HENDERSON, NV—April 7, 2026—Structure Studios is redefining the gold standard in pool and landscape design with the launch of Version 4. Today’s major update to Vip3D, Pool Studio, and VizTerra streamlines the workflow for thousands of professionals worldwide who rely on the suite to deliver more than two million projects every year.

Built on a redesigned 3D engine, the update introduces significant advancements in rendering quality, real-time performance, workflow efficiency, and the most comprehensive library expansion in company history. This update is designed to help pool and landscape professionals create photorealistic 3D designs faster and produce precise, accurate, construction-ready plans.

Version 4 redefines what’s possible in outdoor design by pairing high-end visualization with an intuitive workflow. The next-generation rendering engine introduces Path Tracing to simulate real-world lighting behavior with incredible accuracy. With options like DLSS and dynamic Global Illumination, designers can now leverage the key tools in Version 4 to achieve significantly improved performance without sacrificing visual quality, even when rendering complex scenes with realistic lighting, reflections, and indirect light.

“Version 4 is the most significant leap forward we’ve taken,” said Noah Nehlich, Founder and President of Structure Studios. “We rebuilt our engine from the ground up to deliver dramatically better visuals and faster performance. Our goal wasn’t just to make the water look better; we wanted to make the entire design-to-build workflow feel completely seamless. Whether you’re a new designer, an experienced professional, or part of a high-volume design-build firm, Version 4 provides you with tools to achieve spectacular results straight out of the box and close more sales.”

Key Features in Version 4

• Path Tracing & Advanced Lighting: A redesigned rendering engine delivers beautiful, instant results with precise new controls for fine-tuning specific moods and artistic styles.
• DLSS & Global Illumination: Real-time performance is dramatically improved. Fully dynamic indirect lighting and reflections now simulate how light interacts between objects with greater accuracy than ever before.
• HDRI Skies: Designers can now create more realistic skies and lighting environments by selecting from the library of HDRI skies or importing their own custom options.
• 1,000+ New Library Assets: Version 4 adds 456 new plant and tree models, 148 new materials (including 65 brick options, 14 marble styles, and 30 stacked stone options), 165 new furniture pieces, and 380 additional library items, including a completely new Dynamic Door System and updated Dynamic Rockwork.
• Expanded GIS Data: Designers can now automatically generate parcel lines, setbacks, 3D structures, and property information directly within the workflow.
• Cross Sections & Scaled 3D Plan Views: New features allow designers to cut precise cross sections through any project and export full-color scaled 3D plan views, simplifying the path from concept to construction.
• Expanded Grid Size: The design grid now supports projects up to 2,550 ft x 2,550 ft, accommodating even the most ambitious commercial and residential projects.
• Default System: Designers can now save preferred settings, styles, fonts, and page templates as defaults, which can be applied automatically to every new project to streamline the design process.

Availability

Version 4 of Vip3D, Pool Studio, and VizTerra is available now. Current members can download the update immediately. New users can start a free 30-day trial or learn more about Structure Studios’ professional landscape and pool design software at structurestudios.com.

About Structure Studios

Structure Studios is the developer of Vip3D, Pool Studio, and VizTerra—the professional standard in 3D outdoor living and landscape design software. Used by pool builders, landscape designers, and outdoor living professionals worldwide, Structure Studios software helps designers create compelling 3D presentations that earn client trust and close more deals. Headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, Structure Studios has spent two decades building the tools that help designers do their best work. Learn more at structurestudios.com.

CCEI is pleased to announce it is offering a new, comprehensive, color catalog that showcases the wide range of products the company offers. From pH and ORP chemical controllers and pump room automation systems to pool and spa light transformers, this catalog provides complete details, installation instructions and illustrative photography.

Founded in 1973, CCEI is a manufacturer of automation and controller systems in the US as well as lighting systems in Canada, Mexico, Europe and Africa with its head office located in France. Known for its sophisticated and powerful equipment, the company’s sleek and attractive products are the choice products for pool professionals because of their ease of installation and ease-of-use. CCEI’s connected pool solutions, especially CCEI’s Vigipool automation and water treatment equipment, have made positioned the company as a leader in the swimming pool and spa industry.

“We designed this catalog with both the pool professional and the consumer in mind,” says Sébastian Chéreau, Head of CCEI’s Global Marketing. “We are proud to offer it as a tool for the industry.”

To receive a copy of the catalog, please fill out the form

More information about CCEI’s US operations can be found at:

www.ccei-pool.com/us/

424-800-2191

CCEI USA Inc.

808 Hindry Ave, Suite G

Inglewood, CA 90301

Working around swimming pools presents a unique combination of hazards, and electricity is one of the most serious. Pool professionals regularly deal with pumps, heaters, lighting systems, automation panels, and other electrical components—all in close proximity to water. This combination significantly increases the risk of electrical shock, burns, and even fatal incidents.

Understanding and following Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) electrical safety standards is essential for protecting both technicians and pool users.

