As Latham Pools prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year, the company shows no signs of slowing down. On the contrary, CEO Scott Rajeski says the company is leaning harder than ever into what made them a leader in the first place — innovation, execution, and an unwavering focus on the customer experience.

Reflecting after connecting at this year’s Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City, Rajeski observed a noticeable resurgence of energy in the pool sector. “The excitement, the enthusiasm at the show — it was probably one of the better shows in many years,” he shared. “Traffic was great, attendance was up, and, you know, a lot of buzz back in the industry, which is great for all of us.”

Meeting the Moment: The Rise of Plunge Pools

One of Latham’s most talked-about recent developments is their expanded plunge pool collection — a timely response to changing consumer demands as lot sizes continue to shrink across North America.

“The response has been phenomenal,” Rajeski said. “People are using their pool in the backyard as an entertainment feature these days. You know, the Milan has really resonated, and we’ve just launched the vinyl liner package pool Calypso series in four configurations. Starting with a very simple pool, but then one that becomes more and more feature-rich over time, with benches and ledges that are in there.”

Latham’s plunge pools are designed not just for smaller spaces, but for faster, easier installation — a major advantage in today’s tight labor market. Their new Calypso series was recognized at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo for its innovation in installation time, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

“It’s a very simple design. It’s a really easy install for a pool builder,” Rajeski explained. “More importantly, it’s a much faster install, so the consumer’s able to get into their backyard and get into their pool and enjoy it much quicker.”

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

Amid recent reports of widespread issues with concrete pool deterioration — sometimes called “concrete cancer” (ASR) — Latham sees an opportunity to educate consumers about alternatives like fiberglass.

“It’s unfortunate for all the homeowners who bought one of those pools and are experiencing going through these issues and concerns,” Rajeski said. But the shift in consumer awareness aligns perfectly with Latham’s long-standing messaging.

“We’ve been trying to market the benefits of fiberglass against concrete pools. I do think this gives us another opening in terms of educating consumers, builders about fiberglass — the opportunity, whether it’s the faster install, the low-cost maintenance… you’re getting a shell built in one of our factories, delivering it right to the backyard, setting that vessel in the ground, and the homeowner never has to worry about anything again.”

Timing has worked in Latham’s favor. Their “Sand State Strategy” — a focused and concerted effort to expand its market penetration launched just as headlines about concrete pool issues became more prominent.

“We’re advertising and marketing all of the benefits of fiberglass pools — the ownership, the faster install, the customization, the cost benefits versus a concrete pool. We’ll continue to drive the awareness of fiberglass ownership.”

Leading the Digital Revolution in Pool Buying

Latham’s innovation isn’t limited to product design — it extends into technology platforms designed to transform the pool-buying experience.

Tools like the Latham Pool Visualizer, which allows consumers to see how a pool would look in their backyard via augmented reality, were born out of real-world frustrations.

“You’re out there spray painting your backyard, moving templates around, trying to get a feel of what it’s going to look like,” Rajeski recalled. “I remember I said, you know, imagine if you could come up with a tool — just like in Christmas Vacation with Clark Griswold when he imagines the pool in his backyard and he can visually see what it’s going to look like.”

Visualizers not only enhances the consumer experience but also accelerate the sales cycle, said Rajeski. “It was all about enabling the pool buying decision for the homeowner, but also generating a lead direct to the dealer to hook the consumer and build their opportunity to close the sale.”

Latham’s tech ecosystem also includes Measure by Latham Pools — an AI-powered device that uses LIDAR and HD cameras to create precise measurements for safety covers and vinyl liners in minutes.

“It all started with a conversation about the disruption caused by measuring a liner in the backyard… very time-consuming, completely manual, and lots of opportunities for mistakes,” Rajeski explained.

Instead of requiring a two- or three-week process with multiple site visits, Measure by Latham Pools can map a pool with one technician in under 30 minutes. “It designs and quotes the liner or cover immediately and sends that quote right back where you can hit the button, create the purchase order, and send all of that design and cut sheets right back to our manufacturing facilities to produce that liner.”

It’s a major efficiency boost for both dealers and homeowners. “Now they’re measuring four or five times more liners in a particular day… It’s a huge profitability play for the builder.”

Importantly, the system’s built-in AI continuously improves with use. “The more measurements we collect, the smarter the device gets — cutting that design time down, hopefully eventually to 10 or 15 minutes.”

