Industry News
PSP/Deck Expo Opens Its Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge

Five finalists, including one young professional, will be selected to receive a trip to PSP/Deck Expo 2023 and vie for a $10,000 prize, provided by Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems. The finalists will present their design solutions to their peers during an on-floor education session.
Las Vegas, Nevada (August 15, 2023) – The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo,
co-located with Deck Expo (PSP/Deck Expo) has opened submissions for its design competition. The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge offers pool designers the opportunity to create a mock outdoor living area, with a minimum $1 million budget. For the second year, designers can win a top prize of $10,000 thanks to Lead Sponsor, Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems.
Reid Schindler and Mike Farley, both with a degree in landscape architecture and a combined background of more than 50 years of award-winning pool design experience, are teaming up with the PSP/Deck Expo for the fifth time to discover the industry’s top designers.
The finalists will each receive a complimentary Super Pass, travel stipend, and a two-night stay in Las Vegas. They will each present their concepts during the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge session within the conference program. Live voting will determine the winner, who will be named at the conclusion of the session.
“Prepare to leave a lasting impression on the pool design industry,” said Farley. “We’re seeking daring concepts that showcase the boundless creativity of designers, coupled with a practical roadmap to bring their visionary ideas to life.”
PSP/Deck Expo takes place November 13–15, 2023, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada. Pre-show education occurs November 10–15, with the main conference education and expo hall happening November 13–15.
The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge for 2023 has a scenario of:
Background
The clients are currently building their dream ‘forever’ home on the Intracoastal Waterway in the Miami Beach area. They have just become empty nesters and hope to create a home that friends and family can enjoy year-round. The space will need to be flashy enough to entertain some of the biggest names in the Miami area while also feeling warm and inviting.
Aesthetics and View
- Love the view of the water but wouldn’t mind a little bit of privacy in their secluded areas.
- Love modern design elements, fire and water, and Latin flair.
Elements to Include
- Lazy River featuring Riverflow® Technology by Current Systems, Inc.
- Sun ledge with 4+ Ledge Loungers
- Dramatic Front Entry
- Front Drive w/ Fountain
- Glass Tile Mural
- Acrylic Glass Element
“This presents an exceptional chance for designers at all stages to gain the recognition they truly deserve,” said Schindler. “We’re looking for builders who can seamlessly blend form and function, always prioritizing the homeowners’ desires and necessities in their designs.”
Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems is the lead sponsor of the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge.
“Utilizing Riverflow Pumps created by Current Systems opens up a multitude of possibilities,” stated Phil de Tournillon, the Vice President of Riverflow Pumps at Current Systems. “These include engaging in fitness through swim currents, enjoying leisure and excitement with the gentle flow of a lazy river, or experiencing the thrill of whitewater currents, all within a compact and efficient design.”
Additional sponsors are Ledge Lounger, Pool Magazine, and the PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network.
The winning designers will take home a cash prize of:
- 1st Place – $10,000 (Sponsored by Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems)
- 2nd Place – $3,000
- 3rd Place – $1,250
- 4th Place – $750
- 5th Place – $500
One of the five spots is guaranteed to a young professional (Age 29 or below at time of submission), whose trip to PSP/Deck Expo will be sponsored by PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network.
The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge is now accepting submissions, at: https://www.themilliondollarpoolchallenge.com. The deadline to submit is September 21. Five finalists, including a young professional (under 30 years of age), will be named in early fall.
PSP/Deck Expo brings together builders, service techs, retailers and distributors. Thousands of members from the pool, spa, patio, decking and outdoor living community attend PSP/Deck Expo to engage with the latest products and services and to network. These interactions come in the form of new and existing connections, education sessions, demonstrations and more.
PSP/Deck Expo actively collaborates across the entire pool, spa, backyard, and decking industries to provide participants the most comprehensive array of networking, education, and technology available. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is the official Show Sponsor, GENESIS® is the official Show Endorser, Pool and Spa News (PSN) is the official Show Publication, and the North American Decking and Railing Association (NADRA) is the Deck Expo Show Sponsor.
For more information, visit https://www.themilliondollarpoolchallenge.com.
Industry News
Latham Named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Companies List for Second Year

