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Pool World expands as area grows

Lyla Henderson and her late husband, Kerry Henderson, started Pool World 31 years ago. (Holly Pickett / The Spokesman-Review)
Juli Wasson Correspondent
Lyla Henderson and her late husband, Kerry Henderson, started Pool World 31 years ago. (Holly Pickett / The Spokesman-Review)

Pool World Inc. continues to ride the wave of a growing Inland Northwest.

The 31-year-old Spokane Valley-based company is embarking on a two-year expansion to its flagship store along Sprague Avenue.

The current 5,000-square-foot headquarters will grow to 8,000 square feet with the addition of an adjacent building next door. The new space will primarily accommodate the growing chain’s administration staff.

Customers will eventually see the main store revamped with a new look that features sections to showcase various products and brands.

“We’ll have dedicated areas to make it look like your backyard dream,” said company Sales Manager Blake Mitchell. “You’ll come in and you’ll probably know what you need, but you’ll probably be able to dream about something else. And that’s our job – to make everything fun.”

The new look will include hot tubs – or spas as they are called in the business – saunas, outdoor grills, patio furniture, plants and planters.

Anticipated completion is March 2008. Mitchell said project construction is being performed by the in-house pool installation crew, which will switch to its typical duties from about March to October, and then back to the expansion work.

The busy season finds crews installing 30 to 50 residential swimming pools in the Inland Northwest annually, and Mitchell notes, “The rate Spokane is growing, Pool World is, too.”

Most recently, Pool World Inc., installed the North Spokane Aquatics Center, the aquatics center at the Valley YMCA, and the pool and spa at the new Davenport Hotel Tower.

Pool World Inc. was opened in a small section of its current Valley location 31 years ago by Lyla and the late Kerry Henderson. The founders’ son, Mark Henderson, serves as general manager and Lyla Henderson oversees administration.

The company has grown to four locations with 65 employees for sales, service, administration and construction. In addition to its flagship store, Pool World Inc. has stores in central Spokane, north Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, which opened three years ago.