Pool Protection Technologies, a dynamic startup based in Athens, Georgia, is making waves in the pool industry with its innovative approach to algae prevention. Co-founded by Garrett Stigall, a former pool maintenance professional turned engineer, the company has introduced the Sound Amplifying Machine—better known as S.A.M. This new pool maintenance device leverages sound technology to tackle a persistent problem in the pool industry: algae growth.
The Story Behind Pool Protection Technologies
Garrett Stigall’s journey into the pool industry began early. “Ever since I was 11, I was cleaning pools in my neighborhood,” Stigall shared. His hands-on experience continued through high school, fostering a deep understanding of pool maintenance and its challenges. After pursuing a civil engineering degree in college, Stigall felt a pull back to his roots. “I realized I could use my engineering expertise to help the pool industry in ways that hadn’t been seen before.”
This vision led to the creation of Pool Protection Technologies. Recognizing a lack of innovation in the pool space, Stigall and co-founder Guy Gober sought to develop solutions that prioritized sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Their mission culminated in the development of S.A.M., an award-winning device designed to reduce chemical dependency in pools.
What is S.A.M.?
S.A.M. is a compact, basketball-sized device that employs ultrasonic sound waves to prevent algae growth in pools. While sound-based technology has been used in large-scale water reservoirs to manage algae and biofilm, Stigall and his team adapted the concept for residential and commercial pools. “If it can be done in a huge body of water, why can’t it be done in a small body of water like a pool?” Stigall questioned.
Reservoirs and large lakes have utilized sound wave technology for years to combat algae and biofilm buildup, often employing massive equipment. Stigall’s team recognized the potential to miniaturize this technology for backyard pools. “The systems used in reservoirs are massive,” Stigall explained. “We had to condense that into something compact and practical for backyard pools.”
After years of research and development, the team engineered a device that effectively reduces algae growth without relying on chemicals. The product’s small size and solar-powered design make it both efficient and sustainable.
How Does S.A.M. Work?
S.A.M. operates using ultrasonic sound waves that target algae at a cellular level. “We send out sound waves that match the cell size of the algae we’re targeting,” Stigall explained. Algae cells exposed to these sound waves cannot reproduce, leading to their eventual demise. The device emits a variety of sound wave frequencies to address the thousands of algae species found in pools.
By preventing algae growth, S.A.M. significantly reduces the demand for chlorine and other chemicals. “Most of our pool owners have gone from adding chlorine two to three times a week to just once every other week,” Stigall noted. This reduction not only saves money but also extends the lifespan of pool equipment and liners.
The Impact on Pool Owners
Since its rollout in 2023, S.A.M. has demonstrated impressive results. According to data collected from pool owners in Georgia, the device reduces chemical usage by 30 to 70%, saving pool owners up to $1,300 annually. “As chlorine prices continue to rise, these savings become even more significant,” Stigall emphasized.
Beyond financial benefits, S.A.M. offers environmental advantages. “When we backwash pools, chemically treated water often ends up in the environment,” Stigall explained. “By reducing chemical usage, we’re minimizing this impact. One of our customers saw grass regrow in an adjacent field where their backwash water drained.”
Additionally, reducing chemical usage helps address long-standing environmental concerns associated with pool maintenance. Chlorine and other chemicals, when backwashed, often flow into nearby ecosystems, potentially harming plants and wildlife. With S.A.M., the need for such high levels of chemicals diminishes, leading to a more eco-friendly pool management process. “It’s about making those small changes that add up over time,” Stigall said.
The long-term impact extends beyond the immediate environment. For pool owners who maintain their pools year-round, reduced chemical usage means less wear and tear on pool equipment. Filters and liners last longer when exposed to fewer chemicals, translating into lower maintenance costs over time.
The Engineering Journey
Developing S.A.M. was no easy feat. Stigall’s background in civil engineering didn’t directly align with the intricacies of designing a mechanical device that uses sound waves. “I had to step outside my comfort zone,” he admitted. “We spent countless hours researching sound technology and consulting with experts in related fields.”
Miniaturizing existing technology was a critical part of the process. Reservoir systems rely on large, meter-sized equipment powered by industrial-grade batteries. “We had to engineer that down to a basketball-sized device powered by a 12-volt battery,” Stigall explained. This involved refining components and ensuring that the device could operate efficiently in a residential setting.
To make S.A.M. even more efficient, the team incorporated a solar panel into its design. This feature allows the device to operate sustainably, reducing its reliance on external power sources. “Sustainability is at the core of what we do,” Stigall emphasized. “Every aspect of S.A.M. is designed with the environment in mind.”
Recognition and Growth
The innovative design and effectiveness of S.A.M. have not gone unnoticed. Pool Protection Technologies earned the Audience Choice Award and the Grand Prize at the Columbus Biz Pitch competition, as well as the $10,000 Grand Prize winner of the University of Georgia’s FABricate Entrepreneurial Initiative. “These accolades validate our efforts and inspire us to keep improving,” said Stigall.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its reach within the pool industry. “In 2025, we’ll be attending industry-specific trade shows to introduce S.A.M. to a wider audience,” Stigall revealed. Participation in these events is expected to help the company gain traction among pool professionals and homeowners alike.
A Sustainable Future for Pools
At its core, Pool Protection Technologies aims to revolutionize pool maintenance with sustainable solutions. S.A.M.’s solar-powered design and chemical-reduction capabilities align with this mission. “Even small changes can make a big difference,” Stigall said, reflecting on the environmental benefits of their product.
For entrepreneurs aspiring to enter the pool industry, Stigall offers this advice: “Know your customers and their pain points. Talk to them, understand their challenges, and design solutions that address those needs.” His hands-on approach, which involved speaking directly with hundreds of pool owners, underscores the importance of understanding customer needs before bringing a product to market.
While it’s too early to declare S.A.M. a game-changer, it is certainly on our list of new products to watch. The approach taken by Pool Protection Technologies is encouraging, showing how startups can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to long-standing challenges in pool maintenance.
Ready to take a deeper dive and learn more about S.A.M.? Listen to our entire conversation, co-founder of Pool Protection Technologies, on the Pool Magazine Podcast.
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