For 40 years, Shelter Islanders and those beyond have relied on Binder Pools to design, build and maintain their swimming holes. Raised on the island, Darrin Binder started working for a pool maintenance company in high school and by his junior year in college, purchased it.
Since then, he’s made it his own: expanding services and geographies, keeping up with technology and building relationships throughout the East End and with generations of families.
“When we build the pool, we become an essential part of a client’s summer activities,” Binder says. “We maintain almost every pool we’ve built.” He adds they are in it for the long haul — not just the summer season. “We build our pools and our relations for long term. It’s all about communication and follow through.”
It’s also all in the family, as daughter Katy joined the business four years ago. After growing up in and around a pool lifestyle, she was brought in to run the company’s construction department. Now a partner and chief operating officer, she is poised to carry the torch. Her dad says they don’t do it alone: “I give a big shout out to my wife, Susan, who has put up with pool seasons for 32 years of marriage.”
Southforker spoke to Binder about maintaining your pool and how he gets down to earth in his spare time.
Southforker: Before the season officially starts in the few days, what are a few tips for last-minute pool prep?
Darrin Binder: Communicate with your pool company and if you are a do-it-yourselfer for maintenance, circulate that water ASAP to avoid algae. If you do have algae, call a professional. The most important thing is when you take your cover off, make a note of where your water level is. If it’s lower [than expected], then you’ll want to check for cracks.
SF: What are some of the changes you’ve seen over the years?
DB: Pool types haven’t changed all that much … spas have been popular for a while and more popular are pool-spa combos. Technology has changed a lot and improved maintenance to be easier. There are smart apps now that allow you to monitor your purifications.
SF: What about pool robots — are they worth the investment?
DB: They are. For example, if you know if you’re having company on a Sunday and your pool is a little dirty, you can throw it in and touch up your pool. They’re a little expensive but they are handy for a quick tune up and they do the job.
SF: Do you have a pool?
DB: I do, but it’s very minimal.
SF: I hear you’re a mushroom forager—what else do you like doing in your spare time?
DB: I’m in my garden, with 1,000 Dahlias and about 100-120 varieties. My father grew them when I was young. I plant by seed and tuber. Once you get it down, it’s a nice ritual in January to dig up your tubers and label them for the next season.
SF: What’s your favorite place?
DB: Other than my garden and away from the East End, it’s Block Island. I go there for fishing — it has a little bit of everything.
