We're Now Employee-Owned!
After 38 years of family ownership, Hines Pool & Spa is now owned by the people who serve you every day.
A Message from Our Founder
"After 38 years of building this company, I'm proud to announce that Hines Pool & Spa is now employee-owned. This isn't just a business decision—it's about securing our legacy of excellence for generations to come."
What Is Employee Ownership?
Employee ownership means that Hines Pool & Spa is now owned by the people who work here. Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), our team members earn shares in the company as part of their benefits package.
What This Means for You:
- Enhanced Service – When technicians are owners, they take even greater pride in their work
- Stability – Lower turnover means you'll see the same trusted faces year after year
- Long-Term Commitment – We're building a company designed to serve Central Texas for generations
The Employee Ownership Advantage
Higher Quality Service
Employee-owners have a personal stake in every job they complete. This creates a culture where excellence isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected.
Deeper Technical Expertise
With industry-leading employee retention, our team continuously builds their knowledge and skills, bringing unmatched expertise to your pool or spa.
Stronger Community Ties
As employee-owners, we’re invested in the communities we serve. We live here, work here, and are committed to Central Texas for the long haul.
Greater Accountability
When you contact Hines Pool & Spa, you’re not just talking to an employee—you’re talking to an owner who has the authority and motivation to ensure your satisfaction.
Meet Our Employee-Owners
Maria Gonzalez
James Wilson
David Chen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ESOP?
ESOP stands for “Employee Stock Ownership Plan.” It’s a retirement plan where employees accumulate shares of company stock in their retirement accounts. When an employee retires or leaves the company, their vested shares are bought back based on the company’s annually determined share value
What are the benefits of an ESOP for employees?
a. Gives employees a stake in the company’s success
b. Can provide a source of retirement income
c. Aligning employees interest with the company performance can lead to increased productivity and retention.
What are the benefits of an ESOP for the company?
a. Can facilitate the transition of ownership to the employees
b. Can foster a sense of ownership and loyalty among employees
c. Offer potential tax advantages
What are the benefits to customers?
a. Employee owners perform more efficiently and effectively for their customers.
b. Employee owners care more about their customers well being.
c. Becoming an ESOP means Hines Pool & Spa will be able to take care of all their current and future customers for a very, very, long time.
Is Andy still part of the company he started?
Will there be turnover in staff?
No change in staff is expected. In fact, we are looking to expand our staff and looking for well qualified individuals to join the company.
Why did Hines choose to do an ESOP now?
a. Over the past 5 years, there has been significant private equity activity throughout the Pool industry across the Southern part of the US. These private equity companies acquire small service companies, usually multiple in a city such as Austin, consolidating the operational functions in an effort to streamline operations. During these acquisitions, typically the founder/owner are bought out and leave the company as part of their exit plan. These transactions are great for the retiring owner, but not always the best for the employees or customers. The ultimate goal of these transaction is to build a money-making machine with the target of a future sale for a large profit.
b. Andy Hines started the Hines Pool & Spa in 1986 and has operated it as a family-owned business for the past 38+ years, treating every employee as family. And while his plans are to remain the President of the company, he understands he too will at some point retire. When he thought about the future of the company, he realized the employees are what makes Hines Pool & Spa such a great company. While all businesses, including Hines Pool & Spa need to make a profit to remain open, when Andy looked at the future of the company, and ultimately the employees and customers; turning the company over to the employees was the only clear path in his mind and heart to ensure the employees and customers would be taken care forever.
Our Legacy & Future:
38 Years of Excellence
Our ESOP represents not just a change in ownership, but a renewed commitment to the values that have defined us for 38 years: expertise, reliability, and customer satisfaction above all else.
What This Means for You:
Hines Pool & Spa, Central Texas’s premier pool and spa service provider, has announced its transition to employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Released: 04/23/2025