Covington, Louisiana-based Pool Corp. (Nasdaq/GSM:POOL) reported 2021 fourth-quarter sales of $1 billion, while year-end sales reached $5.3 billion.

Both the 4Q and year-end sales totals were company records. The annual net sales total was 35% higher than in 2020, the company said.

Pool Corp. also reported operating income of $832.8 million, up 79% from 2020, with a 390 bps improvement in operating margin. In 2021, the company saw a record diluted EPS of $15.97, an increase of 78% over 2020.

The company said sales were driven by “strong customer demand for outdoor living products throughout the year” and benefited from inflation and warmer weather across the U.S.

“I am thrilled to announce that, for the first time in our company’s history, we surpassed annual sales of $5.0 billion, including $1.0 billion of sales in the fourth quarter,” said Peter D. Arvan, Pool Corp. president and CEO. “This tremendous accomplishment is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the POOLCORP team to serve our customers and help them grow their businesses. This year presented many obstacles, including consistently elevated demand alongside historic supply chain disruptions, but the tireless efforts of our employees, coupled with the endurance of our suppliers to help us remain stocked, allowed us to manage high customer volumes while catapulting sales to record heights. Our net sales growth for the year fueled operating results that are truly outstanding with 2021 operating income growth of 79% on top of 36% growth in 2020. I am incredibly proud and thankful to share in the triumphs of 2021 with our entire team and our loyal customers.”