About Us
Our Journey
1969
Astral S.A. founded
The Planes, Serra, Corbera and Garrigós families established Astral Construcciones Metálicas, the first step towards Fluidra as we know it today, to manufacture components for pools.
1970 - 1979
Astral begins its expansion
During the first 10 years, the company opens its first manufacturing plant in Polinyà (Barcelona), its first sales branches in France and Italy, and it starts to export its products.
Astral launches its first branch offices in the international market, starting in France in 1976 and then in Italy in 1977.
The production of injection-molded plastic parts begins in 1978 at Plasteral, which would then become the first company of its kind exclusively distributing products for pools.
Exports to Denmark and Australia begin.
1980 - 1989
Creation of Astral´s manufacturing platform
The company´s second decade is spent setting up the Cepex, Sacopa, CTX and Poltank factories. Sales companies Astral UK in the United Kingdom, Marazul in Portugal and Astral Export are also formed.
Poltank, a manufacturer of polyester filters opens its doors in 1980. In 1984, Cepex, a company manufacturing accessories and valves for fluid handling, is established. Sacopa, a production plant specializing in injection-molded plastic, opens in 1985. Astramatic, a wastewater treatement company is launched in 1986, as is CTX, a company which manufactures chemical products for water treatment.
The international expansion continues with the opening of sales branches in the United Kingdom in 1984 and Portugal in 1988. Astral Export is created as a company dealing with foreign markets. It would later become the cornerstone and springboard for creating the international network of branch offices.
2000 - 2007
Entering a New Era of Growth
Fluidra entered a new phase of expansion by establishing subsidiaries in Russia, Morocco, India, and Portugal, while consolidating operations in Spain through the creation of AstralPool España in 2001.
The company also founded Trace Logistics to manage warehousing and distribution operations.
In 2003, Fluidra became a main sponsor of the FINA World Swimming Championships (BCN03).
In 2007, Fluidra was officially listed on the stock exchange, marking a significant milestone in its corporate journey.
2008 - 2013
Restructuring and Global Expansion
During a time of global economic uncertainty, Fluidra focused on strengthening its operations in Europe while accelerating its international expansion. This included the creation of Fluidra España through mergers, a streamlined organizational structure, and the introduction of cash & carry outlets.
The company extended its global footprint by opening new subsidiaries in Belgium, Cyprus, Thailand, South Africa, Egypt, Malaysia, the Middle East, Serbia, Brazil, Indonesia, Jordan, Romania, and Montenegro.
Strategic acquisitions during this period included Spei (later Certikin Italia), Aquaproducts (USA), Aquatron (Israel), and Veico (Brazil), along with a joint venture with Chinese firm Youli, enhancing its capabilities in fluid handling technologies.
2016 - 2017
Strategic Growth through Acquisitions and Merger
In 2016, Fluidra expanded its footprint in Europe with the acquisition of Dutch company SIBO and French brand Sunbay, while divesting Calplas to streamline its portfolio.
In 2017, Fluidra announced a landmark merger with Zodiac®, a U.S.-based global leader in premium pool and spa solutions. This union marked a major milestone, creating a cutting-edge organization with global reach.
That same year, Fluidra also acquired Belgium’s Riiot Labs, known for smart pool connectivity, and Italy’s Piscine Laghetto, a designer of premium above-ground pools. The company also divested ATH to sharpen its focus on Pool & Wellness.
2018
Fluidra and Zodiac merge
The two companies seal the deal on 2 July 2018 and create a global leader in the pool sector.
The new Fluidra is launched: a single organization with the biggest portfolio of recognized brands and with the widest range of products to deliver a better service to the market.
Fluidra releases the Strategic Plan 2022 – Your perfect pool experience.
Sale of Aquatron Fluidra has reached an agreement with the Austrian firm BWT Aktiengesellschaft on the sale of its subsidiary Aquatron, a manufacturer specialized in automatic pool bottom cleaners. The sale forms part of the merger between Fluidra and Zodiac approved by the European Commission on 2 July this year, and is now subject to regulatory approval for such sales.
2019
Fluidra celebrates its 50th Anniversary
The company marks its first 50 years, celebrating its humble origins and journey to becoming the global leader in its sector
2022
Fluidra to become part of the IBEX 35
The company was selected to join the Ibex 35. Major acquisitions are made in the USA and Belgium.
Fluidra was selected to join the Ibex 35. Technical Advisory Committee selected the company to become part of the main index of the Spanish Stock Exchange, the IBEX 35, on March 29, 2021. This decision comes after a strong performance track record and very encouraging future prospects.
At the same time, Fluidra strengthened its leading position in the sector with the acquisitions of the Splash and Zen business (Belgium), Built Right (USA), Custom Molded Products (USA), S.R. Smith (USA), and Taylor (USA)
2024
Fluidra appoints Jaime Ramirez as Chief Executive Officer
Fluidra, the global leader in equipment and connected solutions in the pool and wellness sector, appoints Jaime Ramirez as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective 1 June 2024. The appointment follows a comprehensive succession planning process by the Board.
Fluidra & Teams
Continuous innovation is one of our core pillars, enabling Fluidra to offer increasingly automated, efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective products and services. Fluidra operates an extensive industrial and logistics network, with over 36 factories in 12 countries and logistics hubs in all key markets working alongside reliable specialized third-party suppliers. Each of Fluidra’s production plants is a leader in its field. With more than 50 years of experience in production technologies and lean principles culture, they all share the same goal: achieving operational excellence and consistently delivering the best possible service to our customers.
Europe
Latin America
Africa
Asia
Oceania
