Background

Derek attained his C-53 swimming pool contractor license in 1987, at which time he established his own pool and spa rehabilitation and remodeling company. Derek Downey Pool and Spa quickly became an industry leader in the swimming pool and spa pool remodeling market, successfully completing a wide variety of residential and commercial projects in San Diego and Los Angeles Counties.

During this time, Derek became a committed member of the Regional and National Pool and Spa Industry, and began lecturing to various trade groups and publishing articles on water chemistry and swimming pool and spa maintenance and operations. Since 1995, he has served as a Swimming Pool Industry Expert on the Contractors State License Board of California. And in 1997, sat on the panel that rewrote the C-53 exam for the California contractors state license.

Industry Experience

In 1997, Derek founded Aquatic Quality Assurance (AQA), Inc., a full service aquatic design and consulting firm serving commercial swimming pool owners and contractors, regional and national sports management companies, and leading aquatic professionals across all sectors. AQA’s broad range of services include design and build, new swimming pool and spa construction, rehabilitation, renovation and repair, swimming pool operator training, pool water management programs, and aquatic design consulting.

In addition to his residential and commercial pool and spa experience, Derek has designed, built, and overseen construction of numerous pools for the hotel industry, including a 24th-floor pool and spa complex at the prestigious AEG Ritz Carlton in downtown Los Angeles. He is one of a very few pool contractors with extensive design and build experience with rooftop, podium and stainless steel pools.

A recognized authority in the swimming pool and spa industry, Derek has served as a regional board member on the National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI) since 1993, and in 1999 was seated on the NSPI Board of Directors. He is frequently called upon by insurance companies and law firms to give expert testimony during civil cases regarding construction defects, personal injury, and operator negligence.

Derek has published a number of professional articles on various aspects of residential and commercial pool design, construction and maintenance. He has been a featured speaker at the International Pool and Spa Expo (IPSE), and currently gives presentations on topics ranging from pool remodeling to the integration and automation of commercial swimming pools and salt systems.

In addition to his industry experience, Derek has been involved with the following

International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) – Group A Code Development Committee (2021-2023)
IEP. CSLB Industry Expert Program for Contractor State Licenses Board (1992 – 2000)
CSLB. Contractor State Licenses Board, licensing exam panel representative (1998)
NSPI & SPSSA. National Swimming Pool Industry and Industry Pool and Spa Service Association (1996-1998)

ASSOCIATIONS

Throughout his career, Derek has been a member of and held leadership positions in key industry associations.

SPEC. Spa and Pool educational Council, Board of Governors
NSPI. National Spa and Pool Institute, San Diego President (1994 – 1997)
NSPI. National Spa and Pool Institute, Regional President (1997 – 1998)
NSPI. National Spa and Pool Institute, National Vice President (1999 – 2006)
APSP. Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, Commercial Pools Council Member (2006 – 2007)