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Why You Should Invest in Automatic Pool Covers

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Why You Should Invest in Automatic Pool Covers

Due to their high cost, automatic pool covers are popular in states like California, Arizona, Florida, and Texas, where a large percentage of the pools are high-end. Other than the ordinary state law that permits the installation of pool covers, many factors explain the reason for the widespread use of automatic pool covers. Michael says that although all states do not have any mandatory guidelines for installing automatic pool covers, most pool areas require fencing to ensure human safety. Indiana initiated pool fencing from as early as the late 1980s. “My dad ventured into the industry in 1979, and it was incredible to see a majority of homeowners opting to use automatic pool covers instead of fencing,” Michael says. Automatic pool covers ensured more safety in comparison to fencing, among many other benefits.

Approximately 90% of pools are furnished with automatic pool covers.

CEO of Automatic Pool Covers in Indiana, Michael Shebek
Why You Should Invest in Automatic Pool Covers

Shebek’s company witnessed its last variance application in 1995. Afterwards, the state permitted both automatic pool covers and fences; and it was for pool owners to make a choice. The rule was to meet the ASTM 1346, which primarily commands the use of an automatic pool cover or a powered pool cover. Automatic pool covers promote an increase in annual sales since water becomes purified and much warmer hence attracting more people. With an automatic pool cover, pool owners optimize their profits by extending peak season periods; one month is added before the peak season, and another is added after the peak season.

Automatic pool covers will not only cleanse the water, but will also minimize water usage, energy, and time used. He also says that the law on permitting pool covers has undoubtedly created a large market in the automatic pool cover businesses. In the early 1980s, Indiana fostered the development of pool cover companies in other states. Today, many factors, including weather, contribute to the increased demand for pool covers. Among all the benefits of pool covers, the major one remains to be prevention from drowning. “Yes, a fence serves as a good guard for everyone passing by near the pool; however, it does not prevent anyone from entering the pool premises.” Quite the contrary, a pool cover protects everyone, either those outside or inside the premises.

In the pool industry, automatic covers are effective

director of operations for Poolsafe, Tom Callahan

Warmer climates

In various regions, fences and automatic pool covers are not necessary. Therefore, automatic pool covers are not sought-after in these areas, and very few pools have them; this mostly happens in warm climatic regions. For instance, in states such as Texas and Arizona, where the temperature is already warm, there is no need for heating or cooling water in the pools. Therefore, in these markets, pool owners mostly buy pool covers to ascertain safety, Michael says.

Callahan concurs and states that in these areas, if one has children, purchasing a pool cover will thus make sense, and one might also save energy by using a pool cover. Furthermore, Callahan thinks that pool builders in warmer areas focus on designing what may be referred to as “resort-style pools.” Resort-style pools have specific attributes such as rock formations and waterfalls to make them more attractive. Consequently, such pools can’t have pool auto covers due to their complicated structure. Nevertheless, these distinctive layouts, say perimeter overflows and vanishing edges, can still be improvised to function with an automatic pool cover. Homeowners and designers only have to liaise with their respective builders when organizing the construction of the pool.

The big push

Overtime automatic pool cover companies have profited from legislative laws on pool covers across various states. The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance also seek to support the industry on a national level. “Often, these laws and requirements are established on the state level before they are enforced and implemented countrywide,” Jennifer Hatfield says. “Indiana was absolutely a leader on innovating automatic pool covers as an option to fencing, and we have seen how many states followed after that.” Jennifer Hartfield, director of government affairs for PHTA, supports associations of pool cover producers.

These are the Aquamatic Cover Systems, Cover Pools, Latham, and Automatic Pool Covers to facilitate the implementation of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The ISPSC is implemented in 13 states as compulsory and in 19 countries and 311 local jurisdictions as an alternative. Through this, Jennifer Hartfield forecasts that there are high chances of the code being mandated countrywide in the long run. However, this relies on the type of state and their application of the law.An example is New Jersey, which implemented the code, but they altered it so that pool owners can still use fences. Additionally, Hartfield states that regulators are open to the idea of embracing automatic pool covers. “Occasionally, they lack information on APCs and do not even know what it means; therefore, the first step is to inform them of the advantages of using pool covers.” All in all, the main objective of implementing pool covers should benefit the end-user, Hartfield says.

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Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

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Cover Care Names Greg Conner Executive VP and General Manager

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Greg Conner, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cover Care, wearing a navy Cover Care polo shirt.

Cover Care, LLC, providers of automatic pool safety covers and pool safety fencing, is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Conner as the company’s new Executive Vice President and General Manager. In his new role, Conner will oversee the company’s operations, team, and growth strategy as they expand their reach across North America.

Conner brings nearly two decades of global leadership experience in the automation and supply chain technology industries. Most recently, he served as President of Warehousing Solutions – North America at Vanderlande Industries, a Toyota-owned global leader in warehouse automation, leading a $1.2 billion division. There, his seven-point transformation strategy produced the highest sales pipeline in company history, drove a more than 700% increase in qualified sales opportunities and moved the division from last to first in employee opinion survey results.

Conner began his career in 2005 at Bastian Solutions, helping transform the company from an equipment provider into a full-scale automation systems integrator. As Vice President of Global Sales, he helped the company secure hundreds of millions of dollars of sales across three continents while also helping to establish many of the company’s regional offices and oversaw operations across Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe and India. After Toyota Industries Corporation acquired Bastian in 2017, he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, leading the acquisition of RH Brown Company and delivering more than 200% EBIT growth in three years. He was named the Material Handling Institute’s Outstanding Young Professional of the Year in 2015 and holds a degree from Purdue University.

