Volume 40, Number 3 Circulation: 10,000 Nationwide Copyright © 2026 Service Industry Publications, Inc. February 1, 2026

By Marcelle Dibrell

The 2026 Western Pool & Spa Show is officially here — and Long Beach, California, is ready to host one of the biggest gatherings of pool and spa professionals in the West. Running February 12-14, 2026, this annual trade event brings together builders, service techs, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers for three days of education, innovation, networking, and industry celebration at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.

This year’s Western Show features a robust exhibit hall with hundreds of companies showcasing the latest products, tools, technologies, and services shaping the future of our industry. And it’s all tied to one exciting opportunity: a $20,000 cash prize drawing on the final day of the show. Hourly giveaways and secondary prize drawings keep the energy high throughout the event.

From the moment the doors open, attendees can dive into more than 90 different educational sessions, from water chemistry fundamentals and advanced equipment topics to business strategy, marketing, human resources, and even retirement planning. The seminar program has been refreshed for 2026, with almost 70 percent of class content brand‑new for this year — so even seasoned pros will find fresh insights to take home. Sessions are offered in both English and Spanish, making the learning truly inclusive.

Watershape University continues its partnership with the Western Show, offering pre‑show courses and specialized workshops in pool design, hydraulics, construction practices, and other advanced topics. These immersive sessions provide valuable continuing education credits and hands‑on learning with industry leaders.

A highlight for technicians and operators is the S.T.A.R. Stain Treatment Certification Program, created by Periodic Products, where participants can deepen their expertise in stain remediation techniques and earn credentials that enhance professional credibility on service calls and installations alike. (The S.T.A.R. Stain Treatment Certification Program is a 1-day course offered February 13 from 8 to 11 a.m. and February 16 from 1 to 5 p.m.)

The exhibit hall hours this year are structured to maximize daytime engagement: Thursday, Feb. 12: 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13: 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14: 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Seminar sessions generally begin early each day, with classroom instruction starting around 8 a.m. and