The Early Years

Artistic Pools was founded in 1957 by F.E. (Ed) Wait. The business was home based the first year, and Ed constructed a line of Esther Williams’ vinyl liner pools. He later leased a small building on Howell Mill Road that became Artistic’s home for the next four years.

In 1959, Ed became aware of a technique for air-placing concrete called “Guniting”. The company adopted the technique and guniting or shotcrete became the method of choice for future Artistic Pools.

In 1963, Artistic Pools, now having developed an outstanding reputation for the quality of its products and workforce, moved into its new home on Interstate 85 between North Druid Hills and Clairmont Roads. The company operated and grew at this location until 1979. Needing more office and warehouse space to store equipment, Artistic Pools purchased the building and property where it is now located at 3884 North Peachtree Rd.

Artistic Pools, The Second Generation

In 1965, two years after moving into the new office, Ed hired his nephew, Ron Coker to work in the construction department. During the next two years Ron moved from department to department, gaining experience in service, maintenance, drafting, design and sales.

Five years after he joined the company, Ed put Ron in charge of Atlanta pool design and sales. In 1970, Ron embarked on a program that would eventually distinguish Artistic Pools from its competitors. Rather than installing the traditional rectangle pool, Ron began to design pools that were unique and geared toward the customer’s yard. He wanted to make the pool an integral part of the yard that blended in and complemented its surroundings. The idea caught on and Artistic Pools grew.

Artistic Pools Continues to Grow

In May 1977, Ed Wait sold a majority portion of his stock to Allen Hames and Ron Coker. Allen Hames became the new president of Artistic Pools and Ron Coker, the vice president. The business continued to grow and by 1980 Artistic Pools began to develop a reputation for designing and installing pools in Atlanta that reflected a high standard of workmanship and quality. 1991 was a year of transition for the company. Ron Coker bought the majority of stock and became President and Chief Executive Officer. Ron served as a director of the Master Pools Guild from 1991-1993 and 2001-2003. He served as Chairman in 2002. Today, Artistic Pools has expanded our market to include areas in North Georgia and East Tennessee, serving Atlanta, Chattanooga and surrounding communities.

Artistic Pools, The Third Generation

Ron Coker Jr. grew up around Artistic Pools Inc., working some summers and gaining insight on the Atlanta pool industry. After graduating from the University of Georgia, he joined Artistic Pools Inc. full time in 1992. He worked in all facets of the company from construction, to service, to sales and design. In 2000, Ron Jr. became Vice President and a stockholder. In February 2006, he was named President and Chief Operating Officer. He was elected to Board of Directors of the Master Pools Guild in 2007 and served as the Chairman of the Board in 2009. In January 2013 Ron Jr. formed Master Pools Inc. in Chattanooga, Tennessee to better serve the needs of that swimming pool market. Then, in 2014, he became CEO of both corporations.