Why Jeff Decided to Install a Pool Cristian What was the driving force behind having a pool installed in your backyard? Jeff The biggest driving force was my now 11-year-old son. He was very timid about getting in the water and never wanted to swim. I made a deal with him when he was four: “When you...
Why Jeff Decided to Install a Pool
Cristian
What was the driving force behind having a pool installed in your backyard?
Jeff
The biggest driving force was my now 11-year-old son. He was very timid about getting in the water and never wanted to swim. I made a deal with him when he was four: “When you can swim, I’ll put a pool in the backyard.”
Well, when you tell a four-year-old that, they don’t forget.
When he became a little fish, Angela and I had to follow through. That started our research process in 2018 and 2019.
I like to design and tinker. I actually had a full backyard layout sketched before I ever contacted a pool builder. We researched vinyl, gunite, and fiberglass pools. My brother had vinyl. Friends had gunite. But the more we evaluated maintenance, surface comfort, and long-term durability, the more we kept coming back to fiberglass.
We ultimately chose the D36 fiberglass pool from River Pools.
Expectations vs. Reality in the Pool Buying Process
Cristian
When did your pool go in?
Jeff
We went to contract at the beginning of 2020. The pool went in the ground August 11th of 2020.
Cristian
What did you expect the pool installation process to be like?
Jeff
I didn’t have clear expectations. I had heard builders were scheduling a year or two out, so I assumed it would be a long process. That’s why I started early — I thought I needed to get in line.
We knew we wanted a pool with an automatic cover for safety and a simple water feature. I interviewed seven different pool builders. For me, it wasn’t just about the product — it was about the experience.
Installing a pool should be one of the most exciting projects you take on as a homeowner. I wanted to work with someone I trusted and enjoyed working with.
The Communication Gap That Changed Everything
Cristian
At what point did you feel like something could be better?
Jeff
From the time I signed the contract until construction began, there was a significant period of silence.
Originally it was going to start in May. Then June. Then July. It didn’t start until August 11th.
The issue wasn’t just the delay — it was the lack of communication. I understand construction timelines aren’t exact, but I wanted clarity about what was next.
That silence planted a seed.
I ended up calling River Pools directly to see if there was another option. Jason called me back. My wife overheard the conversation and asked, “Are you buying a pool or a pool company?”
I shrugged and said, “Both.”
Seventeen days after my pool went in the ground, I flew to Virginia and signed the franchise agreement to buy the company.
Building Two Pools as a First Project
Cristian
Tell us about your first project as a pool builder.
Jeff
We started with two pools side by side — as our first project.
On the very first install, a brand-new certified lifting strap failed. The pool shell dropped and was damaged.
We now have a rule at River Pools Kansas City: we don’t set pools on Halloween.
We dealt with heavy rain, snow, mud — everything you could imagine. But the homeowners were gracious. The projects were completed successfully, and they remain some of our strongest referral partners.
Failure wasn’t an option.
Should You Hire a First-Time Pool Builder?
Cristian
What would you say to a homeowner considering hiring a builder for their first project?
Jeff
Every great builder starts somewhere.
If it’s their first project, they can’t afford to fail. They need that first project to turn into two… into twenty… into a hundred.
Look for humility. Look for integrity. Ask the right questions. Sometimes that first project becomes one of their best because they’re fully invested in the outcome.
What Matters Most When Choosing a Pool Builder
Cristian
What mattered most to you in the buying process?
Jeff
Trust.
Could I trust the person I was writing a substantial check to? That was the deciding factor.
How Homeowners Should Prepare Before Hiring a Pool Builder
Cristian
How should homeowners prepare while shopping for pool builders?
Jeff
Two things.
First, make sure you’re choosing the right product. Imagine your ideal pool day. Where do you spend time? How do you use the space? What matters most to your family?
Second, make sure you choose someone you can work with for two months.
Our projects typically take eight to ten weeks. That builder will be in your backyard regularly. You need open, honest communication.
We over-communicate with daily text updates and weekly snapshots so homeowners always know what’s happening next.
The more transparent the process, the less anxiety homeowners feel.
What Makes a Pool Company Successful
Cristian
What motivates you today?
Jeff
The customers.
I run into them all the time. They tell me how much they love their pool. That never gets old.
My team motivates me. We’ve built a culture where our crew enjoys working together and takes pride in the outcome.
And my family motivates me. I used to travel constantly. Now I coach my son’s teams and don’t miss my daughter’s dance recitals.
Some weeks are 90-hour weeks. But when you step back and see the joy these backyards create, it’s worth it.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Pool Builder
Cristian
As you evaluate pool builders, look for someone you can trust. Look for communication. Look for transparency. And remember — you’ll be working closely together for weeks.
Make sure it’s someone you genuinely want to work with.
I’m Cristian with The Pool Guides. Thanks for hanging out — and remember, every great backyard story starts with a smart plan.
Catch the wave.
