If you think “pool automation” just means turning on the lights from your phone, Latham is here to change your mind. From robots that weld with more precision than your uncle with a weekend welder, to smart pool systems that practically run themselves, Latham is diving headfirst into the automation wave—and making a splash on both the factory floor and in backyards across the country.
Robots, Welding, and a Lot Less Guesswork
At Latham’s Fort Wayne, Indiana facility, pool panels are no longer just bent, bolted, and welded by hand. Thanks to a partnership with KC Robotics and FANUC, a fleet of robotic arms now handles panel assembly with pinpoint accuracy. Six R-2000iC robots (and one beefier R-2000iC/210F for the heavy lifting) keep things moving with consistency that humans simply can’t match—even on their best Monday.
Bill Wentz of Latham put it simply: “The equipment has been reliable … freed up employees … keep costs low.” Translation? Fewer errors, faster output, and happier staff who no longer have to babysit every weld.
(Plus, if you’ve ever tried to weld steel panels in August heat, you’ll know automation might just be the unsung workplace MVP.)
AI in the Field: Measure by Latham Pools
Once the robots finish their part, another type of tech takes over—artificial intelligence. Latham teamed up with BrightAI to launch Measure by Latham Pools, a tool that uses LIDAR scanning and HD cameras to measure vinyl liners and safety covers with astonishing precision.
Dealers using Measure can create quotes up to 5x faster, with fewer measurement errors and smoother workflows. Instead of crawling around the pool with a tape measure like it’s 1999, one tech can now measure four or five liners in a single day. That’s efficiency you can literally measure.
Enter: The Attendant
While robots and AI are busy behind the scenes, homeowners get their own taste of automation with The Attendant, Latham’s smart pool ecosystem developed in partnership with Poolside Tech.
Think of it as the ultimate pool butler—except it won’t complain about overtime:
- Temperature & energy optimization based on weather patterns.
- Automated chemical dosing so water stays crystal clear.
- Spotify-integrated lighting and music, because every pool party needs a DJ.
- Water-level management, complete with leak alerts.
- Access modes (family, Airbnb, or “please don’t touch my pool while I’m on vacation” mode).
It’s cloud-based, smartphone-controlled, and designed for Latham fiberglass pools. Or, as Latham likes to put it: “Swim smarter, not harder.”
Why It Matters
For homeowners, the value is obvious: less hassle, lower costs, and more fun. For builders and dealers, tools like Measure and The Attendant speed up sales, reduce headaches, and ultimately give Latham a big competitive edge.
And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want a pool that adjusts its own temperature and calls you when it springs a leak?
Looking Forward
As smart homes become the norm, smart pools are following right behind. Latham plans to scale robotics to other facilities, expand Measure’s rollout, and keep enhancing The Attendant with new integrations and predictive insights.
From welding robots in Indiana to backyard AI across the nation, Latham’s automation strategy isn’t just about making pools—it’s about reimagining the entire experience of owning one.
So the next time someone asks you if a pool can really be “smart,” you can tell them: Smarter than your toaster, and way more fun.
Explore more about Latham’s automation and smart pool innovations here: Latham Pools
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