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Pool and Backyard: Where did the Great American Backyard go?

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Best Historical Pools in the United States

Since the 1970s, land prices have been increasing at a high rate. As a result, homeowners have smaller pool and backyard spaces. Based on statistics, backyard sizes were reduced by 26%. Nowadays, it isn’t easy to find exceptionally spacious backyards. So, outdoor pool construction is more challenging since the majority of pool contractors have to work with limited spaces. Moreover, smaller yards prevent builders from incorporating a wide range of water features into the project. Nonetheless, contractors can still make the most out of small outdoor spaces.

Pool and Backyard: Where did the Great American Backyard go?

Pool equipment pads will help you save space

One way to make the most out of small backyard spaces is using pool equipment pads. An equipment pad helps you keep all your equipment safely in one place. Most equipment pads allow for an organized and elongated format. So, consider placing your pump among other equipment in pads. Doing this will help you save pool and backyard space. Besides, equipment pads are safe. They protect all your pool equipment from damage and harsh external conditions.

Narrow and elongated pool equipment is here to stay

Since most pool contractors are using equipment pads, manufacturers should keep up. Pool equipment pad manufacturers should update their products to meet the industry requirements. Fortunately, manufacturers are responding well to this challenge.

Currently, the pool industry prefers long narrow pool pad equipment. So, instead of widening equipment pads, it would be best to go long and narrow. In the coming years, very few people will order wide pool equipment. So, elongated equipment pads are here to stay.

Regional sales manager for Intermatic, Jon Payne

More advanced solutions to the pool and backyard problem

Using the COMBOConnect™ Junction Box Transformer is also a great way to save pool and backyard space. This product helps you boost your pool’s aesthetics and streamline your pool and spa setup. It incorporates a low voltage transformer and a standard junction box to deliver excellent functionality. Also, it consumes 20% less storage space. You can place it next to your equipment pad. Some of the equipment you can store in your COMBOConnect™ Junction Box Transformer is the salt chlorine generator.

On the flip side, the ReadySet™ Electronic Valve Actuator gives pool contractors an easy time coming up with valve position setpoints. Unlike traditional equipment, they help pool service techs to work fast. The ReadySet™ Electronic Valve Actuator has a 24-volt electronic actuator that decreases service calls by approximately 20 minutes. The best thing about this equipment is that it has a strong and elongated electrical measuring 30 feet. The cord helps pool service technicians to reach down to these equipment sets.

Create more pool and backyard space

Payne says that pool equipment pads work like wardrobes. He says, “Once you find a way to organize your pool equipment to create more pool and backyard space, you are on the right track. Modern swimming pools no longer function like conventional swimming pools. They operate using more pool equipment. Luckily, the COMBOConnect and the ReadySet help you save on pool space. Moreover, they make pool maintenance much easier.”

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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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Landslide Damages Homes, Destroys Swimming Pool in California

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Landslide Destroys Home, Damages Swimming Pool in California

A landslide wreaked havoc in Sherman Oaks early Wednesday morning, causing millions in damage and virtually destroying one homeowner’s swimming pool. The catastrophe unfolded at around 3 a.m. following reports from residents in the 3700 block of North Ventura Canyon Avenue, who noticed downed power lines and a large tree fallen into a backyard, as detailed in a press release by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a significant portion of the hillside had shifted downward, endangering at least three homes and inflicting heavy damage on another under construction. Video footage captured by OnScene.TV revealed a gaping crack splitting through the backyard of one residence, with a section of the home visibly tilting to one side.

While no injuries were reported, several individuals were evacuated from at least one home, with firefighters resorting to pumping water out of a swimming pool to alleviate additional strain on the hillside. Unfortunately, part of the pool and home ultimately collapsed down a 30-foot cliff destroying another residence that was still under construction.

Responding to the crisis, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety initially deemed one home unsafe, red-tagging the structure. However, their assessment later extended to two homes deemed unsafe and a third severely damaged, marked with a yellow tag. Ongoing drone surveys by firefighters aim to assess the extent of the damage and potential risks.

At present, the exact cause of the landslide remains undetermined, according to LAFD spokesperson Nicholas Prange. Requests for comment from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety went unanswered.

Authorities seized the opportunity to remind residents of the necessity for year-round emergency preparedness, emphasizing the looming threats posed by wildfires and heavy rainstorms capable of triggering landslides.

