Manufacturer

Myrtha Pools and Landmark Aquatic Expand National Partnership

Published

2 days ago

November 11, 2026

Four men pose in front of a Myrtha Pools backdrop, one holding a framed award presented to Landmark Aquatic.

Pairing global pool technology with a scaled national builder aims to make new construction and renovation projects run smoother, control costs, and reduce how often facilities need to be rebuilt

Myrtha Pools, the global leader in stainless-steel pool technology, is expanding its national partnership with Landmark Aquatic, the nation’s largest platform of founder-owned commercial aquatics firms. Together, they’ll help park and recreation departments, universities and commercial clients build and renovate more smoothly, control costs more tightly, and get facilities built to last decades, not years.

“A partnership like this pairs global technology with a scaled national builder, and that changes what’s possible for the clients investing in these facilities,” said Jen Gerber, Myrtha’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. “Municipalities and universities want an established relationship, not a group of subcontractors meeting for the first time on their job. We’vealready worked out how we communicate and how we build, so the client gets the best value instead of absorbing the risk.”

Decades of Roots, One National Platform
Landmark Aquatic’s roots trace back to 1967, when its oldest legacy company, Westport Pools, began serving Midwest communities. In September 2023, that legacy — built alongside sister companies CEM, Spear Corp., Progressive Commercial Aquatics and Commercial Swim — coalesced into Landmark Aquatic, with a mission to give clients nationwide access to sophisticated, end-to-end aquatic solutions from a single trusted partner.

“Construction is in our DNA,” said Landmark Aquatic’s Executive Chairman J. Ryan Casserly. “Our legacy companies built strong construction and renovation practices long before Landmark existed. Rather than reinvent that expertise, we’ve amplified it into a national delivery capability that brings the same hands-on quality to a much broader footprint.”

That scale is central to the Myrtha relationship, which began more than 20 years ago through legacy firm CEM and has grown to more than 250 Myrtha installations completed nationwide. “It transfers the knowledge from the markets where we’ve built the most and pairs it with the muscle to take on multiple projects at once across the country,” Gerber said. “As Landmark grows, we grow with them — it’s the convenience of one partner willing to build almost anywhere.”

Technology That Lowers the Cost of Ownership
At the center of the partnership is Myrtha’s stainless-steel and RenovAction system, an alternative to traditional shotcrete-and-plaster construction built for precision, construction speed and flexibility. “RenovAction lets owners take advantage of an existing pool shell and renovate it, reducing construction cost and ending up with essentially a brand-new, warrantied pool at a fraction of the cost of building new,” Gerber said.

Landmark supplies the field execution behind that engineering: its teams have built more than 500 Myrtha pools in 25 years — more than any installer in the world. Landmark’s design and construction arms both work directly with Myrtha’s engineering team from lead development through delivery, and field feedback flows back into product development. “It’s not just us innovating the product — their experience helps us innovate it,” Gerber added.

Proof Over Decades: Deseret Peak Aquatic Complex
The Deseret Peak Aquatic Complex in Tooele, Utah, shows the payoff over time. Its original mid-1990s shotcrete pool cracked due to site soil conditions; a 2007 Myrtha RenoVaction install extended its life another 17 years. In 2024, Landmark and Myrtha fully replaced the structure with a new Myrtha system — and the community added a second Myrtha pool.

“This illustrates how Myrtha can both renovate and revive older pool systems with underlying issues and also create new and beautiful systems,” said Tim Garner, Landmark Aquatic’s Salt Lake City General Manager. Myrtha backs that longevity with a dedicated Myrtha Legacy program that stays engaged with facilities long after ribbon-cutting to support service, upgrades and new programming.

Plenty of aging facilities across the country are still waiting for that kind of long-term fix. “There are pools from just about every generation still in operation — some kept alive by great staff, others by a constant string of minor, band-aid fixes,” said Mike Mintenko, Director of Sales for Myrtha Pools. “Regardless of the age of your pool, if you feel it has exceeded its useful life, it’s time to think about a better long-term solution.”

Answering an Industry Under Cost Pressure
Both companies point to the same industry pressures behind the deepened partnership: rising construction costs, a shift toward multi-purpose, multi-generational aquatic spaces, and growing owner focus on lifecycle cost over up-front price. “Clients understand they’re looking for best value, not just the cheapest price,” Gerber said. “Myrtha’s modular technology can be shaped into any type of pool, new or renovated, which helps owners build flexible facilities without blowing the budget.”

