Brand on the Run

In the pool and spa industry, your brand doesn’t just live on a business card — it rolls up to the jobsite. A standout vehicle wrap can grab attention at a stoplight, build trust in a driveway, and turn a routine service call into a lasting first impression. 

That’s why each year, we hit the brakes to recognize the pool and spa pros turning their trucks and vans into bold, on-the-go billboards. These wraps are more than eye candy. They’re smart, strategic, and built to move both minds and markets. 

The 2025 field? Stronger than ever. From sleek minimalism to comic-book flair, these winners prove that great design doesn’t just sit still — it drives results.

All photos courtesy @DavidJames.info

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Kraken Pool Services | League City, Texas

Wrapped in twisting tentacles and ocean-inspired blues, the vehicles of Kraken Pool Services cut a bold figure across Galveston County, Texas. But there’s more to this standout wrap than just looks — it tells the story of a firefighter-led business, a leap of faith, and a brand that resonates far beyond the backyard pool. 

From Firehouse to Poolside 

Kraken Pool Services began as a side gig. With off-duty days built into their firefighter schedules, the founders started cleaning pools with fellow first responders. When a colleague retired and offered to sell his established pool route, they saw their moment. 

“We were ready for the next chapter,” says Chris Malbrough, who co-owns the company with John Carlson. “So we took a leap of faith and committed fully to the venture.” 

Since that turning point, Kraken Pool Services has grown from basic pool maintenance into a full-service operation, offering green-to-clean treatments, equipment repairs, and system replacements for both residential and commercial clients.

A Design With Purpose 

The Kraken logo was built to reflect local roots. 

“We wanted something that speaks to our Gulf Coast community,” explains Malbrough. “Something visually striking, but also connected to the place and people we serve.” 

To support small businesses and invest in their community, they partnered with local graphic designer Héctor Villalobos to create a brand identity that’s both fun and fearless — featuring a stylized kraken with curling tentacles wrapped around the logo. To bring it to life on their vehicles, they turned to Clear Lake Auto Wraps, another local small business, for printing and installation. 

The result? A wrap that gets noticed — and remembered. “People call just from seeing our trucks on the road. Parents tell us how much their kids love the kraken. The response has far exceeded our expectations.” 

Where Family and Service Meet 

At its heart, Kraken Pool Services is about more than water chemistry, equipment swaps and standout branding. 

“Pools are where families gather, kids learn to swim, and even pets cool off in summer,” says Malbrough. “We’re proud to help maintain those spaces.” 

It’s that blend of professional precision and personal investment that keeps their business growing — and their trucks turning heads.

Photo courtesy Dean Ouellette

RUNNER-UP

Big Family Pools | Mesa, Ariz. 

Dean Ouellette of BIG Family Pools didn’t just want a truck wrap that looked good — he wanted one that stood out. After mistaking a competitor’s truck for his own, he realized it was time for something bolder for his own fleet. The result? A bright, high-impact design created with Fleet Rep, bursting with vibrant blues, electric yellows, and a cartoonstyle portrait of Dean himself, test tube in hand. 

“We try not to do things the same as every other pool company,” he says. “That goes for our branding, our chemistry, and how we serve our clients.” 

BIG Family Pools is known for its advanced water chemistry service — a specialty playfully reflected in the wrap’s details, from the bubbling beaker to the pool ladder rising out of it. Bold red lettering locks in the brand, ensuring this truck gets noticed wherever it goes — whether it’s outside a customer’s home or parked at a local Little League event. 

And the finishing touch? A custom plate that reads “MRBIGFP” — short for Mr. BIG Family Pools. Enough said.

All photos courtesy Kelly Sewack

READER'S CHOICE AWARD

Pools, Patios & Porches | Frederick, Md.

The service van from Pools, Patios & Porches was designed with clarity and professionalism in mind. Its bold graphics and clean layout communicate the company’s focus on reliable, top-tier pool care. From openings and closings to leak detection and safety covers, the messaging highlights the wide range of services offered — all delivered by a knowledgeable, hands-on team. 

The rear of the van reinforces the brand’s full-service approach with visuals that emphasize backyard enjoyment and the company’s broader product offerings, including patio furniture, pool supplies, and swim gear. 

Voted on by AQUA readers, this van took home this year’s Reader’s Choice Award.

