Pool Builder
Building Pools In The City, With Manhattan Pool Builder – Bob Blanda
If you’re going to build pools in the busiest city on Earth, you need your head on a swivel to say the least. Recently we had a chance to catch up with Manhattan pool builder, Bob Blanda of Mill Bergen Pools. He has been performing pool construction in the Big Apple for over three decades and is one of the premier pool builders in New York City today.
The Journey to Becoming a Manhattan Pool Builder
The journey to becoming a high-end Manhattan builder was a long one and success didn’t happen overnight for Blanda who started off like many doing pool service. He began his first forays into the industry as a teenager in Brooklyn. It was in 1986, after finishing with a bachelor’s degree in business management that Blanda would form his second company Manhattan-based Mill Bergen Pool Center. Today he holds the certifications of Certified Building Professional (CBP), Certified Service Professional (CSP), and Certified Pool Operator (CPO). Blanda also serves as president of the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA), where he now serves as President and sits on the board of directors for the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.
It’s safe to say that Blanda has made a name for his firm during that time span as a trusted pool construction company of choice in New York City. An industry thought leader and seasoned veteran pool builder, Blanda knows what it takes to execute a pool project where most people in their right mind wouldn’t even attempt to park a car.
A Game of Traffic & Logistics
“Most streets do not allow parking and if they do there is a car in every spot,” said Blanda, “so staging a job probably means sending a truck in with at least one extra person who is going to sit there parked in front of a fire hydrant or be circling until a spot actually opens up.”
It’s a frustrating game of logistics that Blanda says is one of the necessary evils of doing business in Manhattan. “Once in a while, you get lucky. There’s a spot two or three blocks away where you can park the vehicle,” said Blanda, “but then whenever you need to get something, you’re walking back to the truck to bring it to the job site.”
Simply traveling around the city itself can be daunting, as the congestion in Manhattan is ranked #1 for worst traffic in the United States. With drivers experiencing an average of 102 hours delayed each year, Blanda confirmed this adds another dimension of complexity to building pools. “If there’s traffic, you can sit there for an hour and a half waiting just to go around the block,” said Blanda.
“Trying to get cement delivered to the city means you have to get 4-5 parking spots cleared,” he explained, “What we do is wait until they have alternate side parking for the street sweepers and that is the day we’ll schedule cement.”
This cat and mouse game of scheduling cement deliveries around the New York City Sanitation Department is how Blanda is able to ensure that he will have the spots necessary for delivery. “As soon as the street sweeper comes, we shove our trucks right in those spots,” said Blanda, “so we can only have really one day a week where we can pour cement. Otherwise, you go through the whole process of trying to get the street shut down.”
A Set of Unique Challenges Comes With Building Pools in New York City
The challenge of dealing with all this time spent waiting to get to the job site and find parking means an abbreviated amount of time laborers can actually work on pools. “We probably only get six hours out of the day (to work),” explained Blanda, “even though our men left at 6:30 in the morning and leave the job site at 4:30 or 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon. Depending on the type of job it is, a lot of these jobs shut early. “
A new level of complexity Blanda may soon be facing is the recent changes to legislation that allow for a new toll system designed to alleviate traffic and generate revenue for the city. “Now they’re adding congestion pricing,” said Blanda, “I think it’s pretty close to being put through where they charge like $30-$40 dollars per day per vehicle just to get into the city. This, on top of the gas, tolls, and all the other expenses.”
Aside from these new concerns, Blanda says the requirements for building pools in New York City are more stringent and regulated. “All of the rules that go on everywhere else are enhanced in Manhattan. Having your OSHA-30, hard hats, and the proper gear (are required).”
The security around some of these job sites is often higher than typically found in your normal residential pool construction project. “Walking into a job site means having to sign in, having to sit on safety meetings. Some of the jobs are so secure they’re using retina eye scans to get in and out. If it’s a high-end residential project, there is probably a security guard sitting at a desk in the hall of the house,” explained Blanda.
The challenges of building high-end swimming pools in the Big Apple don’t end there. “There is a lot of difficulty working with other trades,” said Blanda, “if you’re working on a job like that it’s often in the middle of the construction of the home or building. You’re contending for use of the elevator, other trades with materials in your way, so it’s not like you’re alone there and given the exclusivity to be the only person working there.”
Adapting to the Pandemic & a Covid-19 World
New York City was one of the hardest-hit major metropolitan areas impacted by Covid-19. Blanda, like many throughout the pool industry, was relieved not to be under mandatory quarantine during the initial outset of the pandemic.
“Covid created a lot of difficulties, we were fortunate that the association worked very hard to get the swimming pool business to become essential,” said Blanda, who explained that distancing workers in trucks, and assigning more vehicles to job sites became necessary along with instituting face masks and other safety protocols.
