Fluidra, the global leader in pool and wellness equipment and connected solutions, has announced the acquisition of Datapool, the digital twin platform developed by Ecotropy. With this transaction, the company reinforces its strategic commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency and the digitalization of the sector.

The transaction represents the evolution of a collaboration that began in 2024, when Fluidra invested in Ecotropy through Fluidra Ventures, its Corporate Venture Capital fund focused on startups with the potential to transform the pool and wellness sector through technological innovation.

With this acquisition, Datapool becomes fully integrated into Fluidra’s digital ecosystem for commercial pools, consolidating its role as a key part of the company’s value proposition. The platform incorporates advanced analytics capabilities, IoT solutions and real-time data within an open and scalable architecture, in line with the company’s strategy to offer connected and sustainable solutions that maximize the efficiency of aquatic facilities and accelerate the transition towards smarter management models.

Datapool outfits aquatic facilities with digital twins, enabling pools to be managed using reliable, real-time data and replacing management models based on estimates or manual supervision.

In this way, the platform simulates the optimal operation of each facility and continuously compares it with variables such as energy consumption, occupancy, weather conditions and water quality, providing a comprehensive view that helps anticipate incidents, optimize resources and improve operational performance.

Thanks to this technology, operators can reduce operating costs by 10% to 25% by optimizing water and energy consumption without the need for construction works or invasive interventions; monitor and adjust key parameters such as temperature, water quality and occupancy in real time; automate management through predictive models that adapt climate control and operations to real demand; generate automatic reports with traceable data for audits, tenders or grant applications; and plan investments and improvements based on objective data.

“This acquisition marks a milestone in our digitalization strategy. Datapool allows us to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent pool management model, improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact and offering our customers data-driven tools to make better decisions,” said Thorsten Muck, Commercial Pool Director at Fluidra.

The post Fluidra Acquires Datapool to Lead Digitalization and Efficiency in the Pool Sector appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

Dallas, TX — The pool and outdoor living industry is accelerating its digital transformation as more builders adopt connected tech stacks to increase efficiency across every phase of a project. The newly launched JobTread and POOLCORP integration signals this shift toward smarter, fully integrated construction workflows.

JobTread, a construction management platform trusted by more than 10,000 companies, today announced its new integration with POOLCORP, the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies and outdoor living products. This integration helps contractors connect estimating, purchasing, and project management in one streamlined workflow.

Launched in 2021, JobTread’s rapid growth reflects how quickly contractors are embracing project management software. In just a few years, the platform has seen a meteoric rise in adoption. That momentum signals a larger industry shift away from legacy solutions and toward integrated systems.

“Pool builders are becoming more strategic in how they use technology,” said Eric Fortenberry, Founder and CEO of JobTread. “They want systems that work together. Launching this new integration with POOLCORP helps contractors order materials quickly and seamlessly while delivering a better customer experience.”

The integration gives contractors direct access to POOLCORP’s full product catalog—including inventory, pricing, and ordering—while managing projects within JobTread. This includes access to National Pool Trends (NPT), POOLCORP’s leading building materials brand, trusted by builders and subcontractors for new pool construction and complete remodels. By connecting estimating directly to ordering across materials, finishes, and equipment, the integration helps streamline workflows, reduce errors, and accelerate project timelines.

For POOLCORP, the collaboration represents continued investment in digital innovation. As contractor expectations evolve, distributors and software providers are working more closely to support modern, connected workflows.

“Technology is reshaping how pool professionals operate,” said Todd Marshall, Vice President and Chief Information Officer of POOLCORP. “Partnering with platforms like JobTread is part of our broader commitment to building a more connected ecosystem for our customers. We will continue investing in integrations that help simplify workflows, accelerate project execution, and enable our customers to run their businesses faster and more efficiently.”

About JobTread
JobTread provides construction management software designed to help contractors streamline operations, improve financial visibility, and deliver exceptional project experiences. Launched in 2021 and trusted by more than 10,000 construction companies, JobTread combines estimating, scheduling, communication, job costing, and reporting in a single system, giving contractors real-time financial visibility across every project. Learn more at www.jobtread.com.

About POOLCORP
POOLCORP is the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies, equipment, and related outdoor living products. Serving thousands of professionals across the industry, POOLCORP supports contractors with a broad product offering, including National Pool Trends (NPT), and a growing focus on digital innovation and connected customer experiences.

JobTread Contact:
Taylor Crosby
Director of Marketing
Taylor@jobtread.com

POOLCORP Contact:
Kendall Large
Vice President of Marketing
marketing@poolcorp.com

The post Pool Industry Accelerates Digital Transformation with POOLCORP and JobTread as Tech Stacks Become More Connected appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

Buying a home with a pool can almost feel like you hit the jackpot—until you realize that the swimming pool is its own ecosystem with its own set of rules, maintenance needs, and potential headaches. A backyard pool can absolutely elevate a property, but if you don’t know what you’re looking at, it can also turn into an expensive surprise. The key is understanding what to look for before you close, not after you’re already holding the keys.