For Conner, who serves as President of the Friends of Central Pool, the role is also personal. “I’ve spent a significant part of my life involved in aquatics and have seen firsthand the importance of water safety,” he said. “The fact that automatic safety covers and pool safety fencing help prevent tragedies and save lives gives the work a purpose that goes well beyond simply selling a product.”

Conner was also drawn to Cover Care’s strong foundation and vision for continued growth. Under his leadership, customers and partners can expect a team that is responsive, creative and easy to do business with — one willing to try new approaches and focused on following through and exceeding expectations.

“Greg brings a fresh perspective and a proven track record of scaling organizations at exactly the right time for Cover Care,” said Jacob Bloss, Director of Operations for Cover Care. “As we experience exponential growth, his experience building high-performing teams, opening new markets and leading global organizations will bring new ideas to how we operate and serve our customers. We’re excited to have him helping lead the next chapter of our company.”

About Cover Care
Cover Care, LLC is a leading provider of automatic pool cover and pool safety fence solutions, offering professional installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services. With experienced local teams in 39 states across the country, Cover Care partners with pool builders and homeowners to deliver high-quality installations, reliable service, and enhanced pool safety.

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Luciana Amaro Joins Franklin Electric as Chief Human Resources Officer

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Luciana Amaro, newly appointed Chief Human Resources Officer at Franklin Electric, pictured in a black blazer.

Fort Wayne, IN – October 2026 – Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE), announces that Luciana Amaro has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer. Amaro will report to Joe Ruzynski, Chief Executive Officer, and will lead the company’s global Human Resources strategy, partnering with business leaders to strengthen organizational capability, advance talent and leadership development, and foster a high-performance culture that supports Franklin Electric’s long-term growth objectives.

Amaro brings 28 years of Human Resources leadership experience across complex global organizations with significant R&D, manufacturing, and commercial operations. Her international career spans Brazil, Germany, and the United States. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Elanco Animal Health, where she led a global HR organization supporting the company’s people strategy and business transformation. Earlier in her career, she held senior HR leadership roles at BASF and Yara International, with responsibilities spanning the Americas and global talent and leadership development.

“Luciana’s breadth of experience, strategic mindset, and passion for people make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Joe Ruzynski, CEO. “She has a proven track record of building strong organizational cultures, developing leaders, and aligning talent strategies with business priorities. As we continue to grow globally, Luciana’s leadership will help us attract, develop, engage, and retain the talent needed to achieve our long-term goals.”

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Amaro’s previous experience and business perspective position her well to support Franklin Electric’s global workforce and strategic priorities.

“It is an honor to join Franklin Electric and become part of an organization with such a strong reputation for innovation, customer focus, and values-driven leadership,” said Amaro. “I look forward to connecting with our people around the world, building on the company’s strengths, and working together to create an environment where people can grow, thrive, and make a meaningful impact on our business and the customers we serve.”

About Franklin Electric
Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be recognized in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024, Most Trustworthy Companies 2024, and Greenest Companies 2025; Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024; and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

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RB Retail & Service Solutions Launches RB Propel

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Woman using a tablet displaying RB Propel inventory software inside a pool and spa retail showroom filled with hot tubs and products.

RB Retail & Service Solutions is pleased to announce it has introduced RB Propel, a new cloud-based business management platform built specifically for pool and spa service and retail businesses. RB Propel is designed to help operators move away from the patchwork of disconnected point-of-sale systems, service apps, spreadsheets, and manual processes that many businesses rely on today, replacing them with a single software system.

The platform connects store operations, field service, inventory, customer history, and back-office workflows, giving owners and teams one control center for the entire business. Rather than choosing between lightweight tools that create blind spots or enterprise systems that add implementation complexity, RB Propel is positioned to offer the operational depth pool and spa businesses need with a modern cloud experience.

Key benefits include reduced duplicate work through connected customer and sales data, stronger margin protection through improved inventory accuracy and job-level visibility, and standardized workflows and reporting that support growth across multiple locations.

RB Propel also includes guided onboarding, training, and responsive support, reflecting the company’s recognition that switching business systems carries risk for operators who can’t afford disruption during peak season.

RB Propel is releasing features in waves and currently onboarding Retail business with the next wave including include service businesses. Learn more at rbretailandservicesolutions.com

About RB Retail & Service Solutions software:
For more than 20 years, pool and spa retailers and service professionals have helped shape RB into a platform built around the real-world needs of the industry. Since 2003, RB has remained focused on one mission: helping pool and spa businesses operate more efficiently, serve their customers better, and grow with confidence.

What began as a vision to simplify complex retail and service operations has evolved alongside the businesses RB serves. Decades of industry experience, customer feedback, and changing technology have helped shape the next chapter of RB: RB Propel.

Built for the future of the pool and spa industry, RB Propel brings the experience and functionality businesses have come to expect from RB into a modern, cloud-based platform designed to simplify everyday operations and support continued growth. From retail and customer management to service, inventory, payments, and business insights, Propel is being designed to connect the critical areas of a pool and spa business in one solution.

RB Propel represents more than a new software platform—it is the next evolution of a partnership that began more than two decades ago. As the industry continues to change, RB remains committed to listening to its customers, embracing innovation, and building technology that helps pool and spa professionals spend less time managing software and more time growing their businesses.


https://rbretailandservicesolutions.com/
1-866-933-9099

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