Elevating the Pool Industry

Over the last two decades, the pool and spa industry has experienced remarkable change. What was once considered a trade built on grit, intuition and word-of-mouth has transformed into a professional field defined by technology, accountability and education. For me, growing up in this industry and now leading the Swimming Pool Pro Alliance, the mission has always been clear: protect pool professionals while empowering them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

I launched SPPA after recognizing that often, policies were created by people outside the industry, leaving critical gaps that failed to address the real risks we face every day from pool overfills and chemical handling to equipment installation. What our industry needed was a solution designed from the inside out and coverage tailored specifically to the unique challenges of pool professionals. That’s what SPPA represents: insurance programs designed specifically for pool, spa, pond and fountain professionals, backed by education and advocacy. I wanted to create more than just a policy; I wanted to create a community where professionals feel supported, understood and protected.

Insurance and education are inseparable. Over the years, I’ve seen how training directly reduces claims and how under-trained teams increase them. Proper education around water chemistry, safety protocols and jobsite practices not only protects clients but also strengthens businesses by keeping premiums lower and coverage secure. When employees are well-trained, they make better decisions, fewer accidents occur and everyone wins.

At SPPA, I’ve made it a priority to emphasize ongoing education, because the strongest insurance program in the world still can’t substitute for consistent, smart and safe practices in the field. As business owners, we owe it to ourselves and our teams to invest in training. Too often, I see claims arise from mistakes that could have been prevented with the right guidance and protocols. By educating employees, we don’t just reduce losses — we elevate the credibility of the entire profession. Customers see the difference when they hire a pool company that prioritizes education and professionalism.

While I am passionate about innovation and looking toward the future, I also believe deeply in honoring the OG pool professionals. These veterans built the foundation of our trade with decades of hands-on experience and an instinctive knowledge that can’t be replicated by a textbook or an app. I’ve learned so much from listening to their stories and perspectives, and I strive to ensure their wisdom informs the work we do at SPPA.

Looking forward, I see an industry that will only become more professional, sustainable and customer-focused. Technology will continue to evolve, regulations will grow more stringent and customers will expect higher standards. But through it all, one thing will remain constant: the need for education, protection and community. At SPPA, my mission is to make sure pool professionals have all three. By combining tailored insurance, continuous training and respect for the OGs who paved the way, we can build a stronger, safer and smarter industry for the next generation of pool pros.