Bucks County House and Home — May 2008
Change Language:
A Special Shape
a standard square, rectangular or kidney-shaped pool wouldn’t do for a Doylestown couple with distinctive design goals in mind for their new pool
With full schedules and three children, Jack and Alicia Seidman envisioned a wonderful sanctuary where the whole family could gather and enjoy time together. Their Doylestown property, surrounded by open space and a forest of towering coniferous trees, provided an idyllic setting for a swimming pool.
But not just any pool. The Seidmans sought an extraordinary pool unlike any other. It would be personalized just for them.
LET THE INTERVIEWS BEGIN “Installing a pool was a family deci-Sion,” says Jack. “We were excited and eager to have work begin.
However, choosing the perfect pool company was essential, so we took the time to interview three companies.” The couple called on two major firms and Artesian Custom Pools and
Landscaping, an independent company owned by Bob Whitaker. They selected Artesian for several reasons.
“Bob only builds 25 to 30 pools a year,” Jack says. “We were confident we could command a fair amount of his attention, rather than playing phone tag with project managers and construction coordinators. We would deal directly with the owner and I liked that.” Jack, who owns a manufacturing and import flooring business that specializes in healthcare and educational markets, appreciates the value of one-on-one customer service and recognized this quality immediately when he met Bob. “Bob is really down to earth, extremely knowledgeable and we trusted him,” he recalls.
“The other important factor that weighed heavily in our decision was originality,” Jack continues. “We absolutely did not want a pool that looked like pictures in a portfolio or that we would see in someone else’s yard. Bob said that none of his pools are alike. That is exactly what we were looking for, The Seidman Pool, not the ABC or XYZ Pool!” A VISION UNVEILED Bob drove up to the Seidman home and when he reached the backyard, he began to formulate ideas. He took one look at two graceful dogwood trees on the left side of the property and the aspect that drives the creative designer took over.
“That’s where we should build the pool!” exclaimed Bob with a broad smile as he pulled out his sketch pad.
“That is one of my qualities; I feel I can design a pool for any backyard no matter the size or grade of property.” “This man had no input from me or Alicia,” Jack says. “Yet he did a drawing on the spot in an instant. It was just what we hoped for. He didn’t show us sample pools. He listened and evaluated our thoughts with his experience. He was the best choice; the only choice in our opinion.” FREE IN SPIRIT When Bob, a Bucks County native, finished school, he headed for the warm climate and casual lifestyle of Fort Lauderdale. Soon after he found himself in the pool industry.
He was hired by Anthony Pools in Fort Lauderdale and excelled in his new career. Through a co-worker at Anthony Pools, Bob was offered a job back home at Sylvan Pools in Doylestown. He stayed there for approximately 3 years. Then he was hired to manage B&B Pool Builders in the Lehigh Valley area for 8 years.
With his managing experience and love for design and creativity, Bob started his own company. Eager to unleash the ingenuity he sensed the contemporary pool industry lacked, he founded Artesian Custom Pools.
“I went after a very different niche market,” Bob notes. “I serve people like the Seidmans who have distinctive design goals. “I can honestly say that in the 16 years since I launched the company, Artesian has never built two pools that are the same.” The intuitive pool artisan prides himself on individualized client care.
“I sell. I design. I manage. When asked how he can look at a site and envision the ideal poolscape, he modestly replies, “I just have a good eye.” FROM PAPER TO POOL The Seidman pool exemplifies Bob’s talent. A 900-square-foot free-form structure, it extends from a depth of 3 to 7 feet. Edged in Tennessee quarry rock to match the home, its beauty is natural and serene. A Jacuzzi with a spillway graces one side, delivering a soothing respite for all. Steps on two levels accommodate short and tall swimmers. There are two lights in the pool and one in the Jacuzzi.
The dogwood trees that originally caught Bob’s eye welcome a matching stone waterfall that is flow controlled.
Instead of a traditional diving board, a huge jumping boulder is a favorite feature for kids and adults alike.
