Hayward

To bring people together by being the leader in connected, sustainable, and enjoyable pool experiences.

Hayward SWOT Analysis

Updated: October 5, 2025 • 2025-Q4 Analysis

How to Use This Analysis

This analysis for Hayward was created using Alignment.io™ methodology - a proven strategic planning system trusted in over 75,000 strategic planning projects. We've designed it as a helpful companion for your team's strategic process, leveraging leading AI models to analyze publicly available data.

While this represents what AI sees from public data, you know your company's true reality. That's why we recommend using Alignment.io and The System of Alignment™ to conduct your strategic planning—using these AI-generated insights as inspiration and reference points to blend with your team's invaluable knowledge.

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The Hayward SWOT analysis reveals a classic industrial leader at a pivotal tech inflection point. Its formidable strengths—brand dominance and an unparalleled distribution channel—provide a powerful foundation for growth. However, this is counterbalanced by significant debt and a perceived lag in IoT innovation versus key rivals like Pentair. The primary opportunity lies in converting its massive installed base to high-margin, energy-efficient smart systems, a move propelled by regulatory tailwinds. The core strategic challenge is to leverage its channel partnerships to accelerate this tech transition while simultaneously improving operational efficiency to deleverage its balance sheet. Success hinges on transforming from a product manufacturer into a connected ecosystem provider, solidifying its market leadership for the next decade. The company must act decisively to seize the automation and sustainability trends before competitors further entrench their positions.

Pentair Fluidra Zodiac Pool Systems Maytronics Waterco

No past cycles

Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

To bring people together by being the leader in connected, sustainable, and enjoyable pool experiences.

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Strengths

BRAND: #1 in brand awareness with pros, driving channel pull-through.
DISTRIBUTION: Unmatched reach via key partners like PoolCorp and Leslie's.
PORTFOLIO: Comprehensive product line for entire pool pad, enabling bundles.
AFTERMARKET: Large installed base (~40% of US pools) fuels replacement.
SCALE: Manufacturing and supply chain scale provide cost advantages.

Weaknesses

DEBT: Over $1.3B in debt limits flexibility and increases interest cost.
CYCLICALITY: High exposure to discretionary spending and housing markets.
INNOVATION: Perceived as lagging Pentair in launching integrated IoT tech.
MARGINS: Gross margins trail key competitors, pressuring profitability.
INTERNATIONAL: Lower market share and brand recognition outside N. America.

Opportunities

UPGRADES: Drive high-margin conversions from single to variable-speed pumps.
AUTOMATION: Consumer demand for effortless, app-based pool control is high.
ENERGY: Leverage regulations (DOE) to accelerate sales of efficient tech.
ACQUISITIONS: Acquire smaller tech companies to accelerate IoT roadmap.
SERVICES: Introduce value-added monitoring or chemical delivery services.

Threats

COMPETITION: Intense price and innovation pressure from Pentair and Fluidra.
ECONOMY: High interest rates and inflation are slowing new pool construction.
INVENTORY: Channel partners still working through excess post-COVID stock.
CHANNEL SHIFT: Growth of e-commerce and DTC models could disrupt pro channel.
REGULATION: Environmental regulations on water/energy use could add costs.

Key Priorities

IOT: Accelerate Omni platform adoption via pro channel to lock in customers.
UPGRADES: Maximize high-margin aftermarket sales of energy-efficient tech.
EFFICIENCY: Improve gross margins and cash flow to aggressively pay down debt.
PARTNERSHIPS: Deepen pro channel loyalty with superior training and support.

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Hayward OKR

Updated: October 5, 2025 • 2025-Q4 Analysis

This Hayward OKR plan is a focused and potent blueprint for execution. It correctly identifies the critical priorities from the strategic analysis: winning the connected platform war, driving high-margin upgrades, strengthening the balance sheet, and deepening its channel moat. The objectives are inspiring and concise, while the key results are specific, measurable, and directly attack the company's primary weaknesses (debt, IoT lag) while leveraging its core strengths (channel, brand). By linking actions like AI diagnostics directly to pro channel empowerment and debt reduction to operational efficiency, this plan creates a virtuous cycle. It provides the clarity and alignment needed for Hayward's leadership team to navigate current economic headwinds and solidify its market leadership in the new era of the smart, sustainable pool.

