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Tech Topics In This Article: University of Georgia, pitch competitions
The pool technology startup out of Savannah made a big “splash” last week at the University of Georgia’s Venture Prize Pitch Competition, taking home the $10,000 grand prize during the competition that took place in Athens, Georgia’s Studio 225.
Pool Protection Technologies, co-founded by UGA engineering graduates Garrett Stigall and Guy Gober, said that the win was a validating experience for a startup that launched its product S.A.M., an ultrasonic pool maintenance device, last summer from its headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
S.A.M. works as a chemical-and metal-fee alternative solution to prevent algae growth in pools, which costs the average pool owner $1,300 a year. This is important for customers looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to their maintenance care.
The judges on UGA’s campus were impressed by Stingall and Gober’s ability to show how the pitch prize money would help the business scale next.
Following the Venture Prize win, Stigall answered a few questions for Hypepotamus about the origin of the company, why their product is important, and what’s next for the Pool Protection team.
Here’s a look at Stigall’s Q&A:
Question: What brought you into the pool space?
Answer: My journey into the pool space goes way beyond my work as a pool technician. I grew up swimming in competitive summer leagues from a young age, and my passion for the water only deepened as I got older. I eventually returned to competitive swimming in high school, and my dedication paid off when I became the national champion in College Club Swimming for the 50-yard butterfly during my freshman year of college.
This background in competitive swimming gave me a unique perspective on pool care. I was always in and around pools, experiencing firsthand the importance of keeping them clean, safe, and properly maintained. As I started working as a pool technician at just 11 years old, I gained an understanding of the struggles that pool owners face—from equipment issues to chemical imbalances. This experience made me more passionate about finding better, more sustainable solutions for pool care.
When the 2021 chlorine shortage hit, I realized how dependent the industry was on chemicals, which sparked my desire to find an alternative. From there, I explored multiple solutions and eventually discovered the potential of ultrasonic technology to prevent algae growth in pools. This led me to develop S.A.M., an ultrasonic device that reduces chemical use and makes pool maintenance easier and more efficient.
Question: On a high level, why does ultrasonic technology work so well for pools? How is your technology different from what is current on the market?
Answer: Sound travels through water with ease due to water’s higher density compared to air, allowing sound waves to travel faster and more efficiently. When ultrasonic frequencies are emitted into the pool, the water’s properties help carry those sound waves throughout the entire pool. The pool walls act as natural reflectors, bouncing the sound waves back into the water, ensuring that every corner of the pool is exposed to the ultrasonic frequencies. This reflection and containment of sound within the pool’s structure ensure that even the farthest reaches of the pool receive the necessary ultrasonic treatment, preventing algae and microorganisms from thriving in any part of the water. This makes ultrasonic technology extremely effective for complete, all-encompassing pool maintenance.
S.A.M. stands out from current pool technologies because it’s the only ultrasonic device available, designed to float on the water’s surface and run on a battery, making it portable and easy to use without needing external power sources. Unlike other systems that require integration with pool plumbing or filtration, S.A.M. operates independently, and floats on the surface of residential pools This ensures that the entire pool receives treatment, even hard-to-reach areas, without relying on chemicals. S.A.M. is a sustainable, cost-effective, and simple solution for reducing chemical use and keeping pools cleaner more efficiently.
Question: How has it been building this type of company in Georgia? Have you found all the resources you need?
Answer: Building Pool Protection Technologies in Georgia has been an exciting journey, filled with both advantages and challenges. We’ve been fortunate to tap into several valuable entrepreneurial resources across the state. Here in Savannah, organizations like Creative Coast and the Chamber of Commerce have offered opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and access essential local business support. In Atlanta, the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) has provided us with additional resources, helping tech-driven companies like ours scale and innovate. Our start at the University of Georgia was pivotal; their entrepreneurship program offered us not only the chance to test ideas and gain mentorship from industry experts, but also provided funding to help us experiment with our product, without the major financial restraints that often hold back young companies. Since graduating, we’ve continued to benefit from various programs, including SCORE and ATDC, which have connected us with mentors and guided our growth.
However, as a consumer goods manufacturer and distributor, we’re somewhat of an oddity in Georgia, and we’ve found that the state’s resources aren’t always tailored to our unique needs, particularly when it comes to manufacturing. For instance, we use a marine coating on the exterior of our product to ensure it’s waterproof, but there are no local manufacturers in Georgia that provide this service, so we have to ship our units to Indianapolis for that treatment. Additionally, we are the only registered pool equipment manufacturer in the state, so we’ve had to build our own manufacturing network because the resources for this type of production just aren’t available locally. Despite these challenges, we’ve been able to lean on Georgia’s strong entrepreneurial community to help us grow and develop into a business that’s ready to expand both regionally and nationally.
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Photos provided by Pool Protection Technologies
