Pool News
Pool Suppliers Revenue Way Up During Year 2 of Covid

Recently, there has been a surge in demand for pool services, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, pool suppliers and contractors continue to earn higher profits and revenues. One of the companies that greatly benefited from the increased demand is Pool Corp. Pool Corp (POOL) is a company that distributes pool equipment, among other supplies. The Louisiana-based company has experienced a significant rise in its market share this year.
Metric | Q2 2020 Result | Wall Street’s Q2 2021 Consensus Estimate | Wall Street’s Projected Change |
---|---|---|---|
Revenue | $1.28 billion | $1.73 billion | 35% |
Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) | $3.87 | $5.48 | 42% |

Increase in pool suppliers revenue due to pool demand
Pool Corp is, however, not the only company that is benefiting from this increased demand. Many pool companies have grown tremendously over the past year. This is because more homeowners were looking for ways to spice up their backyards amid the covid-19 movement restrictions. And this explains the reason for the high demand for pool services.
Remember, the global pandemic forced homeowners to enjoy their indoor/outdoor spaces. Consequently, the majority of individuals became more willing to spend on upgrading their outdoor spaces. In fact, statistics show that the number of inground pools built last year rose by 21% from 2019. In addition, according to MarketWatch, permits in warmer states like Florida rose by 30%.
There has never been such an abrupt and tremendous growth in the pool industry. 2020 was undoubtedly an industry changer for us. The last time the pool industry experienced such growth was in 1983, and it wasn’t this much.
PHTA spokesperson Janay Rickwalder
Make your money work for you
The increased demand was good for most pool distributors and suppliers like Pool Corp. Pool companies saw a tremendous increase in their revenues and profits. In particular, Pool Corp’s earnings tripled. On the other hand, another pool supply company, Leslie’s, saw a 52% increase in sales last year.
Owner of Budd’s Pools & Spas, Randy Budd, says, “We have never seen such demand for our pool construction services as we did last year.”
Demand for Pool costruction and services
Nonetheless, it is essential to note that the pandemic is not the only reason for the surge in demand for pool services. According to the Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC), the demand for pool construction services has also risen because more Americans are moving to warmer regions and urban areas.
Although pool suppliers have greatly benefited from the high demand for pool services, they are experiencing a major problem; fewer swimming pool supplies. Currently, there are less swimming pool supplies like chlorine. Remember, the primary chlorine tablet manufacturer experienced great loss from the fire in Louisiana. Thus, it is hard to find chlorine tablets. And it forces pool suppliers to raise their chlorine tablet prices since the demand is still high.
Budd says, “There is a shortage of almost all pool supplies in the industry; the demand is constantly rising.”
Some pool suppliers like St. Cyr Pool & Spa in Middleton, Mass, have increased their chlorine prices by 50%. So, pool experts are now advising pool owners to consider using other pool sanitation systems. Examples of these sanitation systems include UV and Ozone systems.
Chad Moentenich, Showroom manager at Prestige Pools & Spas, says that they have never received a lot of calls like this year. He says, “Homeowners are looking for all kinds of features to make their yards more functional. Spas, hot tubs, aboveground pools, inground pools are therefore in high demand at the moment.
Chad says that it often takes roughly six to eight months to complete building an inground pool. But pool professionals can no longer deliver within this construction period. Pool construction is now taking longer since pool contractors are extremely busy.
Increased revenue in the pool industry
At the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, pool industry veterans were afraid that business would go down. This was because of the recession that went down in 2008. Fortunately, this incidence did not reoccur last year. In fact, businesses became bigger and better. Most people are now working from home. So, they are looking for different ways to make their stay worthwhile.
Furthermore, since individuals couldn’t go for their yearly vacations anymore, they sought to create mini staycations in their yards. Besides, adding a pool to your yard helps you keep your children occupied throughout the entire summer. Nevertheless, swimming pools are currently getting reopened. But this is not expected to tamper with the increased demand for pool services.
Pool Maintenance
NJ Municipal Workers Accused of Stealing Pool Chemicals For Their Own Business
Four New Jersey municipal workers are accused of stealing pool chemicals and overbilling for certifications.

