Our last issue of the year is always dedicated to new products. It’s our way of looking ahead to the possibilities and opportunities the next year will bring and, because we define a new product as one that was released in this current year, also a look back.
As I reflect on the innovations the world has seen in the past year, I can’t help but think of generative AI. 2025 really was the year of mass adoption for this astounding tool — wherever I turned, there were instances of its use, from the frivolous conversion of selfies into cartoon portraits to more serious business uses such as managing customer service or developing software/writing code, to name just two. I can’t remember a new technology that has been more quickly embraced, used and has had — and will continue to have — a deeper impact on the workforce than AI.
In fact, the Computer and Communications Industry Association recently published a report saying three out of five U.S. adults have used AI in the three years since its debut. ChatGPT reported 100 million users just two months after its launch in 2022. To put that into perspective, it took almost 50 years for half of all U.S. homeowners to have a telephone; about nine years for TVs, and about seven years for social media. Generative AI is here, and it’s here to stay.
… And yet, for all its promise, adopting any new technology — AI included — can feel daunting. It’s human nature to resist change, and even more so when we’re asked to invest and trust in a technology that has the potential to not only disrupt how we do our jobs but even threaten livelihoods. But if there’s one thing this past year has shown us, it’s that embracing innovation keeps us current and competitive.
That same spirit of possibility runs through our industry as well. Every year, manufacturers, designers, builders, and service pros push the boundaries of what pools and spas can be: safer, smarter, more efficient, more beautiful, easier to maintain, and more in tune with how people want to live. And just like the broader world of technology, some of these advancements may initially feel unfamiliar. But they also promise to make our work smoother, our businesses more competitive, and our customers’ experiences better than ever.
So as we present the industry’s newest products, think of them not just as gadgets or upgrades, but as the beginning of what’s next — tools that will shape how our industry evolves in the years ahead. If generative AI has shown us anything, it’s that those willing to explore new technology early often find themselves leading the way.
Here’s to stepping forward, embracing what’s new, and discovering the opportunities these innovations bring to the pool and spa world in 2026!
