With over 31 years of experience in the pool business and a second generation company, True Blue Pools Contracting knows the pool industry. Based in Miami, Florida, this team specializes in custom pool design, construction, and renovation, delivering top-quality craftsmanship and personalized service to turn any backyard into a tropical retreat.
Lounge back, grab a cold drink and enjoy as we discover more about this vacation-ready team…
We interviewed Belkis Vigil, owner/manager of True Blue Pools Contracting and asked her how she got started in the pool and spa industry and she described, “In 1993 I began dating a pool contractor named Pedro Vigil who had a small swimming pool company. He asked me to come work for him and well, the rest is history! We fell in love, got married, had three children (Peter, Daniel and David). As the years passed, we got bigger and added more and more to our repertoire of work”.
Belkis and her team have used Raypak products for over thirty years, and we asked her to share her experience with the products.
“One memorable instance was when we were working on a high-end penthouse project at the Fort Lauderdale Ritz Carlton. We were tasked with upgrading the spa and installing a new heat pump, but we ran into a major challenge—the building had strict amperage limitations, meaning we couldn’t exceed a certain power usage. Instead of compromising on performance, we reached out to Eddie Alvarez, our Raypak representative, who came to the job site and helped us analyze the existing equipment. By carefully calculating the power distribution and selecting the right Raypak heat pump, we were able to maximize efficiency while staying within the building’s restrictions.
We were curious to hear what Belkis believed sets Raypak products apart from others in the market. She explained, “Raypak’s fame is in the service we get. When True Blue Pools Contracting has a problem or one of our clients has a problem, we never have any issues with Raypak. Another thing that sets Raypak apart is the focus they have on their products. Raypak’s dedication to heating technology sets them apart. I also love the Raymote app.”
Having a partner in Raypak is important, but developing a strong team is the backbone of a successful business, and Belkis knows how to manage and motivate:
I am always challenging them (the team). I often will change their schedules around halfway through the day. They usually hate it but it keeps them on their toes. During the summer when it’s hot I incentivise them with gift cards for lunches or dinners with their families. Development is essential for maintaining a skilled, motivated, and efficient team in the pool industry. At True Blue Pools Contracting, I like to focus on a hands-on, mentorship-driven approach to ensure my team stays ahead of industry advancements. I also encourage my team to pursue FSPA Certifications and manufacturer specific training. such as those provided by Raypak. We also have staff meetings once a month that we use to teach one important or significant trick of the trade.
Mentorship and apprenticeship are huge parts of breaking into (and sustaining) in the pool industry. We asked Belkis about mentors or role models who helped guide her along the way. Here’s what she said:
Well when I started there was a smart, tough, and wonderful woman who was a huge influence in my career. It was hard being the only girl in the room of 50 men who would go to meetings or pool classes etc. Dorthy Mckinney, would be the only other woman there. She owned and operated Dadeland Pools in Miami, Fl. She was one of those mentors that really took the time to teach you the ropes. We were competitors and we were also friends. She showed me that there was nothing that men could do that I couldn’t do. She told me, “Never let them (the men) intimidate you.” You always need to know more than they do”. So I did what she said and I still do.
When mistakes are made, we can often learn from them and evolve or leverage them for future situations. Belkis has learned that “No two customers are alike in any way” and that “doing something good is never good enough, you can always do better”. On the flip side, we asked what positive feedback she’s received over the years that has resonated with her and she said, “One memorable feedback was when a homeowner told me that their new pool completely transformed their family’s lifestyle—they went from barely using their backyard to spending every evening together by the water. Seeing how our work fosters connection and joy is incredibly fulfilling.”
Belkis is a dynamic force in the industry and we asked her what future goals and aspirations she has for the industry. “ My goal in the pool industry is to ensure that it continues to grow and innovate, creating opportunities for advancement and excellence,” she replied. “I am committed to playing an active role in the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) both locally and statewide, progressively increasing my involvement to help shape the future of the industry. Through my 31 years of leadership at True Blue Pools Contracting, I’ve worked hard to provide a top-tier company while advocating for sustainability and best practices. As I expand my engagement with FSPA, I look forward to contributing to industry standards, fostering innovation, and supporting professionals who share a passion for excellence in the pool and spa field. I am excited about what the future holds and eager to make a lasting impact!”