In a case that’s sending shockwaves through both municipal government and the pool service world, four employees from the Secaucus Recreation Department are facing serious charges for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in pool chemicals from a public facility to support their private pool maintenance operation.
Four Accused of Stealing Pool Chemicals For Their Own Pool Service Business
According to Secaucus police, the group—comprised of John T. Schwartz, 61; Joseph Ferrara, 27; Frank N. Flanagan, 32; and Megan R. Wofsy-Flanagan, 31—used their town positions to boost their side business, Crystal Clear Pool and Spa Management, at the expense of local taxpayers.
Authorities allege that the four were routinely stealing pool chemicals from the Secaucus Swim Center during and after their scheduled shifts. The materials, intended to maintain public pools, were instead redirected to private customer accounts across Hudson, Bergen, Morris, and Somerset counties. In many cases, Crystal Clear billed its clients for the stolen chemicals, turning a profit while drawing down town inventory. Investigators also revealed that town-owned vehicles were sometimes used to make service calls, further blurring the line between public duty and private enterprise.
But the alleged scheme didn’t stop at chemical theft.

Accusations of Double Billing For Certification Fees
Crystal Clear also operated lifeguard certification courses—a business that overlapped with the employees’ municipal duties. As part of their town roles, some of the suspects were responsible for certifying lifeguards at the Secaucus Swim Center. Investigators allege that Crystal Clear charged trainees a fee for the classes while simultaneously billing the town for the same certifications. Instructors, who were already on the town payroll, were sometimes double-dipping—getting paid by the town while Crystal collected course fees from the participants.
Adding to the concerns, the certification classes were often held inside the Secaucus Recreation Center, but Crystal Clear reportedly never paid for use of the facility. Police say most of the lifeguard classes were led by Megan Wofsy-Flanagan, who also happened to serve as the town’s head lifeguard.
Each of the four suspects held key roles in the department: Schwartz was the manager of recreation facilities; Flanagan oversaw special events and pool maintenance; Ferrara worked as the assistant manager of the town pool; and Wofsy-Flanagan led lifeguard operations. Their intertwined municipal and business responsibilities gave them access—and, allegedly, a cover—for what investigators describe as a wide-ranging scheme to misuse town resources.
Investigators Were Tipped Off
The investigation began back in March when a concerned resident tipped off police about irregularities in supply usage at the town pool. A series of search warrants—served Tuesday at the Secaucus Recreation Center and the Flanagans’ home—led to the arrests of all four individuals.
Each has been charged with theft, conspiracy to commit theft, and theft of services.
In a public statement, Town Administrator Gary Jeffas said, “The Town of Secaucus is very disheartened by the alleged actions of the employees who have been charged. That being said, we have taken swift action and can ensure the public that any violation of their trust by a town employee, or anyone else, will not be tolerated.”
As of press time, attorneys for Schwartz and the Flanagans were not listed in court records. All four individuals are expected to face legal proceedings in the coming weeks.
The case has drawn attention not just for the dollar amount involved, but for how easily the lines between public service and private enterprise can become blurred when oversight falls short. With municipal and private pool operations often relying on the same skilled personnel, the story raises real questions about internal controls, access to materials, and the responsibilities that come with dual roles
Manufacturer
Aqua Leisure Recreation Rebrands as Helio Outdoors