All photos courtesy Todd Phelan

MASCOT-DRIVEN VEHICLE WRAP

Beyond Blue Pool Equipment Repairs | Gilbert, Ariz. 

This van wrap for Beyond Blue Pool Equipment Repairs is a standout example of purpose-built branding with personality. The design centers around a custom mascot-style illustration of the technician — thumbs up, tools ready — making it immediately clear who you’re dealing with: a pro who knows pool equipment inside and out. It’s more than eye-catching, it gives the business a face, a voice, and a friendly first impression. 

The branding is sharp and specific. Unlike general pool companies, Beyond Blue doesn’t do weekly service or remodeling. It’s all about equipment repair, replacement and improvement, and the wrap reflects that focus. The list of services is clear and concise. The bold blue and black palette is strong and professional. The contact info is front and center. Nothing’s wasted. 

A personal touch ties it all together: the license plate. As a kid, owner Todd Phelan looked up to a neighbor who worked in appliance repair and had a similar custom plate. When he had the chance to carry that idea forward — this time for pools — he took it. It’s a subtle homage with real meaning. 

This wrap isn’t just advertising. It’s a mobile identity and a smart, mascot-driven brand statement all in one.

All photos courtesy Kellie Ballard

BEST USE OF POOL TEXTURE

Horizon Pool & Patio | Wellington, Fla. 

Wrapped in a pool-inspired tile pattern, this Horizon Pool & Patio truck brings the water to the road, a smart reflection of the company’s brand and services. The design integrates Horizon’s signature blue and green color palette with a shimmering mosaic background that instantly evokes the feeling of water. A bold, central logo ensures brand visibility, while the wrap’s layered look creates motion and depth, even at a standstill. 

One last detail seals the deal — the emergency lights, left intact for a playful twist: “pool emergencies” only. It’s clean, clever branding with just the right touch of humor.

All photos courtesy Cory Brooks

BEST POOL PREDATOR

Pools by Cory | Indianapolis, Ind.

A wrap that blends like camo and strikes like a pro. Pools by Cory’s fleet is built for the hunt — bold, aggressive and impossible to ignore. The sharp blue-and-black pattern cuts across the body like a stealth predator in motion, while a red variation adds intensity without sacrificing cohesion. 

These trucks don’t just represent the brand, they project power, precision, and a readiness to attack the day’s work.

Photo courtesy Frank Hogan

BEST BEFORE & AFTER WRAP

The Foam Guys | Miramar, Fla. 

The Foam Guys designed their truck to do more than advertise, they designed it to connect. 

Inspired by the transformations they create every day — not just in properties, but in people — they set out to build a wrap that tells a story at a glance and earns trust before a word is spoken. That’s why the door features real before-and-after photos: a bold, visual promise of the results they deliver. 

But it doesn’t stop there. The logo? It’s the three owners themselves. They’re hands-on with every project, and putting their faces on the truck was their way of saying: We stand behind our work. It’s personal, honest, and true to how they run the business. 

And just in case you miss all that? You’ll remember what’s on the back: “We’re only a foam call away.” Catchy, yes — but more importantly, it’s a commitment. When things start to sink, they rise to the occasion.

Photo courtesy Kathleen Pressler

BEST CURB APPEAL

Heritage Pools | Charleston, S.C. 

This car looks like it was made to park in front of a beach house. It’s polished, intentional, and radiates “trust us with your backyard” energy. 

Heritage Pools’ wrap is all about first impressions, and it nails them. The asymmetric orange panel is bold without being loud, and the angled layout suggests motion, like a clean dive into the deep end. It’s more than a service vehicle, it’s a rolling business card that fits in driveways, on jobsites, or cruising the Charleston coastline. 

Professional, welcoming, and sharp — exactly what you want pulling up to your home.

Photo courtesy Suzi Crouch

MOST UNIQUE LOGO

Caddy Shack Pool Services | Hephzibah, Ga. 

Some brands start with a marketing agency. Caddy Shack Pool Services — based in Hephzibah, Ga., part of the greater Augusta area — started with a pencil and a sheet of notebook paper. 

“Augusta is home to the Masters and the Augusta National Golf Course,” says Suzi Crouch, who co-owns the business with her husband, Joe. “With that in mind, I drug out my pencil and started drawing a golf bag. It went from there.” 

