Swimming pool sales increased by 73.8% during the quarter to $108 million. Meanwhile, sales of pool covers grew by 55.9% to $26.2 million. Liner sales increased by 37.8% to $46.7 million.

A longstanding factory in Marion County is trading out luxury sailboats for fiberglass swimming pools as part of a business deal that could save much-needed jobs in the small Pee Dee community.

A SECOND fire burning at Welshpool swimming pool business — just hours after a blaze caused $1.5 million damage at a gas and fluid sealing factory — has been brought under control.