Pool News
Women of Water – Empowerment, From Entry-Level to Executive
The pool, spa, and hot tub industry is on the cusp of a cultural shift. Representation for women has often lagged, but that is beginning to change with the launch of Women of Water (WOW), a new initiative by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) in partnership with POOLCORP.
Designed to support women at all phases in their careers, WOW is about connection, mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy. The initiative makes its official debut this October at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo, with plans to extend its reach through events, webinars, and chapter toolkits.
Origins and Goals of Women of Water (WOW)
Asked what sparked the creation of Women of Water and why now was the right moment, Sabeena Hickman, President & CEO of PHTA, traced the idea back several years.
“Initially, when I came on board, we saw so much success with the Wave program and we had a board conversation about launching an initiative for women,” Hickman explained. “The goal was to launch it in 2020. We got a little sidetracked due to COVID and put it on hold until recently, when Donna Williams of POOLCORP became our chair and POOLCORP came on as a strategic partner. The timing was perfect to launch this initiative.”
Hickman said the demand has been consistent. “Whenever I travel and we have booths or attend other board meetings, so many women say, ‘Can you start a women’s group, a networking group?’ So it’s something that our members have really longed for. There are so many amazing groups out there that Women of Water will complement. We’re going to work in partnership as PHTA always does, but it was just an increasing demand from members. We’re super excited to launch the initiative next month at the Expo.”
When asked whether the primary goals of WOW were networking, leadership development, or mentorship, Hickman made it clear that the initiative was designed to cover all of those areas.
“I think it’s all of the above,” she said. “We saw a tremendous opportunity to elevate and support women who are already making incredible contributions to the industry. We don’t want it to be a one-and-done or just have it at Expo. We’ve mapped out an initial plan, but just that connection and peer-to-peer learning—we see so much benefit from roundtable discussions. We’re really excited about it, and we get calls daily asking, ‘How do I get involved?’ I think it’s going to be really exciting.”
Leadership and Collaboration
Hickman said a number of leaders have already stepped up to shape the initiative. “Kendall Large, Jamie Novak, and Donna Williams have been involved in the initial conversations for sure,” she said. “We’ve also had interest from leaders like Alicia Stephens at BioLab and Alexa Dalpino out of California, who is on the Builders Council. We haven’t gotten to a point where we’re fully organized—we’re going to wait until Expo to put together a steering committee that will help drive the program.”
The Road Ahead
Asked how POOLCORP became a partner in the effort, Kendall Large, Vice President of Marketing at POOLCORP, described it as a natural fit.
“We’re celebrating 45 years in business and our 30th year as a public company,” Large said. “One of the big initiatives this year has been industry stewardship. When we looked across the industry, it was clear the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance was the right partner. Earlier this year, Jamie and I met with Sabeena and her team and said, ‘As the largest distributor and you as PHTA, we really share a commitment to grow the industry.’ We formed a strategic partnership, and the thing that excites me most is how aligned we are on progressing the industry—whether it’s education, developing talent, launching Women of Water, bringing new products to market, elevating training, or driving innovation. This just felt like the right place for us to partner.”
Large connected WOW to some of the other programs POOLCORP has already established internally. “We have our MIT program that brings in a hundred new professionals annually, of which 15% are women,” she said. “In the past five years, we’ve also formed what’s called the WIN program—Women’s Interactive Network. It’s focused on creating a community for collaboration, mentorship, and professional development. The natural progression was not just thinking about POOLCORP, but asking how we expand beyond. How do we support this fantastic niche industry and create meaningful programs that help professionals from entry level to executive across all groups—pool professionals, business owners, distributors, manufacturers? We’re all in this together, and I’m really excited to see where this goes.”
Defining Success
When asked what success for WOW would look like a few years from now, Jamie Novak, Director of Marketing for POOLCORP, said it’s all about lasting collaboration.
