Industry News
Pool and Spa Automation Industry

Surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased demand for pool services and products. Consequently, the majority of pool companies have been hectic from the start of the last summer. Mark Bauckman, vice president of Fluidra product development, says, “We always see the number of sales made. Last summer, a lot of people were investing on pools and pool products.” Pool and Spa Automation manufacturers report that there was a significant increase in sales last year. Think about it. The majority of homeowners are now revamping their backyard spaces to create the ideal staycation in their homes.

The innovation of smart pools
With the expansion of the pool industry, there have been numerous innovations over the years. Swimming pools are now easier to control more than ever. Some pools have voice-activated systems compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Moreover, there have been several apps that show how to balance water chemistry and maintain your pool. “Such innovations have been well received by customers and are now gaining a lot of popularity,” says Greg Fournier, senior product manager for Hayward Pool Products.
Currently, almost everything is technology-driven. Therefore, we plan to come up with a smart pool.
group category leader for Pentair automation, KEVAN COOPER
The smart pool is uniquely designed to function as per the needs of the customer. As a result, pool owners will spend less time operating and maintaining their pools. Smart pools work like home appliances. For example, if they sense the pool owner opening the front door, the pump would automatically go on. Such pools rely on day temperatures and time to function. Gauckman says, “One of the main advantages of having a smart pool is that you save a lot of energy.”
Automatic and robotic pool cleaners
Fournier says, “Robotic cleaners are also growing in popularity. You can operate this equipment using a simple app or remote control.” On the other hand, Bauckman is expecting to see more advanced versions of automatic pool cleaners. Robotic pool cleaners with additional sensors will indisputably function more efficiently and make it easier for you to clean even the most unreachable areas. Tim Murphy, President of Blue Square, reports an increased demand for their products. Even so, he is expecting to see more growth.”
The benefits extend to pool experts too
Bauckman says that smart pool appliances will benefit not only the user but also the pool professional. “Fixing a smart pool is easier since you can easily find the primary source of the problem. Also, there are usually some sections in the pool equipment that you wouldn’t want the pool owner to reach. Smart pools make this possible.” Bauckman anticipates that these pool and spa automation products will get combined with business management systems.”
Addition of new technology features
At present, most pool manufacturers are doing their best to make pool and spa automation products available to many people, Fournier says. Consequently, there is a wide range of products and services offered in the market. Unlike before, portable and smaller equipment are in the market.
“A good example is the Bluetooth pool pump. You can easily switch on and switch off the pump using an app.” says Mike Tuttobene, Waterway sales vice president. You can also control the speed of the pump using the app.
Controlled systems
Chemtrolnational sales manager, Dave Button, says, “Pool experts are now making pools more user-friendly by coming up with controllers incorporating more complex functions. “Back in the day, it was possible to regulate the main pool pump. However, it was impossible to control variable frequency drives. Additionally, Ultraviolet regulators only enabled you to switch them on and off. But now, you can intensify the light radiated by Ultraviolet systems. Furthermore, modern systems are systems that allow you to regulate the opening of the main drain, unlike traditional systems.”
Modification of pool lights
In this present age and time, pool owners fall in love with the evolution of automated lights. I mean, every pool owner wants to have a multicolored swimming pool or water features. Murphy says, “Majority of pool owners wants their pool lighting to automatically switch colors.” Fortunately, there are many innovations meant to cater to such customer requirements.
Pool experts are working towards more advanced versions of pool lighting that can switch up the backyard into a serene haven.
PAL Lightingnational sales manager, Jai O’Neill
Additionally, he says that these modern pool lighting systems allow you to control the intensity of light getting radiated. He says, “occasionally, pool experts will require a certain number of lumens for their pool. And such pool and spa automation systems allow you to control them.”
Ultimately, the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased demand for pool and spa automation products. Most homeowners are looking for more user-friendly products that allow them to consume less time, energy, and effort during operation.
Industry News
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.
Industry News
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.

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
Industry News
Landmark Aquatic Names Jason Hill 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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