Industry News
United Chemical Embarks on Bromate Study for EPA
The company partners with the US EPA to determine if bromate forms from Sodium Bromide use
Piru CA, May 5th, 2025 – United Chemical, a well-known manufacturer in the pool industry, has begun a study for the US EPA regarding potential bromate formation from sodium bromide use in outdoor pools. United Chemical has constructed eight (8) above-ground test pools at its facility, which will test for bromate under several common use cases for sodium bromide over the coming summer.
In 2021, the US EPA made an interim decision regarding using bromine-containing compounds in outdoor pools due to the potential for bromate to form as a byproduct. The decision was made to add the statement “Not for use in outdoor pools” to all registered bromine sanitizers. Algaecides containing sodium bromide were also included in the decision. The agency cited a lack of data on whether bromate would form under typical outdoor pool use as the rationale behind the decision. Bromate is classified as a probable human carcinogen based on studies of bromate ingestion in mice that led to renal tumors. The required label changes will appear across the industry later this year.
“While there’s indirect evidence to suggest that bromate is unlikely to form in swimming pools, it was important to test that hypothesis – both to provide the agency and industry with data it lacked, as well as for our own peace of mind,” says Scott Hamilton, CEO of United Chemical and son of founder Jock Hamilton. “My father introduced sodium bromide to the industry through Yellow Treat in the early 1980s. Although we feel confident based on existing evidence that bromate doesn’t form from sodium bromide under typical use in outdoor pools, we felt it was our responsibility to invest in performing the study.”
United Chemical invested over $50,000 to construct the outdoor pools and provide on-site testing equipment to log sample data. Samples under various conditions will be sent to Eurofin, a highly respected laboratory well-regarded by the US EPA. Eurofin will use ion chromatography, considered the gold standard for bromate detection, to test for bromate concentrations. The testing is estimated to cost over $20,000 for the study.
“While most people know us through our algaecides like Yellow Treat® and No Mor Problems®, we consider ourselves a science company first. My dad built the company on teaching chemistry to the industry. That’s why we will publish all the raw data we collect to the industry. It’s important that this study is as transparent and rigorous as possible,” says Scott. “It’s our scientific and ethical duty.”
About United Chemical
United Chemical was founded in 1971 by Jock Hamilton and makes specialty pool products. They’re most well-known for their line of algaecides that utilize sodium bromide. Jock Hamilton was widely recognized as an expert in water chemistry in the industry, including creating the Hamilton Index which was the first index made explicitly for pools. Many of his insights significantly influenced the balancing recommendations of the pool industry. He passed away in 2002.
You can read more about the EPA decisions and United Chemical’s study on their website here: https://www.unitedchemical.com/pool-business/is-sodium-bromide-banned/
For more information, please contact Scott Hamilton at (805)521-1011 or [email protected]
JED Pool Tools, manufacturer of swimming pool maintenance equipment and accessories, was pleased to recently receive a ‘Customer Excellence Award’ from Estes Freight company, the largest privately held freight transportation company in North America. This award recognizes customers that demonstrate strong shipment values, revenue growth, and foster a collaborative relationship. This award celebrates a few select customers for outstanding engagement, enabling a strategic partnership, and committing to mutual success.
“We’re pleased to earn such high recognition from a leader like Estes,” said Glenn Jonelunas Manager of Warehouse Operations at JED Pool Tools. “We’re honored to be recognized for this award, which is a reflection of the well-established and trusted partnership we’ve built together.”
The Estes Customer Excellence Award was created to recognize and celebrate customers who exemplify outstanding collaboration, commitment and service. Estes presented JED Pool Tools with a celebratory cake and plaque.
About JED Pool Tools
JED Pool Tools has been making high-quality pool tools and pool accessories in the USA for 30 years. JED Pool Tools sells over 400 different products including residential and commercial skimmers, leaf rakes, poles, wall brushes and vacuum heads as well as hoses and through-wall skimmer parts. JED is a family-run company with 3-generations of Heyen family working for the company and is committed to creating and providing jobs for residents of Scranton, PA. JED isproud of and committed to manufacturing in the USA, many it its own facility in Scranton, PA. To learn more about the company and its products visit www.JEDPoolTools.com.
About Estes
Estes is North America’s largest privately owned freight carrier. As an asset-based transportation provider with a global footprint, Estes combines nearly a century of regional freight shipping expertise with the resources, reach, and reliability of a national carrier. Backed by its more than 300 North American terminals and nearly 7,000 next-day lanes, as well as its fleet of more than 10,500 tractors, Estes is committed to getting America’s freight where it needs to go, when it needs to get there. And with its continued investment in leading-edge technology, as well as the support of its more than 24,000 employees. To learn more about Estes visit www.estes-express.com.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL ‒ We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership between AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc. and Devin Cahn Associates (DCA)—a highly respected sales agency with deep roots in the pool and spa industry.
Beginning next month, DCA will represent AquaCal and AutoPilot products in key markets across the U.S. Their team brings trusted relationships, real-world experience, and a hands-on approach that aligns with how we do business.
Founded by Devin Cahn, a long-time leader in the pool and spa space with over 40 years of industry experience, DCA has grown into a national team of professional reps focused on building strong relationships and driving results.
👉 Learn more about DCA
Please join us in welcoming the DCA team to the AquaCal AutoPilot family.
We’re looking forward to a strong partnership built on shared values, expert support, and continued growth.
Media Contact:
Michiko Prussing
Product Manager AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc.
MONROEVILLE, PA – RB Retail & Service Solutions software, supplier of business software designed specifically for the pool and spa industry, is pleased to announce it has hired Taylor Sleeman as the company’s new Business Sales Consultant. In this new role, Sleeman partners with pool and spa companies to help them modernize and grown their business operations. “I take a consultative approach to sales by focusing on understanding each company’s challenges and aligning these needs with the RB Retail & Service software tools to improve efficiency and profitability for pool and spa businesses,” says Sleeman who has over 10 years of sales experience and a proven track record of helping businesses adopt technology that drives measurable growth.
“We are very pleased to have Taylor on our team as she has already connected with many pool and spa businesses to help adopt and implement our industry-specific software for the 2026 season,” says Rachael Pritz, Vice President for the company. “She is already an invaluable asset to our company.” To contact Taylor and learn more about how RB Retail & Service Solutions software can help your pool and spa business this coming season, email [email protected].
866-933-9099
Monroeville, PA
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