The pool industry recently lost one of its most respected craftsmen with the passing of Guy Wood. For more than four decades, Wood built a reputation not only as a skilled builder and technician but as a steady, thoughtful presence in an industry that values both creativity and trust. His work, his mentorship, and his quiet determination left a lasting mark on the people and projects he touched.

A Career Built on Craftsmanship

Wood spent the majority of his professional life serving homeowners throughout the Fort Worth area. Beginning in 1979, he helped shape generations of backyards through his companies, Westside Pools & Service and Westside Watershapes. Together, the two divisions reflected the full scope of his commitment to the craft. Westside Pools & Service focused on maintenance and repair, while Westside Watershapes handled the construction of custom pools that would go on to earn recognition in international design competitions.

For Wood, the goal was always straightforward: design and build the finest custom pools possible for his clients. That focus guided the way he ran his business and the way he approached each project. Over the years, he earned numerous professional credentials, including accreditation from the Society of Watershape Designers (SWD), designation as a Verified Watershape Builder through Watershape University, certification as a NSPF Certified Pool/Spa Operator, and recognition as an APSP Certified Building Professional.

He was also deeply engaged in the broader pool professional community, maintaining active involvement with organizations such as Genesis, Watershape University, and Carecraft. Those affiliations reflected his belief that learning never stops in this industry, and that the best builders continually refine their craft.

Respected In The Industry

While Wood’s professional accomplishments were significant, those who knew him say his character was what truly set him apart.

Ray Corral, who collaborated with Wood, considered him a close friend, remembers both the man and the quiet strength he showed while facing personal challenges.

“When I first met Guy Wood, he shared that he was battling cancer,” Corral recalled. “Even then, he spoke about how honored he felt to have the team he had assembled come together to finish what he believed would be his final project. I can’t think of a greater honor than that.”

Corral said the two worked together on multiple projects alongside other respected professionals in the industry, including Kyle McDaniel and designer Randy Angell.

“As a tribute to Guy, I had reached out to Pool Magazine, which gracefully took on one of our collaborations and paid credit and industry recognition to Guy,” Corral said. “Guy was selfless and approached the issues we had with patience… something you learn with time and experience in our world.”

What stood out most to Corral was Wood’s determination.

“I was always taken back how he continued to quietly fight, but kept moving forward with our projects,” he said. “Guy Wood was my friend. He was an industry leader and a mentor, my personal role model.”

That sentiment was echoed by acclaimed watershape designer Randy Angell, who was a frequent collaborator with Wood.

“Guy was a rare breed — a man of humility who had every reason to brag,” Angell said. “I had the pleasure of working with him on various projects over the years, most recently our Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired renovation project that was featured on the cover of Pool Magazine. He was a constant force in the industry and someone I could refer my clients to without hesitation.”

Angell noted that Wood’s influence extended beyond the projects themselves.

“Guy had a drive to continually elevate our industry,” he said. “Whether through thoughtful design, construction excellence, or unwavering business integrity, he pushed to be the best and inspired those around him to do the same.”

While Wood’s work earned industry recognition, those who spent time with him remember the personal side just as vividly.

Carol Gigliotti, Sales Director for Pool Magazine, knew Wood for decades during her time working in the industry.

“We lost an industry great and a personal friend to me and so many others,” Gigliotti said. “A truly wonderful man and outstanding designer and builder. All who knew him loved him, myself included.”

Photographer Danny Riley, who had the privilege of photographing Wood’s creations, recalls their last memories together.

“I remember being together poolside with his wife and daughter, trading stories and laughter over a beautiful Texas sunset, surrounded by everything he loved.”

Riley says that moment revealed the kind of person Wood was away from the jobsite.

“Very innovative and incredibly talented in his craft, he had a soul one might not expect from someone so accomplished,” Riley said. “If I could describe his presence in two words? Humble and kind. I’m honored to have known him.”

Those two qualities — humility and kindness — are mentioned repeatedly by the people who knew Wood best. Despite his experience, his credentials, and the accolades his projects received, he remained someone who approached the work and the people around him with patience and respect.

A Lasting Legacy

After a long and successful career, Wood made the decision in 2025 to sell Westside Pools & Service to Gold Medal Pools. It marked the closing of one chapter of a professional life that had already influenced countless projects and professionals.

But the true measure of Wood’s legacy may be found less in the awards or certifications and more in the relationships he built throughout the industry. Designers trusted him to bring their visions to life. Other builders respected his craftsmanship. Clients relied on his integrity.

And friends remember him as someone who continued to move forward, even during difficult moments, always focused on finishing the work he loved.

Guy Wood helped shape the watershaping industry through the projects he built and the example he set. His impact will continue to be seen in the backyards he transformed, the professionals he mentored, and the standards of excellence he championed throughout his career.

He will be fondly remembered by colleagues across the industry and missed by the many friends, collaborators, and family members whose lives he touched along the way.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children in the United States. It’s a sobering reality that hits hardest in underserved communities where access to swim lessons and aquatic facilities is limited. That’s where Step Into Swim, an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, continues to step in with purpose.

