Pool Builder
One on One With Tal Thevenot of AquaTerra Outdoors
![](jpg/tal-thevenot-aquaterra-outdoors.jpg)
Tal Thevenot, the founder and principal designer of AquaTerra Outdoors, is a visionary in the field of pool and backyard design. With a passion for all things outdoor and a keen eye for detail, Thevenot has built a highly successful business that creates award-winning outdoor living environments. Based in Carrollton, Texas, AquaTerra Outdoors has made its mark in the field of high-end custom backyards and continues to set the bar for many firms throughout the industry.
Recently we had the opportunity to catch up with Thevenot on the Pool Magazine podcast. He first came to our attention a few years ago after one of his incredible over-the-top projects, a Roman bath house, was highlighted on HGTV and featured in Luxury Pools.
During the course of our conversation, we discussed his process for connecting with homeowners on designing their ideal outdoor living environment. Thevenot indicated that when working with homeowners on a design for the space, the discovery process goes well beyond simply understanding the site, the scope of work, and what they want their backyard to look like.
![Designer: AquaTerra Outdoors | Photo Credit: Jimi Smith Photography](jpg/tal-thevenot-1024x576.jpg)
“We always have a lot of questions for them about their lifestyle. We want to know how they want to live, relax, and play outdoors. It’s all about making that connection so we can begin to understand what they’re looking to accomplish,” said Thevenot, who indicated that the key is understanding their overall vision and using that as a foundation to create a personalized and customized outdoor living space.
Thevenot says he has observed a growing trend among clients who draw their inspiration from travel photos in order to conceptualize their dream backyard oasis. Whether it’s the magic of Disneyland or the laidback vibes of a Caribbean island, clients are eager to try and recreate the essence of places that have resonated with them. According to Thevenot, it’s about bringing that resort lifestyle into their own backyard.
“Inspiration photos are always great. We have a huge portfolio for them to look through and to give us different ideas of what they like and more importantly, what they don’t like. From there, we start the conceptual design phase and begin presenting ideas to them,” said Thevenot.
Exactly how long that process takes varies according to the customer. “With a lot of our clients surprisingly, there’s very little going back and forth. Sometimes we’re able to just dive into what their vision is. Then there are other projects where there’s a lot of back and forth going on. I’d say more times than not our final design ends up close to that preliminary concept design,” said Thevenot.
![Designer: AquaTerra Outdoors | Photo Credit: Jimi Smith Photography](jpg/aquaterraoutdoors-1024x576.jpg)
Certainly no stranger to building custom luxury pools, Thevenot says quite frequently, consumers are looking for guidance on what is hot and trending. “Right now the open concept is huge. Minimizing boundaries from interior to exterior. We are trying to merge and blend the lines between the indoors and outdoors so there isn’t any strong separation of space as far as tying structures together,” said Thevenot.
“Last year we had a project in University Park with a large water wall, big slide house, and rain curtain. That’s one actually incorporated into the foundation of the house where we had to merge the structures together with the basement and the pool,” explained Thevenot.
![Designer: AquaTerra Outdoors | Photo Credit: Jimi Smith Photography](jpg/aquaterra-outdoors-1024x576.jpg)
For Thevenot, inspiration seems to come from many sources. He states that some of his best projects are when he has the opportunity to collaborate with designers and architects that are breaking the mold and setting new style trends.
“As far as collaboration in the pool industry or even the landscape industry, it’s really just Randy Angell. He and I are very good friends and he’s an amazing designer. I love working with him. We also collaborate with a lot of architects, so quite a lot of our projects are new construction,” said Thevenot.
“We are being brought into the project early for the landscape architecture approach and designing along the side of the architects and collaborating with them and the interior designers as well,” said Thevenot.
“Once they’ve engaged a good interior design firm, I really like to get involved with them and talk about our vision and their vision. It gives us an opportunity to discuss color palettes, look at color theory throughout the home, and of course, the furnishing package inside, what’s that look like? What’s the style going to be? How do we really merge these spaces and make it feel like a continuation again, going back to minimizing those boundaries from interior to exterior,” explained Thevenot.
![Tal Thevenot's pool & backyard shows a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors.](jpg/open-plan-pool-concept-1024x576.jpg)
Thevenot’s firm has received a lot of attention as of late, racking up award after award for their inspired and meticulous approach toward designing stylish contemporary outdoor living environments. Not being one to sit there and count their laurels, Thevenot said that AquaTerra Outdoors will continue to push the envelope.
“We’ve got some amazing and exciting projects we’re working on now. So we’re just going to continue to do what we do. We want to grow each day, each year advancing as a team and individually in our craft. There are some amazing builders out there but we want to be one of the leaders within the industry that others can look up to so we can help grow the industry as a whole,” said Thevenot.
AquaTerra’s exceptional work has garnered recognition from esteemed publications such as Luxe Interiors + Design, Modern Luxury, Pool and Spa News, Hearth and Home, and prominent architecture books. Their outstanding achievements have been acknowledged with prestigious accolades, including being featured on the Luxe Gold List and receiving multiple awards such as the Luxe RED Award, Luxury Pools Pinnacle Award, APSP awards, and TNLA awards. AquaTerra’s innovative projects have also been selected for the American Institute of Architects Home Tour, showcasing their exceptional craftsmanship and design expertise.
![Tal Thevenot - President & Principal Design of AquaTerra Outdoors](jpg/tal_thevenot.jpg)
Listen to our entire conversation with Tal Thevenot on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Photo Credits: Jimi Smith Photography
Pool Builder
Building Pools With Maintenance in Mind
![Building Pools With Service in Mind](jpg/building-pools-with-service-in-mind.jpg)
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.”
![Hotrodding the pool equipment pad is the norm for Edwards.](jpg/hot-rodding-pool-equipment-pad-1024x576.jpg)
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.
![Edwards's methodology is building pools with service in mind.](jpg/wichita-pool-builders-1024x576.jpg)
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.
![Edwards pool construction is bringing something truly unique to the Wichita market.](jpg/lazy-river-pool-1024x576.jpg)
“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.
![Building Pools With Service in Mind - Edwards Pool Construction](jpg/lazy-river-pool-2-1024x576.jpg)
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.
Pool Builder
Master Pools Guild – Supporting The Next Generation of Pool Builders
![For Over 60 Years Master Pools Guild Has Been Supporting Pool Guilders](jpg/master-pools-guild.jpg)
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.
![Master Pools Guild Receives Special Recognition Award From PHTA](jpg/mpg-award.jpg)
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.”
![Master Pools Guild Meeting](jpg/master-pools-guild-meeting-1024x576.jpg)
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.
![MPG Vendors Show](jpg/mpg-vendors-1024x576.jpg)
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.”
![Left to Right: Teri Wiltshire (MPG), Carol Gigliotti & Marianne Trusty (Pool Magazine)](jpg/teri-wiltshire-pool-magazine-1024x576.jpg)
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.
Pool Builder
Pool Industry Profiles: Thomas Pools & Spas
![Industry Profiles: Thomas Pools & Spas](jpg/thomas-pools-and-spas.jpg)
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.
![Todd Thomas - Thomas Pools & Spas of Modesto, CA](jpg/todd-thomas_thomas-pools-spas-1024x576.jpg)
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.
![Thomas Pools & Spas - Modesto, CA](jpg/thomas_pools_and_spas_modesto-1024x576.jpg)
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.”
![Thomas Pools & Spas - Modesto Pool Builders](jpg/modesto_pool-builders-1024x576.jpg)
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.
![Thomas Pools & Spas - Pool Builders in Modesto](jpg/modesto_pool_builder-1024x576.jpg)
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.
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