Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Pools Installation: Growth of Pool and Spa Business despite the Pandemic
Pool and spa business is prospering amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Summer is approaching, and consumers want to enjoy an exquisite backyard pool installation
Reports indicate that the pool and spa business is prospering amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Summer is approaching, and consumers want to enjoy an exquisite backyard pool installation experience in their staycation. Consumers demand on pool maintenance products and services, pool renovations, new structures is on the rise. Social distancing rules affected so many businesses in their sales, but not all industries felt the wrath. The pool and spa industry survived the heat due to the following factors;
1. New pool installation
The demand is high because it is the only option to enjoy summer. Most clients are contacting contractors to have pools installed in their backyard.
2. Existing pools
Homeowners want to bring the summer experience closer by improving their backyard experience. This is because they have to stay indoors and have no other option. Maintaining their pool throughout summer created a niche that the professionals in this industry took advantage of.
High loan application demands
Sarah Bess, the marketing director of Lyon Financial, specializing in loans for outdoor improvements, focusing on the pool, admits to the increase in business sales during this time. She adds that they expected a 20% increase in their sales this year. Then in March, the outbreak happened to create a lot of uncertainties and confusion. The sales went down for a short period, and it was discouraging. In April, there was a sudden and unbelievable rise in sales. The customer demand was too high, and the company was making good proceeds. This situation required that they add 10–15 employees to meet the customers’ demand.
If the sales happen to decrease in June or July, it still won’t take them back to where they were. The increase came about by the idea that clients have an exceptional backyard. It is not all about the pools, but the outdoor experience. Other industries that deal with the construction of the outdoor kitchen, covered porches, gazebos, etc., recorded a great increase in sales. Customers want to invest in their backyard pool installation for summer as well as for future security.
Safety precautions and retail businesses
The health crisis affected retail businesses. This is because of the social distancing rule, and clients find it hard to go to the stores to buy goods. Some retail stores adjusted to the situation to ensure they maximize their sales. They adopted methods such as delivery & curbside pick up. Companies such as Aqua Tech in Winnipeg, Manitoba, dismiss claims of the effects on retails stalls. For them, they adopted the use of contactless water testing. It is advantageous because they can still stay indoors, manage time, and it’s effective for clients. They hope to continue with these services even after the pandemic. Aqua tech, now offers services like chemical only pool maintenance & water sample pick up for those unable to go to the stores. They are dealing with the situation in ways that are appealing to the customer. The crisis was a concern, but they have managed to keep up with the sales. Previously, they only received 2-3 calls a day, now they receive 5-10 calls in an hour. Additionally, the employees have had to organize themselves effectively.
Economic achievements
Richard’s Total Backyard in Houston, Texas, set a new financial record in April. It is now a trend in all these outdoor products industries. Cristina Nikolov, a social media marketing manager, recalls a company meeting held at the beginning of March. They had lost hope there would be anyone willing to contract with them at this time. She even told the staff members that they should prepare for bad times.
Then came the Easter Weekend, and the flow of work was unexpected. It was a hectic month for the company, and she would now ask designers to be fast so that they can meet all the clients. Julie Richard, the Vice President, said that the surge was a result of the client’s mindset. No one is certain about the future or when the lockdown will come to an end. This uncertainty has had clients opt to improve their backyards so that whatever happens, they can still enjoy their time from the luxuries of their own home. Employees and designers have had to work overtime to manage all the clients. The month of April is the best financial year in the Companies history. It is not only pools that are marketable, but also hot tubs. For Richard, he just put up a message to reach out to clients that they can have their hot tubs installed and enjoy their stay at home. That opened up a big business opportunity for the company. Crews are sent daily to install hot tubs or renovate them for their clients on weekends to reduce the workload.
Construction
The government has been supportive of this course of a backyard experience. Many companies have earned a good sum during this time because the government has allowed them to maintain their operations.The owner of Berggren’s Backyard Oasis Pool Construction in Wenatchee, Micheal Berggren, also experienced the same surge in his business.
