About Aqua-Guard
A family-owned commercial pool management company serving Chicagoland since 1992, with staffing, service, training, and repair support for community facilities.
1992
Year Founded
250+
Employees
34+
Years in Business
1992
Lifeguard Training Since
Serving Chicagoland
Since 1992
Christopher Strzalka started Aqua-Guard in 1992 to serve HOA and multifamily pools that needed consistent operators, not missed visits and vague answers. Today AGM supports facilities across Chicagoland with more than 250 seasonal and year-round team members.
Most of our clients are homeowner associations, condo boards, and apartment communities. They rely on us for staffing, chemistry, repairs, documentation, and direct communication through the swim season.
Our work covers lifeguard staffing, management oversight, daily maintenance, pump room service, emergency repair coordination, health department requests, payroll and insurance administration, swim lessons, and seasonal openings and closings.
Our Goal
"Run the facility responsibly, communicate clearly, and make summer easier for the board and property manager."
1992
Founded
250+
Employees
34+
Years
Leadership & Key Contacts
The people clients contact for operations, staffing, hiring, and field service throughout the season.
Christopher Strzalka
President & Founder
Chris founded Aqua-Guard in 1992 and has grown the company to 250+ employees serving the entire Chicagoland area. CPO certified and APSP tech certified, he's a member of the APSP Midwest chapter whose favorite part of the job is building lasting relationships with property managers and board members.
Matt Strzalka
Vice President
Matt joined in 2013 and oversees daily operations across all client pools. A StarGuard Elite Lifeguard Instructor and CPO-certified professional with a bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering from the University of Arizona. Matt loves creating a fun, family-friendly environment at every pool.
Patricia Banasik
Personnel Director
Patricia manages lifeguard certifications, staffing, and training programs across the organization. Lifeguard, CPR, and instructor certified, she studies Social Science Secondary Education at Carthage College and genuinely loves getting to know every lifeguard throughout the season.
Adan Soto
Head Service Technician
Adan brings 10+ years of swimming pool industry experience to every service call. CPO certified and a member of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, he handles all technical repairs, equipment maintenance, and chemical servicing — and enjoys that no two days on the job are ever the same.
How We Operate
The standards we apply across every facility we manage.
Safety & Compliance
We train to operating standards, document the work, and stay ahead of inspection issues before they become board problems.
Professional Supervision
Facilities run better when expectations are clear. We hire, train, and supervise with that standard in mind.
Responsibility on Deck
Many AGM staff members started young and learned the work here. Accountability is part of how we train.
Straightforward Service Plans
We scope work around the property and explain what is covered, how it is handled, and when the board should expect updates.
Emergency Response
When equipment or safety issues escalate, we respond quickly and coordinate the next step without delay.
Clear Communication
Property managers and boards should not have to chase information. We keep communication direct and practical.
Join the
Aqua-Guard Team
We hire lifeguards, pool managers, lead service techs, and service technicians for seasonal roles across Chicagoland. Phone interviews and online training are available.