Fluidra Swims Strong: Q1 Results Show Resilience and Expansion

BARCELONA, Spain – May 06, 2026 – Fluidra, the global leader in the pool and wellness sector, announced a robust first quarter for 2026, delivering results that underscore its resilience in a complex global economy. The company posted sales of €564 million, a 5.4% increase year-over-year at constant currency, signaling a confident start to the year and reaffirming its full-year guidance.

The performance highlights a carefully executed strategy focused on growth, innovation, and operational discipline. Despite what the company calls a "dynamic environment" marked by inflation and shifting consumer behavior, Fluidra demonstrated growth across all its geographic regions, bolstered by both increased volume and strategic pricing.

"We delivered a good start to the year, with growth across all regions and robust gross margin, while continuing to execute our strategic priorities in a dynamic environment," said Eloi Planes, Fluidra’s Executive Chairman, in a statement. This confidence is reflected in the company's financials, with an adjusted EBITDA of €124 million and a healthy margin of 22.0%.

Navigating a Competitive Current

Fluidra’s Q1 performance stands out in a competitive but stable market. The pool and wellness industry, particularly the maintenance and aftermarket segments, has proven durable, with pool care considered a non-discretionary expense by many owners. While new pool construction has cooled from its pandemic-era peak, the vast installed base provides a steady stream of revenue for equipment and services.

Fluidra’s 5.4% constant FX sales growth was distributed globally, showcasing broad-based strength. North America, its largest market, saw 5% organic growth, which the company attributes to market share gains. Southern Europe grew by 6%, the Rest of Europe by 4%, and the Rest of the World by 5%, supported by a strong showing in Commercial Pool.

This performance places Fluidra in a solid position relative to its peers. Competitor Hayward Holdings reported a strong quarter with 12% net sales growth, driven by price realization and volume. Meanwhile, Pentair saw more modest overall growth, with its pool segment increasing just 1% as it navigated potential channel destocking. Fluidra's 22.0% adjusted EBITDA margin is nearly identical to Hayward's 22.1%, indicating that its operational and pricing strategies are effectively protecting profitability.

Financially, the company also strengthened its balance sheet. Net debt was reduced by €57 million compared to the prior year, bringing the total to €1.278 billion and improving its leverage ratio from 2.7x to 2.6x. This disciplined financial management provides a stable foundation for its ongoing strategic initiatives.

Building for Growth Through Acquisition and Tech

Beyond its core financial performance, Fluidra is actively shaping its future through strategic acquisitions and technological innovation. The company recently completed the acquisition of VarioPool, a Dutch specialist in movable pool floors and walls for the commercial sector. This move strengthens Fluidra's foothold in the high-value commercial pool market, an area where it sees significant opportunity. VarioPool is expected to add around €25 million in sales and enables cross-selling opportunities across Fluidra's global network.

Further expanding its global footprint, Fluidra has also signed an agreement to acquire Riaan Pool, a distributor and retailer in South Africa, with the deal expected to close in the second half of the year. This acquisition will bolster its sales channels and market presence in a key emerging region.

On the technology front, Fluidra is advancing its digital agenda. The recent U.S. launch of PoolTrackr, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, is designed to enhance the customer experience and aligns with the industry-wide trend of adopting digital tools for operational efficiency. This is complemented by progress on a new global R&D center in China, a strategic investment aimed at increasing agility and cost-efficiency in product development, further cementing its commitment to a smart and connected pool ecosystem.

The Operational Edge: Fortifying the Bottom Line

Fluidra’s ability to maintain a robust gross margin is a direct result of a multi-pronged operational strategy designed to counteract persistent inflationary pressures. In May, the company implemented targeted price increases and transport surcharges, which, alongside savings from its efficiency plan, helped offset the impact of inflation and a shifting product mix during the quarter.

Furthermore, the company has executed significant fixed cost reduction actions, including headcount reductions in the U.S. and Europe, which are projected to yield between €10 million and €12 million in savings for 2026. These immediate measures are part of a larger, more fundamental optimization of its industrial footprint.

This long-term strategy includes consolidating its manufacturing operations in North America, opening a new, cost-competitive production facility in Tangiers, Morocco, to serve global markets, and a planned closure of a site in China. These moves are designed to create a more agile, resilient, and efficient manufacturing network, enhancing the company’s competitiveness for the long term.

As Eloi Planes noted, the company remains focused on what it can control. "Looking ahead, our priority is clear: to consistently execute our strategy, drive both organic and inorganic growth and deliver improving returns on capital over the medium term," he stated. Supported by what the company sees as the structural attractiveness of its industry, Fluidra is positioning itself not just to navigate the current economic climate, but to thrive and continue creating value.