POOLCORP, the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies and equipment, is celebrating several major milestones in 2025—including its 30th anniversary as a publicly traded company. But despite decades of success, the company shows no signs of slowing down. To learn more about how POOLCORP is continuing to evolve while supporting both its customers and the broader industry, we spoke with Kendall Large, Vice President of Strategic Marketing.

A Year of Milestones for POOLCORP

For POOLCORP, 2025 isn’t just another year—it marks a series of significant anniversaries. “It’s our 44th year in business and our 30th anniversary as a public company,” said Large. “When I sit back and think about all we’ve accomplished since our humble beginnings in 1981 as South Central Pool Supply, it’s really astounding.”

POOLCORP has grown from a regional operation into a global distribution giant, with nearly 450 locations across the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Large attributes this growth to a customer-first strategy and a willingness to invest in people and infrastructure. “We’ve always aimed to be in the right market at the right time with the right product. And most importantly, it’s our people—over 6,000 employees, including the largest sales force in the industry—who make it happen.”

The Pinch A Penny Acquisition: Strategic Synergy

POOLCORP’s recent acquisition of Pinch A Penny, the country’s largest collection of independently owned pool and spa retail stores, is one of the company’s most impactful strategic moves. While some eyebrows were raised at the move, Large said it was a natural fit.

“Pinch A Penny is made up of independent franchise owners—retailers who can buy from anyone,” she explained. “The way our distribution brands SEP and Superior serve Pinch A Penny is exactly how we serve our independent pool customers: builders, service pros, and subcontractors. There was a lot of synergy already.”

POOLCORP not only gained a significant retail footprint with the acquisition but also inherited a proven model for consumer engagement and technology-driven retail operations. “What Pinch A Penny has perfected is the customer experience for the DIY pool owner. They’re celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, and they’ve built a strong playbook we can now help scale and share.”

Investing in Independent Retailers

That retail expertise has already made its way into POOLCORP’s broader efforts to support independent pool professionals. One major initiative is the company’s annual Retail Summit, which Large described as one of the most successful events POOLCORP has ever hosted.

“We brought together the best independent retailers, the top vendors, and our internal teams for three days of education, training, and innovation,” she said. “It’s all about creating an environment where retailers can learn, grow, and maximize their success heading into the season.”

The summit featured access to new products, special promotions, and hands-on training, all designed to give independent businesses a competitive edge. “This event is something I’m especially proud of,” said Large. “It’s how we help retailers thrive.”

Post-Pandemic Adaptation

Like every company in the pool industry, POOLCORP had to adjust during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. “I entered the industry in 2021, just as things were starting to stabilize,” said Large. “And to be honest, I had no idea what I was walking into. During the pandemic, it was all about moving product. Customer experience and education took a back seat.”

As demand normalized, however, the focus shifted back to service. “Now, the conversation isn’t just about getting any product—it’s about getting the right product. And our team’s experience plays a huge role in helping customers make the best choices,” she said.

POOLCORP has embraced tools like its Blue Streak service, which allows pool professionals to pick up materials without entering the building, improving turnaround times and streamlining the process. “We’ve invested heavily in operational efficiency. Speed at the counter is a key metric for us now—especially for the service pros who are trying to get in and out quickly.”

SWIMPACT: A Broader Mission

Perhaps one of POOLCORP’s most inspiring initiatives is its philanthropic arm, SWIMPACT. Initially focused on swim safety and education, the program has evolved into a broader community relief platform.

“SWIMPACT was originally created to help more kids and adults learn to swim,” said Large. “We partner with local YMCAs across the country and fund comprehensive swim lesson packages. We’re proud to have helped over 52,000 people learn to swim and trained more than 4,000 lifeguards.”

But after a series of recent natural disasters, including hurricanes in Florida and wildfires in California, the program’s scope has expanded. “Last year, I was personally affected by one of the recent hurricanes, and I witnessed firsthand the difference POOLCORP was able to make,” Large recalled. “We trucked in supplies, generators, satellite phones, and water. We even housed emergency responders at one of our facilities.”

This experience prompted the company to formalize disaster relief as part of SWIMPACT’s mission. When fires devastated parts of Southern California, POOLCORP donated $25,000 to the PHTA’s Step Into Swim Fire Relief Fund. “These types of disasters will unfortunately continue to happen, but we’re in a position to help—and we feel a responsibility to do so,” Large said.

Eyes on the Future

With momentum strong heading into 2025, POOLCORP is looking ahead with optimism and energy. One highlight on the horizon: ringing the bell at the NASDAQ in October to celebrate 30 years as a public company.