During the design process, Seidman and Bob discovered a common interest in sport fishing. “Bob suggested making the pool Caribbean blue, which is the color of the Gulf Stream when you fish 70 or 80 miles out,” notes Seidman. “He was right.
This is one more example of his discerning perception.” A matching stone firepit adjacent to the pool is frequently surrounded by the Seidman’s children: Aaron, 10; Brandon, 8; and Madison, 6. “The kids love to toast marshmallows and make s’mores,” says Jack, “and after they go to bed, Alicia and I often sit with friends and have wine by the firepit, soothed by sounds of the waterfall.” Bob suggested adding a pool house, which Alicia designed. It includes a refrigerator, cabinets and basement storage area. “There is even a TV set that the kids watch after a hard day of swimming,” says Jack.
A trip to the pool house basement uncovers a maintenance secret. “We are far too busy to worry about cleaning the pool,” admits Jack. “With Artesian’s maintenance system and the robot, it’s a quick and simple task and a source of entertainment. The kids sit and watch it in awe.” CHALLENGES MET WITH APLOMB Bob tackles each pool project with precision and attention to detail. He researched the Seidman’s stone and found a quarry that could match the type, color and texture he requested.
The biggest challenge he faced was locating the septic system. He worked with Buckingham Township to ensure its proximity to the pool.
“Bob has a good relationship with township officials,” says Jack. “He had our pool permits in a short time and the whole job was complete in 40 days from the time excavation began.
“I can honestly say that in the 16 years since I launched the company, Artesian has never built two pools that are the same.”
- Bob Whitaker, owner, Artesian Custom Pools He is very organized and dots every ‘I’ and crosses every ‘T.’ Whatever we wanted to do, he was there to help us.” Artesian Custom Pools offers a full menu of services including pool renovation, safety covers and fences, patios, ponds, decks, hardscaping and driveways. The company also provides pool maintenance, repairs and seasonal openings and closings.
“If you want a standard square, rectangular or kidney-shaped pool, almost anyone can do it,” Jack says.
“If you want a custom swimming pool with character, extraordinary expertise and impeccable service, Bob Whitaker is your man and Artesian Pools is your company.”
With full schedules and three children, Jack and Alicia Seidman envisioned a wonderful sanctuary where the whole family could gather and enjoy time together. Their Doylestown property, surrounded by open space and a forest of towering coniferous trees, provided an idyllic setting for a swimming pool.
But not just any pool. The Seidmans sought an extraordinary pool unlike any other. It would be personalized just for them.
LET THE INTERVIEWS BEGIN “Installing a pool was a family deci-Sion,” says Jack. “We were excited and eager to have work begin.
However, choosing the perfect pool company was essential, so we took the time to interview three companies.” The couple called on two major firms and Artesian Custom Pools and
Landscaping, an independent company owned by Bob Whitaker. They selected Artesian for several reasons.
“Bob only builds 25 to 30 pools a year,” Jack says. “We were confident we could command a fair amount of his attention, rather than playing phone tag with project managers and construction coordinators. We would deal directly with the owner and I liked that.” Jack, who owns a manufacturing and import flooring business that specializes in healthcare and educational markets, appreciates the value of one-on-one customer service and recognized this quality immediately when he met Bob. “Bob is really down to earth, extremely knowledgeable and we trusted him,” he recalls.
“The other important factor that weighed heavily in our decision was originality,” Jack continues. “We absolutely did not want a pool that looked like pictures in a portfolio or that we would see in someone else’s yard. Bob said that none of his pools are alike. That is exactly what we were looking for, The Seidman Pool, not the ABC or XYZ Pool!” A VISION UNVEILED Bob drove up to the Seidman home and when he reached the backyard, he began to formulate ideas. He took one look at two graceful dogwood trees on the left side of the property and the aspect that drives the creative designer took over.
“That’s where we should build the pool!” exclaimed Bob with a broad smile as he pulled out his sketch pad.
