"Platypool's story starts in Mougins, on the French Riviera. My dad, Jean-Jacques — an inventor at heart and serial entrepreneur — first came up with the idea back in 2005. At the time, he was running a hotel in the South of France and spent way too much time just trying to keep the pool clean. The classic pool net? Clunky, inefficient, and honestly a total time-suck. A daily headache. So he set out to build something better — simpler, faster, more practical.."
Fast forward to 2020: I was staying at my dad's place for a few weeks during lockdown when he showed me his latest invention. I'll admit, I was skeptical at first — I'd seen plenty of my dad's wild ideas come and go over the years. But this time, after trying it out in an actual pool, it just clicked. I immediately got how genius the concept was — for in-ground and above-ground pool owners alike, and for pool pros too.
After months of testing and prototyping, we entered the Concours Lépine in 2021 and it was a real hit. Visitors couldn't believe something this obvious didn't already exist. And when we walked away with two medals? That sealed it — we had to make this happen.
Platypool officially launched in 2023. The result: fast growth, driven by dead-simple usability and real performance. We've already sold over 10,000 units across France and Europe in just 2 years — solid proof that this invention solves a real problem and actually makes a difference.
Today, we're still true to our core values: sustainability, innovation, and French manufacturing. Platypool is a durable, accessible alternative to the old-school pool net — one that's kind to the planet too.
In 2025, a friend told me about Qui veut être mon associé? (the French version of Shark Tank) airing on M6. I'd watched the show plenty of times before, never imagining I'd end up pitching on it myself. I decided to go for it — and I'm so glad I did. The whole experience was intense and honestly incredible. Getting a behind-the-scenes look at a show of that scale was fascinating, and I was blown away by how professional the entire team was, and by the support I got every step of the way, right up to the day of filming."
Platypool is designed and manufactured in France — a world away from mass production overseas. That choice means ethical, transparent manufacturing at every step. The entire production process happens in Alsace, working with local partners who respect both the environment and fair labor practices.
Platypool is assembled in supported-employment workshops that provide jobs for people with disabilities, as well as individuals working toward social and professional reintegration. This gives people who are often shut out of the traditional job market a path to independence and new skills.
This initiative helps create opportunities for refugees, welfare recipients, and people with disabilities — while reinforcing the social values we stand for.
