Though the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) wrapped up its third annual Day on the Hill in Washington, D.C., in early May, the ripples of its impact are still being felt across the industry. For Greg Claffey, President and Chief Revenue Officer of Pentair Pool, the experience was not only an opportunity to meet lawmakers — it was a pivotal moment to advance water safety, strengthen industry unity, and lay the groundwork for future advocacy.
Held from April 29 to May 1, PHTA’s Day on the Hill brought together representatives from every corner of the pool, spa, and hot tub world: manufacturers, dealers, distributors, engineers, and service professionals. Their mission? To educate lawmakers on the economic and social value of the aquatics industry, and to push for legislation that reflects its unique needs.
More than 70 meetings were held with Congressional offices, where participants championed causes that affect pool and spa businesses and the families they serve. Among the key topics was the SWIM Act — Safe Water Instruction for Minors — a proposed bill that would allow families to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for children’s swim lessons.
Claffey said it best: “It’s important for an industry leader like Pentair to do our part to carry out the PHTA mission of educate, advocate, and elevate in support of the pool industry.”
While the SWIM Act has been introduced in previous sessions, the timing of this year’s push is especially significant. May, National Water Safety Month, was a fitting backdrop for bringing attention to a bill that could directly reduce child drownings, the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1–4.
“The focus on generating interest and support for the SWIM Act from both House and Senate leaders was perfectly timed,” said Claffey. “It was also great to see representatives from across the industry… all coming together as one to support this great industry of ours. I left feeling grateful to be part of it.”
Pentair Pool’s presence at the Hill wasn't just about legislative influence – it reflected a broader commitment to community impact. In 2024 alone, Pentair and the Pentair Foundation
have contributed $350,000 to organizations that promote water safety and make swimming more accessible.
The company’s partnerships include:
• Step Into Swim, a national initiative helping children gain lifesaving swim skills.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, where Pentair is the Official Swimming Sponsor.
• V3 Sports, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit whose new swim center delivered over 2,250 hours of free and reduced-cost swim lessons in its first six months. These efforts combine Pentair’s mission of providing smart, sustainable pool solutions with a deep-rooted commitment to inclusion, equity, and public safety.
While the Day on the Hill may have concluded, the work it inspired continues. The pool and spa industry faces ongoing policy shifts, regulatory updates, and economic fluctuations
– but with strong, unified advocacy, it is well-positioned to thrive.
Events like PHTA’s annual gathering in Washington show that when the industry speaks with one voice, it can help shape legislation that protects families, empowers communities, and sustains businesses.
Pentair Pool is proud to be a part of that voice — advocating for safer swimming, stronger industry standards, and a better future, in and out of the water.
