New model combines operational expertise, AI-powered tools, and vertical integration to create mutually beneficial partnerships with owners while preserving local management and neighborhood character.

SAN MATEO, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — California Pool Partners (CPP) today announced the formal launch of its owner-centric platform, offering pool service business owners a collaborative alternative to conventional private equity roll-up models.

Unlike traditional approaches that often prioritize rapid consolidation and centralized control, CPP is built around mutually beneficial relationships with owners. The model is designed to help owners professionalize and scale while preserving the local ownership, neighborhood relationships, and service quality that define successful pool service businesses in California and across the west coast.

The platform has established leading operations in two major California markets, Los Angeles and San Diego, and plans to expand into a third market this fall. The recent acquisition of Payan Pools, one of San Diego County’s most respected pool service companies, illustrates how the model works in practice.

Javier Payan built Payan Pools over nearly four decades after purchasing a $23,000 route in 1987. He was not looking to sell when he met the CPP founders. After evaluating the opportunity, he said the fit was clear: “If I was to write down what it would take for me to sell this business, it was all right there. They checked all my boxes.”

The founders of California Pool Partners, Evan Ferl, Eric Johnston and Mark Doody own and operate the platform themselves, without any external parties directing decisions. This structure allows them to prioritize long-term service quality and employee satisfaction over short-term optimization pressures.

“We don’t have anybody behind us pushing us to optimize something at the sake of service quality or employee satisfaction,” said Eric Johnston, Co-Founder of CPP. “We work for the GM, not the other way around. We want the general manager to tell me how the business will best be impacted by our actions.”

CPP centralizes certain financial, administrative, and selected operational functions while leaving substantial day-to-day authority with each company’s general manager. The approach is deliberately not a one-size-fits-all formula. Instead, it creates flexible partnerships that align incentives and protect the local character of the businesses it partners with.

The platform currently operates through subsidiaries including AC Pools LLC and Payan Pools LLC, serving thousands of residential and commercial pools across Southern California. CPP combines hands-on operational support with AI-forward systems tailored to pool service, including route optimization, water chemistry management, predictive maintenance, and customer communications, alongside vertical integration spanning service delivery, chemical handling and compliance, equipment, and technology.

“Independent, locally rooted businesses built California’s pool service industry,” said Evan Ferl, Co-Founder of California Pool Partners. “Our goal is to be the best long-term partner for those owners – helping them continue to build on what they’ve created while preserving the local relationships, reputation, and culture that made their businesses successful in the first place.”

About California Pool Partners

California Pool Partners (CPP) is an owner-centric platform for pool service businesses in California and across the west coast. Through operational expertise, AI-enabled tools, vertical integration, and flexible partnership structures, CPP creates mutually beneficial relationships with owners who want to professionalize and scale while preserving local ownership and neighborhood focus. The platform is owned and operated by its three founders and operates via holding company structures including AC Pools Service and Payan Pools Service.

Media Contact

Evan Ferl
Co-Founder
California Pool Partners

Tel: 1.805.391.POOL (7665)
Email: hello@californiapoolpartners.com 
Website: www.californiapoolpartners.com 

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SOURCE California Pool Partners