LATHAM INTERNATIONAL and Industry partners donate pool to women's rehabilitation

Latham International, the largest manufacturer of inground residential swimming pool components takes their commitment to give back seriously. The women at Grace Harbor in Cropwell, AL will have something to look forward to next summer. The residents will relax and exercise in a brand new inground swimming pool, built in October by members of Latham International’s Pool Builders Academy. “Our builds are for nonprofit organizations and we felt Grace Harbor was another good fit,” said Peter Moran, Technical Services Manager of North America.

Peter Moran is dedicated to this undertaking and runs two pool schools each year. “We donate the pool kits, which includes the wall panels, braces, steps and liner. The white goods, pump and filtration equipment are all donated by industry partners. Coverstar LLC donates the automatic cover. Construction equipment and crew time are donated by local builders,” Moran said.

Participants in a hands-on environment dubbed “pool school” were able to learn swimming pool construction techniques and brush up on their building skills. From Oct. 10-14, 2010 the 18 member class learned about code awareness, pool layout, excavation, panel and step assembly, plumbing, liner installation, deck options and safety—all from APSP certified builders. Participants earned 32 hours of APSP technical credit for completing the course, but more importantly, through their hard work and dedication, they were able to provide exercise recreation and enjoyment for a worthwhile organization.

"It’s a great feeling to give back and I’m proud to be part of an organization that’s socially responsible,” said first-time attendee Richard Piontkowski, VP Sales and a new addition to the Latham International family.

Grace Harbor is a Christian-based recovery facility/home being used to house women in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, as well as women who’ve paid their debt to society. Rehabilitation requires hard work and dedication, and involves health the body, mind and soul. The residents will now have an opportunity to incorporate exercise as part of the healing process.

Recent builds include the Crumley House Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center in Johnson City, TN; the Lighthouse Ranch for Boys in Loranger, LA and the Tupelo Children's Mansion in Tupelo, MS, which offers temporary and longer-term care to children in need of a safe and loving environment.

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Headquartered in Latham, N.Y., Latham International is the largest manufacturer of inground swimming pool components in North America with 15 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. It was founded in 1956 by Merrill Laven, father of our current President and CEO, Mark Laven