The 2026 Western Pool & Spa Show — held February 12–14 at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach, California — once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated events on the pool and spa industry calendar. The three-day trade show brought together nearly every sector of the business for networking, education, product launches, handson demos and, of course, substantial giveaways.
Attendance exceeded expectations, with thousands of indus try professionals walking the exhibit floor and engaging with nearly 300 manufacturers, distributors and innovators. Alongside the expansive exhibits, the Western Show is known for offering one of the industry’s largest seminar schedules, with training sessions for beginners through advanced specialists covering water chemistry, equipment repair, automation, business strategy and financial management.
One of the signature attractions is the steady stream of hourly prizes that keeps traffic moving across the show floor, culminating in the grand $20,000 cash drawing on the final day. This year’s $20,000 winner was Stephen Staples of Chlor-Free Company in Simi Valley, California. Asked what he planned to do with the money, Staples delivered a line that drew laughter from the crowd: “I’m going to give it to my wife, because it’s Valentine’s Day.” Pressed on whether he might keep any for himself, he added, “Maybe I’ll keep a little bit… Maybe I’ll start a new product and introduce it next year at the Western Show. I have a list of them.”
Second prize winner Renee Allred of AMPS Pool Service in Whittier, California, walked away with more than $11,000 worth of Pentair equipment — an impressive haul for someone who has attended the show faithfully for the past five years. Third prize went to Phillip Lauterback of In Depth Pool Service in El Dorado Hills, California, who received $7,000 worth of Fluidra products.
A number of new products and technologies generated strong interes t. Rethink Pool Care introduced Sun Smart Stabilizer, positioned as cyanuric acid (CYA) replacement chemistry. Staffed by Chris Marcano, the company’s booth also highlighted what sets the brand apart: Highly concentrated formulations with dramatically reduced water content. According to the company, removing excess water means no single-use plastic bottles, a smaller environmental footprint and more active ingredient per package. Its patent-pending Daily Dose system promotes proactive, daily treatment designed to prevent problems before they start, rather than reacting after water issues develop.
The research and consulting group onBalance was also on hand and indicated it is preparing to release updated findings from its ongoing pigmented plaster study. The oneyear data compares colorfastness between organic and inorganic pigments under controlled conditions. The results are expected to add meaningful data to the industry conversation surrounding long-term finish durability and color stability.
Major manufacturers and associations maintained a strong presence throughout the exhibit hall. AquaCal showcased its latest heat pump technologies and automation integrations. Hayward featured equipment and cleaner solutions, including suction and robotic options. AquaStar Pool Products displayed pumps and related equipment focused on performance and hydraulics. Raypak highlighted its heater lineup for both residential and commercial applications. The National Plasterers Council (NPC) connected with builders and applicators on standards and best practices, while the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA) maintained an active presence supporting service professionals and peer networking.
Seminars were packed with insights on both technical and business topics. One session that stood out focused on artificial intelligence and its growing role in pool and spa operations.
Veteran attendee David Hawes of H& H Pool Services, in Dublin, California, reflected on the discussion: “AI is only going to get more pervasive in what we do. It’s improving on an exponential scale. If we absorb it, learn about it, and implement it, jobs that are tedious are going to be taken care of by AI.”
That theme — embracing new tools while sharpening core trade skills — surfaced repeatedly in hallway conversations and classroom discussions alike.
Another notable moment was the introduction of Michelle Kavenaugh as the newest board member of the Western Pool & Spa Show organization, signaling continued leadership development and industry representation guiding the future of the event.
The Western Pool & Spa Show remains a cornerstone gathering for professionals across the pool and spa trades. Service technicians, builders and manufacturers left Long Beach already looking ahead to 2027, confident they will once again find practical education, product innovation and the kind of industry camaraderie that keeps this show firmly planted on the calendar.
