Piru CA, May 5th, 2025 – United Chemical, a well-known manufacturer in the pool industry, has begun a study for the US EPA regarding potential bromate formation from sodium bromide use in outdoor pools. United Chemical has constructed eight (8) above-ground test pools at its facility, which will test for bromate under several common use cases for sodium bromide over the coming summer.

In 2021, the US EPA made an interim decision regarding using bromine-containing compounds in outdoor pools due to the potential for bromate to form as a byproduct. The decision was made to add the statement “Not for use in outdoor pools” to all registered bromine sanitizers. Algaecides containing sodium bromide were also included in the decision. The agency cited a lack of data on whether bromate would form under typical outdoor pool use as the rationale behind the decision. Bromate is classified as a probable human carcinogen based on studies of bromate ingestion in mice that led to renal tumors. The required label changes will appear across the industry later this year.

“While there’s indirect evidence to suggest that bromate is unlikely to form in swimming pools, it was important to test that hypothesis – both to provide the agency and industry with data it lacked, as well as for our own peace of mind,” says Scott Hamilton, CEO of United Chemical and son of founder Jock Hamilton. “My father introduced sodium bromide to the industry through Yellow Treat in the early 1980s. Although we feel confident based on existing evidence that bromate doesn’t form from sodium bromide under typical use in outdoor pools, we felt it was our responsibility to invest in performing the study.” 

United Chemical invested over $50,000 to construct the outdoor pools and provide on-site testing equipment to log sample data. Samples under various conditions will be sent to Eurofin, a highly respected laboratory well-regarded by the US EPA. Eurofin will use ion chromatography, considered the gold standard for bromate detection, to test for bromate concentrations. The testing is estimated to cost over $20,000 for the study.

“While most people know us through our algaecides like Yellow Treat® and No Mor Problems®, we consider ourselves a science company first. My dad built the company on teaching chemistry to the industry. That’s why we will publish all the raw data we collect to the industry. It’s important that this study is as transparent and rigorous as possible,” says Scott. “It’s our scientific and ethical duty.”

About United Chemical

United Chemical was founded in 1971 by Jock Hamilton and makes specialty pool products. They’re most well-known for their line of algaecides that utilize sodium bromide. Jock Hamilton was widely recognized as an expert in water chemistry in the industry, including creating the Hamilton Index which was the first index made explicitly for pools. Many of his insights significantly influenced the balancing recommendations of the pool industry. He passed away in 2002.

You can read more about the EPA decisions and United Chemical’s study on their website here: https://www.unitedchemical.com/pool-business/is-sodium-bromide-banned/

For more information, please contact Scott Hamilton at (805)521-1011 or [email protected]

Ezarri, a global leader in luxury glass mosaic tile, has officially expanded into the United States, naming The Grit Game as its exclusive national representative. Known for their award-winning durability, sustainability, and installation technology, Ezarri tiles are already the preferred choice of top pool builders and tilers across multiple countries including Europe, South America, and Australia.

The brand’s entry into the U.S. market brings with it the patented JointPoint® system, which offers 92% back adhesion for faster, more precise installs with significantly reduced labor time and material waste. The tiles are thicker and placed closer together for a much higher end product and finish. Combined with a color layer sealed between two layers of 100% recycled glass, Ezarri mosaics are built to withstand harsh pool environments without fading, flaking, or chemical damage.

Globally Recognized Excellence
Ezarri’s reputation is backed by multiple prestigious industry awards, including:

Gold Award from the European Union of Swimming Pool & Spa Associations

Masters of Design by Pool & Spa News for mosaic innovation in Colombia

Piscine Global Europe’s Pool Design recognition for standout small pool execution in Spain

French National Pool & Spa Design Competition honors for phosphorescent tile work in a luxury Riviera estate (aka glow in the dark designs)

Multiple 2024 SPASA Awards in Australia, including Best New Product for its 24K gold collection and Sustainable Product of the Year for its 100% recycled glass construction

A New Standard for U.S. Pool Pros
Ezarri’s Miami-based warehouse ensures faster domestic delivery, while its ease of installation and industry-leading product quality position it as a top choice for builders, tilers, and pool professionals ready to level up their craftsmanship.