Blanda had no qualms about telling us how scary those first initial months of the pandemic were. Still, and quite admirably, Mill Bergen Pools has managed to prevail through the pandemic and is busier than ever. “As we say in the pool business, you have to be a Marine and overcome and adapt. We made it work and now everyone is vaccinated.”
Building Pools For The 1% of Manhattan
In planning high-end projects for the 1% clientele in Manhattan that are building inground swimming pools, Blanda said that quite frequently it’s the architects themselves who are his clients. “They would call us up and ask about an inground pool and I would go out there to find that quite often I’m not going to the customer, I’m going to an architectural office.”
One interesting story he shared with us about building luxury pools in Manhattan involved a smaller pool project in a Brownstone that had been years in the making. It was a simple pool project in terms of size and shape, Blanda explained the initial challenge that came with coming up with a pool concept that would go in the basement of the building.
“This is a house that is adjoining another home that has a shared foundation between the two. (The general contractor) had to get permission to excavate in the basement. Even though we were only excavating six feet, they had to underpin the entire foundation to bring it down at least a couple of feet lower than our pool so that there is no movement or undermining of the foundation.”
A Case Study on Your Average New York City Pool Build
The structural engineering involved made it an interesting case study of just how difficult any city project can become. Simply coming to an agreement with the neighbor would involve multiple parties. “In order to do that, there were negotiations between the general contractor, a lawyer, and the neighbor,” said Blanda, “the neighbor ended up extracting a sizeable 5 digit amount from them to give them permission to build a pool in the house next door. On top of that, they had to install a special instrument to measure movement to ensure there was no movement in the foundation during the construction.”
Coming up with a design that would please the client didn’t come without its own challenges said Blanda, “The pool started out being above the ground, it was going to be a 5×6 plunge pool with a 5×8 spa next to it. However, there were going to be four steps. In a basement with a ten-foot ceiling that was not ideal. After some back and forth we determined that this was not the epitome of what they would like. Through some diligence on the general contractors’ part, he was able to convince the neighbor to allow them to dig. They did all this underpinning and built a concrete vault for us and we ended up building them a 12×20 so the client got a decent-sized pool.”
The project does have all the modern creature comforts that classify it as a custom luxury inground pool. Some of the amenities include an all-glass tile interior, an in-floor cleaning system, and a SwimStream so that the client can swim against the current to exercise. The project includes LED lighting, a motorized cover, and ozone UV pool sanitizing equipment.
Blanda, who has had a long career consulting with architectural firms on inground swimming pool projects explained that quite frequently he’s not dealing with the end-user, and he’s not selling the customer. In fact, it is the architectural firm that is planning the design space who is making the determination of which firm to hire. Blanda’s seniority and expertise in the pool industry ensure that Mill Bergen Pools receives the lion’s share of referrals for high-end work in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
When acting as a consultant Blanda will often manage the general planning and assist an architectural firm in quarterbacking the pool phase of a project. In other instances, his construction firm Mill Bergen is actively engaged in building the pool as well as the surrounding pool area. His work in both capacities has helped grow the pool service side of his business which is conveniently located a short drive away from Manhattan. “We’re 15 minutes away from the city, so we can get a service truck in. Most people if they have to travel 2 hours it’s not really desirable, so there aren’t so many companies that want to come into the city,” said Blanda.
Listen to the Interview
Our one-on-one discussion with Bob Blanda covered many different topics, listen to our entire interview on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Nick Buchholz didn’t come into the pool industry through construction or design school—he came in through the kitchen. His early ambition was to become a world-class chef, and it’s that culinary background that now shapes his approach to custom pool building at Basin Pool Designs. Based in Tennessee, Buchholz doesn’t just build pools—he assembles immersive environments with the same precision, layering, and intention as a Michelin-starred tasting menu. “It’s quite similar,” says Bucholz, “starting with the raw ingredients and trying to turn them into something spectacular.” That mindset—equal parts obsessive and creative—has positioned Basin as one of the most design-forward firms in the country, with pools that feel more like art installations than backyard amenities.
At first glance, Buchholz’s journey from aspiring chef to luxury pool designer may seem unconventional. But look closer, and the connection between haute cuisine and high-end pool building becomes apparent. Much like designing a gourmet menu, every Basin project is layered with thoughtful detail, curated ingredients, and a deeply personal creative process. “The process for me is almost the same,” says Buchholz. “I do think about it like I’m building a menu or creating a new dish.”
From Culinary Arts to Outdoor Artistry
Raised in Tennessee, Buchholz initially pursued a career in fine dining, attending culinary school and working under top chefs. But he soon realized the restaurant life—working nights, weekends, and holidays—clashed with the lifestyle he wanted. A friend introduced him to pool and landscape design, and from there, Buchholz’s trajectory shifted.
