Connect with us

Pool Builder

Building a Pool in South Florida Has Changed

Published

on

Building a Pool in South Florida Has Changed

When Erik Eikevik first started out in the pool industry, the pool construction market was already changing from the one he knew as a child. By the time Eikevik joined the family business, building a swimming pool in South Florida had suddenly become an entirely different proposition from the projects his grandfather built when he first started Ike’s Carter Pools back in 1949.

“I always wanted to work for my dad and build pools. My mom showed me a drawing that I did in crayon when I was a kid. It was me drawing a swimming pool and it said, ‘Daddy, I’m going to build this one day,'” said Eikevik.

By the time he was in fifth grade, he had already been functioning as a gopher on the job sites. “That summer I did my first pool prep,” said Eikevik, “I used to leave school early and go work on pools while my friends were still taking classes. Basically, I’ve worked in every phase of pool construction my entire life.”

South Florida Luxury Pool by Ikes Carter Pools
South Florida Luxury Pool by Ikes Carter Pools – Photo Credit: Jimi Smith Photography

A Change From The Cookie-Cutter Mentality

“My dad designed pools, he built them and was considered one of the better designers in South Florida,” said Eikevik, “back then pools were very basic so there was only so much you could do design-wise. Back in the day pools were very templated. You had a box of templates you would use to draw swimming pools in by hand. A lot of the pools were very similar, especially in Florida. The cookie-cutter production pools that were built out here were just constantly the same thing, and that drove me crazy.”

“If I’m drawing a pool, even if it’s a small pool, we have to have something on it that’s different and cool. I won’t have that special feeling inside unless it’s got something unique going on that’s a little different for me. What kind of really keeps me going and makes me love what I do, is that I want to try to do things that are different. That’s the crazy side of me that wants to do the custom stuff which is not easy and can have all the headaches,” said Eikevik.

The days of cutter-cutter swimming pools are a thing of the past in South Florida claims Eikevik. The perception of what the outdoor living area should look like has changed as well. “I’m in these neighborhoods and building these pools. These days what I hear is ‘I got to do our pool better than our neighbor. ‘ It’s become a big statement, especially with younger people with families. Their kids are going over to the neighbor’s house, and they’re hanging out there because the swimming pool in their backyard is so cool.”

Luxury Pool Builder - Ikes Carter Pools
Luxury Pool Builder – Ikes Carter Pools – Photo Credit: Jimi Smith Photography

Baby Boomers Set a New Bar For Swimming Pools

“That was the first huge shift we saw in South Florida. We saw things like that coming out of World War II. If I showed you some of the first awards that we won in the 1960s in one of the original pool magazines from that era, it won awards simply because the pool had a curve in it which was unheard of back then,” explained Eikevik.

“When we first started out, the pools down here were built out where they’d pour a floor, and build it out of concrete blocks. The pool was very small and rectangular. In the late fifties and early sixties, he started doing gunite and shotcrete, when it first came to Florida. He started doing radius pools and things like kidney-shaped pools. They would win awards and it would have like an elevation where it would go down to a seawater canal, which is really big in South Florida,” said Eikevik.

Although much has changed about how swimming pools are built since the era when Eikevik’s grandfather built them, some things are still very much the same. “Back then it was a status symbol to own a pool,” explained Eikevik, “I think it’s even bigger now. While you don’t have to be one of the elite to own a pool, it’s still definitely a big symbol particularly down in South Florida and I think in many other places of the country.”

Eikevik said he feels that a goal of keeping up with the Joneses is one that has permeated throughout the years in South Florida. “Every customer these days is like, ‘Well, they had that on their pool, we’ve got to do that’, I literally have people who have gone to another customers house on a pool tour and say, ‘I want ours to be better than theirs’, so there’s definitely that sense that everyone’s trying to one-up each other in the backyard,” said Eikevik.

“The pandemic just blew that up and put it on steroids. Like, we already had a fire that was burning for years, and Covid came and poured gasoline on it that caused some type of explosion. Suddenly everyone had to have the best pool and the best backyard,” said Eikevik.