The governor of his state realizes the importance of pools in summer and can carry out their business with support from the state. They were able to do four times what they do in a year in equipment sets and cover replacement. He, however, still hopes that things will return to normal because of a few strains caused by the changes. They have to get frequent permission from the state authorities and following up with all the safety measures. He does appreciate this time as well, that was a boost to his business. He notes that the most important thing is that people get paid their salaries to feed their families.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Darlly Filtration Partners With The Grit Game on Private Label Pool Filters
DAVENPORT, Fla., Darlly Filtration, one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world and a private label supplier to well-known names in pool and spa, has partnered with The Grit Game (TGG) to represent its pool and spa filtration line across seven states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
A filter program with the dealer’s name on it
For most pool stores, the replacement cartridge is the most shoppable item on the shelf. A customer brings in a dirty filter, the counter team identifies it, and the customer finds the same part number online before reaching the parking lot.
Darlly’s private label program is built to close that gap:
- Private label at no upcharge. The dealer’s logo goes on the cartridge label for the same price as a Darlly labeled filter.
- Custom part numbers. Dealers can assign their own part numbers, so the filter on their shelf is not a line-for-line price comparison online.
- No order minimums. No minimums on orders or on private label, so a dealer can start with their two or three highest-volume SKUs.
- Same ship timeline. Product is labeled when the order is picked, so private label ships as fast as stocked product.
“Every pool store we walk into has the same story. Their team does the work of identifying a filter, and the sale walks out the door to an online seller. Darlly gives dealers a real answer to that: their own name and their own part number on a cartridge built to the original spec, with no upcharge and no minimums. That is the kind of line we want to put in front of pool professionals, because it helps them run a better business,” Laci Davis, Co-Founder and CEO, The Grit Game.
Built to the spec of the original cartridge
Every Darlly pleated cartridge is built to the specification of the original equipment cartridge, with:
- Single-layer tri-lobal spun bonded polyester media that resists chlorine and bromine
- An ABS injection molded center core made with NSF certified material
- Reinforced end caps with screen mesh molded in during production
- Pleat bands for pleat stability
- A screw thread guaranteed for life
What the partnership means across the seven states
TGG’s reps will work with pool professionals market by market, starting with the filters each account moves most.
- Florida. A cartridge-heavy market where price pressure is constant. The focus is private label and custom part numbers that take the price comparison off the table.
- Texas and Louisiana. Larger filters are the norm. Reps will cross-reference the large Hayward, Pentair, Jandy and Waterway cartridge sets that dominate the region.
- Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi. Wide-open ground where D.E. filtration is still common, making universal grid kits a simple, single-line-item add alongside cartridges.
“Darlly Filtration is excited to partner with The Grit Game. The professionalism, integrity and high standards of The Grit Game Team embody what Darlly stands for,” Brad Schneider, Director of U.S. Sales Pool & Spa Division.
Pool builders, service route companies and retail store owners interested in a Darlly private label program can contact their The Grit Game rep here.
About Darlly Filtration
Hangzhou Darlly Filtration has manufactured filter cartridges for more than 25 years and is one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world, producing more than 35 million filters a year for customers in over 100 countries. Beyond pool and spa, Darlly serves the biopharmaceutical, microelectronics, medical, food and beverage, petrochemical and drinking water industries. Darlly is an OEM and private label supplier to established brands in the pool and spa industry and offers more than 600 replacement cartridge part numbers, universal D.E. grids and filtration systems. US operations run from warehouses in Ontario, California and Loveland, Colorado. Learn more at darllyfilter.com.
About The Grit Game
The Grit Game is an award-winning manufacturer rep firm and marketing agency serving the pool, spa and backyard industry across the United States and Canada. Founded in 2023 by Laci Davis and Johnny Davis, TGG works on an “education before transaction” model, connecting a vetted line of manufacturer partners with the pool professionals who build, service and sell to backyard owners. TGG was named Pool Nation Sales Rep Group of the Year in 2024. Learn more at thegritgame.com.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
King Technology Opens $17M Manufacturing and Distribution Center
ST. PETERS, MO, September 29, 2026 – King Technology, a leading innovator in hot tub, swim spa and pool water care, and sanitization systems, has opened a new centralized manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution center in St. Peters, Missouri. The company is investing at least $17 million in the facility, which is expected to ultimately employ 40 workers in the next three years.
