A Lifetime of Achievement

Terry Arko Headshot
Rick English (left) receives his award with Javier Payan, Payan Pool Service.
Rick English (left) receives his award with Javier Payan, Payan Pool Service.
Terry Arko

Rick English AwardAnyone involved in  the pool industry in the San Diego or Orange County area over the last 45 years has heard of Rick English — his service and teachings have covered the breadth of the pool and spa business. In recognition of that uncommon level of dedication, the San Diego APSP/ PHTA chapter was proud to honor Rick recently with the lifetime achievement award.

Rick’s list of accomplishments and service to the industry is impressive: Rick is a member of National Plasterers Council (NPC), a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) instructor, member of the American Society of Home Inspectors, affiliate member of IPSSA and serves as an industry expert for California State Contractors License Board. Rick was retained by the California State License Board CSLB to investigate pool construction complaints and worked on over 200 cases. He served as a board member for PHTA and is a Certified Building Professional.

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Rick English has been an iconic presence at PHTA, IPPSA and industry education events and trade shows. He ran the company Padre Pools from 1977 to 1998 where he served as president and general manager. Rick has been involved in building about 2,000 pools and has inspected another 1,500 since 1998. And he has taught a course on pool inspection at several pool trade shows including: The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, The Southwest Pool & Spa Expo and The Atlantic City Pool & Spa Expo.

He also serves as a member of the California Real Estate Inspectors Association where he conducts annual seminars on pool inspection. Currently Rick runs English Consulting as a consultant and expert witness in the fields of swimming pool and spa construction defects, standard of care in swimming pool and spa maintenance, pool safety and solar pool heating. In 2010, he was recruited by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to give presentations throughout the west on how to comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) law.

“Rick is one of the smartest people in our industry and has always been generous with his time and wisdom,” says Javier Payan, chapter president, of the tribute. “It’s amazing how much we all learn from him whether he is teaching a class or in simple conversation.”


This article first appeared in the October 2021 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.


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