Local Business Profile: Aqua Pools/Pool Hut

Phil Hlavin’s career has always been in the water. He ran the family-owned Dover Lake Water Park until 15 years ago, when he and his wife Chris opened their service and renovation pool company, , Inc.

“He’s been in the industry forever,” said Chris Hlavin. The company specializes in full renovation of swimming pools. “We can take your backyard and turn it into an amazing playground,” she said.

The recent heat wave, combined with some bouts of heavy rain, have kept the company busy.

Four years ago, the Hlavins also opened the seasonal on Cleveland-Massillon Road in Bath Township. The store offers pool and spa chemicals, vacuums, games, toys, filters, heaters other types of pool equipment.

How long have you been in business?
Aqua Pools, Inc. started in 1996 and is a family-owned pool service and repair company. This summer is the fourth season for the Pool Hut, which opens toward the end of April and closes in mid-October. The opening and closing dates for the hut are pending weather.

How many people are employed?
Between Aqua Pools, Inc. and the Pool Hut, about 12 to 15 people are employed.

Where is the company headquartered?
Aqua Pools, Inc. is open year-round. They can be reached Monday through Friday during normal business hours at (330) 666-9735. The Pool Hut is located in Bath Township.

What is your product/service?
“We service and repair residential, commercial and municipal swimming pools,” Chris Hlavin said. “We specialize in full renovation.”

They also do commercial “spray grounds,” which are a popular type of water park.

Aqua Pools provides services including pool openings and closings and weekly cleaning and chemical testing.

At the Pool Hut, the company offers all types of equipment for maintaining pools as well as games for use in them. Chris Hlavin said that if an item isn’t in their store, they can get it for a customer in a few days.

What is your goal for the company?
Chris Hlavin said they want to maintain their family-owned business relationship with its clients. She said her husband Phil is on the “front lines” giving personal customer service.

“I think it gives people confidence,” Chris Hlavin said.
She said the companies employees are experienced in the field too, their senior service technician has been in the industry for 15 years.

Chris Hlavin said the personal service includes one other key aspect: listening. When do-it-yourself people come in with projects they want to do, they will talk with them and help them get the job accomplished.

Aqua Pools, Inc. can be reached at (330) 666-9735. The Pool Hut is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It is also open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The Pool Hut is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. It is located at  1996 North Cleveland-Massillon Road in Bath Township.