Infnity & Beyond

A dip into some refreshing tropical pool trends

WRITTEN BY NIKI OFFUTT

In exclusive waterfront neighborhoods in the tropics, where space is at a premium but going pool-less is not an option, creative designs abound. While the pool’s role as a central place for family fun, exercise and relaxation will never change, new trends further the possibilities for enjoyment. “They’re getting shallower,” says landscape architect Craig Reynolds, who notes that many clients are opting for spaces in the pool only a few inches deep for sunbathing or a place for small children to play.

Other trends include more natural materials and plants around the pool and salt water chlorination systems that use electrolysis to give a more constant fow of chlorine at a lower rate. Aesthetic trends include darker colors on surfaces and colorful LED lights. “A lot of clients want a water element, but what I’m happy about is they want more subtle ones, more interesting things, such as a copper scupper, or little rivulets running down the wall,” says Reynolds. And while the infnity edge remains endlessly popular, the sleek Lautner-edge, in which the top of the water is level with the deck and very thin drains circle the perimeter, is also a current favorite.

Join us as we pool-hop through South Florida to see a variety of inviting designs.

Tropical Modern in Miami

Seamlessly blending the outdoors to the indoors is a key principle of tropical modern, and what could be more seamless than a pool that extends into the home? On the exclusive, 0.1-squaremile Hibiscus Island, space is limited, but Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture and Design saw a small lot size as an opportunity. “It forced us into doing things that were not common, and yet they worked out beautifully,” says Ralph Choeff. “It allowed us to put the pool underneath, add a water feature that emanates from one of the columns and create more connectivity to the south.” The home features a master suite that spans the entire second foor rear of the house, completely open to views of Biscayne Bay. “It has a great backyard,” says Choeff. “Everything opens up to that space” — the epitome of indoor-outdoor living.

Key West Jungle

“Number one, complete privacy,” says landscape architect Craig Reynolds of the top request of his clients in Key West. Reynolds, who designs everything “from the doors out” of a home, including pools, trellises and even out-buildings, says that the key to a beautiful landscape is integration. This lush, tropical pool is all about integrating natural touches. The interior of the pool has a pebble fnish, and Reynolds placed large stones on the sides to balance the fountain (which also does double-duty hiding the pool equipment). He uses native plants and materials endemic to the region, such as coral and oolite stone throughout the landscape. And while palms are a given in a tropical setting, they also serve an important role. The client wanted to protect her skin from the sun, so Reynolds used royal palms to create canopies of shade throughout the area, and palm trees and philodendrons provide greenery around the pool without the mess. “That’s a big part of what we do is keep the leaves out. It’s easy to grab a palm out of the water,” says Reynolds.

Classic Palm Beach

This Everglades Island pool was designed with simplicity and elegance in mind. Architect Roger Janssen points out that the landscape by Environment Design Group features decking with Bermuda grass and broken coral to create a natural look that contrasts with the classic Anglo-Caribbean design of the home.

“It’s critically important for the pool to have a relationship to the home — a visual as well as functional relationship,” says Janssen. The simple fountains create refreshment for swimmers as well as those enjoying the view of Lake Worth Lagoon from the balcony.

East Meets West (Coast)

Stepping stones that appear to foat, a gentle fountain that trickles into a koi pond and a tiki god sculpture with fber optic up-lights and bubblers are just a few of the features in this Naples tropical retreat by Kukk Architecture & Design that provide a relaxing, otherworldy vibe. ❂

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