The 47th Annual Western Pool & Spa Show returns to Long Beach, Calif. a little earlier in 2025 — from Feb. 6 to 8, 2025. In previous years the Show took place in March.
Show Director Eric Nielson expects a sizable crowd. The event will be held at the 78,000-square-foot exhibit hall in the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center and is likely to draw over 10,000 attendees — both national and international. “Last year, we had people from 38 states and nine foreign countries,” said Nielson.
Around 300 exhibitors will fill the show floor this year, although the exact number was not confirmed at the time of publication.
Classes galore
The Western Pool & Spa Show is known for its extensive education schedule, and this year is no different. “From beginner to advanced, we cover nearly every service, repair, and construction aspect,” said Nielson. He said over 90 different classes are available in the regular seminar schedule, 50 of which have completely new material.
The show itself is a nonprofit run by volunteers, which Nielson explains allows the event to provide education at a more accessible price. “We exist to help promote the industry and educate people,” he said.
There are classes on everything from water chemistry and heaters to business and marketing.
Classes will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center, and Watershape University will be held at Marriott Long Beach Downtown.
Education offerings get an update each year, so many courses have fresh material. “Even though we have a lot of senior instructors, we ask them to modify their classes to where there’s always something different,” said Nielson.
Since the show has been known for its focus on the service side of the business, Nielson noted the organizers have been trying to expand course offerings to include more construction. The show has partnered with Watershape University to add pre-show courses on pool design and construction practices. See the course list and register here.
Like in previous years, attendees will also have the opportunity to become Certified Pool Operators.
Nielson said this is a rare chance to take a CPO course in person because most are offered online.
Register for the two-day class held at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown on Feb. 6 and 7.
Show highlights
In addition to the many educational offerings and giveaways, this year’s attendees can look forward to the Western Show Benefit Evening, a welcome party sponsored by AquaStar, HASA, Heritage, and RayPak. The Benefit starts on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 9 p.m. and goes on until 11:30 p.m. Guests can purchase tickets for $15 on the show’s website: westernshow.com and proceeds benefit the Step Into Swim program.
Organizers expect between 600 and 800 guests at the welcome festivities. The event, which will be held at Ovation Square in Long Beach, is something show organizers have been trying to put together for years, according to Nielson. “There will be food stations, live entertainment, and an open bar,” he said.
The popular Giveaway Area will return with its ping-pong ball lottery-style machine. Attendees can register to win daily giveaways, including pumps, heaters, filters, cleaners, tools, nets, tool bags, and more.
“We give away over $50,000 in prizes, ” said Nielson. That includes a $20,000 grand prize in cash.
People going to the show are also encouraged to bring their families. The playful mascot Li’l Algy will be more prominently featured, and a miniature golf area at the back of the show will be open for kids to play as well.
Showing a badge from the Western Show will also give visitors discounts at local restaurants and other venues in Long Beach.
“We love having people come and bring their families and do other things [too],” said Nielson. Learn more about badge discounts here.
