Why Choose a River Pools and Spas Fiberglass Pool?
- mike
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read

When researching fiberglass pools more often than not one of the first names you come across is River Pools and Spas. For good reason. What makes River Pools interesting is that the company didn’t start out as a manufacturer at all. River Pools actually began as a pool installer, working directly with homeowners and installing fiberglass pools in backyards across Virginia. That real-world installation experience eventually shaped how their fiberglass pools are designed today. Lets learn why you may want to choose River Pools.
THE ORIGINS OF RIVER POOLS AND SPAS
River Pools and Spas was founded in 2001 in Warsaw, Virginia by Jason Hughes, Jim Spies,Marcus Sheridan. Like many small pool companies, River Pools business originally focused on installing fiberglass pools for local homeowners. In those early years, the company faced many of the same challenges that other pool installers encounter:
navigating difficult soil conditions
using installation practices forced by current pool manufacturers
dealing with weather delays
managing construction timelines
educating homeowners about different pool types
Through these experiences, River Pools developed a deep understanding of what makes a fiberglass pool installation successful.
FROM POOL INSTALLER TO POOL MANUFACTURER
As River Pools installed more fiberglass pools, they began to notice opportunities to improve the pool designs themselves. Because they were installing pools every day, they had direct insight into things like:
which pool shapes homeowners preferred
what features were most popular
which designs made installation easier
Eventually, River Pools decided to develop its own line of fiberglass pool models based on those real-world experiences. Today, River Pools offers a series of fiberglass pool designs that were created with both homeowners and installers in mind.
DESIGNED BY PEOPLE WHO INSTALL POOLS
One of the most unique aspects of River Pools fiberglass pools is that the designs were influenced by installers who had spent years working in the field.
That background helped shape design choices such as:
built-in tanning ledges
wide entry steps
swim lanes
family-friendly layouts
Because the company originally approached the industry from the installer’s perspective, the designs often focus on practical features that homeowners actually use.
A FOCUS ON EDUCATION
Another reason River Pools became well known in the pool industry is their commitment to education.
Marcus Sheridan became widely recognized for sharing transparent information about pools online, answering many of the questions homeowners were asking during the buying process.
This approach helped many homeowners better understand topics such as:
fiberglass vs vinyl pools
pool installation timelines
pool costs and maintenance
The philosophy was simple: If homeowners understand their options, they can make better decisions.
WHAT MAKES RIVER POOLS DIFFERENT?
While many fiberglass pool manufacturers offer dozens of models, River Pools takes a slightly different approach. Their lineup focuses on a smaller selection of carefully designed pool models rather than a large catalog. This allows the company to concentrate on designs that have proven to work well for homeowners.
Some of the design features commonly found in River Pools models include:
wide entry steps
built-in benches
tanning ledges
modern rectangular designs
These features are intended to create pools that are both functional and visually appealing.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INSTALLER
While the pool manufacturer is important, the installer still plays a major role in the success of the project.
Installing a fiberglass pool involves:
excavation
base preparation
plumbing installation
backfilling
drainage management
Even the best fiberglass pool shell must be installed properly to perform well over time.
For this reason, many homeowners choose installers who have extensive experience working with fiberglass pools and understand the installation process thoroughly.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY
River Pools and Spas has an unusual story in the pool industry. Instead of starting as a manufacturer, the company began as a pool installer working directly with homeowners. That experience helped shape the fiberglass pool designs they offer today. For homeowners researching fiberglass pools, understanding both the manufacturer and the installer can provide valuable insight into how a pool will perform over the long term. By learning about the companies behind the pools, homeowners can make more informed decisions when choosing the right pool for their backyard.
SHAMELESS CALL TO ACTION
If you are ready to dive in and explore the possibilities of fiberglass pool ownership don't hesitate to call Pool Pros today @ 920-771-0107. Our in house pool designers are waiting to help create the outdoor living area of your dreams. When Quality Counts, Count on Pool Pros.
AUTHOR BIO
Mike Bowers is the owner of Pool Pros in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He has spent 29 years installing and servicing swimming pools throughout Northeast Wisconsin and was the first to offer fiberglass pools and is the leading local authority on Fiberglass Pool Installation.


