Jason's Confession

It was a scorching Saturday afternoon in July when my wife and I packed the kids in the van and headed to a picnic at Marc's house. Upon arrival we found our host engaged in a game of frisbee golf. "The pool's all yours." he said, "Everyone else is at the parade and will be here in about an hour." Within minutes we were in the pool having a blast. After a few moments I paused and realized how much fun we were having. At that moment the irony was acute. Here I was an owner of a pool company, not only without a pool, but without a true testimony of how much fun they really are. Swimming pools have always been a part of my life. I have worked in pool construction since the age of sixteen; my family even had two different pools growing up. But through the adventuresome years of starting a new family and business, somehow I lost track of the recreational benefits of pool ownership. Again I gazed at the scene. I saw my smiling wife relaxed on the pool steps with our one year old son. He laughed and splashed. My eight year old was planning a water attack against his unsuspecting three year old brother. We were all engaged in an activity that was fun and refreshing, and best of all, we were doing it together.

My point is simply this: pools are fun. After working now for six years to market and install composite pools, my thoughts have been constantly dedicated to such topics as pool warranty, low maintenance, and construction timeliness; areas of our business process that are yes important, but certainly not the major end-goal for our customers. The end should always be that of 'Fun', much of which I was able to experience with my wife and children that day in July. The fun and energy that surround swimming pools is what keeps me passionate about what we do, and I am rewarded every time I see someone enjoying one of our pools. Somehow I just forgot to take advantage of it for myself. So if you have an existing pool, don't take it for granted. If you're a potential pool owner, or currently under construction, don't get too caught up in the details. Reflect on why you wanted a pool in the first place. I believe in our product. Not only in its durability and low maintenance, but that it can promote health and strengthen families.

So what about Jason's pool? The other day I was joking with a customer that manages a marine dealership. We found it humorous that he doesn't own a boat and I don't own a pool. In my defense, I do have a very challenging yard, and when I build my pool I want to do it right. Besides, I wouldn't want anything to distract me from giving top notch customer service, right? Seriously, my wife and I are considering building our pool next year, but we'll never tell the kids.