What do you get when you cross two motivated college-aged kids with generational pool industry knowledge and training…?  A Pool Nation Award-winning entrepreneur and a best-in-class business built between friends.

Golden State Pools was born out of a friendship and family track record that aimed to raise the bar in the southern California landscape. Nick LaPointe and Ray da Rosa met in college and worked at Nick’s family pool business before making the leap to entrepreneurs to purchase Nick’s family business, Pacific Chemical, which they now own and operate as Golden State Pools in San Diego, CA.

As with all of our spotlight companies, we want to learn how they stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the pool and spa industry. Nick and Ray noted,

It may make us sound old, but we’re fortunate to have been in the industry long enough to witness the evolution of trends and technology over several decades. Plus, we have access to a network of industry knowledge that dates back even further. When we first started servicing routes, we were using Thomas Guides for directions and very few pools were “smart.” iPhones didn’t exist, and residential pools didn’t feature variable-speed pumps or complex setups.

We’re also lucky to work in a region with some of the best manufacturer reps in the nation. They’re incredibly passionate, always willing to pick up the phone to answer questions, and eager to share their knowledge.

With trends also come innovations. We asked the guys what innovations or specific trends in the pool and spa industry they are most excited about:

One of the most exciting innovations in the pool and spa industry is the ability to connect equipment to customers’ Wi-Fi for remote troubleshooting. This technology, like the Raymote app for the new Avia heaters, has been a game changer. It allows us to monitor systems and detect potential issues before customers even realize there’s a problem. For example, if an error message pops up, we can proactively address it, often fixing the issue before it impacts the customer’s experience.

This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also positions us as proactive problem-solvers, truly “heroic” in their eyes. Additionally, this technology streamlines operations, minimizes downtime and ensures that systems are running at their best, all while improving communication between service professionals and manufacturers. It’s innovations like these that are driving the industry forward and making pool ownership more convenient and stress-free for customers.

We know pool professionals have numerous choices when it comes to selecting products for specific projects. We’re curious what some of the key factors are that are considered when selecting products for your pool projects. Golden State Pools replied:

When selecting products for our projects, we prioritize quality, reliability and long-term value. Many of our clients have been with us for years and we aim to maintain those relationships for even longer. They trust us to recommend and install products that not only meet their immediate needs but also stand the test of time.

The key factors we consider include performance, ease of use and durability. We select products that are built to perform their job effectively, ensuring they provide a seamless experience for the client. Ease of use is critical because we want our clients to feel confident and comfortable operating the equipment. Durability is equally important and our goal is to install products that require minimal maintenance and offer long-term reliability.

Ultimately, we see our product choices as a reflection of our commitment to our clients. By selecting the best solutions available, we help ensure their satisfaction and peace of mind, reinforcing their trust in our expertise.

When selecting the best solutions available, we know that the importance of sustainability continues to gain traction across the nation, especially in southern California. We asked Nick and Ray how they continue to approach sustainability and eco-friendliness in their projects:

Sustainability and eco-friendliness are always at the forefront of our approach. One of our primary focuses is optimizing equipment pads to maximize energy efficiency. By reducing the total dynamic head of the equipment pad, we can ensure that water turnover is achieved with minimal electricity usage, which not only saves energy but also reduces operational costs for our clients.

While we may not have the ability to “right the wrongs” of the original builder as a maintenance company, we make it a point to implement improvements wherever possible. For example, we evaluate plumbing configurations, pump sizing and equipment placement to enhance flow efficiency. Additionally, we recommend and install energy-efficient components, such as variable-speed pumps and advanced automation systems, to further reduce the environmental impact.

Our goal is to create systems that not only perform optimally but also align with the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the pool industry. Every small improvement contributes to a more eco-friendly and cost-effective operation.

Whenever we get a chance, we love to hear stories of how a Raypak product helped solve a specific problem or improve a project. Ray knew of one right of the bat and shared this with us:

We’re big fans of the new AVIA heater with the Nitek heat exchanger and it has proven to be a game-changer in certain applications. The corrosion resistance is especially beneficial for properties with salt systems, where pools are frequently heated and cooled, creating conditions that can challenge less durable systems.

As any service or maintenance technician knows, the LSI (Langelier Saturation Index) can be heavily impacted by temperature fluctuations, which is a common occurrence in these setups. We installed an AVIA with Nitek at a vacation rental property where the pool is heated for guests but turned off when not in use. This constant cycle of heating and cooling could pose a risk to traditional systems, but with the Nitek heat exchanger, we have complete peace of mind.

