What Lincoln Aquatics does

Lincoln Aquatics is a national distributor of commercial swimming pool equipment, chemicals, and aquatic supplies, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of POOLCORP since the April 28, 2017 acquisition. The company markets over 6,500 distinct products across thirteen categories, including mechanical equipment (commercial pumps, filters, heaters, VFDs), chemicals and chemical feed systems, ADA-compliant accessibility equipment, Virginia Graeme Baker safety products, cleaning systems, deck and competitive equipment, lifeguarding supplies, pool covers and reels, water slides and training gear, water test kits, and outdoor furniture. Lincoln also offers the proprietary TEK Pool Monitoring & Control System and turnkey energy-efficiency solutions including solar, VFD, and LED upgrades, with utility rebate and Proposition 39 grant management. The company operates CPO and AFO certification training courses in partnership with PHTA and NRPA.

The go-to-market is sales-led, combining a print and digital catalog operation, a direct e-commerce storefront, toll-free phone sales, email outreach, and a coast-to-coast branch network of Lincoln Aquatics representatives, with logistics leverage from POOLCORP's 300+ Sales Center locations. Primary customer verticals are municipal aquatic facilities, K-12 school districts and colleges, country clubs and HOAs, and YMCAs, all of which require ADA and Virginia Graeme Baker compliance, energy-cost reduction, and procurement from a trusted single supplier. Revenue mechanics blend transactional hardware sales of consumables and replacement equipment with project-based professional services for energy-efficiency retrofits and recurring certification training fees.

Pricing spans unit-priced commodity items (chemicals, test reagents, accessories in the low hundreds of dollars) up to quote-based capital equipment exceeding $80,000, including large water slides, custom safety covers, and main circulation pumps. The company traces its origins to 1954, when William H. Luecker founded Lincoln Chemical Company as a manufacturer's representative for a single chemical product; it was incorporated as Lincoln Equipment, Inc. in California in 1973, family-owned through 2017, and rebranded as Lincoln Aquatics in 2014 ahead of the POOLCORP transaction.

Name

Lincoln Aquatics

Legal name

Lincoln Equipment, Inc.

Website

https://lincolnaquatics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Lincoln Aquatics is a national distributor of over 6,500 commercial swimming pool equipment, chemical, and supply products, serving municipalities, schools, country clubs, HOAs, and YMCAs through catalogs, e-commerce, and POOLCORP's branch network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Swimming Pool Equipment Distribution

NAICS

Sporting and Recreational Goods and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (423910)

SIC

Wholesale-Hardware & Plumbing & Heating Equipment & Supplies (5070), Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Sports & Marine Recreation Gear Distribution (CRAOAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Parts, Accessories & Maintenance Supplies Retail (CRAMAIAB), Water Sports & Marine Recreation Retail (Paddle/Surf/Dive/Boat Accessories) (CRAMABAI), Equipment Installation & Upgrades (Automation, Covers, Sanitizers) (HSAIALAJ), Water Testing & Chemical Balancing (HSAIALAB), Pool & Spa Chemicals (Chlorination, pH Control, Algaecides) (CRAJAKAL)

Keywords

• Commercial pool equipment
• Aquatic chemicals distribution
• Swimming pool supplies
• Pool safety equipment
• Energy efficiency solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Covington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Commercial Pool Equipment Distribution: Lincoln Aquatics generates revenue as a leading national distributor of commercial swimming pool equipment, chemicals and aquatic supplies. They market and sell over 6,500 different items across categories including pumps, filters, heaters, chemical systems, competitive equipment, ADA-compliant accessibility equipment, and more to commercial pool facilities.
2. Chemical Products Sales: Sales of pool chemicals including chlorine, bromine, algaecides, pH control products, shock treatments, and specialty chemicals for commercial pool maintenance.
3. Turn Key Energy Solutions Services: Project-based revenue from managing energy efficiency upgrade projects including design services, rebate management, installation and project management for commercial pool energy systems.
4. Certification Training Courses: Revenue from CPO (Certified Pool/Spa Operators) and AFO (Aquatic Facility Operator) certification training courses presented in conjunction with PHTA and NRPA.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Lincoln Aquatics is a national distributor of commercial swimming pool equipment, chemicals, and aquatic supplies, marketing and selling over 6,500 different items organized across 13 catalog categories including ADA-compliant accessibility equipment, chemical systems, cleaning and maintenance equipment, deck and competitive equipment, lifeguarding and safety products, mechanical equipment (pumps, filters, heaters, VFDs), outdoor furniture, pool covers and reels, swim training and sports gear, Virginia Graeme Baker compliance products, and water test kits. The company complements this distribution catalog with turn-key energy efficiency solutions (solar panels, VFDs, high-efficiency heaters, LED lights, automated covers, and the TEK Pool Monitoring & Control System) and CPO and AFO operator certification training delivered in conjunction with PHTA and NRPA.