Mintenko said those pressures aren’t going away. “Costs are increasing across the board, and I don’t see a world where things all of a sudden get cheaper,” he said. “Knowing that, as an industry we should be creating aquatic spaces that are multi-purpose, multi-functional and multi-generational, rather than trying to build multiple pools. Finding flexible, adaptable solutions is what ultimately stretches the budget. People know Myrtha for competition pools, but we also have strong solutions in the leisure market, so whatever a project calls for, new construction or renovation, we can provide an answer.”

That, he said, requires a change in mindset from owners. “Publicly owned facilities are realizing they’re too poor to be cheap — that’s what every school district and municipality should be saying,” Mintenko said. “Choose the best-quality product that is going to last the longest and save money on the maintenance side, then find the team that will deliver a facility with a lower cost of ownership over its entire life.”

“Our philosophy is simple: create a customer for life,” added Casserly. “We show up, walk the journey alongside our clients, and adjust as needed to earn that long-term relationship.”

Looking Ahead
This partnership has several major builds underway, including a large aquatic center in Fort Collins, Colorado (led by Landmark’s Denver and Houston offices). The relationship between Landmark and Myrtha runs deep and as a result, Landmark Aquatic was recently given an award at the Myrtha Momentum event for “Successful Collaboration on the Most Myrtha Pools Installed Worldwide”. Collectively there is a great deal of pride about what the two companies have already achieved together and both know that the best is yet to come. Asked to sum up what the partnership means for the future of U.S. aquatics in one sentence, the answer from both sides was the same: more, better pools across the country.

About Myrtha Pools
Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools has established itself as the leading manufacturer of stainless-steel pools for all uses – including competition, fitness, leisure, and wellness. The company has supplied pools for numerous major competitions, from World Championships to the Olympic Games. As an official partner of World Aquatics since 2009, and with more than 200 World Records set in its pools, Myrtha has become the global benchmark for competition swimming facilities providing architects around the world innovative and reliable solutions for swimming pools and aquatic environments. Today, Myrtha exports its products to more than 70 countries and is at the forefront of sustainability, developing technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions and contributing to products that meet leading international certifications, like LEED.

About Landmark Aquatic
Since 1967, Landmark Aquatic has helped communities and organizations bring complex aquatic facilities to life and keep them performing. Today, we are the nation’s largest integrated commercial aquatics platform, providing design, construction, renovation, restoration, and maintenance services nationwide. Our construction-led expertise and long-term service capabilities give customers one trusted partner across every stage of a facility’s lifecycle. For the life of your pool. Learn more at www.landmarkaquatic.com

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Soake Pools Introduces “Pool With a View”

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Latham Pools Unveils 2026 Photo Contest Winners

Susie Cuebas

Susie Cuebas is a freelance content marketer and writer for Pool Magazine, where she brings her deep industry knowledge and creative storytelling to life. With over a decade of experience in the pool and spa industry — including past work with brands like Jandy®, CMP®, and Grand Effects® — Susie specializes in crafting engaging editorial that connects with pros, builders, and designers alike.

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Manufacturer

Soake Pools Introduces “Pool With a View”

Published

2 days ago

November 11, 2026

Susie Cuebas

A person relaxes in a stone-clad Soake plunge pool overlooking a hillside with fall foliage.

A hand-tiled lounging bench adds a bespoke design and wellness feature to the brand’s custom plunge pool

PEMBROKE, N.H. (November 2026) — Soake Pools, the pioneer of hand-tiled precast concrete plunge pools, introduces Pool With a View, the newest bench configuration available for its signature 7’ x 13’ plunge pool. With an extended bench that runs the length of the pool, the design offers additional seating and a comfortable place to relax, linger and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

Overhead view of a Soake plunge pool showing a submerged tiled bench running along one long side. — Surette Media Group

“Pool With a View was designed to make the most of the space around you,” says Karen Larson, co-founder of Soake Pools. “Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or spending an evening with family and friends, the extended bench creates a comfortable and inviting way to experience your pool.”

