Ferrari Pools, Patios and Spas
Designing, building and maintaining backyard vacation spots
By Kate Daly Assistant Editor

Ferrari Pools, Patios and Spas owner Jason Ward shows off a Master spa models displayed in the Shrewsbury retail store. PHOTO/KATE DALY

Shrewsbury - On a hot afternoon, the free-form, pebble-lined pool outside Ferrari Pools, Patios and Spas was as inviting as any vacation destination.

Made of Gunite, a material that allows flexibility in shape, the pool was landscaped with rocks, trees, a waterfall, spa and even a sloped, beach-like entrance.

"Our goal is always to create a landscape feature," said Jason Ward, who has owned the 41-year-old business since 1996. "We want people to be able to enjoy the pool whether they're swimming or not. It has to be a relaxing environment."

Ferrari does also build rectangular, vinyl-lined pools.

"However, Gunite is our most recommended material because of its strength and versatility," Ward said. "It allows us to be more creative in the design."

Creative is key to Ward's success. He started working for a pool company in college, then eventually came to own Ferrari, which at the time primarily built pools, he said. Pool contractors often refer new pool owners to service companies for opening, closing and maintaining their pools.

"I also did it, but I wasn't really comfortable, so I started the service," he said.

That led to the company selling chemicals off the trucks.

"So eventually, I decided to get into the retail side," he said. "That's when we started selling spas."

Now you can buy Bioguard chemicals for pools and spas, a spa, a gas grill, even a Big Green Egg smoker and other essentials to have a vacation in your own back yard. Oh, and the pool - the experts at Ferrari will help you design a pool, then build it and maintain it.

"We feel we're priced competitively," Ward said. "I don't try to compete. "We're going to sell the best product. That's what I look for when I buy a product. I want to pay a fair price, but I want to get the best product."

Ferrari Pools, Patios and Spas now has three locations. The Shrewsbury store at 895 Boston Turnpike, is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The phone number is 508-719-5202.

The Marlborough store is at 19 Brigham St., Unit 6,

" and is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is 508-229- 3305.

The Windsor, Conn., office is located at 25 Meadow St. and is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ferrari Pools, Patios and Spas also has a toll-free number, 800-448-6483, and a Web site at www.ferraripools. com.

Editor's Note: the preceding is not an endorsement and is presented for informational purposes only.