A History of the Oldest Pool Company in America
Pulliam Pools is the continuation of a family construction business founded in 1916 by brothers Theodore Creswell Pulliam and Frank ‘Pop’ Pulliam. In 1916, there was no such thing as a ‘swimming pool contractor’. If you wanted a pool, you would call a ‘cement contractor’. Since Theo had built many waterproof cattle dipping vats, he was asked to build the first swimming pools in Coryell County.
The company evolved from there to three generations of pool builders. In fact, the company is listed as America’s Oldest Pool Builder. That’s why, when premier pool industry magazine, Pool & Spa News, published a series of articles exploring the history of the Texas pool industry in 2005, they contacted Pulliam Pools to provide.
1916
Theodore Pulliam and his brother open a cement business and later built their first concrete swimming pool, the Gatesville Public Pool.
Three generations of Pulliams family would revolutionize the state’s pool industry
Three generations of Pulliams family would revolutionize the state’s pool industry, taking it from the days of wooden test kits to the first use of sprayed concrete and into the 21st century.
D. Barry Pulliam 1948 –
Doren Pulliam (above) buys the first gunite rig in Texas to build pools.
1956 – Pulliam’s Backyard Story
Through innovative advertising and marketing, Pulliam Pools went from a simple storefront (above) to the nation’s 24th largest builder and a Pool & Spa News Top Builder.
Involved in the family business since childhood, company consultant and third-generation owner Barry Pulliam literally learned about pools from the ground up. At age 10, he worked service routes for his father, Doren, and at age 14, he was working the service counter explaining maintenance techniques to customers.
1985 – Barry Pulliam takes over his father’s business
In 1985, Barry took over the in-ground pool construction business from his father. The company quadrupled sales during his first year at the helm.
2004 – Pulliam Pools builds 450 pools
Pulliam Pools builds 450 pools, generating
$14.1 million in new-construction revenue.
2005
Front page of the Fort Worth Business Press
regarding Pulliam’s second Small Business of the Year Award given by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.
2009 – Debra Smith and Mike Clark assume leadership and begin planning for new innovations and company strategies
In 2009, new President Debra Smith and Vice President Mike Clark purchased the company from Barry Pulliam. Although it would have been great to have a fourth generation owner, Debra and Mike were an ideal fit. Both have been a critical part of the success of the company, having worked there for 18 years and 24 years respectively, and both hold the company legacy dear to their hearts. A simple stock sale kept the company intact, and provided continuity for employees and customers alike.
Nowadays, a Pulliam pool is a statement of beauty. “A pool isn’t just a vessel of water to swim in,” says Barry Pulliam (above, in 2005). “People’s backyards
are extensions of their homes.”
2022 – Pulliam Pools acquired by Riverbend Sandler Pools
In 2022, Pulliam Pools was acquired by Riverbend Sandler Pools.
2022 – Top 50 Pool Builder 20 years in a row
Pools & Spa News – Pulliam Pools 20 Years Top 50 Builder Article
2022 – Over 30,000 projects completed
2023 – Andrew Fluty promoted to General Manager
Andrew started as a laborer at Pulliam Pools right after college and worked his way up through each department, gaining expertise in every aspect of the company. He excelled in sales and design and was appointed Sales Manager in 2015. He coached and mentored the design team and was later promoted to Operations Manager in 2020. After Pulliam was acquired by Riverbend Sandler Pools, Andrew became General Manager in 2022. Passionate about the pool industry, he looks forward to growing the company’s footprint while preserving its culture and providing unmatched quality and service to clients. In his free time, Andrew enjoys golfing, gardening, and spending time with his family.
What our customers say…
We shopped around for an in ground pool builder for 3 yrs. We chose Pulliam Pool as our builder. It was an amazing process to watch. The staff was very effic
We shopped around for an in ground pool builder for 3 yrs. We chose Pulliam Pool as our builder. It was an amazing process to watch. The staff was very efficient. Every staff member we interacted with where extremely professional and knowledgeable. They did a fabulous job designing and putting in our pool. We love our pool!
Ismelda Garza
We would highly recommend use of Pulliam Pools to build your family’s swimming pool. Pulliam built ours in 2013 (along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace)
We would highly recommend use of Pulliam Pools to build your family’s swimming pool. Pulliam built ours in 2013 (along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace), and we have enjoyed all of the above ever since. We were highly pleased with both quality and service!
Carey Fraser
One of the best companies we have ever dealt with. We love our design, and every step of the process was explained to us and was seamless.
Amy Henson
We are very pleased with Pulliam Pools. Everyone that came on site was courteous, professional, prompt, conscientious and knowledgeable. From our initial con
We are very pleased with Pulliam Pools. Everyone that came on site was courteous, professional, prompt, conscientious and knowledgeable. From our initial contact with Bart our designer and Ken the job site supervisor through Frank our “pool school” instructor we could not be more pleased with everyone that was on site. Everyone was respectful of our property and our time and the quality of their own work. Very pleased with the results. From breaking ground to a full pool was only 28 days. After seeing the actual amount of men, material and equipment it takes to install a pool I’m surprised it can be done so economically. The attention to detail by every member of each crew was impressive. We have absolutely no complaints whatsoever. Pulliam has pulled together some very impressive specialists for each stage of the construction. We are very pleased with the results and very glad we went with Pulliam Pools.
Tom Kadlub
We just finished building our pool three weeks ago, and Pulliam did a great job for us. From the design group to the finishing touches, it was top notch. Eve
We just finished building our pool three weeks ago, and Pulliam did a great job for us. From the design group to the finishing touches, it was top notch. Even with the weather delays, they finished our project on time. Our superintendent was in communication with us daily, informing us of what was to take place, or wasn’t because of weather. The pool is beautiful and hope it warms up soon so we can enjoy it!
Barbara Rademaker
When we decided to build a pool in our backyard, we did our research and asked a pool professional from church whom we trusted and she HIGHLY recommended Pul
When we decided to build a pool in our backyard, we did our research and asked a pool professional from church whom we trusted and she HIGHLY recommended Pulliam Pools from experience. The office personnel were very friendly and helpful as well as the consultant we dealt with. Our pool was ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL and it was more affordable than we thought. If we ever built another pool on a different home, Pulliam would definitely get our business AGAIN! Thank you SO much Pulliam Pools, and a special thanks to Brian & Nick for your professionalism and patience, you made this experience much easier than we expected.
Cary & Kimberly Machala
Every aspect of the process, from planning to completion, was outstanding. We even made a few changes along the way and it was no problem. The pool turned ou
Every aspect of the process, from planning to completion, was outstanding. We even made a few changes along the way and it was no problem. The pool turned out absolutely perfect. The supervisor, (Brian) kept us in the loop every step of the way, was very responsive to our requests and inquiries, and was very honest about everything. We received bids from 5 companies and went with Pulliam because it was a great design and great price and I am glad we did because the service was great also. I highly recommend Pulliam Pools.
David Fankhauser
