Wheatfield Pool & Spa making a splash in Wheatfield

by Susan Mikula Campbell

Wheatfield Pool & Spa Corp. is opening its first storefront in the town, just in time for summer.

The storefront at 2131 Sawyer Drive (across from the former Summit Park Mall) is a first for the Conti family owned and operated pool/spa service and repair business that began operation in April 2010 and has been growing ever since. Cheryl Conti is president and her husband, Sam Conti Jr., is vice president.

The couple had talked about having their own business for years, especially after hearing complaints from friends and people they met about problems with getting good service and dealing with people they could trust. They started the business with maintenance and repairs and soon added products, such as chemicals, parts and supplies. By 2011, they had added commercial sales and service, above ground pool liner sales and installation, local delivery and a larger variety of products, such as custom spa and pool covers, garage door screens, spa enclosures and saunas.

"I was amazed it took off in this economic climate," said Sam Conti. "Our goal is to have at least a half dozen people employed once we get established."

Their secret, the couple believes, is good service. Even their website at www.WheatfieldPools.com proclaims, "We treat your pool and spa like it's our own."

In addition to opening the storefront with even more products available, they're planning to add Internet sales in the near future.

"We're looking into a lot of 'green energy' and 'made in the USA' products to be carried in the store," Sam Conti said. "We're always looking for new, up-to-date products and the newer technology."

He is also planning to do computerized water analysis that would give the customer a printout of what's in their pool or spa water and what products to use in it.

The Conti family wants their store to be the answer for local residents seeking products, service and maintenance of their pools and spas.

"Summer is so short here. You want to be able to go out in the back yard and just enjoy the ambience of it all," said Cheryl Conti.

Cheryl Conti brings knowledge gained from working as a manager or assistant manager in retail to the new business.

Sam Conti is well known in the Wheatfield political community. He was formerly chairman of the Wheatfield Democratic Committee, served on the town's Drainage Committee, and ran for both town supervisor and town councilman. He has been employed by State Parks for 26 years and is a maintenance supervisor there.

Wheatfield Pool & Spa's business hours are Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday, noon to 7 p.m.; Tuesday to Friday, 10 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A grand opening celebration is planned in May.