The 1980s marked an important turning point for California Pools. It was the decade when leadership passed from founder Wayne Steimle to his son, Doug Steimle.
Doug did not just inherit a company. He grew up inside it. With a background in civil engineering, he understood both the technical and practical sides of pool construction. He had worked in nearly every role, from digging and building to design and sales.
When he took over, he focused on growth and expansion while protecting the company's core values. California Pools began reaching new regions across the western United States, building a stronger reputation as a leader in custom swimming pools.
The 1980s also brought new design expectations. Homeowners wanted more than just a pool. They wanted spas, water features, and full backyard transformations. Outdoor living was becoming an essential part of home design, not an afterthought.
Not every expansion worked perfectly. Some markets proved challenging. But those experiences helped shape a stronger and more focused company. California Pools learned where it could thrive and where it could not, which ultimately made the business more resilient.
Through it all, the company stayed grounded in the same principle it started with. Every backyard deserved to be built with care and pride.