News
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Recognizes National Apprenticeship Week
(Alexandria, Va.) – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week November 17-23. The theme of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is “10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation,” recognizing the events and programs that have helped thousands of individuals learn about the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship Programs. During this week, PHTA will be promoting its two Registered Apprenticeship Programs for people interested in careers as pool maintenance and service professionals and pool installers.
PHTA first launched the Pool Maintenance and Service Apprenticeship Program in August 2021. Due to membership interest, PHTA launched its second program, the Pool Installer Technician Apprenticeship Program, in August 2023. These two programs allow PHTA members to increase the number of skilled workers in the pool construction and service industries. Both programs offer free enrollment for PHTA members.
PHTA’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs play a key role in recruiting, training, and retaining employees. They allow employers to reach more diverse candidates and connect with more local workforce and community organizations; provide mentorship and hands-on learning; and build trust, loyalty, and rapport between employees and employers.
In 2024, PHTA celebrated the first graduates of the Pool Maintenance and Service Apprenticeship Program and achieved 20% growth in participation compared to last year. Nearly 50 companies are currently participating in PHTA’s apprenticeship programs and both programs continue to grow year over year.
From an apprentice’s perspective, PHTA’s programs offer consistent training, enabling employees to earn while they learn. Upon graduation from the apprenticeship program, employees are highly skilled, motivated to continue learning, and have a great work/life balance.

“PHTA continues to hear that workforce development is a top concern for our member companies,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA. “PHTA’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs provide a clear path for employers to train and retain workers. Through these programs, more individuals are exposed to the benefits of working in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry and receive high-quality PHTA education while gaining hands-on experience. We are pleased with the growth of the PHTA Registered Apprenticeship Programs this year and encourage more members to enroll as part of their workforce development efforts.”
To learn more about PHTA’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs, visit apprenticeship.phta.org or contact Seth Ewing, PHTA Senior Director of Member Programs and Services, at [email protected] or 703-838-0083, ext. 159.
News
Pentair Pool Raises More Than $80,000 Through Nationwide Polar Plunge Fundraising Effort in Celebration of its Official Swimming Sponsorship of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Minneapolis, Minnesota — March 24, 2026 — Pentair Pool, a global leader in sustainable
pool solutions, recently participated in Special Olympics Polar Plunges across Florida,
Minnesota and North Carolina. Pentair Pool and its employees are proud to support the
2026 Special Olympics USA Games as the Official Swimming Sponsor furthering its
commitment to inclusion, community impact, and helping people safely and sustainably
enjoy water.
In celebration of the partnership, nearly 80 Pentair executives, employees, and family
members took part in the annual Polar Plunge, raising more than $80,000 to support local
Special Olympics delegations. Funds raised will help athletes from each delegation travel
to Minneapolis this June to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, taking
place June 20–26 at the University of Minnesota and National Sports Center.
Participation in this year’s Polar Plunge grew significantly, increasing 16-fold year-overyear — a testament to the passion and dedication of Team Pentair in support of Special
Olympics athletes and their communities.

“Supporting the Special Olympics USA Games is a natural extension of who we are at
Pentair Pool,” said Jerome Pedretti, Executive Vice President and CEO for Pentair Pool.
“Swimming brings people together, builds confidence, and creates opportunity, and we’re
proud to stand alongside Special Olympics athletes, volunteers, and organizers to help
deliver an unforgettable experience in and out of the water.”
As the Official Swimming Sponsor of the 2026 USA Games, Pentair Pool will work closely
with Special Olympics leading up to and throughout the event, providing support, raising
awareness, and engaging employees through volunteer opportunities designed to enhance
the athlete experience during swimming competitions.
To learn more about the partnership, visit www.pentair.com/en-us/poolspa/landing/special-olympics.html.
About Pentair Pool
At Pentair, we help the world safely and sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s
most essential resource. From our 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 technology that help our customers enjoy a smarter and
more sustainable pool. Customer success is at the heart of our vision for bringing family
and friends together in the pool and on the deck to build social connections, create lifelong
memories, and help promote fitness and enjoyment. For more information, visit
www.pentairpool.com.
News
Franklin Electric Promotes Bryan Duffy to Lead Industrial Business Unit
Fort Wayne, IN – March 2026 – Franklin Electric Co., Inc. recently announced the appointment of Bryan Duffy to the role of Senior Business Unit Manager for Industrial Distribution, emphasizing the company’s commitment to strong, experienced leadership. Duffy will set the strategic vision for the segment, leading all commercial activities and supporting the needs and growth of Franklin Electric’s customers.
With nearly three decades of experience in the pumping industry, Duffy’s expertise spans a range of industrial markets, including municipal water and wastewater, industrial and process water, commercial HVAC, and construction dewatering. He previously served in business development and management roles at Franklin Electric, where he was responsible for building the company’s industrial vertical turbine business.
“Bryan is an exceptional candidate to lead our Industrial Distribution team into the future,” said Travis Bradley, Senior Business Unit Director of Industrial & Engineered Systems. “He offers our customers a balanced approach to supporting their needs, with extensive business development experience coupled with a deep knowledge of pump engineering. His commitment to elevating the customer experience is an incredible asset to our company.”
A native of Texas, Duffy will be based out of his home office in Lubbock, where he will support Franklin Electric’s Industrial Distribution customers located throughout the United States and Canada.
About Franklin Electric
Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be recognized in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025, Most Trustworthy Companies 2024, and Greenest Companies 2025; Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024; and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.
News
Water Odyssey Introduces New Dinosaur-Themed Spray Features for Splash Pads
Water Odyssey is pleased to introduce a new Dinosaur-Themed line of spray features for splash pads and spray parks. The new Dinosaur Fun FormsTM collection features the Dino Cera, Dino Lil Raptor, and Dino Diplo themed sprayers that deliver dynamic spray effects that encourage splashing, exploring and imaginative aquatic play. Using a simple connection and anchoring system, it’s easy to update and transform any facility into a prehistoric, immersive aquatic play environment.
- Custom designs are also available.
- Coated with Aqua Armor – the most durable Chlorine, UV, and vandal-resistant coating in the industry.
- Interchangeable with other Fun Forms™ spray features.
- ASTM compliant.
- Made in USA.
Learn more at: https://www.waterodyssey.com/products?product_theme=Dinosaurs
About Water Odyssey
Water Odyssey is an innovative provider of contemporary and themed aquatic play equipment and environments. The company delivers tailored aquatic play solutions for communities, creating engaging experiences that support active, healthy lifestyles. Water Odyssey combines creative design with a commitment to quality and inclusivity to turn ordinary spaces into meaningful aquatic play destinations that promote joy, learning, and socialization through water-based play. To learn more, visit www.waterodyssey.com.
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