on the critical elements required to evaluate shotcrete placement and achieve a durable concrete pool shell. Attendees examine materials, equipment, placement techniques, finishing, curing, testing, protection, and jobsite safety. The course provides eight hours of instruction and 0.8 CEUs. 

For business owners and managers, BUSINESS 1611: Essential Business Administration Workshop, taught by Chris Volk and Julie Kazdin, addresses the operational issues that affect construction, service and retail companies. The curriculum includes contracts, insurance, liability, human resources, company culture, hiring and retention, marketing, sales and strategies for sustainable growth. 

BUSINESS 2323: Principles of Sales & Marketing for Pool Companies, presented by Dane Wiseman and Brett Abbott, examines brand positioning, lead generation, digital and traditional marketing, website conversion, marketing automation, customer-relationship management, sales psychology, online reputation, referrals and measurement of marketing performance. The course also explores practical applications of artificial intelligence in sales and marketing. 

Advanced Training for Experienced Professionals

The second day of the Fall Session introduces a series of advanced two-day programs.

CONSTRUCTION 4112: Advanced Watershape Construction – Residential, taught by David J. Peterson, P.E., and Paolo Benedetti, explores complex residential watershape construction, including vanishing and slot edges, moveable floors, advanced automatic covers, glass tile, difficult sites, soil stabilization, pier and beam foundations, advanced forming, water-treatment and automation systems. The course also addresses architecturally integrated watershapes, acrylic windows, fire elements and innovative aesthetic details. 

CONSTRUCTION 2622: Outdoor Finish Material Science, presented by Jason Brownlee, examines the properties and performance of natural stone, wood, tile, brick, concrete, metals, cementitious finishes and softscape materials. The course focuses on texture, moisture behavior, thermal movement, durability, surface performance, material selection and installation practices intended to reduce failure and improve long-term performance. 

The session also introduces DESIGN 3121: Essential Revit for Watershapers, taught by Richard Kremer and Conor Rodriguez of Watershape Consulting. The two-day course provides watershaping professionals with instruction in Revit, an increasingly important tool for digital design and project documentation. 

Professional Development and Certification

Several Fall Session courses contribute directly toward Watershape University professional certification pathways. Essential Pool Construction counts toward the Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF) credential, while Essential Business Administration and Essential Revit contribute to the Certified Watershape Builder (CWB) pathway. Advanced Watershape Construction – Residential contributes toward the Certified Watershape Professional (CWP)pathway, and ASA Quality Shotcrete is part of the Certified Watershape Shotcrete Specialist (CWSS) program. 

WU’s certification programs are designed to establish structured educational progression for watershape professionals, combining technical, business, design and construction disciplines.

“Professional education is fundamental to raising the standard of the entire watershape industry,” said Julie Kazdin, Watershape University’s Vice President of Operations and Dean of Business. “The Fall Session gives professionals at different stages of their careers access to concentrated, high-level instruction while creating an environment where they can exchange ideas and build relationships with peers from across the country.”

More Than the Classroom

In addition to classroom instruction, the Fall Session will include opportunities for attendees to connect with fellow professionals, instructors and industry leaders. An IWI Dinner Cruise is scheduled for the evening of December 2, followed by an industry tailgate gathering on December 3. 

The Fall Session will be held at UCSD Park and Market, 1100 Market St., San Diego, California. Registration and complete course information are available through Watershape University. 

Register for Watershape University’s Fall 2026 Education Session

About Watershape University

Watershape University is an educational organization dedicated to advancing professionalism throughout the watershape industry through comprehensive education, professional development and certification. WU provides instruction in business, design, engineering, construction and related disciplines for professionals working across the pool, spa, aquatic and outdoor-living sectors.

For more information, visit Watershape University or contact the organization at 858-788-9998 or info@watershape.org.

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Flowood, MS, October 1 – The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer Ibe as Membership and Sponsorship Sales Manager and Rachel Smith as Membership Marketing Manager. The two new positions strengthen NTCA’s focus on membership growth, retention, engagement, and delivering greater value to members.

