The Pool Guides Podcast

How Much Patio Space Do You Need Around a Pool? With Trey Watford

Most homeowners spend more time around their pool than in it. Which means the patio, the deck, and the gathering spaces around the water carry most of the experience. So how do you plan that space well? In this episode, Cristian sits down with Trey Watford, lead designer at River Pools Virginia, for a practical, design-driven conversation about patio square footage. They cover the realistic averages, the dimensions behind every common gathering space, and the side-by-side comparisons that show why allocation matters more than total size. If you're planning a fiberglass pool and trying to figure out how much patio you actually need, this one's for you. In this episode • Why patios get underestimated and how to avoid the most common regrets • The honest average patio size, and when your needs land outside it • How much room each zone really needs (conversation, dining, fire pit, hot tub, grill, outdoor kitchen) • Minimum walkway widths around the pool for safety and comfort • Practical ways to visualize your space at home before signing anything • How to phase your patio over time without ending up with a patchwork look About Trey Watford Trey Watford is the lead designer at River Pools Virginia. He brings a Virginia Tech background in landscape architecture and years of hands-on experience designing high-end outdoor living spaces around fiberglass pools. Watch the video version on YouTube to see Trey's design walkthroughs on screen. Search The Pool Guides Podcast. Start planning your pool at riverpoolsandspas.com. Catch the wave.

How to Design Your Backyard Around a Pool — Before You Break Ground | Trey Watford, River Pools Virginia

Most homeowners plan the pool and figure out the outdoor living space later. That's the mistake. In this episode, landscape architect Trey Watford, lead designer at River Pools Virginia, walks you through the design process from discovery to final plan, so you can approach your own project with confidence no matter who you work with. Trey covers the questions every homeowner should ask themselves before a designer ever shows up, why site analysis is the most underrated part of the process, what a $250K–$300K backyard project actually includes, and how to bring that number down without losing what matters most. Whether you're early in your research or already speaking with builders, this episode will give you a clearer picture of what great backyard design looks like, and what questions to ask to make sure you get it. Topics covered: * Where the design process actually begins (it's not where you think) * The "dot connecting" method for deeply understanding your backyard vision * Site analysis, elevation readings, and why skipping this step is costly * Professional designer vs. order taker - what's the real difference? * Live design walkthrough of a real River Pools project * Budget reality: what drives costs up, and how to bring them down * Where to start if you want to begin planning tomorrow Resources mentioned: riverpoolsandspas.com — pool type selector, shape and size tool, and pool cost calculator

Best Pool for Cold Climates: Fiberglass vs Vinyl vs Concrete in Harsh Winters

If you live in a region where winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, choosing the right type of swimming pool is more complicated than it might seem. In northern climates like Wisconsin, frost can reach several feet into the ground, and freeze–thaw cycles can create pressure on pool structures both from the surrounding soil and from the water inside the pool itself. In this episode of The Pool Guides Podcast, Cristian Shirilla sits down with Michael Bowers of Pool Pros Wisconsin, a builder with nearly 30 years of experience installing pools in one of the coldest parts of the United States. Together they explore how the three primary pool types — vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools, and concrete pools — perform when exposed to harsh winter conditions. Michael shares firsthand insights about frost depth, groundwater pressure, installation best practices, and the winter maintenance steps that can prevent costly damage. If you're planning a pool in a colder region, this conversation will help you understand what really matters when selecting a pool that can stand up to harsh winters and deep freezes. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE * How harsh winters affect swimming pool structures *  Why frost depth and freeze–thaw cycles matter when installing a pool *  The pros and cons of vinyl liner pools in colder climates *  Why fiberglass pools are often well suited for freeze–thaw environments *  How concrete pools can be engineered to withstand cold climates *  The role groundwater pressure plays in pool stability *  The importance of proper installation and drainage *  Why winter water level management can prevent structural damage GUEST Michael Bowers Owner, Pool Pros Wisconsin Michael Bowers has nearly three decades of experience installing swimming pools in Wisconsin, where deep frost lines and harsh winters create unique challenges for pool construction. His expertise in cold-climate pool installations provides homeowners with practical guidance for choosing the right pool and ensuring long-term durability. ABOUT THE POOL GUIDES PODCAST The Pool Guides Podcast helps homeowners make confident decisions about choosing and installing a swimming pool. Hosted by Cristian Shirilla of River Pools, each episode features experienced builders and industry professionals sharing real-world knowledge about pool types, costs, installation practices, and backyard planning. The goal is simple: give homeowners the information they need to make smart decisions before construction ever begins.

