The Leader in the Hot Tub & Pool Industry For Horry & Georgetown County
by Melissa LaScaleia
Elko Spas, Billiards & Pools is family owned and operated by husband and wife team, Michael and Kimberly Elko. Their store has been a HotSpring Showroom for over thirty years.
In 2004, the two purchased multiple businesses that were failing— businesses specializing in pools, Olhausen Pool tables, Hot tubs and HotSpring spas. Michael and Kimberly merged those locations— expanding their offerings to include in-ground and above-ground pools, HotSpring Spas & Jacuzzis, Finnelo Saunas, and game room products— to create Elko Spas, Billiards & Pools.
Today, locals have voted Elko the #1 leader in the Spa & Pool industry in Horry County. And they’ve garnered many awards and accolades both nationally and internationally in the arenas of customer service and dealership quality.
Most recently they won a Gold Award from Parents Magazine; were voted #1 by The Herald; and the Carolina Forest Chronicle and the Sun News both awarded them “Best Spa and Pool Dealership.”
Kimberly has a background in art, design, and sales, and worked in New York City as a regional sales manager and a trainer in software graphics— a job which took her all around the country. As a self-professed water baby growing up in New Jersey, she was a life guard and swimming instructor working at the town pools.
Michael was a marketing director for a Fortune 100 company. Early in his career, he was an integral part in creating the ubiquitous blue-bin curbside recycling program, which commenced in New Jersey.
With their combined experience in sales, marketing, and innovation, the two decided to start a business together as a family.
When they met, Michael had Chiari malformation, a condition in which the brain stem extends into the spinal canal. His complex health condition inspired them to look for a more gentle climate to call home. And because health was a topic so close to their hearts, they wanted to do something that would aid others in getting therapy as well.
When they discovered the opportunity to work in the pool and spa industry, they decided to relocate and keep the business going.
Today, from consistent use of his own HotSpring spa and Finnelo Sauna, Michael is managing his pain medication free.
“We have a lot of people who visit Elko Spas looking for relief from arthritis, sleep disorders, and fibromyalgia,” Kimberly says. “There’s a lot of illnesses that a HotSpring spa can address— even stress and injuries from an accident and kids who are hyper and stressed. I call the spa the new dinner table, because it’s a place to relax and reconnect, the conversations flow easily.”
Elko sells and services most major brands of hot tubs, pool tables, saunas and pools. They are an authorized service and repair as well as a warranty center for most major brands, but are capable of repairing everything. They conduct pool and spa water testing, and provide analysis as well as solutions for optimal water health.
They build fiberglass in-ground swimming pools offering 3D design. Elko Service also offers swimming pool and hot tub cleaning, and maintenance and repair service for residential and commercial properties. They sell commercial outdoor furniture, and offer free design work for your spa/game space, be it outdoors or in. With her background in design, Kimberly is able to assist clients with color matching and design layout.
The other side of their business is in pool tables, shuffleboards and game room accessories.
“We have all the game room products, pool tables and accessories,” Kimberly says. “Pool sticks, cues, darts, ping pong, shuffleboard and more. We have tables on display, can customize anything, and offer pool table service and repairs, all here, by Elko employees.”
“Life and health issues can be very stressful,” she adds. “Many people are looking for a better solution. So we’re starting a campaign for relaxation and wellness— Isn’t it Time to Relax?! …Let’s go to Elko.”
4718 Hwy. 17 Bypass South (North Gate Blvd/Frontage Rd), Myrtle Beach, 29588
843-294-ELKO (3556)
Facebook @ Elko Spas Billiards Pools
Open M-F 9am-6pm; Sa 9am-5pm. After hours appointments available.
