October 2012 AQUA Choice Winner

The spa has a whopping 22 jets: 12 on the back, six for the calf and four on the floor. A 3-hp pump was specifically designed for the spillways.

"One of the major accomplishments was incorporating all of the equipment with the automation to work both individually and together." — Alan Bryson

Imagine it: the sight of small feet crossing the footbridge, the sound of cries for treasure, the splash of swashbuckling youngsters vanquishing pirates. All it takes is one look at this swimming pool, located in scenic West Palm Beach, Fla., and you're instantly transported to a "Treasure Island"-like fantasy — rock cave included.

"The homeowner requested that we design a pool that incorporated everything we could for his kids to fully enjoy it," says Alan Bryson, president of AAA Custom Pools.

While the outcome is anything but boring, it takes time to create a pool all about fun. This project was a collaborative effort between AAA Custom Pools and Designer Pools and Spas — and it was unlike anything Bryson and AAA had encountered before. With two teams and no expenses spared, it took seven and a half months to complete the rock installation and a total of 10 months to complete the entire design.

"This swimming pool was by far the most technically advanced, as well as elaborate, pool we have built in 32 years as a company," Bryson says.

And it shows. The pool measures 82 feet, 10 inches by 27 feet, 7 inches, and that includes a spa and a smaller pool raised 18 inches above the main pool. It features 11 pumps, four filters and three heaters, as well as two 1,500-gallon collector tanks, two 7.5-horsepower pumps hooked up to the holding tanks and three pumps for the fountains and slides (at 3 horsepower apiece).

While time-consuming to create, the final result is a bevy of cool features. The rock structure conceals two waterslides, a zero-entry beach with a Pebble Tec finish allows smaller children to get their feet wet (literally) and the spa boasts 22 jets and five spillways for the perfect ambient sound. The waterfall focal point was designed and built to handle 1,450 gallons of water per minute.

Although the design is very kid-friendly, grown-ups also have a place to call their own. Located under the rock structure is a smaller pool with bar stools, a counter, a television and refrigerator.

"The homeowners as well as the home builder and salespeople all raved about the design and extravagance of this swimming pool," Bryson says. "The homeowner also expressed that this pool was one that could keep him in this house for countless years."

Pool design is always a matter of striking a balance between your client's needs, and this design does just that — it's a pool for kids and the kid at heart.

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