Pool Builder
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.”
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.”
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.
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
Pool Builder
Tenex Capital Management Acquires Pool Builder Franchisor, Blue Haven National Management Inc.
New York, NY – December 3, 2025 – Tenex Capital Management (“Tenex”) is pleased to announce an investment in Blue Haven National Management, Inc. (“Blue Haven” or “The Company”), a 71-year-old franchisor of swimming pool builders.
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Blue Haven is believed to be the 2nd largest residential-focused pool builder franchisor in the United States. With 60+ locations nationally, Blue Haven is one of the most recognized brands in the pool industry. Blue Haven will continue to be run by Ryan Ripley, President/CEO and Matt Kimball, COO.
Blue Haven CEO, Ryan Ripley, commented, “We were very impressed by Tenex’s experience and network in the pool space and other similar industries. They offer extensive operational expertise and are poised to support our efforts in expanding our footprint by enabling us to better service existing and new franchisees. We have spent the past couple of years developing new technology for pool builders that is designed to improve the customer experience, and we believe Tenex will be a valuable partner as we continue to develop and implement Blue Haven’s offerings.”
Blue Haven COO, Matt Kimball stated, “Tenex provides the capital and resources that we believe will support our growth plans. We expect this partnership to help us move more quickly and make targeted investments for the benefit of our franchisee base and other stakeholders.”
Tenex Managing Director, Gabe Wood, remarked, “We are thrilled to partner with the Blue Haven management team & franchise operators. We look forward to providing marketing and technology support, as well as other capabilities that will allow Blue Haven to pursue their strategic and operational objectives to drive sustainable growth for this respected brand.”
The transaction closed on November 26th, 2025.
A client approached Rockwater Farm Landscapes & Hardscapes with a unique request: design a luxury backyard pool and spa that incorporated an autocover system. For many designers, that detail might have been a limitation, but for Todd Thomasson, owner of Rockwater Farm, it became the spark for something original. Rather than compromise the spa design, he treated the challenge as an opportunity to elevate the overall aesthetic. The result is a one-of-a-kind “Pac-Man” style spa that delivers both functionality and a striking focal point for the backyard.
A Philosophy of Unique Design
For Thomasson, every project begins with the belief that no two backyards should ever look the same. “We simply don’t build the same thing twice,” he explained. “Even if it’s another 20 by 40 pool, the backyard, the access, the elevations—all of it is different. Every time is the first time for us, and that’s what makes design exciting”.
This philosophy extends beyond pools. Founded nearly two decades ago, Rockwater Farm began as a landscaping company rooted in Thomasson’s background as a trained stonemason. Over the years, the company evolved to specialize in complete outdoor environments—pools, pavilions, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and landscape integration. That holistic approach ensures projects flow seamlessly, with one point of accountability and a vision that unifies all elements of the backyard.
Setting the Stage for Something Different
Like many of Rockwater Farm’s most memorable projects, this one began with a relationship. The homeowners had been long-time maintenance clients, trusting the company with their property care for years. When they purchased a new home in a growing neighborhood, they wanted more than just a functional backyard — they envisioned a place to entertain, gather, and enjoy with family.
The project unfolded in phases. First came a patio, outdoor kitchen, and pergola connected to the house — all designed and built by Thomasson’s team. But those elements were only part of a bigger dream. From the start, the homeowners knew a pool and spa would eventually complete the space. The question wasn’t if, but how.
The “Pac-Man” Spa
When it came time to plan the pool and reconcile the client’s desire for an autocover, Thomasson faced a design puzzle. The cover system required uninterrupted space at one end of the pool, which conflicted with traditional spa placement. Rather than forcing a compromise, he cut a quarter out of the spa and turned it into a design opportunity.
“I didn’t want the typical spa on the side of the pool that spills in. Those are dime a dozen,” said Thomasson. “We’re always asking: what haven’t we done, or what can we pull from different projects to create something unique? This became what we call a crow’s nest of a spa, perched up on the corner of the pool. Because of the shape, it ended up looking like Pac-Man”.
The cut-out serves multiple purposes. It creates a clean line for the autocover to function, ensures no one has their back to the pool—a safety consideration—and frames the water in a striking way. “By taking out that piece, we kept visibility of the water as a priority. Everyone in the spa is still looking across the pool, not away from it,” he explained.
A Balance of Safety and Style
Safety wasn’t an afterthought. For Thomasson, it was ingrained in the design process. He recalled his own childhood experiences as part of the inspiration: “I grew up with a pool. My mom was a school teacher, sitting on the deck with a whistle. That always stuck with me—the importance of seeing the water. It’s something I think about in every project”.
In this way, the spa design became both functional and symbolic. It respected the client’s need for safety, maintained visual oversight of the water, and at the same time became a distinctive element that elevated the project’s sophistication.
Material Selections That Complement the Design
The pool’s elegance extends beyond its shape. Every material was selected with care. Around the pool, Thomasson used marble decking with a sandblasted finish, chosen for its comfort and practicality. “It doesn’t get hot underfoot like flagstone, pavers, or even concrete. At the same time, it provides grip, so it’s safe as well as beautiful”.
