Remember that iconic scene in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation when Clark Griswold gazes out the window, envisioning the pool he’d always wanted? He gazed longingly out the window, dreaming of the perfect pool he plans to install with his holiday bonus. Imagining joyful summer scenes with family and friends, Clark’s vision is cut short by the reality of the frozen ground outside – and no bonus in hand. While he may have started with a Jelly of the Month Club membership, he eventually got his pool, and the dream scenario he’d imagined.
For those in the Little Apple, and this side of the nut house, Energy Center-Manhattan Pool (ECMP) is the ultimate destination for pool design and installation, offering complete, customized solutions to create your ideal backyard oasis. Interestingly, many pool construction projects begin in December.
EMCP’s process typically begins with a site survey to determine the optimal pool location and to identify any potential challenges. The team also discusses key considerations with clients, such as desired functionality and use.
The next step in the process is determining your timeline and budget. At ECMP, planning starts with your desired completion date. Unlike other companies, ECMP doesn’t prioritize clients based on spending; they prioritize commitment. Once the commitment is made for the project, the project is added to the queue.
Budgeting for a pool often involves more than people expect. Even with a rough budget in mind, costs can vary significantly depending on selected features and upgrades, making flexibility essential to bringing your dream pool to life. Any project can also be completed in phases, allowing for more manageable budgeting.
Once the budget and timeframe are set, ECMP helps bring your vision to life. The exciting part? Using photos of your backyard, they create 3D renderings of the space, complete with the pool. This allows you to see exactly how everything will look, with room for adjustments adding a diving board, slide, or other features.
In-ground swimming pools come in a variety of designs to suit any style or space. Rectangular pools provide a classic, elegant look ideal for lap swimming. Freeform designs mimic natural ponds, blending into lush landscapes. Infinity pools offer breathtaking visual appeal, while geometric and kidney-shaped pools bring unique aesthetic flair to any backyard.
Another factor that varies from customer to customer is whether they want a turnkey solution. "Turnkey" means handling everything, from landscaping to fencing and retaining walls. Some clients prefer them to manage it all and act as the general contractor, while others just need the pool installed.
Beyond pools, they can also incorporate fireplaces, fire pits, and even kitchen islands into the design. Not only can they add these elements to your vision, but they also offer these products in-store, including grills and patio furniture. This flexibility is where project stages come into play, allowing for seamless integration of features over time.
If you want an island, they can get you swimming first and add it in another season when it’s right for you. It doesn’t all have to be done at once—you can build and grow your space as you go.
Once the pool is in place, some clients want ECMP to handle opening and closing it, while others request weekly maintenance to ensure the pool is properly balanced. It all depends on the individual and what suits their needs.
A few years after Brian and Kimberly Weber purchased ECMP in 2000, a customer reached out and asked them to build a pool. Never having done one, they figured it out and since then, ECMP has built countless pools in the area. “Brian has a map,” Kimberly Weber shares, “like those travel maps with pins, except his shows where we’ve built pools.”
Then their son, Hayden, joined the business. He brings boundless energy and creativity, with a keen attention to detail, much like his father. However, Hayden has a broader vision, always thinking on a grander scale. He's constantly staying ahead of the curve, participating in forums and learning new techniques. Not afraid to reach out to larger builders for advice, he’s become certified in advanced, highly technical classes, embracing innovation without hesitation.
In recent years, since Hayden became the primary foreman for pool builds, it’s been exciting to watch. His creativity has resulted in beautiful, functional masterpieces, elevating both design and functionality. He helps customers expand their vision, showing them the endless potential of what can be achieved. His influence has truly transformed the pools he’s been involved with, thanks to his bold, forward-thinking approach.
The future is bright at Energy Center-Manhattan Pool. With a new pool showroom coming soon, customers can look forward to an inspiring space showcasing top-quality pools and designs. This addition will make creating your dream pool easier than ever, so you can channel your inner Clark Griswold this December - no Jelly of the Month Club required!
To get your pool started today, visit Energy Center-Manhattan Pool at 528 Pillsbury Dr.
"We treat every pool as a custom pool. We help determine the size, style, and features that are right for the customer." - Kimberly Weber
Energy Center-Manhattan Pool is the ultimate destination for pool design and installation - offering complete, customized solutions to create your ideal backyard oasis.