“Growing and strengthening our membership is a key priority for the NTCA, and Jennifer and Rachel bring the experience and expertise to help us do that,” said Jeremy Sax, Deputy Director of NTCA. “Their complementary skills will allow us to take a more strategic approach to both membership development and the overall member experience.”

Jennifer Ibe, Membership and Sponsorship Sales Manager

Ibe brings more than 10 years of experience in association events, sales, sponsorships, relationship management, and strategic growth. Most recently, she served as Director of Sponsorship and Sales for the Global Workspace Association, where she led major conferences, sponsorship development, budgets, and initiatives that increased attendance by 33% and profitability by 30%.

At the NTCA, Ibe will lead membership recruitment, retention, re-engagement, and relationship development while supporting sponsorship and partner revenue opportunities. She will also represent the NTCA at major industry events and help strengthen relationships with members and prospective members.

Ibe holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Rachel Smith, Membership Marketing Manager

Smith brings extensive association experience in membership, communications, digital engagement, and member programming. Most recently, she served as Digital Communications Manager for the Association of Electric Companies of Texas. Previously, as Director of Membership for the Texas Economic Development Council, she managed more than 1,000 members and developed programs to increase member engagement and networking. She also served as Membership Coordinator for the Texas Association of Community Health Centers, where she managed more than 5,000 members and led new-member onboarding and retention initiatives.

At NTCA, Smith will focus on member onboarding, retention campaigns, communications, digital engagement, webinars, events, and community development. She will also support membership analytics and digital initiatives aimed at strengthening the member experience.

Smith holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Social Justice from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

“Jennifer’s focus on relationship-building and membership development, combined with Rachel’s experience in member communications and engagement, gives us a strong team focused on every stage of the member journey,” Sax added. “We’re excited about what this means for our members and for the future growth of NTCA.”

About NTCA
Established in 1947, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the professional installation of ceramic tile and natural stone. It is widely recognized as the largest and most respected tile contractors’ association in the world. For those seeking to improve their tile business, NTCA provides unparalleled educational experiences, supportive peer interaction, unique cost-savings programs, and a commitment to help develop the skills needed to improve your work, recruit, train, and manage your employees, and ultimately, make your business more profitable. Find out more at www.tile-assn.com.

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DAVENPORT, Fla., Darlly Filtration, one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world and a private label supplier to well-known names in pool and spa, has partnered with The Grit Game (TGG) to represent its pool and spa filtration line across seven states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

A filter program with the dealer’s name on it

For most pool stores, the replacement cartridge is the most shoppable item on the shelf. A customer brings in a dirty filter, the counter team identifies it, and the customer finds the same part number online before reaching the parking lot.

Darlly’s private label program is built to close that gap:

• Private label at no upcharge. The dealer’s logo goes on the cartridge label for the same price as a Darlly labeled filter.

• Custom part numbers. Dealers can assign their own part numbers, so the filter on their shelf is not a line-for-line price comparison online.

• No order minimums. No minimums on orders or on private label, so a dealer can start with their two or three highest-volume SKUs.

• Same ship timeline. Product is labeled when the order is picked, so private label ships as fast as stocked product.

“Every pool store we walk into has the same story. Their team does the work of identifying a filter, and the sale walks out the door to an online seller. Darlly gives dealers a real answer to that: their own name and their own part number on a cartridge built to the original spec, with no upcharge and no minimums. That is the kind of line we want to put in front of pool professionals, because it helps them run a better business,” Laci Davis, Co-Founder and CEO, The Grit Game.

Built to the spec of the original cartridge

Every Darlly pleated cartridge is built to the specification of the original equipment cartridge, with:

1. Single-layer tri-lobal spun bonded polyester media that resists chlorine and bromine
2. An ABS injection molded center core made with NSF certified material
3. Reinforced end caps with screen mesh molded in during production
4. Pleat bands for pleat stability
5. A screw thread guaranteed for life

What the partnership means across the seven states

TGG’s reps will work with pool professionals market by market, starting with the filters each account moves most.

