Connect with us

PREMIUM SPONSORS

Industry News

Inside FSPA: New Initiatives, Tools, and Events Transforming Florida’s Pool Industry

Published

on

Inside FSPA: New Initiatives, Tools, and Events Transforming Florida’s Pool Industry

The Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) has been at the forefront of advancing the pool industry in Florida, championing innovation, advocacy, and community support. Under the leadership of CEO Elizabeth McMurray, FSPA has implemented a host of exciting changes and initiatives that aim to benefit both industry professionals and consumers. Here, we delve into some of the key developments shaping the FSPA’s impact.

FSPA: Exciting New Initiatives

A New Digital Identity for FSPA

The recent redesign of FSPA’s website marks a significant milestone for the organization. Elizabeth McMurray expressed her enthusiasm about the transformation: “We are in love with our new brand and website!” The overhaul coincided with a broader brand refresh, ensuring cohesiveness across all platforms. McMurray explained, “We wanted to make it really clear where the consumer resources are and provide value to our members by enhancing ease of use of the member ‘Find a Pool Pro’ search engine.”

FSPA Portals

In addition to streamlining navigation, the redesigned site now features standout pages for education, government relations, and the Florida Swims Foundation. One of the most innovative additions is the Florida Job Pool, a first-of-its-kind industry-specific job engine in Florida. McMurray highlighted its significance: “It’s free for our members to use to post their positions, focusing on workforce development in the industry.” Non-members can also participate for a fee, broadening its reach and impact.

Workforce Development with Florida Job Pool

Although the Florida Job Pool is still in its early stages, its potential to transform employment in the pool industry is evident. McMurray detailed that the FSPA’s new platform is still being built out and filled with job listings. However, she revealed plans for a marketing campaign to promote the initiative, emphasizing its dual mission of creating value for members and fostering workforce development.

Florida Job Pool - FSPA

Advocacy Through PIPAC

The Pool Industry Political Action Committee (PIPAC) serves as the legislative arm of the FSPA, working tirelessly to advocate for industry-friendly policies. McMurray explained its role: “This entity helps us to support industry-friendly candidates in Tallahassee that are advancing the industry forward.” By aligning with supportive legislators, PIPAC ensures that the needs and concerns of the pool industry remain front and center in state policy discussions.

FSPA PIPAC Pool Industry Political Action Committee

Supporting Members in Times of Crisis

FSPA’s commitment to its members extends beyond advocacy. Through the Florida Swims Foundation, the organization established a Hurricane Relief Fund following Hurricane Ian in 2022. This fund provides forgivable grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to member businesses affected by hurricanes. “Our grants can pay for things like insurance deductibles, lost equipment, or payroll expenses for lost work time,” said McMurray. This initiative underscores FSPA’s dedication to supporting its community during challenging times.

Florida Swims Hurricane Relief FSPA

Making It Easier to Find a Pool Pro

One of the most consumer-friendly aspects of the new website is the redesigned “Find a Pro” feature. McMurray described it as “pretty simplistic, which is the point!” Consumers can easily locate industry professionals by entering their desired category and geographic location. “We even have a Google Maps widget built in,” she noted, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience.

FSPA - Find a Pool Pro Tool

Preparing for 2026 Florida Building Code Updates

The FSPA’s proactive approach to the Florida Building Code (FBC) updates reflects its commitment to industry standards. McMurray outlined the comprehensive process: “In 2024, we did an all-call to membership at large to submit their concerns and proposals.” The Building Code Task Force, composed of engineers, builders, and other industry experts, has been diligently working on 12 residential and 9 commercial proposals to submit to the state. This collaborative effort ensures that FSPA members have a voice in shaping the industry’s future.

Everything Under the Sun Expo: A Showcase of Excellence

The Everything Under the Sun Expo has long been a cornerstone of FSPA’s calendar. McMurray proudly stated, “We are one of the largest industry trade shows in the country, definitely the largest in the southeast United States.” With over 50 years of history, the Expo offers dynamic educational opportunities and an impressive array of exhibitors. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance to take advantage of pricing discounts and ensure access to preferred courses. McMurray added, “This year, we will have a ton of onsite self-check-in stations, making the process faster and easier than ever.”

FSPA - Everything Under The Sun Expo

Celebrating Industry Achievements

FSPA’s recognition programs, including the Design Awards, Tops in Trucks, and Service Professional of the Year, highlight the exceptional contributions of its members. “These businesses and individuals work year-round to bring an incredible product and lifestyle to their customers,” said McMurray. By celebrating these achievements, FSPA fosters a sense of pride and camaraderie within the industry.

