Manufacturers
Unlocking the Potential of Pool Automation for Your Business
Your Time in the Backyard Just Got Easier

Home automation products like smart vacuums, thermostats, and doorbells all have one thing in common: making homeowners’ lives easier – and pool automation is no different.
Leveraging the latest pool automation systems benefits more than just the pool owner, it also offers a surplus of business-boosting opportunities for pool professionals. Whether tackling regular maintenance or something more complex, read on to explore the benefits of incorporating automation and remote monitoring into your operations to strengthen your competitive advantage, increase profits, improve the customer experience and open the door to more opportunities to own the pool pad.
Embracing Automation for Increased Profits
Smart pools are becoming more common in the pool industry due to their ability to automate and control pool functionality for optimal performance. This allows pool owners to efficiently control lighting, heating, filtration, cleaning, and basic water chemistry all from the convenience of their smartphone.
Some pool owners are hesitant to implement the technology due to the initial investment. It’s essential for pool professionals to educate their customers about the benefits of pool automation – easily summarized as “full control of their system 24/7, from anywhere in the world.” And once pool owners experience the convenience pool automation brings, they won’t settle for anything less.
“By embracing automation, pool owners can easily turn on their spa, set their heater to the perfect temperature for jumping in when they get home from a long day, adjust and schedule their lights, and so much more,” said Israel Saari, senior product manager, mobile and web applications at Pentair Pool. “Even better, they can make these changes when they’re at work, traveling across the world or sitting poolside, sipping on their lemonade and enjoying the backyard.”
Some pool professionals may be hesitant to incorporate automation into their product offerings – maybe there is a learning curve to programming the technology within their operations, or they don’t want to deal with potential customer problems in the future. But as the world of swimming pools continues to evolve rapidly, pool professionals must keep up with current trends. By incorporating an advanced pool automation system into their offerings, pool professionals are creating a competitive advantage – and increasing their business opportunities as these customers continue adding upgrades to their pool pad.
“If you are spending a lot of money on building or renovating a pool, you should ask yourself what the client wants at the end of the day,” said Bryan Anderson, owner of Infinity Pools. “Ultimately, they want something reliable. They want something that they know they can count on.”
Facing the Challenge Remotely
One of the primary challenges faced by pool servicers is staying ahead of their customers’ issues. In the past, every time a problem occurred, a service trip was necessary, costing the company money – and sometimes, pool servicers didn’t have the equipment on hand to address the issue.
“Time is one of the biggest challenges for servicing customers, particularly on the maintenance side of the pool business,” said Saari. “Pentair Pool’s automation technology allows pool professionals to remotely monitor their customers’ systems from their office, saving unnecessary trips to a pool sometimes over an hour away.”
Pentair Pool’s remote monitoring dashboard allows pool servicers to set alarm notices for when problems occur and, in some cases, fix the problem from the comfort of their office.
“It’s great to know ahead of time, and to be more proactive than reactive,” said Ken Troyan, director of automation and product advisory for Tortorella Swimming Pools. “So as much data and information we can get, the better.”
Pool professionals can offer remote monitoring as an additional service offering to their customers, which allows pool owners to enjoy an effortless and stress-free pool experience. In addition, remote monitoring allows pool pros to save time in the backyard and focus on other revenue streams, like selling products and building more pools.
Hands-on Support
Pool automation can introduce some of the common challenges brought on by technology, like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity issues. To ensure pool professionals are equipped to solve any problem, Pentair Pool offers educational resources to help maximize business opportunities.
“Pentair University offers education to dealers on automation to bring them a level of confidence to solving and troubleshooting day-to-day issues or more complex problems,” said Saari. “No matter what, Pentair University supports pool businesses through every step of implementing automation and equips them with the knowledge they need to educate their customers about the benefits.”
Pentair Pool also has a dedicated team of automation specialists, tech support specialists, and territory sales managers who provide dedicated support to pool servicers through challenging automation installations, even joining them for planning sessions with the pool builder, if necessary, and are on hand for troubleshooting after installation.
“I think our customers really appreciate having an expert close by who they know will be able to assist them in person,” said Saari. “It’s different than just calling a customer service representative. You have access to experts who have been working in the field for decades in some cases.”
Owning the Pool Pad
Pentair Pool automation allows pool professionals to scale up their sales by owning the pool pad.
“If you install a Pentair automation system in a pool owner’s pool, they are more likely to invest in Pentair heaters, lights, saltwater systems, and more to fully utilize the connectivity an automation system offers,” said Saari. “It gives you access to the entire pad of products. So, maybe before you’re just selling them a pump, but typically when you install automation, you get the rest of the equipment that attaches to it. This leads to increased revenue for pool pros.”
From optimizing maintenance schedules to enhancing customer experience, automation offers a surplus of opportunities for efficiency and growth. By embracing automation, pool servicers can streamline operations, improve service quality, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.
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]
Products4 weeks ago5 Ways Jandy’s New AquaLink® EDGE™ Is Changing the Game for Pool Pros
Pool News1 week agoLeslie’s Reportedly Prepares for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy as Possible Nasdaq Delisting Looms
Pool News3 weeks agoInside the 2026 Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge
Press Releases3 weeks agoSoake Pools Launches Dual Pool Packages
Features2 days agoA New Era at POOLCORP: John Watwood Focuses on Customers and the Fundamentals
Pool News3 weeks agoRENOLIT Launches ONE Augmented Reality Pool Design App
Pool News3 days agoLeslie’s Files Chapter 11, Lenders Set to Take Control in Major Restructuring
Pool Equipment2 weeks agoHayward Issues Recall for Universal Pool Heaters Over Carbon Monoxide Risk



























You must be logged in to post a comment Login