The Western Pool & Spa Show returns to Long Beach, Calif., for its 48th year from Feb. 12 to 14, 2026. This is the first time the show will take place on Valentine’s Day. Last year’s show was earlier in February, and in previous years it took place in March. Show Director Eric Nielson said the event will incorporate the holiday theme into some of its prizes and activities.
As in previous years, the event will be held at the 78,000-square-foot exhibit hall in the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. Nielson expects more than 10,000 attendees, both national and international, and around 300 exhibitors on the show floor.
The biggest change for 2026 is the exhibition scheduling. Historically, the first day on the show floor took place in the evening. “Everything has gone [to] the daytime now, so our first classes are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day,” said Nielson. The show floor will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, so people can attend the welcome party, which is returning this year.
Enhanced education opportunities
The Western Pool & Spa Show will again have an extensive education schedule with 92 different classes. Education offerings are updated each year, so attendees can expect to learn something new. This go-round, almost 70% of the classes have new material, according to Nielson.
There are classes on everything from water chemistry and heaters to business and marketing, as well as more advanced topics, such as fluid dynamics. As more builders attend, classes that cover construction topics have been added. The show also continues to add to its business class roster.
Whether you’re a service or construction pro, marketing, accounting, and human resources are important to know and understand. “We’ve been doing more classes on those aspects of the full business,” said Nielson. One of the digital marketing courses will also delve into artificial intelligence (AI) and how to use it as part of a social media management strategy.
In addition to classes on growing a business, there will be classes on retirement that cover how to plan an exit strategy. Attendees will learn ways to build or work their business, so they’re prepared to retire. “That’s something everybody should be thinking about,” said Nielson.
One of the big topics this year will be California’s Title 24. After Jan. 1, California builders will no longer be allowed to install a gas heater as the primary source of heating in new projects. “We have specific classes dealing with that,” said Nielson.
The show has partnered again with Watershape University to add pre-show courses on pool design and construction practices. See the course list and register here.
Classes will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center, and Watershape University will hold its sessions at the Westin Long Beach hotel.
The in-person Certified Pool Operator training will return this year as well. The two-day class will be held at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown on Feb. 12 and 13.
In addition to taking classes, attendees will have the opportunity to schedule a 15-minute private meeting with participating instructors who cover business topics. As part of the online registration, “you’ll be able to click on the class and see more information about the instructor, and we’ll have a system of being able to make appointments,” explained Nielson. Meetings will take place in a designated area of the show floor.
Show highlights
The Western Show Benefit Evening, a welcome party sponsored by HASA and Heritage, is back by popular demand. Considering the popularity of last year’s party, Nielson said, this time the show floor will close early enough for people to attend. The Benefit starts on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. and goes on until 10 p.m. Guests can purchase tickets for $20 on the show’s website and proceeds benefit the Step Into Swim program.
Organizers expect 800 to 1,000 people. Doors to the venue, Ovation Square in Long Beach, open at 5:30 p.m. There will be an open bar and enough food that partygoers shouldn’t need to stop for dinner beforehand. “Last year we had a Queen tribute band, and this year we’re [having] a great Journey band,” said Nielson. He recommends getting tickets early
because of the event’s popularity.
The 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. Giveaway amounts will be the same, with a $20,000 cash grand prize and over $50,000 in prizes, some of which Nielson said might be themed for Valentine’s Day.
While the grand prize winner gets $20,000, 10 finalists will go home with something close to $1,000 in value. A second-place winner could receive $5,000 or $6,000 worth of equipment.
Li’l Algy, the long-time show mascot, will be more prominently featured in marketing materials. “We did some surveys and realized that some people think he’s a pirate,” said Nielson. “He’s not a pirate; he’s like a sheriff or a Western character.” Organizers hope to clear up the confusion about Li’l Algy with new portrayals of him in Western-themed settings. Sticking to tradition, someone will play the live character at the show.
The miniature golf area, popular with families, will return. There will also be a putting contest.
A Valentine’s Day-themed photo booth is a new addition to the Western Pool & Spa Show. People will be able to take funny pictures.
Like in previous years, people going to the show are encouraged to bring their families. Nielson said the nonprofit likes giving back to the industry and seeing people bring their kids to participate in events. “We have people who grew up in the industry [attending the show and taking pictures with Li’l Algy] and have their grandkids [taking] pictures with Li’l Algy,” said Nielson.
