Industry professionals, manufacturers and distributors gathered once again in Long Beach, Calif. for the 39th annual Western Pool & Spa Show. The Show took place from Thursday, March 9 through Saturday, March 11.

Over 200 separate exhibitors showcased products and services for well over 9,000 attendees. The show also offered 92 different classes, 40 of which were brand new. According to show organizers, people came from 38 states and several foreign countries including, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Australia, Japan, and China.

Attendance was down a little on Thursday and Friday, but Saturday was killer, said Glen Knecht, current president of the Western Show board. “Weather does play a role when service guys feel they can’t take off to go to the show on a workday,” he said.

PSN stopped by to check out a few new product offerings. Watch the videos below for live show footage items on display.

Manufacturers reported good foot traffic at booths. “There was a constant flow of people and they were, for the most part, very engaging,” said John Newton, CEO of Pool Pets and first-time exhibitor.

Ceremony to honor Don Wilson in front of the WPSS Honor Wall. Pictured from left to right: Gloria Wilson, wife of Don Wilson, John Norwood president of CPSA, Glen Knecht, current president of the Western Show board, and Mark Wilson CEO of HASA and son of Don Wilson. Also presenting the honor, but not pictured, are Leslie Tone, Lynn Cummings, and Lisa Johnson, children of Don Wilson.
Ceremony to honor Don Wilson in front of the WPSS Honor Wall. Pictured from left to right: Gloria Wilson, wife of Don Wilson, John Norwood president of CPSA, Glen Knecht, current president of the Western Show board, and Mark Wilson CEO of HASA and son of Don Wilson. Also presenting the honor, but not pictured, are Leslie Tone, Lynn Cummings, and Lisa Johnson, children of Don Wilson.

On Saturday, the Western Pool & Spa Show board presented the California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA) with a $5000 donation in the name of Don Wilson, founding board member and past president of the Western Pool and Spa Show who passed away this past year. During a small ceremony at the WPSS Honor Wall, the donation was presented in honor Don Wilson’s contribution to the industry and to the success of the Western Show.

An estimated total of $50,000 in prizes were given away during raffles throughout the three days. The show closed, once again, with its pickup truck. Ray Naseiro, industry veteran and owner of Pro Pool Care, La Verne, Calif., was the 30th winner of this annual tradition. Watch the video below to see his reaction.

This year’s island theme, which could be seen on display in the middle of the show floor, was a prelude to what’s coming next year, according to show organizers. In 2018, the Western Show will celebrate its 40th year with an island-themed party on Friday, March 16 after the show floor hours end. As a bonus, show organizers will be giving away several trips in addition to the annual pickup truck giveaway.

Organizers have also planned extra informational perks for future attendees. “Every seminar will have its own webpage with instructor bio and links to handouts etc.,” said Knecht.