Imagine a backyard retreat designed around the way your family relaxes, entertains, and spends time together. Along with a custom pool, it might include a lounge and gathering space, fire features, or even an outdoor kitchen—creating a private getaway just steps from home.
Bringing those visions to life from start to finish is what Swimming Pool Services specializes in.
“Our clients tend to be looking for something very special,” says Mike Panella, CEO. “Every project we do is very custom and has a lot of unique characteristics.”
More Than Just Pools
Founded in 1967, Swimming Pool Services began as a side project for original owner Ron Thompson, who started building pools out of his garage before pool construction became his
full-time career. In 2002, he sold the company to his sons Dave and Jeff. In 2016, Dave bought out Jeff, and in 2024 Dave sold majority ownership of the company to Panella and Justin Lex,
who’d both worked with the company for years prior.
Today, the company has expanded on its services. In addition to custom pool design and construction, Swimming Pool Services now offers aftermarket service, repairs, landscaping, and maintenance. Their retail showroom also features pool equipment, along with hot tubs, saunas, cold plunges, and swim spas—reflecting the growing demand for complete outdoor living and wellness spaces.
“We’re truly a turnkey provider for all things paradise in the backyard,” says Panella.
Clear Process and Communication
Swimming Pool Services differs from other pool construction companies because they help their customers complete their entire project from start to finish. “Most providers will build you a pool. But you’ll have to find a landscaper to do the fence or find a mason to do the concrete,” Panella says. “We bring all that to the table.” Swimming Pool Services has a team of landscapers, masons, and electricians to help make the whole process seamless.
The first step in any new project is what Cody Kristapovich, marketing coordinator, calls the “dreams checklist.” Customers are able to select all of the features they’d ideally like for their
pool and yard, plus add their own. “We want our customers to know the sky’s the limit,” Kristapovich says. From there, the Swimming Pool Services team figures out how they can
deliver on that experience.
Another way Swimming Pool Services helps bring customers’ visions to life is through detailed 3D renderings that place the new pool directly within the context of the homeowner’s property.
“This rendering is going to show you what your current house looks like with the pool, including the views from various rooms,” says Panella. “We get very granular and detailed with our customers.”
Quality Over Speed
Panella says it’s common for prospective clients to ask how quickly a pool can be completed. But for Swimming Pool Services, the focus is on craftsmanship and long-term satisfaction rather than speed.
“We’ve done this long enough to know the client is never going to remember how long it took to build their pool,” Panella says. “What they will remember is that the project was done exceptionally well. Now they have a place where they can build a lifetime of memories with friends, family, and loved ones.”
Rather than prioritizing volume, Swimming Pool Services focuses on quality and customization, typically installing between 15 and 20 pools each year. “We’re not in a hurry to install as many pools as we can, as fast as we can,” Panella says. “We’re going to be really diligent in making sure everything is done correctly.”
Award-Winning Service
The Swimming Pool Services team is especially proud to have earned a place on the 2025 Top 50 Builders list by Pool and Spa News. The prestigious recognition highlights the company’s excellence in craftsmanship, customer service, and industry leadership. “It also factors in customer service, education, and company marketing,” says Kristapovich.
The award also reflects the high level of detail and care that goes into every project. For Mike Panella, each backyard is designed to become an extension of the home itself. “Your backyard is truly an outdoor room,” Panella says. “We are very thoughtful and intentional about capturing that for our customers and helping them maximize that space.”
Swimming Pool Services is located at W220N1563 Jericho Ct., Waukesha. Follow them @swimmingpoolserviceswi on Instagram and Facebook. www.swimmingpoolservices.com/MOf/