The new design further supports Soake Pools’ commitment to everyday wellness. The bench invites longer soaks, letting homeowners enjoy the restorative benefits of warm-water immersion, which can ease muscle tension and reduce stress. Whether recovering after a workout, relaxing at the end of a long day or sharing a peaceful moment with loved ones surrounded by nature, Pool With a View encourages homeowners to slow down, reconnect and prioritize their physical and mental well-being.

Homeowners can begin their design journey at soakepools.com, where the Soake Pools team works closely with each client to bring their vision to life. From selecting hand-tiled finishes to exploring customizable features like automatic covers, jets, lighting and wellness options, in-house plunge pool experts provide personalized guidance from initial design to installation and beyond. The result is a thoughtfully designed pool that fits each family’s space and lifestyle, backed by a dedicated team that supports them for years to come.

Every Soake plunge pool is made to order in New England and ships precast and ready to install in as little as four to eight weeks.

To learn more about Soake Pools, visit soakepools.com and follow on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest news and updates from the brand.

About Soake Pools: Co-founded by Karen and Brian Larson in 2014, Soake® Pools disrupted the industry as the first company to offer hand-tiled precast concrete plunge pools for the home. Today, Soake Pools is the leading prefabricated plunge pool manufacturer in North America, designing luxury, space-saving pools for year-round use and enjoyment. At Soake Pools’ New England facility, its plunge pools are made to order in a controlled environment using proprietary concrete and state-of-the-art tile, continually setting the standard with new dimensions, luxury finishes, and innovations in quality control, safety and usability with impressive turnaround timelines. Fully customizable and delivered ready to install, each Soake Pool is equipped for hot dips in the winter and cooling soaks in the summer, with cold plunge and resistance system offerings that support athletic recovery and enhance at-home wellness routines. The monolithic concrete design offers accessibility in size and pricing, while saltwater filtration, low water usage, and variable speed pumps support sustainability, require less maintenance, and lower costs. Delivering backyard luxury retreats with demonstrated ROI in home value, Soake Pools offer countless physical and mental wellness benefits at a fraction of the footprint and expense of a traditional pool.

Media Contact:
UpSpring
T: 646.722.8146
E: [email protected]

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Manufacturer

Latham Pools Unveils 2026 Photo Contest Winners

Published

3 days ago

November 10, 2026

Susie Cuebas

Rectangular backyard pool and separate spa surrounded by geometric paving, green grass strips and poolside seating beside a modern home.

12 winning projects highlight spaces for relaxation, resort-inspired features and safety integrated into backyard design

LATHAM, N.Y. (November 10, 2026) — Latham Group, Inc. [NASDAQ: SWIM], the largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, today announced the winners of its 2026 Photo Contest, spotlighting 12 standout backyard pools built by Latham dealers across the United States and Canada this year.

Open to Latham’s North American network of experienced installers, submissions were collected across four categories – fiberglass pools, vinyl liner pools, Coverstar automatic safety covers and winter safety covers. The contest drew entries from builders eager to showcase their finest work.

“This year’s Latham Photo Contest winners show what’s possible when a homeowner’s vision comes together with thoughtful design, quality products and the expertise of a trusted dealer,” said Sean Gadd, President and CEO of Latham. “From spaces designed for quiet relaxation to backyards built for entertaining, these projects reflect the many ways a pool can transform how families enjoy their homes.”

2026 Latham Photo Contest Winners
This year’s 12 winning projects showcase the range of possibilities available through Latham’s portfolio of pools, liners and covers. The winners are:

Fiberglass Pools

First Place: Remington LeisureScapes – Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Second Place: Boyer Mountain Pool – Cashmere, Washington
Third Place: Brooks Malone – Greeneville, Tennessee

Vinyl Liner Pools

First Place: Heatwave Pools – Monroe, Ohio
Second Place: Quality Pool Construction – Lancaster, South Carolina
Third Place: Swim King Pools – Rocky Point, New York

Coverstar Automatic Safety Covers

First Place: Buster Crabbe Pools – Nixa, Missouri
Second Place: Concord Pools & Spas – Latham, New York
Third Place: Nate’s Pools & Service – Jesup, Georgia

Winter Safety Covers

First Place: Swim Sports Inc – Hanover, Massachusetts
Second Place: Washington Pools and Spas – Washington, Missouri
Third Place: Swim Sports Inc – Hanover, Massachusetts