Since its launch in 2012, Step Into Swim has gifted more than 500,000 swim lessons to children across the U.S. and beyond. In 2025 alone, the program raised over $1.5 million, funding learn-to-swim programs in 43 states, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Grand Cayman, and Canada — providing nearly 20,000 children with access to life-saving water safety education. Every dollar donated goes directly toward programming.

Behind those numbers is a growing coalition built from manufacturers, distributors, trade organizations, and technology providers who see water safety as a shared responsibility.

At the center of the program’s outreach efforts is three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines, who serves as Vice President of Partnerships and Development for PHTA. Gaines has become one of Step Into Swim’s most visible advocates, helping connect industry support directly to community outcomes.

Hayward: Investing in Safer Futures

This year, Hayward expanded its multi-year partnership. They made a $50,000 donation — comprised of $25,000 in cash and $25,000 in equipment — earning Platinum-level supporter status.

Hayward President and CEO Kevin Holleran emphasized that the company’s commitment goes far beyond product innovation.

“Access to swimming pools and water safety education is essential to protecting families and strengthening communities,” Holleran said. “Hayward’s continued support of Step Into Swim helps more children access life-saving learn-to-swim programs. Investing in water safety means investing in safer futures, and this donation reflects Hayward’s values and our commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the products we design and manufacture.”

Gaines echoed that sentiment, noting that Hayward’s involvement has helped keep community pools open while expanding access to swim lessons for underserved children.

“Hayward’s continued support has not only provided access to swim lessons to underserved children across the country — it has also helped Step Into Swim revitalize community pools that were at risk of closure,” he said.

Heritage Pool Supply Group: Turning Community into Action

For Heritage Pool Supply Group, giving back is woven directly into company culture. Through its Heritage Cares Foundation, the distributor contributed $100,000 to Step Into Swim following its annual charity concert at the Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City.

Scott Frost, President of Heritage Pool Supply Group, described the initiative as deeply personal for his organization.

“This initiative is very close to our hearts as it aims to create more swimmers and teach children in underserved communities across the country to swim,” Frost said. “By working together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn this essential life skill.”

Heritage Cares has selected Step Into Swim as a beneficiary for five consecutive years, helping raise awareness throughout the pool, spa, and hot tub industry while directly funding swim access for thousands of children.

Gaines credited Heritage’s long-term commitment with tangible results.

“Since 2021, Heritage Pool Supply Group’s donations to Step Into Swim have provided nearly 20,000 children access to lifesaving learn-to-swim programs,” he said, calling Frost and the Heritage team “true champions of water safety.”

Pentair Pool: Making Safety the Starting Point

Now in its third year supporting Step Into Swim, Pentair Pool announced a $100,000 contribution as part of its broader commitment to drowning prevention and water safety education.

Greg Claffey, President of Pentair Pool, underscored the importance of introducing children to water in the right way.

“Everyone’s journey should start with a safe introduction to the water,” Claffey said. “This partnership lets us give back to our communities in a meaningful way — by supporting local families through helping future swimmers learn the skills that keep them safe in and around the water.”

Pentair’s Diamond-level support helps fund learn-to-swim programs for thousands of children nationwide. The company also sponsors National Water Safety Month each year, reinforcing its belief that education and awareness are just as critical as equipment and innovation.

Gaines praised Pentair’s consistency.

“Pentair Pool understands that enjoying aquatic environments begins with safety, and they consistently advocate for increased awareness of drowning prevention through their work with Step Into Swim, National Water Safety Month, and other water safety initiatives,” he said.

Fluidra: Five Years of Meaningful Momentum

Marking its fifth consecutive year of support, Fluidra continued its partnership with a $100,000 donation, reinforcing its commitment to underserved communities and vulnerable populations.

Gaines described Fluidra’s impact in deeply human terms.

“Their generosity has had a life-changing positive impact on literally thousands of children who now know how to be safe in and around water,” he said. “Step Into Swim is thrilled to begin our 2026 fundraising with this incredible donation from Fluidra, which will allow us to fund learn-to-swim programs across the country and fulfill our mission to save lives.”

Jon Viner, President of Fluidra North America, emphasized that water safety reaches far beyond the pool deck.

“Ensuring children have the skills to be safe and confident around water is a responsibility that extends beyond the pool,” Viner said. “Through our support of Step Into Swim, we’re helping broaden access to swim education that can truly change — and save — lives.”

Fluidra also noted that in 2025, Step Into Swim fundraising was matched by the PHTA Board of Directors, bringing total contributions to more than $3 million and supporting over 250 programs delivering roughly 180,000 swim lessons.

NESPA Foundation: Rallying the Northeast

Another major supporter helping expand Step Into Swim’s reach is the NESPA Foundation, which continued its partnership as a Diamond Level supporter with a $100,000 donation presented during the 2026 Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City.

Jeremy Hasbrouck, President of the NESPA Foundation, said the partnership reflects what’s possible when the industry works together toward a common goal.

