This past week, thousands of attendees from all 50 states and more than 60 countries congregated in Las Vegas at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo. Co-located with Deck Expo, the combined show brings together every segment of the industry — including pool, spa, deck/patio and outdoor living specialists — under one umbrella to help professionals stay informed on trends, market directions and the newest technology.
The event was buzzing, with some 450 exhibitors showcasing their products and services on the Expo floor. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a diverse selection of educational opportunities, including show floor sessions, along with a wide variety of networking events.
Following are some of the notable products and solutions that grabbed the attention of the K&A team.
Outdoor Lighting
Glow Path Pavers are a great way to light any paved, recreational area — adding a modern feel while maintaining the appearance of classic brick pavers. Sun-powered aggregates are integrated into the surface of each paver, providing a subtle, continuous glow for 6-8 hours after dark. The pavers deliver low-level illumination and visual accents to pedestrian walkways, pool decks and backyards while improving safety in unlit areas.
The Sway Low from In-Light is an eye-catching outdoor garden light designed to move with the wind. The 360-degree diffused fixture sits atop a two foot tall, flexible post that creates a floating light effect as the post swings gently in the breeze. The fixtures are available in black and pearl gray, and can be combined with outdoor spotlights, ground lights and other lighting options to create a whimsical landscape.
Pool & Spa
Solar Sun Rings® are passive solar swimming pool heating devices made from two sheets of UV-resistant vinyl. The upper, clear layer holds insulating air and focuses sunlight on the blue lower layer, which absorbs around 50 percent of the sunlight and then converts it to heat. At night, the contained air acts as an insulating blanket to retain heat gained during the day. Solar Sun Rings come with embedded magnets that allow multiple units to be joined together to cover more surface area.
Stronger and sturdier than traditional vinyl liner pools and fiberglass shells, precast concrete pools and spas from Dirigo Pools are the only option on the market that fully integrates plumbing and electrical within the structure. This turnkey all-in-one precast pool and spa solution includes a full, automated equipment package preinstalled on a platform — and is ready to plug and play.
Deck & Porch Innovations
Perma-Column® precast concrete deck posts provide lasting support for solid posts, nail- or glue-laminated columns. The precast solution elevates wood framing above the ground with a U-shaped steel bracket welded to steel reinforcement bars. The deck posts install faster than traditional materials, eliminate the need for concrete on the jobsite, and create a permanent foundation. They are ICC certified, facilitating faster permitting and approvals.
Wolf Serenity™ Porch with High-Density Cellular™ Technology is a low-maintenance decking that provides the color variation and texture of real wood. Wolf Serenity Porch features narrow-width, tongue-and-groove boards that create a surface and appearance of a traditional porch. Available in 10′, 12′ and 16′ lengths, the planks feature ASA COLORWATCH100® Technology for industry-leading color retention and long life.
Entertainment & Lifestyle
The FS1 Floating Bluetooth Speaker from Poly-Planar uses pool water to amplify sound. The FS1 can connect remotely to multiple units with Bluetooth without the need for a Wi-Fi router. Each waterproof speaker can deliver a maximum of 50 watts of power. An inductive charging system and six-hour battery life helps to ensure a long-lasting sound experience.
The Otto Grill from Otto Wilde is unlike any grill we’ve ever seen. It features a unique rectangular, front-loading open design. Inside are dual, gas-fueled infrared radiant burners, which enable the grill to heat to 1500°F in a mere three minutes. Steaks are perfectly seared on the outside and moist inside in minutes — pizza takes even less time. For those serious about backyard grilling, this is a must-have item.
The K&A team participates at a variety of trade shows each year to discover what’s new and explore the latest industry trends. We’re always inspired by the many innovations that continue to advance the building industry, and look forward to engaging with our industry colleagues and channel influencers at IBS/KBIS in late January 2023.