Strengthening the Connection Between Consumers and Builders

In tandem with its visualizer and measuring technology, Latham developed the My Latham platform — an all-in-one system that keeps consumers organized and engaged throughout the pool planning process.

“What we’re trying to be is the salesperson out there connecting the person who’s interested in a pool to the pool builder who can install it for that homeowner,” Rajeski said. “We nurture them through that entire buying process… then make that connection of a hot sales lead to one of our best builders in that area or zip code.”

Everything — from educating homeowners about fiberglass vs. concrete, to offering AR visualization, financing options, and finding a local builder — is streamlined through My Latham, making it easier than ever to turn dreams into backyard realities.

The Road Ahead: Innovation at Full Speed

As Latham looks ahead to its Platinum Anniversary in 2026, innovation remains at the heart of its vision for the future.

“We’ve talked a lot about launching many new, innovative models and pools that will resonate in specific geographies,” Rajeski revealed. “Smaller pools with built-in spas and ledges — just beautiful designs that will fit in those smaller backyards.”

Beyond new designs, Latham is also focused on upgrading manufacturing capabilities to produce models faster. “Cycle time, speed to market, the ability to produce more models for builders faster — that’s where we’re headed.”

Rajeski credits the company’s success to its people: “It’s having extremely bright and talented individuals in the organization — from marketing, to engineering, to the hourly folks making the pools in the factory, to the truck driver delivering that pool right to the backyard.”

At the end of the day, he said, it’s about helping families create lifelong memories. “Everyone dreams of having that swimming pool, celebrating life’s memories and moments… it’s not every day you get to wake up, come to work, do something that makes people’s dreams come true.”

As Latham nears its 70th year, that mission remains stronger — and more innovative — than ever.

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Latham CEO Scott Rajeski on the Pool Magazine Podcast.

Swim-in-place systems are making a major splash in the pool industry as homeowners increasingly prioritize fitness, therapy, and dynamic play. Over the last two decades, swimming pools have evolved from tranquil backyard retreats into multifunctional spaces designed for movement and wellness. At the forefront of this evolution is Current Systems, the manufacturer of the Riverflow pump—a powerful, low-head, high-volume current system designed to bring water to life.

“Ten to twenty years ago, people looked at a swimming pool as a place of tranquility and a place for family to gather,” says Phil De Tournillon, co-founder of Current Systems. “Now there’s this interactive opportunity for them to get wet.” The shift from passive pool lounging to active aquatic experiences is fueling a surge in interest for swim-in-place systems, lazy rivers, and dynamic water environments that enhance both health and enjoyment.

The Rise of Swim In Place Pools

A growing number of homeowners are embracing fitness-focused design. Swim-in-place systems, like the Riverflow pump, provide continuous water resistance that transforms even compact pools into endless lap lanes. But according to De Tournillon, it goes beyond swimming. “You don’t need to be a swimmer to get the benefit of current,” he explains. “There’s a sense of movement that the body feels—a therapeutic push and pull that provides pleasure and health benefits.”

This sensation, he says, replicates the natural feeling of being in the ocean or a river. For homeowners, that means a more immersive experience, whether they use their pool for exercise, hydrotherapy, or simply floating in gently moving water.

Small Pools, Big Function

One of the biggest drivers behind this trend is space. Not every backyard has room for a 60-foot lap pool, but that doesn’t mean homeowners need to sacrifice functionality. “People are restricted on the size of their spaces,” says De Tournillon. “But they’re really looking to immerse themselves in the water, not just sit beside it.”

Thanks to powerful, adjustable systems like Riverflow, even modest plunge pools can now offer robust fitness and therapeutic capabilities. That flexibility is helping usher in a new category of “performance pools” tailored to compact, urban environments.

The Smart Pool Era

With the rise of pool automation and smart homes, the ability to control a swim current has become just another tap on the app. Riverflow integrates seamlessly with platforms from Pentair, Hayward, Jandy, and Poolside Tech’s “The Attendant.”

“These systems give the client a single source to control lights, jets, and the current system,” explains De Tournillon. Variable speed controls allow users to customize their experience based on the activity—slow for relaxation or light therapy, and faster for exercise or play.

“The Attendant by Poolside Tech has taken it even further,” he says. “They’ve developed a way to add variable speed control, giving the client even more versatility to fine-tune their experience. It’s quite exciting.”

