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Colored Interior Pool and Spa Finish Materials

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Colored Interior Pool and Spa Finish Materials

Back in the day, pool and finish materials were not appealing and user-friendly. Thus, pool contractors and designers had to come up with ways to make the pool finish more attractive. Over the years, the pool industry’s expansion brought about a wide range of colored pool and spa finish materials. As a result, the quality of pool and spa finish materials has greatly improved over time.

Colored Interior Pool and Spa Finish Materials

It is evident that the quality of pool finish materials has continuously improved because many companies are now investing in small manufacturers of pigmented pool finish.

Owner of Applied Materials Technology, Greg Garrett

Despite these significant improvements, pool designers and contractors should be careful during application. It would be best if they observe all guidelines stated by the manufacturer. Also, they should follow all the laws, as stated by the National Plasterers Council.

Causes of reduced pigmentation on different pool and spa finish materials

Not so long ago, the National Plasterers Council started releasing more information to educate more people in the pool industry. The council released information on the application and maintenance of various pool and spa finish materials. NPC also talked about the major reasons for reduced pigmentation in pool finish materials. Some of them include:

Calcium salt migration resulting from cement hydration

Calcium salt migration during hydration is the main reason for the color loss in pool finish materials. Hydration takes place when the wet finish is becoming more rigid. Often, this process takes place in the first month of application. Most colors in the pool and spa finish are specially designed to stick to their position at all times. However, during hydration, a by-product, calcium hydroxide, gets produced.

This product can settle on the material to form white deposits covering the pigment. Even though hydration can occur for more than a month, calcium hydroxide will most likely form crystalline-like deposits during the first three to seven days when the pool is getting refilled with water. So, contractors should get rid of all calcium deposits on the pool’s surface in the first five days when refiling the pool. Failure to do so would lead to the settling of calcium hydroxide on the pool finish, leading to color loss.

Surface scaling: Mineral and metal precipitation

Another cause of pigment loss on pool and spa finish materials results from surface scaling. The National Plaster Council says that most materials are prone to rust when in frequent contact with water. Also, mineral scaling can mask the pool finish pigment, hence reducing the intensity of the color. Mineral precipitation often affects dark-colored finish materials more. Discoloration of the pool and spa finish can also occur due to metal precipitation. If the pool finish gets stained from copper, it turns to green or blue. One way to avoid this issue is to check for the number of metals in the pool. If you find any metals in the pool, use the right chemicals to eliminate them.

Unhealthy water chemistry

Unbalanced pool chemistry can also lead to pigment loss in pool and spa finish materials. What happens is that harsh pool chemicals react with the pool finish material and lead to leaching. More often than not, colors from organic components are more vulnerable. This is because organic pigments have tinier particles that are lost easily. Pool experts recommend using inorganic pigments; they are more resistant to the effects of harsh pool chemicals.

How do you foster a successful pool and spa finish application?

The technique used to apply the pool and spa finish material influences the durability of the pigment. Nevertheless, most pool contractors say that you have to get a pool finish material with a quality pigment.

So, buy the pool finish from a dependable manufacturer. As mentioned earlier, it would help if you settled for inorganic pigments. Also, allow the manufacturer to address all your queries, doubts, and fears. Ensure that the material is compatible with your pool.

Moreover, pool designers and contractors should ensure the product has been in the industry for more than two years. During application, ensure you mix the pigment thoroughly such that it dissolves into the material. After application, refill the pool immediately to avoid any cracks and shrinkage.

Fixing concrete patches

Pool contractors should be extra careful when patching colored concrete. President and owner of Olympic Pool Plastering, Shawn Still, says, “It is difficult to patch colored concrete, especially when you don’t know what took place during the original application.”

Nonetheless, you can always find the nearest match by cleaning the surface with an acid solution before patching. “This helps in knowing the original colors,” Shawn says. Besides, doing this helps you identify almost all the conditions that were present during the initial application. Once you do this, start adding color to the surface until it matches the original. In case the color becomes too light, continue adding pigment. On the flip side, if the color is too dark, apply cement to lighten the surface.

