Draft:Diffazur swimming pools
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Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Sagetadri (talk) 15:31, 5 September 2025 (UTC)
| File:Diffazur-piscines.png Logo of Diffazur Piscines | |
| Company type | Société anonyme (France) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Specialty construction |
| Founded | January 24, 1974 |
| Founders | Monique Richard Benielli; Gérard Benielli |
| Headquarters | , France |
Areas served | France; Italy; Switzerland; Netherlands; Tunisia; Morocco |
Key people | Monique Richard Benielli; Nathalie Saget; Samantha Benielli |
| Products | Reinforced concrete swimming pools; Water parks; Shotcrete |
| Revenue |  €50.4 million (2023) |
| €2.68 million (2023)[1] | |
Number of employees | 59 (2022); ~350 including subsidiaries |
| Website | www |
Diffazur Piscines is a French family business that designs and builds swimming pools for private and professional clients. Diffazur is described as the leading European builder of reinforced-concrete pools and the third largest worldwide.[2]
Founded in 1974 in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, the company operates 19 branches and retail outlets in France and employs more than 350 people.[3] The company also operates in Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Tunisia and Morocco.[4]
Diffazur specializes in pools built using shotcrete (sprayed concrete). The company has been recognized and awarded on several occasions for its innovations,[5] including the introduction of submerged beaches (tanning ledges), infinity pools and high-end lagoon-style pools.
History
[edit]Origins and growth (1974–1989)
[edit]Founded on 21 January 1974 under the name “Diffazur Softwater” with 10,000 francs,[6] the company initially specialized in water treatment (residential softeners, pool treatment, well-water treatment).
In 1975, “Diffazur Softwater” moved into the pool business. After several builds using traditional masonry, founders Monique Richard and Gérard Benielli—disappointed with existing solutions—traveled to the United States for several months[7] to meet more experienced American builders. There they discovered shotcrete, a placement method allowing any shape to be sculpted. Upon their return, the firm became “Diffazur Piscines” and focused on building pools and water parks using shotcrete.
In 1976, Diffazur marketed and built its first free-form shotcrete pools.[8] The following year, in 1977, the company introduced submerged beaches,[9] shallow platforms for sitting or lounging. In 1984, Diffazur launched “Diffaclean”, the first in-floor pool self-cleaning system it imported from the United States. In 1985, the company introduced its first infinity-edge pools.[9]
Market adaptation (1990–2008)
[edit]The early-1990s recession marked a turning point for the company as the pool market collapsed. To weather the downturn, Diffazur introduced mirror-edge pools in 1990[9] for the high-end market, and launched “Diffusions” in 1992, a collection of pre-defined family pools at lower prices for entry-level buyers.
Innovation continued with “Figergun FC3 TECH” in 2002, a patented projection technique reinforced with carbon and organic fibers, for which the company received an award in 2005.[10] This construction method reduces steel reinforcement while improving concrete strength.
New crises, new challenges (2009–2025)
[edit]As the subprime mortgage crisis reached France, Diffazur launched “Ixess” in 2008,[11] a pool under 10 m2 (110 sq ft) with predefined shapes that did not require prior planning permission, suited to increasingly small plots.
In 2009, following the technology shift, the company invested in the French startup So-Blue and launched its own pool home-automation system.[11]
The COVID-19 pandemic had a strong impact on business, with orders up by as much as 40% in 2021.[4]
In April 2025, Gérard Benielli, co-founder and CEO of Diffazur, died at age 77.[12] Management is overseen by founder Monique Richard Benielli, assisted by second- and third-generation family members.
Operations
[edit]Diffazur is structured into several companies specializing in different activities:
- Diffazur Piscines: construction of shotcrete pools.
- France Béton Project: a subsidiary producing nearly 35,000 m3 (1,200,000 cu ft) of shotcrete per year.[13]
- Diffaroc: decorative works such as faux rock, wood, and other natural-element imitations in concrete.
References
[edit]- ^ "STE DIFFAZUR (SIREN 300 759 883) – Financials". Pappers (in French). Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ^ "Continental Flavours". Pool & Spa Scene. April 2015. Retrieved 2015-06-30.
- ^ "Diffazur parie sur le haut de gamme". Le Figaro (in French). 10 August 1999.
- ^ a b "Diffazur bétonne le succès de ses piscines". Le Journal des Entreprises (in French). 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
- ^ "Diffazur Piscines séduit les Américains". La Tribune (in French). 22 April 2009.
- ^ "A Nice, les patronnes font la foire". Nice-Matin (in French). 11 March 2015. Retrieved 2015-06-30.
- ^ "Diffazur: la famille aux 25 000 piscines..." (in French). Retrieved 2015-06-29.
- ^ "Piscines nouvelle vague". Le Monde (in French). 30 May 2003.
- ^ a b c "Diffazur Piscines séduit les Américains". La Tribune (in French). 22 April 2009.
- ^ "Diffazur Piscines récompensée pour son béton fibré". Le Figaro (in French). 23 June 2005.
- ^ a b "Diffazur lance une nouvelle gamme de piscine pour particuliers". La Tribune (in French). 18 September 2010.
- ^ "Décès de Gérard Benielli, cofondateur des piscines Diffazur à Saint-Laurent-du-Var". Nice-Matin (in French). 22 April 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
- ^ "FBP France Béton Project". France Béton Project (in French). Retrieved 2015-07-06.
Further reading
[edit]- En avant toutes (1996), by D. Esway and V. Miraton. Includes a 20-page profile of Monique Richard Benielli and her company.