If you weren't in Las Vegas this past October, you basically missed the pool industry's version of the Super Bowl. But way more humid. The pool industry news october 2025 cycle was dominated by the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo (PSP/Deck Expo), and honestly, the vibe was a weird mix of high-tech optimism and "let’s get back to basics" grit.
While the world was watching the neon lights, a few massive shifts happened behind the scenes that are going to change how you build, service, or even just own a pool in 2026. We’re talking about massive acquisitions, 30-year anniversaries that moved the stock market, and some tech that finally—finally—makes "smart pools" actually smart instead of just annoying.
The Big Nasdaq Moment
One of the biggest headlines didn't even happen at a pool. It happened at the Nasdaq MarketSite. On October 28, Pool Corporation (POOLCORP) executives rang the opening bell to celebrate 30 years as a publicly traded company.
Think about that for a second.
When they went public in 1995, a $10,000 investment would be worth something like $4.2 million today. That’s not just "good business"; it’s a testament to how the American backyard has evolved from a simple hole in the ground to a full-blown "outdoor living" ecosystem. During the ceremony, they also touched on a big leadership change: Kenneth G. St. Romain is retiring, and John B. Watwood is stepping up. It’s a passing of the torch at the biggest distributor in the world, and it matters because POOLCORP basically dictates the supply chain for every local mom-and-pop pool shop in your neighborhood.
What Actually Mattered at PSP/Deck Expo 2025
Walking the floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 22-24 was... intense. There were over 400 exhibitors. If you were looking for pool industry news october 2025, this was the epicenter.
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One thing that stood out? Financing. With interest rates being what they are, "how to pay for it" was a bigger topic than "how to build it." Companies like Skimmer and Sunbit announced partnerships specifically to help service pros offer consumer financing. It's a shift. Builders are realizing they have to be part-time bankers now if they want to close deals on $150,000 backyard transformations.
The Awards and the Winners
The PHTA Awards of Excellence were handed out on October 21. If you haven't seen the winners yet, look for "darker finishes." The trend of deep blues, greys, and even black pool interiors is officially the standard now. It looks like a high-end resort, sure, but it also helps with heat retention.
Then you had the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge. Five finalists, one $10,000 prize. The focus this year was heavily on "multi-sensory" spaces—integrating fire, sound, and specialized lighting into the water itself. It’s not just about a place to get wet; it's about a 360-degree experience.
The Tech We’re Actually Using
Let's be real: pool automation has been a headache for years. But the October 2025 updates showed some actual progress.
- Maytronics dropped the Dolphin EON. They’re calling it the "world’s most meticulous" robot.
- Jandy showcased the JXiQ heater. It has this auto-sensing dual-voltage thing that means installers don’t have to mess with jumper cards or complex wiring.
- Pentair was all over the "VSF" (Variable Speed and Flow) tech. Their IntelliFlo3 pump is basically becoming the brain of the pool, managing everything from salt systems to lighting without needing a separate, clunky controller.
One specific bit of pool industry news october 2025 that might have slipped under your radar: metal prices. Silver and copper prices surged this month. Why does that matter? Because those metals are inside almost every piece of high-end electronics and ionizers in your pool shed. Expect equipment prices to nudge upward toward the end of the year because of it.
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Consolidations: The Big Fish Are Still Eating
The "Great Consolidation" didn't stop in 2024. In fact, October 2025 saw some sneaky-big moves. Heritage Pool Supply Group expanded its footprint in South Florida by acquiring MT Pool Distributors. They now have 160 locations across 36 states.
On the media side, Pool and Spa News (PSN) and Aquatics International were acquired by Kenilworth Media. It’s a sign that even the way we get our news is becoming more centralized.
The Recap: Actionable Steps for Pros and Owners
If you're a pool pro or just a homeowner trying to stay ahead of the curve, here’s the "so what" of the October news:
1. Lock in Equipment Now: With the silver/copper price surge and POOLCORP’s leadership transition, the pricing stability we saw in early 2025 is getting shaky. If you need a new heater or pump for next spring, buy it before the 2026 catalogs (like the one Magic Plastics just released) fully take effect.
2. Focus on "Compact Wellness": The biggest design trend out of Vegas wasn't the Olympic-sized pool. It was the "Plunge Pool" and "Vitality Pool." People have smaller yards and less time. If you’re a builder, start marketing these smaller, high-margin, tech-heavy "spools" (spa-pools).
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3. Automation is Non-Negotiable: If your pool isn't controllable via a smartphone by now, it’s officially "vintage." Look into retrofitting systems like The Attendant by Latham. It’s a cloud-based monitor that manages chemistry and temp, and it was one of the most talked-about tech pieces this month.
4. Watch the Recalls: Blue Wave recalled over 13,000 above-ground pools this month due to a compression strap issue. If you've got one, or you're a dealer who sold them, check the model numbers immediately. Safety first, always.
The industry is moving away from being "the guy with a truck and a net" and toward a high-tech, consolidated, luxury-focused market. It’s a lot to keep track of, but that’s why October is always the month that sets the tone for the next three years. Stay smart, keep the pH balanced, and maybe keep an eye on those copper prices.
Next Steps for You: Check your inventory for any Blue Wave models affected by the recent recall. If you're planning a 2026 build, schedule a meeting with your designer to discuss "darker finishes" and integrated automation before the spring rush hits and prices potentially jump again.