“We’re bringing the sales leaders who helped make it happen,” said Large. “They’re the ones who’ve led the teams, opened new locations, and driven growth.”

POOLCORP is also doubling down on education and empowerment through its Management in Training (MIT) program and continuing to develop marketing resources through its EDGE program. “Whether it’s national brands, tools to improve efficiency, or marketing support—everything we’re doing is centered on helping our customers succeed,” she said.

And while the company doesn’t always seek the spotlight, Large believes it’s worth acknowledging the scale and substance of POOLCORP’s efforts. “We don’t always make a big splash about ourselves, but when you take a step back and look at the impact we’re making—from customer support to community aid—it’s really something to be proud of.”

As the pool industry heads into another season, one thing is clear: POOLCORP isn’t just distributing product—they’re leading with purpose.

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Kendall Large, Vice President of Marketing with POOLCORP on the Pool Magazine Podcast.

In an industry where customers have long held the power of public review, a new platform is flipping the script—and service professionals are paying attention. Mike Meadows, a seasoned pool pro, has created something unique with CustomersKarma.com, a review site that allows contractors, service techs, and small business owners to rate and review their customers.

The concept sounds like something many service pros have only dared to dream about. And as Meadows explains, it was born out of necessity.

“We’d finish a job, walk the customer through everything, ask them if they were satisfied—and they’d say yes. Then when it came time to pay, it’s like the anchor dropped,” said Meadows. “It kept happening to me, and I’d hear it from other guys too. We’re putting in the work, sometimes even fronting parts and equipment out of our own pocket, and then fighting to get paid.”

This Review Site Lets Pool Contractors Rate Their Customers

The idea behind Customers Karma is simple: give service professionals a platform for risk assessment, much like credit agencies, medical records, or FICO scores give businesses a clearer picture of consumers. Meadows, who has prior experience in mortgage and auto sales, says those industries have long used data to evaluate who they’re working with.

“They run your FICO score. If it’s low, they know you’re gonna be harder to work with, so they factor that in. But pool guys? We get nothing. No warning,” Meadows explained. “You can be the nicest person on the phone for two minutes and still leave your last pool guy with an unpaid balance and ghost them the next minute.”

Meadows’ review site aims to change all that. Service providers can log on, create a profile for a customer’s address, and leave feedback—positive or negative—based on their experience. It’s free to use for now (though Meadows is considering a $15 annual fee), and reviews can be anonymous, allowing professionals to post without fear of direct retaliation.

How It Works

When a user logs into Customers Karma, they input the customer’s address, which generates a template for that home. Google pulls an image of the house, and from there, the professional can rate the customer and describe their experience. While some have concerns about privacy, Meadows was quick to point out that all reviews are tied to publicly available information—name and address only—and that users are encouraged to focus on verifiable claims.

“We’re not posting social security numbers. We’re not leaking credit card info,” said Meadows. “We’re just posting real, firsthand experiences. ‘I did the work and didn’t get paid.’ That’s all it takes to warn the next guy.”

The question that hit Meadows hardest, and ultimately defined the purpose of the platform, came from one particularly bad review:

“Would you do work for this customer?”

That question, he says, is the cornerstone of the entire platform.

Not Just for Rants—Positive Reviews Welcome

While many people assume a platform like this would become a dumping ground for gripes, Meadows says the opposite is starting to happen.

“We’re seeing more and more five-star reviews,” he noted. “Guys are leaving notes like, ‘I’ve worked with this customer for eight years—always pays on time, great to deal with.’ It’s not just about warning people—it’s also about lifting up the good ones.”

To add an additional layer of protection and context, reviews are tied to addresses—not searchable by customer name or by city-wide queries. You have to know the specific address you’re looking up.

“That was intentional,” said Meadows. “We didn’t want it to be a witch hunt. You’re not going to just browse for dirt. You look up an address you’re about to service, and you see if there’s a pattern.”

Real-World Scenarios

From pool service techs to HVAC installers and pest control pros, users of the platform come from various home service industries. But the strongest adoption by far has been from pool professionals.

“There’s a review from a guy who installed a part, got paid, and a few days later the customer said, ‘I found it cheaper online, pulled it out, and now you owe me a refund,’” Meadows said. “That stuff happens more often than people realize. This gives us a way to warn others.”

He also shared another example where he completed a heater install for a customer in Beverly Hills. Despite saving the client money and completing the job to spec, he spent 24 hours fighting to get paid.

“It was a nightmare,” he said. “I kept asking myself—do I leave a review or let the next guy walk into the same trap?”

Addressing Privacy and Legal Concerns

Naturally, the platform raises questions about legal liability and defamation. Can posting a negative review expose service professionals to lawsuits?

