Pool Magazine is pleased to present an exclusive interview of Joan Roca, a globally renowned pool designer and award-winning Joan Roca Master Pool Design . For those who are not familiar with Roca’s work: he is a master of pool design and a true artist. He has a passion to create unique pools for his clients.
Roca considers building pools more than a job. It’s a passion. He is determined to bring the client’s dream pool to reality, listening to their needs and incorporating their preferences into the design. Roca is known for his dedication to quality and meticulous attention to detail.
This special feature features Roca talking to us at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo to discuss his pool design philosophy, favorite projects and what makes him stand out from the rest. Continue reading to learn more about Joan Roca Master Pool Design and why this designer is still a leader in the pool industry.
Joan Roca in a One-on-One interview
PM (Pool Magazine). How did you get started in the pool industry first?
JR (Joan Roca), “I’m an industrial engineer. I graduated from the University of Costa Rica early in the eighties. I have been working in the swimming-pool industry since 1975. My father was my father’s son, and I was his child. This was when I fell in love the pool industry.”
“I fell in love with international pools after my first experience at one. It was even more incredible than I imagined. I have been coming back every year since then to all the expos, and some regionals in Florida, to learn and expand my knowledge. It’s a great chance to attend seminars when you visit the expos. You always learn something in some way. There I met the three founders and learned a lot.
“I completed all of the programs they offered. There are many universities around the world that can offer a master’s or PH degree to engineers, doctors, or other professionals. If you were a pool builder, however, it was impossible to find a place where you could study such specialized courses. They created the Genesis program. I completed the entire thing and was awarded the highest category, master pool designer.
“That’s why i am a master pool designer. This is not a name I invented. I have been enjoying the best that this profession has to offer since then. Since then, I have been designing with more confidence. This has been my passion for almost all of my life and I have had a lot success.
PM – What did you learn in the Genesis program? : What gave you the knowledge and confidence to dominate the world?
JR: Genesis gave my the confidence, ability and technology to enhance my passion and talent. You can train endlessly and never be as good as Michael Jordan if this were basketball. Genesis will help you if you are a natural talent.
PM – What inspires you in design? How do you collaborate with clients to help them envision their perfect outdoor living space?
JR: The question is difficult because of what inspires. This question was something I was considering, and the answer is simple: The site. You can actually see the place when you visit it as a designer.
It’s there that you can see the views, the weather and how the sun moves. It is a tropical or cold area? What is the quality of the landscaping and garden? Here I get my inspiration, and also know who will be swimming there. What about a family? Is it going be a condo? It will be a community of families or a multi-family home. It’s a place I imagine when I’m there. That is what inspires my to get out my pencil and paper and begin designing.
PM: We love that no two pools are exactly the same. Can you explain your design philosophy?
JR: Every pool is unique because I design it from scratch every time I sit down at my drawing board. I’m there, and I tell them, “OK, we have the photos of the property, the survey, and all my notes from when I interviewed my customers.”
“I begin by creating a shape that corresponds to all the information. All that information is then converted into a drawing. Most of the time my customers say “Wow!” when I show it to them. We may need to make small adjustments or revisions. My first drawing is always a wow. It’s usually a result of all the information I received from my customers. Although I don’t know if this is a philosophy but I listen to my customers and ensure I design what they want. While I may add my perspective, they will want it the way they want. Perhaps that’s me being generous.”
PM: You have been involved in the pool industry ever since 1975. What has changed in the construction of pools since your first start?
JR: I can recall my father doing everything in one and half inches when I first started building pools. One main drain, one skimmer and one pump.
Everything was simple at that time. technology is what I believe has most changed. Pumps are now so quiet that you don’t even notice they exist. Technology is constantly changing and there are some tendencies. People used to have deep pools. These days, people realize that they don’t need an 8-foot pool with a divingboard. This is one area that may have been greatly modified. Most of my pools have an overflow or disappearing edge. Decks were once made with a mix of cement and aggregate. They are now using more natural stone.
PM: What’s hot in Jacksonville right now?
JR: It is among the 20 cities that I had read about before I arrived in Jacksonville. Jacksonville was rated as one of the 20 best cities to reside in. It is a great place to live. People don’t want an average pool. They want something special, like a centerpiece for their backyard. They decide that if they can afford a designer to design a pool for them, then why not?
PM: Why are these pools so prominent in the backyard?
JR: A perimeter overflow, for example, has an extra pump and filter as well as a surge compensator tank. You have to clear the gutters underneath the deck to get that feature. That’s an additional $30,000 to $40,000 over an average pool.
