Most homeowners plan the pool and figure out the outdoor living space later. That's the mistake. In this episode, landscape architect Trey Watford, lead designer at River Pools Virginia, walks you through the design process from discovery to final plan, so you can approach your own project with confidence no matter who you work with.

Trey covers the questions every homeowner should ask themselves before a designer ever shows up, why site analysis is the most underrated part of the process, what a $250K–$300K backyard project actually includes, and how to bring that number down without losing what matters most.

Whether you're early in your research or already speaking with builders, this episode will give you a clearer picture of what great backyard design looks like, and what questions to ask to make sure you get it.

Topics covered:

• Where the design process actually begins (it's not where you think)
• The "dot connecting" method for deeply understanding your backyard vision
• Site analysis, elevation readings, and why skipping this step is costly
• Professional designer vs. order taker - what's the real difference?
• Live design walkthrough of a real River Pools project
• Budget reality: what drives costs up, and how to bring them down
• Where to start if you want to begin planning tomorrow

Resources mentioned: riverpoolsandspas.com — pool type selector, shape and size tool, and pool cost calculator

If you live in a region where winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, choosing the right type of swimming pool is more complicated than it might seem.

In northern climates like Wisconsin, frost can reach several feet into the ground, and freeze–thaw cycles can create pressure on pool structures both from the surrounding soil and from the water inside the pool itself.

In this episode of The Pool Guides Podcast, Cristian Shirilla sits down with Michael Bowers of Pool Pros Wisconsin, a builder with nearly 30 years of experience installing pools in one of the coldest parts of the United States.

Together they explore how the three primary pool types — vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools, and concrete pools — perform when exposed to harsh winter conditions.

Michael shares firsthand insights about frost depth, groundwater pressure, installation best practices, and the winter maintenance steps that can prevent costly damage.

If you're planning a pool in a colder region, this conversation will help you understand what really matters when selecting a pool that can stand up to harsh winters and deep freezes.

• How harsh winters affect swimming pool structures
• Why frost depth and freeze–thaw cycles matter when installing a pool
• The pros and cons of vinyl liner pools in colder climates
• Why fiberglass pools are often well suited for freeze–thaw environments
• How concrete pools can be engineered to withstand cold climates
• The role groundwater pressure plays in pool stability
• The importance of proper installation and drainage
• Why winter water level management can prevent structural damage

Michael Bowers
Owner, Pool Pros Wisconsin

Michael Bowers has nearly three decades of experience installing swimming pools in Wisconsin, where deep frost lines and harsh winters create unique challenges for pool construction. His expertise in cold-climate pool installations provides homeowners with practical guidance for choosing the right pool and ensuring long-term durability.

The Pool Guides Podcast helps homeowners make confident decisions about choosing and installing a swimming pool.

Hosted by Cristian Shirilla of River Pools, each episode features experienced builders and industry professionals sharing real-world knowledge about pool types, costs, installation practices, and backyard planning.

The goal is simple: give homeowners the information they need to make smart decisions before construction ever begins.

What happens when a frustrated pool buyer decides to become the solution?

In this episode of The Pool Guides Podcast, Cristian sits down with Jeff Sebek, owner of River Pools Kansas City, to unpack the story of how poor communication during his own pool installation led him to start his own company.

Jeff began as a homeowner researching fiberglass pools, interviewing multiple builders, and designing the perfect backyard for his family. But when delays piled up and communication went quiet, he realized something bigger was missing from the industry — clarity and trust.

That experience changed everything.

In this conversation, Jeff shares what homeowners should really look for when choosing a pool builder, how to evaluate trust beyond years of experience, and what the pool construction process should actually feel like once you sign a contract.

What You’ll Learn

• How to choose the right pool builder with confidence
• Whether hiring a first-time pool builder is a smart move
• Why communication can make or break your pool experience
• What “over-communication” during construction looks like
• How referrals reveal the health of a pool company
• Real backyard examples with ballpark pricing insights

If you're considering building a pool, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity — and avoid the mistakes that lead to stress and regret.

Guest: Jeff Sebek

Jeff Sebek is the owner of River Pools Kansas City. After experiencing communication breakdowns during his own pool installation, Jeff launched his company with a focus on transparency, trust, and customer experience. Today, his team builds 40–50 fiberglass pools per year and operates primarily through referrals — a reflection of their commitment to over-communication and long-term relationships with homeowners.

🎙️ The Pool Guides Podcast – by River Pools

“I’m Cristian with River Pools. Thanks for hanging out with The Pool Guides Podcast — and remember, every great backyard story starts with a smart plan. Catch the wave.”