Pentair Fluidra Zodiac Pool Systems Maytronics Waterco

No past cycles

Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

To bring people together by being the leader in connected, sustainable, and enjoyable pool experiences.

CONNECT THE POOL

Make Omni the undisputed #1 smart pool platform.

ATTACHMENT: Increase Omni attachment rate on new equipment sales from 30% to 45% to expand our ecosystem.
UPSELL: Convert 50,000 legacy ProLogic users to the new Omni platform through a targeted upgrade program.
DIAGNOSTICS: Launch AI-powered remote diagnostic tools for pros, enrolling 10,000 service companies.
INTEGRATION: Establish API partnerships with 3 leading smart home platforms to extend our reach.

DRIVE UPGRADES

Lead the industry's shift to sustainable tech.

PUMPS: Grow US variable-speed pump sales by 15%, capturing share from DOE regulation-driven replacements.
HEATERS: Launch new ultra-high efficiency gas heater and heat pump line, achieving $50M in first-year sales.
SALT: Increase salt chlorination system sales by 20% in regions with high chlorine costs and demand.
BUNDLES: Create 'Smart & Efficient' upgrade packages, selling 25,000 bundles through the pro channel.

OPERATE LEAN

Fuel growth through financial discipline.

DEBT: Reduce total debt by $150M through strategic application of free cash flow to strengthen the balance sheet.
MARGIN: Increase gross profit margin by 150 basis points via strategic sourcing and manufacturing efficiency.
CASH: Improve cash conversion cycle from 80 days to 70 days through better inventory and receivables mgmt.
SG&A: Hold SG&A expenses flat as a percentage of revenue by optimizing spend and leveraging technology.

EMPOWER PROS

Become the indispensable partner for pool pros.

TRAINING: Certify 20,000 pool professionals on our smart technology and energy-efficient product lines.
LOYALTY: Increase enrollment in the Hayward Partner Program by 25%, driving deeper channel engagement.
LEADS: Deliver 100,000 qualified homeowner leads to our top-tier dealer partners through our website.
SUPPORT: Reduce average technical support call resolution time by 30% with new AI-powered tools.

METRICS

Net Sales Growth
Adjusted EBITDA Margin %
Free Cash Flow

VALUES

Safety First
Customer Centricity
One Hayward
Integrity
Continuous Improvement

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Hayward Retrospective

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Hayward Holdings, Inc. Q1 2024 Earnings Report & Transcript
Hayward Investor Relations Website & Presentations
Yahoo Finance (HAYW) for market data and financials
Competitor analysis of Pentair (PNR) and Fluidra (FDR.MC)
Hayward Corporate Website (About Us, Products)
LinkedIn for Executive Team profiles and backgrounds

Pentair Fluidra Zodiac Pool Systems Maytronics Waterco

No past cycles

Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

To bring people together by being the leader in connected, sustainable, and enjoyable pool experiences.

Toggle Theme

What Went Well

SALES: Q1 Net Sales of $211M beat expectations, showing market resilience.
MARGINS: Gross profit margin improved year-over-year due to pricing.
CASH FLOW: Strong operating cash flow generation used for debt reduction.
AFTERMARKET: Replacement and upgrade business remains strong and stable.
PRICING: Price realization held firm, offsetting lower volumes.

Not So Well

VOLUME: Sales volumes remain down due to ongoing channel destocking.
EUROPE: Market softness and unfavorable currency exchange impacted results.
CONSTRUCTION: New pool construction market continues to be weak.
DEBT: Interest expense remains a significant drag on net income.
INVENTORY: Channel inventory levels, while improving, are still elevated.

Learnings

RESILIENCE: The non-discretionary aftermarket is the stable core of the biz.
LEAD TIMES: Normalizing lead times are helping the channel right-size stock.
EFFICIENCY: Cost control measures are critical to protecting profitability.
INNOVATION: New product introductions are key to driving future growth.
CHANNEL: Strong partnerships are essential for navigating market shifts.

Action Items

DELEVERAGE: Prioritize using free cash flow to continue paying down debt.
INNOVATION: Execute planned new product launches for the second half of 2024.
EFFICIENCY: Continue to pursue operational efficiencies to expand margins.
CHANNEL: Support dealers with training on new tech to drive upgrades.
EUROPE: Adapt go-to-market strategy to address softness in Europe.

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Organization	SWOT Analysis	OKR Plan	Top 6	Retrospective

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Hayward Market

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Hayward Holdings, Inc. Q1 2024 Earnings Report & Transcript
Hayward Investor Relations Website & Presentations
Yahoo Finance (HAYW) for market data and financials
Competitor analysis of Pentair (PNR) and Fluidra (FDR.MC)
Hayward Corporate Website (About Us, Products)
LinkedIn for Executive Team profiles and backgrounds

Founded: 1925 by Irving Hayward
Market Share: Approx. 25-30% in North America
Customer Base: Residential & commercial pool owners
Category:
Pool Equipment
SIC Code: 3589
NAICS Code: 333414 Heating Equipment (except Warm Air Furnaces) Manufacturing
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Zip Code: 28277
Congressional District: NC-14 CHARLOTTE
Employees: 2400

Competitors

Pentair Request Analysis

Fluidra Request Analysis

Zodiac Pool Systems Request Analysis

Maytronics Request Analysis

Waterco Request Analysis

Products & Services

No products or services data available

Distribution Channels

Hayward Business Model Analysis

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Hayward Holdings, Inc. Q1 2024 Earnings Report & Transcript
Hayward Investor Relations Website & Presentations
Yahoo Finance (HAYW) for market data and financials
Competitor analysis of Pentair (PNR) and Fluidra (FDR.MC)
Hayward Corporate Website (About Us, Products)
LinkedIn for Executive Team profiles and backgrounds

Problem

Pool maintenance is complex and time-consuming.
Pools are expensive to operate (energy, chemicals).
Ensuring water safety is a constant concern.

Solution

A complete ecosystem of smart, connected hardware.
Energy-efficient products that lower ownership costs.
Automation for effortless control and peace of mind.

Key Metrics

Net Sales & Adjusted EBITDA
Omni Platform attachment rate
Free Cash Flow generation

Unique

Omni: a single app to control the entire pool pad.
The most trusted brand among pool professionals.
Largest network of trained, loyal installers.

Advantage

Deeply entrenched distribution channel relationships.
Massive installed base for recurring revenue.
90+ years of product engineering and reliability.

Channels

Wholesale distributors (e.g., PoolCorp)
Professional pool builders and service companies
Specialty retailers (e.g., Leslie's)

Customer Segments

Homeowners with new or existing swimming pools.
Pool builders and service professionals.
Commercial properties (hotels, gyms, communities).

Costs

Manufacturing and raw material costs (COGS)
R&D for new product and software development
Sales & Marketing to support the pro channel
Debt service and interest expenses

Hayward Product Market Fit Analysis

Updated: October 5, 2025

Hayward creates the perfect pool experience by replacing manual hassle with effortless, app-based control. Its smart ecosystem provides peace of mind with pro-grade, reliable equipment and maximizes efficiency, cutting energy costs by up to 90%. It delivers a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable pool, giving owners back their time and lowering the total cost of ownership.

EFFORTLESS CONTROL: Manage your entire pool from your phone with Omni.

MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY: Save up to 90% on energy with our variable-speed pumps.

PEACE OF MIND: Rely on pro-grade quality for a safe, clean, perfect pool.

