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Ledge Lounger Announces Recapitalization Lead by Summit Park

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Ledge Lounger Announces Recapitalization Lead by Summit Park

November 10, 2021 – Houston, Texas

Ledge Lounger Inc., designer and manufacturer of in-pool and outdoor furniture is pleased to announce a recapitalization and partnership with Summit Park and Digital Fuel Capital, lower middle market private investment firms focused in the consumer, e-commerce and home goods sectors.

Founded in 2011 by Christopher Anderson, Ledge Lounger is known as the category creator for in-pool furniture, most famously their Signature Chaise, and has since expanded the product set across the entire pool and outdoor space. While Ledge sells to an omni-channel mix including direct to consumer and trade, over the course of the company’s trajectory, they have placed an emphasis on building connections with the pool industry. Christopher Anderson said “we recognize pool builders are a critical piece to our product’s success, and we aim to grow our brand as a partnership with the pool industry. Our partnership with Summit Park and Digital Fuel will allow us to continue to excel at creating stylish, functional and comfortable products that create meaningful moments for families in their own backyard and at resorts around the world.”

Andrew Gilbert, Principal at Summit Park, said, “We believe that Ledge is uniquely positioned as the omni-channel leader of in-pool furniture, and we greatly value the brand’s relationship with the pool builder community and the gateway that provides for the end-consumer.” Adds Carson Biederman, founder of Digital Fuel, “Ledge has an entrenched relationship in the pool industry, and we are excited to continue and strengthen that bond while investing for growth.”

Following the acquisition, Ledge Lounger will continue operations in Katy, Texas in their newly finished 80,000 square foot headquarters and showroom. Ledge Lounger will continue to innovate stylish products for outdoor living for both their consumer customer-base, as well as their B2B partners across the trade, retail, and hospitality channels.

About Ledge Lounger

Ledge Lounger is an in-pool and outdoor furniture company founded in 2011 by Christopher Anderson. Since the introduction of their first in-pool Chaise, Ledge Lounger has grown to include patio furnishings, umbrellas, cabanas, and outdoor games, all designed to withstand the harsh pool and outdoor environments. For more information, visit www.ledgeloungers.com.

About Summit Park

Summit Park is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based private investment firm focused exclusively on the lower middle market. The firm invests across a range of industries, including services, consumer and industrial growth, in the Eastern half of the United States. The firm’s capital can be used to facilitate a change in ownership, to support expansion and growth, to provide partial liquidity to existing owners, or to support an industry consolidation plan. For more information, visit www.summitparkllc.com.

About Digital Fuel

Digital Fuel is a private equity firm focused on investing in leaders in e-commerce.  Digital Fuel supports its portfolio companies in implementing direct-to-consumer best practices with a team of internal performance marketing, e-commerce and analytics resources.  Digital Fuel has been an active investor in direct-to-consumer home-improvement, with historical investments including Renovation Brands, Guild Brands, RugsUSA and First Impression Ironworks. For more information, visit www.digitalfuelcapital.com.

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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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CCEI North America and Carvin Pool Announce Strategic Partnership to Serve the U.S. Market

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Carvin CCEI Partnership

 New partnership integrates Carvin’s premium aboveground pool systems with CCEI’s TILD smart automation platform

Los Angeles, California- CCEI North America and Carvin Pool Equipment have formalized a strategic partnership that delivers an integrated, app-controlled aboveground pool solution engineered for the U.S. market. The collaboration pairs Carvin’s industry-recognized pool and equipment expertise with CCEI’s TILD connected automation platform, offering pool professionals and end users a turnkey system that simplifies installation and elevates pool management.

At the core of the partnership is Carvin’s premium aboveground pool line, now available with the TILD automation control system— CCEI’s flagship connected Vigipool, app-based automation solution. TILD enables single-app control of pool heaters, pumps, filters, lighting, and chemical dosing and monitoring equipment, meeting growing consumer demand for intuitive, easy-to-install smart pool systems.

“CCEI is committed to the growing demand for our products in the U.S. market and the TILD’s automation’s value for pool professionals,” says Martin Grenier, Sales Manager for CCEI.  “We are excited to partner with Carvin’s extensive presence in the U.S. to bring the CCEI automation system to more U.S. pool professionals and consumers.” 

The partnership draws on the distinct strengths of each organization: Carvin brings market knowledge and a trusted distribution network in the U.S., while CCEI contributes a proven track record of connected pool innovation and adaptable product architecture. Together, the two companies are developing a cohesive, high-value offering designed to meet the specific performance requirements of the U.S. pool market.