• Florida. A cartridge-heavy market where price pressure is constant. The focus is private label and custom part numbers that take the price comparison off the table.

• Texas and Louisiana. Larger filters are the norm. Reps will cross-reference the large Hayward, Pentair, Jandy and Waterway cartridge sets that dominate the region.

• Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi. Wide-open ground where D.E. filtration is still common, making universal grid kits a simple, single-line-item add alongside cartridges.

“Darlly Filtration is excited to partner with The Grit Game. The professionalism, integrity and high standards of The Grit Game Team embody what Darlly stands for,” Brad Schneider, Director of U.S. Sales Pool & Spa Division.

Pool builders, service route companies and retail store owners interested in a Darlly private label program can contact their The Grit Game rep here.

About Darlly Filtration
Hangzhou Darlly Filtration has manufactured filter cartridges for more than 25 years and is one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world, producing more than 35 million filters a year for customers in over 100 countries. Beyond pool and spa, Darlly serves the biopharmaceutical, microelectronics, medical, food and beverage, petrochemical and drinking water industries. Darlly is an OEM and private label supplier to established brands in the pool and spa industry and offers more than 600 replacement cartridge part numbers, universal D.E. grids and filtration systems. US operations run from warehouses in Ontario, California and Loveland, Colorado. Learn more at darllyfilter.com.

About The Grit Game
The Grit Game is an award-winning manufacturer rep firm and marketing agency serving the pool, spa and backyard industry across the United States and Canada. Founded in 2023 by Laci Davis and Johnny Davis, TGG works on an “education before transaction” model, connecting a vetted line of manufacturer partners with the pool professionals who build, service and sell to backyard owners. TGG was named Pool Nation Sales Rep Group of the Year in 2024. Learn more at thegritgame.com.

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For John Watwood, taking the helm of POOLCORP represents something of a full-circle moment.

More than two decades before becoming President and CEO of the world’s largest distributor of swimming pool supplies, equipment and related outdoor living products, Watwood was learning the business from the ground up as a young participant in POOLCORP’s Manager in Training program.

“Right out of college, POOLCORP was my first career move,” Watwood told Pool Magazine. “I came in as an MIT. I was young. Loved the industry.”

His career would eventually take him outside the pool industry and into the bearing, power transmission and fluid power sector, but Watwood continued following both POOLCORP and the industry he had left behind.

“I always kept up with it. I always kept up with POOLCORP and what they were doing and where they were going, because I just thought it was such a unique industry, and it just kind of fit who I really was.”

One piece of advice from his first stint with the company proved particularly prophetic.

“My boss at that time, a guy named Bill Adams, who’s still with us, he told me, ‘Once you’re in the pool industry, you never get out,’” Watwood recalled. “And I guess that ended up coming true after 20-plus years, and I found my way back.”

From Management Trainee to CEO

Watwood certainly wasn’t thinking about eventually running the company during those early days. Asked whether becoming CEO had ever crossed his mind while participating in the MIT program, his answer was immediate.

“No. At that point, I think I was just trying to make sure I got to work on time,” he said.

The experience nevertheless left a lasting impression. Watwood spent roughly 90 days working in the warehouse, learning products and becoming familiar with the nuts and bolts of the distribution business.

“There are still a lot of part numbers that stuck with me from that original stint to this very day that I can easily rattle off,” he said. “Somebody comes in, they’re asking for a two-inch 90 slip. Man, I know exactly what that is and where to go.”

Decades later, Watwood returned to a dramatically larger organization and an industry facing a very different set of circumstances.

He stepped into POOLCORP’s top leadership position following several difficult years for the pool industry. Elevated interest rates, reduced housing turnover and a slowdown in new pool construction have placed pressure on builders and the broader supply chain, while the large installed base of existing pools has made service, repair and renovation increasingly important areas of the market.

Watwood doesn’t minimize those headwinds.

“We’ve got some challenges here for sure in the industry, and we’ve got some things we’ve got get better at POOLCORP for sure,” he said. “But overall it’s been great.”

