Hiring an IWI-Certified Pool Builder the Best Decision for Your Pool Project

Building water-containing structures, especially swimming pools, requires expertise across various technical fields, including hydraulics, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering, as well as construction methods, project management, and water chemistry. Inexperienced companies risk mistakes that can lead from simple aesthetic problems to serious structural failures. The question is:

How do you know if the pool builder you're considering is truly qualified?

What makes one contractor better than another in a sea of slick websites and flashy portfolios?

These are just questions you might be asking yourself, but when it comes to building your dream pool, the last thing you want is to cut corners or hire someone who lacks real expertise. After all, a poorly constructed watershape can lead to structural issues, ongoing repairs, and major safety risks.

That’s where the International Watershape Institute (IWI) comes in.

In this article, you’ll learn what IWI certification actually means, what it takes to earn it, and why working with a certified professional like JC Escudero of JDesigns Pool and Spa gives you a significant advantage—from design through installation and beyond.

What Is the International Watershape Institute?

The International Watershape Institute (IWI) was established in 2020 with a single mission: to elevate the pool and spa industry through higher education, ethical practices, and professional excellence. This organization and its curricula are overseen by the prestigious IACET (International Accreditors of Continuing Education and Training).

IWI was founded on a simple truth: people everywhere are drawn to water, whether it’s a tranquil spa, a dramatic waterfall, or a custom-designed pool.

IWI members are nationwide builders, designers, and artisans who are committed to reshaping the industry, not just with beautiful work, but with rigorous education, innovative methods, and lasting craftsmanship.

What It Takes to Become IWI-Certified

To become an IWI member, professionals must complete a 150-hour training program encompassing various disciplines, including business, design, engineering, construction, service, retail, and experimental applications. Most of these courses and certifications are provided by professionals in their field of expertise, like: Soil Engineers, Structural Engineers, Architects, Designers, and Aquatic Professionals.

They also complete courses such as:

• How IWI Benefits You and the Industry

• Live Blue Foundation Volunteer

• Candidate Coaching and Mentorship Training

On top of that, IWI members commit to:

• 24 hours of electives

• 20 hours of continuing education every two years

Bottom line: IWI certification is earned, not bought.

Why IWI Certification Matters for Your Pool Project

Hiring an IWI-certified builder means you’re choosing someone who has achieved:

The highest education level available in the watershaping industry, as defined and taught by Watershape University, the industry’s leading and most prestigious educational provider. They are part of a community of professionals devoted to, and characterized by, excellence. They are, quite simply, the best of the best.

• Trained to ANSI/IACET 1-2013 Standards – the gold standard in instructional design worldwide.

• Committed to safety, durable, and compliant construction practices based on codes from organizations like the International Code Council, the International Building Code, and the American Concrete Institute.

• Plugged into ongoing industry evolution, ensuring your build includes the latest in watershape technology and sustainable practices.

• IWI members know that effective collaboration is a key to success. They are experienced at working in a team setting that might include any combination of architects, landscape architects, general contractors, interior designers, engineers, and other professionals.

More than just builders, IWI-certified professionals are problem-solvers, innovators, and collaborators who think beyond the waterline.

What Services Can IWI-Certified Builders Provide?

Whether your project is local or international, complex or straightforward, IWI-certified professionals can offer:

• Regional and international pool design,  consulting, and construction supervision from residential to commercial projects.

• In-depth knowledge of local building codes and safety standards

• Custom solutions for challenging sites

• Outdoor living space integration

• Collaboration with specialized trades and professionals

• Access to the most advanced pool tech and equipment

Hiring a certified pro isn’t just about peace of mind—it's about project success and long-term peace of mind.

Meet "JC": IWI-Certified Leader Behind JDesigns

JC Escudero, Co-founder of JDesigns Pool and Spa, brings the values of IWI into every single build.

JC believes that combining collaborative education with better construction formulas creates a winning equation for homeowners. This focus on continual learning and professional growth directly impacts the quality, durability, and beauty of every pool JDesigns creates.

“We’ve built our reputation on excellence. IWI just formalizes the standards we’ve always held ourselves to.” – JC Escudero

What’s Your Next Step

Building a pool is a significant investment—financially, emotionally, and functionally. Selecting the right builder can make all the difference.

Now that you understand what IWI certification means and what it says about a builder’s commitment to quality, education, and ethics...

It’s time to take the next step.

Schedule a consultation with JC Escudero and the JDesigns team to learn how their IWI-backed process ensures excellence from blueprint to backyard.

"We’re proud to be part of this elite group of builders with this distinction—and even prouder to help our clients bring their dream outdoor living spaces to life."

– JC Escudero.