Aquatech pool builder Champagne Pool And Spa reached a benchmark 30 year anniversary this week, a notable achievement given the current economic conditions of Central Florida.  The announcement was made by second-generation pool builder and company president Michael Manley.

The announcement comes in stark contrast to more characteristic news for the Orlando, FL area, including the closings of several other local area builders.  "Roughly half of all new pools built in Florida were built for new home construction," stated Manley.  “So when home construction gets hit, the pool builders feel it just as bad if not harder".

The Florida governor's office forecast says that new housing construction will fall to less than 60,000 units this year, a 70% drop from 2005. Florida's construction industry lost more than 77,000 jobs, according to the Highlands Today / Tampa Tribune.

“The last two years have been tough, but we've done better than most. Our renovations and chemical business is up, and our residential and commercial pool business is holding strong, thanks mostly to referrals," said Manley.  “A few years ago, we were building more than 600 pools per year.  In 2005, we made the decision to cut back to a more manageable 200 to 300 pools a year, and focus more on commercial and renovations. Fortunately for us, that was about six months before the downturn really started to hit.  So while other pool builders were scrambling, we renovated and expanded our showroom with new displays and materials."

How does it feel to hit this 30 year milestone? “Considering what's been happening to some of our peers and competitors, we're pretty darn happy.  At 4200 pools and counting, I'd say we’ve become something of a mainstay in Central Florida.”

For 10 years in a row, Champagne Pools has been recognized by Pool & Spa Magazine as one of the “Top 50 pool builders in the United States.” Champagne Pools is a member of the Aquatech Society of Pool Building Professionals, one of only seven such builders in Florida. Winner of more than 60 design and craftsmanship awards, Champagne pools has been serving Central Florida businesses and homeowners since 1978.

More info at www.ChampagnePoolAndSpa.com