“For me, success looks like women from across the industry collaborating,” Novak said. “Women’s groups collaborating across the industry is powerful because it really helps to create that network of shared knowledge, mentorship, and advocacy. I see success as a thriving network of women who come together and feel empowered to go after what they want.”
Novak added advice she has shared at other women’s events. “One of the things that I’ve talked about is this concept of a personal advisory board. Find the people in the industry and outside of the industry that should be part of it and really connect with them. You want people who are going to challenge you and have that right balance of being supportive while also pushing you to grow and come out of your shell.”
The WOW Kickoff at Expo
The official WOW launch takes place at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Las Vegas this October. The highlight will be a keynote session by leadership expert Heather Whelpley, author of An Overachiever’s Guide to Breaking the Rules.
Her presentation, “The Power of Grounded Confidence: How to Unleash Your Authenticity and Become Unshakeable,” will set the tone for the initiative’s future. The session includes breakfast and a book signing, giving attendees the chance to connect directly with Whelpley and each other.
Beyond a Single Event
Asked how WOW would continue beyond the Expo, Hickman outlined the plan. “Heather, who will be doing the session on Friday, is also going to do a session at the Genesis Solution Center on Thursday. She’s amazing. We will do two webinars in 2026 with Heather, and she makes it highly interactive—breakout rooms, toolkits, everything. We’ll also do another session, in person, at Expo next year in New Orleans. Once we put together a steering committee, there will be even more ideas and programs to deliver to the industry.”
Large added: “We are never a set-it-and-forget-it. We have a roadmap to create a full-scale program that leverages some of the things we’ve done within our own network at POOLCORP and then work with PHTA to bring that beyond POOLCORP—to the hundreds of thousands of customers we serve and the manufacturer partners we work with. I’m just really excited about what this looks like, not only this year but beyond.”
A Long-Term Vision
For Novak, WOW represents the next evolution of the industry. “Having been in the pool industry for over 20 years now, it’s evolved so much,” she said. “Having groups like this has been a big part of it. The more of these groups that we can put together and the more we can get people collaborating, it just elevates the industry as a whole.”
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Sabeena Hickman, Kendall Large, and Jamie Novak on the Pool Magazine Podcast.
Blue Wave has issued a recall affecting multiple above-ground swimming pool models after federal safety officials identified a potential drowning hazard involving children.
The recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 18, covers approximately 13,400 Blue Wave brand above-ground pools that are 48 inches deep or taller and utilize an exterior compression strap as part of the pool’s frame system.
Reason for the Recall
The affected pools feature a compression strap positioned around the outside of the vertical support poles. While the strap is designed to provide structural stability, the CPSC determined that its placement may unintentionally create a foothold.
According to the agency, this foothold could allow children to climb into the pool, even when the ladder has been removed, creating a risk of unsupervised access and potential drowning.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the recalled products at the time of the announcement.
Affected Models
The recall applies to the following Blue Wave above-ground pool models:
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Rd 48-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 24-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Gray Rattan Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Espresso Wicker Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Aspen Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 24-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
All affected models share a common design feature: an exterior compression strap that encircles the pool’s vertical supports.
Sales Channels and Distribution
The recalled pools were sold nationwide from January 2021 through July 2025 through a mix of big-box retailers, sporting goods stores, and online marketplaces, including:
• The Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Dunham’s Sports
• Amazon
• Walmart
• Wayfair
Retailers have been notified to halt sales of affected models and to direct customers to the manufacturer’s recall remedy.
What Dealers and Retailers Should Know
For dealers and retail partners, the recall highlights the importance of prompt inventory review and customer outreach. Any remaining unsold stock matching the recalled models should be removed from the sales floor and distribution channels immediately.
Retailers that sold affected units during the recall period may see an increase in customer inquiries regarding eligibility, repair kits, and interim safety measures. Clear communication at the point of contact will be critical, particularly around the distinction between structural components and ladders, which many consumers assume are the primary access risk.
Service professionals and retail staff should also be prepared to explain that the recall does not involve a full product replacement, but rather a manufacturer-provided modification designed to eliminate the foothold while maintaining frame integrity.
