For more than 62 years, Master Pools Guild (MPG) has been a beacon of excellence in the pool industry, providing a unique platform for collaboration, education, and support among its members. Founded in 1962 by a group of visionary pool builders in California, MPG has evolved into an exclusive international network of custom pool builders, with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of construction and ethical practices.

At the helm of MPG stands its current Executive Director, Teri Wiltshire, who brings over 15 years of experience in the pool and spa industry to her role. In a recent interview, Wiltshire shed light on the organization’s history, mission, and the transition into her position as Executive Director.

Wiltshire emphasized the familial nature of MPG, stating, “Our group is tight-knit, 100 members. They have always been incredibly supportive. We’re a tight-knit family.” This cohesion is crucial as it fosters a spirit of openness and communication, a unique characteristic in an industry where competitors often find themselves at odds.

Continuing a Proud Tradition of Excellence

Since its inception, MPG’s mission has remained focused on communication, networking, and continuing education. Wiltshire notes that one remarkable aspect of the organization is the emergence of third and fourth-generation members, who, having grown up within the organization, contribute to smooth transitions in ownership and management within their respective companies.

Contrary to misconception, MPG is not a buying group. While they do provide a small annual rebate to members based on their purchasing, the organization’s primary focus is on sharing knowledge and education. Wiltshire clarified, “Overwhelmingly our purpose is sharing and education. We provide our members with the continuing education they need to stay at the top of their game.”

Becoming a Member of Master Pools Guild

Membership in MPG is by invitation only, and the organization maintains a rigorous vetting process to ensure the highest standards in construction and ethical practices. Wiltshire outlined the meticulous process, including reference checks, discussions with banks and vendors, and the use of digital platforms to assess a business’s online reputation.

Wiltshire emphasized, “We want to make the right choice, and we want to make sure that we are the right choice for that organization as well.” This stringent selection process reflects MPG’s commitment to maintaining a family-like atmosphere within the organization.

Shared Core Values

Integrity, honesty, and honorability are foundational cornerstones for MPG and its members. Wiltshire stated, “All of those qualities are extremely important to us,” and highlighted the organization’s proactive approach in monitoring members’ online presence on platforms such as Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, Yelp, and addressing any negative reviews promptly.

Wiltshire emphasizes the importance of the relationships MPG has built with its approximately 150 vendor partners through the Preferred Equipment Provider Program. She notes, “In March and October of every year, when our members get together, we invite those vendors to attend as well. There are great networking and communication opportunities throughout our three-day program, fostering great relationship building.” Wiltshire emphasizes the significance of these relationships, especially during critical times like the unprecedented ice storm in Texas, where the vendor partnerships proved instrumental in supporting and aiding MPG members.

A Commitment to Educating Pool Builders

At the core of MPG’s mission is education, and Wiltshire explains the various avenues the organization employs to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing. She highlights the collaboration with Genesis organization and Watershape University, providing optional education for members during meetings. Additionally, the organization partners with vendor allies to offer online education components throughout the year, ensuring a continuous flow of knowledge. “We feel like on all of those touch points, we are doing everything we can do to give our members the ability to get as much continuing education as possible,” says Wiltshire.

Wiltshire elaborates on the guidelines for becoming an MPG member, underscoring the organization’s commitment to maintaining high standards. “Some of those guidelines are that the business has to have been in existence for a minimum of five years. There can be no bankruptcies in the past. We ask that they build primarily gunite pools, and there should be no other memberships with other associations in our industry, competing associations,” she explains. These stringent criteria ensure that MPG continues to uphold its reputation for excellence.

Connecting With Master Pools Guild

For emerging professionals eager to join the ranks of Master Pools Guild (MPG), Wiltshire encourages aspiring members to explore various channels to connect. “There’s a place on our website that allows you access to the contact information for our office anytime anyone would like to reach out to us.” The MPG website serves as a gateway for potential members, offering valuable insights and contact information. Wiltshire emphasizes her openness to conversations, inviting individuals to reach out and discover more about the organization.

MPG’s website serves not only as an informational hub for its members but also as a valuable search tool for homeowners seeking top-tier builders. Wiltshire details, “The guild office has the goal of providing an avenue from the consumer to our member builders. If you click through and enter a zip code or a location, it will dial you down to your nearest Master Pools Guild member builder.” This initiative underscores MPG’s commitment to facilitating connections between discerning homeowners and elite pool builders.

