The U.S. tragedy that unfurled on September 11, 2001, left a profound impact on the world that will live forever in our hearts and remembrances. There are many events each year that honor and remember the victims lost on 9/11, with one of the most significant forms of recognition displayed at Southlake’s Claffey Pools for the last 20-plus years.
Claffey Pools has been an established, well-known leader in the Southlake community since 1987. The family business was founded by Paul Claffey and is still run today by Paul’s children, Charlie, Shelly and Brian Claffey.
Each year, the Claffey Pools team displays just under 3,000 flags, representing each person lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the New York City World Trade Center. The idea to create this annual memorial came from Paul’s wife, Mrs. Barbara Claffey, who found inspiration one sunny morning in 2002 during a daily hike around her neighborhood.
The 45-minute nature walk gave her time to reflect and create a beautiful, touching way to show that Claffey cares.
“Have you ever had a moment when a thought comes into your head and at first you brush it off, yet the thought lingers with visions? Was it my higher power, my God that inspired me to bring this vision to our family at our weekly Claffey Pools meeting? It was surely spiritual, I believe,” she said.
“I shared this vision of placing 3,000 flags outside our offices to remember 9/11 that first year as to never forget that fateful day that we all witnessed on television in horror,” she explained.
“I was inspired by the enthusiasm of my entire family, who all agreed. We ordered 3,000 flags and several signs that read, ‘Never Forget’ and ‘In God We Trust." Since then, we have also placed the flags and signs out on Memorial Day and Independence Day to remember all of the heroes who have helped to keep our nation free.”
Claffey’s impact on the community through this heartfelt gesture has never wavered over 20 years. The company has received gratitude from community members who visit to express their appreciation, government officials who send letters and emails of thanks, and a local husband who sadly lost his wife during 9/11, who presented the company with an honor flag that is now proudly displayed in the Claffey Pools office.
About Claffey Pools
Claffey is a leading pool and spa builder in North Texas. For over 30 years, the company has been building customers’ dream pools and creating personal paradise retreats for people at every stage of their life.
From geometric to freeform pools, infinity pools and lazy rivers, the expert designers and builders on Claffey’s team help ensure that each customer’s backyard oasis is created to exact specifications.
Claffey Pools is considered the top new build and remodeling specialist company in Southlake and across the North Texas area.
Claffey was honored as sixth in the Pool and Spa News 2023 Top Builders rankings, and in 2022, the company was again recognized as the “best of the best” by the Southlake Times and Southlake Style. Over the years, the company has received hundreds of design awards. Claffey’s motto is that of “a passionate commitment to excellence” in each and every job.
Local involvement is paramount to the Claffey Pools family
During grand opening and ribbon-cutting events for Claffey Pools’ new design center and sales office in 2022, the company and its employees hosted hundreds of guests that included local government representatives, community members and area business leaders.
These events allowed Claffey to once again provide financial support - totaling more than $30,000 - to the national Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Step into Swim program, focused on drowning prevention and teaching children in underserved communities the lifesaving skill of how to swim. This North Texas program is coordinated along with Texas Wesleyan University, Grace Grapevine, a non-profit relief agency serving Northeast Tarrant County families in need of food, clothing and other assistance. State Representatives Steve Toth and Ramon Romero, Jr.. Southlake schools. and the Southlake police and fire departments.
“We are proud to be a part of the Southlake community for over 25 years. We take part in giving back to the school systems, Grace, Lions Club, Colleyville Women’s Club and other charities we have partnered with over the years,” noted design consultant/co-owner Shelly Claffey.
In so many ways, Claffey Pools is touching lives, making an impact through community service and giving back to others - and by making customers’ backyard oasis dreams come true.
Visit Claffey Pools to meet the team and see the new design center
The Claffey family invites you to visit the company’s new design center, outdoor courtyard and sales office at 1625 Brumlow in Southlake. The updated facility showcases top trends in pool and spa designs from custom to elite, pool remodeling, outdoor living, special water features, pool services, weekly maintenance, winterizing and more. The company family is committed to providing the best experience for both their customers and community.
Claffey Pools is truly inspiring the community in so many ways, professionally, personally and through the community. Southlake City Lifestyle magazine salutes Claffey’s vision and all that the family and staff do to make a difference to all of our neighbors across North Texas.