Hayward Industries Acquires Paramount Pool & Spa Systems

Lewis “Buzz” Ghiz, owner of Paramount Pool & Spa Systems and member of the storied Ghiz family, has entered into an agreement to sell his Phoenix-area pool/spa equipment manufacturer to Big 3 producer Hayward Industries.

From a practical standpoint, the move is expected to result in little to no change, said Ghiz and Hayward officials. Paramount will function autonomously, with its location and all staff intact – including Ghiz, who will continue to lead the operation indefinitely. The brand also will remain in effect.

“Paramount’s distinctive culture of closely listening to builders’ needs and the experience of Buzz Ghiz as a leading pool builder are embedded in the design of Paramount’s products and services,” said Hayward CEO Clark Hale. “We are delighted that Buzz and his team will continue to lead the Paramount organization after the close of this transaction.”

For Ghiz and his family, the move carries somewhat seismic significance. Paramount was begun in 1964 by George Ghiz, father to Buzz and his siblings, as a research-and-development arm to historic builder/retailer Paddock Pools. After George Ghiz stepped down, Buzz Ghiz took the helm of both companies. Buzz Ghiz focused on the manufacturing firm after he and brothers David and Edward sold the building/retaining firm in 2005.

Buzz Ghiz said the decision to sell Paramount came about after a life-altering 2017, during which he lost two siblings – Edward and his sister, Jazelle. Undergoing the type of reflection that takes place after such loss, Ghiz and his family discussed whether or not Paramount would remain a family legacy company.

“With much family prayer and soul searching… we decided maybe it isn’t,” he said. “With my brother and sister passing away, and it not going to be a legacy business, then I said to myself, ‘Maybe now’s the time to just see what it’s about.’”

But Buzz was not ready to leave the company, and he and his family want to see the brand legacy continue. “I kept going back to my relationship with Clark Hale and [see] them being very good stewards for the brand, and them wanting to keep the brand going for years to come,” Ghiz said. “My family came to the conclusion that now might be the time to do it.”

Started as an in-floor cleaner producer, the company has vastly expanded its product offerings to include ultraviolet light and ozone sanitizers, Venturi skimmers, water levelers, unblockable drains, white goods, lights and other product categories.

“We are delighted to join forces with Buzz and the Paramount Team,” Hale said. “Their culture of innovation and superior customer service combined with Hayward’s global reach will create significant growth opportunities for both companies, our customers and our employees.”