Pentair
ActiveOverview
Pentair plc is a water treatment company focused on residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, infrastructure, and agriculture applications, providing solutions to move, improve, and enjoy water. Incorporated in Ireland with tax residency in the UK and main US office in Golden Valley, Minnesota, it generates significant revenue from the US and Canada. The company emphasizes smart, sustainable water solutions across various sectors.123
History
Pentair was founded in August 1966 in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota, by five former Litton Industries employees as Pentair Industries, Inc., initially to manufacture high-altitude balloons. It diversified into various industries, reached $1 billion in sales by 1989, exited its tools business in 2004 to enter the water industry via acquisition of Wicor Industries, and combined with Tyco's flow control business in 2012 to form Pentair Ltd. In 2014, it reorganized its domicile to Ireland; in 2018, it separated its electrical division into nVent Electric plc, retaining focus on water solutions.12
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pool & Spa Equipment | Residential water circulation and sanitation | $200 - $5,000 |
| Water Softening Systems | Residential hard water treatment | $800 - $3,000 |
| Filtration Systems | Commercial and residential water purification | $150 - $2,500 |
| Pumps | Industrial and pool water movement | $300 - $4,000 |
| Valves & Controls | Fluid management for infrastructure | $100 - $1,800 |
Manufacturing
Pentair operates 93 manufacturing locations worldwide, producing water solutions including pumps, filters, and controls. Products are made in-house at these facilities across multiple countries, supporting its global operations in approximately 150 countries.3
Notable Products
- Pentair IntelliFlo Pump - Variable-speed pool pump for energy-efficient water circulation.
- Pentair ScreenLogic Interface - Remote control system for pool automation.
- Pentair Big Blue Filter - High-flow whole-house water filtration housing.
- Pentair Fleck Valves - Control valves for water softeners and filters.
- Pentair Rainbow Automatic Chlorinator - Inline sanitizer dispenser for pools and spas.
Reputation
Pentair is regarded by professionals as a reliable provider of durable water treatment equipment, particularly in pool maintenance and filtration, with strong innovation backed by over 1,000 patents. Enthusiasts praise its energy-efficient pumps and automation systems for performance in residential applications. Criticisms include higher pricing compared to budget alternatives and occasional complexity in installation for non-professionals.12