Latham Makes 70th Anniversary Splash with Strategic Debut at International Builders’ Show

LATHAM, NY – February 17, 2026 – Latham Group, Inc., the largest designer and manufacturer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, is marking its 70th anniversary with a significant strategic pivot, making its first-ever appearance at the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS). The landmark debut signals a concerted effort to forge deeper connections with the homebuilding industry, unveiling new partnership programs and a suite of innovative products designed to integrate pools seamlessly into new home construction.

With a commanding presence in the U.S. swimming pool construction market, an industry valued at an estimated $16.5 billion in 2025, Latham's move is both timely and strategic. The company, which reported a 7.6% year-over-year revenue increase in the third quarter of 2025, is leveraging its market leadership to address a growing demand from homeowners who want pools included as part of their new home purchase, rather than as a post-construction addition.

“As Latham celebrates its 70th year, we’re thrilled to make our first-ever appearance at IBS,” said Sean Gadd, president and CEO. “IBS brings together the people and innovations driving the future of residential design, and it gives us the perfect platform to connect with builders to demonstrate the value we can bring to them. It also allows us to showcase our pool innovations and reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional outdoor living experiences.”

A Strategic Dive into the Homebuilder Market

At the core of Latham’s new strategy is the introduction of its Homebuilder Preferred Partnership Program (HPPP) and a complementary Model Home “Pilot” program. These initiatives are engineered to eliminate common pain points for builders by streamlining the pool installation process, reducing production delays, and minimizing risk. By offering a total-solution package backed by North America's largest pool manufacturer, Latham aims to position itself as an indispensable partner for developers.

The program is designed to provide builders with a compelling point of differentiation in a competitive housing market. Support features include integration assistance for model homes and design centers, as well as comprehensive sales and installation training. This approach directly targets the shift in consumer expectations, where a move-in ready home increasingly includes a fully finished outdoor living space. Latham's less invasive installation practices for its fiberglass pools are a key selling point, promising to avoid disruptions to the primary home construction cycle.

This strategic focus on the new construction sector is already taking shape, with the company expanding its presence in key “Sand State” markets like Florida. By partnering with custom homebuilders in master-planned communities, Latham is embedding its products at the earliest stages of residential development.

Redefining the Backyard Footprint

Reflecting a broader market trend toward efficient and multi-functional outdoor spaces, Latham is placing its fiberglass pool innovations at the forefront of its IBS showcase. The demand for compact pool solutions has surged, with recent data from industry analyst Pkdata revealing that 40% of residential plunge pool builders have seen a noticeable increase in demand since 2022. This shift is driven by smaller lot sizes and a growing homeowner desire for resort-style amenities without the maintenance of a traditional full-sized pool.

In response, Latham is expanding its award-winning plunge pool line with two new Milan models, measuring 8’ x 14’ and 10’ x 20’. These compact fiberglass designs feature built-in swim-up seating and slip-resistant steps, delivering a high-impact luxury experience for smaller backyards.

“The surge in plunge pool popularity reflects a growing trend toward resort-style living in a smaller, more efficient footprint,” Gadd explained. “We’re focused on delivering innovations that help professionals bring these compact, high-impact projects to life with ease through accelerated installation, allowing for a pool to be installed without interrupting the build cycle.”

Alongside plunge pools, integrated pool-and-spa combinations are becoming a top choice for homeowners seeking both recreation and relaxation. Latham is launching three new models in this category: the 12’ x 26’ Axiom 12 Deluxe, the 14’ x 30’ Axiom 14 Deluxe, and the 12’ x 26’ Bermuda 12 Deluxe. Each model blends a spacious swim area with a built-in spa, offering a sophisticated, all-in-one aquatic experience.

Innovation Below the Waterline

Latham’s 70-year history is built on a foundation of material and design innovation, a legacy it continues with advancements in both its fiberglass and vinyl liner products. The company’s patented Advanced Composite Technology (ACT) is a key differentiator for its fiberglass pools, providing unmatched strength and durability. This technological edge, combined with rapid installation times and low maintenance, has helped propel fiberglass to become Latham's fastest-growing segment, constituting 75% of its in-ground pool sales in 2024.

For its vinyl liner pools, Latham is expanding its proprietary Ultra-Seam® technology, a process that creates stronger, virtually invisible seams. Previously used on pool floors, this technology will now be applied to pool walls, delivering the sleek, uninterrupted aesthetic that modern homeowners covet. This enhancement accompanies a complete revamp of Latham’s vinyl liner collections, with new patterns and colors being introduced to its Borderless, Traditional, and TrueStone series to offer greater personalization.

Further diversifying its offerings, the company will also debut two new 92” compact vinyl liner pool spas in round and square options, ideal for spillover spa integrations or standalone installations in limited spaces.

Enhanced Safety and Efficiency Take Center Stage

Beyond aesthetics, Latham is addressing the critical demands for enhanced pool safety and operational efficiency. The company is launching a new generation of autocovers and accessories designed to provide peace of mind for homeowners and streamline installation for professionals. Automatic safety covers are a crucial component for pool owners, helping to meet safety standards like ASTM F1346 while also reducing energy costs, water evaporation, and maintenance by keeping debris out.

New products include a next-generation touch pad controller that supports multiple pin-codes for keyless operation and allows installers to fine-tune system amperage for enhanced reliability. For installers, new solutions like the tab-free Hinged Slider and a Box Perimeter Quick Attach Kit are designed to simplify installation, improve accuracy, and reduce time on site. To bolster system protection, Latham is also introducing new Heavy-Duty Cast Stainless Steel Walk-on Lid Brackets, billed as the strongest in the industry.

Latham’s latest products will also be featured in the 2026 Virtual Concept Home by NewHomeSource, an immersive digital model home launching at IBS. The inclusion of Latham’s fiberglass pools from its Corinthian and Milan collections in this forward-looking project underscores the increasing integration of pools into the fundamental design of modern homes.

“The 2026 Virtual Concept Home highlights just how central pools have become to the modern outdoor living experience,” said Gadd. “This project showcases how thoughtfully designed pools integrate seamlessly with today’s homes and evolving buyer expectations.”