2021 AQUA 100 Winner: Valley Pool & Spa

4 E 421 Aq Managers Feat

4 F 421 Aq Valleyvan Sm

"We hold our staff to the highest standard of product knowledge and service."

—Kristin Poppa-Rosel
Business Development Director, Valley Pool & Spa


For over 50 years, Valley Pool & Spa has been serving the greater Pittsburgh area with "fun, relaxation and togetherness." The company strives to improve the quality of life for every family that it meets and lives by the golden rule: treat each customer, supplier and co-worker the way you would prefer to be treated.

Now under the ownership of Leslie's Poolmart — the company was acquired by Leslie's in 2018 with a focus on 100% team retention and brand consistency — Valley Pool & Spa has grown immensely since its founding. It boasts seven successful locations, with plans to open an eighth store very soon.

As a business, Valley is highly focused on overall experience and personalized service. Each team member undergoes extensive training in pool maintenance, safety and pool chemistry, beginning with a two-month, pre-season training course and continued throughout the year with weekly, mandatory training. "Whether troubleshooting a water chemistry problem or fielding questions about a product, each Valley Pool & Spa team member is a pool expert our customers can trust," says Business Development Director Kristin Poppa-Rosel.

After joining the Valley team in 2007 as a self-educated, marketing guru, Poppa-Rosel has found social media to be a major part of the company's growth. "Our social channels allow us to humanize each store location independently," she says. From time to time, the company will offer Facebook/Instagram-only specials, and each month, a lucky Facebook follower receives a $50 Valley Pool & Spa gift card or fun new products.

Social media also allows staff to reach out to PoolPerks! members. PoolPerks! is a special loyalty program that gives members 3% off of every purchase. Members receive extra discounts and offers in-store and through direct mail. Special additional discounts are given to members at customer appreciation events on top of sale prices.

Valley Pool & Spa continues to strive for no less than excellence in all that it does. "We will practice our commitment to try harder, persevere longer and not settle for good enough," the company says. "Every accomplishment provides an opportunity for further growth, and every achievement spurs us to another."


This article first appeared in the April 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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