Manufacturers
Only Alpha Pool Products Strikes a Chord With Today’s Builders

In today’s fast-paced world of pool construction, finding a comprehensive and efficient solution is key for both builders and homeowners who desire a faster turnaround time. Only Alpha Pool Products, a family-owned and operated business, has emerged as a frontrunner, offering turn-key pool kits that are gaining swift traction among pool builders seeking a high-quality, streamlined, and versatile system.
Who is Only Alpha Pool Products?
Founded in the early 2000s by business partners Tim Saxer and Tom Epple, Only Alpha Pool Products has had a rich history in manufacturing swimming pool components. With a diverse team representing hundreds of years of experience, the company has become a powerhouse in the industry, introducing innovative products and systems tailored to meet the evolving demands of the market.
One of Only Alpha’s standout offerings is the composite wall system, available in both vinyl liner (Fusion) and linerless (Evolution) configurations. Evolution which was inspired by materials used in the automotive industry, provides a hardy and temperature-resistant alternative to traditional polymer-based pool systems. This innovative approach has allowed the company to make a splash in the market, starting with the installation of the first Evolution pool in a Pennsylvania hospital back in 2009.

Composite Wall Pool Systems
Tim Saxer, Executive Vice President, explained why their composite wall system has become a mainstay product for Only Alpha Pool Products. “The reason why we went to composites rather than polymer, which is what everybody else does, is composites have a much broader temperature range. Heat and cold don’t affect it during the installation or transportation process. It’s a very hardy product that can handle heat well, and really builds like steel on a non-corrosive platform.”

Steel Wall Pool Systems
In addition to composite wall systems, Only Alpha manufactures steel wall pools in various heights, offering a versatile solution suitable for fully buried or semi-inground installations. The company also produces fiberglass, acrylic, and thermoplastic steps, bending its own coping and, as of last year, has begun manufacturing vinyl liners for swimming pools.

Builders Gravitating To Only Alpha Evolution
The Evolution, a standout product in Only Alpha’s lineup, has garnered high praise from pool installers, who emphasized its suitability for commercial and higher-end residential projects. Saxer, a seasoned expert with decades of experience in the industry, offered insights into the fast installation time that has become an appealing selling point with pool builders.
“It’s precision made. The product has 10,000th of an inch variation in its dimensions on it. So it’s a very exacting product,” explained Saxer, “internally, we have the ability to manipulate the product. We can cut it, we can glue it together so we can be able to make an interior that’s unique to anything precisely requested by a dealer. we’ve also worked with 3M on various adhesives to help build the pool, to make it a watertight shell without any coating on it.”

Speedy Build Time & Ships Ready For Assembly
“The wall structure, assembly of the wall structure, or in the case if you look at a concrete pool, would be called a bond beam. The assembly is very quick. We have a special adhesive that you would use between the wall systems to make it watertight, but it builds very quickly,” explained Saxer.
“It’s a prepackaged product, so it comes on pallets. It comes virtually preassembled. Once they pull it off the truck they can go right to work assembling it. Unlike a gunite pool, where you’re playing around with rebar and everything else. With this system, it’s all preset,” said Saxer.
“The concrete bottom has got to be poured correctly,” said Saxer, indicating one of the similarities in respect to traditional gunite pools. “You need to pour it fairly dry so you don’t have shrinkage in it.”

On Site Training & Support Allows Builders To Take On Larger Projects
Although a turn-key system, Saxer explained that builders still need proper installation training. Saxer conveyed that Only Alpha provides extensive training for dealers, ensuring that a trainer is present on the job site for each installation. The insistence on having a trainer present on the job site during the construction speaks to the company’s emphasis on hands-on learning and guidance, ensuring that builders have the necessary skills and knowledge to execute the building process with precision.
Only Alpha’s pool systems offer a variety of design options, from quick installs suitable for various shapes to replicating specific designs requested by customers. Saxer explained how their pool system has enabled builders to take on larger jobs. “We did a 30 foot vanishing edge pool for an apartment complex right near Purdue University,” said Saxer, who explained their system provided one of their vinyl liner dealer the opportunity to sell an apartment pool.
Only Alpha Pool Products Expedited Build Process Is Appealing
“Another interesting project was someone who came to us that was a one piece fiberglass builder. The consumer wanted a much larger pool, but they loved the interior design of the fiberglass pool,” explained Saxer, “we were able to replicate that pool on a larger scale for the customer,” who was looking for an expedited build process.
“The customer preferred this over gunite. Gunite is very expensive, and frankly, it’s a project. It’s going to take 30 to 45 days to complete a gunite or shotcrete pool shell. Two installers could assemble the 20 x 40 wall system in our evolution pool in less than 2 hours,” explained Saxer.

