Remembering Guy Wood: A Pool Builder Who Elevated the Craft

The pool industry recently lost one of its most respected craftsmen with the passing of Guy Wood. For more than four decades, Wood built a reputation not only as a skilled builder and technician but as a steady, thoughtful presence in an industry that values both creativity and trust. His work, his mentorship, and his quiet determination left a lasting mark on the people and projects he touched.

A Career Built on Craftsmanship

Wood spent the majority of his professional life serving homeowners throughout the Fort Worth area. Beginning in 1979, he helped shape generations of backyards through his companies, Westside Pools & Service and Westside Watershapes. Together, the two divisions reflected the full scope of his commitment to the craft. Westside Pools & Service focused on maintenance and repair, while Westside Watershapes handled the construction of custom pools that would go on to earn recognition in international design competitions.

For Wood, the goal was always straightforward: design and build the finest custom pools possible for his clients. That focus guided the way he ran his business and the way he approached each project. Over the years, he earned numerous professional credentials, including accreditation from the Society of Watershape Designers (SWD), designation as a Verified Watershape Builder through Watershape University, certification as a NSPF Certified Pool/Spa Operator, and recognition as an APSP Certified Building Professional.

He was also deeply engaged in the broader pool professional community, maintaining active involvement with organizations such as Genesis, Watershape University, and Carecraft. Those affiliations reflected his belief that learning never stops in this industry, and that the best builders continually refine their craft.

Respected In The Industry

While Wood’s professional accomplishments were significant, those who knew him say his character was what truly set him apart.

Ray Corral, who collaborated with Wood, considered him a close friend, remembers both the man and the quiet strength he showed while facing personal challenges.

“When I first met Guy Wood, he shared that he was battling cancer,” Corral recalled. “Even then, he spoke about how honored he felt to have the team he had assembled come together to finish what he believed would be his final project. I can’t think of a greater honor than that.”

Corral said the two worked together on multiple projects alongside other respected professionals in the industry, including Kyle McDaniel and designer Randy Angell.

“As a tribute to Guy, I had reached out to Pool Magazine, which gracefully took on one of our collaborations and paid credit and industry recognition to Guy,” Corral said. “Guy was selfless and approached the issues we had with patience… something you learn with time and experience in our world.”

What stood out most to Corral was Wood’s determination.

“I was always taken back how he continued to quietly fight, but kept moving forward with our projects,” he said. “Guy Wood was my friend. He was an industry leader and a mentor, my personal role model.”

That sentiment was echoed by acclaimed watershape designer Randy Angell, who was a frequent collaborator with Wood.

“Guy was a rare breed — a man of humility who had every reason to brag,” Angell said. “I had the pleasure of working with him on various projects over the years, most recently our Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired renovation project that was featured on the cover of Pool Magazine. He was a constant force in the industry and someone I could refer my clients to without hesitation.”

Angell noted that Wood’s influence extended beyond the projects themselves.

“Guy had a drive to continually elevate our industry,” he said. “Whether through thoughtful design, construction excellence, or unwavering business integrity, he pushed to be the best and inspired those around him to do the same.”

While Wood’s work earned industry recognition, those who spent time with him remember the personal side just as vividly.

Carol Gigliotti, Sales Director for Pool Magazine, knew Wood for decades during her time working in the industry.

“We lost an industry great and a personal friend to me and so many others,” Gigliotti said. “A truly wonderful man and outstanding designer and builder. All who knew him loved him, myself included.”

Photographer Danny Riley, who had the privilege of photographing Wood’s creations, recalls their last memories together.

“I remember being together poolside with his wife and daughter, trading stories and laughter over a beautiful Texas sunset, surrounded by everything he loved.”

Riley says that moment revealed the kind of person Wood was away from the jobsite.

“Very innovative and incredibly talented in his craft, he had a soul one might not expect from someone so accomplished,” Riley said. “If I could describe his presence in two words? Humble and kind. I’m honored to have known him.”

Those two qualities — humility and kindness — are mentioned repeatedly by the people who knew Wood best. Despite his experience, his credentials, and the accolades his projects received, he remained someone who approached the work and the people around him with patience and respect.

A Lasting Legacy

After a long and successful career, Wood made the decision in 2025 to sell Westside Pools & Service to Gold Medal Pools. It marked the closing of one chapter of a professional life that had already influenced countless projects and professionals.

But the true measure of Wood’s legacy may be found less in the awards or certifications and more in the relationships he built throughout the industry. Designers trusted him to bring their visions to life. Other builders respected his craftsmanship. Clients relied on his integrity.

And friends remember him as someone who continued to move forward, even during difficult moments, always focused on finishing the work he loved.

Guy Wood helped shape the watershaping industry through the projects he built and the example he set. His impact will continue to be seen in the backyards he transformed, the professionals he mentored, and the standards of excellence he championed throughout his career.

He will be fondly remembered by colleagues across the industry and missed by the many friends, collaborators, and family members whose lives he touched along the way.