News
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Celebrates National Water Safety Month This May
(Alexandria, Va.) – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is proud to once again be part of the coalition leading National Water Safety Month this May. National Water Safety Month is an annual awareness campaign coordinated by PHTA, the American Red Cross, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and the World Waterpark Association (WWA) with the purpose of highlighting the importance of water safety education and sharing best practices for both children and adults when they are in and around water.
Since 2003, National Water Safety Month has been celebrated every May by thousands of aquatics facilities, businesses, and professionals around the country. The public awareness campaign provides educational programming, public service announcements, government proclamations, business promotions, and water safety-themed materials designed to help prevent water-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities.
PHTA joined the Coalition in 2009 and has been leading the conversation about how to promote safe and healthy aquatic environments. PHTA’s involvement in National Water Safety Month has led to national media coverage; improved legislation at the federal, state, and local levels; and critical advocacy efforts throughout the United States.
“The pool, spa, and hot tub industry plays an important role in sharing the lifesaving messaging around water safety to those who work in the industry, as well as to their customers,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA. “We are proud to offer resources such as our national standards for pool and spa construction and maintenance, our consumer safety brochures, and our Step Into Swim drowning prevention initiative to further raise awareness during National Water Safety Month.”
The Coalition supports water safety activities throughout the month and during peak swim season, including:
International Water Safety Day
International Water Safety Day (May 15, 2024) is designed to help spread global awareness about drowning prevention and educate youth about becoming safer in and around water. May 15th is a day to share drowning awareness and water safety education by any means possible.
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2024, the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (June 20, 2024) is a global event that includes tens of thousands of participants on six continents working to raise awareness about the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim. Aquatic facilities are encouraged to register as Host Locations during the month of May.
In preparation for National Water Safety Month, the Coalition works to secure gubernatorial proclamations to draw attention to this issue at the state level. Annually, 45-50 Governors proclaim May as National Water Safety Month to support this important work. Proclamations are added throughout the month.
Anyone can join the movement to reinforce the importance of water safety and become an advocate in the community. For example, the Safe Swimmer Pledge encourages children to practice safe swimming behaviors such as never swimming alone and obeying pool rules.
Social Media Conversations
The Coalition will share safety tips and resources across its social media channels throughout the month. Follow along on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, and join the #watersafetymonth #NWSM2024 conversations. Shareable content is also available through the NDPA’s Water Safety Season Toolkit.
May marks the beginning of swim season as beaches, pools, waterparks, and community center pools begin to open and people begin to spend more time outdoors. The National Water Safety Month Coalition is determined to increase awareness about vital water safety practices to help keep children and their families safer around all kinds of water. Learning to swim and practicing safe behaviors are critical first steps.
“Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1–4. It is an epidemic, but a preventable one,” says Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines, Vice President of Partnerships & Development at PHTA, who leads the Step Into Swim drowning prevention initiative. “I want everyone to experience the joy that swimming can bring, and that starts with raising awareness of the importance of swim lessons and water safety best practices. The work done during National Water Safety Month is truly lifesaving.”
Parents, educators, and caregivers can find detailed information and free resources in support of National Water Safety Month at www.NationalWaterSafetyMonth.org.
Trade Shows
Coverings 2026 Brings Wow Factor to Tile & Stone Industry Event
April 29, 2026 – LAS VEGAS – Coverings 2026, the largest international tile and stone event in North America, convened thousands of industry professionals from around the world at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 30–April 2, reaffirming the annual show’s position as the premier marketplace for tile, stone, design innovation and global business exchange.
The four-day event, which spanned the convention center’s large North and Central Halls, attracted highly qualified attendees with strong buying power across all industry segments, 77% of whom were directly involved in purchasing or specifying products.
Architects, builders, contractors, designers, distributors, fabricators, installers, retailers and other professionals explored creatively designed, immersive displays showcasing the latest in tile, stone, machinery, tools, technology, and installation products. 750 exhibitors from nearly 40 countries participated in Coverings 2026.

