GENESIS, a company of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) — the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry — and Fluidra, a leading global provider of residential and commercial pool and wellness equipment, are pleased to announce the creation of the Vance Gillette Scholarship. This scholarship was created to honor the memory and legacy of Vance Gillette, a pool industry icon who dedicated his time and talents to elevating the industry for nearly 50 years. Gillette passed away in August 2024 at the age of 75.
The Vance Gillette Scholarship is open to any PHTA member who has been employed in the pool and spa industry for at least one year and who has not yet completed a GENESIS course. A total of four recipients will be selected, each receiving a $2,500 scholarship that can be applied towards GENESIS education programs and PHTA certification fees. Through a generous matching program, Fluidra — Gillette’s employer for 36 years before his retirement and a PHTA Strategic Partner — will be sponsoring two of the four winners.
“Vance Gillette was not only a visionary but also a tireless mentor whose passion for elevating our industry was unparalleled,” says Scott Frost, executive vice president of Sales & Marketing at Fluidra. “The creation of this scholarship ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of pool and spa professionals. At Fluidra, we are proud to honor his memory by matching funding to this initiative. It’s our way of recognizing the profound impact he had on our industry and ensuring that his dedication to education and excellence lives on through the talented individuals this scholarship will support.”
GENESIS is the premier pool and spa industry education program, providing a comprehensive and complete curriculum for industry professionals. Since 1998, GENESIS has taught thousands of students in best practices governing proper water vessel design, engineering, and construction. GENESIS became part of PHTA in 2019.
“Vance Gillette had a tremendous impact on GENESIS, and on the industry as a whole,” says Brian Van Bower, GENESIS co-founder and Gillette’s personal friend. “He touched the lives and careers of so many and was one of the strongest endorsers of GENESIS education. We are proud to honor his legacy through the creation of the Vance Gillette Scholarship. Vance would be both thrilled and humbled knowing that he will continue having a positive impact on the industry even after his passing.”
Gillette was known as an active supporter of continuing education. When the GENESIS program first began 26 years ago, Gillette promised to help in any way that he could. He fulfilled that promise by selecting the venue for the first GENESIS course, securing Jandy as a sponsor, paying for several students to attend GENESIS courses, and serving as an instructor.
“PHTA can’t think of a better way to honor Vance Gillette than through the creation of a scholarship fund that will support students in their pursuit of continuing education,” says Jeanne Mendelson, PHTA vice president of Education & Events. “We are grateful for our continued partnership with Fluidra and our joint efforts to introduce more industry professionals to GENESIS education.”
The four Vance Gillette Scholarship recipients will be recognized during an awards ceremony at the GENESIS MasterMind Summit September 23-25, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
To be considered for the Vance Gillette Scholarship, an online application form must be submitted by February 15, 2025. For more information and to complete the application, visit www.phta.org/gillette-scholarship.