Meadows says he’s consulted with several attorneys, and the consensus is if what you post is true, the law tends to be on your side.

“One lawyer told me, ‘You can sue anyone for anything. But imagine standing in front of a judge and saying this guy posted I didn’t pay him. The first question the judge is gonna ask is: did you pay him?’”

Meadows stresses the importance of keeping reviews factual and avoiding personal attacks.

“Don’t call someone a criminal or say anything you can’t back up. Just tell the truth. I did the work, I wasn’t paid. That’s your protection.”

While the idea of reviewing customers might make some professionals nervous, the platform offers anonymity for those who prefer it. Meadows notes that while most reviews are tied to a business name, the option to post anonymously helps mitigate personal risk.

Risk vs. Retribution

While CustomersKarma.com presents an intriguing shift in the contractor-customer dynamic, it hasn’t come without its share of controversy. Some industry professionals have voiced concerns about privacy, questioning whether posting about clients—especially when tied to a specific address—could open the door to backlash or legal disputes. Customers who stumble upon a negative review about themselves might feel unfairly judged or even retaliate with legal threats. That said, the option to post anonymously offers some protection for service providers, allowing them to share their experiences without revealing their identities. Site creator Mike Meadows, a staunch supporter of the First Amendment, is unapologetic about allowing users to speak their truth. As he put it, “You’re providing true and accurate details… This is my experience with that person.”

Whether Customers Karma is a good idea depends largely on how it’s used. In theory, it’s a valuable tool—especially in industries where contractors have traditionally had little recourse to flag problematic customers. If used responsibly, it could create a fairer, more transparent system where both sides of the service equation are held accountable. But if abused, it could become a digital airing of grievances that undermines professionalism. The real promise of this platform lies in its potential to foster better communication and trust—if users stay focused on facts and avoid personal attacks. As with any new tool, its value will ultimately be determined by the integrity of the people using it.

Piru CA, May 5th, 2025 – United Chemical, a well-known manufacturer in the pool industry, has begun a study for the US EPA regarding potential bromate formation from sodium bromide use in outdoor pools. United Chemical has constructed eight (8) above-ground test pools at its facility, which will test for bromate under several common use cases for sodium bromide over the coming summer.

In 2021, the US EPA made an interim decision regarding using bromine-containing compounds in outdoor pools due to the potential for bromate to form as a byproduct. The decision was made to add the statement “Not for use in outdoor pools” to all registered bromine sanitizers. Algaecides containing sodium bromide were also included in the decision. The agency cited a lack of data on whether bromate would form under typical outdoor pool use as the rationale behind the decision. Bromate is classified as a probable human carcinogen based on studies of bromate ingestion in mice that led to renal tumors. The required label changes will appear across the industry later this year.

“While there’s indirect evidence to suggest that bromate is unlikely to form in swimming pools, it was important to test that hypothesis – both to provide the agency and industry with data it lacked, as well as for our own peace of mind,” says Scott Hamilton, CEO of United Chemical and son of founder Jock Hamilton. “My father introduced sodium bromide to the industry through Yellow Treat in the early 1980s. Although we feel confident based on existing evidence that bromate doesn’t form from sodium bromide under typical use in outdoor pools, we felt it was our responsibility to invest in performing the study.” 

United Chemical invested over $50,000 to construct the outdoor pools and provide on-site testing equipment to log sample data. Samples under various conditions will be sent to Eurofin, a highly respected laboratory well-regarded by the US EPA. Eurofin will use ion chromatography, considered the gold standard for bromate detection, to test for bromate concentrations. The testing is estimated to cost over $20,000 for the study.

“While most people know us through our algaecides like Yellow Treat® and No Mor Problems®, we consider ourselves a science company first. My dad built the company on teaching chemistry to the industry. That’s why we will publish all the raw data we collect to the industry. It’s important that this study is as transparent and rigorous as possible,” says Scott. “It’s our scientific and ethical duty.”

About United Chemical

United Chemical was founded in 1971 by Jock Hamilton and makes specialty pool products. They’re most well-known for their line of algaecides that utilize sodium bromide. Jock Hamilton was widely recognized as an expert in water chemistry in the industry, including creating the Hamilton Index which was the first index made explicitly for pools. Many of his insights significantly influenced the balancing recommendations of the pool industry. He passed away in 2002.

You can read more about the EPA decisions and United Chemical’s study on their website here: https://www.unitedchemical.com/pool-business/is-sodium-bromide-banned/

For more information, please contact Scott Hamilton at (805)521-1011 or [email protected]