Brian Burrows is an independent swimming pool consultant with over 45 years of experience in the swimming pool industry. Having owned and operated one of the largest swimming pool management companies in the greater Washington, D.C. area from 1977-2001, Brian possesses extensive industry knowledge. Brian has owned and operated a premier swimming pool construction and service company, specializing in renovations of aging commercial pools. In 2008, Brian began the next phase of his career offering Swimming Pool Consultations.
With a passion for helping people understand swimming pool proposals, industry health and safety standards, and technical knowledge, Brian offers unique insight to his clients. After consulting with Brian, clients are positioned to better understand their proposals and move forward with a contract that best meets their needs. Past clients include major commercial real estate companies, homeowner associations, apartment communities, and more in the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia areas.
Case Study 1 – Swimming Pool Repair Proposal Evaluation
I was retained by a client to assist the Board of Directors with understanding an extensive list of annual repairs which were recommended by their swimming pool management company for the HOA’s five community swimming pools.
The Board of Directors could not determine which repairs were necessary in order to open their swimming pools for the upcoming pool season. My client invited me to inspect each pool and to provide a professional written report. They required my unbiased opinion to determine the legitimacy of each of these repairs. The total cost of repairs proposed by the swimming pool management company was $500,000.
I thoroughly inspected the five swimming pools and associated facilities. After having several conversations with management and the swimming pool company I determined that only $175,000 was necessary in order to open the pools for the upcoming season. The remaining $325,000 was simply “recommendation” by the pool company. My client was thrilled with my involvement in the process and thanked me for my professional evaluation.
Case Study 2 – Arbitration and Quality Control
I was retained by a client to assist with a dispute regarding a whitecoat/plaster job. The plaster material was not smooth enough for my client’s liking and they required my evaluation to determine if the job had been completed according to industry standards.
I met my client and the swimming pool management company at the newly plastered pool. After a physical inspection, which involved diving into the pool, I determined that the plaster material had in fact been installed properly.
I explained to my client why they needed to accept the product because it met industry standard. I had a very frank conversation with both parties and was able to negotiate a sizable discount for the Homeowner’s Association, which avoided an expensive and long-drawn-out litigation process. Both parties walked away satisfied with the outcome.
