Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Announces 2024 Greg Garrett Scholarship Award Winners

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, has awarded the 2024 Greg Garrett Scholarship to Matthew Ryther, Service Manager at Acqua Pura Pool Service Inc., and Jeff Johnson, President of Midwest Pools LLC. The winners were honored during an awards ceremony at the 2025 World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC) in Atlantic City, NJ, on January 28, 2025.

Given in the memory of Greg Garrett, who dedicated 45 years to the pool and hot tub industry and served in many leadership roles, this $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually by the PHTA Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee (RWAQC) to PHTA members in the builder or service sector. The scholarship funds may be used towards PHTA educational or certification fees to increase professionalism and provide an opportunity for continuing education. Thanks to a matching sponsorship from Periodic Products, Inc., two winners were recognized this year.

Ryther, who received the scholarship sponsored by Periodic Products, Inc., has been heavily involved in PHTA for more than five years. He has earned several professional certifications, including Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO), Certified Service Technician (CST), and Certified Advanced Pool Builder Professional (ACBP). He also serves as a volunteer on the PHTA Service Council as well as the PHTA-11 Standard Writing Committee to develop the national standard on water quality in public pools and spas. 

Described as thoughtful, responsible, self-motivated, and a problem solver, Ryther’s commitment to continuing education has impressed his clients and made him an invaluable resource at Acqua Pura Pool Service and beyond.

Ryther plans to use this $5,000 scholarship towards the two GENESIS pool design courses he needs to complete in order to earn his Certified Expert Pool Builder & Design Professional (ECBP) certification.

Johnson, who received the scholarship sponsored by PHTA, has a passion for learning more about the pool industry—a passion that he shares with his staff at Midwest Pools. Johnson serves as a helpful mentor, role model, and advocate for those new to the industry and is always willing to share his knowledge.

He is known by his colleagues and clients as mature, adaptable, dedicated, and a go-getter who makes things happen. Johnson has already expanded his business from aboveground pool installation to custom concrete pool construction and design, and he is planning to expand into pool service and maintenance as well.

Johnson recently became a Certified Master Pool Builder & Design Professional (MCBP) and will use this scholarship to complete additional PHTA and GENESIS® courses to deepen his industry knowledge.

For more information about the Greg Garrett Scholarship Award, please visit https://phta.org/garrett-award or contact Amy Willer, PHTA’s Director of Content and Communications, at [email protected] or 703-838-0083, ext. 121.