Rather than arriving with a sweeping transformation plan, Watwood said his first months have largely been spent listening.

“My focus is to listen more than I talk,” he said. “I spend a lot of time in the field with our teams, at our sales centers, on calls with customers.”

Those conversations have centered on understanding what POOLCORP already does well, but perhaps more importantly, identifying where customers encounter friction.

“There’s just nothing you can do to replicate being in front of a customer and just listening to what their pain points are and what they need from us,” Watwood said.

That connectivity, he said, won’t simply be part of an introductory listening tour.

“The organization just has to be super connected to the industry, to our customers, to our employees, so we’re really listening to what they need us to be and where we need to go.”

Moving Beyond the Supplier Relationship

For a company whose scale has long been one of its defining competitive advantages, Watwood sees operational execution as a strength POOLCORP needs to preserve.

“We’re really good at the hard stuff,” he said, “when it comes to the operations, the four walls, POOLCORP’s really good at that, and has been for many years.”

But being an effective distributor is only part of what Watwood believes customers will require from POOLCORP moving forward.

“Can we be a better partner to the industry and the businesses out there? Of course we can,” he said. “Not just being a supplier, but being a business partner is just critical to the success of POOLCORP now and in the future.”

That distinction runs throughout Watwood’s strategy.

When considering what success should look like over the next 12 to 24 months, he isn’t pointing toward one massive initiative designed to reinvent the company. Instead, he describes himself as a “fundamentals guy,” with an emphasis on sales excellence, pricing and supply chain, operational execution and strategic M&A.

“I don’t think there’s any big super transformational thing POOLCORP needs to do here,” Watwood said.

From the customer’s perspective, however, he identified several straightforward benchmarks.

“We’ve got to be easier to do business with,” he said. “We need to find new ways to help them grow their business, not just supply them, and we have to continue to build trust with them.”

Reliability remains central to that equation.

“If they need something from us, they have to know it’s there. They’ve got to know we can get it to them and get it out the door quickly because time is money in this industry.”

Finding Opportunity in a Difficult Market

Exactly where those opportunities lie varies considerably across POOLCORP’s customer base.

New construction remains the most obvious trouble spot.

“That’s been the most challenged,” Watwood said. “It’s been a really tough environment for the last few years. Higher rates, less housing turnover. We all know the reasons why. It’s really slowed down new pool starts.”

The issue, from Watwood’s perspective, is larger than any single manufacturer, distributor or builder can solve independently. Getting the middle-market consumer back into the market will require cooperation throughout the industry.

“I think it’s gonna take a collective effort of all of us, supplier, distributor, dealer, builder, to really talk about what we can do and what we can impact,” Watwood said.

Those discussions are already happening. Watwood said conversations with large pool builders have focused on how POOLCORP can become a better partner and help move more pools, including addressing costs that may be keeping middle-market consumers on the sidelines.

Service and retail present a considerably different picture.

“Service and retail, that’s probably the most near-term opportunity I see,” he said. “There’s millions of pools already out there, already in the ground. The repair and remodel business has been pretty strong for us. The service business remains strong as well.”

For those businesses, Watwood sees opportunities for POOLCORP to expand its programs for chemicals and construction building materials while finding additional ways to help customers become more sustainable and profitable.

“We’ve got lead generation and joint marketing programs, really being linked up on the supply chain side,” he said. “That’s what everybody’s looking for as a partner right now, and they should be.”

Still, Watwood makes no secret of the fact that a healthier new construction market would benefit virtually every corner of the pool and outdoor living sector.

“We all wish the industry would be a little more robust, right?” he said. “It would really help us out if we could get that new pool construction 20, 30% more than what it is right now.”

New pools built today eventually become tomorrow’s service, repair and renovation customers, making construction an important feeder for the industry’s long-term installed base.

When that rebound arrives, however, remains difficult to predict.

“I honestly don’t have a crystal ball to say when the market is going to turn yet,” said Watwood.

