THIS STATEN ISLAND-BASED PACK OF CUSTOM POOL CONTRACTORS IS MAKING SERIOUS WAVES THROUGHOUT THE TRI-STATE AREA THIS SUMMER

BY ERIK SCHONING • PHOTOS BY ALEX BARRETO AND ROBERT NUZZIE

Whether it’s an afternoon swim, quick morning dip, or all-day loungefest under the sun, there is no greater summertime pleasure than a pool. However, as all pool owners can attest, a lot of work and upkeep goes into this warm-weather staple, from the installation of a new pool to ongoing maintenance,
cleaning, and repairs. For decades, the team at Pool Doctor has been working to make every step of that process as painless as possible for pool owners across Staten Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey. With over 10,000 pools installed, the results speak for themselves.
Pool Doctor was born as a family affair 25 years ago. Brothers Rich and Bob Pasquale had family that sold pools, but there was a definite need for people to install them. That’s where the Pasquale brothers stepped in. Bob specialized in above-ground
pools, and he brought in Rich to steer in-ground installations. In 2010, in response to a growing demand for ongoing pool maintenance (over time, filters, liners, and equipment will need to be replaced), Michael Matarazzo came aboard to manage and expand that side of the business. In about ten years’ time, the company had expanded to cover the entire lifecycle of pool ownership, from initial purchase to regular repairs and mainte- nance.
“There’s nothing pool-related that someone could call our business about and be told we don’t provide that service,” Bob Pasquale said. “There’s not a pool on the market that we won’t install. The same thing goes for service and maintenance. We’ve got everything covered. We are able to do it all.”
Despite its roots as a small, Staten Island-based operation, Pool Doctor has expanded tremendously over the years. In the last five years, they’ve seen incredible growth in the Garden State. What New York City lacks in yard space, New Jersey makes up for in spades, and the expansion has given the business substantial new reach among pool owners. With New Jersey’s

often complex and township-specific permitting processes, their experience has come in handy to ensure a stress-free and smooth installation.
As a full-featured business, Pool Doctor handles every step of the process. Unlike other pool companies, which might subcon- tract out certain operations or labor, Michael, Rich, and Bob oversee any and all work; they themselves even conduct site visits as part of the initial onboarding meeting. They are able to visit potential clients’ homes and provide on-the-spot price quotes because they themselves control every stage of their work.
“Most companies don’t have their own machines or excavating equipment,” Michael Matarazzo said. “Not only do we get your pool installed and up-and-running, but as a company we will stay with you through the whole process, whether you want us to handle the maintenance or you need repairs down the road. We’re that one-stop-shop that does everything for you.”
The pool business has no shortage of challenges. It’s a relatively short pool season here in the Northeast, which means that everybody wants work done quickly, and within the same span of a couple months. In a competitive market, Pool Doctor has built a reputation through word of mouth. After all, a pool is no small investment, and getting the right people involved remains a top priority for homeowners. Their continued success is a testament to the standard they’ve established.
“Service is number one to us,” Bob Pasquale said. “We’ve been doing this for so long. We have an amazing staff of people here in the office. That’s how you get a reputation and keep it.”

Despite their established place in the industry, the guys at Pool Doctor are always looking to stay ahead of the latest trends in their business. Pool technology has changed in substantial ways over the years, from the mainstream popularization of saltwater pools to cutting-edge systems that use UV light mixed with ozone to sanitize pool water. Above ground, semi-inground and inground pools are now available in a variety of shapes and materials; perhaps the most exciting development for Pool Doctor has been the

rise of the fiberglass pool, which offers the quickest installation process of any inground pool. Fiberglass pools are built indoors in climate-controlled environments; the shell is then placed into the excavated shelf.
“We’re seeing a big shift in the market toward fiberglass pools,” Michael Matarazzo said. “Fiberglass does allow you the ability to be able to customize a lot of the aspects of the pool, and it’s also a much quicker installation. You could get your pool in two or three days and be up and swimming with your family by the time the weekend rolls around.”

As Pool Doctor continues to grow its footprint in New York and New Jersey, Michael, Bob, and Rich have no plans to change anything about their winning formula. A quarter-century of success speaks for itself. Right now, all across Staten Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey, people are opening their pools for the season and thinking that yes, it was a good idea to call the Pool Doctor. I