“In the northeast, most people are going to have a vinyl liner pool and you have to be doing pretty well to even have one in your backyard. It’s a massive luxury in those areas like New York, Boston, or Philadelphia,” said Eikevik, “they all have this yearning to move to Florida and a big reason is that everyone’s got a pool. It’s like as soon as you move down here, you get a swimming pool and you’re doing better than everyone else already. It’s one of the reasons so many people move here because they want to have a big beautiful yard with a swimming pool.”

“We always used to think that people only come down to retire in Florida, that has all changed. You can live down here now and work remotely from your computer. That’s probably why we’re seeing more younger families in South Florida than we ever have before. They want that whole entire experience,” said Eikevik.

Luxury Pool With Rain Fall – Pool Builder: Ike’s Carter Pools – Photo Credit: Jimi Smith Photography

Although building an inground pool may be cheaper in Florida, the process may not be as unencumbered as one may think. “If you’ve ever taken a Brian Van Bower GENESIS Class, you’d know one of the things we joke about are the Florida building codes,” explained Eikevik, “we have some of the strictest building codes in the country. People get down here and they realize we go off the Florida Building Code, not the International Building Code. There are very strict things you have to do to build a pool down in Florida. I tell people what’s involved and they’re like ‘are you serious’, with all the barrier codes and main drains and things like that. That’s why when you get to the luxury pools it becomes harder to do everything.”

The features and amenities that South Florida homeowners are requesting have certainly changed as well over the years. These days Eikevik says a major feature that homeowners are looking for is an oversized tanning ledge which has become near ubiquitous in Florida.

“Every pool, big or small is going to have that Baja Shelf, as they call it on the west coast, or Sun Shelf as we call it out here. I tell people you are literally losing value on your home if you opt not to build one. Anyone that buys your home will be expecting to see one in the pool because they’re that common now, they’re everywhere,” explained Eikevik.

“I knew from a business perspective, but I didn’t realize how important they were until I started seeing my own kids who are five and two in the pool. I was just like, wow, this is such a big, pivotal thing,” said Eikevik.

“The biggest thing is just making sure you have the right size. When you’re talking about big pool states like Florida, California, and Texas,” explained Eikevik, “there are these companies that will build a shelf that’s 9×9 or something like that. You need to have something that’s like 12×6 or 12×9 so you can have a section for your ledge loungers or your pool chairs and a section for the kids to get in and out of the pool.”

The needs and wants of South Florida homeowners may have changed over time, but one thing is for certain; given that Florida has the highest percentage of pool owners by population, owning a swimming pool will forever remain a goal for most, regardless of what type they ultimately wind up building.

Listen to our entire conversation with Erik “IKE” Eikevik of Ike’s Carter Pools on the Pool Magazine Podcast.

Featured Photo Credit: Jimi Smith Photography

5/5 - (1 vote)

Editor in Chief of Pool Magazine - Joe Trusty is also CEO of PoolMarketing.com, the leading digital agency for the pool industry. An internet entrepreneur, software developer, author, and marketing professional with a long history in the pool industry. Joe oversees the writing and creative staff at Pool Magazine. To contact Joe Trusty email [email protected] or call (916) 467-9118 during normal business hours. For submissions, please send your message to [email protected]

Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Pool Builder

Educating Customers About The Dark Side of the Pool Industry

Published

on

Educating Customers About The Dark Side of the Pool Industry

The pool industry has thousands of builders but at the same time, it’s still a relatively small industry where one’s reputation may proceed them. JC Escudero stands out in this regard for his transparency and honesty in explaining the dark side of the pool industry to his customers. The founder of J Designs Pool & Spa, a boutique pool construction firm in Los Angeles, Escudero has taken a unique approach to his craft. Unafraid to delve into the nuances of the pool construction process, he has become a vocal advocate for educating consumers about the dos and don’ts of building a pool.

A Departure From The Norm

Escudero’s journey into the pool construction business began with a revelation during his tenure at a large builder. He shares, “I used to work for a pretty large builder, and when we decided to open our own company, I knew exactly what I didn’t want to do. I didn’t want to do that type of volume. With that brings a lot of issues because you don’t have the time to really cater to that many clients and have the same attention to detail.”

