JoPa Co. growing its pool business

Bud Ohly couldnt find a pool contractor that understood his concept for an infinity edge spa for his Midlothian home until he called JoPa Co.

There was no prototype for it. It was a completely custom job, he said of the spas design.

People looked at me like I was nuts until I talked to Farrar Pace at JoPa, said Ohly, president of Henrico County-based Eagle Construction of Virginia, one of the largest home builders in the Richmond area.

JoPa had to build the spa at the same time that Ohlys home was under construction.

There was a lot of activity and Farrar had to work around it, Ohly said. He had to coordinate with my contractors. He was patient and understanding. He made it work and he did a great job.

Founded in 1958 by Joseph Farrar Pace Sr., JoPa is now run by Paces sons, Farrar Pace Jr. and Mark Pace, both of whom took over ownership in 1996 after the death of their father.

The Henrico-based company specializes in building custom pools, hot tubs, pool houses, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and outdoor kitchens. It also services pools and sells outdoor furniture and retail pool products such as chemicals.

Most of the companys sales were commercial when it opened but now that segment is only 25 percent of the business. The companys commercial clients include the Marriott and Hilton hotel chains as well as some of the area YMCAs.

Residential pools represent the remaining 75 percent of the business. An average pool project runs $60,000 to $90,000.

We are a Class A contractor, said Farrar Pace, the companys president. We offer a turnkey package with everything from hardscapes to site work.

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JoPa Co. growing its pool business