Pleatco Announces 2023 Pool Tech Search Winners 

Pleatco, owned by Pentair, and longtime co-sponsors GENESIS / Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), along with AQUA Magazine, are proud to present the winners of the 2023 Pleatco Pool Tech Search. These outstanding achievers stood out in the pool and spa industry and were nominated and voted for by their peers. Please join us in congratulating the Pleatco Pool Tech Search winners. 

Grand Finalist – Cristina Forcione, Seychelles Pools & Spas – Lasalle, Quebec, Canada 

“I am feeling immensely grateful and honored to receive recognition from Pleatco Pool Tech Search. I have put in a lot of sweat, tears, and effort to reach this milestone, and this recognition validates my unwavering belief in my abilities. It is a testament to my skills, knowledge, and expertise in the field, and I am truly humbled by this honor.” 

 Grand Finalist – Wes Kane, Pools Unlimited Incorporated – Elliot City, Maryland 

“I am feeling absolutely thrilled to have received recognition from the Pleatco Pool Tech Search. This is the first time that I have won an award or been a part of such a prestigious event, and I must say that it feels truly humbling and exhilarating at the same time. Being acknowledged for my work in this field is an incredible honor, and it gives me a renewed sense of purpose to continue striving for excellence in everything that I do.” 

Lifetime Achievement Awards – Rob Stewart, ROBCO Water – Hammond, Ontario, Canada 

“It’s an honor and a feather in my cap, plus it’s nice to be a part of something bigger. Winning this gives me an opportunity to share my wealth of knowledge, the value of education and understanding water chemistry, as well as the importance of communicating with your customers.” 

Young Leader Award Winner – Benjamin Gardea, Cody Pools – San Antonio, Texas 

“It means so much. The ability to have a platform to bring education and awareness to my fellow pool pros is incredible. Watching my friends, family and coworkers support me in getting here also makes this award mean so much more.” 

Customer Service Award – Joe Puccio, Clean & Clear Pools – Houston, Texas 

“I think it’s pretty cool to receive this honor! It’s more than just about me. My customers voted to support me and my business. I’m also excited about the training that is offered. Everyone involved will have some bragging rights! It’s all about teamwork – it takes a team!” 

Advancing Technology Award – Branden Lewis, Lewis Pool Service – Centerville, Tenn. 

“I am thrilled to have received this honor! The grand prize is truly amazing – not only does it come with an unforgettable experience, but also with a set of classes that will equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to take my company to the next level. Learning more is crucial to becoming a better entrepreneur.” 

HONORING THE WINNERS 

Winners will be honored at the 2024 Pool and Spa Show in Atlantic City, New Jersey. 

About Pleatco, LLC At Pleatco, we are committed to quality. As your trusted industry leader for filter and cleaning products, we make cleaner water filtration possible so every pool and spa owner can enjoy reliability and peace of mind. The combined strength of our exclusive Pleatco Advanced Point Bonded Filtration Fabrics, Free Flow Cores and Pure Pleat Technology delivers the high-performance filtration that service professionals and end-users have come to rely on. Ready to rule the pool with an industry leader in replacement filter elements? Choose wisely. Choose Pleatco. For more information, visit www.pleatco.com. 

About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance 

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with more than 3,700 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 initiatives to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding 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 GENESIS GENESIS educates, certifies and connects pool and hot tub designers, builders and pool professionals throughout the world. Since 1998, GENESIS has taught thousands of students in best practices governing proper water vessel design, engineering, and construction. The vast GENESIS curriculum, coupled with adherence to standards, leads to excellence in education. GENESIS is a company of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. 

About AQUA Magazine 

Since 1976, AQUA Magazine has been the leading trade publication for pool and spa retailers, builders and service professionals. Each month, thousands of pool and hot tub pros turn to the online and print pages of AQUA for its valuable mix of news, trend and product coverage. For more information, visit www.aquamagazine.com.