His vision was clear – to be a boutique builder, focusing on craftsmanship, larger projects, and fostering better relationships with clients. The inception of J Designs marked a departure from the norm, a conscious effort to create a more personalized and quality-driven approach to pool construction.

As Escudero reflects on the genesis of his company, he recalls, “We knew we had a big market at the turn of the 2008 mortgage crisis, and we used to work more in the Riverside area.” However, economic downturns prompted a strategic shift. “People were not buying pools at that time. The economy was upside down,” he notes. Escudero decided to move to Los Angeles, specifically the San Fernando Valley, tapping into a lucrative market despite the challenging economic conditions of ’08.

Educating Customers About The Dark Side of the Pool Industry with JC Escudero

Educating The Client

Escudero was eager to set himself apart with his commitment to openness and transparency with customers. Many pool builders shy away from discussing the potential pitfalls of the construction process, fearing it may deter potential clients. However, Escudero believes in addressing the elephant in the room. “I’ve always been a very straightforward person. I open my mouth. Sometimes I get in trouble by doing so, but at the same time, I like to tell people the way things are,” he explains.

Escudero emphasizes the importance of informing clients about the intricacies of pool construction. “There are key components that every pool needs and explain what those are. I tell my customers about the roadblocks that exist in pool construction and what they absolutely need to know,” he says. By laying out the challenges and limitations, Escudero ensures that clients are well-informed and their expectations are met without any misconceptions.

J Designs has developed an expansive content library to educate the customer.
J Designs has developed an expansive content library to educate the customer.

Developing a Library of Content To Educate Customers

To extend this philosophy beyond one-on-one interactions, Escudero and his team have created an educational system. Through blogs, articles, and videos on their website, they provide valuable insights into the pool-building process. “I decided with my wife Liliana to put it together in the form of an educational system for our clients so they can easily, by themselves at their leisure, watch videos or read blogs and articles to impart them with that knowledge,” he shares.

This dedication to education is rooted in Escudero’s desire to establish a bond with clients before even meeting them. “When I get to their house, they already know me. There’s already a bond without even meeting them,” he states. By fostering this connection, Escudero ensures that clients are comfortable and well-informed, setting the stage for a successful collaboration.

One of Escudero’s videos called “The Dark Side of the Pool Industry” discusses issues that can come up with hiring unlicensed contractors, dealing with permitting hurdles, and how misinformation can lead to confusion and dissatisfaction.

Addressing the Elephant in The Room, Unlicensed Builders

One of the critical issues Escudero addresses is the prevalence of unlicensed builders in the pool industry. In one of his videos, he unveils a startling fact – the swimming pool industry boasts the highest number of complaints to the California State License Board (CSLB). He attributes this to the influx of unlicensed individuals posing as contractors, taking advantage of unsuspecting clients.

Escudero’s concerns go beyond merely acknowledging the problem; he actively seeks solutions. “The industry has been taken by a lot of scammers that don’t have a license that claim to be contractors. That happens everywhere, not only in California,” he points out. His website serves as a platform to guide consumers on what to look for in a contractor, stressing the importance of licenses, insurance, and adherence to the law.

Escudero’s commitment to transparency extends to the financial aspects of pool construction, particularly the often-misunderstood issue of payment schedules. He addresses this concern with a straightforward perspective, stating, “I get a lot of the times clients asking about payments, and I tell them payments are supposed to be by law, not 30% upfront like they charge in some markets. Who in the right mind is going to give you $40,000 upfront?”

Exploring the dark side of the pool industry with JC Escudero of J Designs

A License May Not Be Enough

“Just having a license is not enough,” Escudero asserts. He acknowledges the shortcomings in the current licensing system, where individuals can obtain licenses with minimal knowledge of the trade. This, he believes, contributes to the industry’s negative reputation, leading to client dissatisfaction and distrust.