A Festive Finale: The Friday Night Party

The Friday Night Party at the Expo is a much-anticipated event. This year, it will be held at Cuba Libre, featuring cigar rolling, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. “There is such a high-energy spirit each year,” McMurray remarked. “It’s a true celebration of great people doing great work.”

FSPA: Looking Ahead

With a dynamic mix of new initiatives, expanded resources, and industry-focused events, FSPA continues to elevate the pool industry. Whether through its revamped website, innovative job board, or advocacy efforts, the association proves its unwavering commitment to supporting professionals and enhancing consumer experiences. The future of Florida’s pool industry looks brighter than ever, thanks to FSPA’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to its members.

4.9/5 - (7 votes)

Editor in Chief of Pool Magazine - Joe Trusty is also CEO of PoolMarketing.com, the leading digital agency for the pool industry. An internet entrepreneur, software developer, author, and marketing professional with a long history in the pool industry. Joe oversees the writing and creative staff at Pool Magazine. To contact Joe Trusty email [email protected] or call (916) 467-9118 during normal business hours. For submissions, please send your message to [email protected]

Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Industry News

POOLCORP Welcomes John Watwood as President and Chief Executive Officer

Seasoned distribution leader to drive POOLCORP’s next chapter of growth, deepening commitment to customers and supply partners

Published

on

COVINGTON, LA., May 14, 2026 — POOLCORP, the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and outdoor living products, recently announced the appointment of John Watwood as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Watwood joined the company in January 2026 as Executive Vice President and has quickly made an impact after spending much of his time in POOLCORP sales centers, meeting with customers, engaging with suppliers, and aligning closely with teams across the business. With extensive leadership experience in industrial and specialty distribution, Watwood brings a deep understanding of how to build high-performing teams, strengthen customer connections, and create long-term value in the industry.

Prior to joining POOLCORP, Watwood served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations at Motion Industries, a leading distributor of industrial parts and value-added solutions and a subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company. During his career, he has led large-scale sales and operations organizations focused on customer growth, supply chain excellence, and market expansion.

“John has gained the trust of our employees, customers, and suppliers in a very short period of time,” said Kenny St. Romain, Senior Vice President at POOLCORP. “He understands distribution at its core, but more importantly, he understands the value of relationships and the local support that our customers need. Our field teams have seen firsthand his commitment to listening, supporting our customers, and helping us continue to evolve our already successful service model. There’s real excitement across the organization about where we’re headed under John’s leadership.”

Watwood’s appointment marks the next chapter for POOLCORP as the company continues to invest in customer-focused solutions, sales and service excellence, operational capabilities, and technology-enabled experiences designed to help industry professionals grow and operate more efficiently.

“I’m incredibly honored to lead POOLCORP in an industry built on lasting partnerships, trust, and service,” said Watwood. “What has stood out to me most over the last several months is the passion of our people and the strength of our relationships. I am excited to build upon our incredible legacy and look forward to strengthening our support for the industry by deepening our customer and supplier relationships, and continuing to invest in the people, capabilities, and execution that make POOLCORP the best and most value-driven distribution partner.”

About Pool Corporation

POOLCORP is the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and related outdoor living products. The Company operates approximately 455 sales centers in North America, Europe, and Australia, through which it distributes more than 200,000 products to roughly 125,000 wholesale customers, including pool builders, retail stores, and service professionals. For more information, please visit www.poolcorp.com.

5/5 - (24 votes)

Continue Reading

Industry News

Latham Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell Commemorating 70th Anniversary & 5 Year IPO

Published

on

Latham Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell Commemorating 70th Anniversary & 5 Year IPO

Latham Group, Inc. – the largest designer and manufacturer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, visited the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square.

The team at Latham proudly rang the Nasdaq Opening Bell. The industry leader took a moment to celebrate its 70th anniversary and five years as a public company, highlighting continued growth, strong market performance, and resilience in a shifting residential construction landscape.

The achievement follows a year of solid performance for Latham Group Inc., which reported 7% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025, even as the broader residential construction market faced ongoing economic headwinds.

CPO Class - Virtual Online Classes - Become a Certified Pool Operator
Latham got to ring the Opening Bell at Nasdaq - shown celebrating the moment at Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square

In a statement on LinkedIn, the company said:

“For seven decades, innovation has been at the core of what we do, made possible by the trusted builders and partners who bring these backyards to life every day.

Together, we’ve helped transform backyards into spaces where families gather and memories are made.