Helping Pool Professionals Grow

Against that backdrop, Watwood believes POOLCORP’s responsibility extends beyond keeping products on the shelves.

He pointed to the company’s Retail Summit as one example of how POOLCORP can help dealers improve their businesses rather than simply sell them more inventory.

“We bring dealers in, we teach them how to run a more profitable business, how to merchandise better, how to think about their season differently,” Watwood said. “That’s us, really investing in their success, not just moving product.”

Technology represents another component of that strategy.

Watwood highlighted Pool360, which gives customers visibility into POOLCORP’s broader distribution network and the ability to check inventory beyond their local sales center.

“It’s not just an ordering tool,” he said. “It gives dealers visibility into our entire network so they can access inventory, manage their business, serve their own customers better than they could by just working off the local supply.”

Product training and marketing support also factor into the equation. Watwood said POOLCORP wants customers to have the knowledge needed to confidently sell and install new products while helping them compete more effectively in their local markets.

The objective is to identify the particular challenges confronting each type of customer rather than treating every business the same.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s retail or service or builder,” Watwood said. “They all have, as we were saying earlier, different friction points there that they’re trying to work through and we typically have a way to help them work through that.”

POOLCORP intends to continue refining the platform and reducing what Watwood described as user experience friction. At the same time, he stressed that some of the company’s most important improvements may be considerably less visible.

“How easy is it to place an order? How fast somebody gets an answer when they call in? How simple it is to check pricing or account information? How do we remain consistent in those areas?” he said.

“None of that’s flashy, but when it comes to distribution, the basics matter. The foundations matter. That’s the stuff that builds trust over time.”

Ultimately, Watwood said, customers want consistency. Technology can help create that experience, but Watwood’s view of distribution remains decidedly grounded in fundamentals.

“You got to be in the right areas. You got to have the right product in those areas. You got to have knowledgeable people working the counters, and just build upon those relationships.”

Authenticity, Transparency and Listening

Watwood’s approach to leadership follows a similar philosophy.

Among the first messages he delivered internally was the importance of authenticity.

“You’ve got to be authentic,” he said. “Who you are is who you are, and you can’t act one way towards one person and another way towards another person.”

Closely connected to that is transparency, something Watwood believes becomes increasingly important as both POOLCORP and its customers adjust to changes in the marketplace.

“The industry’s changing, we’re changing, customers are changing,” he said. “We need to be open and honest about what those changes are, where we’re going, and what we need to do to get there.”

That also means being willing to question practices simply because they’ve worked historically.

“Whatever we’ve done in the past for 20 years, maybe that’s not what we do moving forward.”

Watwood has asked the company’s executive leadership team to encourage that transparency internally, and he wants the same candor from POOLCORP’s customers.

In fact, some of the conversations he values most are with companies that don’t currently do much business with POOLCORP.

“I go and visit customers that don’t buy a lot from us because I learn a lot about the reasons why,” he said. “Probably I learn as much from those customers as I would any customer that does buy more volume from us.”

It’s an approach that requires hearing criticism as readily as praise.

“If we made some missteps in the past, I need to know those things,” Watwood said.

For an executive whose career with POOLCORP began at the warehouse level, that willingness to listen may ultimately define his tenure more than any individual initiative.

His message to builders, service professionals, retailers and dealers is that POOLCORP ultimately has to prove its value by adapting to what its customers need.

“POOLCORP is their business. It’s their company,” Watwood said. “This is a business that needs to adjust to be what they need it to be, and that’s being a true business partner.”

There are areas where POOLCORP already excels, he acknowledged, and others where the company has work ahead.

“But at the end of the day, if we don’t meet the customer’s needs, how and where they need to be met, then what’s our value proposition?”

For Watwood, the path forward comes back to the same principle that has shaped his first months in the job.

“We’re going to continue to listen. We’re going to continue to adjust and adapt,” he said. “And I think you’ll see a POOLCORP that gets even better as we move into the future.”

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with John Watwood, President and CEO of POOLCORP on the Pool Magazine Podcast.

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