Hear what customers have to say about John and Kate, owners of Aquatic Creations, Inc. in the following referrals.
May 27, 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
Building a custom pool is a serious undertaking, be very careful.
That said, we could not be happier with our selection of Aquatic Creations.
John & Kate are two of the most professional and personable people you could hope to work with. They exhibited patience in the front end of the process while we had the pool "painted" in the back yard 3 times to make sure it was where we wanted it. They were very knowledgeable in regards to what is out there in the market thus enabling them to provide the best equipment and technology available. They personally guide you through the entire process.
During the construction, one or both are on site almost daily, they use quality subs that provide professional finished work.
When you pool is complete they continue to assist during the "turn over" phase of handing over the operation of your pool. They are always a phone call away.
They genuinely want you to be happy, imagine that.
Aquatic Creations has established themselves as the premier pool builder in this area. You will not make a better decision than selecting them to make your backyard dream come true.
Sincerely,
Jon, Sheryl, Ryan & Dylan Wheeler
2010
We wanted a pool... Okay... NOW WHAT?
Well thanks to the suggestion and patience of John and Kate, we got exactly what we wanted.
It took a few months (because we were working up exact design plans) but once we were ready, John and Kate stopped by, looked at our design and then helped us select the right equipment for our pool.
I must say it is operator friendly and runs so quiet I hardly know it's on!
The heater suggestion John encouraged and the type of pool filter and ionized water all turned out to be the perfect choice for the way we choose to use our pool.
I know had I chosen another company I may not have gotten those same results.
My grandchildren love the solar ledge and my husband and I love the lap pool part.
As for the fountain edge wall... nothing short of genius... but someone had to build it and make it workable... that would be Kate and John again.
IF I were to ever move (which I am not) and have to build another pool... my vote would still be Kate and John all the way.
The team was very professional and came in and they got the job done quickly.
Our hats (OK..our poolside drinks) are off to you both and your team at Aquatic Creations.
February 7, 2010
I am very pleased with the restoration of my cement pool, deck & spa and highly recommend Aquatic Creations.
Fifteen years wiser after building the original pool, I knew it was important to find the right company to restore and fix mistakes - cracked, improperly installed tiles, poor crumbling cement job on the flagstone patio and a leaking, uninsulated spa that I wanted turned into a frog/water garden.
I interviewed a number of firms and selected Aquatic Creations. They weren't the lowest or highest bid - their answers and suggestions seemed the best, and the testimonials and client I visited convinced me to contract them.
Their workmanship is excellent. Their crews show up on time (even in rain, in my case) and they cleaned up and didn't leave the place a mess (they didn't ruin the garden). John and/or Kate were around for all phases of construction and I never had a problem contacting them when inevitable questions arose. The job got done on schedule, just as John told me it would.
After the job was completed, I was pleased with the follow up phone calls and emails I was given to insure proper chemical balance setup for new pools (wish original builder hadn't disappeared so quickly and had informed me the first time around).
Good luck with your project, I hope it turns out as good as mine.
Michael Suchoff
Chapel Hill, NC
PETER BOGART
CHAPEL HILL, NC
I am writing this review on behalf of Aquatic Creations of Cary, NC.
My wife and I decided to renovate our 25-year-old pool but before doing so, we did our due diligence. We interviewed five companies, had them come out to our residence, survey the pool, make suggestions and get back to us with written proposals. In fact, we were interviewing them.
After reviewing the submitted paper work, costs and suggestions, we then took into consideration the individuals representing their companies.
In the end there was no competition, Aquatic Creations presented the most detailed paper work, creative ideas, and enthusiasm.
A very hard working professional crew executed the job, with daily on site supervision by Kate Nickodem and John Hartley. Attention to detail, quality and cost was always addressed. Furthermore, upon completion of the job, there was additional follow up to make sure everything was in proper condition and working as promised.
Honestly, if you are considering a renovation or from scratch, look no further. You will not be disappointed.
Peter & Kerry Bogart
Over the last year, John and Kate at Aquatic Creations have worked closely with us to build the perfect backyard pool setting! They also worked closely with our general contractor to incorporate all aspects of pool planning, design and construction into our ongoing home remodel/addition. Their guidance, patience and easy-going attitude made the whole pool process a pleasure! Additionally, John went the extra mile to help us with other aspects of our home remodel when our contractor couldn't.
