Table of contents for Spring/Summer 2021 in Luxury Pools Magazine (Digital)

COOKING WITH WOOD From high-temperature searing to low-and-slow smoking, nothing enhances the flavor of your ingredients like 100% natural hardwoods. Memphis Grills’ new Beale Street is an automated wood pellet grill that lets you set-it-and-forget-it with remarkable results. Find a dealer, and tasty recipes, at memphisgrills.com. BEST OF THE BEST Enter the 2021 Pinnacle Awards, featuring the best in pool and outdoor living designs. Nominations are open June 1 through July 15. Submissions are judged by a panel and winners are showcased in the Fall/Winter issue of Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living magazine. Enter at luxurypools.com/2021-pinnacle-awards/. PRODUCT WE LOVE LOOP-LOC has launched a luxury poolside décor and accessories line. Their new “Backyard Accents” line features gorgeous pool float covers to update those existing floats from last season, opulent pool towels,…

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Once the trademark of luxury resorts and tony theme parks, the lazy river increasingly is becoming a key element in high-end residential poolscapes that emulate the exclusive experience of five-star vacation resorts. By definition, a lazy river is a shallow pool that features currents that flow like a river to allow people to float leisurely along on rafts, inner tubes or pool noodles or shoot the rapids for a wild ride, but that description bears little resemblance to the spectacular designs that are being produced. Typically, lazy rivers feature not only a swimming pool but also an amenity-packed island—the elements are linked by a bridge. Regardless of the size or styles, from waterslides to swim-up bars, lazy rivers have the ability to engage and entertain the entire family. “They are…

Founded in 2002, GW Oliver has grown into a multi-state award-winning design/build firm. Established in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the company has expanded to become an industry leader along the gulf coast and in Texas. Today, GW Oliver Construction designs and builds many of the finest pools and outdoor living spaces in the region. GW Oliver works as both residential and commercial builders, allowing them to provide the best of both worlds for their clients. With the attention to detail of a residential builder and the efficiency of a commercial contractor, GW Oliver is able to create an ideal construction experience and an exceptional finished product. From residential resorts that feature mechanical floor pools and lazy rivers to professional sports training facilities, natatoriums, entry-way fountains, and water parks, GW Oliver can…

Shelly and Alan Matheny have been in the pool industry for 30 years — owning and operating a thriving business that creates some of the country’s finest luxury pools. Four years ago, the Mathenys purchased and rebranded their former employer’s Little Rock location and Diamond Pools was born. The transformation fulfilled a life-long vision of owning and operating a worldclass outdoor oasis and swimming pool company that offers consumers a full range of design, construction, and maintenance services. With the help of two designers on staff, the team at Diamond Pools brings a stunning and creative vision to life in each and every back yard. The nearly 45 poolscapes the company builds each year include swimming pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and benches in virtually any native material. “We…

More than just a pool company, Ike’s Carter Pool Companies designs, builds, and maintains the most elegant and exciting aquatic environments that fit their clients’ coveted lifestyles. They enhance homes with immersive pieces of art, which incorporate fine waterscapes into the surrounding terrain and architecture. Incorporated in 1949, this third-generation company was, and continues to be, pioneers in the pool industry. They have been setting trends in design, safety, and technology in South Florida for the past 70 years by being involved in the industry and helping to get laws and standards passed at the state and national levels. Ike’s is a long-time state board member of the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) and have actual hall of Fame Inductee from their company. They have a long legacy of giving…

AquaTerra Outdoors is an international award-winning design and build firm passionate about outdoor living. Since 2007, AquaTerra has been building and designing luxury outdoor environments filled with pools, landscaping, outdoor structures, outdoor kitchens, and more. A singular focus on offering uncompromising outdoor environments to discerning clients sets AquaTerra apart. Every environment and project is the result of collaboration with passionate clients. This process allows AquaTerra to craft environments for clients whose desire for excellence extends from their homes into their outdoor play and living spaces. With clients that set a high bar for originality, style, and quality, AquaTerra is constantly challenged and strives to surpass these expectations. AquaTerra’s design solutions emphasize a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. Everyone on the design and construction teams share a passion for…