In his pursuit of improving the industry as a whole, Escudero doesn’t shy away from sharing the less glamorous aspects of the trade. He urges consumers to be vigilant, emphasizing the need for proper payment schedules, a clear understanding of construction processes, and awareness of potential red flags.

“Telling the story that way helps me and helps set my company apart automatically from the bad name or the hush-hush underground things that are going on,” explained Escudero. Through his unwavering commitment to education and transparency, JC Escudero is not just building pools; he’s constructing a foundation of trust in an industry that at times can be clouded with uncertainty.

Listen to our entire conversation about The Dark Side of the Pool Industry with JC Escudero on the Pool Magazine podcast.

5/5 - (9 votes)

Continue Reading

Pool Builder

Riverbend Sandler Pools Acquires Hauk Custom Pools

Published

on

Riverbend Sandler Pools Acquires Hauk Custom Pool

Riverbend Sandler Pools (“Riverbend”), the leading residential pool construction, service, and maintenance provider in the Dallas – Ft. Worth metroplex, and a portfolio company of Concentric Equity Partners (“CEP”), announced the acquisition of Hauk Custom Pools, (“Hauk” or the “Company”), a Celina, TX-based provider of pool construction, remodeling, and repair services. Riverbend will be acquiring Hauk from Owner, and long-term pool industry veteran Robby Hauk, who will remain with the Company in his current leadership role for the long-term future and retain a substantial individual ownership stake.

Hauk Custom Pools is a leading residential pool construction brand in the Northern DFW market and has been a PSN Top 50 Builder for many years. Hauk was founded by Robby in 2001 after he spent several years working as a design consultant with Riverbend Sandler Pools. It’s great to see how the relationship has come in full circle and the Riverbend Group was able to partner with Robby after all these years. Hauk is a true leader in the Northern DFW area and has built over 4,000 pools. The Hauk brand and its employees will continue the pursuit of outstanding quality and service.

“While looking for the right partner to help me grow the business and add additional services, it was important to find someone that had the same values as Hauk pools”, said Robby Hauk. “Knowing the history of Riverbend and what they have accomplished with other acquisitions, led me to get comfortable with those discussions”.

“Robby and the Hauk team have continued to build a strong presence in the Northern DFW market, an area we have been wanting to build out at Riverbend” said Riverbend Sandler CEO Bruce Mungiguerra. “We’re excited to continue building on the Hauk name and adding additional services such as service repair and weekly pool maintenance to the brand”.

Adam Lucas, Principal at CEP, adds: “We have tremendous respect for what Robby has built over many years and the success he has achieved with Hauk”. “We’re honored he chose us to partner with the Hauk platform going forward and excited to partner with his leadership team”.

More News About Riverbend Sandler Pools:

About Hauk Custom Pools:

Headquartered in Celina, TX, and serving the Northern area of the DFW Metroplex, Hauk is a premier provider of residential pool construction and renovation, services. Founded in 2001, Hauk has been a leader in custom pool design and installation of some of the most impressive pools built in the metroplex. While Hauk has been in business for over 20 years, the business is stronger than ever and growing annually. For more information on Hauk, visit www.haukcustompools.com

About Riverbend Sandler Pools:

Headquartered in Plano, TX, Riverbend Sandler Pools is the leading residential pool construction, service, and maintenance provider in Dallas Fort Worth. The Company differentiates through its specialized and high-touch design process, commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service, and established track record of success. The Company was founded by Charles Barnes in 1981 and grown over a successful period of more than four decades to become one of the largest pool builders in the Southwest U.S. Riverbend Sandler’s guiding philosophy has always been: “Don’t cut corners, take a little more time to build it right and never compromise quality craftsmanship.” For more information on Riverbend Sandler, visit www.riverbendsandler.com.