Manufactured With Sustainability in Mind
In an era where environmental consciousness has become paramount, Saxer says that Only Alpha Pool Products is commited to environmental responsibility and sustainability in the production process.
“On the production floor, everything we build is 100% recyclable. The vinyl liner could be any scraps get sent back and get reground into a 3D binder book cover for a kid at school. Steel is reprocessed. The composite panel can be reground, and it has the ability to be used as a filler for roads. Everything’s able to be reprocessed and recycled into another product. We’re very big on that in our industry.”
Want to take a deeper dive and learn more about Only Alpha Pool Products? Listen to our interview with Tim Saxer on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Manufacturers
Pentair Names Bob Fishman Interim CFO Following Executive Leadership Change

Pentair has appointed former Chief Financial Officer Bob Fishman as Interim Executive Vice President and CFO following the departure of Nicholas Brazis, who left the company on July 10 to pursue an opportunity with a private company. The company has launched a search for a permanent successor while Fishman assumes the role effective immediately.
Fishman previously served as Pentair’s Executive Vice President and CFO for six years before stepping away from the position earlier this year. His return comes as the company works through a challenging period for its pool segment, which has experienced significantly weaker-than-anticipated demand resulting from continued inventory reductions throughout the distribution channel.
“Our Board and leadership team are pleased to have Bob Fishman rejoin Pentair on an interim basis as we conduct a search for his successor. During Bob’s six year tenure at Pentair, he helped to strengthen our financial foundation and enhance our operating discipline. Given his deep financial expertise, clear understanding of our business and strong relationships across Pentair and the financial community, I am confident he will step back in seamlessly as we execute on our key strategic and financial priorities to build long-term value,” said John L. Stauch, Pentair President and Chief Executive Officer.
Fishman also commented on his return.
“I’m excited to return to Pentair and support the company during this transition. Pentair has a strong portfolio, talented team and clear strategy for long-term success. I’m optimistic about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working alongside John and the team to support disciplined execution and create value for our customers, shareholders and employees.”
Pool Business Drives Revised Outlook
Alongside the executive announcement, Pentair released preliminary second-quarter financial expectations and lowered its full-year outlook, citing more aggressive inventory reductions across the pool distribution channel than previously anticipated. The company now expects full-year sales to decline between 4% and 7%, compared to its earlier forecast calling for 2% to 4% growth.
According to Pentair, channel destocking is expected to reduce pool segment sales by approximately $250 million during 2026, with an estimated $155 million impact on pool segment income. The company also noted that second-quarter pool sales were significantly affected by inventory adjustments made by major channel partners amid softer market conditions.
Despite the near-term slowdown, Pentair said it is taking steps to strengthen the pool business by working more closely with dealers, distributors and service professionals while accelerating new product development and expanding technical support resources. The company maintained that it continues to hold a leading position in energy-efficient and connected pool technologies and expects market conditions to normalize heading into the 2027 pool season.
Stauch emphasized the company’s confidence in the long-term outlook despite current market conditions.
“We believe these headwinds are temporary and we are taking decisive actions to adapt the business to current demand levels while positioning it to return to normalized performance in 2027. We are confident that these actions will bring us closer to our dealers, accelerate innovation and drive long-term growth. Our pool business is an industry leader with a premier brand, strong customer base, and a large install base, with leading positions in energy-efficient and smart connected pool technologies. Importantly, our flow and water solutions segments performed generally in line with expectations as we continue to successfully execute our growth agenda, demonstrating the strength and balance of our portfolio.”
Fishman expressed confidence that the company remains well positioned as it works through current market conditions.
“We have assessed our full year forecast and feel confident that we can execute successfully in 2026 and position ourselves for significant growth in 2027. With a solid balance sheet, strong cash flow, a balanced capital deployment strategy and a resilient business model, we remain well positioned to deliver long-term shareholder value.”
Pentair is scheduled to release its complete second-quarter financial results and provide additional commentary on its outlook during its earnings call on July 28.
Manufacturer
Fluidra Acquires Datapool to Lead Digitalization and Efficiency in the Pool Sector