Recognition Highlights Pool Industry Leader’s Continued Commitment to
Innovation, Sustainability and Employee Experience
LATHAM, N.Y. (August 25, 2026) – Latham, The Pool Company [NASDAQ:SWIM], the largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Companies 2026. This marks the second consecutive year Latham has earned a place on the list, which recognizes leading U.S.-based companies for their financial performance, employee satisfaction, innovation and sustainability efforts.
The comprehensive study, presented by Newsweek in partnership with Plant-A Insights Group, evaluated companies with over $75 million in annual revenue through an extensive survey of more than 179,000 employees and 2.7 million company reviews on financial stability, innovation, and sustainability. To enhance the depth and reliability of the study, Plant-A partnered with leading third-party data providers to assess more than 120 KPIs across critical performance areas such as leadership, integrity, compensation and work-life balance. Only companies that demonstrated outstanding results earned a place on the list.
“Being named one of America’s Greatest Companies for the second year in a row reflects the strength of our people and the culture they have built at Latham,” said Sean Gadd, President and CEO of Latham. “Our team shares a commitment to serving our customers, advancing our industry and finding better ways to work. This recognition shows the impact of those efforts and gives us strong momentum as we continue to grow.”
The Newsweek ranking also considers environmental stewardship, including greenhouse gas emissions, water use, waste reduction and transparency in sustainability reporting. Latham continues to explore ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste and support more responsible practices across its operations.
“Families trust Latham to help create spaces where they can connect, recharge and enjoy time together,” added Gadd. “Earning that trust starts with how we operate as a company. We are proud of this recognition and remain focused on delivering high-quality products, supporting our employees and building a strong foundation for continued growth.”
The full list of America’s Greatest Companies 2026 is published online at Newsweek.com. To learn more about Latham, visit LathamPool.com.
About Latham, the Pool Company
Headquartered in Latham, NY, Latham Group, Inc., is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools and pool accessories in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. With over 60 years of experience and a coast-to-coast operations platform across 24 locations, the company offers a broad range of pool products, including fiberglass, vinyl liner, and automatic safety covers, all designed to provide homeowners with the highest quality and value. For more information, visit www.lathampool.com.
Industry News
Landmark Aquatic Brings Duraflex Diving Equipment to Facilities Nationwide

Duraflex International and Landmark Aquatic have joined forces to bring premier diving equipment to aquatic facilities across the country. The partnership pairs Duraflex’s decades of expertise in diving board design and manufacturing with Landmark’s proven track record in aquatic facility construction, renovation, and maintenance — creating a best-in-class solution for facilities looking to elevate their diving programs.
Whether outfitting a new build or upgrading an existing facility, the collaboration gives aquatic operators access to Duraflex’s full product lineup alongside Landmark’s end-to-end project management and long-term service support. From recreational community pools to high-performance competition venues, the partnership is built to serve divers at every level.
“By joining forces, Duraflex and Landmark Aquatic provides our customers access to greater resources and strengthens our ability to better serve our customers,” said J. Ryan Casserly, Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Aquatic. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and the future we’ll build together in the world of aquatics.”
About Landmark
Landmark Aquatic is a nationwide provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance services, with more than six decades of industry experience. Serving clients across most of the U.S., Landmark delivers construction-led solutions and on-going support though its AquatiCare maintenance team, ensuring excellence “for the life of your pool.” Committed to the full lifecycle of every facility, Landmark prioritizes long-term partnerships while adapting to client needs through exceptional service, operational excellence, and forward-thinking solutions. For more about Landmark Aquatic visit www.landmarkaquatic.com
About Duraflex International
For over 60 years, Duraflex International has been the trusted name in competitive and recreational diving equipment. Designed for performance and built to last, Duraflex products are found in facilities ranging from neighborhood pools to Olympic-level competition venues worldwide. Duraflex’s commitment to innovation and quality has made it the industry standard for diving boards and aquatic equipment.
Industry News
CCEI Wins 2025 Golden Wave Award

Every two years, the prestigious German media outlet Schwimmbad + Sauna hosts the Golden Waves awards, celebrating and rewarding European companies for their outstanding products, technologies, and innovations in the aquatic and wellness industry. The competition draws entries from across the continent, making each nomination a meaningful recognition of excellence. CCEI has long been a strong contender at this event — most notably in 2019, when the company took home the coveted Gold award.
For this 11th edition of the Golden Waves, CCEI put its connected level regulation system Niva VP for infinity pools in the spotlight. The technology earned the company nominations in three categories: Smart Technology, Usability, and Technical Innovation — a testament to the solution’s breadth of impact and the jury’s recognition of its multi-dimensional value. Thanks to its differential pressure technology, Niva VP delivers ultra-precise water level regulation down to the centimeter, without floats or approximate adjustments.
Representing CCEI at the awards ceremony were Catherine Gobin, Group Sales Director, and Leonie Bauer, Germany Branch Manager, who accepted the Bronze Medal in the Smart Technology category on behalf of the entire CCEI team. Their presence at the event also underscored the company’s active engagement with the European market and its commitment to building lasting relationships within the industry. “We are thrilled and honored to receive this award as it acknowledges the hard work of our entire team who continue to push the technological envelope to bring innovative products to the swimming pool industry,” says Gobin.
This distinction is more than a medal — it is a confirmation of CCEI’s strategic vision and ongoing commitment to shaping the pool of tomorrow: connected, efficient, and sustainable. As the aquatic industry continues to evolve, CCEI remains at the forefront, developing solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with real-world usability for professionals and end users alike.
www.ccei-pool.com/en-us
424-800-2191
CCEI USA Inc.
808 Hindry Ave, Suite G / Inglewood, CA 90301
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