“The Future of the Swimming Pool Sector Is Shaped by Education, Sustainability and Cooperation”
APP (Associação Portuguesa de Profissionais de Piscinas), the umbrella organisation of the Portuguese swimming pool sector, has drawn attention in recent years through its active role in promoting quality, sustainability, education and standardisation across the industry. We spoke with APP President João Couchinho about the Association’s long-term vision, its work in the fields of regulation and training, its perspective on digitalisation, and the shared dynamics between the Portuguese and Turkish swimming pool markets. Couchinho emphasises that the future of the sector will be shaped by a qualified workforce, responsible innovation and international cooperation.
According to Couchinho, APP’s core mission is “to create a structure that brings sector professionals together, encourages knowledge sharing and raises quality standards.” The Association represents a broad range of stakeholders — from manufacturers and installers to distributors and maintenance companies — with the aim of ensuring a stronger, more unified presence of the sector in dialogue with public authorities.
The President places particular emphasis on education and professional qualification. Stressing that the future of the sector depends on well-trained professionals, Couchinho explains that APP’s long-term objective is the formal recognition of the Swimming Pool Technician profession and the establishment of a clear, structured and sector-recognised education and certification pathway. In this context, the training programmes developed by APP are designed not only to transfer technical knowledge, but also to foster a shared culture of quality within the sector.
Sustainability is another key theme highlighted in the President’s remarks. Pointing to the growing importance of water and energy consumption, Couchinho underlines that “sustainable practices are no longer an option, but a necessity.” Tools such as the Swimming Pool Consumption Simulator developed by APP, he notes, help professionals make more informed decisions and allow efficiency to be assessed in measurable terms.
With regard to regulation and standards, Couchinho explains that APP positions itself not as a supervisory body, but as a source of guidance for the sector. While the existing legal framework in Portugal remains limited, he stresses that European technical standards and best practices constitute an essential reference for professionals. In this sense, the Association seeks to guide its members towards the correct interpretation and application of these requirements.
APP’s approach to digitalisation and smart technologies can be described as cautiously optimistic. Couchinho acknowledges that automation and digital systems offer significant advantages for pool operation and management, while also warning that such technologies may entail risks if not supported by adequate training and technical expertise.
Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, the APP President notes that the development of the sector cannot be addressed solely within national borders. Through its active involvement in international organisations such as EUSA and WAPSA, APP aims to strengthen knowledge exchange and professional dialogue. Couchinho also points out that tourism-oriented markets such as Portugal and Turkey share similar needs and challenges.
Couchinho concludes with the following statement:
“The future of the swimming pool sector depends on the qualification of professionals, the adoption of sustainable practices, responsible innovation, and cooperation at both national and international levels.” He affirms that APP will continue to play an active role in advancing these priorities in the years ahead.
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