We know that the U.S. consumers purchasing Carvin Pools wants to control everything with an app on their phone,” explains Tony Guagliardo VP US of Sales for Carvin Pools, a manufacturer of above ground pools and equipment headquartered in Quebec, Canada. “The CCEI automation system is the ideal solution to offer our customers because the TILD & free Vigipool app provide a simple and affordable automation solution that is proven in Europe and we are thrilled to help expand this technology in the US.”

Looking ahead, the partners plan to expand the product portfolio with new water treatment solutions, further strengthening the integrated offering. Both companies are committed to building a sustained and growing joint presence in the United States, with the shared goal of providing pool professionals with reliable, market-adapted technology they can count on.

More information about CCEI’s US operations can be found at:

www.ccei-pool.com/us/

424-800-2191

CCEI USA Inc.

808 Hindry Ave, Suite G

Inglewood, CA 90301 

Pictured from left to right:

Michael Durand – Project Manager VIF Group

David Danyluk – Project & Quality Director VIF Group

Martin Grenier – Sales Representative CCEI Pool North America

Klaudia Parker – SVP Sales & Marketing Carvin Pool Equipment 

Alain Barabé – Senior Industrial Designer Carvin Pool Equipment

Sébastien Chereau – Marketing Director CCEI Group

About CCEI North America

CCEI is a French-founded manufacturer (est. 1973) specializing in innovative,, smart, and sustainable electrical equipment for swimming pools, including LED lighting, salt chlorinators, and automated control systems. Renowned for its Vigipool connected ecosystem, CCEI provides smart, user-friendly, and low-voltage solutions for pool maintenance and monitoring, with manufacturing sites in France, Romania, and a dedicated North American presence.

About Carvin Pool Equipment

Carvin is a North American manufacturer of high-performance above-ground pools, pool pumps, and filtration systems. Founded in 2009 following the acquisition of Competition Pool Inc. and the Jacuzzi® pool equipment line, Carvin launched its own brand after eight years under the Jacuzzi® name to lead with innovation and quality.  In 2017, Carvin launched its first above-ground pool series, entirely designed by our in-house team to introduce bold new architectural elements to the pool frame.  As part of Le Groupe VIF, Carvin draws on over 50 years of plastic injection molding expertise. Our 180,000 sq. ft. Canadian facility features 34 injection molding machines (21 robotic), blow molding, custom wall machinery, and in-house R&D — giving us full vertical integration from concept to finished product.

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Press Releases

Celebrate National Water Safety Month This May

An annual awareness campaign to increase access to water safety education ahead of the peak summer swim season

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(Overland Park, Ks) – The National Water Safety Month Coalition—comprised of the American Red Cross, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), and the World Waterpark Association (WWA)—invites all stakeholders to participate in the month-long celebration of National Water Safety Month this May. National Water Safety Month is an annual awareness campaign that provides water safety education for children and adults ahead of the peak summer swim season.

National Water Safety Month was first recognized as a week-long campaign in 2003 and has continued to expand its reach over the past 23 years, becoming a month-long celebration in 2007. The National Water Safety Month Coalition works together to share important safety information to a wide range of audiences, from parents and caregivers to aquatics industry professionals, and works closely with state and local governments to ensure nationwide support.

“We are so excited to be a partner again this year for National Water Safety Month,” says Alissa Magrum, Executive Director of the NDPA. “We know that when water safety and drowning prevention organizations work together with a shared vision of increasing water safety awareness and sharing educational resources, we can multiply our impact—saving more lives and preventing more drownings. Drowning impacts people of all ages and occurs in all kinds of water. The good news is that drowning is preventable and when we work together, we can save lives.”

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 is proud to be part of the National Water Safety Month Coalition and play a role in strengthening the pool, spa, and hot tub industry’s messaging around the importance of water safety,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. “Together, we can drastically reduce drowning incidents by sharing lifesaving resources with families and communities across the country—not just in May, but all throughout the year.”

Additional efforts include advocating for improved legislation at the federal, state, and local levels and securing national media coverage to inform families of how to stay safe in and around the water, not just during the summer swim season but all year long.

