PHTA Celebrates Excellence in Pool and Spa Industry with 2025 Superlative Awards
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) has proudly announced the winners of its 2025 Superlative Awards, a distinguished recognition program that honors exemplary achievements within the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa sectors. The categories include Builder of the Year, Service Professional of the Year, and Retailer of the Year, among others. These awards highlight individuals and organizations dedicated to elevating industry standards and advancing professionalism in pool repair and maintenance.
The award winners will be presented during the PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception on October 21 in Las Vegas, NV. Part of the International Pool Spa Patio Expo, this event celebrates the innovations and leadership within the industry. Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA, notes that these awards reflect the commitment of the winners to fostering growth and morale within the community.
2025 PHTA Superlative Award Highlights
Builder of the Year
Mike Church of Cody Pools has been named Builder of the Year for his exceptional contributions to the pool construction field. Under his leadership since 2003, Cody Pools has become synonymous with excellence, growing from a modest operation to leading over 500 employees across multiple states. Church’s approach emphasizes continuing education, ensuring his team remains at the forefront of pool-building techniques and safety standards.
Service Professional of the Year
The accolade for Service Professional of the Year goes to Nicholas LaPointe, owner of Golden State Pools. LaPointe’s customer-centric approach has fostered long-term loyalty among his clientele. As a stalwart of the industry, he integrates historic knowledge and modern practices, enhancing the company’s reputation for reliability and expertise in pool repair and maintenance.
Retailer of the Year
Mike Todd of Rainbow Pools & Living Art Designs earns the Retailer of the Year title for his unwavering dedication to raising industry standards. Todd’s leadership is characterized by his commitment to professionalism and his proactive involvement in initiatives like Step Into Swim, which underscores the importance of safety in aquatic environments. His certifications and board roles further solidify his influence in the retail sector of the pool industry.
IHTA Hot Tub Retailer of the Year
Scott Clark from The Spa and Sauna Co. is recognized as the IHTA Hot Tub Retailer of the Year. Clark’s influence extends beyond retail, as he actively participates in shaping educational resources for the industry. His leadership style, marked by collaboration and innovation, ensures a thriving retail environment that prioritizes customer satisfaction and industry advancement.
Volunteer of the Year
Steve Barnes of AquaStar Pool Products receives the Volunteer of the Year award for his pivotal role in advocating for improved industry standards. Over his 40-year career, Barnes has remained devoted to enhancing safety and compliance in pool environments, significantly contributing to the formation of key standards that safeguard swimmers and professionals alike.
Young Professionals of the Year
This year, two dynamic individuals are honored as Young Professionals of the Year. Alexa Blanda from Mill Bergen Pools and Johnathan Nies from Counsilman-Hunsaker have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and innovation in their respective roles. Blanda’s involvement in apprenticeship programs and service manuals shapes future industry leaders, while Nies’s efforts in safety training and compliance ensure that the next generation of professionals operates at the highest standards.
Chapter of the Year
The Penn-Jersey Pool & Spa Association receives recognition as Chapter of the Year for their exemplary community engagement and leadership within the pool and spa industry. Their initiatives, including educational opportunities and community events, foster a strong network among professionals, enhancing industry growth and cohesion.
PoolRepair.fyi celebrates these achievements and encourages pool professionals to continue leveraging resources and building connections to further enhance their expertise. For ongoing advice and insights into pool repair and maintenance, stay connected with the PoolRepair.fyi community.
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As you dive deeper into the pool repair industry, let PoolRepair.fyi be your trusted guide for maintaining and improving every aspect of your aquatic facilities. Discover more tips and professional advice to keep your pools in peak condition year-round.
For more information, contact the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance or visit their official website.
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About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance: Founded in 1956, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance serves over 4,000 members worldwide. Through education, standards, and advocacy, PHTA promotes professionalism and safety within the $62 billion pool, hot tub, and spa industry, while encouraging water safety and expanding swimming accessibility.
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