While the website serves as a centralized resource, Wiltshire also highlights the importance of personal connections within the MPG community. “Any Master Pools Guild member builder that someone knows is a wonderful resource. My office can give you everything you need, but if you really want insight into what it means to be a Masterpools Guild member, you will not find a better resource than an existing member.”

Welcoming The Next Generation

As the pool industry continues to evolve, Master Pools Guild remains committed to cultivating a community of excellence. Whether through the digital realm, industry events, or direct connections with current members, MPG offers a multitude of avenues for aspiring professionals to explore and join this exclusive network.

For those with a passion for craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to the highest standards in pool construction, Master Pools Guild stands ready to welcome the next generation of builders. The open-door policy and the wealth of knowledge within the existing community ensure that aspiring professionals will find the support and mentorship needed to thrive within the MPG family.

Listen to our interview with Teri Wiltshire, Executive Director of Master Pools Guild on the Pool Magazine podcast.

In the heart of California’s Central Valley, where the scorching summer sun dominates, Thomas Pools & Spas has been making a splash since 2005. Founded by Todd Thomas, this family-owned business based in Modesto, CA, has become a reputable name in the custom pool industry, specializing in the construction of residential inground pools and spas.

The journey began for Todd Thomas in the mid-2000s, as he transitioned from a role at a water district to discovering his passion for pool construction. Todd reminisces, “I fell in love with the construction of swimming pools. I worked three or four years, subcontracting, and kind of learned the ins and outs and decided I’d go get my contractor’s license and start doing it myself.”

Building Pools is a Family Affair

The family aspect of Thomas Pools & Spas became integral when Todd’s wife, Paula, joined the business to manage the administrative workload. As Thomas reflects on this transition, he shares, “Once the business started taking off, it was just getting too overwhelming for me to handle everything. So she stepped in to help me manage the business.” Fast forward nearly twenty years later and their thriving family business has become a leading name in Modesto for custom swimming pools.

Top Rated by Consumers

The Modesto Bee recently named Thomas Pools & Spas one of the best pool companies in Modesto. Todd Thomas expressed his excitement, stating, “That was awesome to hear. I think when you make a higher percentage of people happier than other companies, it reflects what you’re doing out there in the market. I’m very pleased they voted for us.”

The company’s unique approach sets it apart; not only does it excel in pool construction, but it also offers ongoing maintenance services. Thomas emphasizes, “We don’t build the pool and leave the customer behind. Once it’s finished our customers have the option to stick with us for however long they choose.” Thomas touts the fact that nearly all of his pool construction customers have become lifelong service and maintenance clients as well.

The Hands-On Approach Works

Being family-owned and operated, Thomas Pools & Spas takes pride in their hands-on approach. Todd, along with his two daughters who work for the company, ensures a personal touch. “I’m really hands-on, so I’m out there doing the plumbing, and I’m always with the customer through each individual stage of the job,” says Thomas. This level of involvement is a telling attribute of the firm’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

As Thomas Pools & Spas approaches its 20th anniversary, Todd reflects on some standout projects. One noteworthy project involved designing and executing the water feature at Bass Pro in Manteca. Another extravagant endeavor was creating a backyard water park for a client with an almost unlimited budget. Todd describes the project, saying, “It took a while, but that swimming pool certainly makes my highlight reel. The whole project ended up taking probably close to five or six months.”

Finger on The Pulse in Central California

Central California, known for its warm climate, has seen a surge in pool ownership over the past few years. While the market has slowed through 2023, Todd believes this trend won’t diminish the desire for pool ownership, stating, “I think for California homeowners, it’s kind of a no-brainer that they’re going to build a pool in the backyard.” The desire to keep children entertained and safe at home has contributed to the growing popularity of backyard pools among the younger generation over the past three decades.

Knowing What The Market Wants

While fiberglass pools have gained market share, Todd explains why custom concrete pools remain the preferred choice in California. The flexibility of design is a crucial factor. Todd notes, “Because we can virtually build a swimming pool in any backyard, concrete remains the leading choice with consumers. With fiberglass pools, you’re kind of limited to a finite amount of shapes.”

Paula Thomas, who is responsible for most customer interactions, shared her insights into what’s moving the needle with today’s pool buyers. “Our customers in the Central Valley love waterfalls. We also do alot of raised decks with sheer descents. Deck jets, fire features, and laminar jets are also enormously popular with pool buyers,” Paula details. However, with these add-on features come additional costs, and Paula notes, “It just depends on the customer’s budget because when you start adding accessory features, the pool price starts getting pretty costly.” Keeping costs down while adding maximum value is something they’ve become laser-focused on.

