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Why is Buffett Bullish on PoolCorp?

Berkshire Hathaway’s PoolCorp investment has the industry buzzing this week.

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Why is Warren Buffet Bullish on Poolcorp?

In the third quarter of 2024, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway made waves on Wall Street by investing in Pool Corporation (NASDAQ: POOL), the world’s largest distributor of swimming pool supplies and backyard products. This move has captured the attention of investors and industry analysts alike. While it’s always interesting to see where Buffett puts his money, this particular investment is especially intriguing because few would have considered Pool Corp. to be an obvious choice for the Berkshire portfolio.

What Is PoolCorp?

Pool Corporation, or PoolCorp, is largely recognized as one of the major players within the pool and outdoor living industry. Founded in 1980, the company operates over 400 distribution centers across North America, Europe, and Australia, serving a clientele of about 125,000 wholesale customers. Its product line includes supplies for the maintenance of pools, construction materials for new pool and spa projects, and equipment for both pools and outdoor living spaces.

PoolCorp’s net sales dropped 10% to $5.5 billion in 2023, and the company’s net income dwindled to $523.2 million, a 30% decline from the previous year’s profits. But Buffett’s focus on PoolCorp is a sign of a promising, profitable business—not an industry in trouble. The Oracle of Omaha considers PoolCorp well-run, with robust cash flow and an opportunity for growth in the not-too-distant future.

Berkshire Hathaway's PoolCorp investment has the industry buzzing this week.

Why Is Warren Buffett Betting on PoolCorp?

Buffett’s investing style is grounded in long-term value. He looks for companies with solid fundamentals, a competitive edge, strong leadership, and the ability to grow sustainably. Here’s how PoolCorp checks those boxes:

Market Leadership and Competitive Edge

PoolCorp is the undisputed leader in the pool supply industry. Its extensive distribution network and wide range of products give it a significant edge over competitors, creating high barriers to entry. This type of market dominance is exactly what Buffett seeks—a durable competitive advantage.

Steady Revenue in a Cyclical Industry

While PoolCorp’s business is partially cyclical—affected by new pool construction and larger renovations—it also benefits from consistent demand for maintenance and repair products. Even when new installations slow, pool owners still need chemicals, equipment repairs, and accessories. This resilience was evident in the company’s third-quarter 2024 results, which posted $1.5 billion in net sales—the second-highest third-quarter revenue in its history.

Positioned for Long-Term Growth

The demand for outdoor living spaces has been on the rise, fueled by demographic trends and a growing emphasis on creating home sanctuaries. PoolCorp’s strategic acquisitions and entry into new markets have positioned it to benefit from these shifts. With the U.S. facing a housing shortage, future demand for pools and renovations could remain strong for years to come.

An Attractive Entry Point

Before Berkshire Hathaway’s investment, PoolCorp’s stock had underperformed the broader market, declining around 8% year-to-date compared to a robust 25% gain in the S&P 500. This underperformance may have presented an appealing opportunity for Buffett to buy into a high-quality business at a relatively attractive price.

Market Reaction to Buffet’s Investment in PoolCorp

Once Berkshire Hathaway’s stake in PoolCorp became public, the stock saw a notable jump. The so-called “Buffett Effect” is well-documented; his endorsement often inspires confidence among investors, boosting share prices and drawing attention to the companies he backs.

Bigger Implications for the Pool Industry

Buffett’s move into PoolCorp goes beyond the company itself—it’s a vote of confidence in the broader pool and outdoor living sector. While PoolCorp has strong fundamentals, some analysts speculate that the recent election results could lead to macroeconomic shifts that create favorable conditions for industries tied to discretionary spending.

If consumer confidence rebounds and interest rates stabilize, the pool industry could see renewed demand for installations and renovations. Policies that promote homeownership or support the housing market might also provide additional tailwinds. Buffett’s investment might signal not only his belief in PoolCorp but also optimism about the sector’s potential for growth in a more favorable economic climate.

Disclaimer:
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The opinions expressed are based on independent analysis and should not be interpreted as recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular stock or security. Pool Magazine and its contributors assume no liability for actions taken based on this article. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor for investment decisions.