The pavilion, angled to enhance views from the house, introduces a rustic counterpoint with Pennsylvania flagstone underfoot and heavy timber framing overhead. “Everything on this project is natural stone. We don’t really do pavers. I’m biased as a former stonemason, but I believe it’s a better product. It holds up, and it looks timeless,” Thomasson said.
The interior finish of the pool is a darker blue plaster, selected for both aesthetic and practical reasons. It reflects light beautifully and helps maintain water temperature, creating shimmering, reflective tones that change with the sky.
Transitioning Spaces Through Stone
Another intentional design detail was the use of contrasting materials at transitions. “I like step treads to be a contrasting material so they stand out. If you run travertine everywhere, bright sunlight can wash out those changes and someone could trip. By mixing materials, you get safety and visual definition, while also creating a sense of arriving in a new space,” Thomasson explained.
Bringing the Backyard to Life at Night
While the spa steals the show during the day, the backyard transforms into something even more dramatic after sunset. Thomasson integrated extensive lighting throughout the landscape, pavilion, and pool features. Solid granite fire bowls, gas-powered and glowing after dark, punctuate the scene. The pavilion’s fireplace adds warmth and atmosphere, while deck jets and bubblers with LED lighting create playful movement and vibrant accents.
“There’s just a lot of different activity that can happen out here. It’s not just a backyard—it’s a resort,” Thomasson said.
The Moment It All Came Together
For Thomasson, the true impact of the design hit during the project’s first photo shoot. “It really sank in when I was there at night. The lights were on, it was warm, everything came together. I just walked around and thought, ‘We actually built this. This looks awesome.’ It was one of those moments where you stop, take it in, and appreciate what you created”.
That moment of reflection underscores what makes Rockwater Farm distinctive: a blend of design ingenuity, craftsmanship, and respect for the client’s trust.
Beyond the Expected
What could have been a design obstacle—the integration of an autocover—became the genesis of one of Rockwater Farm’s most memorable projects. By embracing the challenge, Thomasson and his team produced something that is not only functional but also a signature piece of design. The Pac-Man spa represents more than a clever workaround; it reflects a philosophy of turning limitations into opportunities.
In Thomasson’s words, “Ultimately, you want something different in your portfolio. That’s how we approach design. It’s about pushing creativity while still serving the client’s needs”.
For Rockwater Farm, thinking around covers and corners has become second nature—and it shows in every detail of this unique backyard retreat.
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Todd Thomasson of Rockwater Farm on the Pool Magazine Podcast.
WARMINSTER, PA, UNITED STATES, October 10, 2025 — Anthony & Sylvan Pools – the premier residential swimming pool and spa builder, renovator, and service provider in the United States – today announced that Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Chong will be stepping down after nearly eight years with the company to pursue a new opportunity in the professional services sector.
Since joining Anthony & Sylvan in 2018, Chong has held several key executive positions, including General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer, and most recently Chief Executive Officer since April 2022. During her tenure, she guided the company through the challenges of the pandemic and the post-COVID market environment while helping to strengthen its culture, built a high-performing leadership team and prepared a framework for the next phase of growth. Chong reflected, “Leading and supporting Anthony & Sylvan’s growth over the past eight years has been a true honor for me. I am grateful for what we have achieved and look forward to its continued growth and success in the years ahead.”
Chong will remain on the Anthony & Sylvan Board of Directors to support a smooth transition and continue contributing to the company’s strategy.
The Board has appointed Alan Walker, Senior Vice President of Operations, as Interim CEO, effective October 22, 2025, while a search is conducted for a permanent successor. With more than 20 years at Anthony & Sylvan, Walker brings extensive operational experience, deep industry knowledge, and strong relationships throughout the organization and the pool industry.
“Bonnie’s leadership, intellect, and integrity have guided Anthony & Sylvan through a transformative period,” said Erik Waldin, Chairman of the Board. “We are grateful for her many contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. We also have full confidence in Alan’s leadership and his ability to continue the company’s positive momentum.”
About Anthony & Sylvan
Founded in 1946, Anthony & Sylvan Pools is one of the nation’s largest and most experienced swimming pool design and construction companies. In its nearly 80-year history, it has served more than a million customers throughout the U.S.
The entities doing business as Anthony & Sylvan Pools include Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corporation, Anthony & Sylvan Corp. and Anthony & Sylvan Pools North Carolina LLC. Anthony & Sylvan’s statewide licenses/registrations: #SPB.0000089 and HIC.0501976(CT); #2006201521(DE); #410512000233(DC); CPC1459629 and CPC1459777 (FL); #203008(MA); 05-129792 – Reg#95872(MD); #13VH01546700(NJ); #H-20201 and #WC22294H09(NY); #0023414(NV); #68766(NC); #006381(PA); GC-46619(RI); CLG 125269(SC); #75966(TN);13800478-5501(UT); #2701011419(VA RFC/ELE); and #WV030223(WV). FOR INFORMATION ABOUT CONTRACTORS AND THE NEW JERSEY CONTRACTORS’ REGISTRATION ACT, CONTACT THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY, DIVISION OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS AT 1.888.656.6225.
Nicole Lasorda
Anthony & Sylvan
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