Here’s to 70 years of progress, partnership, and what we’ll build next!”

Photo Credit: Latham, The Pool Company

5/5 - (11 votes)

Continue Reading

Industry News

SPS PoolCare Expands Enterprise Platform with ServiceTitan

Published

on

SPS’s Recent Acquisition of Pool Troopers Accelerates Company’s Investment in Scaled Infrastructure with ServiceTitan Powering Over 30 Branch Locations Across Five States and Standardizing Operations across the Service Cycle

LOS ANGELES – March 17, 2026ServiceTitan (Nasdaq: TTAN), the software platform that powers the trades, today announced that SPS PoolCare, the largest residential swimming pool services platform in the United States, is standardizing their 30+ branch locations across five states on the ServiceTitan platform. By unifying their family of brands on ServiceTitan, SPS will leverage a single, enterprise-grade system to unify its vast operations, accelerate its high-velocity acquisition strategy, and scale its platform.

“SPS is demonstrating how purpose-built technology can transform a traditionally fragmented industry,” said Connor Theilmann, Chief Business Officer of ServiceTitan. “Their leadership team has made a deliberate investment in enterprise infrastructure, and we’re proud to support their continued growth. Standardizing on ServiceTitan will allow SPS to meet the needs of a large, multi-location operation, with Fraser Ramseyer, Storr Group, and the SPS leadership team making this one of the most seamless large-scale integrations we’ve ever seen.”

The move reflects SPS PoolCare’s continued investment in enterprise-grade infrastructure, as it advances its position as the dominant market leader in a highly fragmented industry. Founded in 2021 and backed by Storr Group, an investment firm that builds and scales industry-leading platforms, SPS PoolCare operates across Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia, where it employs more than 1,000 team members and is on track to perform more than two million weekly recurring pool services in 2026. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based platform serves as SPS PoolCare’s technology backbone, enabling SPS to manage complexity across geography, workforce scale, and service frequency.

“We’ve worked closely with the ServiceTitan team for several years, and this decision reflects the trust and alignment we’ve built as long-term partners,” said Lance Martin, CEO and COO of SPS PoolCare. “Our objective has always been to build a durable platform that enables our team to deliver exceptional service to our customers. Standardizing on ServiceTitan gives us the operational visibility, integration speed, and performance discipline required to scale responsibly and create long-term value.”

Ranked #1 on Pool and Spa News Top 50 Service list, SPS continues to solidify its position as the industry leader, driven by the company’s ability to pair high-velocity revenue growth with a deep commitment to staff training and retention, active industry leadership, and an early adopter of innovative technology within the pool service space. SPS PoolCare is dedicated to the communities it serves, ensuring that its national scale translates into a positive local impact across its entire service footprint.

“From inception, our thesis at Storr Group has been to build the pool industry’s first scaled category-defining operating platform,” Fraser Ramseyer, CEO of Storr Group and Founder of SPS PoolCare. “Technology is not ancillary to that vision – it is foundational. ServiceTitan provides the infrastructure necessary to integrate acquisitions efficiently, drive operational consistency, and support disciplined expansion.”

SPS PoolCare’s focus on being the employer-of-choice is supported by ServiceTitan’s mobile-first capabilities, which empower their over 1,000 staff team members with the tools they need to succeed in the field.

ServiceTitan continues to invest in purpose-built technology for the pool industry, offering features like route optimization, automated chemical tracking, and integrated project management for renovations. By providing real-time visibility into multi-location operations, ServiceTitan enables enterprise-scale businesses like SPS PoolCare to make data-driven decisions that fuel organic growth.

About ServiceTitan ServiceTitan is the software platform that powers trades businesses. The company’s cloud-based, end-to-end solution gives contractors the tools they need to run and grow their business, manage their back office, and provide a stellar customer experience. By bringing an integrated SaaS platform to an industry historically underserved by technology, ServiceTitan is equipping tradespeople with the technology they need to keep the world running.

About SPS PoolCare

As the #1 swimming pool services 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. SPS PoolCare is committed to creating a world-class service experience for its customers and being an employer-of-choice for its team members. Read more at spspoolcare.com.

About Storr Group

Storr Group is an operationally focused lower-middle-market private equity 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. To partner today, visit storrgroup.com

Press Contact

Max Wertheimer

ServiceTitan, Inc.

[email protected]

© 2026 ServiceTitan. All rights reserved. ServiceTitan, the ServiceTitan logo, and all ServiceTitan product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or unregistered trademarks of ServiceTitan, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other brand names and marks mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s).

Rate this post

Continue Reading

Pool News

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x