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Pool Acrylic Panels and Windows

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Pool Acrylic Panels and Windows

Almost all first-class pools incorporate see-through walls or windows. In fact, most contestants of the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge submitted pools that incorporated these spectacular features. Co-owner of Red Rock Pools & Spas, Rick Chafey, says, “Viewing windows and see-through pool walls offer remarkable aesthetics; that’s why everyone wants to include them in their pools.” Nonetheless, installing see-through windows in pools is not as simple as most people think. The fact that you have to combine pool acrylic with concrete or glass while leaving no room for leaks makes these projects challenging. In this article, we take a look at some of the tips for installing see-through windows successfully.

Pool Acrylic Panels and Windows

Pool acrylic or glass?

In most scenarios, pool builders prefer working with glass to acrylic. Glass is more versatile, and it stays clear despite its thickness. On the other hand, President of San Diego-based Watershape Consulting, David Peterson, says that acrylics can end up causing microscopic cracks due to deflection. Additionally, acrylic panels are very long. Ultimately, contractors choose glass over acrylics.

Installation of acrylic pool windows and panels

In most pool projects, see-through pool walls get installed by expert manufacturers or special installers. Very few pool contractors know how to install viewing windows or see-through walls. During construction, they will rely on dependable installers to perform this job for them.

During installation, the installers should ensure the wall is held firmly to the ground to prevent rotation. They can do this by placing the walls at a deeper section of the pool floor (the depth should be more than three times the pool acrylic thickness). Then, they should use a non-shrink grout to pack it. Doing this makes the panel or the wall look like part of the concrete. Installers should do the same for viewing windows. However, the area around the window’s opening should be big enough to accommodate backer rods, sealant, and blocks.

Designers should also ensure that the pool shell is thicker than the glass or acrylic. Normally, installers prefer positioning the window so that there will be a recession on the wall, called a rebate. The rebate often supports the panel. Peterson states, “The backside of the window should have a concrete structure to help the window stay in place.”

Factors to consider before designing the pool

Before installing window or glass panels in the pool, there are several practices to incorporate. They include:

Consult a pool engineer:

Always consult an engineer before you install a panel window. This way, you’ll prevent leaks. A principal engineer working from Sacramento, Rob Holmer, says,'” The pool should be engineered to help the panel stay in place. Remember, the force of the water will get to the panel. So, the concrete around the panel should be able to withstand such pressure.” Typically, engineers will use high-strength concrete and steel to construct the pool.

The type of pool finish:

Make sure you choose the right finish material for the edge of the panel. Peterson recommends using a tile border that extends at about 3 to 6 inches. Doing this helps you keep the area as neat as possible. This prevents other pool finish material used for the rest of the pool interior from reaching the panel.

Flexibility of acrylic vs concrete:

Note that acrylic tends to contract and expand. Therefore, pool acrylic see-through walls can sometimes expand when the temperatures are high or contract when the temperatures are low. Also, note that acrylic panels expand and contract more than concrete. Pool designers should, therefore, use the most suitable waterproofing agents or flexible grouts. Even so, ensure you observe all the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions when using waterproofing products.

Window/panel positioning:

Although pool acrylic see-through windows and panels create a spectacular illusional layer in the pool, this does not happen all the time. It depends on where you place the acrylic windows. Therefore, when installing these features, be creative and strategic on where you place them. Fortunately, a 3D pool design can help you see how the window will look from your preferred position. Consequently, pool designers are the ones to advise you on the best location for the acrylic windows.

Keeping it clean:

You have to ensure that the window is crystal-clear. Generally, you should be able to see all the activities going on inside the pool. Therefore, commercial pool owners should thoroughly filter their pools using more advanced equipment like modern cartridges. Commercial pools have large bather loads. Therefore, you should do your best to keep the pools clean at all times. Pool experts also say that it is best to avoid positioning the panel where people can already see the pool interior easily. Please make the most out of the panel by placing it where swimmers/divers will view the outside environs, and people lounging by the poolside will see the inside of the pool even when there are not close by.

Ultimately, pool acrylic see-through windows and panels are great add-ons to swimming pools. However, installation should be done carefully to prevent any long-term problems with the pool.

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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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