Pool Nation Awards 2025

At this year’s International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, Pool Nation hosted its fifth annual awards celebration, bringing together industry pros from across the country to recognize standout achievements, exceptional craftsmanship and the next generation of leaders shaping the future of aquatics. The event highlighted individual excellence and companywide impact across several categories.

This year’s PoolPro 30 Under 40 Female and Male of the Year awards were presented to Nelly Allen and Jackson Scott, two rising stars whose work ethic, passion and industry involvement earned them recognition among an impressive field of nominees.

During the ceremony, both honorees reflected on the significance of the award and the support systems behind their success.

Allen credited Amenity Pool Services for opening doors in her career and empowering her to take her seat at the table as a woman in the pool industry.

Scott said he was grateful for the award, proud to share the stage with fellow winners and appreciative of the support from his parents and girlfriend — then wrapped up with a nod to the celebrations waiting at the afterparty.

Other notable wins included Poolie for Pool Company of the Year, Joey Busic for Pool Guy of the Year, Megan Hightower Norr for Pool Girl of the Year and Lucero Ruiz for Rookie of the Year.

See the full list of winners below:

• Automation of the Year: Poolside Tech The Attendant
• Heat Pump of the Year: Hayward Heat Pro
• Variable-speed Pump of the Year: Jandy VS FloPro
• Salt System of the Year: Hayward AquaRite S3
• Pool Cleaner of the Year: Hayward TracVac
• Zac, John, and Edgar Award: Jeannette Horn, Horn Family Pools
• Heater of the Year: Raypak AVIA
• Innovative Product of the Year: Jandy Infinite WaterColors
• Rookie of the Year: Lucero Ruiz
• Residential Filter of the Year: AquaStar Pipeline Filter
• Truck Wrap of the Year: ETX Pool Pros
• Retailer of the Year: E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies
• Distributor of the Year: Heritage Pool Supply Group
• Bob Lowry Lifetime Achievement Award: Terry Arko, HASA
• Pool Nation Hall of Fame: Eric Nielson, Western Pool & Spa Show; Bill Kent, Team Horner  
• Sales Rep Group of the Year: Stellar Sales Alliance
• Builder of the Year: Prestige Pool & Patio
• Trainer of the Year: Rocco Russo
• Sales Rep of the Year: Sean Linderman
• 30 Under 40 Female of the Year: Nelly Allen
• 30 Under 40 Male of the Year: Jackson Scott
• Woman Trailblazer of the Year: Alexandra Neira
• Pool Company of the Year: Poolie
• Pool Guy of the Year: Joey Busic
• Pool Girl of the Year: Megan Hightower Norr