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Fluidra Continues Strategic Expansion with Acquisition of Taylor Water Technologies LLC

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Fluidra Acquires Taylor Technologies

Fluidra, a worldwide leader in the pool and wellness industry and global manufacturer of equipment and connected solutions, today announced it has acquired Taylor Water Technologies LLC (Taylor), a leading US-based manufacturer of water-testing solutions. 

  • Addition of the US-based manufacturer of test kits, test strips, and instruments for monitoring water quality is complementary to and will further enhance Fluidra’s industry-leading offering for residential and commercial pools. 
  • Taylor’s expertise in water chemistry testing will enable Fluidra to innovate in new product categories, providing substantial growth opportunities in the US and abroad. 
  • The acquisition values Taylor at $78 million and is expected to be cash EPS accretive to Fluidra in 2021. 

Taylor, the foremost brand in water testing, joins Fluidra’s family of already distinguished brands, including Jandy®, Polaris®, iAquaLink®, and SR Smith®. The addition of Taylor’s highly trusted water-testing kits, strips, and instruments in North America not only broadens Fluidra’s rapidly growing portfolio of pool and spa products and solutions, but also provides an established foundation in water testing from which the company can build upon with future innovations. 

Founded in 1930 and based out of Sparks, Maryland, Taylor is the recognized leader in water-testing kits and reagents in the residential and commercial pool segments. With a catalog of nearly 600 test-kit configurations, their products are carried by over 400 distributors throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico with growing positions outside of North America. The previous 12 month’s sales totaled $26 million with an EBITDA of $8.5 million. 

“This is an important acquisition for Fluidra and will greatly enhance our offering,” said Bruce Brooks, chief executive officer of Fluidra. “Taylor is the most trusted name in water testing within North America, and their expertise, coupled with Fluidra’s track record of delivering new equipment and IoT solutions, will pave the way for future innovations that make managing watercare easier for both pool professionals and pool owners.” 

“It’s exciting to become a part of Fluidra,” said Stephen Heard, chief executive officer of Taylor. “We each bring unique expertise as part of the large, multi-segment pool 

market and are focused on combining those building blocks to provide best-in-class solutions for our customers.” 

Following the acquisition, Taylor will continue to operate independently as a business within Fluidra. Stephen Heard will continue to lead Taylor as its Senior Vice President and General Manager and will report to Troy Franzen, President of Fluidra North America. The Taylor team and its base of operations will remain in Maryland. 

McGuireWoods acted as legal advisor to Fluidra. Stephens acted as sell-side advisor to Taylor, while Lowenstein Sandler acted as their legal advisor. 

Media Contacts: 

Global: 

Sarah Estébanez, [email protected], +34 636 62 80 41 

Xana Pena, [email protected], +34 674 73 47 82 

Laura Gil, [email protected], +34 673 631 814 

North America: 

Jacquie Edelman, [email protected], 760 390 1458 

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Marianne Trusty

Marianne Trusty is a Press Correspondent for the pool & spa industry. A published author and social media influencer reaching over 20 million people around the world each day. Contact Marianne about publishing op-editorials, breaking pool news and press releases at [email protected].

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Master Pools Guild Welcomes Red Rock Design Build as Newest Member

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Red Rock Design Build showing Brett and Rick

Arizona-based custom pool builder joins international network of industry professionals dedicated to excellence in design, construction, and collaboration.

RICHMOND, VA — October 23, 2026 — Master Pools Guild (MPG), an international network of distinguished custom swimming pool builders, is pleased to announce Red Rock Design Build of Chandler, Arizona, as its newest member. Led by longtime friends and business partners Rick Chafey and Brett Blauvelt, Red Rock Design Build specializes in custom swimming pools, landscape design, and complete outdoor living environments, bringing a team-oriented approach to creating exceptional spaces for its clients.

Red Rock Design Build has established itself through a commitment to quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and personalized service. The company’s team works closely with homeowners to create outdoor environments that seamlessly integrate swimming pools, landscaping, and functional living spaces.

With decades of combined experience in the pool and construction industries, Rick and Brett bring complementary expertise to the company. Rick’s extensive background in swimming pool construction and technical craftsmanship, combined with Brett’s experience in design, business management, and construction operations, provides a strong foundation for the Red Rock team.

“Rick and Brett have built a company that reflects the values we look for in our members,” said Teri Wiltshire, Executive Director of Master Pools Guild. “Their team’s dedication to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to creating exceptional outdoor environments align with the standards of our organization. We’re excited to welcome Red Rock Design Build to the Guild and look forward to the experience and perspective their entire team will bring to our network.”

For Red Rock Design Build, joining Master Pools Guild represents an opportunity to connect with other accomplished builders, exchange ideas, and continue developing the knowledge and resources that benefit both the company and its clients.

