The Grit Game is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Watershape University — a collaboration built to strengthen professional training, expand access to high-quality education, and raise the standards of excellence across the pool and spa industry.
Education is the foundation of progress, and Watershape University has distinguished itself as one of the premier institutions for meaningful, lasting continuing education for pool builders, designers and service professionals. Rather than teaching to the minimum standards, Watershape U delivers meaningful, hands-on learning, technical accuracy and ongoing support. Their classes help professionals truly master their craft and build safer, smarter and more profitable projects. Watershape U is committed to ongoing learning and mentorship, not simply transactional one-time education.
Host Watershape University Training at Your Location
Through this partnership, distribution centers, pool builders, and service companies now have additional resources to host their own Watershape University mini events. WU provides the instructors, The Grit Game provides the support — hosts simply provide the space and light hospitality.
Hosting benefits include:
- Bring high-quality customers that invest in their education directly to your facility
- Bring highly qualified educators directly to your facility
- Offer technical training for builders, installers, designers, and service technicians
- Provide IACET CEU-eligible education for your customers or team
- Strengthen dealer loyalty and foot traffic
- Improve workmanship and reduce callbacks through better training
This initiative makes high-quality pool builder education more accessible than ever.
Watershape University
Watershape University delivers comprehensive education in construction, engineering, design, business, and service & repair for outdoor living projects, including pools, spas, and other watershapes. Its curriculum — developed by respected industry masters — emphasizes:
- Technical mastery in hydraulics, structures and water-in-transit systems
- Design excellence built on creativity, safety and sustainability
- Business and leadership training to help companies scale and thrive
- Service and repair best practices that ensure long-term performance
Every course is taught by educators who uphold the same values: excellence, integrity, accuracy and ongoing support.
“I came to Watershape University with a big vision for what education can be — and needs to be — for our industry," says Watershape University Executive Director Eric Knight. "I recognized a big problem with attracting good people to work in the pool business at all levels. I firmly believe our trade deserves to be viewed with the same respect as other major trades, and in order to make that happen, we need a higher education and ongoing mentorship. I want everyone in this industry to have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
I am excited to bring on The Grit Game, because they are a great fit for our mission, in that they have demonstrated exceptional skills that we need. More importantly, we are completely aligned with our values. With The Grit Game’s help, we can reach more people, host more private events around the country, and provide value that students cannot get anywhere else.”
The Grit Game
The Grit Game is redefining what a modern manufacturer’s rep agency can be. Named Pool Nation’s 2024 Sales Rep Group of the Year and nominated again for 2025, the team combines high-performance sales with education, digital content, dealer engagement, and brand-building for many of the industry’s most respected manufacturers.
By partnering with Watershape University, The Grit Game expands its mission of empowering pool pros with practical, reliable education. TGG will support the initiative through social media promotion, digital marketing, and regional event planning, helping more companies bring professional-grade training to their teams and customers.
“Education is the backbone of a strong industry," says Laci Davis, CEO of The Grit Game. "As the pool industry continues to evolve, dealers and distributors are hungry for training that actually moves their needles, and Watershape University delivers the kind of learning that genuinely changes how people build, service, and run their businesses. That impact is exactly where our values connect, and it’s why this partnership is exciting. WU and The Grit Game are both doing things differently with the common goal of helping the pool pro excel and a shared belief that this industry is at its best when the people in it are committed to helping one another. If we can create more spaces for that kind of education- that kind of community, then this industry’s future will be incredibly healthy and very bright.”
Education Vacation 2025 – Phoenix, Arizona
As part of this partnership, The Grit Game will attend Watershape University’s Education Vacation, held in Phoenix, Ariz., December 4–6, 2025. The event features hands-on classes, advanced technical workshops, and builder-focused training, guided by leading experts. Many sessions have already sold out, with limited availability remaining for select advanced courses.
A Shared Commitment to Raising Industry Standards
Together, The Grit Game and Watershape University are committed to raising standards, expanding access to education, and supporting the next generation of builders and service technicians through training that moves the industry forward.
For more information on hosting a class or exploring upcoming events, visit Watershape.org. To learn more about The Grit Game, visit TheGritGame.com or contact your local rep about hosting your own WU event.
