Skip Phillips: Inspiring the Future of Aquatics Through Innovation and Education

Every pool and spa project tells a unique story – a reflection of the masterful minds working behind the scenes, specifically builders and designers. For industry leader Skip Phillips, his design expertise has propelled him to the forefront of aquatics world fame; however, it’s his continued commitment to elevating this industry’s innovation and education standards that has cemented his place as a true pioneer.

With over five decades of experience, Skip is an esteemed designer and builder of aquatics architecture, creating spectacular spaces for upscale clientele. He’s earned several notable titles, including Questar Pools founder, Society of Watershape Designers Master, GENESIS Co-Founder and Master CBP.

Skip continuously pushes the boundaries of pool and spa design, first recognized in 1993 as “World’s Most Influential Swimming Pool Designer” by Robb Report. With a passion to grow the aquatics market, Skip created his trademarked Vanishing Edge Design Programs that have revolutionized the aesthetic and technical details of this often challenging design feature.

"So much has changed in this industry over the years, and I'm grateful to have been a part of its growth and achieve my own success along the way," shared Skip. "Aquatics granted me the opportunity to master my craft, continuously learn new things and share my knowledge with fellow professionals."

Most notably, Skip’s work gained further acclaim in publications like Better Homes & Gardens and The New York Times, along with numerous HGTV appearances. On the international scale, Skip has traveled across the globe delivering live presentations and his projects have been spotlighted in the international press by Canada’s World’s Best and Italian design journal Piscine Oggi.

His greatest contributions, however, are on the overall industry scale. Skip identified the need to advance the pool and spa industry through key learning resources. In 1988, he co-founded GENESIS, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s comprehensive educational programming for pool professionals.

To this day, Skip plays an active role as a GENESIS ambassador, sharing his expertise with fellow professionals and continuing his own growth through these industry learnings. “Education is a journey, it’s not a destination. Every single time I sit in these programs, I learn something new,” he shared.

As this industry constantly evolves, so do its people. An accomplished professional and pillar of aquatics, Skip Phillips’ excellence shines through his astonishing projects, the desire for advancement and his utmost dedication to the pool, spa, and hot tub industry.

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