“At Red Rock, we’ve always believed that surrounding ourselves with knowledgeable, talented people makes us better at what we do,” said Rick Chafey, Co-Founder of Red Rock Design Build. “Joining Master Pools Guild allows our entire team to learn from other respected builders, share ideas, and continue raising the bar for the projects we create.”

“One of the things we’re most excited about is the opportunity to bring new ideas and perspectives back to our team,” added Brett Blauvelt, Co-Founder of Red Rock Design Build. “The relationships and shared knowledge within Master Pools Guild will help us continue growing as a company while delivering the level of quality and service our clients expect.”

As a member of Master Pools Guild, Red Rock Design Build joins an international network of independent pool builders committed to advancing the industry through education, innovation, and collaboration. Members regularly exchange knowledge on construction techniques, emerging technologies, design trends, and business practices.

The addition of Red Rock Design Build further strengthens MPG’s network of professionals who share a dedication to craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and the advancement of the swimming pool industry.

About Red Rock Design Build

Red Rock Design Build is a Chandler, Arizona-based company specializing in custom swimming pools, landscape design, and outdoor living environments. Led by business partners Rick Chafey and Brett Blauvelt, the company brings together a skilled team of professionals dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. With an emphasis on craftsmanship, collaboration, and personalized service, Red Rock Design Build works closely with clients to transform their outdoor living visions into reality.

About Master Pools Guild

Master Pools Guild is an international network of independent custom swimming pool builders dedicated to excellence in design, construction, education, and collaboration. Through shared knowledge, industry resources, and professional relationships, MPG members work together to advance the art and business of swimming pool construction.

Media Contact:
Cheryl Lewis

[email protected]

Office (804) 657-4752

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Industry News

Pentair Names Josh Cowley Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Pentair Pool

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a picture of a man

London, United Kingdom – October 19, 2026 – Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource, today announced that it has named Josh Cowley as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Pentair Pool, effective November 9, 2026. Mr. Crowley will report to De’Mon Wiggins, Executive Vice President and President, Pentair Flow, Water Solutions and Pool.

“Josh brings deep pool industry knowledge, a strong understanding of our customers and a proven ability to turn strategy into action,” said John L. Stauch, Pentair President and Chief Executive Officer. “His successful commercial and operating track record, coupled with his business acumen and leadership experience, will help build on the strength of our Pool business, enhance customer relationships and position Pentair Pool for long-term growth. We are pleased to welcome him to Pentair.”

Cowley brings more than 25 years of leadership experience and a successful track record of scaling businesses, building teams and strengthening channel partnerships. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of May Manufacturing, a leading hot tub and swim spa manufacturer, where he led the company through a significant phase of growth by establishing a customer centric culture with focused strategic priorities, expanding customer relationships, building a solid leadership team, and improved overall financial performance.

Prior to that, Cowley served as Chief Commercial Officer of Latham Group, the largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, where he led global sales, customer service, product and channel management, and brand marketing. Earlier in his career, from 2005 to 2021, he held several senior leadership roles at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., including President and General Manager of North America Retail Sales & Marketing. Cowley earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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.

PENTAIR CONTACTS:

Jeff Thompson
Investor Relations
Direct: 763-656-5527
Email: [email protected]

Rebecca Osborn
Corporate Communications
Direct: 763-656-5589
Email: [email protected]

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Industry News

Hayward Holdings Names New Chief Accounting Officer

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CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HAYW) (“Hayward” or the “Company”), a leading global pool and outdoor living technology company, today announced the appointment of Jared Arrowood as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, effective immediately. As principal accounting officer, Arrowood will oversee the Company’s global financial reporting, tax, operational finance and technical accounting functions.

“Jared’s experience as a financial executive for publicly traded global organizations and his deep understanding of our business make him exceptionally well suited for this role,” said Eifion Jones, Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. “I am confident his technical expertise, leadership and business perspective will continue to strengthen our finance organization and support long-term value creation for shareholders.”

Arrowood will continue to report to Jones as part of his financial leadership team.

Arrowood joined Hayward in 2023 as Assistant Corporate Controller and was promoted to Vice President, Corporate Controller in 2024. He has helped strengthen the Company’s financial processes, controls and continuous improvement efforts across the global controllership organization. Prior to Hayward, Arrowood spent 17 years at SPX FLOW, including serving as Vice President of Finance for its Mixing Solutions division.

He holds a Master of Accounting from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is a certified public accountant.

About Hayward Holdings, Inc.
Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HAYW) is a leading global specialty water management company focused on designing and manufacturing pool and outdoor living technology and industrial flow control products. Driven by a mission to transform the experience of water, Hayward offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy‑efficient and sustainable pool equipment—including pumps, heaters, sanitizers, filters, LED lighting, water features, and cleaners—integrated through its intuitive, IoT‑enabled SmartPad™ platform. The Company also provides industrial thermoplastic valves and process control products serving a wide range of applications.

Investor Relations Contact: 
Kevin Maczka
[email protected] 

Media Relations Contact: 
Misty Zelent
[email protected]

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