The unfortunate incident follows March’s heavy precipitation in Southern California, with Sherman Oaks experiencing 1.95 inches of rainfall over March 6th and 7th, as reported by the National Weather Service.

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BofA Downgrades Latham Group Citing Weak Pool Construction Market

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BofA Downgrades Latham Group Citing Weak Pool Construction Market

Latham Group (NASDAQ: SWIM), a prominent player in residential swimming pool construction, faced a setback as Bank of America downgraded its stock due to concerns over sluggish new pool construction and increased decrementals.

With the downgrade, SWIM’s stock plummeted by 23.78% during pre-market trading on Wednesday, settling at $2.50, marking an 11% dip below its 200-day simple moving average.

Bank of America revised its recommendation on Latham Group stock to Underperform, slashing the price target from $4.50 to $2.60.

In its 2024 guidance announcement, SWIM projected revenues between $490M and $520M, falling short of the consensus estimate of $533.09M. Similarly, adjusted EBITDA guidance ranged from $60M to $70M, representing an 8% to 35% decrease compared to previous expectations.

The downgrade stems from a sluggish start to 2024, subdued projections for new pool construction, operational challenges leading to deleverage, and constrained free cash flow.

Management anticipates a 15% year-over-year decline in new pool construction for 2024.

These developments contrast with the optimistic sentiment among some sell-side analysts, who maintain a Buy rating on SWIM with an average price target of $3.54.

Scott Rajeski, President and CEO, stated, “Latham navigated a very difficult market environment in 2023. We successfully implemented cost reduction programs and lean manufacturing initiatives that structurally reduced our cost basis, while maintaining our investments in future growth. These cost reduction programs improved margins as the year progressed and we expect they will enable us to considerably expand margins and overall profitability once volumes recover. At the same time, we increased productivity and efficiency for our dealers, developed new fiberglass pool models, and invested in digital tools that have enhanced the consumer’s pool buying experience. As a result of these actions, Latham is positioned for meaningful market share gains as overall industry conditions improve.”

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Fluidra Launches €20 Million Venture Capital Fund – Fluidra Ventures

The company will invest €20 million in tech-based startups that offer emerging solutions that can enhance the pool and wellness sector.

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Fluidra Ventures

Fluidra, a global leader in connected equipment and solutions for the pool and wellness sector, is launching Fluidra Ventures, a €20 million corporate venture capital fund (CVC) investment to lead innovation in the sector.

The CVC will invest in each startup with the potential to revolutionize the industry on a global scale through their solutions, with a special focus on the United States and Europe. The goal of this first three-year phase is to build a solid portfolio of startups through investing in innovative companies.

The CVC will target startup initiatives that enhance efficiency, connectivity, sustainability and safety in the swimming pool and wellness business, leveraging IoT, computer vision and robotic solutions. It is looking for startups that add value to the pool and wellness sector with innovative business models, fostering direct customer interaction through sales, subscriptions and other channels. The CVC has already invested in Coral Smart Pool, a technology company aiming to transform the pool experience through Artificial Intelligence (AI) with an initial focus on pool safety.  

Fluidra Ventures will also invest in companies that innovate in engineering and science to advance materials and products that deal with swimming pool manufacturing, efficiency and maintenance.

Four segments and eight strategic guidelines

The fund is focused on four different segments — Commercial, Residential, Wellness and Mass Market—and has an investment thesis that covers eight strategic guidelines, from connected pools, resource optimization, digital platforms, innovative materials, security systems, personalized experiences, robotics and innovative consumable products.

Fluidra Ventures is fueled by Fluidra Lab, Fluidra’s open innovation division, and any startups that want to submit their proposals can send their investment pitch decks to [email protected]. Offering more than just investments, Fluidra aims to leverage this initiative to become the top strategic collaborator for the most innovative startups with the tremendous benefits that being an industry leader brings, such as: resources, scale successful business models, expertise, experience, and sales options.

“This initiative joins several others that we have at Fluidra to promote innovation in our industry. This is why here at Fluidra Ventures we’re excited about the transformative potential that this venture will have for the pool and wellness industry, driving forward innovation, sustainability and technological advancement”, said Eloi Planes, Fluidra’s Executive Chairman.

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