Fluidra, the global leader in pool and wellness equipment and connected solutions, has announced the acquisition of Datapool, the digital twin platform developed by Ecotropy. With this transaction, the company reinforces its strategic commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency and the digitalization of the sector.
The transaction represents the evolution of a collaboration that began in 2024, when Fluidra invested in Ecotropy through Fluidra Ventures, its Corporate Venture Capital fund focused on startups with the potential to transform the pool and wellness sector through technological innovation.
With this acquisition, Datapool becomes fully integrated into Fluidra’s digital ecosystem for commercial pools, consolidating its role as a key part of the company’s value proposition. The platform incorporates advanced analytics capabilities, IoT solutions and real-time data within an open and scalable architecture, in line with the company’s strategy to offer connected and sustainable solutions that maximize the efficiency of aquatic facilities and accelerate the transition towards smarter management models.
Datapool outfits aquatic facilities with digital twins, enabling pools to be managed using reliable, real-time data and replacing management models based on estimates or manual supervision.
In this way, the platform simulates the optimal operation of each facility and continuously compares it with variables such as energy consumption, occupancy, weather conditions and water quality, providing a comprehensive view that helps anticipate incidents, optimize resources and improve operational performance.
Thanks to this technology, operators can reduce operating costs by 10% to 25% by optimizing water and energy consumption without the need for construction works or invasive interventions; monitor and adjust key parameters such as temperature, water quality and occupancy in real time; automate management through predictive models that adapt climate control and operations to real demand; generate automatic reports with traceable data for audits, tenders or grant applications; and plan investments and improvements based on objective data.
“This acquisition marks a milestone in our digitalization strategy. Datapool allows us to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent pool management model, improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact and offering our customers data-driven tools to make better decisions,” said Thorsten Muck, Commercial Pool Director at Fluidra.
Manufacturer
Pentair Announces Leadership Transition for Pentair Pool

Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water life’s most essential resource, today announced that Jerome Pedretti, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Pentair Pool, will depart the Company effective July 1, 2026. Pedretti concludes a distinguished career with Pentair spanning more than 20 years.
In connection with Pedretti’s departure, Pentair is eliminating the Chief Executive Officer of Pentair Pool role. De’Mon Wiggins, current EVP and President, Pentair Flow and Pentair Water Solutions, will assume responsibility for the Pool segment as EVP and President, Pentair Flow, Water Solutions and Pool, effective April 28, 2026. Pedretti will remain with Pentair through his departure date to support an orderly transition.
“Over more than two decades with Pentair, Jerome has made a significant and lasting impact on our Pool and Flow businesses through his leadership, deep expertise, and unwavering commitment to our customers and our culture,” said John Stauch, Pentair President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are truly grateful for Jerome’s many contributions and for his thoughtful partnership in supporting a smooth transition. With De’Mon’s strong track record of execution and strategic leadership, I am confident in the continued momentum of our Pool business and excited about the opportunities ahead.”
CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains statements that we believe to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words “targets,” “plans,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “likely,” “may,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “positioned,” “strategy,” or “future” or words, phrases, or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the overall global economic and business conditions impacting our business, including the strength of housing and related markets and conditions relating to international hostilities; supply, demand, logistics, competition and pricing pressures related to and in the markets we serve; the ability to achieve the benefits of our restructuring plans, cost reduction initiatives and Transformation Program; the impact of raw material, logistics and labor costs and other inflation; volatility in currency exchange rates and interest rates; failure of markets to accept new product introductions and enhancements; the ability to successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions; risks associated with operating foreign businesses; the impact of seasonality of sales and weather conditions; our ability to comply with laws and regulations; the impact of changes in laws, regulations and administrative policy, including those that limit U.S. tax benefits or impact trade agreements and tariffs; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; and the ability to achieve our long-term strategic operating and sustainability goals and targets. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. All forward-looking statements, including all financial forecasts, speak only as of the date of this release. Pentair assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update the information contained in this release.
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.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Shelly Hubbard
Vice President, Investor Relations
Direct: 612-812-0148
Email: [email protected]
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