Ask the Experts: How Does Pentair Pool Support Its Dealers?

Since the very beginning, the pool industry has always thrived on craftsmanship and connection. From backyard memories to multi-generation family businesses, success in this industry runs deeper than equipment – any pool professional can tell you that it’s all built on trust. Pentair Pool’s newly expanded online pro support center reflects that same belief: supporting partners isn’t just about products. It’s about people, structure, and long-term relationships. To learn more about how relationships and support fuel our industry, we sat down with Scott Bushey, Pentair Pool’s National Account Manager for Inside Sales and a third-generation pool expert.

Question: You grew up inside the pool industry. How have you seen it change?

Bushey: The pool industry is not a transactional-type relationship. It’s not just selling a pump or filter. We’re helping build memories. And those relationships – those moments of someone showing up for you – are why so many of us never leave. But I think the secret’s gotten out, because people have noticed that it’s a great industry to get involved with! I think that’s the biggest change I’ve seen. We used to have a wall around us where the industry felt very niche, but now a lot of people are coming in. Which is great for us, because in ten years, we’ll be able to look back and realize that Pentair Pool continued to stand out because of the relationships we’ve prioritized with our dealers.

Truly, the pool industry is all about the people. Talk to any person in pool sales; they’ve all got a story about attending somebody’s wedding. About helping somebody with their business.

Question: You’re third-generation, right? How did your family get started in the pool industry?

Bushey: My dad started in ’71, but my grandpa actually got his start in the late ’50s, early ’60s. It all started when my grandfather wanted to build a swimming pool in his Massachusetts backyard for my dad and his brothers. He worked for the construction industry – he was initially in excavation – but didn’t know how to build a pool. So somehow, some way, he got in touch with a manufacturer out in California. They ended up coming out and showing him how to build the in-ground vinyl liner pool.

This is actually a good example of how our industry often grows around relationships. It all starts with trust. A lot of times, customers don’t just buy a product because of all the features and benefits. That’s important, sure, but they buy because of the relationship. They trust you and know you’ll help them solve problems, whether it’s troubleshooting equipment or something bigger.

Question: That’s an incredible family history, and we’re so grateful to honor it at Pentair Pool. How do you think our company prioritizes those relationships? What makes Pentair Pool special?

Bushey: It’s the people, the culture, and our commitment to the homeowner and the dealer. Those things are crucial. Whether you’re talking about creating the best product when it comes to quality and innovation, or making sure that the dealer and the homeowner is taken care of… It all goes back to people who make Pentair Pool stand out.

A lot of things that we’ve been doing more recently, especially in terms of amping up our dealer experience and making sure everybody is touched in one way or another, makes every interaction feel personal. The biggest challenge is time – there’s only so much in a day! But even with that constraint, we prioritize every relationship. That’s why Pentair is at the forefront of the swimming pool industry. People remember that.

We’ve got even more in store for the upcoming year! Stay tuned for more from the experts at Pentair Pool.