As the exclusive nationwide rep, The Grit Game will be supporting U.S. partners with a growing suite of tools, training resources, and professional education to help contractors confidently add tile to their offerings or scale their tile services with a more efficient system.

 “This partnership isn’t just about bringing in another new tile line—it’s about giving pool pros a real advantage on the job,” said Laci Davis, Co-Founder & President of The Grit Game. “The JointPoint® system lets you install faster, use less material, and still get a cleaner, longer-lasting result. It’s not just easier—it’s better. Builders don’t want call-backs from tiles popping off. Tilers want precision and ease of install. Ezarri delivers both. That’s why this is the mosaic system to build with moving forward. And we’re excited for the opportunity to help pool pros improve their craft with Ezarri.”

More details on training and support will be announced soon.

About Ezarri
Ezarri is a global leader in glass mosaic tile manufacturing, trusted by top pool builders, architects, and designers in over 100 countries. With more than 40 years of experience, Ezarri specializes in high-performance mosaics engineered specifically for swimming pools, spas, and wellness applications. The brand’s patented JointPoint® system sets a new benchmark for installation ease, delivering 92% tile surface adhesion for faster, more precise installs.

About The Grit Game
The Grit Game is a nationally recognized manufacturers’ rep firm serving the swimming pool, spa, and backyard living industries across the U.S. and Canada. Known for its bold brand, strategic growth playbook, and hands-on field support, The Grit Game partners with innovative pool-centric business to help them scale in the most competitive markets. Whether you’re a manufacturer or a pool professional – if you’re seeking growth, The Grit Game is the rep firm that shows up, stands out, and helps you win.

(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, this week hosted the third annual PHTA Day on the Hill. Association members were invited to Washington, DC, to engage with policymakers and advocate for the interests and growth of the industry.

PHTA members and staff met with more than 70 Congressional offices while onsite at the U.S. Capitol, where they discussed water safety, workforce development, small business support, and other key issues that are impacting the pool, spa, and hot tub industry. PHTA and its federal lobbyist firm DCLRS prepared a number of leave-behinds that highlight the positive effect the industry has on the U.S. economy, safety measures and standards, and other areas.

“The annual Day on the Hill is an incredible opportunity for PHTA members to show a united front on the issues that have the most impact on the pool, spa, and hot tub industry,” says PHTA Chairwoman of the Board Donna Williams, Vice President of Field Implementation at POOLCORP. “Whether it’s advocating for water safety and drowning prevention to help more Americans safely enjoy water or discussing how proposed regulations will affect the business climate, our voices can do an enormous amount of good on behalf of the entire industry.”

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), who is the sponsor of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act (VGBA), spoke to the nearly 50 PHTA members in attendance about the importance of water safety and the need for continued advocacy and awareness-raising.

“PHTA Day on the Hill is truly a special event that motivates and energizes attendees by showing the power we have to influence change at the federal level,” says Justin Wiley, PHTA Vice President of Government Relations, Standards, and Codes. “One of PHTA’s core pillars is to improve the business environment by advocating and promoting the benefits of the pool, spa, and hot tub industry. Day on the Hill provides PHTA members an amazing opportunity to help the association fulfill that mission.”

In addition to meetings with Congresspeople and their staffers, PHTA Day on the Hill included a tour of Capitol Hill and speeches from Sabeena Hickman, CAE, PHTA President and CEO, and Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines, PHTA Vice President of Partnerships and Development. Attendees also met with appointees from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Click here to see photos from PHTA Day on the Hill. For more information on PHTA’s advocacy mission, visitwww.phta.org/advocacy.

###

About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 4,000 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.