“That is one of my qualities; I feel I can design a pool for any backyard no matter the size or grade of property.” “This man had no input from me or Alicia,” Jack says. “Yet he did a drawing on the spot in an instant. It was just what we hoped for. He didn’t show us sample pools. He listened and evaluated our thoughts with his experience. He was the best choice; the only choice in our opinion.” FREE IN SPIRIT When Bob, a Bucks County native, finished school, he headed for the warm climate and casual lifestyle of Fort Lauderdale. Soon after he found himself in the pool industry.
He was hired by Anthony Pools in Fort Lauderdale and excelled in his new career. Through a co-worker at Anthony Pools, Bob was offered a job back home at Sylvan Pools in Doylestown. He stayed there for approximately 3 years. Then he was hired to manage B&B Pool Builders in the Lehigh Valley area for 8 years.
With his managing experience and love for design and creativity, Bob started his own company. Eager to unleash the ingenuity he sensed the contemporary pool industry lacked, he founded Artesian Custom Pools.
“I went after a very different niche market,” Bob notes. “I serve people like the Seidmans who have distinctive design goals. “I can honestly say that in the 16 years since I launched the company, Artesian has never built two pools that are the same.” The intuitive pool artisan prides himself on individualized client care.
“I sell. I design. I manage. When asked how he can look at a site and envision the ideal poolscape, he modestly replies, “I just have a good eye.” FROM PAPER TO POOL The Seidman pool exemplifies Bob’s talent. A 900-square-foot free-form structure, it extends from a depth of 3 to 7 feet. Edged in Tennessee quarry rock to match the home, its beauty is natural and serene. A Jacuzzi with a spillway graces one side, delivering a soothing respite for all. Steps on two levels accommodate short and tall swimmers. There are two lights in the pool and one in the Jacuzzi.
The dogwood trees that originally caught Bob’s eye welcome a matching stone waterfall that is flow controlled.
Instead of a traditional diving board, a huge jumping boulder is a favorite feature for kids and adults alike.
During the design process, Seidman and Bob discovered a common interest in sport fishing. “Bob suggested making the pool Caribbean blue, which is the color of the Gulf Stream when you fish 70 or 80 miles out,” notes Seidman. “He was right.
This is one more example of his discerning perception.” A matching stone firepit adjacent to the pool is frequently surrounded by the Seidman’s children: Aaron, 10; Brandon, 8; and Madison, 6. “The kids love to toast marshmallows and make s’mores,” says Jack, “and after they go to bed, Alicia and I often sit with friends and have wine by the firepit, soothed by sounds of the waterfall.” Bob suggested adding a pool house, which Alicia designed. It includes a refrigerator, cabinets and basement storage area. “There is even a TV set that the kids watch after a hard day of swimming,” says Jack.
A trip to the pool house basement uncovers a maintenance secret. “We are far too busy to worry about cleaning the pool,” admits Jack. “With Artesian’s maintenance system and the robot, it’s a quick and simple task and a source of entertainment. The kids sit and watch it in awe.” CHALLENGES MET WITH APLOMB Bob tackles each pool project with precision and attention to detail. He researched the Seidman’s stone and found a quarry that could match the type, color and texture he requested.
The biggest challenge he faced was locating the septic system. He worked with Buckingham Township to ensure its proximity to the pool.
“Bob has a good relationship with township officials,” says Jack. “He had our pool permits in a short time and the whole job was complete in 40 days from the time excavation began.
“I can honestly say that in the 16 years since I launched the company, Artesian has never built two pools that are the same.”
- Bob Whitaker, owner, Artesian Custom Pools He is very organized and dots every ‘I’ and crosses every ‘T.’ Whatever we wanted to do, he was there to help us.” Artesian Custom Pools offers a full menu of services including pool renovation, safety covers and fences, patios, ponds, decks, hardscaping and driveways. The company also provides pool maintenance, repairs and seasonal openings and closings.
“If you want a standard square, rectangular or kidney-shaped pool, almost anyone can do it,” Jack says.
“If you want a custom swimming pool with character, extraordinary expertise and impeccable service, Bob Whitaker is your man and Artesian Pools is your company.”
Message