Before State

Complex, manual pool maintenance
High, unpredictable energy bills
Uncertain water chemistry & safety

After State

Automated, app-controlled pool
Optimized energy & chemical use
Perfectly balanced, safe water

Negative Impacts

Wasted time on manual tasks
Excessive energy and chemical costs
Less time enjoying the pool

Positive Outcomes

More time for family & fun
Lower total cost of ownership
Peace of mind and effortless enjoyment

Key Metrics

Customer Retention Rates - ~85% brand loyalty for replacements

Net Promoter Score (NPS) - Estimated 50-60 among pro channel

User Growth Rate - Omni app downloads growing >20% annually

Customer Feedback/Reviews - 4.1 stars avg on consumer sites

Repeat Purchase Rates) - High among pros for familiar installs

Requirements

Integrated system of smart equipment
User-friendly mobile application
Professional installation and support

Why Hayward

OmniLogic platform connects all devices
Energy-efficient variable-speed pumps
Partnering with trusted pool pros

Hayward Competitive Advantage

Complete ecosystem from one brand
Largest pro installer network
90+ years of engineering reliability

Proof Points

Millions of pools use Hayward tech
Energy Star certified products
Top choice for pool professionals

Hayward Market Positioning

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Hayward Holdings, Inc. Q1 2024 Earnings Report & Transcript
Hayward Investor Relations Website & Presentations
Yahoo Finance (HAYW) for market data and financials
Competitor analysis of Pentair (PNR) and Fluidra (FDR.MC)
Hayward Corporate Website (About Us, Products)
LinkedIn for Executive Team profiles and backgrounds

Strategic pillars derived from our vision-focused SWOT analysis

IOT ECOSYSTEM

Win by creating the most integrated smart pool platform.

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION

Lead in energy-efficient and eco-friendly tech.

CHANNEL LOYALTY

Deepen partnerships with professional installers.

GLOBAL EXPANSION

Capture share in Europe and other key growth markets.

What You Do

Manufactures and sells a full line of smart, efficient pool equipment.

Target Market

Pool owners who value quality, reliability, and modern technology.

Differentiation

OmniLogic Smart Pool Control Platform
Strong brand loyalty with pool professionals

Revenue Streams

New pool construction equipment sales
Aftermarket replacement & upgrade sales

Hayward Operations and Technology

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Hayward Holdings, Inc. Q1 2024 Earnings Report & Transcript
Hayward Investor Relations Website & Presentations
Yahoo Finance (HAYW) for market data and financials
Competitor analysis of Pentair (PNR) and Fluidra (FDR.MC)
Hayward Corporate Website (About Us, Products)
LinkedIn for Executive Team profiles and backgrounds

Company Operations

Organizational Structure: Functional structure with regional business units.
Supply Chain: Global sourcing with manufacturing in US, Spain, China, and Canada.
Tech Patents: Portfolio in hydraulics, automation, and energy efficiency technology.
Website: https://www.hayward-pool.com/shop/en/pools

Top Clients

Board Members

Hayward Competitive Forces

Threat of New Entry

Low: High barriers to entry due to extensive R&D, established distribution networks, brand loyalty, and significant capital investment.

Supplier Power

Medium: Key components like motors and resins have some powerful suppliers, but Hayward's scale provides significant buying power.

Buyer Power

Medium: Professional buyers (distributors, builders) have significant power due to volume, but end-users have less individual power.

Threat of Substitution

Low: There is no viable substitute for the primary function of pool filtration and sanitation equipment. The substitution is between brands.

Competitive Rivalry

High: Dominated by an oligopoly (Hayward, Pentair, Fluidra) competing fiercely on innovation, price, and channel relationships.

Analysis of AI Strategy

Updated: October 5, 2025 • 2025-Q4 Analysis

The Hayward AI SWOT analysis underscores a significant opportunity to redefine pool ownership, but execution is critical. Hayward's core strength is its proprietary data from connected hardware and its trusted pro channel, a unique combination for deploying practical AI solutions. The immediate path to value is not a moonshot but targeted AI features that solve real pain points: predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics for professionals, and autonomous water chemistry management for homeowners. These initiatives would deepen the moat around its pro channel and justify premium pricing. However, the internal weaknesses in AI talent and data infrastructure are substantial hurdles. Hayward must invest decisively in building or acquiring these capabilities. The greatest threat is not a direct competitor, but the commoditization of smart controls by large tech ecosystems. Hayward must use AI to create a uniquely valuable, integrated experience that a generic platform cannot replicate.