- Leading South Boston-based manufacturer and marketer of pool floats, marine towable rafts, snowshoes, and swimming pool parts evolves to meet growing consumer interest in outdoor recreation.
- 55-year history of manufacturing excellence paired with new brand-centric leadership team provides platform for new product innovation, wider product assortment.
- Legacy of retail channel strength, prolific new product development and global sourcing sophistication provides platform for growth.
STOUGHTON, Mass., June 18, 2025 — The company formerly known as Aqua Leisure Recreation announces it has rebranded as Helio Outdoors (HelioOutdoors.com). Founded in 1970 in Stoughton, Mass., Helio Outdoors is a collection of category leading brands in the outdoor recreation space, including Aqua®, Airhead®, Inyo Pools™, Purleine™ and Yukon Charlies®. The rebrand provides clarity of purpose as a house of brands serving a growing outdoor recreation category estimated at $109 billion in the U.S. in 2024.1
With a product portfolio spanning pool floats, water toys, swim gear, marine towables, snow shoes and pool parts, Helio Outdoors products are sold at mass merchandise retailers such as Walmart® and Target®, as well as sporting good retailers like Dick’s®, Academy Sports & Outdoors®, and others. Additionally, Helio brands products can be purchased directly online at Amazon® as well as its own direct-to-consumer websites.
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to reorganize in a manner that provides clarity to our retail partners and to the consumers choosing our products,” said Carmen Evola, chief executive officer at Helio Outdoors. “The Aqua Leisure moniker served us well for more than half a century, but as we introduce more rigor to product innovation and brand building, we found it prudent to define more clearly who we are as a house of brands. Helio Outdoors is the perfect identity for a platform of companies with a shared purpose to empower people to and get outside to enjoy Outdoor for Life™.”
The U.S. outdoor recreation products sector is estimated to grow at a 6.95% CAGR, adding more than $70 billion in sales between 2024 – 2031.2
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1 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024
2 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
About Helio Outdoors (FKA: Aqua Leisure Recreation, LLC):
Founded in 1970, Helio Outdoors is a leading marketer and manufacturer of consumer goods products serving the outdoor recreation category under owned brands Aqua®, Airhead®, Inyo Pools™, Pureline™ and Yukon Charlies®. Privately held and headquartered in Stoughton, Mass., with regional offices in Denver and Orlando, Helio Outdoors stands on pillars of quality, accessibility, and adventure, to provide quality products for athletes, water lovers, adventure seekers, children learning to swim, and everyone looking to enjoy the outdoors. For more information, visit HelioOutdoors.com.
Manufacturers
Latham Pools: Driving Innovation as They Approach a Platinum Milestone

As Latham Pools prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year, the company shows no signs of slowing down. On the contrary, CEO Scott Rajeski says the company is leaning harder than ever into what made them a leader in the first place — innovation, execution, and an unwavering focus on the customer experience.
Reflecting after connecting at this year’s Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City, Rajeski observed a noticeable resurgence of energy in the pool sector. “The excitement, the enthusiasm at the show — it was probably one of the better shows in many years,” he shared. “Traffic was great, attendance was up, and, you know, a lot of buzz back in the industry, which is great for all of us.”
Meeting the Moment: The Rise of Plunge Pools
One of Latham’s most talked-about recent developments is their expanded plunge pool collection — a timely response to changing consumer demands as lot sizes continue to shrink across North America.
“The response has been phenomenal,” Rajeski said. “People are using their pool in the backyard as an entertainment feature these days. You know, the Milan has really resonated, and we’ve just launched the vinyl liner package pool Calypso series in four configurations. Starting with a very simple pool, but then one that becomes more and more feature-rich over time, with benches and ledges that are in there.”