Water & Electricity Are a Dangerous Mix

Pool areas create conditions where even minor electrical faults can have severe consequences.

Common electrical risks pool pros face:

Electrical shock is one of the most common risks pool technicians face. Moisture dramatically increases conductivity, meaning that wet surfaces, damp equipment, or standing water can allow electricity to travel through unintended paths. When technicians are working around energized equipment, even relatively low voltages can produce severe shocks that lead to muscle contractions, loss of control, or serious injury.

In more extreme situations, electrical hazards can lead to electrocution. Defective wiring, damaged equipment, or improperly grounded components such as pumps, heaters, and pool lights can expose technicians or swimmers to dangerous electrical currents. While electrocution incidents are rare, they are often fatal when they occur, which is why strict electrical safety protocols are required around aquatic environments.

Another major concern is arc flash. An arc flash occurs when electrical energy suddenly discharges through the air during a fault condition. These events generate extreme heat and intense pressure that can cause severe burns, blast injuries, and significant equipment damage. Technicians working near electrical panels or high-powered pool systems must always be aware of this potential hazard.

Because of these risks, electrical work in and around pools demands careful planning, proper equipment, and strict adherence to safety procedures.

Key OSHA Electrical Safety Standards for Pool Technicians

General Electrical Safety (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303)

OSHA requires all electrical systems to be designed and maintained to prevent hazards. For pool operations, this includes:

• Overcurrent protection: Circuits must be protected by properly rated circuit breakers or fuses to prevent overheating and fires.

• Grounding and bonding: All electrical equipment must be correctly grounded and bonded. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are critical in pool environments and should be used on all applicable outlets and equipment.

• Proper wiring: Cables and conductors must be adequately insulated and protected from moisture, corrosion, and physical damage.

Electrical Installation Near Pools

Electrical installations around pools must also follow the National Electrical Code (NEC), which sets specific requirements for aquatic facilities.

• Safe distances: Electrical outlets, switches, and junction boxes must be installed at regulated distances from the water—generally between 5 and 10 feet, depending on the equipment.

• Approved equipment: Only electrical components specifically designed and listed for wet or damp locations should be used. Pool equipment should be UL-listed and rated for aquatic environments.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147)

One of the most critical safety practices for pool technicians is lockout/tagout. This procedure prevents equipment from being accidentally energized while maintenance or repairs are being performed.

Before starting electrical work, technicians must:

• Turn off and isolate the power source.
• Apply a lock and tag to the disconnecting device.
• Verify that the system is de-energized using an approved voltage tester.

Skipping lockout/tagout is one of the leading causes of serious electrical injuries in maintenance work.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

OSHA requires workers to use appropriate PPE when exposed to electrical hazards. For pool professionals, this may include:

• Insulated gloves: Rubber or electrically rated gloves help protect against shock.

• Insulated footwear: Rubber-soled boots reduce the risk of grounding through the body.

• Eye protection: Safety glasses protect against sparks, debris, and arc flash.

• Arc flash protection: When working with higher voltage systems, flame-resistant clothing and face shields may be required.

PPE should never replace proper procedures—but it provides an essential layer of protection.

Training and Competency

Technical knowledge alone is not enough. OSHA emphasizes that workers must be properly trained to recognize and control electrical hazards.

Effective training should include:

• Identifying electrical risks in pool environments.
• Proper use of tools, PPE, and testing devices.
• Safe de-energizing and lockout/tagout practices.
• Emergency response procedures, including CPR and first aid for electrical injuries.

Employers are responsible for ensuring technicians receive adequate training and understand safe work practices.

Inspections and Preventive Maintenance

Regular inspections play a major role in preventing electrical incidents. Pool professionals should routinely:

• Inspect pumps, heaters, lighting, and control panels for damage or wear.
• Test GFCI devices monthly.
• Check for exposed wiring, corrosion, or water intrusion.
• Replace damaged components immediately.

Proactive maintenance reduces downtime and significantly lowers the risk of accidents.

Common Electrical Safety Violations in Pool Work

Some of the most frequent OSHA violations seen in the pool industry include:

• Missing or non-functional GFCIs.
• Improper grounding or bonding of equipment.
• Failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures.
• Not wearing required PPE.
• Using non-rated equipment in wet locations.

These violations not only increase injury risk but can also result in fines and liability for employers.

Safety Is Not An Option

Electrical safety is a critical responsibility for every pool professional. The combination of water and electrical systems creates an environment where small mistakes can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

By following OSHA standards, using proper PPE, maintaining equipment, and committing to ongoing training, pool technicians can dramatically reduce electrical risks. Safe work practices protect employees, customers, and businesses alike—making electrical safety not just a requirement, but a professional obligation.

Electrical safety education is available through industry-specific training programs, including OSHA 10 in General Industry for Pool Professionals, where technicians learn how to apply OSHA principles directly to real-world pool environments.

In the pool industry, safety is not optional—it’s essential.