We couldn't recommend John and Kate any more enthusiastically! We now have a top-quality pool and a great company to back up their work and provide maintenance services as needed in the future. We are very pleased with our decision to choose Aquatic Creations.
Robert and Stephanie Alphin
HI John,
I wanted to take a moment to commend Aquatic Creations for a fine job in creating our pool in Greyhawk Landing.
From the moment we planned on relocating from California to North Carolina, we knew we wanted a pool to enjoy the hot North Carolina summers. Moreover, we wanted it ready when we actually moved over the July 4th weekend.
As you can imagine with such a large expenditure and being 3000 miles away, one can get quite anxious with the prospect of building a pool.
Nonetheless, from design, quotation and through installation, you, Kate and Team kept us apprised almost daily of progess through phone calls and emails. Acquatic Creations completed the job on time and on budget.
Pleased to report lots of smiles and fun during our first summer as Tar Heels.
In addition, many questions arise with the maintenance of a pool. Your responsiveness to my steep learning curve is a model for post sales support.
Thanks again for making our transition from California to North Carolina that much easier.
Best regards,
Justina and Paul Hausman
To whom it may concern:
I am John Baldwin, President of Baldwin Homes.
While building several of the finest multi-million dollar homes in the triangle area and coast, I have used several contractors many of which do not always live up to the expectations that I believe they should. As a builder I have very rarely recommended contractors to anyone, but in this case I gladly make an exception. Aquatic Creations. They have consistently delivered their product on time (this seems to be unheard of in the pool industry), complete and at the price they had originally quoted without new charges.
John and Kate know pools and are constantly around during the process from beginning to end.
John Baldwin
Aquatic Creations was recommended to us by a close friend and highly respected builder in the community which was an extremely strong reference. John and Kate pride themselves on maintaining a sterling reputation in a difficult business and far exceeded our expectations. They built a beautiful backyard oasis and have stood behind their work. Unlike most businesses when you cut the final check you never see them again, 2 years later we know we can call John and Kate and their team if we have a problem. They are outstanding individuals and have the knowledge and experience to build whatever you can dream up! Our family has thoroughly enjoyed both their friendship and their work!
Frank & Michelle Beanland
Moving from South Florida, we needed to have a pool built. We researched for local companies until we met John and Kate. Our ideas were interpreted immediately and chemistry was built between us. John even took the initiative to contact the town authorities to confirm lawful pool specifications before our decision to contract them. Say no more, we were ready. When they suggested such tight timelines we were somewhat skeptical at first, as our previous S. Florida experience had been: a smaller pool built in about 4-5 months. To our amazement, they were able to do it in 4 weeks with a quality and service that far exceeded our expectations. We love our pool, spa and backyard, an we'd definitely recommend them to anybody who'd want to live the full outdoor experience.
Rosa & Marcelo Piccirillo
Dear Kate and John:
Wow! The pool turned out great! We are so happy that we finally took the plunge.
We first talked to two other pool builders but it didn't feel quite right. We kept searching and found you by chance on the internet. We knew we wanted to work with you after our first meeting. We had high expectations and you exceeded them. You took care of all the details and made sure we were completely satisfied. Everything from the pool, deck, stonework and equipment to the ease of maintenance was just as you had promised. It's already hard to imagine not having a pool. I don't know what we did without it.
Thank you for your professionalism, skill, patience and especially your sincere caring and desire to make our backyard dreams come true.
We have already given out you name to many friends and guests. Please feel free to refer potential clients to us.
Sincerely,
Scott & Kelly Cook
Apex, NC
July 2007
I could not have made a better choice than to have gone with Aquatic Creations for my pool needs. They have a wealth of expertise and have guided me through the pool issues as well as provided me with valuable knowledge for the rest of my poolscape project. They went above and beyond my expectations to answer questions and provide insight on items outside of their realm of responsibilities. They gave me insight into issues I had not thought of and provided solutions or guidance on issues relative to the entire job that I wasn't even contracting them for. They made sure not only their product was done right and looked right but that the entire space and other elements blended as well. For everything this project needed they had a solution or a name of someone to recommend to do it. I have been able to solely rely on their recommendations for all of the other contractors I needed for the entire project. My project involved a lot of changes and a long drawn out schedule due to other elements that I was adding. Every other contractor wanted to rush in and do their part and rush out. John and Kate allowed me to progress at a pace I needed and was comfortable with even though it extended their finish date far past what is normal. I added a lot of extra features not originally in the contract. They were able to add them all into the job and helped solve any issues with the changes I had. It was an absolute pleasure working with John and Kate. I would highly recommend Aquatic Creations to anyone.
