Pool World Inc., a Spokane Valley-based pool and spa retailer, has opened a store in Coeur dAlene with hopes of capitalizing on the strong housing market in Kootenai County.


Pool World is leasing a 4,200-square-foot floor space in a building at 205 N. Sunset Blvd., across the parking lot from a Home Depot outlet near U.S. 95. The Spokane Valley retailer sells pools, spas, and related products, and offers installation and service.


The Coeur dAlene store opened on April 9 and is staffed by five people


Pool World operates three stores in the Spokane area. Its flagship store is at 13524 E. Sprague and it has branch locations at 4808 E. Sprague, and 9111 N. Country Homes Blvd.


Ten percent of our business is done in that area, and were looking to expand that, says Henderson. Business in that market is very strong.


He declines to disclose the privately held companys annual revenues.


Pool World employs about 50 people.


Henderson says the company is doing very well because people are spending their money on improving their homes instead of traveling abroad.


Theyre taking backyard vacations, he says. They want to have a pool or spa.