logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
News
December 14, 2021
Bad contractors muddy pool industry waters

Since shortly after the onset of the pandemic, there has been a surge in homeowners desire for improving their outdoor spaces, and a boom in new pool construction.

It is a profitable time to work in pool construction, but some contractors are using the increase in consumer demand to unscrupulously line their pockets at the homeowners expense.

The pool construction business is thriving, with new pool construction up nearly 24 percent in 2020, compared to only the year prior.

According to the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance’s 2020 Market Report, some builders saw more than a 400 percent increase in leads for new pools compared to 2019.

But even as pool contractors race to keep up with the overwhelming demand for a backyard pool, a disturbing number of fly-by-night operations are in the media and damaging the industry’s reputation.

For example, in Conroe, Texas, Mark Mills, owner of St Croix Custom Pools is behind bars, held on a $1 million bail, accused of aggregated theft for over $300,000. At least 20 families say they were bilked out of tens of thousands of dollars by the pool builder, including one family who say they paid $100,000.

In Houston, Texas, Amazing Backyards and its contractor John Oake faces litigation with several customers taking him to court. Homeowners say they paid tens of thousands of dollars to Amazing Backyards to build their dream swimming pools.

In Canterbury, Connecticut, Brian Roy of Roy’s Pools, is the subject of eight complaints filed with the Department of Consumer Protection for unfinished work. According to DCP, Roy only has a Home Improvement Contractor license, which is not applicable to pool installations. DCP is investigating if he did work outside the scope of his license.

In Tucson, Arizona, Patrick Crone, owner of Imperial Pools & Design LLC is now unlicensed after a series of complaints from customers. At least 50 customers filed complaints with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, who revoked Crone’s General Contractor’s license in October after revoking his KA6 Dual Pool Contractor’s License a few weeks earlier.

And in Boston, Massachussetts, Steven Docchio of Xtreme Living Pools and Construction, is the subject of an NBC miniseries “To Catch A Contractor.” The series details Docchio’s criminal history in three New England states including Rhode Island and Connecticut where he is barred from working.

“It’s more important than ever to do your research before choosing a business, particularly on big-ticket items or projects.”said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas.

LATEST NEWS
Idaho ends state mandated pool inspections
News
Idaho ends state mandated pool inspections
New law takes health safety regulatory power away from Idaho Dept. of Health
May 14, 2025
By Marcelle Dibrell Starting July 1, 2025, public swimming pools across Idaho will no longer be subject to state-mandated health inspections, the resu...
this is a test
Service starts with water sanitation
News
Service starts with water sanitation
May 14, 2025
Maintaining proper disinfection levels is the core of pool and spa maintenance. And while a pool and spa pump is often described as the heart of the p...
this is a test
News
Drowning prevention bills failed in Florida
May 14, 2025
A pair of Florida bills that would have tightened anti-drowning measures for the state’s residential pools failed in subcommittee meetings this April....
this is a test
Olympian gets 10 replacement medals
News
Olympian gets 10 replacement medals
May 14, 2025
Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. lost all of his medals in the 2025 Los Angeles fires. When the house he was renting in the Pacific Palisades went up in ...
this is a test
News
Nominate the next PHTA superstar
May 14, 2025
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance wants your help recognizing the best of the best in our industry. Do you know someone who goes above and beyond — on the j...
this is a test
News
United Chemical launches bromate study
May 14, 2025
United Chemical, a premier provider of specialty pool chemicals, is launching a new study that will examine a possible byproduct that may result from ...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK