Pool Stop: Taking outdoor living to the next level

(ROCKWALL-March 25, 2013) Ten years ago, Harvey Rippy of Rockwall recognized a need in the community and decided to fill it. He and a Marine Corps buddy opened Pool Stop, and began building the business from the ground up. This month, Rippy’s one-stop shop celebrates a decade of award-winning service to the community.

“If it deals with the backyard or water – we can do it,” said Rippy. From custom design and construction to repair and renovation, Pool Stop is making a big splash in the industry – and can do so in your backyard.

Pool Stop was voted ‘Best Pool’ by the Dallas Homebuilder’s Association and the Kingsbridge Parade of Homes. They specialize in creating outdoor living experiences complete with kitchens, TVs, arbors, spas, water features and fire pits. Rippy attributes Pool Stop’s success to quality work and treating customers right.

“We grew from nothing to, I think, the dominant pool company in RockwallCounty,” said Rippy. “It’s not that we never make mistakes; it’s that we go over and above to make things right. We want to be your pool company for life.”

Pool Stop is the only pool builder in the Rockwall area with an in-house repair center, cleaning and maintenance department, and full retail store. With a 5,500 sq. ft. facility open seven days a week, customers know that Pool Stop experts will be there when they need them.  It’s a go-to place for chemicals, equipment and helpful advice.

“I go in every week for free water testing,” said customer Lance Johnson. “A pool is an investment so you want to be sure it’s taken care of. I also buy my products from them. They’re great at making recommendations – but they never push me to buy something.”

Pool Stop was also one of the first companies in the county to become state licensed to work on pool electrical systems.

Peg Bartenstein used Pool Stop to repair a pool at her rental house. They did an “excellent job” and always cleaned up their mess, she said. Today, the company is building a pool in her backyard. She loves that Pool Stop is in Rockwall so she can support a local merchant.

“Pool Stop has to be more than just a business,” said Rippy. “We’re helping customers create something that is going to be used for fun – and the process should be fun; it shouldn’t be painful. When I build someone’s pool, I want to make sure they look back and say ‘this was a great decision.’”

Pool Stop is located at 838 Steger Towne Drive in Rockwall. Call them at 972-772-4545. Visit them online at poolstoponline.com.

By Blue Ribbon News, all rights reserved. Judy Evans contributed to this story.