Pool and Backyard Design Trends on Display
Today’s backyard design trends focus on bringing swimming, relaxation and entertaining together in one outdoor setting. This year’s winning projects reflect this approach, with features that give homeowners more ways to enjoy their pools and the spaces around them:

Spaces to Lounge and Unwind. Tanning ledges, in-water lounge chairs and pool-spa combos are being integrated to expand the pool’s role beyond swimming. These features appear throughout the winning projects, creating inviting places to relax, cool off and spend time together.
Seamless Design from the Inside Out. Designers are using pool shapes, paving patterns and finishes to work together to connect the backyard to the home. Several winning projects illustrate this approach through clean lines, coordinated materials and defined areas for gathering.
Resort-Inspired Living. Waterfalls, slides and spacious patios bring elements of a vacation retreat home. The winning backyards show different ways to create that experience, from dramatic rock features to comfortable poolside lounging areas.
Safety Built into the Design. Pool covers are a practical part of backyard planning. The winning automatic and winter safety cover installations show how these features can fit a range of pool shapes and outdoor settings.

A Reflection of Latham’s Dealer Network
Winners enjoy recognition by having their projects featured in Latham’s annual 2027 calendar, national marketing campaigns and of course industry bragging rights.

“These winning projects are a direct reflection of the talent and craftsmanship within our dealer network,” said Gadd. “Every entry we received reinforces why we do what we do: giving dealers the products and support they need to bring their customers’ backyard visions to life.”

Homeowners interested in exploring a backyard transformation of their own can find a local Latham dealer here.

About Latham, the Pool Company
Headquartered in Latham, NY, Latham Group, Inc., is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools and pool accessories in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. With over 70 years of experience and a coast-to-coast operations platform across 24 locations, the company offers a broad range of pool products, including fiberglass, vinyl liner, and automatic safety covers, all designed to provide homeowners with the highest quality and value. For more information, visit www.lathampool.com.

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Manufacturer

JED Pool Tools CEO Featured on ‘Growing Up B2B’

Published

2 weeks ago

November 2, 2026

Susie Cuebas

Cindi Heyen standing beside a JED Pool Tools trade show display promoting American-made pool maintenance products.

CEO Cindi Heyen discusses building and sustaining a family manufacturing legacy exploring succession, operational complexity, and long-term growth strategies for family-owned manufacturers

JED Pool T o ols is pleased to announce it was selected and featured on the newest episode of Growing Up B2B, a podcast for leaders of family-owned B2B businesses. Host Ed Delia sat down with Cindi Heyen, President and CEO of JED Pool Tools and Northeastern Plastics, Inc., to discuss what it truly takes to evolve a family manufacturing company across generations without sacrificing the grit, values and work ethic that made the company successful in the first place.

In the episode, Cindi shares how her father built a small injection molding company after losing his job, and how she and her husband Alan took over in 1989, eventually acquiring the business in 2005. The conversation covers their engineering backgrounds, the acquisition of Northeastern Plastics, managing seasonality, implementing ERP systems, and navigating Alan’s health challenges. Cindi also discusses integrating her two sons into the business and her vision for simplification, succession, and long-term growth.

“We are thrilled to share our family’s story with the world, especially other B2B family businesses who likely see parallels with their own experiences,” says Rob Heyen, Sales Manager and son of Cindi and Alan Heyen. In the episode, Cindi shares a story many business owners will recognize from family members stepping in to help, the constant balancing act between tradition and innovation, operational complexities, succession, and the systems required to keep moving forward.

To listen to the full podcast visit:

Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eYaAxC6a
Listen to the full episode on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/esQzSdZR

About JED Pool Tools
JED Pool Tools has been making high-quality pool tools and pool accessories in the USA for over 30 years. JED Pool Tools sells over 400 different products including residential and commercial skimmers, leaf rakes, poles, wall brushes and vacuum heads as well as hoses and through-wall skimmer parts. JED is a family-run company with three generations of Heyen family working for the company and is committed to creating and providing jobs for residents of Scranton, PA. JED is proud of and committed to manufacturing in the USA, many it its own facility in Scranton, PA. To learn more about the company and its products visit www.JEDPoolTools.com.

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