I first developed my love of the water spending summers on the shores of Burt Lake in Northern michigan. 

Here, my parents ingrained in me a deep appreciation for the crystal clear water, and the recreational opportunities it held.  “Life at the Lake” focused on spending time in and on the water.  Yet, safety was never far from our minds as we played.  As water based as my childhood was, my grandfather was a non-swimmer.  His experiences and respect for the water taught me to approach with caution, wary of the unsafe actions of others. 

I took something as basic as clear, fresh water for granted.  It wasn’t until I became a young competitive swimmer that I recognized the importance of having excellent pool water in which to swim.  Our team’s pool was cleaned and maintained by the school district’s custodial staff.  Morning practices often meant doing flip turns while the lead custodian poured chemicals into the end of our lanes.  The season went on as our hair turned a greenish shade of blonde and our skin dried to the point our fingers and toes cracked, the chlorine and other chemicals gradually taking a toll on our bodies.

The true impact of water quality hit home, however, when I became the father of an asthmatic son.  As a young athlete he experienced minor difficulty breathing and a cough in some pools (i.e. “exercise induced asthma”).  As he grew, so did his symptoms, as they gradually progressed into tingling in his extremities during exertion, and the need to have a rescue inhaler present, within arms reach, on any pool deck, at any time.  

As a swim coach, I recognized similar effects with some of my athletes.  Different pools affected different athletes in different ways.  What was once a hunch, had now become clear: the water itself, and the way it was cared for, presented a health risk for my athletes—but more importantly, my son.

I have set out to learn as much as possible about water safety and pool chemistry.  The result of this education is a unique combination of skills drawing on certifications as a Certified Pool Operator and American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, and augmented by being a career educator and military veteran.  These experiences come together to place me in the truly unique position to evaluate, educate, and care for each customer in the individual fashion you deserve.

The result of a lifetime spent in and around the water is a fundamental belief in caring for not only it, but the people who take advantage of its potential.  That is the heart of Water Works. We strive to ensure peace of mind—not only for your own enjoyment, but the safety of all who dive in.

Let’s get started.