You already called out some of the big visual red flags—loose tiles, green water, low levels, and structural cracks. Those are the obvious ones. But the real story usually lives just beneath the surface and over on the equipment pad.

Let’s walk through the top pool-related issues home buyers need to be aware of so you don’t inherit someone else’s problem project.

Structural Integrity Beyond the Obvious

Hairline cracks happen. That’s normal. But not all cracks are created equal. What you want to pay attention to are structural cracks—especially ones that run horizontally, widen over time, or show signs of movement.

Cracks in steps, benches, or along the bond beam (top edge of the pool) can indicate shifting soil, poor construction, or long-term neglect. If the pool is losing water and there are visible cracks, that’s a double whammy—now you’re talking structural repair plus leak detection.

Also look for signs of previous patchwork. If you see multiple areas that have been repaired or resurfaced inconsistently, that could mean ongoing issues rather than a one-time fix.

Pool Surface Condition (Plaster, Pebble, Vinyl, Fiberglass)

The interior finish tells you a lot about how the pool has been maintained. Plaster that feels rough, stained, or etched is usually the result of poor water chemistry over time. Pebble finishes should be uniform—if they look worn down or patchy, resurfacing could be on the horizon.

Vinyl liner pools have their own issues—wrinkles, fading, or brittleness are signs the liner is nearing the end of its life. Fiberglass pools should be smooth and glossy; dull or chalky finishes could indicate oxidation or improper care.

Resurfacing isn’t a minor expense, so this is one of those things you want to factor into your offer if it’s close.

Equipment Pad: The Heart of the System

One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying a home with a pool is that they forget to look at the pool equipment first. This often proves to be a costly error. The equipment pad is where you’ll find out if the system is dialed in or held together with duct tape and prayers.

Here’s what to inspect:

Pump: Listen for grinding or whining noises. That usually means worn bearings or a failing motor.

Filter: Check for leaks, rust, or cracks. Ask when it was last cleaned or replaced.

Heater: Look for corrosion, especially if the home is near the coast. Heaters are expensive to replace.

Chlorinator or Salt System: Salt cells have a limited lifespan. If it’s older, you may be replacing it soon.

Automation System: If there’s a control panel or app-based system, test it. Make sure it actually works.

A clean, organized equipment pad is usually a good sign. If it looks chaotic, poorly plumbed, or neglected, that tells you everything you need to know about how the pool has been cared for.

Circulation and Flow Issues

Even if the water looks okay during a showing, circulation problems can be hiding underneath. Poor circulation leads to algae growth, cloudy water, and inconsistent chemical distribution.

Watch for:

Weak return jets
Dead spots where debris collects
Air bubbles in the pump basket
Water not reaching skimmers properly

These can point to suction leaks, clogged lines, or undersized equipment. None of those are fun to deal with after the fact.

Signs of a Leak (Beyond Low Water Level)

Low water is one clue, but leaks don’t always present that clearly. Pools naturally lose some water to evaporation, especially in hot climates, so you need to dig deeper.

Look for:

Wet spots or sinking areas around the pool
Cracks in decking that seem to be shifting
Constant need to refill the pool
Air in the system (bubbles in returns)

A leak detection test might cost a few hundred bucks during escrow, but it can save you thousands if there’s an underground issue.

Decking and Drainage Problems

The area around the pool matters just as much as the pool itself. Poor drainage can lead to water pooling near the foundation or undermining the pool structure over time.

Watch for:

Uneven or lifting deck surfaces
Standing water after rain or heavy use
Cracks that run toward the pool
Deck material separating from the coping

This isn’t just cosmetic. Drainage issues can lead to bigger structural problems if left unchecked.

Coping and Tile Line Condition

The coping (the edge around the pool) and tile line take a beating from weather, chemicals, and constant water exposure. Loose coping stones or deteriorating grout can allow water to seep behind the shell, leading to bigger issues.

If tiles are falling off or the grout is crumbling, it’s usually a sign of long-term neglect rather than a quick fix situation.

Electrical and Safety Compliance

This is one area you don’t want to overlook. Pools involve electricity, water, and metal—bad combination if things aren’t up to code.

Make sure:

GFCI outlets are present and functional
Bonding wires are intact
Pool lights are working and properly sealed
There are no exposed or makeshift electrical connections

Older pools may not meet current code, and bringing them up to standard can cost real money.

Age and Remaining Life of Equipment

Everything on a pool has a lifespan. Pumps, heaters, filters, and salt cells don’t last forever. If the equipment is 8–12 years old or older, you should assume replacements are coming soon.

Ask for:

Installation dates
Service records
Any recent repairs or upgrades

If the seller doesn’t know, that’s already a signal.