“King Technology’s investment of more than $17 million in a new manufacturing and distribution facility in St. Peters is another testament to Missouri’s strong business climate, skilled workforce, and central location,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “We’re proud to welcome King Technology and look forward to seeing this family-owned company grow, create jobs, and succeed in the Show-Me State for generations to come.”
The 208,000-square-foot facility – located in the Lakeside Logistics Center in St. Peters – will enable King Technology to provide efficient world-class service to hundreds of distributors and dealers across the United States.
“Our new facility in St. Charles County is a milestone for our company’s long-term growth strategy,” said Michael Noer, President and CEO of King Technology. “The region’s commitment to growing businesses and its strong sense of faith, family, and community reflect the same values behind King Technology’s purpose to ‘Enrich Lives Daily.’”
King Technology is best known by thousands of hot tub and swimming pool owners for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use recreational water care products with patented mineral technology that keeps water crystal clear for in-ground and above-ground pools, swim spas, and hot tubs, while using significantly less chlorine. King Technology also introduced its New Water brand of products this year for mass retail across the U.S.
A third-generation, family-owned company for nearly half a century, King Technology will maintain its headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota. “King Technology’s decision to choose St. Peters for their new distribution center reflects our region’s clear strengths and our commitment to bringing new employers and new jobs to our region,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “Greater St. Louis, Inc. was proud to support King Technology’s first-ever expansion, and we look forward to watching them grow and thrive in St. Peters.”
King Technology worked alongside Missouri state and local partners to determine and invest in its second location, including Ameren, the City of St. Peters, the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, Greater St. Louis, Inc., Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership, and Spire.
A ribbon cutting and celebration was held on September 29, 2026, with participation by St. Peters, Missouri Mayor Len Pagano and Missouri Governor Michael Kehoe (pictured).
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
“For nearly half a century, this third-generation, family-owned company has built a legacy of innovation, growth, and commitment to its customers,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “We’re proud King Technology has chosen Missouri for this significant investment and look forward to supporting its continued success as it creates new opportunities for Missourians to prosper in the St. Louis region.”
“We’re so excited to be welcoming King Technology to our FasTrac family,” said St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano. “I’m so proud of our FasTrac economic development team, working with our partners at the local and State of Missouri level to help King Technology expand to our region. We look forward to working with King Technology and watching them grow into the future!”
“King Technology’s expansion into St. Peters reflects the continued strength of St. Charles County as a place where manufacturers can grow, invest, and thrive,” said Scott Drachnik, President & CEO of the Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County. “We are grateful for the trust they have shown in our community and look forward to their continued success.”
“King Technology’s investment in St. Peters reflects what companies continue to find across Missouri: a strategic location, strong infrastructure, and a business climate that supports long-term growth,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “This project strengthens Missouri’s advanced manufacturing footprint, creates new opportunities for Missourians, and reinforces the state’s position as a premier destination for companies serving customers across the nation.”
ABOUT KING TECHNOLOGY
King Technology, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned water care company founded in 1978 by Lloyd King and Joe King. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, the company is a market leader in hot tub and swim spa water care and a leading innovator in pool water care. King Technology is best known for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use water care products, which use patented mineral technology to keep water clear while requiring significantly less chlorine. The company’s mission is to Enrich Lives Daily. For more information, visit kingtechnology.com.
JED Pool Tools, US manufacturer and distributor of swimming pool and spa maintenance equipment, offers a new Pro 14” Pool Vacuum with a swivel-plastic handle for cleaning both residential and commercial swimming pools. This vac head is heavy weight and designed to make it easy to clean corners and steps. Made to handle the cleaning of any size swimming pool with durable construction. Easily maneuverable vacuum head has 360-degree swivel connector that ends aggravating hose tangling. Adapted for both 1-1/2” and 1-1/4” hose sizes. Proudly made by JED in Pennsylvania, USA.
www.JEDPoolTools.com
570-344-4137
Old Forge, PA
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