The Backyard Boom

For decades, Latham has helped shape the swimming pool industry, growing from a regional pool company into one of the world’s largest manufacturers of in-ground residential pools and backyard products. As the company marks its 70th anniversary, the milestone offers a chance to look at not only its evolution but also how the role of the backyard pool has changed alongside American homeowners.

Founded in 1956 by Merrill Laven as Pacific Pools, the company built its reputation on innovation early, introducing products such as steel walk-in pool steps, all-resin in-ground pools, patented thermoplastic steps, realistic 3D liner patterns and automatic safety covers, that have since become industry standards. 

As consumer expectations changed, Latham expanded beyond pool construction into manufacturing, building a portfolio that includes fiberglass pools, vinyl liners, automatic safety covers and digital measurement technologies used by builders across North America, Australia and New Zealand.

The company became publicly traded in 2021 under the Nasdaq ticker SWIM, cementing its place as one of the industry’s most recognized brands. 

“Our 70th anniversary is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a statement about where we’re headed,” CEO Sean Gadd says. 

Gadd believes the company’s willingness to evolve internally has been just as important as any product launch. That is one reason Latham has remained a major force in the industry through changing economic cycles, consumer habits and product trends. 

“Latham has never stood still,” he says. “Through every shift in the market, the question has always been, ‘What more can we do to help make backyard dreams a reality?’ ” 

He adds that evolution has become part of the company culture.

“From our corporate teams to our manufacturing facilities and commercial organization, growth is not only welcomed, but it’s expected,” Gadd says. 

That philosophy comes as the backyard itself has taken on a different meaning for homeowners. “Pools today are about much more than cooling off during the summer,” Gadd says. “They’ve become gathering spaces that bring families and friends together and help create lasting memories.” 

That shift has also influenced the kinds of products homeowners choose. “Fiberglass pools are resonating more than ever because homeowners are looking for luxury products that also save time and money long term,” says Mike Fox, Latham’s vice president of fiberglass and auto cover products. 

Over the past 70 years, Latham has never stood still. Through every shift in the market, the question has always been, ‘What more can we do to help make backyard dreams a reality?'”

Sean Gadd, CEO, Latham

Along with the low maintenance, fiberglass pools offer flexibility, Fox says, making them especially effective in regions with extreme heat or shifting soil conditions. 

At the same time, plunge pools have emerged as one of the industry’s fastest-growing categories.

“As lot sizes shrink and single-family new construction communities continue to expand, homeowners are seeking pool solutions that can adapt to a wider range of backyard spaces while still delivering a premium, resortlike experience,” Fox says. 

The trend is also being driven by older homeowners looking for simpler outdoor spaces that still provide relaxation and entertainment without the maintenance demands of larger pools. 

These changing homeowner expectations have reshaped professional relationships. 

“Today’s builders and service professionals are looking for more than just products; they want a partnership that can help them operate more efficiently and grow their businesses,” Fox says. 

That includes access to training, automation tools, builder portals and hands-on support designed to improve installation efficiency and business operations. Manufacturers are also being asked to simplify installations and reduce long-term maintenance demands as consumer expectations continue to rise. 

Technology is becoming a larger part of that equation throughout the industry. Builders and service companies increasingly rely on digital measurement systems, automation and AI-driven design tools to improve speed and accuracy on projects.

Latham has invested heavily in that area through products such as MeasurePro and MeasureGo, tools designed to streamline measurements and project workflows. Even as technology expands, Gadd says craftsmanship remains central to the work.

“Ultimately, technology is not replacing craftsmanship; it’s enhancing it,” he says. 

As Latham marks the anniversary, company leaders see continued opportunity in the growing outdoor living market and in the next generation of pool professionals entering the trade.

“What excites me most is the continued evolution of the backyard as an extension of the home and lifestyle,” Gadd says. 

For a company that has spent 70 years adapting alongside homeowners and builders, that evolution may be exactly what keeps the momentum going.