Latham’s plunge pools are designed not just for smaller spaces, but for faster, easier installation — a major advantage in today’s tight labor market. Their new Calypso series was recognized at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo for its innovation in installation time, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance.
“It’s a very simple design. It’s a really easy install for a pool builder,” Rajeski explained. “More importantly, it’s a much faster install, so the consumer’s able to get into their backyard and get into their pool and enjoy it much quicker.”
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
Amid recent reports of widespread issues with concrete pool deterioration — sometimes called “concrete cancer” (ASR) — Latham sees an opportunity to educate consumers about alternatives like fiberglass.
“It’s unfortunate for all the homeowners who bought one of those pools and are experiencing going through these issues and concerns,” Rajeski said. But the shift in consumer awareness aligns perfectly with Latham’s long-standing messaging.
“We’ve been trying to market the benefits of fiberglass against concrete pools. I do think this gives us another opening in terms of educating consumers, builders about fiberglass — the opportunity, whether it’s the faster install, the low-cost maintenance… you’re getting a shell built in one of our factories, delivering it right to the backyard, setting that vessel in the ground, and the homeowner never has to worry about anything again.”
Timing has worked in Latham’s favor. Their “Sand State Strategy” — a focused and concerted effort to expand its market penetration launched just as headlines about concrete pool issues became more prominent.
“We’re advertising and marketing all of the benefits of fiberglass pools — the ownership, the faster install, the customization, the cost benefits versus a concrete pool. We’ll continue to drive the awareness of fiberglass ownership.”
Leading the Digital Revolution in Pool Buying
Latham’s innovation isn’t limited to product design — it extends into technology platforms designed to transform the pool-buying experience.
Tools like the Latham Pool Visualizer, which allows consumers to see how a pool would look in their backyard via augmented reality, were born out of real-world frustrations.
“You’re out there spray painting your backyard, moving templates around, trying to get a feel of what it’s going to look like,” Rajeski recalled. “I remember I said, you know, imagine if you could come up with a tool — just like in Christmas Vacation with Clark Griswold when he imagines the pool in his backyard and he can visually see what it’s going to look like.”
Visualizers not only enhances the consumer experience but also accelerate the sales cycle, said Rajeski. “It was all about enabling the pool buying decision for the homeowner, but also generating a lead direct to the dealer to hook the consumer and build their opportunity to close the sale.”
Latham’s tech ecosystem also includes Measure by Latham Pools — an AI-powered device that uses LIDAR and HD cameras to create precise measurements for safety covers and vinyl liners in minutes.
“It all started with a conversation about the disruption caused by measuring a liner in the backyard… very time-consuming, completely manual, and lots of opportunities for mistakes,” Rajeski explained.

Instead of requiring a two- or three-week process with multiple site visits, Measure by Latham Pools can map a pool with one technician in under 30 minutes. “It designs and quotes the liner or cover immediately and sends that quote right back where you can hit the button, create the purchase order, and send all of that design and cut sheets right back to our manufacturing facilities to produce that liner.”
It’s a major efficiency boost for both dealers and homeowners. “Now they’re measuring four or five times more liners in a particular day… It’s a huge profitability play for the builder.”
Importantly, the system’s built-in AI continuously improves with use. “The more measurements we collect, the smarter the device gets — cutting that design time down, hopefully eventually to 10 or 15 minutes.”
Strengthening the Connection Between Consumers and Builders
In tandem with its visualizer and measuring technology, Latham developed the My Latham platform — an all-in-one system that keeps consumers organized and engaged throughout the pool planning process.
“What we’re trying to be is the salesperson out there connecting the person who’s interested in a pool to the pool builder who can install it for that homeowner,” Rajeski said. “We nurture them through that entire buying process… then make that connection of a hot sales lead to one of our best builders in that area or zip code.”
Everything — from educating homeowners about fiberglass vs. concrete, to offering AR visualization, financing options, and finding a local builder — is streamlined through My Latham, making it easier than ever to turn dreams into backyard realities.
The Road Ahead: Innovation at Full Speed
As Latham looks ahead to its Platinum Anniversary in 2026, innovation remains at the heart of its vision for the future.
“We’ve talked a lot about launching many new, innovative models and pools that will resonate in specific geographies,” Rajeski revealed. “Smaller pools with built-in spas and ledges — just beautiful designs that will fit in those smaller backyards.”
Beyond new designs, Latham is also focused on upgrading manufacturing capabilities to produce models faster. “Cycle time, speed to market, the ability to produce more models for builders faster — that’s where we’re headed.”
Rajeski credits the company’s success to its people: “It’s having extremely bright and talented individuals in the organization — from marketing, to engineering, to the hourly folks making the pools in the factory, to the truck driver delivering that pool right to the backyard.”
At the end of the day, he said, it’s about helping families create lifelong memories. “Everyone dreams of having that swimming pool, celebrating life’s memories and moments… it’s not every day you get to wake up, come to work, do something that makes people’s dreams come true.”
As Latham nears its 70th year, that mission remains stronger — and more innovative — than ever.
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Latham CEO Scott Rajeski on the Pool Magazine Podcast.
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