John Collinsworth
Aquatic Creations has worked with us over the past year to design and create an outdoor living area via a pool and hot tub creation. We had a very difficult sloped backyard that was very small. They were able to help us design and build a pool and hot tub that went perfectly with our area and style of home. Not only did they do a fabulous job on the design and infrastructure they also have serviced all our needs going forward. I would highly recommend them for any project you are considering.
Sincerely, Jim and Laura Crenshaw
Aquatic Creations installed our beautiful and unique pool prior to our purchase of our home. We were excited about having a pool again after twenty years but somewhat apprehensive because of the operation and maintenance details. However, the team of professionals at Aquatic Creations has been very attentive and patient while helping us learn what we needed to know.
I would highly recommend Aquatic Creations to anyone looking to add a pool.
Jan Doughty
Aquatic Creations pool company has made our family time so enjoyable. We love our new pool. They can create any pool any size to fit your needs. This entire pool experience with them has been wonderful from start to finish. They told us a date it would be done and it was. The solar ledge and bubbler you made for our young children and in water umbrella holder has to be the BEST!!! Thank you John and Kate
Fondly, The Galvins of Cary
"Given the challenges of installing a swimming pool in our backyard, John and Kate were very helpful in the planning and design phase of our decision which resulted in a free form pool with an attached hot tub and spillover into the pool. They spent all the time we needed to get the vision of the pool as we wanted. Once the plans were made, construction proceeded very quickly and although the initial work began in mid-summer, we were able to enjoy the pool before the end of summer.
As we began using the pool, they ensured that we understood all the details of operating the pool correctly by answering our questions and by returning to show us how to handle the typical maintenance activities and to take care of the punch list items.
We have had numerous compliments from friends and neighbors on the hot tub, solar ledge, and the general appearance of our pool. John and Kate were a pleasure to work with."
Dal and Susan Mackie
7/24/2008
Aquatic Creations
311 South Academy Street
Cary, North Carolina 27511-8488
Kate & John,
I wanted to take a minute to thank you both for the wonderful pool you built and how delighted both Melinda and I, and the rest of the neighborhood, is with it. When we started thinking about our project we really wanted to have the flexibility to "create" the pool instead of selecting the standard pools that many of the National pool builders offered. We spent quite a bit of time seeing what others were offering and weren't really satisfied with what many of your competitors offered. I'm sure they too build great pools but we didn't want a cookie cutter design and then add onto that. We really wanted to design the entire pool.
After meeting both of you, both my wife and I knew we were going to select you, prior to your bid coming in. We felt you took the time to assist us in the design, nothing was off limits, and too you offered the flexibility to integrate a feature you had never done before into our pool which was our "mommy seat". We couldn't be more pleased with the work you have done. In addition, we appreciate your advice in selecting the stone in the bubbler area. We initially hesitated but are incredibly happy we took you advice with that. The stone waterfall in incredible and when people come by they tell us we have a retreat in our back yard, not just a pool. That is what we too had in mind when we started thinking about starting this project.
I would highly recommend Aquatic Creations to anyone who is looking for the absolute highest quality pool builder in the area. Your design, pricing, and professionalism of your entire staff made this effort an enjoyable experience for us. My family and neighbors thank you!
In closing, I would welcome any further discussions with any potential customers you may have in the future, as well as have them come by to see our oasis.
Kind Regards,
Mark J. Gross
President and CEO
Having compared Aquatic Creation's estimates and promises to other competitors, they delivered everything as promised for 5-10% less than other companies. Most importantly, their customer service and follow-up after completion is reliable, friendly, and timely. Though having had previous pool ownership experience, they were easy to work with in explaining newer, less time consuming features available, and as a result maintaining a pool could not be easier.
