Leslie’s Poolmart Plans to Open Discount Stores

Leslie’s Poolmart, a Chatsworth-based company that operates the nation’s largest chain of swimming-pool supply stores, said it plans to open five discount stores by the end of March.

The new outlets in Southern California and Texas “will not offer the services, repairs and level of customer service” available in the company’s existing network of 104 stores in 23 states, Leslie’s said.

But the company’s president, Brian P. McDermott, noted that “a segment of the buying public routinely shops in club or warehouse-style discount outlets,” and said the new Leslie’s stores are “a significant opportunity for us to gain volume and market share.”

The new discount stores will operate under the name Pool Club-USA.