Living Pool & Wellness Solutions by WSgroup was born from the union of two complementary paths and a shared passion for the world of wellness. Founded by Hugo Vale and Valter Mergulhão, the company represents the culmination of decades of experience in the sector, driven by the desire to create innovative solutions and transform wellness spaces.
Hugo Vale - From Financial Management to the World of Wellness
Born in Sintra, with a degree in Business Management, Hugo Vale began his career in the insurance sector in 2000, where he developed strategic and financial management skills at AXA over more than 20 years. However, it was his collaboration with his childhood friend Valter Mergulhão that sparked his passion for wellness.
In 2014, he founded Living Pool Lda., starting his own entrepreneurial journey and focusing on a differentiated approach in the sector. With a growing focus on wellness, the company has stood out for the quality of its projects and its commitment to innovative solutions. The strategic partnership with Valter Mergulhão made it possible to carry out landmark projects, including Lisbon Wood and Viver Jamor.
In 2023, recognizing that the synergy between the two could be even stronger, Hugo Vale challenged Valter Mergulhão to become a full partner in Living Pool. In January 2024, he decided to devote himself full-time to the project, consolidating WSgroup as a national benchmark in the Wellness sector.
Valter Mergulhão - A Path of Innovation and Experience
Also from Sintra, a sauna and ice bath practitioner who began his career in the swimming pool sector in 2000, Valter Mergulhão was part of the Formas D'Água and Terradelta group of companies, where he represented internationally renowned brands such as Haogenplast, Caraterra, Aquilus Piscines, Albatica, Delifol, Dimension One Spas, Busatta, among others.
It was at this time that he began to develop hybrid pool and wellness projects, creating spaces such as Montes de Chame - Avis, Spa/Piscina da Aldeia da Mata Pequena - Mafra, etc. In 2007, he carried out his first major turnkey wellness project - a private home spa with an indoor pool coated in gold and platinum, a Dimension One spa integrated into the pool and a Hammam.
In 2009, he founded Water Sensations by WSgroup, taking his expertise across borders, consulting on private, public and hotel pools in Mozambique, including projects for the Maputo Swimming Association, Avani Pemba Beach Hotel, Diamonds Mequfi Beach Resort and Gorongosa Lodge Safari. During this period, he relied on the support of his friend Hugo Vale to run the business in Portugal.
Between 2012 and 2022, he worked in customer management and led the Wellness and Commercial Pools area of SCP Portugal , a subsidiary of PoolCorp, the world's largest distributor of swimming pool equipment. During this phase, he created the group's first live Training Wellness Center and the support office for tailor-made projects(WTC), and was involved in projects such as: Portalegre Palace Hotel, Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort, Boavista Golf & Spa Resort, Octant Furnas Hotel, Cidade do Futebol, Burel Panorama Hotel, Hotel FeelViana, DoubleTree by Hilton Lagoa Azores, Edificio Lisbon Wood, Alambique Hotel Resort & Spa with the first snow room in the country, among hundreds of other projects.
In 2020, Valter's life took a turn when his eldest son was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This experience helped to further strengthen his conviction about the importance of wellness and preventive health, becoming one of the main drivers of his vision for the future.
With more than a thousand projects under his belt, from residential installations to hotel developments, in 2022 he decided to end his career at SCP Portugal and take a professional break for reflection. He later accepted an invitation from his friend Hugo Vale to join Living Pool Lda., with the aim of positioning the company as an essential reference in the sector.
Our Mission
Living Pool & Wellness Solutions by WSgroup - was born from the conviction that well-being is one of the greatest assets of modern life. In an increasingly fast-paced and hyper-connected society, we believe that creating spaces for regeneration and balance is essential. Whether through swimming pools, spas, saunas, hammams or sensory experiences, whether at home, in the gym or at the hotel, our aim is to offer innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life of our customers.
Valter's personal experience of dealing with the impact of an autoimmune disease on his family has further reinforced the importance of spaces dedicated to health and strengthening the immune system. Wellness is not just a luxury, but a necessity to promote relaxation, emotional recovery and physical balance.
More than a service, we offer an authentic wellness experience, based on knowledge, innovation and passion for what we do. Our aim is to become specialists in the art of transforming spaces and creating environments of pure well-being.
Find out how we can transform your space into a unique environment of well-being.