Building Custom Pools & Lifelong Connections with Alpha Pools

 

On Episode 6 of The Backyard BluPrint, we sat down with Billy Whirley and Joel Woerl of Alpha Pools USA, a custom pool builder based in Northern Virginia. What started as a friendship at a Christmas party turned into a thriving business partnership—and today, Alpha Pools is known for delivering five-star, fully personalized poolscapes that reflect each homeowner’s lifestyle. 

From Ready-Mix to Backyard Retreats 

Billy and Joel purchased Alpha Pools in 2022 from a longtime pool veteran, and since then, they’ve elevated the business with fresh energy and a passion for innovation. Billy’s background in business development and Joel’s decades in the concrete and ready-mix industry gave them the perfect blend of skills to reimagine what a pool company could be. 

“We don’t want to build cookie-cutter pools,” they shared. “Every design should reflect the homeowner—the shape, the tile, the mosaics, even the colors. It’s about creating something unique.”  

A Commitment to Service 

What really sets Alpha Pools apart? Dedication. Billy and Joel are on-site for 90% of every project, ensuring no detail is missed and no question goes unanswered. From the first sketch to the final splash, they prioritize constant communication and long-term client care—even months after the project wraps. 

This commitment shows: Alpha Pools proudly holds only five-star reviews, a rare feat in the pool industry . 

Trends in the Northeast 

Working in the Shenandoah Valley means every pool is truly custom to the landscape. Some of the standout features trending with their clients include: 

• Auto Covers with Sunken Spas – Combining safety and convenience, auto covers are becoming a must-have for families. 

• Tanning Ledges – Perfect for kids and lounging adults alike, this feature is now standard in nearly every build. 

• Feature Walls & Faux Infinity Edges – Designed to work with sloped backyards, these walls double as stunning water features and practical retaining solutions. 

• Marker Tiles for Safety – Especially valued by older clients, these ensure steps and benches are easy to spot. 

And of course, Alpha Pools takes pride in incorporating AquaBlu’s standout tiles and mosaics—with the Glee’s collection becoming one of their most requested finishes. 

Why the Partnership Works 

The relationship between Alpha Pools and AquaBlu Mosaics thrives on shared values: personalization, quality, and unmatched service. Billy and Joel highlighted how our digital showroom helps them present options to clients—giving homeowners the freedom to browse designs at their own pace, even without a physical showroom. 

“Having AquaBlu as a resource makes our job easier and elevates every project we deliver,” they said . 

More Than Just Pools 

At the heart of Alpha Pools is a philosophy of creating experiences. Whether it’s kids jumping in for the first time or parents realizing their dream retreat, Billy and Joel find their greatest joy in seeing families come together around the pools they build. 

“Every pool tells a story,” Billy explained. “For some families, the mosaics symbolize parents, kids, even future grandkids. It’s always about making the space personal—and making it last.”  

✨ Want to connect with Alpha Pools? Visit alphapoolsusa.com to explore their work. 

And if you’re a builder looking for top-tier tile, mosaics, and outdoor living products, check out the AquaBlu Aqua Pro program to unlock exclusive support and pricing.