Press Releases
PHTA Now Accepting Nominations for $5,000 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant
Annual grant recognizes those who advance recreational water safety
(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant. Nominations are due by Friday, August 12.
Given in the memory of Dr. Robert Neil Lowry, a long-time member of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and the Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQC), this $5,000 grant honors a public health official or department who has made outstanding contributions to advance the public’s health and safe use of recreational water in pools, spas, and waterparks through educational, safety, operational, and technical programs.
Dr. Lowry was a well-known educator and consultant to the pool and spa industry in the United States and Canada. He had a global impact while serving on the RWQC, was a member of the Hot Tub Council of Canada, established Lowry & Associates in 1985, and was the original author of Pool & Spa Chemistry: A Testing & Treatment Guide. As chief educator and owner of the Lowry School of Pool & Spa Chemistry, he certified thousands of pool water technicians. His passion for health and safety will always be remembered by those who knew him.
To be considered for the Lowry Grant, the public health official or department must describe their planned or proposed program, the service provided and how it benefits public health and safety, the impact of the expected results, and how the grant funds will be used.
For the first time, the winner will be honored at the World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC), presented by PHTA, taking place in Houston, TX, on October 12-14, 2022.
“The core purpose of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is to promote safe and healthy pool and hot tub environments for people to share enjoyable aquatic experiences,” says Genevieve Lynn, PHTA Director of Standards and Technical Services. “The Lowry Grant shines a much-needed spotlight on the individuals and organizations who are committed to recreational water safety. Without their hard work and dedication, the pools and waterparks they serve would not be the same. The positive impact this grant has had on communities around the country honors the memory of Dr. Lowry.”
Past winners of the Lowry Grant include: City of North Richland Hills, 2021; Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, 2019; Arizona Department of Health Services, 2018; Quechan Parks & Recreation, 2017; Riverside County California Department of Health, 2016; Columbus Public Health, 2015; Middlesex-London Health Unit of London, Ontario, 2014; Brevard County Environmental Health Services Department, 2013; Sacramento County Environmental Management Department, 2012; Alexandria Health Department, 2011; City of Houston, 2010; and City of Plano, 2009.
For more information about the Lowry Grant and to submit a nomination form, visit https://www.phta.org/membership/promote-your-business/phta-awards-of-excellence/dr-r-neil-lowry-grant/.
About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with more than 3,600 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $36.5B pool, hot tub and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge and profitability. Additionally, PHTA facilitates the expansion of swimming, water safety and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org. About PHTA’s Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQC)
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s RWQC develops and maintains verifiable science-based information regarding sanitization technology and chemical products, for use in pools, spas and hot tubs. The committee also helps develop the chemical and sanitation sections for American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved PHTA standards, including the ANSI/APSP/ICC-11 American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas. For a current listing of Committee members or more information, email Genevieve Lynn, Director of Standards and Technical Services, at [email protected].
AUSTIN, Texas (May 21, 2026) — SPS PoolCare, the largest swimming pool services company in the United States, today announced it has acquired the majority of Amenity Pool Services’ pool service operations. The transaction, completed in two portions, spans Amenity’s commercial and residential operations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Jacksonville, Fla., as well as its residential operations in Orlando, Dallas, and Port Charlotte, Fla.
The Amenity transaction builds on SPS PoolCare’s January 2026 acquisition of Pool Troopers, which united the nation’s two largest pool service providers. Amenity Pool Services is ranked #3 on the 2025 PSN/Jandy Top 50 Service List, and together, these transactions reflect the company’s capacity to integrate large, complex operations while delivering the consistent, professional service experience that customers depend on every week.
“Amenity has outstanding team members, service standards, and customer relationships cultivated across key Sun Belt markets,” said Lance Martin, CEO of SPS PoolCare. “With this partnership, customers benefit from our expanded network of skilled technicians, advanced scheduling systems, and comprehensive service offerings that keep their pool in top condition year-round.”
SPS PoolCare, a portfolio company of Storr Group, has acquired more than 200 pool service companies since its inception in 2021. The company seeks to provide customers with continuity by preserving existing service schedules, technician relationships, and pricing structures during each transition onto ServiceTitan’s cloud-based platform. SPS PoolCare now serves more than 50,000 weekly recurring residential and commercial customers across 19 markets in five states.
“This transaction represents another significant step in executing the company’s long-term consolidation strategy and further strengthens the platform’s leadership position in the industry. We look forward to supporting the management team through the next phase of growth and integration,” added Fraser Ramseyer, founder of SPS PoolCare and founder and CEO of Storr Group.
Nation’s largest pool services company acquires operations in Phoenix, Tucson, Dallas, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fla.,and Port Charlotte, Fla.
- Acquisition brings new customers, skilled technicians, and expanded market presence
- SPS PoolCare has acquired over 200 pool service companies since its inception in 2021.
- SPS PoolCare now serves over 50,000 weekly recurring residential and commercial customers across 19 markets in five states.
About SPS PoolCare:
As the #1 swimming-pool service company in the United States, SPS PoolCare is on track to perform over 2,000,000 weekly recurring pool services in 2026 and employs more than 1,000 staff across five states. Backed by Storr Group, the company is focused on growing its family of brands across the Sun Belt, as it continues to make owning a pool a joy. The company is committed to creating a world-class service experience for its customers and to being the employer-of-choice for its team members. Read more at spspoolcare.com
About Storr Group:
Storr Group is an operationally focused lower-middle-market investment firm that backs, builds, and scales industry-leading platforms. With a rich background in business building, Storr combines world-class operators with strategic M&A, deep integration, and sophisticated technology to drive sustainable growth and long-term value. Storr Group has offices in West Palm Beach, New York City, and Austin. To partner today, visit storrgroup.com
For more information, contact:
Madeleine Budge
10 to 1 Public Relations
(480) 514 – 1070
CCEI is pleased to introduce the new Antea VS– a new innovation that allows management of variable speed pumps by seamlessly integrating them into CCEI Vigipool ecosystem. This ultra-compact antenna can be installed effortlessly on a wide range of pumps, delivering advanced connectivity and smart control at your fingertips with the Vigipool app.
With the Antea VS pool professionals can control and configure the pump room from anywhere. Simply plug the antenna into a 12-15 VAC (50-60 Hz) outlet, then connect to the pump and within minutes you have full control on your smartphone. The system automatically adjusts pump room speed based on real-time environmental conditions—such as water temperature and pool cover status—while always giving users the freedom to manually select preferred pump speeds at any time.
To unlock its full potential, the Antea VS is engineered to work alongside the Tild VP automation system which governs the pump’s electrical supply and serves as the backbone of the pump room. Together they control power, filtration, lighting and variable speed pumps using the Vigipool app.
More information about CCEI’s US operations can be found at:
424-800-2191
CCEI USA Inc.
808 Hindry Ave, Suite G
Inglewood, CA 90301
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RENOLIT SOLID is a reinforced PVC membrane engineered to renovate and waterproof decks at residential and commercial aquatic facilities—from community pools to world-class athletic complexes. At 80-mil thick, it delivers a durable, slip-resistant surface that addresses the most common deck challenges: cracks, chips, peeling paint, and more. Designed for both renovation and new construction, RENOLIT SOLID offers long-term, low-maintenance performance. Now available in Sand, Light Grey, and Dark Grey colors to complement any architectural aesthetic.
Phone number: (219) 324-6886
Location: LaPorte, Indiana
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