“Our partnership with Step Into Swim is a testament to what we can achieve when the industry unites for a common cause,” Hasbrouck said. “For the past three years, our matching program has successfully quadrupled funding, turning our members’ generosity into swim lessons. The NESPA Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to drowning prevention, and we are thrilled to continue this journey with Step Into Swim to make water safety accessible to all.”

Beyond its financial support, the Foundation continues to create tangible community impact throughout the Northeast. Following the show, the NESPA Foundation also presented a $35,000 Step Into Swim grant to the Atlantic City Boys & Girls Club, supporting learn-to-swim programming for local youth.

Rowdy Gaines noted that NESPA’s consistent support has made the organization one of the most influential contributors to Step Into Swim’s growth in the region.

“They have shown up year after year to rally support from their members and raise awareness of the lifesaving importance of swim lessons and water safety,” Gaines said. “Step Into Swim could not reach this level of success in the Northeast without the support of NESPA, its Executive Director Dominick Mondi, and the NESPA Foundation Board.”

Industry Partners Expanding the Mission

Support for Step Into Swim also extends beyond the largest industry manufacturers. A number of companies continue to contribute through ongoing partnerships that collectively strengthen the initiative’s reach.

AquaStar Pool Products, Periodic Products, and Pool Shark H2O recently renewed their partnerships with Step Into Swim with combined donations totaling $50,000, helping fund additional learn-to-swim grants across the country.

Their support contributed to Step Into Swim’s most successful single month of fundraising ever, with donations exceeding $500,000 in January 2026 alone.

“When leaders like AquaStar Pool Products, Periodic Products, and Pool Shark H2O show their support for a cause like Step Into Swim, the rest of the pool, spa, and hot tub industry takes notice,” Gaines said. “Raising awareness of drowning prevention and understanding the lifesaving impact of swim lessons is the first step in eradicating the accidental drowning epidemic.”

For the companies involved, the mission aligns closely with their broader commitment to safety within the aquatic industry.

“At AquaStar Pool Products, safety isn’t just what we manufacture—it’s what we believe in,” said Steve Barnes, Director of Science and Compliance at AquaStar Pool Products. “Teaching children and families to swim saves lives, and we are proud to deepen our commitment.”

Periodic Products has also strengthened its long-term support by contributing to the Rowdy Gaines Water Safety Champion Endowment Fund, helping establish sustainable funding for Step Into Swim well into the future.

Meanwhile, Pool Shark H2O continues to support the initiative through its Silver Level sponsorship.

“Our continued partnership is a win for everyone involved, especially the kids who otherwise may not get access to these lifesaving swim lessons,” said Scott Trafton, President and Co-founder of Pool Shark H2O.

A Collective Mission with Measurable Impact

What makes Step Into Swim especially powerful is its collaborative model. Manufacturers, distributors, and industry partners aren’t competing for recognition — they’re pooling resources around a shared goal: reducing childhood drowning and expanding equitable access to swim education.

From revitalizing community pools to funding grassroots swim programs through YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, community centers, and local organizations, Step Into Swim converts corporate generosity into real-world outcomes.

For the pool and spa industry, this initiative represents something bigger than philanthropy. It’s a unified effort to strengthen communities, improve public health, and ensure that more children grow up with confidence — not fear — around water.

As Gaines often reminds supporters, every lesson matters. Every donation counts. And every child who learns to swim is one more life potentially saved.

And with continued leadership from companies like Hayward, Heritage Pool Supply Group, Pentair Pool, and Fluidra, Step Into Swim is proving that when an industry comes together with purpose, it can make waves far beyond the water’s edge.

Pentair celebrated a major milestone this week as company leadership rang the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange in honor of the company’s 60th anniversary.

The ceremony brought together Pentair’s executive leadership team along with Chairman of the Board Dave Jones to commemorate six decades of innovation in water technology. The event also marked another important milestone for the company: 30 years of trading on the NYSE.

“Celebrating Pentair’s 60th birthday at the NYSE was truly an inspiring and energizing experience,” said Jerome Pedretti, EVP & CEO of Pentair Pool.

In a statement shared following the ceremony, Pentair reflected on the significance of the moment.

“Today, our executive leadership team and Chairman of the Board, Dave Jones, had the honor of ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange,” the company said. “In 2026, Pentair celebrates our 60th anniversary, 50 consecutive years of dividend increases, and 30 years of trading on the NYSE.”

Pentair also used the occasion to thank the people who have supported the company’s growth over the years.

“Thank you to our employees, customers, and shareholders for your support as we advance our mission to help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource,” the company added.

Founded in 1966, Pentair has grown into a global leader in water technology, with solutions that support residential, commercial, and industrial water systems. Within the pool industry, Pentair is widely recognized as one of the sector’s most influential manufacturers.

Its equipment lineup includes pumps, filters, heaters, automation systems, lighting, and water treatment technologies used by pool builders, service professionals, and homeowners around the world.

For the pool industry, the NYSE ceremony served as both a celebration of Pentair’s long history and a reminder of the company’s continuing impact on modern pool technology.

As Pentair marks 60 years in business, the company remains focused on its mission to help people move, improve, and enjoy water around the world.

Photo Credit: New York Stock Exchange