Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard & Diane Ladd.
Hi Richard & Diane , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
LazyLadd Pools & Spas started very organically, and honestly out of frustration mixed with experience.
Richard has spent years in the pool industry. He’s a licensed pool contractor and an LP Master Qualifier, and his background includes everything from leak detection and equipment repairs to renovations and construction-level work. Over time, we both kept seeing the same pattern: homeowners being left confused, stressed, or burned by pool companies that either weren’t qualified, weren’t licensed, or simply didn’t care once they got the job.
Before we ever opened LazyLadd, we personally experienced what so many homeowners deal with. Contractors who didn’t show up. Calls and texts that went unanswered. Repairs that were rushed or done halfway. Situations where you’re left wondering who you can actually trust with your home and your money. Pools are supposed to be fun, but when something goes wrong, they can quickly turn into a huge source of stress.
We knew there had to be a better way to do this.
LazyLadd officially started just under two years ago, and it truly began around our kitchen table. We talked a lot about what kind of company we would want to hire ourselves. One that showed up. One that explained what was happening in plain language. One that did the work correctly the first time, even if it took longer or required more effort. From the beginning, we were clear that we didn’t want to build a “get in and get out” business. We wanted to build something solid and trustworthy.
The name LazyLadd often makes people smile, and that’s intentional. It’s not about being lazy with the work, it’s about the end result for the homeowner. The image we always come back to is someone floating peacefully in their pool, completely relaxed, because they know everything underneath the surface is working the way it should. That feeling of relief and peace of mind is what we work toward on every job.
We’re a true husband-and-wife team. Richard is out in the field handling leak detections, repairs, and renovations, often solving problems that others couldn’t pinpoint. He’s extremely detail-oriented and doesn’t believe in “good enough.” Diane handles the communication, scheduling, and business operations, making sure homeowners are informed every step of the way and never left wondering what’s going on. Together, we stay very hands-on, because this business is personal to us.
We’ve been married almost 13 years and have two young children, an almost five-year-old son and an almost two-year-old daughter. They are a huge part of why we do this. LazyLadd isn’t just our livelihood, it’s something we’re building as a legacy. We want our kids to grow up seeing what integrity looks like in real life. To understand that hard work matters, that craftsmanship matters, and that how you treat people matters.
Today, LazyLadd Pools & Spas handles pool and spa renovations, leak detection, equipment repairs and replacements, and a wide range of specialty pool services. We’re fully licensed and insured, and we take that responsibility seriously. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the norm in this industry, and we’ve seen firsthand how costly that can be for homeowners when something goes wrong.
We don’t cut corners. We don’t disappear mid-job. We don’t rush work just to get to the next stop. We believe in doing things correctly, even when it takes more time or effort, because pools are part of people’s homes and their family memories.
We’re very upfront with homeowners. If someone is only looking for the cheapest option, we may not be the right fit. But if they want honesty, clear communication, and a team that truly stands behind their work, that’s where we shine.
At the end of the day, LazyLadd exists so families can enjoy their pools again without stress. We want people to feel confident, supported, and taken care of from the first call to the final walkthrough.
That’s our story, and we’re just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, especially in the beginning. The pool industry is extremely saturated, and one of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is constantly being underbid by unlicensed and uninsured contractors. That can be frustrating, not just from a business standpoint, but because homeowners don’t always realize the risk they’re taking until something goes wrong.
Another challenge has been standing out in a crowded market while staying true to who we are. It’s tempting to compete on price or speed, but we learned quickly that isn’t sustainable if you want to do quality work. We’ve had to be very intentional about educating homeowners, explaining why licensing, experience, and doing things correctly actually matter, even when that means losing some jobs along the way.
Finding the right people has also been hard. We’re not looking for warm bodies, we’re looking for people who care about craftsmanship and take pride in their work. That’s rare, especially in a trade where a lot of people treat it as just a job. We’ve learned that growing slowly with the right team is far better than growing fast with the wrong one.
There’s also the reality of building a business while raising young kids and being fully hands-on every day. We wear a lot of hats, and there have been plenty of long days, tough decisions, and moments of doubt. But those challenges have also shaped the company. They’ve forced us to be clear about our values and patient about growth.
Looking back, the struggles have been part of the foundation. They’ve helped us build a business we’re proud of, one that’s rooted in integrity and built to last.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
LazyLadd Pools & Spas is a family-owned pool company specializing in leak detection, pool and spa renovations, construction repairs, equipment repairs and replacements, and complex troubleshooting work that often gets missed or misdiagnosed. We handle everything from identifying hidden leaks and structural issues to full renovation projects that restore both function and confidence in a pool.
Renovations are a big part of what we do and a major reason we approach every job with a broader perspective. Richard is a licensed pool contractor and LP Master Qualifier, which means we don’t just look at one component in isolation. We understand how pools are built, how they age, and how small issues can turn into much bigger problems if they aren’t addressed correctly.
What sets us apart is the way we combine technical expertise with clear, honest communication. We take time to explain what’s happening, why it matters, and what the realistic options are. Homeowners are never pressured or left guessing. We’re fully licensed and insured, we don’t cut corners, and we stay accountable from start to finish.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust we’ve earned in a relatively short amount of time. LazyLadd has grown almost entirely through word-of-mouth, referrals, and repeat customers. We’ve also earned 120+ five-star Google reviews, which means a lot to us because it reflects real experiences from homeowners who felt taken care of, not just promised good service.
We want readers to know that our brand is built on peace of mind. Pools should be something families enjoy, not worry about. Our job is to step in when things feel uncertain, take the stress off the homeowner, and make sure everything above and below the surface is done right. If someone is looking for the cheapest or fastest option, we may not be the right fit. But if they’re looking for honesty, craftsmanship, and a team that truly stands behind their work, that’s exactly what we offer. We truly believe in leaving it better than we found it.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
For Richard, his favorite childhood memories are centered around Christmastime. Those moments with his family, the traditions, and the time spent together are what stand out most to him and are memories he still holds very close.
For Diane, one of her favorite childhood memories was spending a summer in Maine with her grandparents. It was a chance to see where they had spent their lives and where her mom grew up, from visiting her mom’s school to eating at the same local restaurants and spending time at the family cabin by the pond where her mom spent her summers. That trip and the time spent with her grandparents are memories she’ll always treasure.
Pricing:
- Pool-only leak detection typically starts at $375, and pool-and-spa leak detection starts at $425. This includes a full inspection using professional methods such as visual inspection, dye testing, pressure testing, and sonar when needed. Our pricing includes a 6-month warranty, and any leaks that can be repaired with epoxy.
- All pool and spa renovations are custom-quoted based on the size of the pool, materials selected, and overall scope of work. We visit the property, take detailed measurements, review options and samples, and then build a tailored quote centered around the homeowner’s vision and goals.
- All other repairs and equipment services are also quoted based on the specific pool and needs, with clear explanations provided before any work begins.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lazyladdpools.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazyladdpools
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lazyladdpools
- Other: https://share.google/bTyXy9ltGqk7wJIph
Image Credits
Skitt Photography
