About Pools By John Clarkson
The Pools By John Clarkson Story
Since the 1950’s, the Clarkson Family has been a leader in Jacksonville’s pool industry. John began working in the family business during the1960’s, and advanced to run the family business through the late 1970’s and 1980’s. Due to a difference in philosophy, John founded Pools by John Clarkson (PBJC) in 1989 to focus on innovative products, design, and more complex projects.
We would love for you to join our family!
During the 1990’s, John attended the first Genesis 3 design school. These classes emphasized using proper design principals to create unique pools vs. building standard “cookie-cutters;” as well as an increased focus on hydraulics, innovative options, and high-quality materials. PBJC continues to advance this philosophy through educational classes that our designers and other team members attend each year.
One of the many milestones for PBJC was joining Aquatech, now UAG, in 1996. Being a member of UAG allows us to deal directly with the manufactures, which improves relationships by eliminating a middle man. In addition, being a part of a network of pool professionals from across the country creates an opportunity to learn from each other and attend educational symposiums, which helps us continuously improve. The Clarkson Family has been honored to serve in many roles within this large organization, including John’s time as an elected board member.
In 2010, with an increase focus on life-long relationships with our clients, PBJC started a full-time service department. Along with a commitment to aesthetic functionality and high-quality materials, PBJC can now design, build, maintain, service, and renovate our family of pools, which counts over 2,000 in Northeast Florida.
Meet the Team
Joel Hartman – Sales
Michael Manley – Commercial Pools & Water Features
Kyle Kempton – Sales
Dexter Carter – Outdoor Living
Jeff Hocker – Sales
Kaylee Werling – Designer
Jordan (JR) Rothman – Sales
Debbi Werling – Customer Relations Manager
Karli Lordahl – Pool Care
Sam Du Toit – Accounting
Eric Jent – Project Manager
Jonny Carpenter – Project Manager
Vanessa Greene – Pool Care
Chris White – Lead Technician
Lawrence Rahim – Permitting & PBJC Legend
Mark Gardner – PBJC Legend
Our Mascots
If you’ve ever visited our facilities in Jacksonville, then you have most certainly met our beloved chocolate Labrador mascot, Wrigley, and his brother, Jack Murphy.
Wrigley is actually now a famous TV celebrity. He was the star of an edition of “Animal Attraction” on PBS.
You may click here to see Wrigley on TV, if you’re so inclined.
Wrigley Clarkson – Official Greeter
2004 – 2019
Jack Murphy Clarkson – Head of Security 2008 – 2018
Aqua Tech/United Aqua Group
PBJC is An Aquatech Builder and proud member of United Aqua Group – a collaboration of pool professionals from across the country who work together to share their knowledge and talents for common good.
The exclusive United Aqua Group will accept no pool builder other than those that meet their strict standards for quality construction, business ethics, and financial strength. Less than 1% of all pool builders in America have been approved to join the ranks of Aquatech.
PBJC continues to play an active role in this organization. During the annual convention in January of 2008, John Clarkson was elected to UAG’s Board of Directors. In addition, Jordan Clarkson has served on the Management Action Committee since 2005, as a volunteer to help the Board of Directors and Corporate Staff.
More info at: unitedaquagroup.com
FSPA (The Florida Swimming Pool Association)
The Florida Swimming Pool Association serves as the coordinating organization for swimming pool builders and other pool industry professionals who have committed to abide by the FSPA membership code of ethics.
In addition, the FSPA provides government relations representation on behalf of its members to the Florida Building Commission and the Construction Industry Licensing Board as well as other legislative bodies that regulate the swimming pool industry in Florida (such as the Department of Health).
The Association provides educational courses for industry professionals, produces an annual industry trade show, and acts as a consumer resource for finding reliable professionals in the swimming pool industry.
John and Jordan have both volunteered in state and local chapters in a number of ways including:
- Board member
- Officer
- Scholarship committee
- Arbitration committee
- Technical Advisory Committee for state building commission – Responsible for reviewing and making recommendations regarding state building codes.
- Construction Trades Qualifying & Licensing board member – Appointed by multiple governors and mayors in Jacksonville.
FSPA Membership Code of Ethics
Believing that honesty and integrity, high ideals and concern for the welfare of the pool industry and the public we serve are both desirable and necessary, and in a sincere effort to promote the mission of the Association, members of the FSPA pledge themselves to:
- Keep honesty as our guiding business policy.
- Comply with the spirit and letter of business contracts, existing laws and codes, and manage employees, subcontractors and suppliers with fairness and honor.
- Provide fair and expeditious response to claims covered under warranty.
- Work for the benefit of the consumer through the use of quality materials and construction practices backed by integrity and service.
- Keep informed regarding public policies and other essential information which may affect our business interests and those of the pool industry as a whole by attending the minimum number of association meetings as prescribed by my local Chapter.
- Promote the concepts of free enterprise and service to the public and the industry.
- Make all advertising and sales promotion factually accurate, use only competent testimonials, avoid those practices which tend to mislead or deceive the customer, and refrain from false or misleading criticism of competitors.
- Support and abide by the decisions of the Association in promoting and enforcing the Code of Ethics and cooperate with any investigation related to such enforcement.
More information at: floridapoolpro.com.
International Awards of Excellence
Formally known as APSP, the PHTA International Awards of Excellence honors members whose pools, spas and water features represent some of the best designs in the industry.
NSPI Hall of Fame
In 1998, John Clarkson was elected into the NSPI Hall of Fame for service at the Local, State and National levels of the organization.
Top 50 Builders
Each year the Pool & Spa News magazine researches all the major pool and spa builders in North America based on criteria such as longevity, customer satisfaction, quality ratings, awards, etc. and compile a list of the Top 50 Builders in the pool and spa industry. We are privileged and proud to have been selected as a Top 50 Builder multiple times.
Best of Houzz
Every year, the Houzz community selects professionals for Best of Houzz in the categories of Design and Customer Service. The prestigious award highlights the top-rated home improvement professionals and the most popular home designs, Pools and spas. We are privileged and proud to be on the lists of award winners for multiple years.
More info at: houzz.com
Best of UAG
United Aqua Group is one of the nation’s largest organizations dedicated to the professional pool building and retail industry. United Aqua Group manages and operates Aquatech, Aquacommercial and AquaValue, which remain the trusted brands for residential and commercial pool design and construction. Today United Aqua Group is widely recognized as the most prestigious and comprehensive professional member organization in the pool building and retail industry.
Every year at the annual conference, UAG hosts the Awards of Distinction. The Awards of Distinction is a time honored, members-only competition that recognizes the hard work, dedication and many achievements of the members throughout the year. We are proud that we have won many awards of distinction in residential, remodel, and commercial pool design and construction. Our top honors include the coveted Aqua Master award multiple times, The Best of Show in 2011, and the Zodiac Pool of the year in 2014.
