Pool Corporation, doing business asPOOLCORP, is the largest distributor of supplies, equipment, and machinery for swimming pools worldwide. The company is organized in Delaware and headquartered in Covington, Louisiana. It serves approximately 125,000 customers and operates 439 sales centers in North America, Europe and Australia. The company receives over half of its revenue from the California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona markets and has benefited from population shifts to warmer climates. In 2023, the company received 62% of its revenue from maintenance and minor repair products, 24% of its revenue from products used in pool renovations, and 14% of its revenue from products used in pool construction.[1]
History
Pool Corporation was founded in 1980 as South Central Pool Supply by Frank J. St. Romain.[2]
In 1993, the company was purchased by Code Hennessey's & Simmons. In 1995, the company was renamed SCP Pool Corporation and became a public company via an initial public offering. The company was renamed Pool Corporation on May 16, 2006.[3]
In 1999, the company acquired Benson Pump Company, Pratts Plastics Limited, certain assets of Garden Leisure Products, and Jean Albouy, S.A. for a total of $25.5 million.[2]
The company's business improved significantly during the COVID-19 lockdowns due to an increase in pool construction. However, sales slowed when the lockdowns ended.[4][5]
In 2021, the company acquired Porpoise Pool & Patio, the largest franchisor of pool and outdoor living stores in the U.S.[6][7]
Controversies
In 2011, the company was accused by the Federal Trade Commission of antitrust practices by pressuring its suppliers to not conduct business with its competitors. In January 2012, the company settled with a consent order which prohibited the company from continuing the practice.[8]