Water Chemistry History

You can tell a lot about a pool just by testing the water. If levels are wildly off during a showing, that might mean the pool hasn’t been maintained properly.

Poor chemistry over time leads to:

Surface damage
Equipment wear
Algae growth
Scaling and staining

Even if it looks clean for the showing, bad habits tend to leave long-term damage.

Pool Size, Depth, and Usability

Not all pools are practical for every buyer. Some are too deep, too shallow, or oddly shaped for actual use.

Think about:

Is the depth appropriate for your family?
Is there usable space for lounging or playing?
Are steps and entries safe and accessible?

A pool that looks impressive but isn’t functional can become more of a burden than a benefit.

Permits and Compliance

Make sure the pool was built legally and permitted. Unpermitted pools can create issues with insurance, resale, and liability.

Also check:

Fencing requirements
Safety gates and alarms
Local compliance standards

You don’t want to inherit a compliance issue that becomes your problem.

What Sellers Should Be Providing to Smooth the Sale

When buying a home with a pool, one of the clearest signs of how well it’s been cared for is the documentation the seller can provide.

Pools make buyers nervous for a reason. Unknown condition, hidden issues, and lack of maintenance history can quickly turn a great backyard into a question mark. The more information a seller can provide, the easier it is to evaluate the pool with confidence.

Here’s what the seller should have ready:

Builder Information
Who built the pool? Was it a reputable company? If you’ve got original plans or documentation, that’s gold.

Service History
Provide records of regular maintenance. Show that the pool has been consistently cared for, not ignored until listing day.

Equipment Manuals
Buyers don’t want to inherit a system they can’t operate. Having manuals or even basic written instructions goes a long way.

Warranty Information
If any equipment is still under warranty, make that clear. Transferable warranties are a big plus.

Recent Repairs or Upgrades
Be transparent about what’s been done—new pump, resurfacing, tile work, etc. This builds trust and reduces negotiation friction.

Utility and Operating Costs
Give buyers a realistic idea of what it costs to run the pool monthly. This helps eliminate surprises.

Pool Service Contact
If you have a reliable service company, introduce them. Buyers love continuity, especially if they’re new to pool ownership.

Startup Instructions
A simple “how to run your pool” guide—timers, valves, cleaning schedule—can make a huge difference for a first-time pool owner.

Clean, Balanced Water
This sounds basic, but it matters. A clean, properly balanced pool during showings sends a strong signal that the pool has been maintained.

At the end of the day, buying a home with a pool isn’t just about the backyard lifestyle—it’s about inheriting a system. If that system is in good shape, you’re stepping into something awesome. If it’s not, you’re stepping into a project.

Do your homework, get a professional pool inspection during escrow, and treat the pool with the same level of scrutiny as the roof or foundation. Because when a pool goes sideways, it doesn’t mess around.

Does a Pool Add Resale Value?

Yes—but it depends on the market, the condition of the pool, and how well it’s maintained.

A 2025 study from Realtor.com found that homes with pools sold for a 54% premium—$599,000 versus $389,000 for homes without. While the so-called “pandemic pool premium” has cooled, pools still remain a strong selling point in many markets, especially in warmer climates.

“During the pandemic, people were looking for ways to get more enjoyment out of their homes, and this surge in demand for features like pools translated into a substantial ‘pool premium,’ where homes featuring a pool commanded significantly higher asking prices compared to their pool-less counterparts,” says real estate expert Hannah Jones.

That premium peaked in early 2022, but it hasn’t disappeared.

“Although price premiums have normalized, the presence of a pool continues to drive a premium and be a popular item to include in listings as a home or community feature,” Jones adds.

The catch? Condition matters.

In other words, buying a home with a pool can add value—but only if it’s been well maintained. Even an older pool with updated equipment can absolutely increase buyer appeal and help a home sell faster. But a neglected pool—green water, broken or outdated equipment, visible damage—can have the opposite effect, turning buyers off or becoming a negotiation point that drags the price down.

The post Buying a Home With a Pool: Key Things Every Buyer Should Check First appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

As communities across the country prepare for another summer swim season, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is increasing its focus on one of the most persistent safety issues surrounding residential pools and spas: child drownings. This week, the CPSC announced it is making up to $4 million in pool safety grants through Pool Safely, providing financial support to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments working to strengthen pool safety enforcement and drowning prevention initiatives.

The announcement comes as federal data continues showing troubling trends involving pediatric drownings. According to statistics cited by the CPSC and CDC, drowning remains the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four and continues ranking among the leading causes of accidental death for older children nationwide.

Between 2020 and 2022, an average of 357 children under the age of 15 died annually in pool- or spa-related drownings. Hundreds of additional non-fatal submersion incidents also required emergency medical treatment during that same period, many resulting in long-term neurological injuries.