“Coverings is where the international tile and stone industry comes together to forge new relationships, gain education, explore the newest trends and products, and take advantage of unique opportunities for business growth and development,” said Jamie Rich, Coverings managing director. “The event’s ‘For the Industry, By the Industry’ commitment ensures every decision centers on delivering an event that is inclusive, impactful and valuable for all who exhibit and attend. Hosting Coverings in Las Vegas this year expanded the show’s reach, bringing the industry together in one of the world’s premier destinations for business and innovation.”
Attendance from California and Nevada increased 412% compared to Coverings 2025 when the show took place in Orlando. The architect and designer (A&D) attendee segments also saw an increase at Coverings 2026. A&D attendance was up 24% compared to Coverings 2022, which was the last time Coverings was hosted in Las Vegas.
“The Coverings show was an incredible experience. The range of tile and stone on display was not only impressive but truly valuable for designers looking to stay current, inspired and informed. It’s an environment that sparks creativity and exposes you to materials and applications you simply wouldn’t encounter otherwise,” said Jana Donohoe, Jana Donohoe Designs/Shape Space.
Among many highlights for Coverings 2026 attendees was the keynote session, “Building Hope: A Conversation with Gary Sinise, NTCA, and NSI on Serving Veterans Through Skilled Craftsmanship,” supported by Headline Sponsor MAPEI and Supporting Sponsor PROFLEX.
Those who attended learned how tile and stone professionals have contributed to the specially adapted, smart homes built by the Gary Sinise Foundation for our nation’s most severely wounded veterans and other American heroes, along with guidance on ways to participate in future builds.
A private, curated tour with Gary Sinise, the founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation and acclaimed actor and humanitarian, took place following the keynote during which Sinise thanked current donors and met exhibitors showcasing products designed with accessibility in mind. The tour featured a range of exhibits with residential products that improve safety, mobility, comfort and independent daily living for inhabitants, such as curbless showers, slip-resistant tile for floors and other surfaces, and indoor-outdoor transitions.

Other show floor tours were available to attendees to explore the vast Coverings 2026 exhibit hall, whether through the guided Contractor Tour or Contractor Tour en Español led by the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), to see the latest tools, equipment and allied products, or with the self-guided Audio Tours. The Audio Tours were available in both English and Spanish, featuring four options for those interested in touring at their own pace: “Reimagining Porcelain,” “Tile & Stone Technology,” “Outdoor Living Spaces” and “Stone Trends & Fabrication.”
The popular Coverings Lounge served as a hub for all Coverings attendees to network with new and familiar industry peers, gain new knowledge at the Trends & Solutions Stage, and attend happy hours. The Lounge was also home to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Architecture collaboration. Showgoers were captivated by the suite of mosaic-tiled furniture, which included two chairs, a coffee table and two lamps, designed and installed by UNLV students. The finished suite of furniture created in an earth-toned palette formed a cozy, “old-school” lounge-grotto for attendees to kick-back and enjoy. The furniture is now on permanent display at UNLV.
The Coverings’ Stages—Installation Innovation Stage, Fabricator Stage and Trends & Solutions Stage—as well as the Stone Fabricator’s Alliance (SFA) Cage offered Coverings 2026 attendees more than 50 educational opportunities. The Artisan Showcase was also a celebrated show floor feature, with art tile makers and artisans demonstrating the steps required to create one-of-a-kind, hand-made tile. Attendees visiting the Artisan Showcase were able to create their own mosaic tile coasters to take home as a Coverings memento.
Mindfulness Workshops, led by Gianna Vallefuoco, eternal artist, mindfulness meditation teacher and speaker, co-owner of Vallefuoco Contractors, NTCA board member and founder of Disability Inclusion Guild®, were hosted at the Trends & Solutions Stage and the Galvanize Lounge. Attendees participating in these sessions learned practical techniques for maintaining mental fitness in their workplaces, how to use a growth-focused mindset to lead their organizations and more.
This year’s top ten tile trends were featured in several educational presentations and show floor tours led by Alena Capra, Coverings spokesperson, industry ambassador and owner of Alena Capra Designs. The 2026 trends were seen throughout the show’s nine miles of tile and stone in many different eye-catching and creative exhibit booth displays.