“I honestly thought I was going to be a chef,” he says. “But I was fortunate enough to get to talk someone into letting me design some projects, and I taught myself CAD.”
As 3D modeling software became accessible, Buchholz saw an opportunity. Unable to hand-draw, he leaned heavily into the new digital tools, quickly developing a skillset that blended his creative instincts with technical precision. He spent years designing for top-tier firms in Phoenix—including California Pools—before moving back home to Tennessee to start Basin Pool Designs.
Basin Pool Designs: Beyond the Ordinary
While many builders in the region chased production work during the pandemic boom, Buchholz went the opposite direction, focusing on highly custom, boutique projects.
“I’m not interested in volume,” he explains. “I want every project to be unique. It doesn’t excite me to get up and build a 20-by-40 rectangle in every backyard.”
This design-forward approach is evident in every Basin Pool Designs project. Whether it’s a highly technical pool application, a modern accent to the overall outdoor living area, or something completely visually unexpected, each project is deeply considered.
And yet, the firm isn’t about luxury for luxury’s sake. Buchholz is just as proud of using materials smartly and economically—another lesson he carried from the kitchen.
“One of my mottos I picked up from an incredible chef I worked for was ‘peasant food fit for a king,’” he shares. “We don’t have to use $100-a-square-foot tile to make it look excellent.”
Sukabumi stone, for instance, features prominently in several of Basin’s projects. It’s not exorbitantly priced, but when deployed with care and context, it elevates the entire aesthetic. It’s this philosophy—refined design, thoughtful materials, and masterful execution—that’s become Basin’s signature recipe.
The Process: Part Art, Part Engineering
For Buchholz, the design journey begins with immersion: understanding the client, the architecture of the home, the surrounding landscape, and the emotional experience the space should create.
“I sweat the small stuff,” he says. “Every little line matters. I want to bring the outdoor project indoors and vice versa, so it feels like one seamless environment.”
Buchholz’s attention to detail isn’t limited to visuals. Basin projects are engineered to the highest standards, with pressure-tested plumbing, compaction testing, and retaining systems that rival commercial installations. That blend of artistic vision and structural rigor is what earns the trust of architects, engineers, and discerning homeowners alike.
One standout project in Brentwood—a 66-foot Lautner edge pool—was constructed on unstable soil, requiring 80-foot helical piers and significant structural coordination before a single drop of water could be added.
“We had to build it upside down, basically,” Buchholz recalls. “The pool was laid out before the house was even there, and the elevation challenges were serious.”
Yet the result is flawless: an elevated mirror of still water that reflects the sky and surrounding hills. Shot by renowned photographer Jimmy Smith, the image is so iconic it’s featured prominently on PebbleTec’s website.
A Circle of Inspiration
Though Basin Pool Designs calls Tennessee home, the firm’s creative DNA is informed by Buchholz’s time in the Southwest and his participation in organizations like Tributary Revelation and Genesis. Influences like Kirk Bianchi, Randy Angell, and Ben Lasseter have helped shape his approach.
“I’ve been fortunate to be around so many good designers,” he says. “But I’m also inspired by people outside the pool world—architects, landscape designers, even chefs.”
In fact, one of Buchholz’s favorite projects—a striking elliptical pool set on a private runway in Lebanon, TN—was originally inspired by the nose cone of a DC-9 airplane. The design curves harmoniously with the surrounding garden walls and includes a custom wood diving board installed in the center of a Baja shelf.
“It was a risky design,” Buchholz admits. “But the ellipse was so captivating for that space. Even though the home is all straight lines, the pool just opens everything up in a more organic way.”
Intentional Spaces, Calming Energy
For Buchholz, a successful design isn’t just about form—it’s about feeling. One early-career build, nestled at the foot of Camelback Mountain in Arizona, remains a favorite. With its intimate integration into the home, perimeter overflow edges, and quiet minimalism, the pool delivers what he describes as “a sense of calm.”
“I like still water. It calms me,” he says. “I’m an intense person all day, and when I see that clean design and those earth tones reflecting in the water, it just levels me.”
It’s that feeling—restorative, peaceful, refined—that Buchholz wants to deliver for every client.
Selective by Design
The statement “We don’t build for everyone” appears boldly on Basin’s website. It’s not an attitude of elitism—it’s about alignment.
“I’m passionate and opinionated,” Buchholz says. “It’s easy to tell if a client will respond well to that. And if they understand the level of craftsmanship and experience we bring, then they’re probably a Basin Pool Designs client.”
That alignment is key, especially when the firm is asked to push boundaries. From raised spas and fire features to complex geometry and full outdoor living compositions, Buchholz is often asked to deliver the exceptional—and thrives under those expectations.