Product overview

Lincoln Aquatics is a leading national distributor of commercial swimming pool equipment, chemicals, and aquatic supplies with a catalog of over 6,500 different items. The company operates as a multi-product distribution platform organized across 13 major product categories: Aquatic Accessibility & Equipment (ADA-compliant lifts), Chemical Systems & Equipment (controllers, feed systems), Chemicals (chlorine, bromine, pH control), Cleaning & Maintenance (vacuums, sweepers), Deck & Competitive Equipment (starting platforms, timing systems), Lifeguarding & Rescue (CPR manikins, safety equipment), Mechanical Equipment (pumps, filters, heaters), Outdoor Furniture & Facility Furnishings, Pool Covers & Storage Reels, Swim Training & Sports (climbing walls, water slides), Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Products (drain covers, SVRS), Water Test Kits & Reagents, and Solar & Energy Efficiency Programs. The company also provides CPO and AFO certification training services. Products span from commodity consumables (chemicals, test reagents) to major equipment (commercial pumps, robotic cleaners, pool lifts) to turn-key energy solutions (solar, VFDs, LED lighting). Key distributed brands include Pentair, Hayward, Dolphin, Raypak, Lochinvar, Sta-Rite, and Paragon. Lincoln Aquatics was acquired by POOLCORP in 2017 and maintains offices in Concord, California with coast-to-coast branch locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aquatic Accessibility and Equipment Catalog line of ADA-compliant pool lifts (e.g., PAL Aquatic Lift, Aqua Creek, AquaTram by Pentair), therapy ladders, stairs, and adaptive aquatics products that provide pool access for patrons with disabilities at commercial facilities, schools, YMCAs, and country clubs.
• Chemical Systems and Equipment Automatic chemistry controllers (e.g., Chemtrol PC series), chemical feed pumps (Blue-White), chemical feed systems, CO2 feed systems, bromine feeders, solenoid valves, chemical storage tanks, and mixers for managing pool water chemistry at commercial pools.
• Chemicals Pool water treatment chemicals including bulk liquid chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, granular calcium hypochlorite, dichlor, bromine tablets, algaecides, pH control products, shock treatments, water clarifiers, and specialty chemicals for commercial pool maintenance.
• Cleaning and Maintenance Pool vacuums (portable and automatic, including Dolphin Wave robotic cleaners, Maxi-Sweep pool sweep systems, Hammer-Head/Resort pool vacuums), vacuum heads, hoses, automatic vacuum parts, swimming pool coatings and compounds, and general cleaning equipment for commercial pool facilities.
• Deck and Competitive Equipment Starting platforms, guard chairs (Champion), backstroke pennants, bulkheads, lane lines and accessories (AntiWave, Storeel), pace clocks, timing systems, scoreboards, water polo goals and accessories, and deck equipment for competitive swimming at schools, colleges, and competitive aquatic facilities.
• Lifeguarding, Rescue and Safety Rescue equipment including ring buoys, rescue tubes, safety vests, lifeguard apparel, CPR training manikins, first aid supplies, and spine boards for lifeguarding operations at commercial aquatic facilities.
• Mechanical Equipment Commercial circulation pumps (Pentair CHK, Sta-Rite CCSP/CSP, Paco main circulation), filters (Aquify RMF), variable frequency drives (Pentair Acu Drive XS), gas and electric heaters (Lochinvar, Raypak), underwater lights, aeration systems, drains, skimmers, plumbing fittings, and air blowers for commercial pool mechanical rooms.
• Outdoor Furniture and Facility Furnishings Lockers, benches, tables, shade structures, commercial aluminum umbrellas, baby changing stations, bathroom partitions, bike racks, trash containers, bleachers, and locker room accessories for the outdoor and indoor pool facility environment.
• Pool Covers and Storage Reels Solar blankets, safety covers, liquid pool covers, motor-driven Power Drive cover systems, manual and power-assisted pool cover winders, storage reel systems, and commercial storage reel covers and parts to reduce heat loss, evaporation, and chemical consumption at commercial pools.
• Swim Training, Exercise, Games and Sports Competitive and recreational aquatic equipment including Spectrum Quad Flume, Double Flume, and Single Flume water slides, custom climbing walls, kickboards, swim training equipment, Aquaglide inflatables, Aquatic fun items, water polo equipment, and aquatic fitness gear for schools, YMCAs, and country clubs.
• Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Products VGB-compliant drain covers, anti-entrapment shields (AEGIS stainless steel sumps and shields, AquaStar VGB products), sumps, grates, and Safety Vacuum Release Systems (Emotron PSP20 SVRS) to prevent entrapment hazards at commercial pools.
• Water Test Kits and Reagents Water testing equipment including Taylor Chlorine Pro Complete and Chlorine Pro test kits, LaMotte pocket testers and test strips, photometers, Chemtrol ORP and pH probes, and reagents for chlorine, pH, ORP, and other water chemistry parameter monitoring at commercial pools.
• Turn Key Energy Efficiency Solutions Turn-key project service for commercial pool energy upgrades bundling the TEK Pool Monitoring & Control System, solar panels, variable frequency drives, high-efficiency heaters (Lochinvar, Raypak), energy efficient LED lights, and pool cover and power reel systems with a free on-site assessment, CAD drawings, energy calculations, rebate and Proposition 39 grant management, professional installation, and project management by in-house engineers, technicians, and contractors.
• CPO (Certified Pool/Spa Operator) Certification Training Certified Pool/Spa Operators Training Course presented by Lincoln Aquatics as the only nationally recognized program for commercial pool and spa operators, in conjunction with the PHTA (Pool & Hot Tub Association). Successful participants earn the CPO credential.
• AFO (Aquatic Facility Operator) Certification Training Aquatic Facility Operator Certification Course presented by Lincoln Aquatics in conjunction with the NRPA Aquatic Section. Upon successful completion, participants are officially certified by the National Certification Board of NRPA, with certification valid for three years and renewable.

Quantifiable outcome

• Variable frequency drives and LED lighting upgrades can reduce electricity consumption by up to 80%
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Pool & Hot Tub Association (PHTA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPHTA certifies those who pass the CPO (Certified Pool/Spa Operators) training course as Certified Pool/Spa Operators. Lincoln Aquatics presents the CPO Training Course as the only nationally recognized program for Commercial Pool/Spa Operators.
• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLincoln presents the AFO (Aquatic Facility Operator) Certification Course in conjunction with the NRPA Aquatic Section. Upon successful completion, participants are officially certified by the National Certification Board of NRPA. Certification is valid for three years and is renewable.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Leslie's Poolmart: Leslie's is the largest U.S. specialty retailer of pool supplies, primarily residential but serving some commercial customers. While not a direct competitor in commercial capital projects, it competes with Lincoln for spare-parts and consumables spending and represents the consumer-side analogue that defines how commercial operators also price shop for routine supplies.

Broad incumbents

• Hayward Holdings: Hayward Pool Products is a major manufacturer of pool equipment, including commercial pumps, controls (e.g., CAT Controllers carried by Lincoln), heaters, and cleaners. As a key distributed vendor (and competitor channel) for commercial pool operators, Hayward is a broad incumbent whose product roadmap and channel strategy materially shape Lincoln's distribution economics.
• Fluidra: Fluidra is a global manufacturer of pool and wellness equipment (parent of Jandy, Zodiac, Polaris) and a major upstream supplier competing in the same commercial pool equipment categories. Its direct-to-customer digital initiatives and bundled equipment+automation offerings represent both a vendor and a competitive threat to Lincoln's position as a multi-brand commercial distributor.
• POOLCORP: POOLCORP is the parent company of Lincoln Aquatics and the world's largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies and equipment, operating over 300 Sales Center locations. It functions as the broader industry incumbent and parent/sibling organizational peer whose distribution network, purchasing power, and operating playbook directly shape Lincoln's competitive position.
• Pentair: Pentair is one of the largest manufacturers of commercial and residential pool equipment (pumps, filters, heaters, automation) and is a key distributed brand in Lincoln's catalog (e.g., CHK commercial pumps, Acu Drive VFDs). As a manufacturer with growing direct-to-customer digital channels, Pentair is the most important upstream incumbent whose pricing decisions and direct strategy directly affect Lincoln's margins.

Regional players

• Waterway Plastics: Waterway Plastics is a U.S. manufacturer and direct distributor of pool and spa fittings, jets, valves, and accessories, selling both through distributors like Lincoln and increasingly direct to OEMs. As a narrower-focused manufacturing-distributor with overlapping product categories (plumbing fittings, drainage), it is a regional and adjacency peer for the parts and fittings portion of Lincoln's catalog.

Direct peers

• SCP Distributors: SCP Distributors is POOLCORP's largest distribution subsidiary, distributing swimming pool equipment, supplies, and chemicals to residential and commercial pool builders and service companies nationwide. It is the closest sibling and direct commercial competitor to Lincoln Aquatics within the POOLCORP network, sharing the same wholesale distribution business model and overlapping vendor brands.
• Recreation Supply Company: Recreation Supply Company is a regional commercial pool and aquatic facility supply distributor serving school districts, municipalities, and YMCAs. Its overlapping customer base, similar product breadth, and similar municipal/government GTM make it the closest mid-size direct competitor to Lincoln Aquatics in the commercial pool distribution space.

Emerging players

• SwimOutlet.com: SwimOutlet.com is the largest online retailer of swimming pool, swimwear, and competitive swimming equipment in the U.S., also owned by POOLCORP. It competes in the swim training, exercise, and competitive equipment categories that Lincoln distributes and represents the e-commerce/channel displacement risk that Lincoln's commercial catalog counter-positions.
• InTheSwim: InTheSwim is a U.S.-based online retailer of pool supplies, equipment, and chemicals serving both residential and lighter-commercial buyers. While it does not compete head-to-head in large capital projects, it pressures Lincoln on commodity chemicals, parts, and small-equipment SKUs that are increasingly shopped online by small commercial operators.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/lincolnaquatics
• Facebookfacebook.com/lincolnaquatics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lincolnaquatics

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lincoln Aquatics