PHTA Announces the 2025 PHTA Superlative Award Winners

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance has announced the recipients of its 2025 Superlative Awards, honoring exceptional individuals and organizations across the pool, spa and hot tub industry. These peer-nominated awards celebrate those who set the standard for excellence, innovation and leadership in their respective fields.

The winners will be formally recognized at the 2025 PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception during the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas.

The 2025 winners are:

Builder of the Year: Mike Church, Cody Pools

The Builder of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award given annually to one PHTA builder member who has advanced the pool building profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry.

Mike Church, president and CEO of Cody Pools, took over the company in 2003, overseeing 19 employees and two offices. Over the last two decades, Church has grown the company and now leads more than 500 employees across three states. Church leads with integrity and transparency, upholding ethical standards and influencing the pool industry. He believes in the importance of continuing education and has many certified professionals on staff. This commitment to excellence has led to Cody Pools being named the No. 1 pool builder in America for the past 13 years in a row by Pool and Spa News.

Service Professional of the Year: Nicholas LaPointe, Golden State Pools

The Service Professional of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award given annually to one PHTA service member who has advanced the service profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry.

Nicholas LaPointe, owner of Golden State Pools, understands the importance of customer loyalty. Golden State Pools has been a family-run company since 1980 and today has 1,300 accounts — the majority of which are over 10 years old. LaPointe was born into the business and uses that knowledge to build longstanding relationships with vendors, suppliers and clients. He completed the PHTA Leadership Certificate Program powered by Cornell University and is a Certified Pool & Spa Operator who is working toward becoming a Certified Master Pool Builder & Design Professional.

Retailer of the Year: Mike Todd, Rainbow Pools & Living Art Design

The Retailer of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing one outstanding retailer who has advanced the retail profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. This award is sponsored by RB Retail & Service Software.

Mike Todd, president of Rainbow Pools & Living Art Designs, is an industry leader with a deep commitment to raising the industry’s standards. Todd was previously named the BioGuard Retailer of the Year and serves on the Northeast Spa & Pool Association board of directors. He supports Step Into Swim, PHTA’s drowning prevention initiative. Todd holds several industry certifications, including Certified Builder Professional, Certified Pool & Spa Service Professional and CPO.

IHTA Hot Tub Retailer of the Year: Scott Clark, The Spa & Sauna Company

The International Hot Tub Association Hot Tub Retailer of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing one outstanding hot tub retailer who has advanced the hot tub retail profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the hot tub industry.

Scott Clark, owner and operator of The Spa and Sauna Co., exemplifies unwavering commitment and leadership within the pool and hot tub industry. He and his team demonstrate excellence through customer care, innovation and industry advocacy. Clark is an active member of the IHTA Retailer Subcommittee and helps develop training and education for other hot tub retailers. Clark believes in the power of collaboration and shares best practices with other businesses.

Young Professionals of the Year: Alexa Blanda, Mill Bergen Pools; Johnathan Nies, Counsilman-Hunsaker

The Young Professional of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing a forward-thinking leader under the age of 40 who will be the next generation of pool and spa professionals. In 2025, PHTA recognized two outstanding young professionals.

Alexa Blanda, service manager at Mill Bergen Pools, has already had a meaningful impact on the industry through serving on the NESPA Membership Committee, chairing the PHTA Service Council, championing the PHTA Registered Apprenticeship Programs and collaborating on the PHTA Service Technician Manual used by thousands of certified professionals. Blanda is a Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist and a Certified Pool & Spa Service Technician.

Johnathan Nies, project director at Counsilman-Hunsaker, is dedicated to advancing the safety and standards of the pool and hot tub industry. He is a PHTA CPO Instructor, leading all CPO courses at Counsilman-Hunsaker. He is known for his professionalism, integrity, leadership and dedication and is committed to advancing the industry through innovation, education and dedication to excellence.

Volunteer of the Year: Steve Barnes, AquaStar Pool Products

The Volunteer of the Year Award is bestowed upon one person each year who has made distinguished contributions that raise professionalism in the aquatic community through their volunteering with PHTA.

Steve Barnes, director of science and compliance at AquaStar Pool Products, demonstrates a steadfast commitment to advancing the pool and hot tub industry. He has served on industry committees, including the PHTA Standards Process Committee, PHTA-16 Standard Writing Committee, PHTA Technical Advisory Council and the International Code Council’s ISPSC Code Development Committee. Over his 40-year career, he has worked to improve and enhance industry standards that keep swimmers and professionals safe.

Chapter of the Year: Penn-Jersey Pool & Spa Association

The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes one chapter that has set an example for the organization, advancing and enhancing the industry through strong leadership, community outreach and providing members with high-quality programs, activities and services.

The Penn-Jersey Pool & Spa Association has successfully grown into a robust pool and spa industry community, with hundreds of engaged members. From giving pool and hot tub professionals a break during the busy season to enjoy a Phillies game, to launching the Women in the Industry Walk to raise funding and awareness for drowning prevention, to hosting a hospitality event at the annual Pool & Spa Show, this chapter knows how to create and sustain a dedicated base.