Table of contents for Fall/Winter 2021 in Luxury Pools Magazine (Digital)

Your backyard is more than just a yard. Especially over the last year-and-a-half, as people looked for ways to enhance their homes as they quarantined, the backyard is now an important extension of the home. The outdoor environment you create should be a reflection of your personality, your preferences, and your priorities. But how do you ensure you get the environment you want? If you’re adding a pool to your yard, your first step should be to find a credentialed pool designer. “The homeowner should do their homework before they hire a designer,” advises Feras Irikat, Director of Design & Marketing for Lunada Bay Tile and GENESIS® faculty member. “I’m a fan of clients interviewing several people prior to picking the one. This is going to be a kind of…

Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc. focuses on making the “impossible” possible. With over 3,000 projects spanning 59 countries, the Colorado-based firm is constantly reinventing the definition of what can be done with acrylic. Pushing the envelope again, it recently unveiled the world’s first “floating” swimming pool, engineered by Reynolds Polymer in partnership with engineering firm Eckersley O’Callaghan and international property developers Ecoworld Ballymore Group and HAL Architects. Located 115 feet in the air at the the Embassy Gardens in London, England, the pool spans 82 feet across two buildings. It consists of one solid 14-inch thick piece of acrylic and is made from totally transparent polymer. “The design and engineering that went into Sky Pool involved many people across multiple continents,” Declan McLaughlin, CEO of Reynolds Polymer says. “Sometimes you are…

“I see my pools as functional, timeless pieces of art that people can enjoy,” says Lucas Congdon. “They are as important as historic architecture—like Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses, they are worthy of being enjoyed for generations to come.” For the last two decades, Congdon, through Lucas Lagoons, has been building and designing over-the-top, award-winning waterscapes that are as functional as they are full of fun. His cutting-edge modern-Zen works, which juxtapose clean lines with rock, draw their inspiration from his lifelong love of nature. “That’s where I gather my strength,” he says. Congdon, who grew up on a 64-acre farm in Vermont chopping wood instead of watching TV, has always loved building with rocks and working with heavy equipment. So, it was virtually inevitable that at age 12, when his parents…

Freeform pools, cutting-edge and custom, are breaking all the boundaries—and all the rules. Here are some of the favorite, over-the-top projects of top pool designers and builders. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN AquaTerra Outdoors’ Pirates of the Caribbean pool turns a backyard in University Park, Texas, into a splish-splash water park designed to provide endless entertainment for children and adults. The theme comes from the series of Hollywood films based on Disney’s attraction. The poolscape, which has over 80 tons of rock and boulders, is filled with a variety of fun features, including an underground commercial water slide, a natural spa and tanning ledge, a rope swing that hangs from an artificial tree, a bouncy rope bridge, a 12-foot by 9-foot grotto, underwater speakers and two covered decks. The landscaped area also…

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 through 75 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 enjoy their pools…

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 do…

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 for…

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 their…

Offering progressive innovation and harmonious functionality, Keith Zars Pools continues to design timeless custom projects that infuse elegance, relaxation 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 Pools to design organically with an open mind to new possibilities. These customizations are just as exciting as they are beautiful. What began as a dream back in 1985, Keith Zars Pools is now recognized internationally as an award-winning premier luxury pool builder in South Central Texas. Having designed and constructed more than 10,500 pools, the company has an unparalleled reputation for creating exquisite outdoor spaces that integrate seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Keith Zars…

If the jewel of your outdoor space is your pool, an exquisite tile may be its perfect accent—bringing it to a whole other level of luxury. For a tile that really brings the sparkle, we love Lightstreams™ Glass Tile. Whether used throughout an entire pool or just on the water line, this jewel-toned, artisan tile just seems to catch the light; and each tile is handcrafted to be one of a kind. Made in America, the line is specifically designed for use in pools, spas, and other water environments. It’s twice fired for maximum durability, making it highly resistant to cracking orbreaking over time. Silky smooth edges add the finishing touch for a luxurious pool experience. Lightstreams glass tile delivers stunning iridescence. Choose from Renaissance II and Gold Iridescent Collections…

