How frustration turned into innovation an interview with Gary Richards, Founder & CEO of Vacbagz®

When it comes to professional pool maintenance, every second counts. The right tools can mean the difference between a smooth day on the route and a string of frustrating setbacks. No one knows this better than Gary Richards, the man behind Vacbagz®, a brand created by pool pros, for pool pros.

In this exclusive interview, Gary shares how a daily grind led to a game changing idea, what makes Vacbagz® so different, and where the company is headed next.

From Frustration to Innovation

Q: Gary, what inspired you to create Vacbagz®?

Gary: It started with pure frustration. I was out running pools every day, and the vacuum bags I used just couldn’t handle the workload. They’d rip mid-job or clog so badly I’d have to stop everything to clear them out losing time and money.

Every pool tech knows that moment when your gear fails and debris spills back into the pool. That experience convinced me that most products were built for retail, not for real pros working ten-plus pools a day. So I decided to create something better a bag tough enough for our industry, built for pool techs, by pool techs.

Building the Right Tool, the Right Way

Q: How did you turn the idea into a real product?

Gary: Step one was listening. I talked to techs across the industry field guys, distributors, seasoned veterans asking what frustrated them the most. The responses were nearly identical: weak stitching, tearing fabric, awkward fits, and constant clogging.

We took that feedback and started from scratch. Vacbagz® was engineered with:

• Heavy-duty polyester fabric to resist wear and tear.
• Reinforced stitching for maximum durability.
• Protective canvas cuffs for long-lasting use.
• Stainless steel grommets and a cord-lock system for a snug, secure fit.

Then we field-tested the product with working techs not just in labs until it proved it could handle the toughest routes.

One Bag for Every Job

Q: Why was universal compatibility a big priority for you?

Gary: Because pool pros don’t have time to guess. One day you’re using The Bottom Feeder®, the next Hammerhead, Riptide, Powervac, or Leaf Master. You need gear that works with all of them.

We made Vacbagz® universally compatible no adapters, no modifications, just seamless performance. That means less stress, more efficiency, and fewer lost minutes in the field. In our business, efficiency is everything.

Recognition That Matters

Q: Vacbagz® was nominated for Innovative Product of the Year at the Pool Nation Awards what does that mean to you?

Gary: It’s a huge honor, but more importantly, it’s proof we’re solving real problems. Innovation in this industry doesn’t come from boardrooms; it comes from sweat, hard work, and the daily grind.

That recognition tells us we’re making tools that matter to real professionals. We’re raising the standard showing that pool gear doesn’t have to be “good enough.” It can be pro-grade, reliable, and built with pride.

Built on Feedback, Trusted by Pros

Q: What are pool pros saying about Vacbagz®?

Gary: Three words come up again and again: efficiency, durability, and trust.

Techs tell us they can clean more pools in less time. They love that the bags don’t rip or fail mid-route. And our color-coded micron system? That’s been a hit no more guessing which bag to grab. Professionals instantly know which one they need for each job.

For me, that feedback is gold. It means we’re not just selling a product we’re making someone’s workday smoother and their business more profitable.

“For Pool Guys, By Pool Guys.” A Philosophy, Not a Slogan

Q: What does your slogan really mean to you?

Gary: It’s everything. I’ve walked in the shoes of every pool tech out there. I know the exhaustion, the heat, and the frustration when tools fail you.

“For Pool Guys, By Pool Guys” means we are the industry. We design and test every product through the same lens as the people who clean pools every day. It’s about respect building gear that works as hard as the pros who use it.

Looking Ahead

Q: Vacbagz® is growing fast. What’s next?

Gary: Growth has been incredible more distributors, more techs asking for us by name, and a community that genuinely believes in what we’re doing.

But even as we grow, the mission stays the same: keep listening, keep improving, and keep setting a higher standard. I see Vacbagz® becoming the trusted name in professional pool bags the go-to gear every pro expects to see in their local supply store.

A Final Message to Pool Pros

Gary: Don’t settle for tools that make your job harder. You work too hard for that. Vacbagz® exists because pros like you deserve better durability, better performance, and better value.

At the end of the day, it’s not about me or the company. It’s about respect for the work you do. We’ll always stay true to our promise: For Pool Guys. By Pool Guys.

F.A.Q.

Q: Are Vacbagz® compatible with all major portable vac systems?
Yes! Vacbagz® fit Hammerhead, Riptide, PowerVac, Bottom Feeder®, and Leaf Master systems no modifications needed.

Q: What makes Vacbagz® more durable than others?
Each bag is crafted using heavy duty polyester, reinforced stitching, and stainless-steel grommets to handle the heat, wear, and debris professionals face daily.

Vacbagz® Engineered for Efficiency. Trusted by Pros. Built to Last.