Investing in the Next Generation of Aquatics Professionals

Amid economic uncertainty and an ever-changing labor market, job seekers are in search of stability, growth, and a higher meaning in their professional lives. The aquatics industry is resilient—committed to building and supporting its workforce for an even stronger future. 

The generational shift across industries is opening the doors for the next wave of talent, and the pool and hot tub industry is ready to welcome them with the resources, mentorship, and in-demand careers to thrive. 

What to Expect in an Aquatics Career

First, let's set the stage: The opportunity is here, especially with the demand for skilled trades now rapidly outpacing professional roles. 

Aquatics is a thriving industry with five distinct sectors – construction, manufacturing, retail, service, and swim instruction – that offer dynamic work, strong earning potential, skill-building, and a close-knit network of fellow professionals to fuel your growth. 

The best part? Most positions in aquatics have no barrier to entry, meaning you can dive into any track and gain the expertise and training to set yourself up for success. 

How Aquatics Ignites Future Professionals

Work In Aquatics

The Work In Aquatics program is proof of our active investment in our future workforce. As the industry's only dedicated career hub, this resource was created for the job seeker. Our goal is to connect you with rewarding pool and hot tub opportunities, while also providing critical information, data, resources, and success stories to demonstrate the value of an aquatics career. 

Apprenticeships & Internships

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) offers two stellar apprenticeship programs: The Pool Maintenance and Service Technician Apprenticeship and The Pool Installer Technician Apprenticeship. 

These Department of Labor-registered programs allow newcomers to build their skill set and enhance their knowledge through trusted guidance and instruction from seasoned pros. Upon completion, apprentices gain a direct path to real careers. 

Beyond these programs, traditional internships are offered across industry sectors in both the skilled trades routes and the technical pathways like marketing, sales, and management. 

Certifications & Trainings 

Aquatics is built on training, it's always available and routinely encouraged. PHTA's range of certification programs enables professionals to refine their skills and establish themselves as experts in their speciality. 

From Certified Pool & Spa Operator to Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist, these nationally recognized certifications breed credibility and confidence, inspiring our existing workforce to demonstrate commitment to their craft. 

Center of Excellence

PHTA's Center of Excellence is an online education hub built by the industry's best to inform, train and guide aquatics newcomers, veterans and beyond. With over 100 learning sessions and live weekly office hours, these self-paced courses are designed to provide expert insight in an on-demand format. 

WAVE Young Professionals Network 

As a PHTA special interest group, the WAVE network offers the steppingstones to a thriving aquatics career tailored for professionals under 40. Through networking, peer recognition, leadership development, and ongoing learning, this is designed to elevate the next generation of talent and pioneer the future of aquatics. 

The Water's Warm. The Careers Are Real. 

The aquatics industry culture is one that thrives on mentorship, advancement, and excitement. Our extensive ecosystem of learning opportunities, apprenticeships, and certifications is nothing without the community behind it. 

We're committed to supporting tomorrow's industry leaders, and now's the time to join us. If you're eager to get involved, explore the available career paths and discover openings near you on the exclusive Work In Aquatics job board.