What does passion mean to you? To your clients? Why do you wake up every day and do what you do? Is it about constructing pools, designing outdoor living spaces, and crafting water features? Or is it something more profound? I thought I understood the answer. I believed I was doing well by creating beautiful, functional spaces for my clients. Then came a journey that changed my perspective.
AN EXPERIENCE BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
Recently, I had the privilege of joining a transformative trip to Italy with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and GENESIS. The itinerary was remarkable, starting in Bologna with stops at the stunning Hotel Sirimone, the historic Terme spas, and the breathtaking Hotel Terme Millepini in Montegrotto — home to the Y-40, the Guinness World Record holder for the world’s deepest diving pool. We immersed ourselves in the Forum Piscine Congress, Italy’s premier pool and outdoor lifestyle exhibition, and visited Myrtha Pools, the globally renowned company behind numerous Olympic and commercial pool projects. Led by Matteo Bazzaro, Myrtha Pools is a testament to excellence and embodies the Italian spirit of craftsmanship and pride.
But beyond the impressive facilities and technical tours, what truly resonated with me were the connections forged over incredible meals, day trips to therapeutic thermal waters, and the infectious laughter during a hands-on cooking class where we learned to make tortellini and tagliatelle. It was here that I realized the essence of our industry isn’t just in what we build — it’s in the experiences we create.
LIVING LA DOLCE VITA: PASSION AS A WAY OF LIFE
What struck me most in Italy was the unwavering passion of the people. It’s woven into their culture — expressed in their cuisine, their craftsmanship, their conversations. Whether sipping wine, discussing pool design, or sharing family stories, they exude a zest for life that’s contagious.
During the trip, I spoke at length with Federico A. Maestrami, director of Piscine Oggi and CEO of the Forum Piscine. His dedication to advancing our industry was palpable. His wife, Maria Moscato, the new GENESIS wellness instructor, radiates enthusiasm for integrating wellness into our everyday lives. Conversations with them reminded me that our work is about more than projects — it’s about people. Spending a week with the GENESIS co-founders, PHTA staff and my colleague Evan Baard, reminded me also of the importance of this type of connection with the people in our industry as well. A great chance to connect and learn from each other.
FROM CHALLENGES TO OPPORTUNITIES: RETHINKING OUR INDUSTRY’S ROLE
It was great to renew our friendship with our German colleagues and fellow members of BSW (Bundesverband Schwimmbad & Wellness e.V.), a professional association service provider offering a comprehensive industry network to assist the swimming pool and spa sector in Germany and across Europe — 250 members strong. The GENESIS trip also included a thought-provoking panel on the state of the pool industry, addressing critical topics like sustainability.
The truth is, swimming pools use less than 1% of the world’s fresh water — a far cry from the stigma of wastefulness. Pools can act as essential community assets, serving as emergency water reservoirs and even supporting local ecosystems. In Italy, innovative ideas like rainwater harvesting for pool use are already being explored.
Climate change, resource scarcity, and global economic shifts are realities we must face — but wellness and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Our industry has a unique chance to lead with solutions that promote health, community, and environmental responsibility.
REDEFINING LUXURY: WELLNESS FOR ALL
Swimming isn’t just a leisure activity — it’s a powerful contributor to wellness. Immersing oneself in water reduces stress, provides low-impact exercise, and elevates mood. Yet, pools are often seen as indulgences for the wealthy. This perception must evolve.
Imagine revitalized community centers, school pools buzzing with activity, and public wellness spaces accessible to all. The Pool Horizons Study by the PHTA provides a roadmap for this vision. It’s time to champion water for wellness — not just for luxury.
BRINGING ITALY’S LESSONS HOME
What did Italy teach me? That passion transforms work into purpose. That wellness is as much about human connection as it is about physical health. And that our industry can be a force for good — building spaces that nurture bodies, minds, and communities.
So why do I get up every morning to do what I do? Because it’s about more than design or construction. It’s about crafting experiences that bring families together, create moments of joy, and foster a healthier world.
If we can embrace the Italian philosophy — eating better, moving more, laughing louder, connecting deeper — we just might bring a little more dolce vita into our lives and the lives of those we serve.
Let’s build more than pools. Let’s build wellness. Let’s build community. Let’s build passion!
This article first appeared in the May 2025 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.