- Mike Zanchelli
The Chapel Hill Tennis Club
403 Westbrook Drive
Carrboro, NC
(919) 929-5248
To: Aquatic Creations, Inc.
Words cannot express the gratitude I and our club has for all you and your company did for us in order to comply with the new Virginia Graham Baker regulations.
Our pool was a difficult situation due to our main pool drains, wading pool drains and our water slide drains all needing a great deal of work in order to comply, not to mention our water slide drains located in our sidewall posed additional difficulty. Couple these factors with the time constraints which Orange County gave us and the fact that we open our pools earlier than any other outdoor non-heated pool, our situation was a most concerning one at best.
However, with all these difficulties, and even poor weather in which your dedicated company worked in, we opened on time and received from you not only compliance with the new VGB Act but also absolute excellence and expertise. Not one time did I have a question go unanswered. Not one time did I have a phone message go unreturned immediately. Not one time did I send you an e-mail and not receive a quick response. In addition to all this, both you Kate, Stefan and your entire staff were incredibly nice, polite and just plain good people who I trusted completely through a most trying time.
You are obviously dedicated and committed to the highest standard of excellence. I would highly recommend your services and am happy to do so if you are ever in need of a reference.
Most sincerely and equally grateful,
Alan Rader
Chief Operating Officer
Chapel Hill Tennis Club
919-929-5248
Indeed, you exceeded our expectations - we are real happy with the job (and the follow up). My thanks to you and Kate. Have a good summer. John Wichtrich
Very satisfied with the work you did. If you need would be happy to serve as a reference for any potential clients. Thanks again.
George Clark
We are enjoying the pool and layout more than we ever could have imagined! We are both really enjoying our time with the pool this summer.
John and Kate were super to deal with too. The pool is really very easy to take care of with the saltwater system. This being our first pool that was a concern we had heard from others who had a pool, but this system is awesome!
We still need to invite you guys over sometime. We are really enjoying it!
Fred Huebner
"We are very happy with the work done by Aquatic Creations. They were very thorough and thoughtful in planning out and building our pool, hot tub, and outdoor shower. They gave us great ideas that enable us to better enjoy our pool. Aquatic Creations also made sure that we had the tools and knowledge to care for our pool moving forward- they trained us well. They also have been available after the project was completed with any questions we might have. We highly recommend Aquatic Creations for the building of any pool."
Kelly and Brad Schomber
My husband and I have used Aquatic Creations in designing our dream pool and it was a wonderful experience. John and Kate have the creativity, expertise and customer service that is necessary when designing your pool. The end product is amazing! They have also been very helpful during the inspection planning prior to the actual construction which can be very tedious. We highly recommend them!
Brian and Aaren DuMont
Bill Lillard
General Manager
Hollow Rock Racquet and Swim Club
In 2007 the Hollow Rock Racquet and Swim Club made a significant investment in a double-walled inflatable bubble to cover our 8 lane, 25 meter lap pool. It was a major step up from the older, more obsolete inflatable structure that had been in place for five years and was at the end of its life. Before the new bubble could be installed an 18 inch wide 32 inch deep footing containing a rebar structure that supported an extrusion channel had to be dug, built and poured. I was referred to Aquatic Creations as a potential contractor for this work. Kate Nickodem and John Hartley came to the club, surveyed the site, and design plans for the footing. I was impressed by both Kate and John's professionalism, knowledge of pools, and "straight shooting" about our job. After that meeting we agreed to have Aquatic Creations perform the footing project. The project took about 6 weeks and was completed on schedule in time for the delivery and install of the bubble. During that six weeks we encountered some unforeseen issues relating to the lap pool plumbing that John Hartley caught while digging for the footing and was able to troubleshoot a solution for. I have no doubt that this was due to his experience, due diligence, and his overall knowledge of pool systems. We are now into our second season with our new bubble and we couldn't be happier with all systems relating to it, including the foundation and extrusion channel that it is secured to. In addition to the footing, Aquatic Creations has also been a valuable source of information and consult to our club relating to our compliance with the current Virginia Graham Baker (VGB) act. I would highly recommend Aquatic Creations for any work on existing pool systems or new pool construction.
Bill Lillard
General Manager
Hollow Rock Racquet and Swim Club