Enter the Adventure Pool

Dynamic water environments aren’t just for workouts. They’re also driving the rise of the “adventure pool,” a trend where features like lazy rivers, slides, and waterfalls create a resort-style experience right at home. Riverflow plays a key role here too.

“We’ve done designs where jets actually propel swimmers coming out of a slide chute,” says De Tournillon. “It keeps the energy going after the initial splash.”

He notes that many homeowners return from vacations wanting to replicate that high-energy resort feel in their own backyard. Whether it’s a current loop that powers a lazy river or directional jets that enhance a waterslide experience, the goal is to make every moment in the pool more engaging.

Hybrid Pools: Where Tranquility Meets Motion

Despite the uptick in motion-centric pool designs, De Tournillon doesn’t believe the rise of active pools spells the end of traditional aesthetics. In fact, many clients want both. “You can have this beautiful mirror-glass surface and, at the flip of a switch, bring it alive with movement,” he says.

This hybrid model is becoming increasingly popular—one moment it’s an elegant infinity-edge pool perfect for entertaining, the next it’s transformed into an aquatic playground or a resistance training lane. The versatility allows for broader enjoyment across age groups and lifestyles.

Pools That Adapt to People

Customization and control are key. “If you’ve got five- and six-year-olds using the river, you’re going to want to slow it down,” says De Tournillon. “If teenagers show up, you can ramp it up.” The ability to fine-tune performance based on user preferences and safety is making these systems especially attractive for multigenerational households.

And when the current’s off? A lazy river can become a tranquil walking lane. It’s this kind of adaptability that underscores how far pool design has come.

Behind the Innovation

Current Systems is no newcomer to innovation. Founded by Peter Davidson, who invented the first countercurrent high-flow, low-head pump over 30 years ago, the company has continued to push boundaries ever since. De Tournillon joined forces with Davidson two decades ago and together, they’ve shaped the swim-in-place movement.

“We saw a huge need for moving water solutions in the pool industry,” says De Tournillon. “Not just for athletes, but for anyone who wants more from their pool.”

That inclusive mindset has helped fuel a broader interest in wellness, accessibility, and year-round aquatic enjoyment.

The Future Is Flowing

Looking ahead, De Tournillon sees the appetite for dynamic water features only growing. “In the next 10 years, I think it’s just going to be an amazing amount of water flowing,” he says. As more builders and designers understand the versatility that swim-in-place systems offer, more homeowners will opt for active features that enrich both health and enjoyment.

“You don’t have to choose between a beautiful pool and a functional one,” he adds. “You can have the best of both worlds.”

As more homeowners prioritize wellness, play, and smart design, the age of the dynamic pool has arrived—and with it, the rise of the current-driven backyard oasis.

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Phil DeTournillon on the Pool Magazine Podcast.

Photo Credits: Current Systems

Success in the swimming pool industry often comes down to two things: a willingness to learn and a commitment to excellence. Few exemplify this better than Keith Smith, this year’s Pentair Pool Pro Award winner and head of renovations at Heritage Pools of Charleston, SC. His story is not just one of career growth, but of passion, persistence, and the transformative power of education.

Long Before the Pentair Pool Pro Award, Was a Humble Beginning

Before stepping into the pool industry, Smith was working as a line cook in a restaurant, making ends meet in an oversaturated market. While he enjoyed the work, it wasn’t financially sustainable, nor did it offer much room for growth. When his brother-in-law, a service tech at Heritage Pools, encouraged him to consider a career in pool construction, Smith was intrigued. The opportunity to work outdoors, take on new challenges, and build something meaningful appealed to him.

He started with a trial run, working two days with the crew on a brand-new pool build. With no experience and wearing kitchen shoes, he was thrown into the deep end—digging trenches, getting covered in mud, and working harder than ever. But something clicked.

“I made up my mind after that first day of work,” Smith recalls. “After a long, hard day and seeing how much I had accomplished with this team, I knew I wanted to stick with it.”

Climbing the Ladder Through Dedication

After transitioning to a full-time role, Smith quickly expanded his skill set. He worked in pool construction, maintenance, and service, finding that his meticulous attention to detail made him particularly suited for pool care and chemistry management.

His natural curiosity led him to dive deeper into the renovations side of the business. Starting with smaller projects, such as liner replacements and tile work, he eventually moved on to full-scale pool transformations—replacing decks, reshaping pools, and upgrading entire systems.