In 1979, Guy Wood started Westside Pool Service, cleaning and repairing residential pools on the Westside of Fort Worth, Texas. He built his first pool in 1982 and has maintained steady growth since, while earning a strong reputation of high quality and unparalleled customer service. Today, his company, Westside Watershapes, is an award-winning small boutique builder, working with around 10-15 new pool construction clients a year. They maintain key relationships with industry-leading suppliers and distributors to ensure that their products are reinforced with the best quality, latest technology, and unrivalled warranties and support. The company places great value on their ongoing relationship with industry-leading builders, designers, architects, and landscapers. Westside Watershapes enjoys the challenge of diverse and complex pool projects where they can apply creativity and the team’s vast experience…

Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico, is one of the most diverse resort developments in the world, connecting freshwater lagoons and mangroves, with natural dunes, intricate coral reefs, and pristine beaches. The five-star eco resort—the only all-pool villa resort in Riviera Maya—recently completed a $50-million renovation, debuting 34 newly built beachfront pool suites and a chic beach club with an expansive infinity pool. It will welcome over-the-water villas this summer. Designed by architectural firm Sordo Madaleno with the goal of developing a 360-degree experience, guests can enjoy pristine views of the Riviera Maya coastline and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea or plates of homemade paella while lounging in poolside cabanas. banyantree.com, sordomadaleno.com…

The name Ledge Lounger may bring on thoughts of sleek seats in the sun, but in the decade since debuting the world’s first in-pool furniture, the industry pioneer has composed a collection of thoughtful shade structures to complete any outdoor scene with a place to beat the heat in style. Their hand-crafted Cabana Collection is available in hundreds of color combinations and with dozens of custom upgrades and options for personalization. From flame resistant curtains, fabric trim accents, and scalloped edge valances, to wood panel walls and corner TV or ceiling fan mounts; customization knows no bounds. Create a private escape with Ledge Lounger’s Shift Daybed. Constructed of durable resin, this daybed can be tailored with customizable quick-dry cushions, awnings, and an array of wall styles. It also features a…

Whether it’s for pure relaxation, an energizing yoga session, or a mental escape from the world, a serene outdoor setting under a blue sky is the way to go. As wellness trends have accelerated, pool designers and landscape experts are taking a sophisticated step in the design of outdoor settings that awaken all the senses: beautiful architecture, fresh plantings, cascading water features, and lighting, all working together to help create a blissful state of mind. The Miami firm Choeff Levy Fischman specializes in tropical modern architecture and design, with a focus on sustainability. Arresting natural components—exotic stones, South American woods, and exotic plants—combined with refined water features around pools and reflecting ponds, create a soothing setting. Many of the firm’s designs include spa-like features and yoga decks that subtly connect…

When it comes to your pool, you deserve a place that lets you escape — and lets you express who you are. A place that refreshes and relaxes you, helps you stay healthy and, most importantly, allows you to spend time and create memories with the ones you love most. Anthony & Sylvan Pools understands. It’s why they have become America’s largest builder of inground swimming pools and an industry leader in quality, customer satisfaction, and service. How did they get there? By putting customers first from start to finish. With Anthony & Sylvan, customers enjoy craftsmanship and expertise honed over more than 70 years in business. They’re served by one dedicated team throughout the process. Best of all, the company’s lifetime structural warranty and unbeatable service ensure customers will…

Soake® Pools is a family-owned-andoperated business, located in the heart of New England. Since 2014, Soake has been leading the small pool revolution, educating the public on the benefits of small pools and manufacturing plunge pools with an unwavering attention to detail and quality. The company’s goals have always been to provide simple transparent pricing, shorten installation time, while using the highest quality materials and equipment, all at a modest price point. What makes Soake Pools unique? Soake’s precast concrete pools are manufactured in a temperature-controlled environment where they are hand-tiled with large format porcelain tiles. The pools are delivered to the customer site pre-plumbed and fully finished on the inside, so installation times can be as short as a couple of days. “We first fell in love with plunge…

