Industry News

Understanding Rebates: How to Turn Purchasing Power Into Profit

Published

1 year ago

May 15, 2025

Rebate programs are one of the most overlooked tools in the pool industry for increasing profitability. They allow business owners to leverage their purchasing power, reinvest savings back into their company, and turn their savings into a lucrative profit.

What Are Rebates and Why Do They Matter?

Let’s start with the basics. Rebates are financial incentives given to buyers after purchasing a product or service. They can be offered as discounts, refunds, or cash back.

Rebates are much more than a simple upfront discount. With discounts, buyers do not have the option to receive cash back, equity, or other collateral in place of a cheaper price for a good or service. Rebates give power back to the buyer by allowing them to choose the incentive they receive for purchasing.

Here are some common types of rebates and how they work:

Loyalty Incentives: Loyalty incentives increase as a buyer continues to purchase from the same vendor over time.

Volume-Based Rebates: Volume-based rebates are exactly as they sound. The more you buy, the more you earn back.

Percent Rebates: Percent rebates return a percentage of the total amount spent to the buyer–kind of like an after-the-fact discount.

Growth Rebates: Growth rebates reward buyers for increasing their purchase volume or value within a certain time frame.

Sales Rebates: These rebates increase in value based on sales amount rather than purchase volume.

How Rebates Support Business Growth

Rebates can do a lot for your business. For example, you can use rebate funds to improve your margins without having to raise prices for customers. Rebate savings can also be reinvested back into your business to encourage growth.

You can use rebate savings to…

Hire new talent and train existing staff

Purchase new equipment, software upgrades, or other assets

Expand your business’ service offerings

Improve customer experience

And more

When you know how to leverage your rebates, the possibilities are endless.

Methods to Maximize Your Rebates

How do you make the most out of your rebates? Here are some key strategies you can use to get started.

Partner With Trusted Vendors Who Offer Competitive Rebate Opportunities

Seeking out vendors with competitive rebate programs can cut costs, increase profit margins, and allow you to offer more competitive pricing to your customers. Additionally, forging mutually beneficial rebate partnerships can strengthen your business relationships with vendors with vendors and help you grow your network.

Just be sure to evaluate the terms and conditions as well as the complexity of a rebate program before signing up. You don’t want to run into complicated administrative burdens for your business down the road.

Plan Purchases Strategically

Planning your purchases with intention allows you to strategically hit rebate tiers and maximize your savings. Pay attention to the rebate programs you participate in. Identify if they are volume, growth, percentage, or sales based and purchase accordingly. For example, if a vendor you work with offers a volume-based rebate, order larger quantities from them upfront rather than spacing out your purchases throughout the year to capitalize on the rebate opportunity.

Track & Manage Rebates Efficiently

Keep a close eye on all aspects of each rebate program you participate in. Read supplier agreements, monitor purchases against those agreements, and pay attention to rebate claim deadlines and terms to ensure timely payment. Additionally, it’s important to read the fine print before signing up for a rebate program so you understand the true cost of a product after factoring in potential rebates.

When it comes to rebates, you want to make sure nothing is left on the table. Tracking your rebates offers several key benefits.

Prevent lost savings: If you don’t stay on top of rebate tracking, you can miss out on deadlines and special offers, preventing you from claiming maximum rebate savings.

Ensure information is accurate: When you stay on top of your rebates, it allows you to double check and ensure you’ve provided the correct information so your rebates are processed properly.

Stay on top of deadlines: Never miss a deadline or have to pay a late fee when you track your rebates meticulously.

Comparison shopping: The more you know about the rebate programs available, the better you will be at determining which rebates are worth it and which are not.

If this all sounds a bit complicated, know you’re not alone. Buying groups and other organizations offer useful tools for tracking and managing rebates, which we will get into in the next section.

Why Group Buying Makes Rebates More Powerful

Teaming up with a buying group provides several benefits that can help you get the most out of rebates and make them more profitable.

Here are just a few benefits that buying groups offer.

Unlock top-tier rebates: Individual pool professionals may not have the purchasing volume to unlock top-tier rebates. However, buying groups use members’ combined purchasing power to secure better rebate opportunities that are not available to individuals and small businesses. Additionally, buying groups can negotiate with vendors for better prices and higher rebate amounts that would otherwise be unavailable to individuals.

Access exclusive vendor programs and tools for smarter purchasing: Buying groups offer their members helpful tools and resources that make getting the most out of rebates easier. For example, United Aqua Group (UAG) members get exclusive access to a sleek online portal where rebate terms, deadlines, and total savings amounts are tracked automatically, eliminating the headaches that come with manual tracking. Plus, buying group membership grants access to vendor programs with added benefits, like exclusive rebates and rewards for members.

There are several financial and professional benefits that you can earn by joining a buying group, including access to more profitable rebate opportunities. Read more about buying groups, what they are, and how they can help your business here.

Start Leveraging Your Purchasing Power
Ready to dive in and start taking full advantage of your purchasing power? Consider a partnership with United Aqua Group (UAG). We help our members get the most out of vendor rebate programs, manage strategic purchasing, and maximize profitability. Through collective buying power and strong vendor relationships, UAG members can achieve savings that wouldn’t be possible on their own. Visit our website to start your partnership today.

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Since 1963, United Aqua Group has been transforming how pool and spa professionals source the products and services they rely on. As the nation's largest and most trusted buying group, UAG delivers innovative solutions at competitive prices, empowering businesses to thrive in the industry.

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Industry News

Pentair Names Josh Cowley Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Pentair Pool

Published

1 week ago

October 19, 2026

Alise Everton

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: [email protected]

Rebecca Osborn
Corporate Communications
Direct: 763-656-5589
Email: [email protected]

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Industry News

Hayward Holdings Names New Chief Accounting Officer

Published

3 weeks ago

October 7, 2026

Alise Everton

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
[email protected]

Media Relations Contact:
Misty Zelent
[email protected]

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Industry News

Watershape University Announces Fall 2026 Session in San Diego

Published

4 weeks ago

October 2, 2026

Susie Cuebas

Classroom at UCSD Park and Market in San Diego, site of Watershape University’s Fall 2026 Session

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.

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 [email protected].

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