Jerome Pedretti is Executive Vice President and CEO of Pentair Pool, where he’s driving a bold vision for sustainable innovation across the industry. With a background in engineering, business development and global leadership, he brings deep expertise and a passion for creating pools that support people, communities and the planet.

Jerome, the Pool Horizons Keep Swimming report presents a comprehensive view of sustainability. What does that mean to you?

For me, sustainability isn’t just environmental - it’s social and financial too. The three go hand in hand. If a pool is more energy- and water-efficient, it saves resources and money. That’s not only good for the planet, it also helps ensure that pools - whether in family gardens or backyards or in community centres - can stay open, affordable and accessible. We want pools to be vibrant parts of people’s lives for generations. That means making them sustainable in every sense of the word.

Where do you see the biggest opportunities for impact right now?

There’s a lot we can do. On the environmental side, we’re making real strides in areas like water conservation, energy efficiency and responsible chemical use. But the financial and social impact is just as important. When we reduce costs for operators, we’re keeping public facilities viable. When families save on maintenance, we’re keeping backyard pools within reach. That can mean the difference between a pool closing or becoming a true community anchor. Look at Exmouth in the UK. By using heat from a data centre that would otherwise be wasted, the local leisure centre has reduced its energy costs and keeps the pool warm and open for residents. Or take Coyoacán in Mexico, where solar systems have helped cut carbon and slash bills by up to 80%. These are the kinds of solutions we need - smart, scalable and rooted in local needs.

How can the swimming pool industry make this shift at scale?

We need both innovation and mindset change. Technologically, we already have tools: smart pumps, solar heating, water recycling systems, AI-driven monitoring. But equally important is understanding pools as infrastructure - spaces that support health, inclusion and economic opportunity. That means engaging with, for example, policymakers, urban planners and community groups. Pools can reduce social isolation, provide local jobs and support public health. But only if we protect them - by making them more efficient, more inclusive and more resilient.

What role do homeowners play in this broader picture?

A huge one. The family pool is often where people first learn to swim, connect, and relax. Homeowners can lead by example - choosing smart energy systems, fixing leaks, using covers, reducing chemical use. Every action adds up. And when consumers demand sustainability, it drives the whole industry forward. That’s why I see sustainability as a shared mission. It’s not just about regulations or big investments. It’s about collective responsibility. It’s about creating a world where pools are loved - not lost - because they’re efficient, equitable and enriching.

If you could share one message with the global pool community, what would it be?

Don’t wait for perfect. Start with practical. The path to sustainable pools is made of everyday decisions - with extraordinary impact. When we build and operate pools that conserve resources, support wellbeing and make financial sense, we create spaces that communities can depend on.

Jerome Pedretti

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