Kaity Morrissey, 37
Administrative specialist
Ventura, California
When the world shut down in early 2020, Kaity Morrissey was working as a bartender, unsure of what would come next. A friend who owned a pool service business offered her an opportunity to help during the busy season, and she jumped at the chance. What began as temporary work quickly became something much larger. Within a short time, Morrissey was chief operating officer of the company, personally servicing 40 residential accounts, managing billing for 100 customers and overseeing a team of employees.
She’s attended Pool Nation trainings, Western Pool & Spa Shows and joined the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association, where she attended leadership weekends and served as secretary for Region 3, which expanded her network and strengthen her expertise in areas like insurance and continuing education. After several years, Morrissey decided it was time to build something of her own. She founded Happy Pools, combining her industry experience with a commitment to customer care.
Her favorite part of the business is the relationships she builds with customers. “They invite me into their homes and backyards — their safe spaces — and I’ve always held that honor in high regard,” Morrissey says. Many of her clients have become like family, especially meaningful with her relatives living out of state.
In January 2024, the Eaton Canyon fire destroyed the home where she was staying, taking with it all her belongings, family heirlooms and the tools she relied on for her livelihood. Rather than give up, Morrissey rebuilt — thanks to the support of friends and colleagues in the industry. Armed with a new set of tools gifted to her, she took on filter cleanings for homes that had survived the fire, earning the nickname “Filter Fairy” from grateful customers. “It felt like I was a phoenix rising from the ashes,” she says.
Today, Morrissey is proud to still own Happy Pools — now with an employee managing routes while she stays connected through small repairs and filter cleans. She has also taken on a new role as an administrative specialist at AquaStar Pool Products. “Working in the field for five-plus years was an amazing experience, and moving on to AquaStar I have the unique opportunity to see a different side of the industry,” she says. “I’ve learned so much already and am excited to see what my future holds.”
Beyond pools, Morrissey’s first love has always been art. A lifelong painter, she finds calm and perspective with a brush in her hand. Her creative side also led her into cosmetology, where she worked freelance on film sets, photo shoots, weddings and special occasions. She still enjoys helping people feel their best through hair and makeup artistry. When she isn’t working or creating, Morrissey loves to travel, finding inspiration in new places and cultures.
