Editor’s LETTER

As we approach a new pool season, this is typically the calm before the storm for many in this line of work. I don’t know though, maybe it’s something in the air, because if this is the offseason, boy it sure doesn’t feel like it. Everywhere that I look people are going ahead, both guns blazing, preparing for what we’re all predicting will be another extremely busy summer. I for one am excited for what this year holds in store for our industry. On the heels of attending the most recent Pool Spa Patio Expo in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to see some of the incredible new products and innovations that are sure to become popular this year with pool pros and consumers alike.

In our latest issue we feature some of those hot new products that you’re bound to see while attending this year’s trade shows. I particularly enjoy attending these events because it’s such a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers, network, and stay up to date with what’s going on in the pool world. It’s also a great chance to meet and learn from folks whose work you’ve always admired.

While I was in Las Vegas, I had the chance to interview Joan Roca, one of the most well-respected designers in the industry. His passion for the art of pool and outdoor living design is truly inspiring.

Spring is certainly a time of rebirth and embracing all that is new. It’s in that same spirit that we bring you a number of articles that you’ll surely find nowhere else, including our featured story with star of the hit TV series “Insane Pools”, Lucas Congdon.

To our loyal readers, I sincerely hope that you enjoy this latest issue of Pool Magazine and that you go into the new pool season with the highest level of unbridled enthusiasm for all that lies ahead this summer.

Warmest Regards,

Founder, CEO & Editor:

Joe Trusty

President, Associate-Editor:

Marianne Trusty

Director of Marketing/Sales:

Carol Gigliotti

Contributing Editor: Marcus Packer

Contributing Editor: Alise Everton

Production Editor: Sarah Wambua

In-House Photographer: Jimi Smith

Contributing Writers: Paolo Benedetti

Robin Kix

Terry Arko

Advertisers: Basecrete Technologies, Viking Capital, Ledge Lounger, Rock Solid Tile, Aquastar Pool Products, CamerEye, Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, GENESIS®, Aqua Blu Mosaics, Diamond Spas, PAL Lighting, Furrion

THE U.S. NAVY’S INDOOR OCEAN

We take a close look at the indoor ocean where the U.S. Navy tests it’s fleet.

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Glass Bottom Pool A First For Canada

High rise see-through pool becomes a tourist destination in Vancouver.

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Art In The Pool With

ANIA AMADOR

Ania Amador is turning heads and going viral with her surreal pool paintings.

MILLION DOLLAR POOL DESIGN CHALLENGE

Rance Schindler’s winning entry in the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge.

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50 Hot New Pool Products

Review our list of the 50 hot new pool products you need to check out this year.

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Deckorators New Deck Designer Software

We take an in-depth look at Deckorators new 3D Deck Designer software.

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CRITICS,

“WEDNESDAY” POOL SCENE TOO SCARY

Critics say piranha pool scene on “Wednesday”, may be too scary for teens.

FOAM CORE CONSTRUCTION

We discuss foam core construction in the pool trade with Nathan Giffins.

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ONE-ON-ONE

With Lucas Congdon

One-on-one with Lucas Congdon, owner of Lucas Lagoons and star of Insane Pools.

Pool Pros Looking For Alternatives

Harold Tapley discusses ways to recycle backwash during the drought.

CREDIT: KEVIN BOWDER - LUCAS LAGOONS

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SHARK TANK FIRE HOSE A MISS WITH POOL PROS

MR. ROGERS POOL SCENE ROLE IN CIVIL RIGHTS

An in-depth look at a pool scene in Mr. Rogers that helped fight segragation.

ONLINE RETAILERS ARE LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD

In 2023, online retailers are leveling the playing field against brick & mortars.

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SURETY BONDS FOR POOL CONSTRUCTION

Robin Kix of Lance Surety explains surety bonds for the pool construction trade.

CAL-OSHA LIFE JACKET REGS CONFUSING

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California pool professionals are struggling to understand new OSHA regs.

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THE RISE OF PH WITH TERRY ARKO

Terry Arko explains why pH rises and how to mitigate rising pH in swimming pools.

WHAT WERE THE BUILDERS THINKING?

Paolo Benedetti details a complex project to save a pool with a moving floor system.

THIS GUITAR POOL DESIGN ROCKS!

An in-depth look at a guitar pool being designed for a wounded veteran. 54

THE POOL ART OF BENEDETTO BUFALINO

We take a look at the unconventional pool art of french artist, Benedetto Bufalino.

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One-on-one with one of the most well respected pool designers, Joan Roca.