The company name — a playful nod to the iconic Bill Murray film — had to be slightly altered for legal reasons. So they broke it into four words: Caddy Shack Pool Services. From there, Suzi sent her rough sketch to Tara Pools, where former Marketing Director Thomas Kennedy helped bring the idea to life. 

“We went back and forth, turning my stick figure into a pool-golf-bag-caddy-surferlooking- dude,” she says. “What Thomas came up with was astonishing. Without Tara Pools and him, this would not have been possible. He made our vision a reality.” 

This past April, Caddy Shack Pool Services celebrated 10 years in business, backed by more than 45 years of combined experience in the pool industry. The one-of-a-kind logo is proudly displayed on their service vehicle — a repurposed ambulance — and serves as a visual signature for the brand.

All photos courtesy Stephanie Pope

FOR THE DOG LOVERS

The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island | Coventry, R.I.

At The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island, even the vans tell a story — and it starts with a Lab. Every vehicle in the fleet features an image of Koda, the beloved English Chocolate Labrador who helped shape the brand’s identity and spirit. Though Koda passed in 2019, his legacy lives on: outfitted in themed gear that reflects the van’s role — service, construction, or otherwise — he remains a loyal ambassador on the road. 

Blending craftsmanship, experience, and a deep sense of character into everything they do, The Pool Doctor focuses on quality, customer service, and yes — a love of dogs. They deliver more than pools. They bring heart.

All photos courtesy Amanda Roerick

LIFE OF THE LOCAL PARTY

Elko Spas, Billiards & Pools | Myrtle Beach, S.C. 

When it comes to showing up for their community, Elko Spas, Billiards & Pools doesn’t just participate, they bring the party. 

During a local holiday parade (the company has been spreading cheer in the Conway Christmas Parade for over 20 years), the company rolled out a joyful, high-energy caravan featuring their fleet of wrapped vehicles, a giant inflatable duck, and a spirited team in matching Elko hoodies, waving and smiling as crowds lined the streets. It wasn’t just festive, it was a vibrant reflection of their deep-rooted connection to the Myrtle Beach community. 

In a contest that celebrates creativity and impact, Elko’s entry stood out for its authenticity and heart. That’s why they’ve earned the title of “Life of the Local Party” — for turning their entourage into a rolling thank-you to the community that drives their success.

Photo courtesy Kenny Campbell

MOST LIKELY TO PEEL OUT OF A COMIC BOOK

Wetworks Pool Care | Canyon Lake, Calif. 

This wrap makes noise before the engine even starts. 

Wetworks Pool Care partnered with Brian from 1Day Wraps / Garage Graphix to create a rolling tribute to 1960s Rat Fink hot rod culture — and it’s pure visual horsepower. From the oversized type to the explosive graphics, everything about this truck screams custom. No templates. No shortcuts. Just a bold expression of brand personality. 

In a sea of standard service vans, Wetworks zigs where others zag — and that’s exactly why it stands out.

Photo courtesy Tyler Vazquez

MOST PATRIOTIC

Freedom Waters | Mesa, Ariz.

Freedom Waters Pool Remodeling (@freedomwaterpools on Instagram) doesn’t just drive a truck, they drive a message. As a 100% veteran-owned business based in Arizona, their vehicle wrap is a bold tribute to service, integrity and national pride. 

Eschewing the typical blue-themed designs, they opted for a distinctive patriotic motif — one that reflects their military roots and unwavering commitment to excellence. The result is a moving statement (literally and figuratively) that turns heads and communicates their values before they even arrive on-site. 

“We wanted potential clients to immediately recognize that we’re proud veterans who stand behind our work with professionalism and a commitment to great service,” says Co-Founder Tyler Vazquez.

All photos courtesy Justin Pinson

BEST VINTAGE VEHICLE

Round Rock Pool Pros | Round Rock, Texas

This 1954 Ford F-100 is more than just a classic, it’s a fully customized tribute to the craftsmanship and pride behind Round Rock Pool Pros. Completed over the course of three years, the build blends old-school style with modern attention to detail, from the deep blue finish to the handpainted logo that channels vintage Texas charm. 