The latest grant funding initiative reflects growing concern among regulators and safety organizations that progress made over the last two decades may be slowing as drowning fatalities trend upward again following years of decline.

Federal Officials Shift Focus Toward Enforcement

The Pool Safely Grant Program operates under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, legislation passed in 2007 following the death of 7-year-old Virginia Graeme Baker, who became trapped by the suction force of a spa drain.

The law dramatically reshaped public pool safety standards nationwide by requiring compliant anti-entrapment drain covers and additional circulation safety systems in public pools and spas. Its impact was immediate.

According to figures referenced by the CPSC, there has not been a reported child death involving drain entrapment in a public pool or spa in the United States since implementation of the Virginia Graeme Baker Act.

Federal regulators are now applying similar pressure toward broader residential drowning prevention efforts, particularly in areas where enforcement and compliance vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another.

Communities receiving pool safety grants may qualify for awards ranging from $50,000 to $400,000, with at least half of the money required to support enforcement-related activities such as inspections, staffing, and training. Remaining funds may be used for public education campaigns, outreach programs, and water safety initiatives.

The emphasis on enforcement highlights a growing concern that many residential pool safety regulations already exist on paper, but compliance oversight often depends heavily on local resources and staffing levels.

In some municipalities, pool barrier inspections and residential code enforcement remain aggressive and highly structured. In others, enforcement may be complaint-driven or limited by staffing shortages and budget constraints.

Older residential pools can also complicate compliance efforts, particularly in neighborhoods where construction predates modern barrier standards and updated safety requirements.

Most Incidents Continue Occurring in Residential Settings

One of the more sobering realities surrounding child drownings is how often they occur outside of active recreational swimming.

According to data cited by the CPSC, nearly 70% of toddler drownings happen during non-swim times rather than organized pool activity.

That statistic has played a major role in reshaping how safety organizations approach drowning prevention messaging. Much of the conversation now centers around restricting unsupervised access to water rather than focusing exclusively on recreational swim safety.

Residential barriers remain one of the most heavily emphasized components of modern pool safety programs, particularly:

• Four-sided isolation fencing
• Self-closing, self-latching gates
• Door alarms
• Safety covers
• Pool alarms
• Compliant anti-entrapment drain covers

Safety advocates increasingly describe drowning prevention as a layered strategy rather than a single-product solution. Physical barriers, supervision, swim instruction, alarms, and CPR preparedness are all viewed as overlapping safeguards designed to reduce the likelihood of unsupervised water access and improve emergency response when incidents occur.

The broader discussion has also evolved alongside newer pool technologies. Cameras, motion sensors, smart alerts, and connected automation systems have become more common in residential environments, though safety organizations continue warning against relying too heavily on technology without maintaining physical barriers and direct supervision.

Swim Education and Water Competency Continue Drawing Attention

The latest drowning statistics have also renewed focus on disparities involving swim instruction and water competency access.

According to figures referenced by the CPSC, Black children and American Indian/Alaska Native children continue experiencing disproportionately higher drowning rates compared to white children, particularly in swimming pools.

Many organizations involved in water safety outreach have attributed those disparities to unequal access to swim lessons, aquatic facilities, and community education programs.

Over the last several years, municipalities and nonprofit groups have expanded subsidized swim lesson programs aimed at younger children and underserved communities, particularly in areas lacking affordable aquatic education opportunities.

Additional grant funding distributed through the Pool Safely program could help expand some of those local initiatives moving forward.

A Renewed National Focus Ahead of Summer

Applications for the latest round of pool safety grants are being accepted through July 13, 2026 through the federal Grants.gov portal under grant opportunity CP-VGB-26-01.

The funding initiative arrives at a time when pool safety organizations, regulators, and local governments are placing renewed emphasis on drowning prevention ahead of peak summer swimming activity.

For federal agencies, the concern extends beyond statistics alone. Rising pediatric drowning fatalities have increasingly become a public health issue tied not only to residential pool access, but also to enforcement consistency, swim education availability, and long-term community safety infrastructure.

The latest funding effort suggests regulators are preparing for a more aggressive push toward residential pool safety compliance and broader public awareness campaigns over the next several years as communities continue searching for ways to reverse a trend that has become increasingly difficult to ignore.

The post CPSC Announces $4M in Pool Safety Grants to Combat Rising Child Drownings appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

May is National Water Safety Month, and while many of the conversations surrounding pool safety tend to focus on supervision, swim lessons, and drowning prevention education, one of the most important physical layers of protection around a swimming pool is often overlooked entirely — the barrier system itself.

For many homeowners, a pool fence is treated as little more than a code requirement or decorative backyard feature. But according to Jeremy Brongo, owner of Florida State Fence, the details surrounding a properly designed and maintained pool barrier can make a tremendous difference when seconds matter most.