San Francisco Bay area-based Creative Environments has been planning, designing, and building outdoor living and entertainment environments since 1979. Specializing in customized swimming pools and water features, the company is renowned for its highly skilled design work and efficiently executed builds—and that stands to reason, given owner Chuck Baumann has been in the swimming pool industry for more than 60 years. His youngest son, Nicco Baumann, a graduate of the University of Colorado, is also helping design and craft swimming pools as the third generation of the family-owned custom pool builders. Nicco graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and yet has found the designing and building of custom swimming pools the most challenging of all his four years at university. Since Nicco joined the family business, he has attended…

Offering a fresh new perspective on outdoor living and the spaces that accommodate it, Ryan Hughes Design/Build is a second-generation company reborn for the 21st century. Ryan Hughes and his team’s work can be found in intimate to over-the-top outdoor living spaces and award-winning swimming pools across the United States and Canada. Among the firm’s specialties is the ability to capture a client’s unique vision. By creating intimate settings that fit beautifully with the surrounding environs, Ryan Hughes has become known for what he terms “artistry of space.” Signature design elements include state-of-the-art water and fire features, custom stonework, and sophisticated landscape plantings—all of which blend together to brilliant effect. With a recent multi-million-dollar outdoor living complex, the term unique is an understatement. Within the 10,000 square feet of outdoor…

This team of talented professionals is excited to take on even the most demanding of pool projects. Its energetic studio in Austin, Texas, is home to a creative professional group with a passion for design. Specializing in estate master planning, custom swimming pools, and unique watershapes, Design Ecology / Design Aquatics offers a full range of residential and commercial landscape architectural services. They tailor each project to exceed client goals with a unique, environmentally responsible design solution. Their creative process begins with design. As partner and principal landscape architect for Design Ecology / Design Aquatics, Scott Cummings takes responsibility for every design produced. He works closely with associate designers and clients to ensure that all plans fully address the unique challenges of each individual project. Scott takes the time to…

Pristine Acres focuses on designing and building one-of-a-kind outdoor spaces, specifically geared towards property owners who want exceptional quality matched with out-of-the-box design. Pristine Acres is a small business that believes in providing clients a genuine and memorable experience throughout the entire process while delivering a completed project that is left to impress. The company specializes in complete property design where the property, residence, and the outdoor living space is integrated seamlessly through a partnership between Pristine Acres and their clients. Steven Waldron, Jr. and Kevin Kurdziolek have teamed up with the goal to deliver the most interesting and unique projects in Northern Virginia. Waldron has a strong background in the built environment, through being a contractor’s son and building his own company from the ground up, he is inspired…

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Jason Harris knows a thing or two about creating enjoyable outdoor spaces—the owner of Fifteen Oaks landscaping worked in the golf course industry for 25 years before opening up his own business. While working on golf courses, he found himself moving around to take on different projects. So when he and his wife, Beth Harris, decided to stay awhile in Greenville, South Carolina, they launched their own company. After long stints at Atlanta Athletic Club and The Cliffs, Harris drew on his golf course experience and created Fifteen Oaks in 2018. Named for the 15 species of oak trees indigenous to the state of South Carolina, Fifteen Oaks aims to build clients the backyard of their dreams. “We provide every service imaginable for your backyard—pavilions, firepits, fireplaces, patios, kitchens, golf…

To make the poolscape an integrated part of the great outdoors, designers are incorporating natural materials and elements such as boulders and stone, exotic woods, grottos, and cascading waterfalls into their plans, turning the backyard into a private sanctuary. These back-to-nature settings, as placid as they are pretty, provide a sense of safety and security and are part of a larger worldwide wellness trend that has become paramount in every aspect of our daily lives. From what we eat and what we wear to how we spend our leisure time, nature has become our guiding force. “People want to make their backyards unique,” says Tom Casey, vice president of sales for the 75-year-old professional design/build company Anthony & Sylvan Pools based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. “Free-form pools allow them to do…

