Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Announces 2026 Greg Garrett Scholarship Award Winners

(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, has named Arthur Grace, Vice President of Clearwater Pool and Spa, Inc. in Livonia, Michigan, and Martin Cole, Owner of Lone Star Oasis Pools LLC in Boyd, Texas, as the 2026 recipients of the Greg Garrett Scholarship.

Created in memory of Greg Garrett, who dedicated 45 years to the pool and hot tub industry and served in numerous leadership roles, the $5,000 Greg Garrett Scholarship is awarded annually by PHTA’s Research and Grants Committee (RGC) to PHTA members in the builder or service sector. Scholarship funds may be used toward PHTA education and certification fees to support continuing education and advance professionalism within the industry. Through a matching sponsorship from Periodic Products, Inc., two scholarships were awarded again this year.

“Periodic Products is honored to partner with PHTA to recognize these two individuals who embody Greg Garrett’s legacy of professionalism, lifelong learning, and commitment to excellence,” says Joe Laurino, Ph.D., President & CEO of Periodic Products, Inc. “Arthur Grace and Martin Cole exemplify Greg Garrett’s commitment to learning, professionalism, and advancing our industry through education.”

Arthur Grace

Grace, who received the scholarship sponsored by PHTA, has worked in the pool and hot tub industry for 25 years and currently serves as Vice President of Clearwater Pool and Spa, Inc. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to continuous learning, viewing education as essential to staying at the forefront of an ever-evolving industry.

Grace believes that mastering both the technical and artistic aspects of pool construction is critical to delivering exceptional projects. He is passionate about building pools that combine structural integrity, engineering excellence, and thoughtful design while mentoring the next generation of professionals to uphold the industry’s highest standards.

With this $5,000 scholarship, Grace plans to continue his GENESIS education by completing advanced courses, including C410: Advanced Pool Construction, as he works toward achieving GENESIS Master Professional status. He is committed to applying that knowledge to create innovative, technically sound aquatic environments while continuing to raise the standard of craftsmanship throughout the industry.

Martin Cole

Cole, who received the scholarship sponsored by Periodic Products, Inc., is the owner of Lone Star Oasis Pools LLC in Boyd, Texas. Since entering the industry in 2020, he has prioritized continuing education, earning his Certified Builder Professional (CBP) designation and applying those skills to every project he builds.

A retired Marine and disabled veteran, Cole is a strong advocate for education and professional standards within the pool industry. He regularly shares his knowledge with fellow industry professionals and homeowners, encouraging best practices and promoting the value of certification to help elevate the profession.

With this $5,000 scholarship, Cole plans to continue pursuing advanced PHTA certifications on his path toward becoming a Certified Master Pool Builder and Design Professional. He believes continued education strengthens not only his own business but also the professionalism and craftsmanship of the industry as a whole.

For more information about the Greg Garrett Scholarship, please visit https://phta.org/garrett-award or contact Amy Willer, PHTA’s Director of Content and Communications, at awiller@phta.org or 703-838-0083, ext. 121.

About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a nonprofit organization with more than 4,000 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62 billion pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase 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 PHTA’s Research and Grants Committee

The Research and Grants Committee (RGC) was established to advance scientific knowledge and innovation within the pool and hot tub industry through strategic research initiatives and management of grants for that research. Through its work, the RGC identifies research opportunities and knowledge gaps within the pool and hot tub industry. The RGC also manages the selection of grant and award recipients for exceptional work in the Pool and Hot Tub industry. For more information, go toTechnical Leadership Committees – Pool & Hot Tub Alliance