A specially arranged “badge swap” program between Coverings 2026 and NHS Concept to Commerce show allowed hundreds of attendees to experience two shows with one registration. Coverings 2026’s showcase of the world’s most innovative tile and stone products adjacent to NHS Concept to Commerce’s full retail ecosystem of global manufacturers, brands and inventors provided easy and productive access to both events taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Those interested in attending Coverings 2027, scheduled for April 6-9, 2027, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, can sign up to be notified when event registration opens at coverings.com.
About Coverings: Coverings is the largest and preeminent ceramic tile and natural stone trade fair and exposition in the United States and North America. It features exhibitors from 40 countries and is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world with hundreds of exhibitors.
The exposition and conference, with more than 35 years of successful history, serve as a valuable and complimentary learning resource for all segments of the industry, with dozens of educational opportunities throughout the show. Coverings attracts thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors, specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders, real estate developers, as well as journalists, reporters, broadcasters, podcasters and bloggers who cover the vital tile and stone industry.
Key sponsors of the show are Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica, Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association of Spain (ASCER)/Tile of Spain, Tile Council of North America(TCNA), National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) and International Product Assurance (IPA) Laboratories.
The show is managed by Taffy Event Strategies.
For more information about attending, sponsoring or exhibiting at Coverings 2026, contact Taffy Event Strategies at 571-313-5801 or [email protected].
Media/press contact for questions, interviews, additional photos, press tour attendance, etc.: Eberly & Collard Public Relations.
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]
News
Landmark Aquatic Integrates Splashtacular’s SlipStream® Water Slide for Aquatic Facilities
Landmark Aquatic is proud to partner with Splashtacular to offer the SlipStream® water slide for new construction and aquatic facility renovations. Unlike any ride on the market, the SlipStream delivers the sensation of waterskiing — riders take a running start, grab the side rails, and glide down on their heels, controlling their own speed. It’s the perfect attraction for older teens and adults seeking thrills without getting soaked. Through its partnership with Splashtacular, Landmark Aquatic brings a full range of fiberglass waterslides to community pools, parks and recreation facilities, luxury resorts, and beyond — combining Landmark’s expertise in design, construction, renovation, and service to create exciting aquatic experiences for all ages.
About Splashtacular
Splashtacular designs, manufactures, and installs custom water slides, aquatic play structures, and spray features for water parks, resorts, and aquatic facilities. Their Restoration & Maintenance department offers slide restoration, feature upgrades, and a “Keep It New” maintenance program, ensuring longevity and performance for their innovative, high-quality aquatic attractions.
About Landmark
Landmark Aquatic is a premier provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance, with more than six decades of industry leadership. Serving clients nationwide, Landmark delivers construction-led solutions supported by its CPO-certified AquatiCare maintenance team, ensuring excellence “for the life of your pool.” Committed to the full lifecycle of every facility, Landmark prioritizes long-term partnerships while adapting to client needs through exceptional service, operational excellence, and forward-thinking solutions.
Direct link:
https://landmarkaquatic.com/products-aquatic-play-water-slide-systems
More information contact:
-
Pool News3 weeks agoThe Current State of the Backyard Pool Industry: Short Film Holds Up a Mirror
-
Pool News3 weeks agoRising Fuel Costs Are Hitting Pool Pros Where It Hurts Most
-
Pool News4 weeks agoPOOLCORP Strengthens Retail Strategy With New Chemical Systems and Pool360 Unlocked
-
Pool News4 weeks agoThis Summer, A Pool Floats in NYC: Update on + POOL Project
-
Pool News4 weeks agoRolls-Royce Recreates One of Rock’s Most Infamous Poolside Legends
-
Equipment Supplies4 weeks agoSpring Fling: New Robotic Pool Cleaners Making a Splash in 2026
-
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies3 weeks agoBuilding Trust With Water Quality
-
Safety4 weeks agoElectrical Safety for Pool Pros: OSHA Guidelines Every Technician Should Know