With a thoughtful blend of innovative style and the latest technology, Blue Haven offices around the country create state-of-the-art backyard resorts that are distinct in appearance, water- and energy-efficient, and easy and enjoyable to own. “Our designs achieve the form and function that satisfy today’s busy, techsavvy, environmentally conscious clients.” says president Stephen Treese. Doing so, he says, means integrating cutting-edge systems that automate care, enhance a pool’s beauty and longevity, and increase swimmer safety and comfort. Blue Haven’s complete line of high-tech SmartFeatures® includes stain-and slip-resistant color quartz and pebble interior finishes, dazzling, colorchanging LED lighting with dancing light shows, and exclusive Microban® filters that resist mold, bacteria, and viruses. Advanced purification is also popular. Its powerful OxiPro device delivers the strongest, most reliable water sanitizer available—safely destroying 99.9%…

With 60 years of legendary craftsmanship, Alka Pool has built a reputation as British Columbia’s finest pool builder with outstanding customer care. Their specialty lies in the details required by high-quality, high-end, custom-built concrete swimming pools, hot tubs, and waterscapes both in the residential and commercial markets throughout BC. Alka Pool’s unique approach allows them to work closely with their clients, encompassing not only their lifestyle but also their own personal style, safety considerations, location and budget. They focus not only on the functional aspect of the space but ensure that there is an organic flow from the house to the outdoor living area or indoor swimspace. “Our continued commitment to see our clients’ visions fulfilled for years of poolside enjoyment fuels team Alka Pool’s passion and dedication to poolside…

Aquatic Consultants, Inc. is an internationally recognized leader in the design and planning of pools, spas, water features, ponds, and outdoor living areas. They provide complete design services and detailed plans for residential and commercial water environments of all types. Over 10 years ago they stopped building and instead focus all their time and energy on design. As such, Aquatic Consultants is involved in a greater range of projects worldwide, with recent projects in Africa, Sri Lanka, Greece, France, Bermuda and Caribbean Islands, as well as local projects near their home base in Miami, Florida. Among recent projects are the new main pool at the Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club in Bermuda; Ani Villas pools and water features in both Sri Lanka and the Dominican Republic; and several projects…

There are few luxuries quite like owning your own custom swimming pool. A beautifully landscaped inground pool can be your personal oasis to refresh and invigorate in, far away from the crowds and stressors of daily life. For over 25 years, New Jersey pool owners have looked to The Pool Boss as the area’s premiere pool builder, emerging as one of the leading design firms chosen by astute residents looking to convert their backyards from a blank canvas to an oasis-like retreat. The talented team has been building pools for area celebrities like Buddy Valastro (The Cake Boss), Joe and Melissa Gorga (Real Housewives of New Jersey), and several New York Giants players. CEO Christopher Argenziano is leading the way for clients looking for the highest standards of quality in…

Offering progressive innovation and harmonious functionality, Keith Zars Pools continues to design timeless custom projects that exude elegance and fun. Breathtaking pool designs and extraordinary craftmanship vanish the lines between indoor and outdoor living to create an oasis of tranquility. Today, pools are a reflection of their owner’s lifestyle, challenging the team at Keith Zars to design organically and with an open mind to new possibilities. What began as a dream back in 1985, Keith Zars is now recognized internationally as an award-winning premier luxury pool builder in San Antonio, Texas. Having designed and constructed more than 10,500 pools, the company has an unparalleled reputation for creating timeless outdoor spaces that integrate seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Keith Zars brings passion and an acute eye for detail to every phase…

This ultra-modern outdoor living space, designed by Paul Sangha Creative and built by Alka Pool Construction Ltd., showcases a flood edge pool, elevated whirlpool with a 360° perimeter overflow, and serenity koi pond. The star of this sensational outdoor living space—a 2020 Pinnacle Awards winner—is the uniquely shaped swimming pool, which is situated in such a way that all lounge areas point to it. With over 120 linear feet of flood edge surround, the pool projects a serene atmosphere, while the reflective surface and sleek flush lines at the pool’s edge epitomize class and elegance. This artful display welcomes one to immerse in its luxury. alkapool.com, paulsangha.com…