About
About Douglas Aquatics
Virginia Aquatic Expertise Since 1970
Built on Experience. Focused on the Future.
Douglas Aquatics has been part of Virginia’s aquatic industry since 1970. What began as a Richmond-based pool management company has grown into a full-service aquatic organization serving residential, commercial, community and public clients through pool construction, renovation, service, maintenance, staffing and aquatic operations.
More than five decades later, the Douglas Aquatics name continues to stand for experience, craftsmanship and dependable service — strengthened today by modern leadership, engineering-driven standards, improved systems and a commitment to building the company’s next chapter the right way.
Our Story
Douglas Aquatics was founded in 1970 by F. Douglas Salvia and Douglas W. Langford, combining their experience in the pool and spa industry to establish a professional pool management company in Central Virginia.
Over the decades, Douglas Aquatics expanded well beyond its original management roots. The company developed expertise in residential and commercial pool construction, renovations, fountains and water features, equipment and mechanical systems, residential service and maintenance, commercial pool operations, and lifeguard staffing.
That history matters. It represents decades of lessons learned in the field, long-standing customer relationships, and an understanding that an aquatic facility must do more than look good — it must be planned correctly, built correctly, operated correctly and supported for the long term.
Today, Douglas Aquatics is building on that foundation with a renewed focus on engineering, project management, accountability, technology, communication, training and operational discipline.
We are proud of where Douglas Aquatics came from — and equally focused on where it is going.
A company with more than five decades of history needs leadership that respects its foundation while continuing to move it forward.
Douglas Aquatics is led by a team that combines company history, commercial aquatic operations, construction leadership, engineering knowledge and modern business management.
The Engineering Difference
Beautiful design is only one part of a successful pool.
Behind the finished project are structural systems, hydraulics, elevations, drainage, plumbing, electrical coordination, equipment selection, site conditions and construction details that affect how the pool performs for years to come.
Douglas Aquatics combines decades of aquatic construction experience with engineering and construction-management knowledge, professional industry education and disciplined field execution.
Your pool isn’t simply drawn. It’s professionally planned and engineered.
Our team evaluates the conditions that matter to each individual project and coordinates the appropriate design, engineering, construction, and technical resources required to build it correctly.
This becomes especially important on complex properties involving elevation changes, challenging site conditions, vanishing edges, integrated spas, structural features, sophisticated hydraulics, fountains, and commercial aquatic systems.
Your pool isn’t simply drawn. It’s professionally planned and engineered.
More Than a Pool Builder
Douglas Aquatics has evolved into a full-service aquatic company capable of supporting a pool or aquatic facility throughout its life cycle.
DESIGN • BUILD • RENOVATE • STAFF • OPERATE • MAINTAIN • SERVE
Our capabilities include custom residential pools and spas, outdoor living, pool renovation, commercial aquatic construction and renovation, commercial pool management, lifeguard staffing and operations, residential and commercial maintenance, equipment service and upgrades, fountains and water features, seasonal services, inspections and specialty services, and retail pool support.
Our Commitment
We believe long-term success comes from doing the fundamentals well: craftsmanship, safety, professionalism, integrity, accountability and continuous improvement.
That means investing in our people, improving our systems, strengthening communication, applying technical knowledge to our work and standing behind the customers and facilities we serve.
The goal is not simply to complete a project. It is to become the aquatic partner our customers can rely on long after construction is complete.
Award-Winning Design & Craftsmanship
Engineering and construction are only part of creating an exceptional aquatic environment.
Douglas Aquatics combines technical knowledge with thoughtful design, quality materials, experienced craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Our work has received industry recognition, including awards associated with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and Master Pools Guild.
Douglas Aquatics has also received recognition within the communities we serve.
Before publication, verify the exact names, years, categories, and titles of all awards referenced on the website.
Where possible, consider displaying actual award/project photography rather than simply listing awards.
Our Commitment
We believe long-term success comes from doing the fundamentals well: craftsmanship, safety, professionalism, integrity, accountability and continuous improvement.
That means investing in our people, improving our systems, strengthening communication, applying technical knowledge to our work and standing behind the customers and facilities we serve.
The goal is not simply to complete a project. It is to become the aquatic partner our customers can rely on long after construction is complete.
People Behind Douglas Aquatics
Behind every project is a team of designers, project managers, construction professionals, service technicians, renovation specialists, commercial operators, lifeguards and administrative professionals working together to support our customers.
More than 55 years after the company began, Douglas Aquatics continues to move forward with the same name, a broader range of capabilities and a clear commitment to its next chapter.
Credentials & Industry Leadership
Douglas Aquatics’ experience is supported by professional education, industry credentials, recognized project work and participation in leading aquatic-industry organizations, including the Master Pools Guild.
Keep this section concise on the About page and link visitors to the dedicated Awards, Certifications & Professional Affiliations and Master Pools Guild pages for verified details.
Doug F. Salvia, Founder & Chief Financial Officer
Doug Salvia co-founded Douglas Aquatics in 1970 and has spent more than five decades helping build the company’s reputation in Virginia’s pool and aquatic industry. His experience spans pool operations, construction, service and business leadership.
Today, Doug serves as Chief Financial Officer, providing financial stewardship, historical perspective and strategic guidance as Douglas Aquatics continues to grow and evolve. His experience and commitment to the company remain an important connection between the Douglas Aquatics legacy and its future.
Bernie Wegscheider, Chief Executive Officer
Bernie Wegscheider serves as Chief Executive Officer of Douglas Aquatics and leads the company’s commercial aquatic operations. His responsibilities include commercial pool management, staffing and lifeguard programs, operational systems, training and client relationships.
Bernie’s leadership helps Douglas Aquatics provide HOAs, communities and commercial facilities with organized, professionally managed aquatic operations backed by experienced personnel, clear procedures and dependable support.
Paul S. McQueen, Chief Operating Officer & Managing Partner
Chief Operating Officer & Managing Partner
Paul McQueen leads Douglas Aquatics’ construction, renovation, residential service, field operations and company-wide operational development. With a background in civil engineering, construction and project management, Paul has helped strengthen the company’s engineering-driven approach, project controls, communication standards and operational systems.
His focus is straightforward: plan carefully, build correctly, communicate clearly and create systems that allow Douglas Aquatics to deliver consistent quality as the company grows.
