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Making Waves: The Rise of Swim in Place Pools & Dynamic Water Environments

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Swim in Place Pools & Dynamic Water Environments

Swim-in-place systems are making a major splash in the pool industry as homeowners increasingly prioritize fitness, therapy, and dynamic play. Over the last two decades, swimming pools have evolved from tranquil backyard retreats into multifunctional spaces designed for movement and wellness. At the forefront of this evolution is Current Systems, the manufacturer of the Riverflow pump—a powerful, low-head, high-volume current system designed to bring water to life.

“Ten to twenty years ago, people looked at a swimming pool as a place of tranquility and a place for family to gather,” says Phil De Tournillon, co-founder of Current Systems. “Now there’s this interactive opportunity for them to get wet.” The shift from passive pool lounging to active aquatic experiences is fueling a surge in interest for swim-in-place systems, lazy rivers, and dynamic water environments that enhance both health and enjoyment.

Riverflow by Current Systems produces a strong current for competitive swim training
Riverflow by Current Systems produces a strong current for competitive swim training

The Rise of Swim In Place Pools

A growing number of homeowners are embracing fitness-focused design. Swim-in-place systems, like the Riverflow pump, provide continuous water resistance that transforms even compact pools into endless lap lanes. But according to De Tournillon, it goes beyond swimming. “You don’t need to be a swimmer to get the benefit of current,” he explains. “There’s a sense of movement that the body feels—a therapeutic push and pull that provides pleasure and health benefits.”

This sensation, he says, replicates the natural feeling of being in the ocean or a river. For homeowners, that means a more immersive experience, whether they use their pool for exercise, hydrotherapy, or simply floating in gently moving water.

Small Pools, Big Function

One of the biggest drivers behind this trend is space. Not every backyard has room for a 60-foot lap pool, but that doesn’t mean homeowners need to sacrifice functionality. “People are restricted on the size of their spaces,” says De Tournillon. “But they’re really looking to immerse themselves in the water, not just sit beside it.”

Thanks to powerful, adjustable systems like Riverflow, even modest plunge pools can now offer robust fitness and therapeutic capabilities. That flexibility is helping usher in a new category of “performance pools” tailored to compact, urban environments.

The Smart Pool Era

With the rise of pool automation and smart homes, the ability to control a swim current has become just another tap on the app. Riverflow integrates seamlessly with platforms from Pentair, Hayward, Jandy, and Poolside Tech’s “The Attendant.”

“These systems give the client a single source to control lights, jets, and the current system,” explains De Tournillon. Variable speed controls allow users to customize their experience based on the activity—slow for relaxation or light therapy, and faster for exercise or play.

“The Attendant by Poolside Tech has taken it even further,” he says. “They’ve developed a way to add variable speed control, giving the client even more versatility to fine-tune their experience. It’s quite exciting.”

Enter the Adventure Pool

Dynamic water environments aren’t just for workouts. They’re also driving the rise of the “adventure pool,” a trend where features like lazy rivers, slides, and waterfalls create a resort-style experience right at home. Riverflow plays a key role here too.

“We’ve done designs where jets actually propel swimmers coming out of a slide chute,” says De Tournillon. “It keeps the energy going after the initial splash.”

He notes that many homeowners return from vacations wanting to replicate that high-energy resort feel in their own backyard. Whether it’s a current loop that powers a lazy river or directional jets that enhance a waterslide experience, the goal is to make every moment in the pool more engaging.

ADVENTURE POOL: Pool owner using his Riverflow pump to generate swim current for kayaking in his pool.
Pool owner using his Riverflow pump to generate swim current for kayaking in his pool.

Hybrid Pools: Where Tranquility Meets Motion

Despite the uptick in motion-centric pool designs, De Tournillon doesn’t believe the rise of active pools spells the end of traditional aesthetics. In fact, many clients want both. “You can have this beautiful mirror-glass surface and, at the flip of a switch, bring it alive with movement,” he says.

This hybrid model is becoming increasingly popular—one moment it’s an elegant infinity-edge pool perfect for entertaining, the next it’s transformed into an aquatic playground or a resistance training lane. The versatility allows for broader enjoyment across age groups and lifestyles.

Pools That Adapt to People

Customization and control are key. “If you’ve got five- and six-year-olds using the river, you’re going to want to slow it down,” says De Tournillon. “If teenagers show up, you can ramp it up.” The ability to fine-tune performance based on user preferences and safety is making these systems especially attractive for multigenerational households.

And when the current’s off? A lazy river can become a tranquil walking lane. It’s this kind of adaptability that underscores how far pool design has come.

Behind the Innovation

Current Systems is no newcomer to innovation. Founded by Peter Davidson, who invented the first countercurrent high-flow, low-head pump over 30 years ago, the company has continued to push boundaries ever since. De Tournillon joined forces with Davidson two decades ago and together, they’ve shaped the swim-in-place movement.

“We saw a huge need for moving water solutions in the pool industry,” says De Tournillon. “Not just for athletes, but for anyone who wants more from their pool.”

That inclusive mindset has helped fuel a broader interest in wellness, accessibility, and year-round aquatic enjoyment.

The Future Is Flowing

Looking ahead, De Tournillon sees the appetite for dynamic water features only growing. “In the next 10 years, I think it’s just going to be an amazing amount of water flowing,” he says. As more builders and designers understand the versatility that swim-in-place systems offer, more homeowners will opt for active features that enrich both health and enjoyment.

“You don’t have to choose between a beautiful pool and a functional one,” he adds. “You can have the best of both worlds.”

As more homeowners prioritize wellness, play, and smart design, the age of the dynamic pool has arrived—and with it, the rise of the current-driven backyard oasis.

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Phil DeTournillon on the Pool Magazine Podcast.

Photo Credits: Current Systems

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Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

Manufacturers

Pentair Names Bob Fishman Interim CFO Following Executive Leadership Change

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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.

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Fluidra Acquires Datapool to Lead Digitalization and Efficiency in the Pool Sector

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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.

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Pentair Announces Leadership Transition for Pentair Pool

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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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