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
https://www.westernshow.com/ continuing through mid‑afternoon.
Beyond the Convention Center, Western Show attendees have the chance to unwind and network at the annual California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA) golf tournament, a fun industry tradition where pool professionals can tee off, build relationships, and kick off the show festivities on a relaxed note. (The CPSA Golf Tournament takes place February 11 at Skylinks Golf Course.)
For those traveling to Long Beach, the city offers an inviting blend of history, culture, and seaside charm.
One of the most iconic places to stay is the Queen Mary, the retired British ocean liner now serving as a floating hotel and historic attraction. With its maiden voyage in 1936 and listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Queen Mary is as famous for its Art Deco elegance as it is for its ghost stories and paranormal lore — with tours and experiences exploring its reputed spirit encounters.
Other convenient host hotels include the Hilton Long Beach, 701 West Ocean Boulevard, and Marriott Long Beach (Airport), 4700 Airport Plaza Drive.
While you’re in town, Long Beach offers plenty of things to do between sessions: Visit the acclaimed Aquarium of the Pacific; stroll the waterfront boardwalk at Shoreline Village; take a gondola ride through the Naples canals; or catch a harbor cruise — and you can even book whale‑watching tours departing right from the city’s waterfront.
Whether you’re coming to learn, network, discover new products, or take part in industry milestones, the Western Pool & Spa Show 2026 promises to deliver three unforgettable days in one of Southern California’s most dynamic coastal cities.
https://www.westernshow.com/expo_reg1.php