What makes you feel like you’re on a relaxing vacation? Is it the sound or sight of water? The sun on your skin? Maybe a few hours of uninterrupted reading time? Or is it simply a color, like light blue? That’s exactly what these outdoor living experts aim to find out when they begin designing with a new client. While most folks designing a new outdoor space want a relaxing, secluded sanctuary in their backyard, “it’s more a question of personal taste and style,” explains Frank Vitori, co-owner of AquaBlu Mosaics, “as one’s idea of a relaxing getaway may differ from another’s.” So, to evoke an oasis feel, the client’s own preferences must come first. “Do they want a resort feel? A calming Zen vibe?” asks Mitch Kalamian, landscape consultant at…

From the ancient Roman baths to intimate plunge pools at luxury resorts, small pools have long been understatedly glamorous. But as the “bigger is better” ethos took over everything from cheeseburger meals to backyard living, small pools went by the wayside in favor of expansive poolscapes, sprawling water features, and endless outdoor amenities. Now, though, everything classic is new again, and small pools are making a comeback, as homeowners are increasingly appreciative of the economic, ecological, and aesthetic benefits of smaller vessels. “We don’t believe that pools need to be the size of Texas to achieve all the things that a bigger pool does,” says Amy Hageman, owner and founder of Austin-based Texas Tiny Pools. “You’re not sacrificing something by going smaller.” Here are four reasons why you should consider…

Babcock Custom Pools & Environments is known for creating the extraordinary. Founder Richard Babcock believes in designing on the edge of the unimaginable and building to superlative standards. The goal is always to exceed clients’ expectations, enhance their lives, and improve their communities — whether in California, Babcock’s primary market, or his original market, Arizona. Arizona is where Richard Babcock’s career of creating award-winning outdoor living environments began. Starting with a rake and shovel at his father’s side before he was old enough to vote, Babcock has spent 25-plus years launching businesses — and growing a reputation for unparalleled professionalism, craftsmanship, and honesty. “As a boy, I was very fortunate to work side by side with my father, a general contractor,” says Babcock. “He always said ‘Remember, son, a man is…

Soake® Pools is a family-owned-and-operated 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 pools…

More than just a pool company, Ike’s Carter Pools 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…

Based in Nashville, Watermark Pools is the luxury pool builder of Middle Tennessee. With fourteen years of experience building and designing pools, they focus on not only the pool or spa, but also your entire outdoor living area. From water features to fire features and everything in between, Watermark Pools’s design team works one-on-one with each client to give them exactly what they want, making sure no detail goes overlooked in their dream backyard. The pool firm collaborates with area landscape architects to help shape your backyard into the oasis of your dreams. “Our client relationships are first and foremost,” says Chad Christenson, owner of Watermark Pools. “We spend time with our clients determining their needs and lifestyle and how they ultimately want to enjoy their backyard.” Head to their…

Tipton Spires Design | Build’s quality of construction and design work sets them apart from the rest. Strict quality initiatives are set in place to ensure that their clients enjoy their dream pool for decades. The design process is simple, “We design projects that are unique, timeless and most importantly designed to accent the architecture and terrain of the property. It’s important to stay true to the architecture,” says C.B. Stanley, designer at Tipton Spires Design | Build. The company cares about their products and take pride in their work in every way, from design to construction, with the utmost consideration and attention to detail. A fully diverse design and build company, Tipton Spires stands apart from the average pool builder by offering a variety of additional services aside from swimming…