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Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

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POOLCORP Welcomes John Watwood as President and Chief Executive Officer

Seasoned distribution leader to drive POOLCORP’s next chapter of growth, deepening commitment to customers and supply partners

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COVINGTON, LA., May 14, 2026 — POOLCORP, the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and outdoor living products, recently announced the appointment of John Watwood as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Watwood joined the company in January 2026 as Executive Vice President and has quickly made an impact after spending much of his time in POOLCORP sales centers, meeting with customers, engaging with suppliers, and aligning closely with teams across the business. With extensive leadership experience in industrial and specialty distribution, Watwood brings a deep understanding of how to build high-performing teams, strengthen customer connections, and create long-term value in the industry.

Prior to joining POOLCORP, Watwood served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations at Motion Industries, a leading distributor of industrial parts and value-added solutions and a subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company. During his career, he has led large-scale sales and operations organizations focused on customer growth, supply chain excellence, and market expansion.

“John has gained the trust of our employees, customers, and suppliers in a very short period of time,” said Kenny St. Romain, Senior Vice President at POOLCORP. “He understands distribution at its core, but more importantly, he understands the value of relationships and the local support that our customers need. Our field teams have seen firsthand his commitment to listening, supporting our customers, and helping us continue to evolve our already successful service model. There’s real excitement across the organization about where we’re headed under John’s leadership.”

Watwood’s appointment marks the next chapter for POOLCORP as the company continues to invest in customer-focused solutions, sales and service excellence, operational capabilities, and technology-enabled experiences designed to help industry professionals grow and operate more efficiently.

“I’m incredibly honored to lead POOLCORP in an industry built on lasting partnerships, trust, and service,” said Watwood. “What has stood out to me most over the last several months is the passion of our people and the strength of our relationships. I am excited to build upon our incredible legacy and look forward to strengthening our support for the industry by deepening our customer and supplier relationships, and continuing to invest in the people, capabilities, and execution that make POOLCORP the best and most value-driven distribution partner.”

About Pool Corporation

POOLCORP is the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and related outdoor living products. The Company operates approximately 455 sales centers in North America, Europe, and Australia, through which it distributes more than 200,000 products to roughly 125,000 wholesale customers, including pool builders, retail stores, and service professionals. For more information, please visit www.poolcorp.com.

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Latham Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell Commemorating 70th Anniversary & 5 Year IPO

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Latham Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell Commemorating 70th Anniversary & 5 Year IPO

Latham Group, Inc. – the largest designer and manufacturer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, visited the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square.

The team at Latham proudly rang the Nasdaq Opening Bell. The industry leader took a moment to celebrate its 70th anniversary and five years as a public company, highlighting continued growth, strong market performance, and resilience in a shifting residential construction landscape.

The achievement follows a year of solid performance for Latham Group Inc., which reported 7% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025, even as the broader residential construction market faced ongoing economic headwinds.

Latham got to ring the Opening Bell at Nasdaq - shown celebrating the moment at Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square

In a statement on LinkedIn, the company said:

“For seven decades, innovation has been at the core of what we do, made possible by the trusted builders and partners who bring these backyards to life every day.

Together, we’ve helped transform backyards into spaces where families gather and memories are made.

Here’s to 70 years of progress, partnership, and what we’ll build next!”

Photo Credit: Latham, The Pool Company

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SPS PoolCare Expands Enterprise Platform with ServiceTitan

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SPS’s Recent Acquisition of Pool Troopers Accelerates Company’s Investment in Scaled Infrastructure with ServiceTitan Powering Over 30 Branch Locations Across Five States and Standardizing Operations across the Service Cycle

LOS ANGELES – March 17, 2026ServiceTitan (Nasdaq: TTAN), the software platform that powers the trades, today announced that SPS PoolCare, the largest residential swimming pool services platform in the United States, is standardizing their 30+ branch locations across five states on the ServiceTitan platform. By unifying their family of brands on ServiceTitan, SPS will leverage a single, enterprise-grade system to unify its vast operations, accelerate its high-velocity acquisition strategy, and scale its platform.

