imagine pools – dealer spotlight: luxe pool & spa

In the heart of Missouri, one company stands out for transforming ordinary backyards into extraordinary aquatic retreats. Luxe Pool & Spa, serving Saint Charles, Saint Louis, and Wentzville areas, has established itself as the region’s leading luxury pool installer, combining engineering expertise with artistic vision to create stunning outdoor spaces and featuring the fiberglass pool collection from Imagine Pools.

What began as a casual conversation on a Florida beach has blossomed into one of the fastest-growing pool companies in Missouri. During their 10-year anniversary getaway several years ago, Derek and Amy DeSalme found themselves surrounded by beautiful pools and sparkling waters, planting the seed for what would become Luxe Pool & Spa.

The timing seemed like the perfect time for change. After many years working as a quality engineer in the corporate world, Derek was ready for something new. Amy, an entrepreneur who had successfully launched her own children’s fitness facility called LittleBits Gym ten years earlier (which she still operates today), saw an opportunity.

Adding to their motivation was a personal desire, as they had recently purchased property back in Missouri and wanted a backyard pool but discovered there was an extensive waitlist with local pool companies.

“I told Derek that maybe he was in the wrong line of work,” recalled Amy. “We knew we needed a plan, so I suggested that we start a pool company.” She added with a laugh, “I did joke the my husband should start a pool company so I could get that backyard pool!”

Derek initially refused the idea, citing his lack of industry knowledge. Amy’s response was simple yet powerful: “Then just surround yourself with those who do.” She recognized that Derek’s extensive background in quality control and process improvement—having worked in both healthcare and brick refractories—could translate perfectly to building exceptional pools.

The couple wasted no time. They arranged a meeting with a plumbing specialist from a large local pool builder to propose their idea.

“We told him we wanted him to join us and teach us,” said Amy. “It was a leap of faith, but he did it.” This decision proved invaluable when he brought his experienced crew along, providing Luxe Pool & Spa with immediate expertise.

Their first clients came from a trusted source: families from Amy’s children’s gym who already knew and trusted the DeSalmes. The couple took it slowly in year one, with Derek immersing himself in every aspect of pool construction—from shoveling rock to operating machinery—learning the business from the ground up.

What started small has grown impressively through word-of-mouth recommendations. Now digging approximately two pools per week (weather permitting), Luxe Pool & Spa is on track to install about 60 pools in 2025, making them one of the largest pool builders in the St. Louis area.

“We’ve been lucky and have surrounded ourselves with the right people,” Amy admitted. “We have great subcontractors and amazing crew members with experience in the industry.”

“Luxe Pool & Spa is small but mighty, like family to our team and to our clients,” Amy explains. This family-first approach defines every aspect of their business. Amy handles sales and remains accessible to clients throughout every stage of their project. Derek personally oversees every job site, attending to all details with his engineer’s precision. The family connection extends further, too. Amy’s brother Mitchell serves as a site supervisor, while Derek’s brother Gene manages the design work.

This close-knit structure creates a uniquely personal experience for clients. “We get to know our customers and keep communication open and fluid,” Amy said. Their relationships often extend beyond project completion, with clients frequently sending photos of their families enjoying their new pools.

What sets Luxe Pool & Spa apart in the competitive pool construction industry? It starts with leadership. Derek’s professional background is deeply rooted in quality engineering, and this expertise ensures that every aspect of pool design and construction meets rigorous standards.

“We’ve grown organically and do a good job, delivering on our promises,” emphasized Amy. With Derek’s background in quality control and process improvement, the company approaches each project with meticulous attention to detail that’s rare in the industry.

“We build above standards, so we don’t have to go back and fix things,” Amy explained. “We do not cut corners.” This commitment to quality extends to their selection of subcontractors and crew members, all experienced professionals in the pool industry.

This philosophy has earned them partnerships with local home builders and landscape companies who share their commitment to excellence, helping them rapidly become one of the largest pool builders in St. Louis. This gives customers a seamless experience from concept to completion.

Luxe Pool & Spa doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. The company offers three distinct pool construction options—fiberglass, vinyl liner, and gunite—each with its own advantages and aesthetic possibilities.

“We work with you to choose the pool design that will best meet your family’s needs,” Amy expressed. As a certified, bonded and insured company, Luxe Pool & Spa brings professional expertise to every consultation.

Their specialists collaborate closely with clients throughout the design process, ensuring each pool perfectly complements both the physical landscape and the family’s lifestyle. Whether it’s a sleek modern pool with clean lines or a naturalistic oasis with custom features, Luxe has the expertise to bring any vision to life.

Although Luxe Pool & Spa initially worked with another fiberglass pool manufacturer, they encountered numerous issues until discovering Imagine Pools. After touring the Imagine Pools facility and witnessing their manufacturing process firsthand, the Luxe Pool & Spa team was impressed by the exceptional quality of the pool shells.

“Our team toured the Imagine Pools facility and saw the process and how well-made and high quality the pool shells are,” said Amy, who indicated their company has not had a single warranty claim yet and that all of the pools from Imagine Pools have been delivered on time as promised.

“Imagine Pools does as they say they will and are always on time,” she emphasized. “They are great to work with, and we appreciate the ease of ordering the pools from them.”

This partnership has proven remarkably successful, with every Imagine Pools installation meeting the high standards Luxe Pool & Spa demands for their clients.

Many homeowners don’t realize that building a pool requires careful planning and preparation. By starting the process now, homeowners can ensure they’ll be enjoying their new backyard oasis by summer 2025.

Luxe Pool & Spa handles every step of the journey—from initial design concepts through construction and beyond—allowing homeowners to focus on the excitement of their upcoming lifestyle enhancement rather than the complexities of pool construction.

Despite their initial nervousness about launching a business during such uncertain times, Amy and Derek are grateful they took the leap. “We knew we could do it and do it better than others,” Amy reflected. This confidence has led to a reputation for excellence throughout the region.

“We have set big goals and are on track to meet them,” Amy reflected. “And Imagine Pools has been fantastic on this journey with us.”

For families in the Saint Charles, Saint Louis and Wentzville areas dreaming of the perfect backyard escape, Luxe Pool & Spa offers the rare combination of engineering precision, artistic vision and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction that turns ordinary backyards into extraordinary retreats.