“One of the things that a fence can do is prolong the time that it takes for a child to get close to a pool,” said Brongo. “So it’s just an added layer of protection that doesn’t allow the children to accidentally fall into the pool.”

That idea — buying precious time — sits at the heart of modern pool safety philosophy.

Drowning Prevention Starts With Safety

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for young children in the United States, and nowhere is the issue more pronounced than in Florida. According to Florida Department of Health data, the state routinely leads the nation in child drowning fatalities among children ages 1-4. In many cases, the incidents occur in residential swimming pools.

Florida’s year-round swimming weather, combined with the sheer number of residential pools throughout the state, helped push lawmakers to adopt some of the country’s strongest residential pool barrier laws decades ago.

Brongo says the speed at which these incidents occur is something many homeowners fail to fully appreciate until tragedy strikes close to home.

“You always hear families or someone that has dealt with somebody who they know that has drowned in a pool,” said Brongo. “They always say that it happened so quick.”

That reality is one reason why safety experts increasingly stress the importance of layered protection around pools rather than relying on any one single solution.

Barriers, Part of The Pyramid of Pool Safety

The concept of a “Pyramid of Pool Safety,” is an approach heavily promoted throughout the aquatics industry. The idea is simple: no single device or technology is foolproof on its own.

Fences, alarms, supervision, swim lessons, self-closing gates, drain safety systems, and water competency all work together as overlapping layers of protection.

Adam Katchmarchi, Vice President of Educational Development at Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, previously told Pool Magazine that while technology is making advancements in assisting in drowning prevention, “there is no replacement for barriers, supervision, and water competency.”

Brongo echoes that same philosophy from the barrier side of the industry.

“I think just giving that extra layer of protection buys you more time,” he explained. “If a toddler or child gets away from you temporarily, it gives you those few extra precious moments to act and help try to keep children safe .”

Florida Leading The Way By Necessity

One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that any backyard fence automatically satisfies pool safety laws.

In reality, Florida’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act contains very specific requirements governing residential barriers and controlled access around pools.

“That law requires residential pools to have at least one approved safety feature designed to restrict or detect unsupervised access,” Brongo explained. “The most common solution is a compliant barrier system around the pool, such as a fence.”

The problem, according to Brongo, is that many homeowners never realize how technical those requirements actually become.

“I think people just assume that if they have a fence, then they’re compliant,” said Brongo. “But the fence actually has a lot of specifications that make it pool compliant.”

Pool barriers in Florida must generally be at least 48 inches tall and designed to discourage climbing. But even something as simple as the placement of a horizontal rail can create a code issue.

“If there’s a horizontal bar in the fence, that will allow a small child to put their foot in there and basically act as a ladder,” Brongo said. “So the spacing between any horizontal members on the fence has to be greater than 45 inches.”

The Gate Is The Most Important Part

While the fence itself matters, Brongo says the gate is often the single most critical component of the entire system.

“I would say the gate’s probably the number one most important part of the fence,” said Brongo. “That’s naturally where people tend to walk and tend to go to access a pool.”

Florida law requires pool gates to be self-closing and self-latching, but Brongo says homeowners often underestimate how important proper operation truly is.

“If the gate for some reason closes but doesn’t fully latch, and the gate’s still accessible or has the ability to get in, that can become an issue,” he explained.

Another requirement many people never realize exists is the direction the gate swings.

“The gate’s required to swing out. The gate cannot swing in,” said Brongo. “A lot of people don’t know this.”

The reasoning behind that rule is surprisingly practical. Young children naturally push forward against barriers. If a gate swings inward and isn’t fully latched, a child leaning into it could accidentally open access directly to the pool.

“If it swings out, if a child walks up, they’re not going to have the ability to reach up to where the handle of the latch should be,” Brongo explained. “And if they lean on the fence, it would typically latch and wouldn’t open.”

The Hidden Problems Homeowners Miss

Some of the biggest safety risks surrounding pool barriers aren’t actually part of the fence itself.

Brongo says his company frequently encounters situations where homeowners unknowingly create climbing hazards around otherwise compliant barriers.

“One of the main ones is if there’s something left near a fence or some type of pool equipment or AC equipment that’s too close to a fence and can be used as an object that someone can climb on,” he said. “That’s just not something that’s thought about very often.”

Furniture, planters, coolers, storage bins, and even landscaping can all unintentionally compromise a barrier system over time.

That same gradual change is why maintenance becomes so important.

“I would say people tend to get complacent and they don’t maintain,” Brongo explained. “The fence may have been installed pool-compliant at one time, but over time, the gate might not be functioning the same way that it was the day it was installed.”

Pool owners should routinely inspect hinges, latches, springs, closures, and surrounding conditions to ensure the barrier is still performing correctly years after installation.

“The gates usually are just an easy adjustment,” said Brongo. “Most of the hinges on our gates are spring-loaded. You can adjust the tension with an Allen wrench. It takes no more than two minutes.”