The Coalition provides water safety activities and resources such as:

Water Safety Season Toolkit
The NDPA offers a free and downloadable water safety season toolkit complete with social media posts, video PSAs, shareable blogs, press release templates, printable documents, and many more resources to support parents, caregivers, and aquatic professionals to help advocate for water safety and drowning prevention during May and throughout the summer season.

International Water Safety Day
International Water Safety Day (May 15, 2026) 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 17th year of saving lives, the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL) holds open registration for aquatic facilities interested in being an official Host Location for the global event that takes place on June 25, 2026. Tens of thousands of kids participate to learn basic water safety skills and help build awareness about the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim to prevent drowning.

Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Water Safety for Children
The American Red Cross offers a complimentary curriculum in English and Spanish complete with interactive videos, posters, and lesson plans that will inspire students while learning to recognize risks and understand water safety.

State Proclamations
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.

Safe Swimmer Pledge
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.

Step Into Swim Grants
Step Into Swim, the drowning prevention initiative of PHTA, provides funding to swim lesson providers across the country so they can offer free and low-cost swim lessons to families who could otherwise not afford them.

Social Media
The Coalition will share safety tips and resources across its social media channels throughout the month. Follow along on Facebook and join the #watersafetymonth #NWSM2026 conversations on Instagram. Shareable content is also available through NDPA’s Water Safety Season Tool Kit.

May marks the beginning of swim season as beaches, pools, and waterparks begin to open and people 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 families safer around water. Learning to swim and practicing safe behaviors are critical first steps.

Parents, educators, caregivers, and business owners can find detailed information and free resources in support of National Water Safety Month at www.NationalWaterSafetyMonth.org.

About the National Water Safety Month Coalition
National Water Safety Month is made possible by the National Water Safety Month Coalition, led by the American Red Cross, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, and the World Waterpark Association. Since 2003, members of the Coalition have worked to raise awareness and promote water safety through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, and easy-to-access water safety information and materials. To learn more, visit www.NationalWaterSafetyMonth.org.

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Pentair Pool Opens Charlotte Flagship Customer Experience Center

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Pentair Pool has opened a new, industry-leading Customer Experience Center in Charlotte,
establishing the region as a flagship Commercial Hub for the company and reinforcing its continued investment in North Carolina and the broader Southeast. The Southeast represents a strong growth market for the pool industry, and the Charlotte location positions Pentair Pool closer to pool professionals, dealers, and distributor partners it serves — enabling more hands-on training, service, and product testing in a region where demand is strong.

Designed specifically for Pentair Pool customers and partners, the Charlotte Customer Experience Center features full product displays, immersive Pentair University training environments, and a dedicated workspace for Pentair Pool’s commercial teams. The facility was developed to support hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-world application—serving as both a customer destination and an operational hub.

Greg Claffey, SVP and President, Pentair Pool commented on his excitement about the Commercial Center of Excellence, “At Pentair Pool, we are dedicated to delivering quality, innovative pool solutions and a great customer experience. We look forward to welcoming customers to our Customer Experience Center in Charlotte. Together with the Pentair Pool University training center, this immersive space has been thoughtfully curated for to provide customers with a central location to meet with our leadership team, and where they can participate in immersive, impactful, hands-on training and experiences – bringing Pentair Pool’s innovations to life, all in one place.”

The Charlotte location strengthens Pentair Pool’s growing presence across North Carolina, building on its innovation hub in Apex and manufacturing operations in Sanford, expanding its Pentair Pool employee footprint across the Triangle. Together, these sites house Pentair Pool leadership, product development, manufacturing, and customer engagement while positioning the company closer to key commercial and distribution markets.

Claffey continued, “The Charlotte community has long stood at the intersection of industry
excellence and exceptional talent, and we look forward to providing our customers and employees with a place for learning, collaboration, and ideation.”

The facility supports expanded training opportunities, service engagement, and product testing, reinforcing Pentair Pool’s commitment to helping its partners operate more efficiently and effectively in the field.

About Pentair Pool
At Pentair, we help the world safely and sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From residential and business solutions to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.

As an industry leader in the pool and spa space, Pentair Pool is driven to help people sustainably enjoy water. Our solutions include industry-leading pumps, automation, lighting, heating, and filtration technologies that help customers enjoy a smarter and more efficient pool. Customer success is central to our vision—bringing family and friends together in the pool and on the deck to build social connections, create lifelong memories, and promote fitness and enjoyment.

For more information, visit pentair.com/pool and follow Pentair Pool on Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact:
Deborah Foley
PR Consultant for Pentair Pool
[email protected]

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