James Ake

It is with profound sadness that Olympia Swimming Pool Company, Inc. announces the passing of our founder and visionary leader, James “Jim” Rudolph Ake, on February 19, 2026, due to an auto accident while visiting his game farm in Musina, South Africa.

Jim’s legacy in the commercial swimming pool industry is profound, beginning in 1964 with Paddock Pools and culminating in the founding of Olympia Swimming Pool Co., Inc.—originally named Olympic—in 1982. A true visionary, he seamlessly blended technical expertise with exceptional business acumen and a strong spirit.

Everyone at Olympia feels this loss deeply. Jim was not only the driving force behind Olympia’s success and a major leader in the commercial pool industry, but also a tough businessman, a mentor and friend to many, and a steadfast ally. His unwavering dedication to his clients and commitment to advancing the design and construction of commercial swimming pools will remain the cornerstone of our organization. Olympia remains devoted to honoring his legacy by continuing the work he was so passionate about.

“While we mourn this terrible loss, the Olympia Swimming Pool Company team remains steadfast in our commitment to our clients and employees. We continue to operate as usual and are dedicated to building on the strong foundation that Jim Ake established,” said Patrick Stepp, President.

Our thoughts are with Jim’s family and loved ones during this time.

Olympia Swimming Pool Company

Pride and Craftsmanship in the Olympic Tradition

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Design/Build Aquatic Facility Specialists

Olympia Swimming Pool Company specializes in aquatic facilities for commercial, military, government, and residential and multifamily developments. Olympia Swimming Pool Company is a strong leader in the aquatics industry, proudly serving Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia since 1982. Olympia’s in-house design and construction professionals are experts in regulation swimming pool facilities (FINA International, U.S. Swimming, U.S. Diving, NCAA, and NFSHA) waterparks, rooftop and structural swimming pools, lazy rivers, and interactive splash pads and fountains. Our award winning design team will assist you in bringing your vision from conception into a beautiful and functional reality. Our highly skilled craftsmen are second to none in experience, and will ensure the highest level of quality and timely completion of the aquatic portion of your project.

Olympia works directly with HOA’s and other communities for complete renovations of existing pool facilities, historical restorations, new aquatic complexes to include the clubhouse, and other amenities.

YOUR VISION

Beautifully Constructed

Portfolio

FEATURED

Illuminated 528 square foot lower pool with underwater bench, steps, and sundeck area. 288 square foot upper pool with 10' overflow weir.

Illuminated water spouts in front of Nationals Park.

1,568 square foot heated swimming pool at nighttime. Water glowing bright green.

3701 square foot indoor competition pool.

Nighttime areal view of 1,040 square foot commercial pool with elevated vanishing edge perimeter walls.

800 square foot inground commercial pool with water spouts, at daytime at Wheaton Safeway.

Inground pool with 5 fountain spouts in front.

Competition pool at University of Maryland College Park

Outdoor commercial swimming pool with vanishing edge.

354 square foot fountain basin with elevated waterfall on 12th floor of apartment complex.

Inground looping pool at Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Illuminated 254 square foot commercial swimming pool at dusk.

Olympic competition pool at the University of Virginia.

Areal view of 5,880 square foot inground competition pool.

2,200 square foot swimming pool with sun shelf, illuminated at night.

Illuminated 569 square foot two level swimming pool, with an elevated 30 square foot water feature and vanishing edge.

2,200 square foot commercial inground swimming pool with 133 square foot heated spa.

Indoor Olympic competition pool with racing lanes.

986 square foot upper level swimming pool with 30 foot vanishing edge wall overflowing into 478 square foot lower pool.

Nighttime picture of 1,600 square foot saline system swimming pool at Gables of Upper Rock in Rockville.

572 square foot reinforced gunite stone, 3 spout fountain.

1,067 square foot dual level swimming pool with elevated seat wall and overflow tier.

Life’s a Beach without a Pool

It is with great sadness that Olympia Swimming Pool Company announces the passing of our founder and CEO, James (Jim) Rudolph Ake, on February 19th. Jim was on vacation at his game farm, Bwana Jim Safaris, in South Africa at the time of his passing. Jim was a true leader and a titan in the commercial swimming pool industry, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

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