PRODUCT WE LOVE Great memories are made in and around the pool. Every pool owner’s priority is for non-swimmers, visiting family, or neighborhood friends to be safe and have fun. With customizable monitoring areas, AI technology, high-performance cameras, and immediate alerts, CamerEye creates a 24/7 monitoring and alert system that boosts peace of mind and adds another layer of safety. Find out more at camereye.ai. BEST OF THE BEST See all the winners of our 2021 Pinnacle Awards, featuring the best in pool and outdoor living designs. Over 100 builders and designers entered their projects. Additional photos and videos of the winning projects can be found at luxurypools.com/2021-pinnacle-awards/. VISUALIZE THIS Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could get the relaxing atmosphere and luxurious amenities of a tropical vacation in our…

Though mosaic design has its earliest roots in Mesopotamia thousands of years ago, the art form is far from outdated. From Ancient Greece and Rome to the Byzantine Empire, mosaic work now finds one of its epicenters in Coral Gables, Florida. Ray Corral has brought Old World flair into new age pools worldwide since 2000, when he launched his business, Mosaicist. Now, his company completes dozens of mosaic art swimming pool projects annually, many in historically designated homes. And, just like a true Old-World mosaicist, he oversees all aspects of each mosaic: design, manufacturing, and installation. “I was a designer, an artist, and a mosaic installer myself before my business took off,” Corral says, “I love what I do because it’s such a unique business.” Corral learned his traditional mosaic techniques…

In the eyes of our esteemed judges, these projects represent the year’s best in pool and outdoor living design. ENGLISH SYMMETRY This elegant pool and landscaped garden combine symmetry and balance with classical decorative features. A custom-made sculptural pool slide in polished steel and a mahogany diving board bring elements of stylish fun to this classic pool design. Project Team Jackson & Leroy; McAlpine; Kaiser Trabue Landscape Architects; Splinterworks SHINING BEAUTY This idyllic, modern linear pool features an abundance of iridescent glass tiles and a perimeter overflow design with spa and vanishing edge with beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The expansive pool deck is constructed with white limestone shell. Project Team All Aqua Pools; Great American Waterfall Company TROPICAL MODERN A mixture of the colorful tropical plants against the…

Whether it’s sound coming from a conch shell pressed to your ear or the feel of rushing waters through your toes, waves have a way of inviting you to embrace something unexpected or new. The wave that is defining the future of pools and outdoor living can be just as intimate or as moving. From automation to acrylics, outdoor illumination to refrigeration, underwater windows to woven furnishings, outdoor living designers are catching the wave of the future and elevating their outdoor designs and décor. MAKING WAVES When pool designers talk trends and what comprises the wave rolling in, it is about adding new as well as expanding existing products and styles. Today, while innovation abounds, many of the must-have in-pool elements including swim up bars, rain walls or spas are not…

When Dan Brunn, AIA, Principal of Dan Brunn Architecture, set out to design Bridge House, his concept was straightforward yet ambitious: create a home that connects to nature in the most seamless way possible, using eco-friendly solutions to ultimately achieve a net-zero home. The one-of-a-kind home is aptly named Bridge House not only for the fact that it stretches across a stream bed in urban Los Angeles but for the way that it bridges modern living with the natural environment. The design exemplifies Brunn’s signature minimalist aesthetic while integrating innovative systems and forward-thinking processes. With water as an essential element to the overall design of the home, Brunn was particularly interested to work with a water partner that could help bring his vision to life, and he turned to Pentair, a…

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 world-class 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 design…

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 opulence,…

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 become…

High above Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, the Robin Drive house by architect Paul McClean of McClean Design, is a modern masterpiece packed with amenities ranging from wellness areas and float tanks to a golf simulation room and garage with a car display space. Robin Drive’s entry has a basalt rotunda that separates the house from the street and a two-story water wall spilling into a water garden, as well as an infinity edge swimming pool facing spectacular views of the city. The form of the pool is generated by the site contours and the maximum height allowed above grade. It is pushed to the extremities of the lot to increase the buildable area, as well as the garden spaces. The master bedroom is cantilevered above the garden, creating…