Not only does the AVIA handle this demanding environment flawlessly, but it also helps us deliver reliable performance for the property owner and their guests. Knowing that this system can withstand such conditions gives us confidence and ensures the pool remains a hassle-free amenity for years to come.

Ray and Nick utilize Raypak often for their various project needs, and we asked if they could think of an instance where they had to think outside the box to solve a problem with a Raypak solution:

One instance where we had to think outside the box involved installing a Raypak AVIA heater on an equipment pad that had no prior heater and limited space. There simply wasn’t enough room on the existing pad to accommodate the new heater. To solve this, we got creative and we cut a small opening in the fence and built a custom platform around the corner to securely house the heater.

The Raypak AVIA heater proved to be the perfect solution for this scenario. Its compact design and the convenience of the Raymote app allowed the customer to operate the heater remotely, eliminating the need to access the unit directly. This not only solved the space constraint but also enhanced the user experience, making the system more functional and accessible. This project was a great example of how innovative thinking and the right equipment can overcome challenges and exceed customer expectations.

We know there is a lot of competition in the pool and spa industry, and while focusing on trends, sustainability efforts and technology changes are important, we also like hearing firsthand how companies handle competition. Nick and Ray had an interesting take on dealing with competition in the industry:

We’ve been in the industry long enough to witness a significant shift in how competition is defined. Decades ago, maintenance and repair companies primarily competed to be the cheapest option, focusing on acquiring as many customers as possible, often at the expense of quality. However, the landscape has evolved and the emphasis has shifted towards expertise and professionalism. Today, maintenance technicians prioritize becoming more knowledgeable and skilled, which benefits both the industry and the clients.

For us, growth and development are key priorities, not just for our company but also for our employees. We invest in training and education to ensure our team stays at the forefront of the industry. Our goal is to compete based on quality and expertise rather than price alone. If we were to lose an account, we’d want it to be because another company was more qualified, not because they were cheaper. We believe this focus on value and professionalism is what sets us apart and builds lasting relationships with our clients.

Given the competitiveness of the industry and focus on growth and development to stay ahead of the curve, we asked the Golden State Pools team how they approach training and development for their team:

Our approach to training and development is comprehensive and team-oriented. Every new technician undergoes a minimum of eight weeks of hands-on training with a lead technician or service manager. We’ve developed a tailored training program that helps newcomers build a solid foundation in pool maintenance and operations, even if they’re entirely new to the industry.

Even after completing their initial training and starting work independently, our technicians are never truly on their own. They remain closely supported by lead technicians and have access to the collective knowledge of the entire company. As they gain confidence and experience, we provide opportunities for further professional development. This includes enrolling them in advanced training programs, such as the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) course, and eventually apprenticeship programs like PSATC to deepen their expertise.

The word “team” truly encapsulates how we operate. We foster a collaborative environment where everyone can reach out for guidance or advice whenever needed. To ensure continuous improvement, we also hold regular meetings to discuss operations, refine techniques, and introduce new products and training. Our goal is to empower our team with the skills, support, and resources they need to excel and grow within the company.

With a focused, team-first approach to their business, we are grateful we get the opportunity to team up with the employees at Golden State Pools over and over again. They’ve shared why they continue to choose Raypak and we wanted to get their take on what they think sets Raypak products apart from others in the market:

The longevity of Raypak products is what truly sets them apart. While all heaters aim to transfer a certain number of BTUs to the water efficiently, and most do this similarly, Raypak excels in the areas that matter most to me long-term. With all products we’re looking to introduce and or install, we ask questions like: How long will the heater last? How easy is it to service? Can it be troubleshot quickly? Are replacement parts readily available? How fast can we access customer support? Based on these critical factors, Raypak consistently stands out as the top choice among manufacturers.

One of the most positive aspects of working with Raypak is the incredible relationships their reps build with customers. They’re always approachable and available. We know we can call them at any time with a question and receive a prompt, helpful answer.

Additionally, the training on Raypak heaters is outstanding, making it easy to stay informed and confident when working with their products.

Thank you, Nick and Ray, for the chance to sit down and talk about your company, your passion for the industry and what’s next. It’s our pleasure to partner with such outstanding professionals who are focused on driving the industry forward, and it’s clear that you take great satisfaction and value in your customers’ results:

“We take immense pride in what we do and are always committed to going above and beyond expectation”, said Ray. “Hearing clients express their amazement and gratitude reaffirms why we do what we do. Whether it’s transforming their pool system, solving a challenging problem or creating a more efficient setup, their satisfaction and excitement are the ultimate rewards. Those moments of genuine appreciation drive us to maintain the highest standards in every project we take on.”

Contact Ray and Nick at Golden State Pools at https://www.gsppoolservice.com/ or 858.272.5725.