In 2025, Hayward marked its 100th anniversary—a century of engineering excellence, innovation, and leadership in the pool and outdoor-living industry. From its early beginnings as a small metalworks company in Brooklyn, New York, to its position today as one of the world’s most trusted pool-equipment manufacturers, Hayward’s story mirrors the evolution of the industry itself.
From Brooklyn Foundry to Backyard Pools
Hayward’s roots trace back to 1925, when engineer Irving M. Hayward founded a company dedicated to manufacturing valves and flow-control products for industrial use. For decades, the business served factories and utilities—until a visionary entrepreneur saw a much bigger opportunity.
In 1964, Oscar Davis, a Hungarian immigrant with a background in plastics manufacturing, acquired the company and charted a bold new direction. Davis recognised the explosive growth of the residential swimming-pool market and transformed Hayward into a specialised pool-equipment manufacturer. His decision to replace heavy, corrosion-prone metal parts with lightweight, durable thermoplastics revolutionised the category.
By pioneering the use of plastic injection-moulding for pumps, filters and fittings, Hayward introduced products that lasted longer, performed better, and cost less to maintain. The company’s reputation for reliability and innovation quickly spread across the U.S., establishing Hayward as a cornerstone of modern pool construction and maintenance.
Building a Legacy of Innovation
Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Hayward continued to grow and diversify, rolling out new lines of pumps, filtration systems and control technologies that redefined pool ownership. As automation and energy efficiency began to shape consumer expectations, Hayward consistently led the way.
By the late 1990s, the company had become one of the “Big Three” pool-equipment brands. Its name became synonymous with quality and dependability—values that earned the trust of distributors, builders and service technicians around the world.
In 2005, the company sold its industrial division to focus exclusively on the pool and outdoor-living markets, reinforcing its commitment to being a pure-play leader in the category. That strategic decision set the stage for significant growth and global expansion in the decades that followed.
Industry Shaping Products and Technological Milestones
From its earliest days, Hayward focused on product innovation that changed the standards of pool equipment manufacturing. In the mid-1960s, under the leadership of Oscar Davis, the company made a decisive move away from heavy metal components toward injection-molded thermoplastics. This breakthrough delivered equipment that was lighter, more durable, and resistant to corrosion—a game-changing step that made pool ownership more affordable and long-lasting.
Building an Industry Standard
In the years that followed, Hayward developed several cornerstone products that would define reliability in pool construction. The Super Pump® and Pro
Series filters became industry benchmarks, known for their robust design and ease of maintenance. For countless builders and service professionals, these products became the go-to standard for dependable backyard installations—many of which still operate decades later.
The Efficiency Era
As the conversation shifted toward sustainability and energy conservation, Hayward once again led the way. The introduction of the TriStar® Variable-Speed Pump signaled a turning point in pool efficiency. Equipped with a permanent-magnet motor and optimized hydraulics, it delivered powerful performance with dramatically lower energy consumption and quieter operation. This innovation not only reduced operating costs but also helped bring variable-speed technology into the mainstream of residential pool design.
The Rise of Smart Pool Technology
Entering the 2010s, Hayward expanded its innovation into digital automation. The VS Omni Pump, equipped with built-in WiFi and voice control, and the OmniLogic® automation platform transformed how homeowners and professionals interact with pool systems. From smartphones or smart assistants, users could now control pumps, heaters, lighting, and sanitization from a single interface—ushering in the age of the “smart pool.”
Pushing Boundaries in Performance
In 2022, Hayward introduced the TriStar XL, a pump that brought commercial-grade performance into the residential market. With dual-voltage capability, an oversized strainer basket, and full integration with the Omni automation system, it represented the next evolution in high-capacity, high-efficiency pool operation.
A Public Turning Point
While many recall Hayward’s 2021 listing on the New York Stock Exchange as its first public debut, it was actually a return to the public markets. Hayward had been publicly traded once before, decades earlier, before being taken private during a period of restructuring and family ownership.
The 2021 relisting under the ticker symbol HAYW marked a new era for the company—one defined by scale, transparency and renewed investment in innovation. The IPO raised approximately $685 million and reaffirmed Hayward’s standing as a global leader in pool technology and outdoor-living solutions.
Today, Hayward’s reach extends across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, with facilities in the U.S., Canada, France, Spain and China. The company reports over $1 billion in annual sales and continues to emphasise sustainability as a core value—citing more than 2.4 billion kilowatt-hours in energy savings delivered by its latest variable-speed pumps and LED lighting systems.
Beyond Products: Building People and Communities
Hayward’s influence extends far beyond its product catalog. The company has long understood that its success is intertwined with the growth and professionalism of the industry it serves.
Through extensive education and certification programmes, Hayward provides hands-on and virtual training opportunities for pool builders, service technicians and retailers. Its Dallas-based training hub offers in-depth instruction on hydraulics, automation and installation best practices, while a fleet of mobile training vehicles delivers on-site support to professionals across the country. These initiatives are designed to empower the workforce that keeps the industry thriving.
A Commitment to Education and Training
Education has always been central to Hayward’s mission. Whether through its online learning platform or in-person certification courses, the company strives to ensure that every technician and builder working with Hayward products has access to the latest technical knowledge and installation techniques. This investment in education helps elevate the entire industry, ensuring that consumers receive the quality and service they expect from a top-tier brand.
Giving Back Through Step Into Swim
Hayward’s commitment to the community is equally strong. The company is a proud partner of Step Into Swim, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance initiative that funds swim lessons for children across the country. In 2025, to commemorate its centennial, Hayward contributed $100,000—split between cash donations and equipment—to support the organisation’s mission of teaching kids lifesaving water skills.
Through partnerships like this, Hayward reinforces that its role isn’t limited to manufacturing equipment—it’s about making swimming safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone.
A Legacy That Shaped the Industry
Over the past century, Hayward has played an undeniable role in the advancement of pool and spa technology. From pioneering thermoplastics to developing variable-speed pumps and connected automation systems, the company has consistently been part of the industry’s most important shifts.
Its 100-year milestone isn’t simply a celebration of longevity. It underscores a century of influence—an acknowledgment that Hayward has helped shape how pools are built, serviced, and enjoyed. That legacy continues to grow through its dedication to innovation, education, and sustainability, ensuring that the next generation of pool professionals and homeowners will benefit from the same spirit of progress that defined its first hundred years.
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