Edwards Pool Construction, based in Wichita, Kansas, has steadily carved out a niche for itself as the premier pool builder in the area. Headed by the visionary Steve Edwards, a seasoned pool builder and hot rod aficionado, the firm has transformed from its roots in pool service to one of the most respected names in pool construction. This transformation reflects their commitment to not only creating stunning designs but also building pools with service in mind.

Approaching Pool Construction With Future Maintenance in Mind

Steve Edwards, the driving force behind Edwards Pool Construction, has a unique approach to his work. In an interview with Pool Magazine, he shared his journey, stating, “I never worked for anyone and just reverse-engineered everything, as I learned.”

Hot Rodding Pools For Performance

Edwards’ passion for hot rods coupled with his mechanical knowledge has significantly influenced his pool construction techniques. He revels in modifying pool equipment pads for higher performance, drawing parallels between his love for speed and his innovative pool designs.

Averi Edwards, Steve’s daughter, maintains pools for the company. She explained that the service aspect is always an important consideration in her father’s mind. “My dad started in the business servicing pools. He would hot rod equipment pads and make them easier to work on. That is what is always in the back of his mind when he’s building something.”

On Building Pools With Maintenance in Mind

Edwards says that her father’s doctrine of building around ease of access for maintenance remains a mission-critical aspect on every pool project.

“He’s always thinking, how is this going to be serviced? How are we going to clean this and get a vacuum hose down here? He’s making sure that we have adequate filtration. That the pipe sizes are big enough, that we’ve got enough pumps, enough chlorinators, enough sanitation. These things are always in the back of his mind. So really, by the time that our service guys come in, it makes it really easy on us to take over,” Averi explained.

Seeing Things a Little Different

One of the most intriguing aspects of Edwards’ philosophy to building pools with service in mind is his ability to envision three-dimensional structures in his head, a skill that has helped him hone his craft as a builder. “I make my living doing things I’ve never done before and it’s been like that since day one,” explained Edwards. “The art of putting water over an edge or up in the air; that type of plumbing, it all comes back to hot rod knowledge, mechanical knowledge, and my ability to see hydraulics and structure in my head.”

Bringing The Wow Factor to Wichita

When it comes to designing and constructing pools, Edwards begins with the homeowner and the traditional expectations of Wichita’s conservative market. “Rectangular pools with auto covers are popular out here because we’ve got a lot of wind up here. So how do you dress that up? You curve it up on the inside, curve it up on the deck,” explained Edwards, “most of my design work is on the ground with a can of paint. Once people can see what I’m able to do there are x amount that will just let you go. Those are my favorite projects. I’ve had several clients just turn me loose. Not loose financially, but a little bit architecturally.”

Going outside the box seems to be working for Edwards. One of his most recent projects features killer geometry with an almost ampersand-shaped swimming pool and lazy river. The project presented numerous technical challenges and we were eager to learn more about what went into building the vessel.

“This project was brought to me by a builder I’d never heard of,” said Edwards, “he just walked into my shop and threw down a set of plans. That project ended up probably at 10 million, I would think. We shot that pool and it was challenging.”

When an opportunity to hot rod the lazy river aspect of the pool presented itself, Edwards jumped on it. “I made some changes to the lazy river and how it was designed. It’s got two Riverflow, 3000 gallon-a-minute pumps in it. I’ve used Riverflow twice before. Never in a lazy river, but it all works amazing,” said Edwards.

Edwards’s unique ability to find ways to improve the aesthetic of the overall project would foster a unique collaboration with one of the industry’s leading tile artisans.

“They wanted to do tile and we introduced the idea of glass. So we contacted Jimmy Reed. We ended up tenting the pool. It was nice and air-conditioned through the rain and heat and the guys were able to work continuously for six or seven weeks. Then we had to cover the tile up and set for another winter before we ever plastered that pool,” explained Edwards.

The end result of this sophisticated and avant-garde design represents a significant departure from the prototypical geometric-shaped swimming pools typically found throughout the Wichita market. In fact, the design is so unique that one might wonder if this pool in particular might usher a renaissance towards more unconventional designs.

“Batman Lives There”

“It’s an incredible pool,” Edwards remarked cheerfully, “you could plop that pool down in California just about anywhere but it’s really crazy for Wichita. I tell people Batman lives there because the Batmobile sitting in front of that house would look right at home.”

The success of this build has already led to more work of this nature for the Wichita pool builder. “I’m lucky to have been a part of this project I thought I’d never build anything like that. I just walked it the other day, and it’s just crazy when you realize you built something like that,” said Edwards. “Now we’ve got two other projects of that scale going at the same time in the same neighborhood. I never would have thought I could build two at the same time, but we’re doing it.”

Listen to our entire conversation with Steve & Averi Edwards 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.