“SPS is demonstrating how purpose-built technology can transform a traditionally fragmented industry,” said Connor Theilmann, Chief Business Officer of ServiceTitan. “Their leadership team has made a deliberate investment in enterprise infrastructure, and we’re proud to support their continued growth. Standardizing on ServiceTitan will allow SPS to meet the needs of a large, multi-location operation, with Fraser Ramseyer, Storr Group, and the SPS leadership team making this one of the most seamless large-scale integrations we’ve ever seen.”

The move reflects SPS PoolCare’s continued investment in enterprise-grade infrastructure, as it advances its position as the dominant market leader in a highly fragmented industry. Founded in 2021 and backed by Storr Group, an investment firm that builds and scales industry-leading platforms, SPS PoolCare operates across Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia, where it employs more than 1,000 team members and is on track to perform more than two million weekly recurring pool services in 2026. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based platform serves as SPS PoolCare’s technology backbone, enabling SPS to manage complexity across geography, workforce scale, and service frequency.

“We’ve worked closely with the ServiceTitan team for several years, and this decision reflects the trust and alignment we’ve built as long-term partners,” said Lance Martin, CEO and COO of SPS PoolCare. “Our objective has always been to build a durable platform that enables our team to deliver exceptional service to our customers. Standardizing on ServiceTitan gives us the operational visibility, integration speed, and performance discipline required to scale responsibly and create long-term value.”

Ranked #1 on Pool and Spa News Top 50 Service list, SPS continues to solidify its position as the industry leader, driven by the company’s ability to pair high-velocity revenue growth with a deep commitment to staff training and retention, active industry leadership, and an early adopter of innovative technology within the pool service space. SPS PoolCare is dedicated to the communities it serves, ensuring that its national scale translates into a positive local impact across its entire service footprint.

“From inception, our thesis at Storr Group has been to build the pool industry’s first scaled category-defining operating platform,” Fraser Ramseyer, CEO of Storr Group and Founder of SPS PoolCare. “Technology is not ancillary to that vision – it is foundational. ServiceTitan provides the infrastructure necessary to integrate acquisitions efficiently, drive operational consistency, and support disciplined expansion.”

SPS PoolCare’s focus on being the employer-of-choice is supported by ServiceTitan’s mobile-first capabilities, which empower their over 1,000 staff team members with the tools they need to succeed in the field.

ServiceTitan continues to invest in purpose-built technology for the pool industry, offering features like route optimization, automated chemical tracking, and integrated project management for renovations. By providing real-time visibility into multi-location operations, ServiceTitan enables enterprise-scale businesses like SPS PoolCare to make data-driven decisions that fuel organic growth.

About ServiceTitan ServiceTitan is the software platform that powers trades businesses. The company’s cloud-based, end-to-end solution gives contractors the tools they need to run and grow their business, manage their back office, and provide a stellar customer experience. By bringing an integrated SaaS platform to an industry historically underserved by technology, ServiceTitan is equipping tradespeople with the technology they need to keep the world running.

About SPS PoolCare

As the #1 swimming pool services company in the United States, SPS PoolCare is on track to perform over 2,000,000 weekly recurring pool services in 2026 and employs more than 1,000 staff across five states. Backed by Storr Group, the company is focused on growing its family of brands across the Sun Belt, as it continues to make owning a pool a joy. SPS PoolCare is committed to creating a world-class service experience for its customers and being an employer-of-choice for its team members. Read more at spspoolcare.com.

About Storr Group

Storr Group is an operationally focused lower-middle-market private equity firm that backs, builds, and scales industry-leading platforms. With a rich background in business building, Storr combines world-class operators with strategic M&A, deep integration, and sophisticated technology to drive sustainable growth and long-term value. To partner today, visit storrgroup.com

Press Contact

Max Wertheimer

ServiceTitan, Inc.

[email protected]

© 2026 ServiceTitan. All rights reserved. ServiceTitan, the ServiceTitan logo, and all ServiceTitan product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or unregistered trademarks of ServiceTitan, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other brand names and marks mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s).

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