“I was involved in a Costa Rica project where the customer paid $1.5million. People asked, “What?” It was a $1.5 million pool built in one house. We built two pools: one indoor and one outdoor. The outdoor pool features a spa, a waterfall, and an infinite edge. You will also need to add many details to the interior pool, which can increase the cost of the project. The pool becomes more expensive when you add fire bowls to it.
PM: You are working on projects around the globe. How does that work for you?
JR: It’s not the exact same. My first inspiration was going to the site. In those cases, I ask the customer to take photos and videos of the property. Then, I try to feel as if I’m there.
It’s not the same. Although you can understand the situation and know the views, the right and left sides, the trees, and the view, it doesn’t quite feel like being there.
“During the peak of the pandemic, for example,” I was at my Costa Rica property which covers about 200 acres. A Toronto customer called me. They purchased a Panama property and were searching for a Genesis designer. They found out that I was from the area and hired me. This was probably the first one I did remotely.
“I told the customer that I have never done this before, and had to visit the job site. But let’s give it a shot. Although it was a success, I felt that it could have been even better if the area had been familiar to me. It’s not a travelogue, it’s where we were at that time.
PM: Did they like the design that you created for them?
JR: I mean, they were happy and I’m also happy. But what happened was that I went there right after the pandemic ended. Once I arrived there, I began to understand things I had never seen or heard from anyone.
PM: What do the next few years look like for your industry?
JR: “Well the industry has been going up and down since 2008, except for 2008. My gut feeling is that things will be fine. The situation in Russia and their conflict with Ukraine could have an impact on the economy. There are two customers in Jacksonville that I designed a pool for. They are not related and decided to hire me as a pool builder to see what happens. This “wait and watch” approach to thinking may be more common with more people.
They may think, “We’re ready for that investment, but let’s see what happens there first.” The pandemic will not affect the industry’s ability to grow or contract, but I doubt it. This has been established more or less.”
PM: Looking back over the past few decades, and looking at your own work, which are your favourite projects?
“I only have two pools I love more. Why do they like me more? I don’t understand why. I don’t know why some people think Sofia Loren looks more beautiful than Rachel Welch. It’s personal. Both are beautiful and both are the best.
“I built a swimming pool for myself back in 2000. It’s probably one of the most beautiful pools in the world. Maybe it’s because I enjoy it. Although I enjoyed the pools I made for others are great, I don’t really enjoy them. My pool in Costa Rica is an incredible oasis. It’s a very special place. The pool, the surroundings, the view, and the rock formations are all extraordinary.
“I also built a pool for a wealthy family in Panama, which was located in remote areas. The pool was surrounded with mountains. Beautiful. That project is amazing. It was featured on the cover of their magazines. But, they are the ones that resonate with you personally.
PM: What advice would you give to professionals who want to design and build in the same way as you?
JR: “The most important thing I saw was their dedication and integrity in what they do. You can do anything, no matter what your profession, whether you’re a teacher, a soccer player or a shoemaker. The first half of your work will be completed if you are dedicated to it.
“And then integrity — in the whole concept of the word. It’s possible to do it right, using the right skills and with passion. In every design you create, use all of your technology and knowledge. Pay attention to your customers.
Joan Roca Master Swimming Pool Designs
Joan Roca (Barcelona, 1958) emigrated from Barcelona in 1973 to Costa Rica and started his career in the pool industry in 1975. Since 1982, he is a member of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. In 1984, he graduated from the Institute of Industrial Engineers. The National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), first certified him as a Certified Pool Operator, then as a Certified Pool Instructor in 1988.
He continued his education through more than 200 seminars and educational programs. In 2005, he became a Certified Building Professional (APSP) and was a Master Professional.
Watershape Designer SWD from Genesis University, establishing his renowned swimming pool design company and construction firm under the seal of JOAN ROCA Master Pool Designer
Three times awarded Master of Design by Pool & Spa News: 2008, 2014 & 2018. His work has been awarded 19 times internationally over the years. His creativity has been appreciated by many publishers all over the globe. He published his work in seven languages, and was featured on the cover of 16 prestigious magazines: Aquamagazine, Luxury Pools, WaterShapes and Pool & Spa News.
He obtained a master’s degree from INCAE Business School in 2013. In 2013, he moved his headquarters to Panama, where he would continue to Latin America until 2020. He moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 2021, expanding his global work.
His firm’s outstanding work has helped to raise the standard of the swimming pool industry.
Joan Roca has 47 years of experience in the design and construction of swimming pools, including commercial and residential. He is a master of reflecting pools, water gardens and fountains.
Listen to Joan Roca’s entire interview at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo, Las Vegas, on the Pool Magazine podcast.
The post Designing Pools with Passion – Joan Roca Master Pool designer was first published on PoolMagazine.com – Get the Latest Pool News.