The finishing touch? A custom “POOL” license plate that ties it all back to the business. Whether it’s posted up at a car show or parked at a client’s home, this truck is a rolling symbol of the quality and care that define Round Rock Pool Pros.

Photo courtesy Paul Romanelli

Photo courtesy Dan Arvidson

BEST LICENSE PLATE

Romanelli & Son Pool Service | Blue Point, N.Y.

Arvidson Pool & Spa | Crystal Lake, Ill. 

Vanity plates walk the line between pun and personality — and when done right, they’re branding gold. These pool pros took their message all the way to the DMV, turning license plates into rolling conversation starters. 

“GOT ALGAE”: Romanelli & Son doesn’t just show up — they show up with attitude. “GOT ALGAE” is bold, on-brand, and instantly reminds homeowners what’s at stake. It’s a quick hit of humor with a clear message: help has arrived. 

“SOAK IN 1”: Part invitation, part tagline. Arvidson’s “SOAK IN 1” is a clever, calming nod to their spa offerings. Paired with a chrome frame that adds just the right touch of flair, this plate is a reminder that details matter.

Photo courtesy Karen Mastin

MOST MEANINGFUL MESSAGE

Butterfly Pool Services | Houston, Texas

Some wraps go beyond branding — they carry a story. After enduring several personal hardships, including the loss of her beloved mother in 2022, Karen Mastin founded Butterfly Pool Services, LLC as a symbol of healing and hope. Her mother loved butterflies, and the name became a heartfelt tribute. 

“Butterflies mean ‘new beginnings,’” Mastin says. “This business represents a new beginning for me and for every customer we serve. Whether it’s a new service relationship or simply refreshing a pool for the season, we’re helping families create joyful, lasting memories together.” 

With a meaningful tribute at its core and a message rooted in connection, Mastin says she’s able to “remember and honor her mother every single day.”

Photo courtesy Alex Lindley

A LOOK OF LUXURY

Southern Poolscapes | Fairhope, Ala. 

Southern Poolscapes doesn’t just build luxury — they arrive in it. This custom Cybertruck, wrapped in a bold blue that accentuates its futuristic lines, is more than a mode of transportation; it’s a statement. Adorned with clean logos and integrated QR codes, it transforms into a high-impact mobile billboard, capturing attention at jobsites, traffic lights, and even Mardi Gras parades. 

Based on the Gulf Coast, Southern Poolscapes is known for designing and building high-end pools and outdoor spaces tailored to each client’s style and setting. With an eye for detail and a commitment to thoughtful construction, the company has carved out a reputation for work that’s both functional and artfully done. 

By choosing a vehicle as distinctive as their designs, Southern Poolscapes ensures their brand presence is as impactful on the road as it is in the backyard.

All photos courtesy Herbie Velotta

MOST IMPRESSIVE MOBILE SETUP

Pool Pros | Mt. Juliet, Tenn. 

This isn’t just a truck, it’s a mobile command center. 

Pool Pros turned their vehicle into a fullblown showroom on wheels, outfitted with product displays, interactive screens, and even a sky ceiling to set the mood. Inside, it’s part tech lab, part design studio, and fully designed to sell. 

Homeowners can touch materials, explore layouts, and get a custom consultation — all without leaving their property. It’s a smart way to work around busy schedules and deliver a highly customized consultation focused entirely on the customer’s unique space and needs. 

From the wrap to the walkthrough, this setup turns meetings into experiences and parking lots into closing rooms. It’s a smart, mobile rethink of how pool services can meet clients where they are — literally.

All photos courtesy Brian Paula

LESS IS MORE

Poolside | Miami, Fla. 

No gradients. No graphics. No clutter. Just clean lines, smart restraint, and a matte navy finish that does all the talking. 

Poolside’s fleet of wrapped trucks proves that minimalism can still be memorable. Inspired by their own uniforms, the team chose a flat navy wrap — sleek, subdued, and totally dialed in. It’s a rare move in a space where most service vehicles fight for attention with big logos and loud colors. Poolside goes the other way, with stunning results. 

The design is built around clarity and confidence. A crisp white box frames the brand name. The phone number and contact details are subtle but legible. Nothing shouts, because it doesn’t have to. This is branding by subtraction — and it’s quietly one of the best wraps on the road.

This article first appeared in the July 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.