From childhood friends to business school classmates, Eric and Nick at Aqua Terra Backyard created a carefully curated online marketplace for people who refuse to compromise on quality, design, or environmental responsibility.
We sat down with Eric and Nick and asked the guys what inspired them to pursue a career in this field?
Eric replied: For me, it really started with my own backyard. Growing up on Long Island, New York which I think is one of the biggest pool markets in the country, where the backyard was always a central part of life. I’m an outdoor person, and I love spending time at home, constantly improving my own setup. What I consistently noticed was how fragmented the whole process was. If you wanted to upgrade or repair something, you’d have to go to multiple places for different components: a pool heater here, patio furniture there, fire pits somewhere else. I saw a real need for a single destination that offered the full backyard experience, backed by professionals who could guide customers through everything from repairs and design to upgrades and product recommendations. That’s what I set out to build with Aqua Terra Backyard.
Nick’s reply was a bit different: I’ve always been interested in business, and during college, I started working part-time at a pool distributor. That “part-time job” turned into an eight-year career, eventually leading me into management. During that time, I really fell in love with the science and engineering behind pool equipment and water chemistry. There’s a fascinating technical side to it, and I genuinely enjoy the technology, connecting with people, and helping customers create their ideal backyard retreats. Eric and I have been friends since seventh grade and even went to business school together, so when he shared his vision, it just clicked.
With the addition of AI and technology continually evolving, we asked them how they stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the pool and spa industry. Eric replied, “Staying current is non-negotiable for us. We make it a priority to attend major trade shows, where we can get hands-on with new products and really understand the engineering behind them, not just what’s new, but how it improves upon previous generations”. He went on to explain, “We also invest in local classes and training, and maintain close relationships with our suppliers, who are often at the forefront of innovation. Beyond the immediate industry, we keep a keen eye on broader tech trends, like AI and smart home integration, to see how those advancements can be applied to make pool and spa ownership even more seamless and enjoyable for our customers”.
Due to the unique nature of this Raypak partnership, they are able to ship nationwide specific Raypak parts and products. When asked if they could share a positive experience or success story involving Raypak products, here’s what they said:
We’re constantly helping customers troubleshoot their heating units, whether they’re new or old. One of the things we’re most proud of is our ability to problem-solve right over the phone, helping a customer determine exactly what part is needed to get their system back up and running. Because we carry such a wide range of inventory, we’re able to deliver those parts quickly, nationwide. Raypak units are incredibly efficient and durable, and while issues are rare, they do happen and we’re here to help get those units working again. It’s always exciting to build lifelong relationships with our customers, helping them maintain their current systems or guiding them through an upgrade to the latest Raypak technology. It’s about making the whole experience as easy and reliable as possible for them.
We are always curious what pool pros think are some common misconceptions about working in the pool and spa industry, and with Aqua Terra Backyard’s unique business model, we were curious what their thoughts were:
One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that “winters are slow” in this industry. Because Aqua Terra Backyard operates nationwide, that’s simply not the case for us. When it’s cold in one part of the country, another region is in its peak season. Plus, the “off-season” is crucial for planning, product updates, and preparing for the spring rush. Another common idea is that “owning a pool is complicated.” While there’s certainly a learning curve, when a system is properly set up with efficient equipment like a Raypak heater and perhaps some automation, it runs smoothly in the background. Our goal is to simplify the process for our customers, handling the technical complexities so they can simply relax and enjoy their backyard.
Sustainability is a non-negotiable when it comes to Raypak’s mission, and we enjoy learning how our partners also approach sustainability and eco-friendliness in their projects:
Sustainability is a core value for Aqua Terra Backyard. We actively stay informed about the latest eco-friendly technologies and, more importantly, we focus on educating our customers about their benefits. We use clear, straightforward explanations and visuals to help them understand how investing in high-efficiency equipment is a win-win: it saves them money in the long run and reduces their environmental footprint. Partnering with brands like Raypak, who share our commitment to innovation and responsible practices, allows us to offer solutions that our customers can feel truly good about.
To round out the interview, we asked what some of the biggest changes they’ve seen in the industry over the years, and here’s what they had to say:
We’re currently witnessing a significant technology boom in the industry. A major shift is the increasing integration of AI and smart technology into equipment functionality, which is transforming everything from water quality monitoring to heater optimization. This technological advancement is also coinciding with a generational shift. We’re seeing a new wave of entrepreneurs entering the field, bringing with them a natural comfort and expertise in technology. As two guys who’ve been friends since childhood and went through business school together, we’re excited to be part of this evolution, ensuring Aqua Terra Backyard remains at the forefront of these changes and can continue to offer our customers the most advanced and enjoyable backyard solutions.
Thank you, Eric and Nick, for your time and partnership with Raypak. Learn more about this duo and Aqua Terra Backyard at https://www.aquaterrabackyard.com/.
