Duane’s Pool Service is based in the Santa Clarita / San Fernando Valley region of California and provides professional commercial service and construction. What sets this business apart is their mission to be proactive in their relationships while providing responsive services to their clientele while always striving for ethical business practices and quality service.

Duane entered the pool and spa industry while in college, working part-time for a family friend who owned a pool cleaning business. After obtaining valuable hands-on knowledge and a deep understanding of the industry, he soon recognized an opportunity to expand his skillset and services, which led him to establish his own pool company in 1983.

“I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and had a strong desire to be my own boss. The pool industry offered the perfect opportunity to combine both. The ability to manage my own business, provide valuable services, and build lasting relationships with clients motivated me to pursue this field further,” Duane said.

We asked Duane if he could share a memorable project or experience, and he described a recent memorable experience for him was attending a pool trade show for the first time last year. “After 41 years in the trade, I finally realized the importance of these events for training, networking, and strengthening connections with our vendors”, he explained. While arranging work schedules for travel can be incredibly difficult, we have seen firsthand as well what in-person discussions, training and networking can do for our partners and the industry when it comes to mastering Raypak products.

We asked Duane if he could think of a key challenge he’d faced in his career, and how he overcame them.

A major challenge was realizing the need to get my pool building license to grow the company. I dedicated myself to studying and completing the required courses, which enabled me to become a licensed pool building contractor.

 When we think of the health and depth of the pool and spa industry, we are always curious what tips or advice current pros would give to other professionals trying to make it in the pool and spa industry. Duane’s thoughts were insightful and spot on, “Take your time to learn all aspects of the business. My years of hands-on experience have been essential in successfully managing employees and growing the company. Gaining a deep understanding of both the mechanical and chemical sides of the trade is crucial for long-term success.”