How to Choose the Right Pool Builder (From a Homeowner Who Became One)

What happens when a frustrated pool buyer decides to become the solution? In this episode of The Pool Guides Podcast, Cristian sits down with Jeff Sebek, owner of River Pools Kansas City, to unpack the story of how poor communication during his own pool installation led him to start his own company. Jeff began as a homeowner researching fiberglass pools, interviewing multiple builders, and designing the perfect backyard for his family. But when delays piled up and communication went quiet, he realized something bigger was missing from the industry — clarity and trust. That experience changed everything. In this conversation, Jeff shares what homeowners should really look for when choosing a pool builder, how to evaluate trust beyond years of experience, and what the pool construction process should actually feel like once you sign a contract. What You’ll Learn * How to choose the right pool builder with confidence * Whether hiring a first-time pool builder is a smart move * Why communication can make or break your pool experience * What “over-communication” during construction looks like * How referrals reveal the health of a pool company * Real backyard examples with ballpark pricing insights If you're considering building a pool, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity — and avoid the mistakes that lead to stress and regret. Guest: Jeff Sebek Jeff Sebek is the owner of River Pools Kansas City. After experiencing communication breakdowns during his own pool installation, Jeff launched his company with a focus on transparency, trust, and customer experience. Today, his team builds 40–50 fiberglass pools per year and operates primarily through referrals — a reflection of their commitment to over-communication and long-term relationships with homeowners. 🎙️ The Pool Guides Podcast – by River Pools “I’m Cristian with River Pools. Thanks for hanging out with The Pool Guides Podcast — and remember, every great backyard story starts with a smart plan. Catch the wave.”

Episode 3; How Long Does It Take To Install a Pool?

How long does it really take to install a pool? In this episode of The Pool Guides Podcast, Cristian Shirilla talks with pool industry expert Jason Hughes about what actually controls your pool installation timeline — and why speed alone is a dangerous way to choose a pool. Common Questions This Episode Answers: * How long does it really take to install a pool? * How long does it take to install a fiberglass vs vinyl vs concrete pool? * What causes pool projects to take longer than expected? * Do permits and inspections delay pool installation? * How can I plan my pool project timeline realistically? From the moment you sign a contract to the day you finally swim, pool timelines are influenced by far more than just pool type. Scope of work, permits, inspections, weather, contractor backlog, and even the time of year can quietly add weeks or months to your project. You’ll also hear the true story behind a legendary fiberglass pool install completed in just eight hours and fifteen minutes — why it happened, what it proves, and why you should never expect that timeline for your own backyard. This episode is designed to help you manage expectations, reduce stress during construction, and choose the pool you’ll enjoy for the next 10+ years — not just the one that promises the fastest install. What You’ll Learn: * Why installation speed shouldn’t drive your pool decision * Realistic timelines for fiberglass, vinyl liner, and concrete pools * How scope of work quietly adds weeks or months to your project * Why weather, permits, and inspections affect every pool type * How to plan your pool timeline without unnecessary stress or regret Guest: Jason Hughes  Jason Hughes is a partner at River Pools Virginia and a GENESIS instructor with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). With more than 20 years of hands-on experience, Jason has worked on thousands of residential pool projects and helps homeowners understand what really matters when planning a pool.