News
This Year National Pool Opening Day is April 29th
Learn more about National Pool Opening Day

Summer is just around the corner, and for many homeowners, that means one thing: it’s time to open up the swimming pool! National Pool Opening Day, celebrated on the last Saturday of April each year, is a day to mark the beginning of the pool season and get your pool ready for months of fun in the sun. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at National Pool Opening Day, what it entails, and what homeowners need to do to ensure that they have a terrific summer enjoying their swimming pools.
What is National Pool Opening Day?
National Pool Opening Day was established by Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies in 2016 as a way to celebrate the joy of that first refreshing dip in the pool after a long winter and to promote the importance of maintaining safe and clean pools.
When Is National Pool Opening Day?
National Pool Opening Day is an annual event that takes place on the last Saturday of April, which falls on April 29th this year. It is a day dedicated to helping homeowners prepare their swimming pools for the summer season, ensuring that they are safe, clean, and ready for use. This day is an excellent opportunity for pool owners to perform necessary maintenance tasks and get their pools in top shape for the upcoming months of swimming, lounging, and entertaining.
Swimming pools have always been one of the more popular ways to relax, exercise, and have fun in a private setting. Before you open your pool for the summer take the necessary steps to ensure that your swimming pool is ready for use and meets the highest safety and hygiene standards.

10 Tips For Opening Your Swimming Pool
Preparing your pool for National Pool Opening Day involves several essential steps to ensure that it is safe, clean, and ready for use. Here are some key tasks that homeowners need to do to get their pools in top shape for the summer:
- Remove Debris: Before you start any maintenance tasks, it’s essential to remove any debris from your pool. This includes leaves, sticks, dirt, and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter months. Use a pool skimmer or a pool net to remove debris from the surface of the water and clean out the skimmer baskets and pump strainer basket.
- Check Water Chemistry: Proper water chemistry is crucial for maintaining a safe and clean swimming pool. Test the water for pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels using a reliable pool testing kit. Adjust the chemical levels as needed to ensure that they fall within the recommended range. Balanced water chemistry will help prevent the growth of algae, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms, ensuring that your pool water is safe for swimming.
- Clean the Pool Walls and Floor: Use a pool brush or pool vacuum to clean the walls and floor of your pool. This will help remove any dirt, algae, or other contaminants that may have accumulated over the winter months. Pay special attention to areas that are prone to algae growth, such as corners, steps, and around the pool ladder.
- Inspect and Clean Pool Equipment: Check all your pool equipment, including the pump, filter, and heater, for any signs of damage or wear. Clean or replace the pool filter as needed, and check for leaks or other issues with the pool pump and heater. Properly functioning pool equipment is essential for maintaining water clarity and preventing pool problems.
- Check Safety Features: Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to swimming pools. Take the time to inspect and test all safety features of your pool, including the pool fence, gate, pool cover, and pool alarm. Ensure that they are in good condition and functioning correctly. If you don’t have safety features in place, consider installing them to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of swimmers, especially children.
- Plan for Maintenance: Having a maintenance plan in place is essential to keep your pool in top shape throughout the summer season. Create a schedule for regular pool maintenance tasks, such as skimming the pool surface, cleaning the pool walls and floor, checking and adjusting chemical levels, and inspecting and cleaning pool equipment. Follow the maintenance schedule consistently to prevent any issues from arising and to ensure that your pool stays clean and safe for swimming.
- Update Pool Safety Rules: As you prepare your pool for the summer season, it’s also a good time to review and update your pool safety rules. Make sure that all swimmers, especially children, are aware of the safety rules and guidelines for using the pool. Emphasize the importance of never swimming alone, using appropriate flotation devices, and avoiding dangerous behaviors, such as running or diving in shallow areas. Enforce the rules consistently to ensure the safety of all pool users.
- Prepare for Pool Parties: With the summer season comes the possibility of hosting pool parties and gatherings. If you plan to entertain guests in your pool, make sure to plan ahead. Check the pool deck for any hazards, such as slippery surfaces or loose tiles, and repair them if needed. Ensure that you have enough seating, umbrellas, and other amenities for your guests. Review your pool safety rules with your guests and have proper supervision during pool parties to prevent accidents.
- Consider Energy-efficient Upgrades: National Pool Opening Day is also an excellent time to consider making energy-efficient upgrades to your pool. Upgrading to a variable speed pool pump, using a pool cover to reduce evaporation and heat loss, and installing LED lights can all help to save energy and reduce operating costs. These upgrades can also be environmentally friendly and contribute to a more sustainable pool operation.
- Hire a Professional: If you are not confident in your ability to properly open and maintain your pool, or if you simply prefer to have a professional do the job, consider hiring a pool pro. A qualified pool service technician can ensure that your pool is opened and maintained according to industry standards, and can save you time and effort in the process. They can also identify any potential issues and provide solutions before they become bigger problems.
National Pool Opening Day is an important event for homeowners to mark the beginning of the pool season and ensure that their swimming pools are safe, clean, and ready for use. By following the essential steps of removing debris, checking water chemistry, cleaning the pool walls and floor, inspecting and cleaning pool equipment, checking safety features, planning for maintenance, updating pool safety rules, preparing for pool parties, considering energy-efficient upgrades, and hiring a professional if needed, homeowners can ensure that they have a terrific summer enjoying their swimming pools.
Remember, safety should always be a top priority when it comes to swimming pools, so take the time to properly maintain your pool and enforce safety rules to ensure that everyone can enjoy the pool season to the fullest. Happy National Pool Opening Day, and here’s to a splashing summer ahead!
Manufacturer
Clear Blue Water Tech, UAG Team Up on Affinity Pool

Syracuse, NY — 07/03/25 — James Melnicoff, President of Clear Blue Water Tech, is pleased to announce a new partnership with United Aqua Group (UAG), one of the most respected buying groups in the pool and spa industry. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, UAG has been transforming how pool and spa professionals purchase products and services since its founding in 1963.
“At United Aqua Group, we’re always looking for vendor partners who share our commitment to quality, innovation, and member success,” said Craig Goodson, President of United Aqua Group. “Clear Blue Water Tech brings a strong reputation and a robust line of products that will enhance the value we deliver to our members. We’re excited to welcome them to the UAG family.”
Through this partnership, Clear Blue Water Tech will offer its Affinity-branded line of pool and specialty chemical products to UAG members across the country. The product line includes liquid pool stabilizer, liquid clarifiers, pod clarifiers, liquid phosphate removers, phosphate remover tablets, flocculants, enzymes, solar treatments, spa products and more—all designed to deliver exceptional value, trusted quality, and fast shipping.
“We are honored to be selected as a vendor to such a well-established and forward-thinking organization,” said Melnicoff. “Our team is committed to providing UAG members with innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for their pool and spa chemical needs.”
For more information about Clear Blue Water Tech or the Affinity product line, visit clearbluewatertech.com or contact us at [email protected].
To learn more about United Aqua Group and the benefits of membership, go to unitedaquagroup.com or email [email protected] for more information.
Pool News
Dr. Adam Katchmarchi Joins PHTA as VP of Educational Development

(Alexandria, Va.) – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is pleased to announce that Dr. Adam Katchmarchi (Ph.D.) has joined the organization as Vice President of Educational Development. Dr. Katchmarchi begins his role effective July 1, 2025.
As Vice President of Educational Development, Dr. Katchmarchi will collaborate closely with PHTA staff, partners, and industry professionals to enhance and expand PHTA’s educational programming. His primary responsibilities will include developing innovative courses and trainings, elevating the quality and accessibility of educational content, and fostering strategic partnerships aimed at enriching industry-wide professional development. He will coordinate closely with Jeanne Mendelson, Vice President of Educational Operations & Sales, to lead PHTA educational programs and services.
“I am extremely honored and excited to join the incredible team at the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance in this role,” says Dr. Katchmarchi. “I look forward to leveraging my background in aquatics education and water safety advocacy to support PHTA’s mission. Together, we will deliver high-caliber, impactful educational opportunities that help our members thrive professionally and enhance industry standards.”
Dr. Katchmarchi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position. Prior to joining PHTA, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), where he successfully implemented national initiatives focused on water safety awareness and drowning prevention. His leadership facilitated transformative partnerships across the public and private sectors, significantly advancing water safety education.
In addition to his executive experience, Dr. Katchmarchi was a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Allied and Public Health at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), a position he held from 2014 to 2025. An accomplished educator and researcher, Dr. Katchmarchi has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and frequently presents at both national and international conferences.
Dr. Katchmarchi earned his Ph.D. in Coaching and Teaching Studies from West Virginia University, with research specializing in water safety education. He also holds a Master of Science in Sport Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Slippery Rock University, both with focuses on aquatics and aquatic safety.
“Dr. Katchmarchi is an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. “His distinguished career and dedication to aquatic safety, education, and advocacy make him ideally suited to elevate PHTA’s educational initiatives. We are excited about the impact he will have on our members and the industry as a whole.”
For more information, please contact Amy Willer, PHTA’s Director of Content and Communications, at [email protected] or 703-838-0083, ext. 121.
About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 4,000 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B 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.
Manufacturer
CCEI Taps Martin Grenier to Head North American Operations

CCEI, is pleased to announce the hiring of Martin Grenier to head their North American operations. Martin has over 10 years of experience in the swimming pool industry having worked for Hayward for over 7 years plus other positions in both retail and distribution. 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.
Martin is now responsible for operations and sales for both the company’s US and Canadian markets and is also charged with raising brand and product awareness of CCEI’s products throughout the North American pool industry. “As an established supplier in Europe, we are focused on raising awareness of our products and services with pool builders, retailers and distributors, while also working to form strategic partnerships in the US and Canada,” says Grenier. A native of Canada, Martin is also fluent in English and French. “Martin has already made a significant impact in the Canadian swimming pool market and we are confident CCEI will continue to experience exponential growth in sales of our products in both the US and Canadian markets,” says Sébastian Chéreau, Head of CCEI’s Global Marketing. “We are pleased to have Martin join our team and share his expertise with our company as he helps align our marketing strategies and goals across all branches of CCEI around the world,” says Sébastien Chéreau, Marketing Director for CCEI.
Since 1973, CCEI has been designing and manufacturing electrical equipment for private and public pools. Over the years, we have acquired in-depth experience with pools and their specific constraints. Starting as a manufacturer specialized in electrical boxes, CCEI has expanded to different areas, including automatic water treatment and lighting for pools.
CCEI’s technical team has also grown and now has a team with recognized skills in electronics, optics and electrochemistry. With this knowledge, CCEI is now able to provide global, adapted solutions to pool builders and industries and enhance the safety, ergonomics and reliability of pool facilities.
Martin can be reached at the company’s offices in Montreal at: [email protected].
More information about the company’s US operations can be found at:
www.ccei-pool.com/us/
CCEI USA Inc., Inglewood, CA 90301
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