Manufacturer Remedy
Blue Wave is offering a free repair kit to affected pool owners. The kit replaces the exterior compression strap with a lower-profile system installed closer to ground level. Once the repair is completed, the original strap can be removed.
Until the repair is installed, the manufacturer and CPSC recommend that pool owners prevent unsupervised access to the pool area or drain the pool temporarily.
Dealers and service professionals should advise customers not to remove or cut the compression strap prior to installing the repair kit, as doing so could compromise the pool’s structural stability.
Poolsafe LLC, offers new mesh, removable safety fencing designed to be installed around any pool shape or size. Uses patented, transparent, large-hole ClearGuard™ Mesh for better visibility into the pool area, while also blending the fence into backyard. Lockable, self-closing Triton™ gate features a curved top bar to help prevent climbing. Unique Tri-Pod Truss system keeps gate aligned with daily usage. Available in 4ft and 5ft heights, in black, brown, beige, or gray colors.
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Latham Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWIM), the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, appoints Sean Gadd as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer as part of a CEO transition that will take effect on January 5, 2026. The appointment follows a comprehensive search as part of a succession planning process led by the Board and current CEO Scott Rajeski, who will be retiring from Latham and will serve as a special advisor to the company.
Sean Gadd comes to Latham following a 21-year career at James Hardie. He most recently served as President of North America since 2022, where he has had full P&L responsibility for James Hardie’s largest regional business. Prior to his role as President of North America, Sean served as Executive Vice President, North America, Commercial (2018-2022) and Executive Vice President, Markets and Segments, North America (2015-2018) at James Hardie, leading the front end of the business across product, marketing, and sales. Sean has been instrumental in spearheading James Hardie’s substantial organic net sales growth since 2022, driving material conversion and deeper market penetration through a refined go-to-market strategy targeting end-users via channel partners. Sean brings experience that is directly comparable to Latham’s material conversion and Sand State initiatives, and his demonstrated success in driving strategic growth will be invaluable for Latham and its shareholders.
James E. Cline, Chairman, commented, “Sean is known as a strong leader and brand-builder and has an impressive track record of driving growth at James Hardie. We are thrilled that he has accepted the CEO role at Latham, and the Board believes Sean will be able to leverage his robust commercial experience, sector knowledge, and branding expertise to accelerate our ability to continue to gain share and further the conversion to fiberglass from concrete pools.”
“I am pleased to be joining Latham and am looking forward to building on its achievements to date. This is an excellent opportunity for me to utilize my experience in the building products category to drive further market penetration and adoption of Latham’s top-quality products and greater recognition for its superior service standards,” Mr. Gadd commented.
Mr. Gadd will also become a member of Latham’s Board of Directors, replacing Mr. Rajeski, who is resigning from the Board concurrently with his retirement.
Mr. Cline commented, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our deep appreciation for the contributions that Scott Rajeski has made to Latham during his long tenure at the company, first as Chief Financial Officer and, since 2017, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership and that of his executive and operating teams, the company went public in April of 2021 and has experienced substantial growth, demonstrated resilience within a difficult industry environment, and built a strong financial position.”
Mr. Rajeski noted, “It has been a privilege to serve as the President & CEO of Latham alongside the talented executive and operating teams that we have at the company. Together, we have advanced the awareness and adoption of fiberglass pools and autocovers, while implementing production and related efficiencies that have streamlined our operations. I am proud to be retiring as CEO of Latham with the company in a strong financial position and in very capable hands. Throughout my conversations with Sean, I have been very impressed with his leadership capabilities and background, and I am confident that he will bring a unique skillset that will allow Latham to continue to outperform the industry, gain further traction in the important Sand States, and remain an acquirer of choice.”
About Latham Group, Inc.
Latham Group, Inc., headquartered in Latham, NY, is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Latham has a coast-to-coast operations platform consisting of approximately 1,850 employees across around 30 locations.
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