When To Plan A Pool Barrier

According to Brongo, barrier planning should never be treated as an afterthought.

In Florida, barrier systems are directly tied into the final stages of pool construction and inspection.

“It’s part of the pool safety inspection here in Florida,” said Brongo. “They actually will not allow a homeowner to fill the pool with water until they have the barrier system in place.”

That means pool owners should be discussing fencing, access points, alarms, and overall safety design alongside the original pool layout — not after construction is complete.

For homeowners using the house itself as part of the barrier system, additional protections may also be required.

“Any doors leading directly to the pool area may have to have an alarm or some type of self-closing option,” Brongo explained.

Safety And Backyard Design Can Coexist

One of the reasons some homeowners resist installing pool fencing is the belief that barriers ruin the visual appeal of a backyard.

Brongo says modern fencing options have evolved significantly over the years.

“Fencing’s come a long way,” he said. “There’s so many great options now for pool fences.”

Aluminum fencing remains one of the most popular choices throughout Florida, but today’s homeowners also have access to a wide variety of colors, styles, and designs capable of blending into luxury outdoor environments while still remaining code compliant.

Ultimately, though, aesthetics should never outweigh safety.

“It can happen in a split second, and safety is the number one priority,” Brongo said. “If there’s anything that they can do to help prevent an incident, fencing is obviously one of those items.”

Because when it comes to pool safety, the details most people miss are often the ones that matter most.

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Jeremy Brongo on the Pool Magazine podcast.

Photo Credits: Florida State Fence

The post Pool Barrier Safety: The Small Details That Matter Most appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

A neglected swimming pool sitting on property owned by Micron Technology has finally been filled in nearly three years after the company purchased the site — ending a situation that neighbors and pool safety professionals had warned posed serious risks.

According to recent reports, construction crews this week demolished the boarded-up home on Henry Clay Boulevard in Clay, New York, and filled the abandoned in-ground swimming pool with gravel after months of concerns over stagnant water, mosquitoes, and public safety hazards.

The property had remained vacant since Micron purchased it in August 2023 as part of the company’s massive semiconductor expansion project in Central New York.

A Dangerous Situation Drawing Attention

For pool industry professionals, the story highlights a recurring issue involving abandoned residential pools and the liabilities they can quickly create when properties sit unattended for extended periods.

“You have an unoccupied property that has a potential dangerous condition,” said Wendy Purser of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance in comments to Syracuse.com last month.

Neighbors reportedly complained the pool had become filled with stagnant water and leaves while remaining openly accessible for months. Concerns ranged from accidental drownings to mosquito infestations and waterborne health issues.

Under New York state building codes, residential swimming pools are required to be maintained in a “clean and sanitary condition.” Local regulations in the Town of Clay reportedly go even further, requiring abandoned pools to be filled to ground level and reported to the town codes office.

Town Officials Step In

According to the report, town officials were initially unaware of the condition of the property until contacted by reporters in April. Following an inspection, the town secured the property by locking the gate surrounding the pool area.

The situation also drew the attention of local health officials. Onondaga County had reportedly planned mosquito treatment measures for the stagnant water after concerns emerged over disease-carrying insects breeding in the pool.

Two weeks after the issue became public, a spokesperson for Micron stated that demolition and pool removal had already been planned as part of the company’s broader redevelopment work.

What Is Micron Building in New York?

Micron reportedly paid $500,000 for the property, which will ultimately be used to support underground infrastructure connected to the company’s planned semiconductor manufacturing campus.

While many outside the tech industry may not recognize the name, Micron Technology is one of the largest semiconductor manufacturers in the United States. The company produces memory and storage chips used in everything from smartphones and laptops to AI systems, cloud computing infrastructure, vehicles, and advanced electronics.

Its planned New York expansion has been described as a semiconductor “megafab” project that could eventually total roughly $100 billion in investment. The Clay development north of Syracuse is expected to create thousands of jobs while dramatically expanding domestic chip manufacturing capacity in the United States.

The first fabrication facility is currently expected to come online later this decade after delays pushed back earlier timelines. Micron has indicated the broader campus could eventually include four separate chipmaking plants.

Why Abandoned Pools Become a Serious Liability

While the scale of the development may be enormous, the abandoned pool became an example of how quickly neglected aquatic environments can become liabilities — particularly when ownership changes hands and residential properties sit dormant.

For pool professionals, the story reinforces an issue the industry has long emphasized: an unused swimming pool still requires active maintenance, monitoring, and secure barriers regardless of whether the property is occupied.

Standing water in abandoned pools can rapidly become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, algae, bacteria, and other contaminants. At the same time, unsecured pools remain one of the most serious accidental drowning risks for children.

Industry experts frequently point out that even pools awaiting demolition or redevelopment must still comply with local safety and sanitation requirements.

