As the 2002 Chairman of the Master Pools Guild, Artistic Pool’s Ron Coker, Sr. was a guiding force in the creation and publication of Master Built Pools and Patios: An Inspiring Portfolio of Design Ideas by Tina Skinner.  This beautiful coffee-table book features stunning color photographs of the most awe-inspiring swimming pools built in the United States.  Artistic Pools is honored that 24 of its creations were deemed worthy to be included in this book.

For your enjoyment, we have included a summary of the book, the acknowledgement from the author, the preface written by Ron Coker and photographs of our pools that were included in this collection.

• Read a summary of the book
• Read Tina Skinner, the author's acknowledgement
• Read the book's preface written by Ron Coker, Sr.
• View swimming pools designed by Artistic Pools featured in this book

Master Built Pools and Patios: An Inspiring Portfolio of Design Ideas
is published by Schiffer Publishing LTD.

Visit Schiffer Books on the web at
www.schifferbooks.com

Introduction
If you're contemplating a new pool project, and if you want it to outshine all others, this is the book for you. This is a virtual, vicarious tour of nearly 300 spectacular swim-able waterscapes by the world's top builders, members of the elite Master Pool Guild. Samples of their work range from sweet little oases and brief lap pools to luxurious pool environments complete with waterfalls, fountains, spas, and tiki bars. Explore an endless range of possible shapes to complement your landscape and architecture. Experience different textures and color schemes in stone and concrete skirting, as well as plant and rock border ideas for completing your backyard environment. This is an inspiring portfolio of ideas for anyone who builds or designs pools, and an essential guide for anyone planning a new pool project that goes beyond the ordinary.

About the Author Tina Skinner is a professional writer specializing in books on home design.

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Acknowledgements
All books should be such a pleasure to do. Dick Covert and Ron Coker of the Master Pools Guild were all over the slightest suggestion that we might work together to create a beautiful book. In fact, it was only a matter of days until the membership had been rounded up and given orders to select their finest' images and turn them over. It has been a true pleasure to work with this group - truly masters of their trade, and all eager to show off their work. After all, with the exception of the homeowners, it's the lucky guest who is invited into the backyard to view these masterpieces. The guild membership opens the gates for us, offering this grand tour of truly wonderful water works. Many thanks to all the members, even those who didn't make the deadline. We'll get you in the next book!

Stephen Foery has also been invaluable in seeing this project through to completion. He helped organize members and information, checked facts, and applied his own creative eye to the design and layout of this book.

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Preface by Ron Coker, Sr.
The Master Pools Guild is proud to have the opportunity to contribute to this book and to display the crest that is our trademark. The crest of the Master Pools Guild is more than just a trademark. It is a symbol. The swimming pool builder who displays this crest is part of an elite group of the finest craftsmen in the world. For more than four decades, the Master Pools Guild has admitted only those builders who have demonstrated proven business ethics combined with superior design and building talents. Only those who consistently maintain those standards are permitted to remain as members. The crest of the Master Pools Guild is truly "The Mark Of Legendary Craftsmanship".

Every member of the Guild is dedicated to our customer's satisfaction and confidence. We believe that all pools should be designed to blend aesthetically with the natural surroundings combined with creative ideas to create the best possible backyard environment. Whether the pool is the focal point for family activities, business entertainment, a year round vacation venue for the family, or for a lifetime of health and fitness, a Master pool is the answer!

Building a pool starts with careful planning and is an important financial investment in your home. Consideration must be given to the shape of the lot, the existing landscape, the terrain and the maximum sun exposure. Other considerations are lifestyle, entertainment needs, safety, budget and the likes and dislikes of the potential pool owner. A Master Pools Guild member incorporates the latest technology and equipment in all the pools and spas they build. This technology allows the pool owner to control lighting, temperature, and water features such as fountains and waterfalls from a control system located inside the residence. We use only the finest filtration systems, heating systems and chemical control systems in the industry. All these factors are important in creating the proper pool environment that is both an asset and a source of pleasure to the owner for years to come.

Whatever you can imagine we can bring to focus. Whether you desire a lap pool for exercise, a natural setting with waterfalls, a family entertainment center, or a breathtaking vanishing edge pool, a Master Pools Guild builder can make your dreams come true.

On behalf of all Master Pools Guild members we sincerely hope you enjoy this publication and trust that you will watch for future books involving Master Pools and Spas.

Sincerely,

Ronald C. Coker, Sr. Chairman of the Board

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