Chris Oswalt has been involved in pool construction since the early 1990s when he was primarily working on the concrete side, while also in the rehab of gunite pools.
After more than a decade of pool construction experience, he now owns Probuilt Pool and Patio, since 2006.
Oswalt began the fiberglass pool installation side of the business in 2016.
Probuilt offers a wide range of services and products, such as sunrooms, patios, patio covers, decks, outdoor kitchens, outdoor living areas, barbeques, fire pits, fireplaces and Blaze outdoor products.
“I know customers like a more rounded, one-stop shop for their outdoor needs,” Oswalt said. “It simplifies the process and is much easier to coordinate if we are doing the job as a whole.”
Wet decks are a popular way for people who have kids to play and sunbathe in and Oswalt said that women tend to choose the wet decks and tanning ledges, while men want space and benches.
A wet deck is a deck that is built on the perimeter of the pool in order to make it completely level with the surrounding paving. They are very popular since the water seems to meet the land seamlessly. When someone enters the pool, the water falls into a balance tank underneath the paving.
For Oswalt, helping customers find the most affordable layouts is very important.
“Affordability is huge in this current economy. We strive to be competitive, but quality is our first goal. A pool is usually the second most expensive purchase in one’s life, so our customers know that quality trumps price and they want a product they can be proud to show off and enjoy for years to come.”
With the change in weather that accompanies fall, both the hot tubs and saunas at Probuilt are extremely popular.
“My pool customers have a hard time letting summer go, so nothing relieves them better than a warm or hot water option to get them to spring,” Oswalt said. “The saunas have so many health benefits, and to have your own is so much better than sitting in one used by the masses. We offer both inside and exterior saunas with American-made infrared heat. Our saunas go from simple to extravagant.”
While it’s important for many customers who want a pool and a spa, that they match, Oswalt said the expectations for the spa are key.
“If they are looking for a conversation piece or a therapeutic hot tub, the choices may vary, but the good news is we have all the right options,” Oswalt said.
He said that as far as pool color, shape, size and tile colors, those decisions are left up to the customer, as they are very important decisions. But the staff at Probuilt helps them come to a decision by answering all their questions and understanding their needs.
“It always comes down to needs and expectations, we always try to keep people engaged in the process, so they don’t over or under do things,” Oswalt said. “Our goal at the end is to never hear, ‘I wish I would of.’ That’s key and very important for overall satisfaction.”
It’s also important for the company to make a fiberglass pool blend well into a customer’s outdoor space.
“Fiberglass pools are trending upward each year for many good reasons, but designs today are getting more and more modern and look great in any backyard,” Oswalt said.
Probuilt also offers water features such as bubblers and waterfalls, which are popular in creating a fun and unique experience.
“We probably add water features of some sort to 70% of all our pools, and considering we build over 100 pools per year that’s a lot of water features,” Oswalt said. “When done right water features can add a fun element as well as a tranquil peaceful element to the pool.”
Owning and operating Probuilt has been the perfect occupation for Oswalt.
“Being a workaholic, I like the challenges, some pressure for production, and working with my staff and customers has so many incredible moments and rewards that I couldn’t imagine not being in this business. It’s hard work but very rewarding when you look back to see what we have created.”