At the end of the day, you will have fixed the patch correctly. Shawn says that he is keen to observe and take notes on the exact pigment amount he used.

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Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

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Why Pools Matter: Pool Horizons Takes Its Message Global

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Why Pools Matter: Pool Horizons Takes Its Message Global

For an industry that spends a great deal of time talking about how pools are built, operated and maintained, Pool Horizons is advancing a different conversation: why swimming pools matter in the first place.

Launched in 2023, Pool Horizons is a global initiative bringing together leaders from the swimming pool industry and broader aquatic community to examine and communicate the role pools play in society. Its work focuses on areas including health and wellbeing, community development, water safety and sustainability, with an emphasis on giving the industry research and real-world examples that demonstrate the value of aquatic spaces beyond recreation.

Over the next several months, Pool Horizons will continue that conversation at major industry gatherings in the United States and Europe, with appearances scheduled in Phoenix, Lyon and Atlantic City.

Pool Horizons Heads to the MasterMind Summit

The first stop will be the PHTA & GENESIS MasterMind Summit, taking place September 16–18 at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona.

Pool Horizons will host a two-hour session on Friday, September 18, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., connecting the cultural and social history of swimming pools with the data-backed narrative the industry is working to develop.

Author and historian Jeff Wiltse will explore the history of swimming pools and their enduring social, cultural and economic importance. Attendees will then hear about the latest Pool Horizons initiatives and how that work applies to the U.S. market.

The session will conclude with industry leaders discussing how different stakeholders can work together to better communicate the value of pools and create new opportunities for the industry.

Taking the Conversation to France

The initiative will head overseas in November for Piscine Global 2026 in Lyon, France.

On November 18 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pool Horizons will present preliminary findings from the Global Aquatic Social Impact Framework (GASIF) pilot study. The project is aimed at developing a more data-driven understanding of the social impact created by swimming pools and aquatic facilities.

Representatives from participating industry associations in France, Spain and the United States will take part, followed by a roundtable examining the challenges and future of the swimming pool industry. Leaders from CF Group, Fluidra, Hayward and Pentair are scheduled to participate in the discussion.

Pool Horizons will make a second appearance in Lyon during Aqualie on November 19 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. That session will introduce Pool Horizons and showcase a French public swimming pool Best-in-Class project, providing a real-world example of the role aquatic facilities can play within their communities.

Returning to Connect With The Industry in Atlantic City in 2027

The schedule continues into the new year with the Pool Horizons Summit in Atlantic City on January 25, 2027, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Following its 2026 gathering, Pool Horizons will return with a program that includes a keynote presentation, a new Best-in-Class project and contributions from leading figures throughout the swimming pool industry.

Together, the upcoming events provide Pool Horizons with an opportunity to continue building the conversation on both sides of the pond.

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Skimmer Expands Into Pool Construction Software With Acquisitions of Pool Builder Geek and Poologics

The two software platforms form the foundation of a unified offering for pool professionals; Pool Builder Geek founder Tommy Reynolds joins Skimmer to lead construction strategy.

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Skimmer Expands Into Pool Construction Software With Acquisitions of Pool Builder Geek and Poologics

AUSTIN, TX, August 24, 2026 — Skimmer, the leading operating system for pool service and maintenance professionals, today announced the acquisitions of Pool Builder Geek and Poologics, two software platforms purpose-built for pool construction businesses.

The acquisitions mark Skimmer’s expansion into pool construction and establish the foundation for a unified platform serving pool professionals from construction through ongoing service and maintenance.

As part of the acquisition, Pool Builder Geek founder Tommy Reynolds, who has extensive experience in the pool construction software space, will join Skimmer, leading the company’s construction strategy and continued investment in solutions for pool builders.

