Pleatco, LLC, with longtime co-sponsors GENESIS/Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and media partner AQUA magazine, announced the winners of the 2021 Perfect Pool Guy and Gal Search. 

The annual Pleatco PoolGuy/Gal Search is an innovative way to honor the hardworking men and women of the pool and spa service industry. 

There were more than 100 contestants.

This year, Kristen Melo of Preserve Pools, Summerville, SC, won the title, saying, "I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to receive the Pleatco Perfect Pool Gal 2021 Award. I never would have thought I could be selected for something so honorable. I am so humbled and shocked to have my work recognized in this way by so many in the pool industry! Many hours went into building my business and learning as much as I have, and it means so much to me that the work that I am so passionate about also resonates with others.

I didn't get to the point I have without help. I would like to thank, Erik Knight with Orenda, my parents for their non-stop support, my children for their love and last, but not least, all of my loyal customers whom I absolutely would not be here without. I hope that this recognition of my work can serve as an inspiration to others in the field," she concluded.

Michael Baker, Preserve Pools LLC Tucson, Arizona, had been a runner-up last year and put a great deal of effort into making sure his nomination wound up at the top of the rankings. 

"A little more than 15 years ago I was cleaning more than 100 pools a week," he said. "I knew it was time to make a change, so I hired my first full-time pool technician. Since that day, it's been a heck of a ride. Learning new facets of the industry, trying to better my team, and being the best boss I can be to my employees. I still learn something new every day. The Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy 2021 Award is truly an honor. The award reflects all the hard work put out by the entire Ambiance Team. I would not be in this position without them and the support of my family."

With so many worthy entrants, Pleatco once again expanded the contest and created additional awards. 

"During our final interviews, we were impressed by the caliber and diversity of so many individuals that we felt it was proper to recognize the outstanding achievements of several other entrants," said Seth Soltow, president, Pleatco. "In that spirit, we selected contestants for Special Awards based on their contribution to their community and the pool and spa industry."

This year's major winners will each be awarded a GENESIS course—C201: CONCRETE POOLS or C260: VINYL LINER/FIBERGLASS POOLS.

"On behalf of Pleatco, GENESIS and Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and AQUA, we d like to thank everyone who entered, nominated, and voted in our 14th annual Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy Contest," said Battista Remati, chief marketing officer, Pleatco. "We have been truly overwhelmed by the sheer quality of the nominations and the thousands of votes cast. The entries were compelling and heartfelt across the board."

The official awards ceremony was held Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. in the Pleatco booth (#2721) at The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo 2021.