Master Pools Guild (MPG)

Growth and Unity on the Journey to Industry Excellence

 

Growth and Unity on the Journey to Industry Excellence

Master Pools Guild, the leading voice for the pool industry, has expertly captured the sector’s collaborative spirit, cultivating it through regular meetings, educational seminars, and networking events that bring together builders, vendors, and industry experts.

By positioning themselves as leaders in continuing education and industry standards, the Master Pools Guild elevates the entire sector, ensuring that members are keeping pace with industry advancements and setting new benchmarks for quality and innovation.

The guild also focuses on the individual needs of its members. This includes providing support in compliance with state and federal regulations, offering tools for managing online reputations, and facilitating access to cutting-edge technologies and resources.

By addressing these day-to-day challenges, the guild ensures its members can operate smoothly, maintain high standards, and deliver exceptional service to their clients.

Success for the Master Pools Guild is reflected in the thriving businesses of its members, marked by growth, innovation, and a reputation for excellence.

This association is a cohesive network of professionals who are not just surviving in a competitive market but are leading it with confidence, integrity, and a shared passion for enhancing the lives of their customers through the joy of water.

A Legacy of Support and Collaboration

Founded in 1962 in California, the Master Pools Guild (MPG) emerged from a shared vision among a group of builders who sought to collaborate and support one another in an industry still in its formative years.

Unlike other groups focused on bulk purchasing and discounts, MPG’s ethos has always centered on member support, continuing education, and elevating industry standards. This commitment to collective growth has been the cornerstone of MPG’s operations, allowing it to flourish as an association that prioritizes the success and well-being of its members.

Over the years, MPG has grown into a network of builders who share resources, insights, and best practices, all while maintaining a high standard of excellence.

“We work with the Pool and Hot Tub Association (PHTA), and [we] have become an incredible voice for our industry. They have offices in Alexandria, very close to the Capitol, and we support their efforts whenever possible,” says Executive Director Teri Wilshire.

MPG’s influence extends beyond its membership through its strong advocacy efforts has been instrumental in shaping the industry’s landscape at both the state and national levels.

The PHTA, led by Sabina Hickman, has played a pivotal role in uniting different segments of the pool industry, creating a cohesive and unified voice that represents the interests of all stakeholders.

Through collaboration with PHTA, MPG has navigated complex regulatory environments and ensured its members are well-represented in discussions that affect the industry.

The association’s involvement in advocacy efforts has not only helped protect the interests of its members but has also contributed to the overall growth and development of the pool industry as a whole.

Overall, the focus on collaboration rather than competition has fostered an environment where members are encouraged to support one another, ensuring that everyone benefits from the collective knowledge and experience of the group.

 

Rigorous Membership Standards and Circumstances

Maintaining high standards is a priority for MPG, and this is reflected in its stringent membership criteria.

“We have a fairly extensive vetting process… you have to have been working in the industry for a minimum of five years. You have to build primarily gunite or concrete pools. We check bank references, we check trade references, and of course, we check client references,” Wiltshire says, highlighting the association’s “bare bones” requirements.

MPG’s commitment to quality extends beyond the initial vetting process. The association continuously monitors the online reputation of its members, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed.

“If we have a member that gets a one-star review across any social media platform or Google reviews, then at 6:15 am a copy of that review pings my email and I reach out to the owner of that company just to make sure that they have seen it and that they are going to respond to it,” Wiltshire explains.

This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity of the MPG brand while providing members with the support they need to uphold their reputations in a competitive industry.

However, there was a period that many remember when players in the pool construction industry could barely move let alone compete.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and opportunities to the pool industry. At the onset, many MPG members feared a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis, with concerns that the industry would suffer significant setbacks.

However, the opposite occurred.

“The overwhelming majority of our members were able to maintain operations and stay open when other industries were closed down,” Wiltshire says.

Declared an essential service by the White House, the pool industry experienced a surge in demand as people sought to enhance their homes and create outdoor spaces for leisure and relaxation.

People wanted to stay home and in most cases, they had no choice, especially with travel no longer being an option. So, if they had the funds available to build a pool, that’s what many sought to do.

MPG’s strong relationships with vendor partners proved invaluable during this period. Key partnerships with companies like Pentair, Hayward, and Fluidra facilitated the movement of equipment and supplies, allowing members to meet the skyrocketing demand despite widespread supply chain disruptions.

The two-year boom in pool construction pushed members to their limits, but MPG provided the support needed to navigate this intense period, even offering seminars on stress management to help members cope with the pressures of increased workload.

 

Addressing the Skilled Labor Shortage

The shortage of skilled labor has been a persistent challenge in the pool industry, exacerbated by the demands of the COVID-19 boom. In response, MPG, in collaboration with PHTA, has implemented several initiatives to attract new talent to the industry.

PHTA’s apprenticeship program and the Work in Aquatics website are key components of this effort, providing pathways for high school students, college graduates, and others seeking a career in the pool industry.

“They’re trying to reach out to that high school student that may not feel like colleges for them, or the college graduate looking for an exciting career path with a lot of opportunity for growth, and our industry provides all that,” Wiltshire explains.

These programs help address the labor shortage and promote the industry as a viable and rewarding career choice. By highlighting the opportunities for growth and the impact of the work, MPG and PHTA are helping to build the next generation of pool industry professionals.

Setting up the next generation of professionals is paramount because as the industry moves beyond the pandemic, the demand for pool construction continues to evolve.

While new pool construction remains a significant part of the industry, there has been a noticeable shift towards renovation and integrating new technologies. Many pools built over the past decade need updates, and introducing innovative technologies presents exciting opportunities for both builders and pool owners.

MPG members are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering clients a range of options to enhance their existing pools. From advanced safety features to fitness-focused additions like swim-in-place jets, the renovation market is expected to remain robust for years.

“There are just so many new pieces of technology woven into swimming pools. I feel like the renovation market is wide open and it will continue for quite some time,” Wiltshire says.

The Road Ahead: Global Reach and Expanding Membership

While MPG was founded in California, its reach is truly global.

“We are proud to say that we are one of the only international swimming pool organizations that exists,” Wiltshire says.

With members in countries such as Australia, the UK, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and India, MPG has cultivated a diverse network that brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience from around the world.

This global perspective enriches the association, allowing members to share innovative techniques and trends that may not yet be prevalent in their local markets.

Looking ahead, MPG has set its sights on expanding its membership.

Traditionally, expansion was not a primary focus, but the association’s board of directors recognized the value of bringing in new members to further strengthen the organization.

Intending to add ten new members in 2024, MPG is on track to achieve this target, reflecting its commitment to growth and continuous improvement. As MPG moves forward, its priorities remain clear: supporting members, promoting ethical business practices, and fostering a love of water.

The association’s Generation Next program exemplifies this commitment, providing a platform for the next generation of industry leaders to learn, connect, and contribute to the future of the pool industry.

With a strong foundation of collaboration, education, and advocacy, the Master Pools Guild is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, ensuring that its members are equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

As the association expands and embraces new opportunities, the future of the guild and its members looks brighter than ever.

AT A GLANCE

Master Pools Guild (MPG)

What: A premier association in the pool construction industry, dedicated to fostering growth, unity, and excellence among its members.

Where: Founded in California, the Master Pools Guild has expanded its reach globally, boasting members from countries including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and India.

Website: https://www.masterpoolsguild.com/