Industry News
CCEI Wins 2025 Golden Wave Award

Every two years, the prestigious German media outlet Schwimmbad + Sauna hosts the Golden Waves awards, celebrating and rewarding European companies for their outstanding products, technologies, and innovations in the aquatic and wellness industry. The competition draws entries from across the continent, making each nomination a meaningful recognition of excellence. CCEI has long been a strong contender at this event — most notably in 2019, when the company took home the coveted Gold award.
For this 11th edition of the Golden Waves, CCEI put its connected level regulation system Niva VP for infinity pools in the spotlight. The technology earned the company nominations in three categories: Smart Technology, Usability, and Technical Innovation — a testament to the solution’s breadth of impact and the jury’s recognition of its multi-dimensional value. Thanks to its differential pressure technology, Niva VP delivers ultra-precise water level regulation down to the centimeter, without floats or approximate adjustments.
Representing CCEI at the awards ceremony were Catherine Gobin, Group Sales Director, and Leonie Bauer, Germany Branch Manager, who accepted the Bronze Medal in the Smart Technology category on behalf of the entire CCEI team. Their presence at the event also underscored the company’s active engagement with the European market and its commitment to building lasting relationships within the industry. “We are thrilled and honored to receive this award as it acknowledges the hard work of our entire team who continue to push the technological envelope to bring innovative products to the swimming pool industry,” says Gobin.
This distinction is more than a medal — it is a confirmation of CCEI’s strategic vision and ongoing commitment to shaping the pool of tomorrow: connected, efficient, and sustainable. As the aquatic industry continues to evolve, CCEI remains at the forefront, developing solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with real-world usability for professionals and end users alike.
www.ccei-pool.com/en-us
424-800-2191
CCEI USA Inc.
808 Hindry Ave, Suite G / Inglewood, CA 90301
Industry News
Latham Named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Companies List for Second Year

Recognition Highlights Pool Industry Leader’s Continued Commitment to
Innovation, Sustainability and Employee Experience
LATHAM, N.Y. (August 25, 2026) – Latham, The Pool Company [NASDAQ:SWIM], the largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Companies 2026. This marks the second consecutive year Latham has earned a place on the list, which recognizes leading U.S.-based companies for their financial performance, employee satisfaction, innovation and sustainability efforts.
The comprehensive study, presented by Newsweek in partnership with Plant-A Insights Group, evaluated companies with over $75 million in annual revenue through an extensive survey of more than 179,000 employees and 2.7 million company reviews on financial stability, innovation, and sustainability. To enhance the depth and reliability of the study, Plant-A partnered with leading third-party data providers to assess more than 120 KPIs across critical performance areas such as leadership, integrity, compensation and work-life balance. Only companies that demonstrated outstanding results earned a place on the list.
“Being named one of America’s Greatest Companies for the second year in a row reflects the strength of our people and the culture they have built at Latham,” said Sean Gadd, President and CEO of Latham. “Our team shares a commitment to serving our customers, advancing our industry and finding better ways to work. This recognition shows the impact of those efforts and gives us strong momentum as we continue to grow.”
The Newsweek ranking also considers environmental stewardship, including greenhouse gas emissions, water use, waste reduction and transparency in sustainability reporting. Latham continues to explore ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste and support more responsible practices across its operations.
“Families trust Latham to help create spaces where they can connect, recharge and enjoy time together,” added Gadd. “Earning that trust starts with how we operate as a company. We are proud of this recognition and remain focused on delivering high-quality products, supporting our employees and building a strong foundation for continued growth.”
The full list of America’s Greatest Companies 2026 is published online at Newsweek.com. To learn more about Latham, visit LathamPool.com.
About Latham, the Pool Company
Headquartered in Latham, NY, Latham Group, Inc., is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools and pool accessories in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. With over 60 years of experience and a coast-to-coast operations platform across 24 locations, the company offers a broad range of pool products, including fiberglass, vinyl liner, and automatic safety covers, all designed to provide homeowners with the highest quality and value. For more information, visit www.lathampool.com.
Industry News
Landmark Aquatic Brings Duraflex Diving Equipment to Facilities Nationwide

Duraflex International and Landmark Aquatic have joined forces to bring premier diving equipment to aquatic facilities across the country. The partnership pairs Duraflex’s decades of expertise in diving board design and manufacturing with Landmark’s proven track record in aquatic facility construction, renovation, and maintenance — creating a best-in-class solution for facilities looking to elevate their diving programs.
Whether outfitting a new build or upgrading an existing facility, the collaboration gives aquatic operators access to Duraflex’s full product lineup alongside Landmark’s end-to-end project management and long-term service support. From recreational community pools to high-performance competition venues, the partnership is built to serve divers at every level.
“By joining forces, Duraflex and Landmark Aquatic provides our customers access to greater resources and strengthens our ability to better serve our customers,” said J. Ryan Casserly, Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Aquatic. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and the future we’ll build together in the world of aquatics.”
About Landmark
Landmark Aquatic is a nationwide provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance services, with more than six decades of industry experience. Serving clients across most of the U.S., Landmark delivers construction-led solutions and on-going support though its AquatiCare maintenance team, ensuring excellence “for the life of your pool.” Committed to the full lifecycle of every facility, Landmark prioritizes long-term partnerships while adapting to client needs through exceptional service, operational excellence, and forward-thinking solutions. For more about Landmark Aquatic visit www.landmarkaquatic.com
About Duraflex International
For over 60 years, Duraflex International has been the trusted name in competitive and recreational diving equipment. Designed for performance and built to last, Duraflex products are found in facilities ranging from neighborhood pools to Olympic-level competition venues worldwide. Duraflex’s commitment to innovation and quality has made it the industry standard for diving boards and aquatic equipment.
Industry News
AquaPlanet Launches Building on Mike Collins’ Legacy

New company combines trusted industry brands, expanded engineering resources, and global manufacturing capabilities to drive future growth and innovation.
SANTA ANA, Calif. — June 22, 2026 — AquaPlanet today announced its official launch as a manufacturer of innovative water-management solutions serving the pool, spa, pond, and specialty water markets. Through the acquisition of selected assets of Advantage Manufacturing, AquaPlanet has established a new platform dedicated to supporting customers, advancing innovation, and expanding a portfolio of trusted industry brands.
Built on a foundation of innovation, quality, and customer service, AquaPlanet combines proven products with the resources of a global manufacturing organization and an experienced engineering team. The company is positioned to accelerate growth and bring new technologies and solutions to market for distributors, dealers, service professionals, and consumers throughout North America and beyond.

The transition is designed to be seamless for customers, with existing product expertise, customer relationships, manufacturing capabilities, and support resources remaining in place. AquaPlanet has retained its experienced team members and remains committed to providing the responsive, knowledgeable, world-class customer service and technical support that customers have come to rely upon.
“AquaPlanet represents more than a new company—it represents our commitment to shaping the future of water-management products and solutions,” said Lyann Courant, President of AquaPlanet. “By combining proven products with expanded engineering, manufacturing, and innovation resources, we are creating a platform for growth that will benefit our customers, partners, and the industry for years to come.”
AquaPlanet will continue supporting and expanding a portfolio of recognized brands and products, including:
- Port-a-Vac portable deck vacuum pumps, service carts and hitches
- EnergyAdvantage pumps and filtration products, including solar hybrids
- EvolutionPond and water feature products
- FireBoss emergency water transfer and fire prevention pumps
Headquartered in Santa Ana, California, AquaPlanet is committed to delivering innovative solutions, exceptional customer service, and long-term value to customers across the pool, spa, pond, and specialty water industries.
“What began more than three decades ago when Mike Collins founded the business in a garage has grown into something truly remarkable,” said Courant. “I am incredibly proud of the products, people, and relationships that helped build that legacy. AquaPlanet brings new resources, new opportunities, and a bold vision for the future while preserving the commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service that our customers have come to expect. Most importantly, we are retaining the talented team that helped build this company and will continue providing the world-class support our customers deserve. We are excited to write the next chapter of that story.”
“We are honored to carry forward the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and customer-first philosophy that Mike instilled from the very beginning while building the next generation of water-management solutions for our customers and industry partners.”
The launch of AquaPlanet marks an important milestone for customers who have relied on Advantage Manufacturing products for decades. AquaPlanet intends to continue supporting acquired product lines while investing in new technologies, expanded capabilities, and long-term growth.
AquaPlanet was formed through the acquisition of selected assets of Advantage Manufacturing and operates as a separate and independent company. Through the asset purchase transaction, AquaPlanet acquired specified assets, brands, intellectual property, product lines, and related business operations. AquaPlanet did not acquire or assume any liabilities, debts, obligations, claims, or other responsibilities of Advantage Manufacturing. AquaPlanet is focused on serving customers through its own management, operations, engineering resources, and product-development initiatives while building upon the legacy of innovation associated with the acquired brands.
Customers and industry partners are invited to learn more about AquaPlanet’s products, capabilities, and vision for the future by visiting www.theaquaplanet.com.
ABOUT AQUAPLANET
AquaPlanet is a manufacturer of innovative water-management solutions for the pool, spa, pond, water feature, filtration, pumping, solar and specialty water markets. Headquartered in Santa Ana, California, the company combines proven industry expertise with global engineering and manufacturing resources to deliver high-performance products and exceptional value to professionals and consumers alike.
Media Contact: Lyann Courant
President
AquaPlanet
616 S. Santa Fe Street, Suite A
Santa Ana, CA 92705 714-505-1166 800-636-8866
www.theaquaplanet.com
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