Afew months ago, Piscine Global, the largest industry tradeshow in Europe, invited me to participate as one of an international panel of judges for their Pool Innovation Awards.

The program’s focus is to recognize new pool and spa products for innovation and sustainability. Entrants were asked detailed questions about design intent, the need for innovation, and the process involved in product development. Finally, they were required to explain the environmental, social and economic benefits their products provide.

It was interesting to see what European pool and spa manufacturers were concentrating on for their market. Here are a few observations on the three winning products:

Water safety trumps all. We all know the statistics around drowning and that the longterm health of the industry relies on making water safe for even the most vulnerable. Therefore, innovative water-safety products are always welcomed, and that was evidenced by Floatee, a reusable anti-drowning shirt for children ages 6 months to 6 years, claiming the top prize in the competition. Upon immersion, the shirt inflates and flips the child on their back in less than 5 seconds.

Unusual and eco-friendly ways to support good water quality are a primary concern. Both the second and third prizes were awarded to products in the water-quality sphere.

Second prize went to Big Three manufacturer Fluidra for its new Sandbag filter media, a deceptively simple but truly innovative eco-friendly solution that exclusively uses recycled glass to provide a high level of filtration while requiring very little — 90% less, the company says — backwashing.

Novpool SAS came in third for its Clean Water Tab, a water clarification treatment in a tablet made of mineral wax. The company says it mimics the way oceans self-clean by increasing the level of healthy microorganisms that support good water quality. It also claims the product significantly reduces the need for chemicals for 3-6 months.

You can find out more about the award, along with some of the more notable entries, at piscine-global.com/en/pool-innovation-awards.

In the meantime, you can peruse the innovation on display here in America. This, our annual New Products issue, boasts the latest and greatest offerings in the industry, and I have no doubt that the right product mix will help to significantly boost your bottom line in the coming year. Here’s to a successful 2025!