Tyler Accardi is all dressed up for a celebratory party.
LIPSA Tyler Accardi is all dressed up for a celebratory party.

It all started with a little boy’s wish.

“The one thing I want most is a pool,” said Tyler Accardi, 4, after going on a family vacation and using a swimming pool. He and brother Nicholas, 5, have spinal muscular atrophy and can only get around by power wheelchairs. The buoyancy of water made it possible for them to forget, for a little while, their debilitating genetic disease.

Tyler’s wish was brought to the Long Island Pool & Spa Association by Loop-Loc Ltd. After Sales Manager Bill Hanley presented the idea to LIPSA’s board, a committee was formed, consisting of Karen Cassese Pinto, LIPSA executive director; Hanley, also the current LIPSA president; Artie Edwards, Arthur Edwards Swimming Pools; Kyle Chaikin, Chaikin Ultimate Pools; and Mike Truehart, True Blue Swimming Pools. The committee visited the property and worked with the town of Centereach, N.Y., to address zoning issues so building could begin.

When the call for help went out, 33 companies stepped forward: nine LIPSA builders and retailers; 10 suppliers and service providers, from inside and outside the industry; and 14 manufacturers and distributors, who donated products.

The cause for rejoicing is this 16-by-32-foot, vinyl-liner pool with steel panels and a hard bottom, shown under construction by LIPSA members. Once the backyard transformation is complete and warm weather arrives, it won’t be hard to guess where Tyler and his brother, Nicholas, will be.
Long Island Pool & Spa Association The cause for rejoicing is this 16-by-32-foot, vinyl-liner pool with steel panels and a hard bottom, shown under construction by LIPSA members. Once the backyard transformation is complete and warm weather arrives, it won’t be hard to guess where Tyler and his brother, Nicholas, will be.

Construction occurred in April, and was finished in less than a week. Once pool inspections are completed, the concrete patio, landscaping and ramp access from the house can be installed. The vinyl-liner pool has multiple bench features and a chair lift. For the boys’ comfort, the installation is heated, and it has a salt generator. Its retail value is about $42,000; with patio, landscaping and ramp, it exceeds $60,000.