“Our vision is to build an end-to-end platform for the pool and spa industry,” said Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer. “Pool Builder Geek brings an AI-native platform designed to evolve quickly with the industry, while Poologics brings a proven product that builders have relied on for years. Together, they significantly accelerate our ability to serve pool construction businesses.”

Pool builders manage complex estimating, permitting, project management, subcontractor coordination, customer communication, and job costing processes. Many still rely on spreadsheets or generic construction tools that were not designed for their specific needs. Pool Builder Geek and Poologics address those challenges with purpose-built capabilities, including estimating, project management, permitting, job costing, and AI-powered visualization.

“Pool builders do not need generic contracting software with a pool label added to it,” said Reynolds. “We built Pool Builder Geek specifically around how pools are sold and built with AI at the core of the platform. Joining Skimmer gives us the resources and expertise to accelerate our product roadmap and deliver even more for the builders we serve. I’m excited about what we can build together and what this means for the future of the pool industry.”

“We built Poologics on the belief that pool construction deserves software designed specifically for the industry,” said Nate Pruitt, CEO of Poologics. “Skimmer has built its business on that same belief for pool service. Together, we can give builders more resources, stronger support, and a faster path to innovation.”

Service and maintenance remain a core focus of Skimmer. The expansion into construction advances the company’s long-term strategy to provide connected, purpose-built tools for pool professionals across the industry.

About Skimmer

Skimmer is one of America’s leading pool service platforms. The company is on a mission to modernize the pool and spa service and repair industry through easy-to-use software and best-in-class support. Over 35,000 pool service professionals servicing 1,000,000+ pools in North America use Skimmer to get organized, get paid faster, and grow their businesses. For more information, visit getskimmer.com.

About Poologics

Poologics is an all-in-one business management platform built specifically for swimming pool builders. It streamlines CRM, estimating, project management, and job costing, helping professionals run their businesses with greater efficiency, accuracy, and control. For more information, visit poologics.com.

About Pool Builder Geek

Pool Builder Geek is an AI-powered project management platform built exclusively for the swimming pool construction and renovation industry. Created by a team with deep experience building software for pool builders, it gives builders purpose-built tools for project tracking, scheduling, subcontractor coordination, budgeting, job costing, and AI-powered backyard visualization. For more information, visit poolbuildergeek.com.

Media contact

Travis Wingate

Skimmer, CMO, [email protected], 416-838-9161

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Landmark Aquatic Names Jason Hill Kansas City General Manager

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Jason Hill named Landmark Aquatic Kansas City General Manager

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Landmark Aquatic, a national leader in commercial aquatic construction and renovation, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Hill to General Manager of its Kansas City, Missouri market. Hill brings nearly two decades of commercial aquatic experience to the role, having worked his way through the industry as a laborer, plumber, project superintendent and project manager. That hands-on path through the trades gives him a perspective few general managers share.

“I truly understand the jobs of everyone here,” explains Hill. “It’s not just how they’re supposed to perform, I actually understand their day-to-day struggles, their desire for growth, and their need to have the best tools at their disposal to do their job efficiently.”

As he begins his tenure, Hill said mentorship and workforce development will be a top priority, particularly given how few professionals nationwide specialize in commercial pools.

“The commercial pool industry is such an anomaly,” he said. “As we grow our team, we are not likely to find commercial pool people waiting in our market to be hired, rather I am going to have to make commercial pool people. Training and coaching them is a big part of making that happen.” Hill’s emphasis on training echoes the company culture that earned Landmark a Top Workplace award, given in part for its investment in employee career development.

Hill is already collaborating closely with Landmark’s marketing team to grow the company’s visibility across the Kansas City market, contributing fresh ideas that are helping generate excitement. “I’m excited to compete with our other markets and see how far we can climb,” he said, noting his hometown ties add extra motivation.

With his depth of field experience and people-first approach, Hill is positioned to grow Landmark Aquatic’s presence and reputation throughout the region.

Jason can be reached at [email protected].

About Landmark Aquatic:

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.

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