Pentair Fluidra Zodiac Pool Systems Maytronics Waterco

No past cycles

Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

To bring people together by being the leader in connected, sustainable, and enjoyable pool experiences.

Strengths

DATA: Growing dataset from thousands of connected Omni systems in the field.
CHANNEL: Pro network can install, service, and sell AI-enabled solutions.
EXPERTISE: Decades of domain knowledge in pool equipment performance and failure.
HARDWARE: Control of the hardware stack allows for tight AI integration.
BRAND: Trusted brand to deliver reliable, AI-powered pool management.

Weaknesses

TALENT: Limited in-house AI/ML engineering talent vs. pure tech companies.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Legacy data systems not optimized for AI model training.
DATA QUALITY: Inconsistent data collection practices across product generations.
MONETIZATION: Unclear strategy on how to price and package AI-driven features.
SPEED: Corporate culture may be too slow to iterate on AI products.

Opportunities

PREDICTIVE: AI for predictive maintenance alerts on pumps, heaters, etc.
AUTONOMOUS: Self-adjusting systems for water chemistry, filtration, and energy.
SUPPORT: AI-powered diagnostic tools for pros to troubleshoot issues faster.
PERSONALIZATION: Customized pool schedules and settings based on usage patterns.
INSIGHTS: Provide homeowners with data-driven insights to save money.

Threats

GENERIC AI: Third-party smart home platforms making pool control a commodity.
STARTUPS: Nimble, AI-native startups focused solely on pool automation.
PRIVACY: Consumer concerns and regulations over collection of household data.
SECURITY: AI systems could introduce new vectors for cybersecurity attacks.
COMPETITION: Rivals could leapfrog Hayward with a superior AI implementation.

Key Priorities

DIAGNOSTICS: Launch AI-powered remote diagnostic tools for the pro channel.
AUTONOMY: Develop an autonomous water chemistry management feature for Omni.
EFFICIENCY: Use AI to create hyper-efficient energy and pump schedules.
DATA: Build a unified data platform to support future AI/ML development.

Create professional SWOT analyses in minutes with our AI template. Get insights that drive real results.

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Hayward Financial Performance

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Hayward Holdings, Inc. Q1 2024 Earnings Report & Transcript
Hayward Investor Relations Website & Presentations
Yahoo Finance (HAYW) for market data and financials
Competitor analysis of Pentair (PNR) and Fluidra (FDR.MC)
Hayward Corporate Website (About Us, Products)
LinkedIn for Executive Team profiles and backgrounds

Profit: Net Income TTM $38.9M

Market Cap: $3.1 Billion (as of mid-2024)

Stock Performance

Annual Report: View Report

Debt: Total Debt ~$1.3B (Q1 2024)

ROI Impact: Debt service impacts net income; focus is on cash flow to deleverage.

SWOT Index

Composite strategic assessment with 10-year outlook

/ 100

Market Leader

ICM Index

STRATEGIC ADVISOR ASSESSMENT

Hayward scores as a solid Market Leader. Its North Star is category-defining but not societal, and achievability is strong but capped by debt and competitive intensity. The SWOT is balanced, with powerful channel strengths offsetting cyclical risks. The OKRs are well-formed and category-shaping. The growth multiplier is constrained by a mature TAM and strong competition, but its high survival probability, rooted in its market position and channel lock-in, ensures steady, compounding growth if it executes its tech transition.

SWOT Factors

Upside: 83.3 Risk: 80.0

OKR Impact

AI Leverage

Top 3 Strategic Levers

Accelerate Omni platform adoption to create a sticky ecosystem.

Aggressively use cash flow to pay down debt and de-risk.

Deepen pro channel moat with AI tools and superior support.

AI Disclosure

This report was created using the Alignment Method—our proprietary process for guiding AI to reveal how it interprets your business and industry. These insights are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice.

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