building the dream
Story by Susan O'Connor, Photo by Courtney Fitzwater

For pool designer and builder Nicky Ellis, each pool is a unique creation, customized to fit the needs and desires of his customers. He strives to design no two pools alike.

“I want to do something unique with every pool,” said the Marked Tree native. “Making it different each time is a passion. Every job we do we want it to be where we can take the next customer and show them the design. We want it to be a showplace. Very seldom do we build the same pool — never the same high-end pool.”

Each location is different, Ellis noted, and every family’s needs are unique. His ideas come from the places he has traveled, as well as the extensive training he receives to maintain his certification with the Association for Pool and Spa Professionals. He is the only certified pool builder in Northeast Arkansas, and spends time in Las Vegas and Orlando multiple times each year to obtain the latest in training, technical updates and design concepts.

“We are actually doing things that the Memphis builders aren’t doing yet,” he said. “They are behind us.”

Part of the reason that Ellis is on the leading edge of the industry is the 3-D design software he utilizes. He actually teaches regional classes on the use of the software to other builders.

Ellis said he looks forward to new challenges and requests from customers, such as beach entries, splash pads, swim up bars, tanning ledges and sundecks incorporated into the design of the pool.

“Anything that anyone sees on vacation that they want, we will do.”

Also new is the use of fire in the design of the pool area. Ellis said the product is safe, ignited with remote control sensors that light with the touch of a button and automatically turn the gas off when the flame is out. Imported Travertine stone is another important element.

The pinnacle of technology at the moment, Ellis said, is the slot-overflow pool, which is essentially a vanishing edge around the entire pool. The water is flush with the deck, merging into one, so the pool appears mirror-like and reflects the surroundings. Another recent innovation, a creation by Hidden Water Pools, a California company, is a pool covered with a surf-board-like solid surface that can be used as a patio. With the touch of a button, water hydraulics convert the patio to a pool in minutes, and the depth can be adjusted from one inch of water to almost six feet. These innovations are offered by Tallulah Pools.

Formerly Classic Pools, Ellis and his father, Conrad Ellis, purchased the business seven years ago. They changed the name to Tallulah recently, a Native American word discovered by Nicky’s sister, Marla Williams, that means dancing water. Marla is general manager of the business, while their father now serves in a consulting role.

What is the most unique design request you’ve ever had from a client? About six years ago, we built a pool inside of a lake. We had to drain the lake, build the pool, then fill the lake up around the pool.

What is a pool feature you’ve seen in another part of the country and would like to try here? A pool on top of a downtown building. What do you think, Clay? Ready to give it a try?

Describe your dream pool? Any pool that brings together friends or family is a dream pool. (As long as I build it.)

Can you relax beside a pool without thinking about work? Maybe…if our customers didn’t text me all weekend.

What is your dream travel destination? I would love to be able to look up at the moon and say, “I’ve been there.”

What is your favorite way to relax away from work? Snow skiing in the winter, a book at the pool in the summer and basketball every Friday night.