Ultimately, crews resolved the situation by removing the pool entirely — bringing an end to a problem that had drawn increasing scrutiny from neighbors, health officials, and pool safety advocates alike.

The post Tech Company Fills Dangerous Abandoned Pool After Safety Concerns Raised By Industry Expert appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

AUSTIN, Texas (May 21, 2026) — SPS PoolCare, the largest swimming pool services company in the United States, today announced it has acquired the majority of Amenity Pool Services’ pool service operations. The transaction, completed in two portions, spans Amenity’s commercial and residential operations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Jacksonville, Fla., as well as its residential operations in Orlando, Dallas, and Port Charlotte, Fla.

The Amenity transaction builds on SPS PoolCare’s January 2026 acquisition of Pool Troopers, which united the nation’s two largest pool service providers. Amenity Pool Services is ranked #3 on the 2025 PSN/Jandy Top 50 Service List, and together, these transactions reflect the company’s capacity to integrate large, complex operations while delivering the consistent, professional service experience that customers depend on every week.

“Amenity has outstanding team members, service standards, and customer relationships cultivated across key Sun Belt markets,” said Lance Martin, CEO of SPS PoolCare. “With this partnership, customers benefit from our expanded network of skilled technicians, advanced scheduling systems, and comprehensive service offerings that keep their pool in top condition year-round.”

SPS PoolCare, a portfolio company of Storr Group, has acquired more than 200 pool service companies since its inception in 2021. The company seeks to provide customers with continuity by preserving existing service schedules, technician relationships, and pricing structures during each transition onto ServiceTitan’s cloud-based platform. SPS PoolCare now serves more than 50,000 weekly recurring residential and commercial customers across 19 markets in five states.

“This transaction represents another significant step in executing the company’s long-term consolidation strategy and further strengthens the platform’s leadership position in the industry. We look forward to supporting the management team through the next phase of growth and integration,” added Fraser Ramseyer, founder of SPS PoolCare and founder and CEO of Storr Group. 

Nation’s largest pool services company acquires operations in Phoenix, Tucson, Dallas, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fla.,and Port Charlotte, Fla. 

• Acquisition brings new customers, skilled technicians, and expanded market presence  
• SPS PoolCare has acquired over 200 pool service companies since its inception in 2021.
• SPS PoolCare now serves over 50,000 weekly recurring residential and commercial customers across 19 markets in five states.

About SPS PoolCare: 

As the #1 swimming-pool service company in the United States, SPS PoolCare is on track to perform over 2,000,000 weekly recurring pool services in 2026 and employs more than 1,000 staff across five states. Backed by Storr Group, the company is focused on growing its family of brands across the Sun Belt, as it continues to make owning a pool a joy. The company is committed to creating a world-class service experience for its customers and to being the employer-of-choice for its team members. Read more at spspoolcare.com

About Storr Group: 

Storr Group is an operationally focused lower-middle-market investment firm that backs, builds, and scales industry-leading platforms. With a rich background in business building, Storr combines world-class operators with strategic M&A, deep integration, and sophisticated technology to drive sustainable growth and long-term value. Storr Group has offices in West Palm Beach, New York City, and Austin. To partner today, visit storrgroup.com

For more information, contact: 

Madeleine Budge 

10 to 1 Public Relations 

Madeleine@10to1pr.com

(480) 514 – 1070

The post SPS PoolCare Acquires Amenity Pool Services’ Operations in Six Sun Belt Markets appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

I read a story this week that made me angry.

Not surprised. Angry.

A six-year-old girl named Ashlyn can swim across the pool and back. Her mother, Ashley, never learned. Ashley grew up in Buffalo with city pools that were only open in the summer. No year-round instruction. No real access. Now she watches her daughter swim and jokes that Ashlyn will have to save her if they’re ever in trouble in the water.

That’s not a heartwarming story. That’s a generational failure dressed up as progress.

Buffalo has one indoor public pool open year-round. One. In a city of nearly 280,000 people on the shores of Lake Erie and the Niagara River. The city has lost half its pools in the last decade. Two are permanently closed. Two more shut for repairs. The outdoor pools that remain will only open this summer if they can find enough lifeguards, which gets harder every year because the pipeline that produces lifeguards starts at the pools they keep closing.

Mike Switalski of the City Swim Project has been teaching kids to swim for free or at subsidized cost since 2012, reaching up to 500 children a year. He said it as plainly as anyone could. Close pools. Fewer swimmers. Fewer people have the skills to become lifeguards. Fewer lifeguards means fewer pools can open. Repeat.

This is what an aquatic desert looks like.

An aquatic desert is not always a place with no pools. Sometimes it is a place with pools that nobody uses. A city that built infrastructure and then walked away from it. A community where the pools exist on paper but the programming — the swim lessons, the lifeguard training, the learn-to-swim access — has been quietly eliminated through years of budget cuts and deferred decisions. Infrastructure without programming is not aquatic access. It is the appearance of access. And communities that mistake one for the other produce the same drowning statistics as communities with no pools at all.