“There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking a pool that’s been in the ground for 30 or 40 years and making it look brand new,” he says. “It’s like bringing something back to life.”

Mentorship and the Power of Leadership

A key figure in Smith’s journey has been Michael Gesmond, the owner of Heritage Pools. Smith first met Gesmond when they were neighbors, long before he joined the company. He remembers seeing Gesmond working out of his Honda Civic, taking on liner replacements before growing Heritage Pools into the respected business it is today.

“I’ve learned a lot from him—his drive, his commitment to excellence, and his ability to roll up his sleeves and do whatever it takes to get the job done,” Smith says.

Gesmond saw potential in Smith early on and actively encouraged his growth. He provided new opportunities, pushed him out of his comfort zone, and instilled confidence in his decision-making.

“He told me, ‘You have anything at your disposal to advance your career. Book the classes, get the certifications—just go do it.’ That kind of support is invaluable.”

The Role of Education in Elevating the Industry

One of the biggest lessons Smith has learned is the importance of continuous education. While hands-on experience has been a huge part of his development, formal training has elevated his expertise, particularly in electrical work, hydraulics, and safety compliance.

“A lot of older pools have single drains that aren’t code-compliant,” Smith explains. “Education allows me to confidently explain to homeowners why they need to upgrade their system—not to nickel and dime them, but to make their pool safer.”

Through manufacturer training, trade shows, and industry events, Smith has gained insights that allow him to better serve his customers. More importantly, it’s given him the knowledge to mentor his own team, ensuring that the next generation of pool professionals meets the highest standards.

Leading a Team with Commitment and Purpose

As head of renovations at Heritage Pools, Smith doesn’t just oversee projects—he actively supports his team, whether it’s digging trenches, troubleshooting pumps, or solving on-site challenges.

“I’m not here to babysit anyone,” he says. “I work with professionals. But I am here to support them, to problem-solve when things don’t go as planned, and to ensure that every job is done right.”

He leads by example, making sure that customer service, safety, and craftsmanship remain the top priorities. His approach is simple: he never asks his team to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.

The Value of Strong Industry Partnerships

Smith credits much of his professional growth to Pentair’s commitment to its dealers. Over the years, Pentair representatives have provided hands-on training, on-site troubleshooting, and product knowledge that have made a tangible impact on his projects.

“My reps have been phenomenal resources. Any time I’ve needed help diagnosing an issue or understanding a product, they’ve been there,” Smith says.

One product that’s been a game changer for his renovation projects is the IntelliFlo3 VSF pump.

“It can be retrofitted to inch-and-a-half plumbing and has built-in automation capabilities,” Smith explains. “That means customers get a modern, energy-efficient upgrade without having to overhaul their entire system.”

Trends in Pool Renovation and Future Outlook

Smith has witnessed shifts in the pool industry over the years, with more homeowners embracing automation and energy-efficient upgrades. Retrofitting older pools with smart technology, LED lighting, and variable-speed pumps is becoming increasingly common, as customers recognize the long-term value.

“Five years ago, people weren’t as receptive to automation. Now, with products like the IntelliFlo3, they see the convenience and energy savings,” Smith notes.

Beyond technology, he also sees a growing emphasis on pool safety upgrades, as more homeowners recognize the importance of dual drains, VGB-compliant systems, and advanced circulation solutions.

Advice for the Next Generation of Pool Professionals

✔️ Give it time – “Stick with it for a few weeks, learn the ropes, and see if you enjoy the work.”
✔️ Stay hungry – “Push yourself to grow. If you’re in maintenance, ask to shadow a service tech. If you’re in service, get hands-on experience in renovations.”
✔️ Take every opportunity to learn – “Attend training sessions, take manufacturer courses, and keep your certifications up to date.”
✔️ Embrace challenges – “Not every day is easy, but the work is rewarding. You’re transforming backyards and creating something people will enjoy for years.”

Pentair Pool Pro Award, A Well-Deserved Honor

Smith’s journey from line cook to Pentair Pool Pro Award winner is a testament to hard work, passion, and the power of ongoing education. His story serves as an inspiration for pool professionals at every stage of their career—reminding them that mentorship, training, and a commitment to excellence can open doors to incredible opportunities.

“At the end of the day, I just love what I do,” Smith says. “I love taking something old and making it new again. And I love knowing that with every renovation, we’re delivering the best possible experience for our customers.”