Industry News
Pool Pumps: The New Rules

Over the years, pool professionals have come up with a wide range of pool equipment. As a result, there are different types of single speed, dual speed, and variable speed pool pumps in the market. Each varies in configuration and offers different functionality. Today, all pool pumps should meet various guidelines as dictated by the Department of Energy. Manufacturers whose pumps do not meet these requirements won’t be able to sell their products anymore. Let’s look at some of these guidelines, rules, and requirements formulated by the Department of Energy.

Weighted energy factor for an efficiency rating
All pool pumps should meet a specific weighted energy factor based on their size. The WEF of a pool pump determines its efficiency. Typically, the higher the WEF, the more efficient the pool pump. Often, you can determine the WEF of the pump before you purchase it. It is always indicated on the product label. It would be best to settle for a pool pump with a higher WEF. A pool pump with a WEF of 12 is much more efficient than a pump with a WEF of 5. A WEF of 12 means the pump produces 12,000 gallons per kilowatt-hour.
Although most pool pumps are efficient, the WEF rating will help you determine the best pump for your pool.
senior global product manager of Hayward pumps, Scott Petty
Nevertheless, there are many other factors to consider when determining the efficiency of the pool pump. Other things to consider include the pump’s performance in terms of gallons per minute and the head’s feet. Even though the WEF rating is important, it would be best to go for a pool pump compatible with your own pool.
Total horsepower of the pool pumps
All pool pump labels should indicate the total horsepower. Before, both pool owners and contractors found it hard to identify the pump’s horsepower. The purpose of this guideline is to get rid of the confusion in the industry. All pool owners need to know all the specifications of their pool pumps. The dual rating system created more confusion in the industry; luckily, the horsepower label can eliminate this confusion. If the pool pump shows the maximum rating, find the total horsepower rating by reducing it by ½ hp.
Hydraulic Horsepower (HHP) is also being used to measure pumps. So, how do you calculate the HHP?
Hydraulic Horsepower= (Gallons per Minute x Feet of Head) / 3960
Unlike the normal hp measurement, HHP is usually indicated in decimals. The HHP measurement helps you compare the pump with other models to determine the best option.
An update of ENERGY STAR pump editions
The ENERGY STAR update’s primary goal is to recognize and award pool owners who purchase high-quality products. With all the guidelines formulated by the Department of Energy, all pool pumps will be high quality and meet all ENERGY STAR standards.
Currently, there is the latest ENERGY STAR, which is the 3.0 edition. Pool experts are afraid that the ENERGY STAR 2.0 edition will lose popularity due to the latest 3.0 version. So, they are coming up with various strategies to ensure the old ENERGY STAR version does not become outdated.
Motors in place of pumps
The Department of Energy has done its best to promote motors for the past few years. Even so, this was not easy for them. During Obama’s rule, the pump language was already common among most pool owners. When President Trump became president, pool professionals proposed the use of motors. But there was never an approval regarding the matter.
Now that Biden is in charge, the DOE plans to propose the motor language once again. This time, they are willing to wait until they get final approval. From experience, the DOE now understands that the process takes time. And even when the proposal gets approved, it would take a lot of time before the change is incorporated into the industry. Pool professionals say that the new administration seems more open-minded about the proposal. Thus, they are hopeful that it will get approval.
Selling compliant pool pumps
As of now, manufacturers should strictly come up with compliant pool pumps. It’s a gradual but manageable transition. Consequently, the majority of producers are looking for various ways to make the pool pumps compliant. For instance, Pentair started declining pumps that do not meet all the required guidelines. On the other hand, Hayward no longer gave their clients a guarantee of delivering the order quickly.
Finding the best solution for manufacturers, pool builders, and technicians
Manufacturers looking to sell compliant pool pumps can check out the ENERGY STAR 3.0 or 2.0 editions. All pump models under ENERGY STAR meet all the DOE requirements. Generally, manufacturers should come up with ways on how they plan to replace their pumps. Fortunately, the pool industry released a list of the most suitable types of pool pumps to use. As a pool contractor, it would be best to organize yourself early. This way, you won’t lose out on any sales.
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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