About Concentric Equity Partners:

Concentric Equity Partners is a private investment firm that partners with leading middle market companies by providing capital and strategic advisory to accelerate long term value creation. Concentrics approach is simple: support entrepreneurs and operators by providing the resources required to achieve extraordinary results. The firm’s investment team is made up of individuals with distinguished track records as operators and professional investors across a variety of growth oriented middle market companies. Concentric Equity Partners is the direct investing arm of Financial Investments Corporation, a private asset management firm and family office with over $2 billion in investment commitments under management. Financial Investments Corporation was founded in 1994 by father and daughter Harrison and Jennifer Steans and has been partnering with private companies for more than 25 years. For more information on Concentric, visit www.ficcep.com

5/5 - (10 votes)

Continue Reading

Pool Builder

Lucas Lagoons Designs a Winter Wonderland Oasis

Lucas Lagoons is creating the ultimate winter wonderland oasis and showed off their plans for the exciting pool project.

Published

on

Lucas Lagoons Designs a Winter Wonderland Oasis

In the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, The Inn At Christmas Place is taking the spirit of Christmas to new heights with an enchanting winter wonderland brought to life by the renowned Lucas Lagoons. With over 315,000 followers and 5 million likes on TikTok, Lucas Congdon, the creative force behind Lucas Lagoons, recently shared a sneak peek into his latest project—a Christmas-inspired oasis that promises to redefine the holiday experience for guests.

Lucas Lagoons has become a household name in the world of pool design and landscaping, thanks to their hit cable TV show Insane Pools and captivating videos on social media platforms. Boasting a massive following on TikTok, Lucas Lagoons has garnered attention for their innovative designs, stunning works in progress, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that have gone viral. Last year, Pool Magazine even featured the incredible social media presence of Lucas Lagoons, showcasing one of their remarkable projects.

Christmas All Year Round

Lucas Congdon recently shared his excitement about the ongoing project at The Inn At Christmas Place. “Welcome to Christmas all year round,” he exclaimed, offering viewers a virtual tour of the mesmerizing pool design underway. The project, inspired by Lucas Lagoons, Christmas, and the iconic figure of Santa Claus, is set to bring a touch of holiday magic to the heart of Pigeon Forge.

The Ultimate Christmas Oasis

The centerpiece of the design is a beach entry freeflow pool with whimsical candy cane water features, leading to an incredible lazy river powered by Riverflow by Current Systems. Lucas Congdon provided a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes footage, showcasing the existing landscape pond, waterfall, and grounds, along with 3D renderings that capture the essence of the ultimate Christmas oasis. “The clients love the design inspired by Lucas Lagoons, Christmas, and Santa Claus himself,” Congdon proudly shared.

@lucaslagoons Insane Pool underway at The Inn At Christmas Place, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. When this pool is finished, you will be able to stay there and enjoy all the fantastic amenities: lazy river, grottos, hot tubs, candy cane water features, lounging areas, and fire features… #insanepools #lucaslagoons #poolbuilders #construction ♬ Christmas song "Let's decorate" – 3KTrack

Festive Ambiance and Coherent Design

The Christmas-themed lagoon-style lazy river pool is seamlessly integrated into the pool area grounds of The Inn At Christmas Place. The Winterland oasis even features a waterfall grotto, a signature hallmark in many Lucas Lagoons projects. Multiple bridges adorned with Christmas trees and decorations create a festive ambiance that ties the entire space together. “We really wanted to create a cohesive space that ties the pool area to the new and improved Christmas-inspired Lucas Lagoons,” explained Lucas Congdon.

The Inn at Christmas Place
Photo Credit: Facebook – The Inn at Christmas Place

The Inn At Christmas Place

Situated in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, The Inn At Christmas Place is already known for its unique Christmas-themed hotel experience. The hotel offers rooms and suites adorned with year-round holiday decor. The picturesque Bavarian architecture and Old World charm make it a must-visit destination for those seeking the true spirit of Christmas every day of the year.

Lucas Lagoons is set to elevate the holiday experience for guests at The Inn At Christmas Place with a winter wonderland that seamlessly blends the magic of Christmas with the innovative design expertise of Lucas Congdon. As the Christmas-inspired pool takes shape, visitors to Pigeon Forge can look forward to immersing themselves in the enchanting spirit of the season, all year round.

Featured Photo Credit: TikTok – @lucaslagoons

4.9/5 - (14 votes)

Continue Reading

Pool News

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x