“Every one of these builds is a different challenge,” he adds. “But that’s what keeps it exciting.”
What’s Next for Basin Pool Designs?
Looking ahead, Buchholz wants to explore designs that blend structure and softness—organic forms with refined precision.
“I’d love to do a full perimeter-overflow circular pool,” he says. “Something modern, but it feels calm. More grasses, more earth tones, less flash.”
Whatever the form, one thing is clear: Buchholz will approach it the same way he approaches every project—with a chef’s discipline, an artist’s eye, and a builder’s commitment to excellence.
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Nick Buchholz with Basin Pool Designs on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Photo Credits:
Builder: Basin Pool Designs
Photographer: Jimi Smith Photography
News
United Aqua Group Member Builds Dream Pool for Local Boy Battling Cancer, Inspired by Conference Keynote
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (May 22, 2025)— After hearing a moving keynote address at the 2025 United Aqua Group conference, Luke Unger of Tredway Pools in Fort Wayne, Indiana returned home with a renewed commitment to making a difference. Remarkably, on the same day, he received a message about a local boy battling cancer whose biggest wish was to swim in his own backyard pool.
For Unger, the timing felt like more than a coincidence, it felt like a calling.
“When I heard John [O’Leary] at the UAG conference, it really struck a chord,” said Luke Unger, owner of Tredway Pools and United Aqua Group member. “It reminded me that our work can be more than business, it can be a way to change lives. When I saw that message, it was just a no-brainer. We had to do it.”
The keynote speaker shared his powerful story of surviving burns over 100% of his body as a young boy, inspiring UAG members to turn resilience into action and make a meaningful impact with their lives.
“This is what our group is all about,” said United Aqua Group President Craig Goodson. “We’re not just a buying group; we’re a network of leaders who care deeply about their communities. Luke’s action is a shining example of the character and compassion our members bring to our industry.”
United Aqua Group frequently hosts events that go beyond technical training and purchasing power. Its annual conference aims to build leadership, foster inspiration, and create lasting partnerships across the pool and spa industry.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
About United Aqua Group
UAG is a premier group purchasing organization serving the pool and spa industry. Since 1963, UAG has empowered its members with access to competitive pricing, exclusive vendor programs, and industry-leading resources. With a nationwide network of over 350 independent pool professionals, UAG fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence, supporting businesses of all sizes and experiences levels in both the residential and commercial sectors.
Learn more about United Aqua Group and how to join here.
Contractors and Builders
PHTA and ICC Publish ANSI/PHTA/ICC-4 2025 American National Standard For Aboveground/Onground Residential Pools
(Alexandria, Va.) – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and the International Code Council (ICC) are pleased to announce the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval and publication of ANSI/PHTA/ICC-4 2025 American National Standard for Aboveground/Onground Residential Swimming Pools (PHTA-4).
The newly revised PHTA-4 standard provides recommended minimum guidelines for the design, equipment, operation, and installation of aboveground/onground residential swimming pools. This is an essential document for the pool and hot tub industry, and especially for manufacturers and producers of aboveground/onground residential swimming pools. Consumers who own or are considering installing a pool of this type will find vital safety requirements within.
“PHTA is proud to have spearheaded the revision of this key standard for the pool industry,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA. “We are grateful to have the ICC as a partner as we continue to improve the design, operation, and safety of aboveground and onground residential pools. We could not have accomplished this without the incredible efforts of our volunteers who served on the PHTA-4 Standard Writing Committee and the subject matter experts who provided their insights.”
The changes to the standard include several new requirements which were added with safety features in mind. Pools with a reinforcing strap or belt around the outside must not be designed in a way that it could be used as a foothold for a child to climb into the pool. Detailed content about barriers around the swimming pool was also added to correspond with requirements in the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). Another new safety-related requirement restricts openings and gaps at a certain level below the water surface to avoid underwater entrapment.
Federal, state, local, and international authorities, as well as industry members and consumers, recognize the need for modern, up-to-date standards governing the design, construction, alteration, repair, and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, aquatic facilities, and other water-containment vessels. Part of the ANSI/PHTA standards development process includes regular review of existing standards to ensure this need is met. The newly revised PHTA-4 standard explains certain criteria for the design, manufacturing, testing, care, and use of aboveground/onground residential (Type O) non-diving swimming pools and their components.
This standard applies to pool builders, manufacturers, producers, pool service companies, certifying bodies, pool designers, public health and building code officials, local municipalities, and pool and spa operators, as well as consumers who wish to enjoy this type of pool.
The new PHTA-4 standard is available to read here or purchase here. For more information, please visit the PHTA-4 webpage, email [email protected], or call (703) 838-0083.
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About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 4,000 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.
About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.
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