The Post-Covid Landscape Looks Different

In a post-COVID environment, financing the dream of pool ownership has become more challenging with rising interest rates. Todd acknowledges the impact, stating, “It has affected us. It’s slowed things down a little.” The rise in both pool costs due to inflation and interest rates has prompted a shift in how customers have approached financing their dreams of pool ownership.

Another significant challenge has been the surge in material costs. Todd Thomas shed light on this issue, stating, “Just to give you an example. For one stick of one-inch PVC electrical conduit. We were paying $4 a stick. It’s $12 a stick now for a ten-foot stick.” The substantial increase in prices is not limited to a specific material but spans across various components required for pool construction.

As Todd discusses the inflationary impact, he notes, “Some things didn’t just double in price. Some things tripled.” This unprecedented rise in material costs has reverberated through the industry, affecting not only the bottom line for companies like Thomas Pools & Spas but also posing challenges for potential pool owners.

The consequences of these increased costs are tangible, influencing the overall price structure of pool construction. Todd reflects on the changes, stating, “Pre-COVID was probably around $32,000 for an entry-level pool. Now they’re probably right in the range of around $42,000 to $45,000. So you’re talking an extra $10,000 that’s just due to inflation.”

Adapting To a Changing Market

The ripple effect of these cost increases extends beyond the balance sheet. As materials become more expensive, customers may need to adjust their expectations or budgets for their dream pools. Despite these challenges, Thomas Pools & Spas remains committed to delivering high-quality projects while working closely with clients to find innovative solutions.

Reflecting on the changing landscape, Todd shares, “With the inflation, obviously the cost has gone up of the pool itself and then also the interest rate. It’s just kind of knocked a lot of people out of the market.” Despite these challenges, Thomas Pools & Spas has witnessed resilience as customers adapt, saving more or financing partially to achieve their goal of pool ownership.

Learn more about Thomas Pools & Spas, listen to our interview on the Pool Magazine podcast.

Photo Credits: Thomas Pools & Spas

Approximately 15 months ago, the Buchanan family envisioned enjoying backyard pool parties. After careful research, they selected a contractor who was in the process of installing a fiberglass pool for another family in Gardendale. Chaz Buchanan recalls the contractor, Greg Kirk of Pristine Pools of the Shoals, as being professional and seemingly trustworthy. However, their dreams turned into a nightmare after paying over $50,000 to Kirk.

The contractor dug the hole for the pool shell, but the promised pool shell never materialized. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the Buchanan family canceled the contract and sought a refund, which they never received. Chaz Buchanan described the situation, saying, “You had a ten-foot by 25-foot hole that was 9.5 feet deep.” This led the family to file a lawsuit, alleging breach of contract and fraud. In response, Greg Kirk’s lawyers denied the claims made in the lawsuit.

Bankrupt Pool Builders Owe $1.4 Million

The Buchanan family’s experience is not isolated, as revealed by Pristine Pools’ bankruptcy filing last fall. In the bankruptcy documents, Kirk listed three dozen rejected contract creditors owed a total of $1.4 million. Mapping these creditors showed that most were in North Alabama, with nine in Madison, including three in the same neighborhood.

Shanna Averette, one of the affected homeowners in Madison, hired Kirk after the Buchanan family, attracted by his competitive pricing and promised installation timelines. Averette paid Pristine Pools $44,000 but faced delays and received the pool shell seven months later. Frustrated by the prolonged process, the Averette family eventually canceled their contract and paid an additional $36,000 to another company to complete the pool installation.

Efforts to seek Greg Kirk’s perspective on these issues were met with evasion. When approached at his home in Muscle Shoals, he instructed reporters to call him later, and subsequent attempts to contact him went unanswered. Beyond the Buchanan lawsuit and two other unresolved customer complaints, Kirk faces criminal theft and fraud charges initiated by the Alabama Attorney General, relating to two failed pool projects in Madison County.

In light of these challenges, the Buchanan family, having abandoned their initial plans for a backyard pool, hopes to raise awareness about their experience to prevent others from falling victim to similar situations. Despite the pending criminal charges and ongoing civil lawsuits, Kirk’s bankruptcy proceedings are currently affecting the resolution of the legal matters surrounding Pristine Pools.