Buffalo is not alone. Pittsburgh has lost roughly half its public pools over the past few decades. Cincinnati dropped from 44 facilities to 24. This pattern is playing out in city after city across the country — and the communities paying the highest price are almost always the ones that were underserved to begin with.

This is where equity in aquatics becomes more than a phrase.

Equity in aquatics is not an abstract value. It is a measurable outcome — who has access to drowning prevention education, who receives swim instruction, who drowns, and who gets left behind. Buffalo has a large Black population. Black children drown in swimming pools at rates 5.5 times higher than white children. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one through four in the United States. More than 4,500 Americans drowned each year between 2020 and 2022 — 500 more annually than before the pandemic. These are not unrelated statistics. They are connected directly to decisions communities make about their aquatic facilities.

When a city closes a pool in an underserved neighborhood, it is making an equity decision whether it recognizes it as one or not. When a community fails to fund learn-to-swim programming for children who cannot afford private lessons, it is making an equity decision. When a generation grows up without drowning prevention education because the facilities were never there or were quietly taken away, that is an equity failure with consequences measured in lives.

Ashley Kelley still cannot swim. Her daughter Ashlyn can. That is progress. But it is fragile progress that depends entirely on one pool staying open, one program staying funded, one city finding enough political will to keep the doors unlocked.

This is why I am working with Mark Rauterkus on The Community Aquatics Directive — a framework for civic leaders and aquatic professionals that makes the case for treating pools as public health infrastructure rather than seasonal amenities. Not because the solutions are complicated. They are not. The funding exists. New York State has committed more than $200 million through its NY SWIMS Initiative for exactly this kind of situation. Federal grants, philanthropic funding, and community partnerships are all available to communities willing to make the case.

What is missing is urgency and political will. Decision makers who understand that closing a pool is not a budget decision — it is a public health decision with consequences that play out across generations.

Ashlyn wants to be a lifeguard when she grows up. I hope she gets that chance. I hope the pool is still open when she turns sixteen. I hope the city finds the lifeguards it needs to open the outdoor pools this summer. And I hope the people making those budget decisions read stories like this one and understand what they are actually deciding.

Read the full WKBW report here: https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/buffalo/a-dangerous-cycle-buffalos-shrinking-pool-system-leaves-few-options-for-city-residents

If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect. Find me on LinkedIn where I write about aquatics, community pools, and what it takes to make equity in aquatics a reality — not just a talking point. www.linkedin.com/in/ronusher

Featured Photo by Blogging Guide on Unsplash

The post Come to Buffalo And See First Hand What An Aquatic Desert Looks Like appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

CCEI is pleased to introduce the new Antea VS– a new innovation that allows management of variable speed pumps by seamlessly integrating them into CCEI Vigipool ecosystem.  This ultra-compact antenna can be installed effortlessly on a wide range of pumps, delivering advanced connectivity and smart control at your fingertips with the Vigipool app. 

 With the Antea VS pool professionals can control and configure the pump room from anywhere.  Simply plug the antenna into a 12-15 VAC (50-60 Hz) outlet, then connect to the pump and within minutes you have full control on your smartphone. The system automatically adjusts pump room speed based on real-time environmental conditions—such as water temperature and pool cover status—while always giving users the freedom to manually select preferred pump speeds at any time.  

To unlock its full potential, the Antea VS is engineered to work alongside the Tild VP automation system which governs the pump’s electrical supply and serves as the backbone of the pump room. Together they control power, filtration, lighting and variable speed pumps using the Vigipool app.

More information about CCEI’s US operations can be found at:

www.ccei-pool.com/us/

424-800-2191

CCEI USA Inc.

808 Hindry Ave, Suite G

Inglewood, CA 90301 

NEW IG PAGE:  

PLEASE FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/cceipool_na

The post CCEI Introduces New Antea VS: Smart Control For Variable Speed Pumps appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.

 RENOLIT SOLID is a reinforced PVC membrane engineered to renovate and waterproof decks at residential and commercial aquatic facilities—from community pools to world-class athletic complexes. At 80-mil thick, it delivers a durable, slip-resistant surface that addresses the most common deck challenges: cracks, chips, peeling paint, and more. Designed for both renovation and new construction, RENOLIT SOLID offers long-term, low-maintenance performance. Now available in Sand, Light Grey, and Dark Grey colors to complement any architectural aesthetic.

https://renolit-alkorplan.com

Phone number: (219) 324-6886

Location:  LaPorte, Indiana

The post RENOLIT SOLID Slip-Resistant PVC Decking Available in 3 Colors  appeared first on PoolMagazine.com - Get The Latest Pool News.