San Mateo, Calif. – September 07, 2026 -- California Pool Partners (CPP) has formally launched an owner-centric platform positioned as an alternative to traditional private equity roll-ups in the pool service industry, with operations now established in Los Angeles and San Diego and a third California market targeted for expansion this fall.
CPP acquires Payan Pools, a business built from a $23,000 route in 1987
The platform's recent acquisition of Payan Pools, described as one of San Diego County's most respected pool service companies, illustrates its approach. Founder Javier Payan grew the business over nearly four decades after purchasing the original route in 1987 and was not actively seeking a sale when CPP approached him.
"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," Payan said of the deal.
Three founders retain full ownership without external investor control
CPP is owned and operated directly by co-founders Mark Doody, Evan Ferl, and Eric Johnston, with no outside parties directing decisions. Johnston said the structure removes pressure to optimize financial metrics at the expense of service quality or staff retention, stating the founders work for each general manager rather than the reverse.
Platform centralizes finance and tech while leaving daily authority with local managers
CPP centralizes select financial, administrative, and operational functions but leaves substantial day-to-day decision-making with each subsidiary's general manager. The company currently operates through subsidiaries AC Pools LLC and Payan Pools LLC, serving thousands of residential and commercial pools across Southern California.
The platform layers AI-driven tools for route optimization, water chemistry management, predictive maintenance, and customer communications onto vertically integrated operations covering service delivery, chemical handling and compliance, and equipment.
Founders frame model as preservation of independent, locally rooted businesses
"Independent, locally rooted businesses built California's pool service industry," said co-founder Evan Ferl, adding that CPP's goal is to help owners scale while preserving local relationships, reputation, and culture.